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6 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUiNTIES. 



He ascended the stream as far as the mouth of Tim- 
ber Creek, near which be landed and erected a fort, 
which he named Fort Nassau. This was the first at- 
tempt to establish a settlement on the Delaware River. 
The object of planting this settlement was trade with 
the natives, but it is presumed the adventure was not 
successful. No reliable history remains as to subse- 
quent proceedings here, and it is only known that ten 
years later no whites were found here, but that the 
fort was occupied by the Indians. 

In 1629 the West India Company, to promote col- 
onization in New Netherland, offered to patroons, or 
founders of settlements, not only exclusive property 
in large tracts of land but extensive manorial and 
seignorial rights. Encouraged by these offers, sev- 
eral of the directors of the company sought to make 
large territorial acquisitions here. In 1629 the agents 
of Samuel Godyn and Samuel Bloemart purchased 
from three Indian chiefs a tract of land extending 
from Cape Henlopen thirty-two miles and two miles 
in breadth, and the next year another tract was pur- 
chased for the same persons on the opposite side of the 
bay, at Cape May. This purchase was made from 
nine chiefs, and was sixteen miles in length by the 
same in breadth. 

In 1630 two vessels were fitted out and laden with 
emigrants, animals, implements, grain, seeds, etc., for 
settlement on the Delaware or South River. The 
command was given to David Pretersen de Vries, and 
the vessels arrived at their destination early in 1631. 
The settlers, thirty-four in number, landed at Hore 
Kill,' now Lewis Creek. Here a palisade fort was 
erected, and, in the autumn, De Vries returned to 
Holland, leaving the colony in charge of Giles Osset. 
In the absence of De Vries, Osset, who appears to 
have been an indiscreet man, quarreled with the In- 
dians, and one of their chiefs was killed. It has been 
said that the arms of the States-General were set up, 
painted on tin, and that a chief, attracted by the 
shining metal, took it to convert it into trinkets. 
This was regarded as a national insult, and to appease 
the wrath of the settlers the head of the chief was 
brought by the Indians themselves. The truth of 
this story is doubted. Probably the chief had been 
wantonly killed for some trifling offense. On the re- 
turn of De Vries, in December, 1632, he found nothing 
of the colony he had left but the skulls and bones of 
the colonists strewn on the ground. The Indians had 
fallen on them when unsuspicious of danger, killed 
them all, and burned their fort and other buildings. 

After lingering a few weeks in the neighborhood 
of Hoornkill, De Vries, in January, 1633, sailed up 
the river to Fort Nassau, which he found occupied by 
Indians. The Hollanders, left there by Mey ten years 
before, had voluntarily removed to New Amsterdam. 



5 Variously written Iloreskill, Hoarkill, Wlioreklll, douljtlese corrup- 
tions of Hnoi'nkill, from Hoorn, a city in Holland, and Kill, a river or 
creek. 



HereJ)e Vries, by the timely information given liim 
by an Indian woman, eluded a plan to murder him 
and his crew, as the crew of an English boat that had 
been sent there by the Governor of Virginia had been 
entrapped and murdered. He descended the' river 
and sailed for Manhattan, and thus ended the lirst 
attempt to colonize the country on the Delaware. 



CHAPTER IIL 



SWEDISH REGIME. 



The first project of planting a Swedish colony in 
America was formed during the reign of the renowned 
Gu.stavus Adolphus. Upon the representation of 
William Usselinx, a Hollander, that America oft'ered 
great advantages for profitable trade, a company was 
formed, and in 1626 a favorable edict was issued by 
the king. Shi|)s and all necessaries were provided, 
and the preparations were made for the accomplish- 
ment of the work, but the breaking out of the Ger- 
man war, and the subsequent death of the king, ar- 
rested the proceedings, and for the time defeated the 
project. 

Although the idea of establishing a trading colony 
on an extensive scale was not revived, that of a colony 
for settlement was not long dormant. Peter Minuit, 
who had been Governor of the Dutch colony at New 
Amsterdam, went to Sweden and urged the project of 
a settlement on the Delaware. Count Oxenstiern 
favored the project, and laid the plan of a colony 
before Queen Christina. It met her approval, and in 
1636-37 she gave orders for its execution. Minuit 
was made commander of the colony, a ship, called 
the "Key of Calmar," was fitted out at Gottenburg, 
and sailed, accompanied by a smaller vessel, tlie 
" Bird Grip" (or " Griffin"), both laden with colmiists 
and supplies. On their arrival they purchased Irom 
the Indians a tract of land on the west side of the 
river, extending from Cape Henlopen to the falls at 
Trenton, and settled on Christina Creek, at the mouth 
of which they built a fort, which they named, in honor 
of their queen, Fort Christina. 

Historians differ with regard to the time wlieii this 
fort was built, but the weight of evidence seems to 
fix the time not earlier than 1636 nor later than 1638, 
probably the latter year. On the death of Minuit 
the government of the colony devolved on Peter Hol- 
lendare, who, after eighteen months, returned to Swe- 
den, and was succeeded by Lieut.-Col. John Printz, 
who came over in 1642 in the ship "Fame," ac- 
companied by two other ships, the "Swan'' and 
" Charitas." 

In the instructions given to Governor Printz tlie 
following article is noteworthy in its bearing on ihe 
early settlement of the eastern side of the Delaware 
River : 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



"6. Eecently, and in the year last past, viz., 1641, several English 
families, probably amounting to sixty persons in all, have settled and 
begun to build and cultivate the land elsewhere, namely, upon the 
east side of the above-mentioned south river, on a little stream named 
Ferlien's Kil.l so have also the above-named subjects of Her Slajesty, 
and piirticipants in the Company, purchased for thetnselves of the wild 
inhabitants of the country the whole of this eastern side of tlie river, 
from tlie mouth of the aforesaid great river at Cape May up to a stream 
named Narraticeu's Kil,2 wliich tract extends about twelve (12) German 
miles, including also the said Ferken's Kil, witli the intention of draw- 
ing to themselves the English aforesaid. Tliis purchase tlie governor 
shall always, with all his power, keep intact, and thus bring these fam- 
ilies under the jurisdiction and government of Her Royal Majesty and 
the Swedish Crown, especially as we are informed that they themselves 
are not indisposed thereto, and should they be induced, as a free people, 
voluntarily to submit themselves to a government which can maintain 
and protect them, it is believed that they might shortly amount to some 
hundred strong. But however that may be, the Governor is to seek to 
bring these English under the government of the Swedish Crown as 
partners in this undertaking, and they might also, with good reason, be 
driven out and away from said place, therefore. Her Most Royal Majesty 
aforesaid will most graciously leave it to the discretion of Governor 
Printz so to consider and act in the premises as can be done with pro- 
priety and success." 

It is uot known whether the English settlers spoken 
of were squatters from New Haven, adventurers from 
Maryland, or the pioneers of Sir Edmund Ployden. 
With regard to the Indians, the instructions received 
by Governor Printz were to regard them as the right- 
ful owners of the country, to obtain land from them 
only by purchase, and to treat them in the most 
equitable and humane manner, that no injury should 
be done to them by any of his people. Thus was in- 
augurated the just and humane policy toward the na- 
tives that was afterward pursued by William Penn. 

As soon as it became known to the Dutch author- 
ities at New Amsterdam that the Swedes were erect- 
ing a fort at the mouth of Christina Creek, a protest 
was made by Governor William Kieft, " that the 
whole south river of the New Netherlands, both 
above and below, hath already for many years been 
our property, occupied by our forts and sealed with 
our blood, which was also done when you were in 
service in the New Netherlands, and you are, there- 
fore, well aware of this. But whereas you have now 
come among our forts to build a fortress to our injury 
and damage, which we shall never permit, as we are 
also assured that Her Royal Majesty of Sweden has 
never given you authority to build forts upon our 
rivers and coasts, and to settle people on the land, nor 
to traffic in peltries, nor to undertake anything to our 
injury, we do therefore protest against all the disorder 
and injury, and all the evil consequences of bloodshed, 
uproar, and wrong which our Trading Company may 
thus suffer, and that we shall protect our rights in 
such manner as we may find most advisable." 

Beyond this protest, and the repair and reoccupa- 
tion of Fort Nassau, it does not appear that any ac- 
tive measures were adopted by the Dutch, during the 
administration of Minuit and Hollandare, for the as- 



1 " Varken's Kii," i.e., " Hog Creek," now Salem Creek. 

2 Raccoon Creek. The Naraticongs are mentioned by O'Callaghan as 
an Indian tribe. 



I sertion and maintenance of their rights which they 

I claimed to the whole of Delaware River. 

I Governor Printz selected as his residence the island 
of Tenackong, otherwise known as Tutaeuung and 
Tenico,^ and here he erected a fort, with considerable 

; armament, which he named New Gotheborg. This 
location was selected because of its relation to Fort 
Nassau, by the occupancy of which the Dutch might 

! interfere with passage on the river. 

1 It may here be remarked that a portion of the 
Swedish immigrants were called freemen, because 
they came with liberty to settle and remain in the 
country or leave it at their pleasure ; while another 
portion came in the service of a trading company, 
and received wages. Malefactors were also sent over 
at first, but the influx of these was arrested by Gov- 
ernor Printz. 

The traffic with the Indians, which the Swedes de- 
sired to control, was interfered with by the^utch, 
who came with permits from Governor Stuyvesant, 
of New Amsterdam. One of these, named Thomas 
Broen, associated with .some Swedish freemen, pur- 
chased from the natives land ou the eastern shore 
adjacent to this. Printz protested against this, and 
made a purchase from the Indians of the land from 
Mantas Huck, nearly opposite Tenackong, to Narriti- 
cons, or Raccoon's Kihl. On this land he set up a 
post, to which he affixed the Swedish coat of arms^ 
and thus, for a time, the plan of the Hollanders was 
frustrated. 

Governor Printz having by the erection of the fort 
on Tinicum Island blocked the passage of the Hol- 
landers to Fort Nassau, the latter, in the name of the 
States-General, made a treaty with the Indians in 
1651, for the land between Mingua's Kihl and Bambo 
Hook. This treaty was probably made with the 
Delawares, whose title to the soil was not admitted 
by the Mingos or Iroquois. Soon afterwards they 
built Fort Casimir, at Sandhuk (now Newcastle, in 
the State of Delaware). Governor Printz protested 
against the erection of this fort, but without effect. 
To overcome the advantage which the Dutch had thus 
gained. Governor Printz erected, on the eastern shore, 
at a place called Wootsessung Sing (Salem Creek), 
another Swedish fort, which he named Elfsborg. 
From this fort the district in that region took the 
name of Elsinborg. The fort was a Swedish mile 
(more than six English miles) below Fort Casimir, 
and two miles below Christina. From this fort Swe- 
dish ships were saluted as they passed, and Dutch 
vessels were compelled to lower their flags. This fort 
was afterwards called Myggenborg, because of the 
abundance of gnats, or mosquitoes (Myggor), which 
rendered it almost untenable. It was afterwards 
abandoned and destroyed by the Swedes. Several 
other fortifications were erected by the Swedes on the 
western side. 

3 Now Tinicum, about nine miles southwest from Philadelpliia. 



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HISTOKT 



OF THE 



COTJISrTIES OF 



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NEW JERSEY, 



WITH 



BIOQ-EAPHICAL SKETCHES 



OF THEIR 



PROMINEJNTT CITIZENS. 



BY 



THOS. GUSHING, M.D. 



CHARLES E. SHEPPARD, ESQ. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

T^l R T s & p p: C K. 

18 83. 



LIPPINCOTT . PHILADELPHIA. 



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PREFACE. 



In the pirepai'atjon of this work every available source of information has been utilized. 
Jocks, paiuplilets, and manuscripts in the libraries at Trenton, Newark, and Philadelphia have 
been cousalfcd, records in the departments at Ti'enton and in the offices of the clerks in tlie 
different counties have been searched, the files of newspapers have been examined, and informa- 
tion lias ijeen obtained from individuals who had studied the history of different localities. 

Aclcnowlodgmeiits are due to the clerks of the counties, and of the boards of freeholders, for 
access to the records in their offices, and to the editors of journals for the use of their files. 

TJiose who have contributed articles for this work, and whose names appear in connection 
with tlieir articles, are Eev. J. Y. Burk, Indians of New Jersey; J. Down Heritage, M.D., 
Geolog)' of rtouthern New Jersey; J. Ingram, M.D., Meteorology of Southern New Jersey; 
Belmont Perry, Esq., Bench and Bar of Gloucester County ; Luther F. Halsey, M.D., Medical 
Profession of Gloucester County; William Milligan, Gloucester County School System; Wallace 
McGeorge, J\I,D., Gloucester County Bible Society, and Gloucester County Sunday-School Asso- 
ciation; Re\. D. Thackara, Temperance in Gloucester County; Samuel Prior, Meadow Improve- 
ments in Salem County ; William H. Reed, Agriculture in Salem County ; Quinton Gibbon. 
iVl.L)., ^[edlL';4l Profession in Salem County; H. P. Davidson, Temperance in Salem County; 
and M. D. Dickin-^on, Salem County Sunday-School Association. 

Many others have contributed local articles and have freely given valuable information. 
Wh'le some cirors of former historians have been corrected, there will doubtless be found others 
which, as in ill similar cases, have eluded the closest vigilance of the compilers of this work : for 
the-;e the indulgent charity of the critic is asked. 

The bisioriau of Cumberland County, Charles E. Sheppard, desires to acknowledge his 

nidebteduess o tlie following publications: History of the Medical Men of Cumberland County. 

an '^ev'; Historj' of Cape May, and to the authors of the various historical sketches of 

.:} iio county which have been published ; and especially to acknowledge his indebtedness 

t L,s History of Cumberland County and the other publications of the late Hon. L. Q. 

< iio sent for the writer immediately after he became engaged upon this work, and, 

'tended to him permission to use any of his writings, to the fullest extent; to Mr. 

1 )i,[er, whose valuable assistance and extensive information on the local history of the 

een a great help; to the pastors and other members of the various churches, and 

cioties, and to Dr. J. B. Potter, Col. W. E. Potter, Mr. George F. Nixon, James 

sq., H. (). Newcomb, Esq., Dr. Enoch Fithian, and the many others who have 

irnished information and assisted him in the preparation of the History of Cumber- 

! 1883. 

lii 



OOMTEJSTTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

Indians of New Jersey. 

Their Primitive Condition— The Lenni Lenapes — Their Primitive 
Conditioo, Character, and Habits — Their Eelics found in South- 
ern New Jersey 1 

CHAPTER ir. 
First Discoveries and Sf.ttlkbients on the Dei.awaee Kivee. 
Discovery by Hendrick Hudson — Visit by Lord Delaware — Ex- 
ploration by CorneliB Hoodrickaon and Cornelis Jacobson Bley 
— West India Company — Visit of De Vries 5 

CHAPTER III. 
Swedish Regime. 
First Swedish Settlomenta — Early Swedish Governors — Difficulties 
with the Dutch — Couquest of the Swedes — Swedish Cnstoma 6 

CHAPTER TV. 
Dutch B£gime. 
Commerce of the Dutch on the Delaware — Dutch Governors — 
Policy of the Dutch toward the Swedes— Condition under Dutch 
Bu!e 9 

CHAPTER V. 

Eari-t Settlements and Final Conquest by the English. 
Early Claims by the English — Royal Gran ts — New Haven Colony — 
Sir Edmund Ployden'p Grant — Trouble with the Dutch — Their 
ConquMstby tlie English 10 

CHAPTER VI. 
English Regime. 
Early Condition of the People — First Proprietary Government — 
DiflScultiea among the Proprietors — Influx of Quakers — DifBcuI- 
tiee with the Governors of New York — Extensions of Settlements 
— Surrender of the Proprietary- Government — Conflicts with 
Royal Governors — French and Indian War 14 

CHAPTER VII. 

Revolutionary History of Southern New Jersey. 
Battle of Red Bank 23 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Revolutionary History — (Contwued). 
Operations in Salem and Cumberland Counties — Affair at Quiuton's 
Bridge — Massacre at Hancock's Bridge 28 

CHAPTER IX. 

Revolutionary Kisto^y— {Continued). 
Minor Operations in Gloucester County— Near Gloucester — At Egg 
Harbor- At "Waterford- At Haddonfield 33 

CHAPTER X. 
Revolutionaey History — {Contmued). 
Troops furnished by Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties 
— Continental Troops — Lieutenant E. Elmer's Company— St*ite 
Troops — Militia — Revolutionary Soldiers' Lists 36 



CHAPTER XI. 

page 
War of 1812 and Mexican War 52 

CHAPTER XII. 

Gloucester, Salkm, and Cumberland Counties in the War of the 

Rebellion. 
Part tfi-en by the Counties — Three Months' Troops — First Brigade, 
First, Second, Third, and Fourth Regi m en ta— Lists of Soldiers... 53 

CHAPTER Xni.. 

Civil War— (OoHKnued). 
Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Regiments — Lists fil 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Civil War — (Continued). 

Ninth Regiment — Tenth Regiment — Lists 67 

CHAPTER XV. 

Civil Wj^r— (Continued). 

Twelfth Regiment— Lists 7:i 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Civil WA-R—^Continu'd.) 
First Cavalry, Sixteenth Be^ment — Twenty fourth Regiment — 



Twenty-flfth Regiment — Lists 

CHAPTER XA'II. 
Civil War — {Conlinued). 
Twenty-eighth Regiment — Second Cavalry, Thirty-second Regi- 
ment — Lists 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Civil War — {Continued). 
Thirtj'-fourth Regiment— Third Cavalry, Thirty-sixth Regiment- 
Lists 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Civil WAU—{Coniinued). 
Thirty-seventh Regiment— Thirty-eighth Regiment — Volunteers 



80 



I other Organizations — Lists.. 



CHAPTER XX. 
Sixth Regiment National Guard, N. J 



CHAPTER XXI. 
Railroads in Southern New Jersey. 
West Jersey Railroad— Mill ville and Glassboro— Salem — Cape 3Iay 
' and Millville — Swedesboro — Delaware River — New Jersey South- 
ern — Cumberland and Maurice River — ^West Jeraey and Atlantic 
City 

CHAPTER. XXII. 

Geology of Southern New Jersey 



CHAPTER XXIIX. 

Meteokology of Southern New Jersey 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

PAGE 

Oeganizatiox and Subsequent Divisions of the County. 

Orgftnizatioa — Constitution of the County — Early Administration 
of Affaire — County Recognized — Egg Harlior Annexed — Atlantic 
County Erected — Attempted Removal of County-Seat — Camden 
Couuty Erected — Townships Incorporated — Wasbington and 
Monroe Restored — Goography and Topography — New Townships 
— Population — Land Titles 105 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Ear-i.v Doings of thk County Authorities. 
Extracts from Court Records — First Court — Question of Jurisdic- 
tion — First Tax — Early Ferries — Weights and Measures Regu- 
lated-^Foreigners, Vagrants, Servants — First Capital Crime — 
Marriages and Births — Miscellaneous Extracts from Records — 
Justices and Freeholders — Sheriffs' Fees — Importation of Pau- 
pers — Hotel Prices Prescribed — Boundaries Regulated 107 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
EoADS AND Bridges. 
Old King's Highway — Action of Court concerning Roads and 
Bridges — Turnpikes 112 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Public Buildings. 
First County Prison— Second Prison and First Court-House — Sec- 
ond Conrt-Houso and Jail — First Stocks and Whipping-Post — 
Public Buildings Improved — Court-House and Jail Burned — 
Location and Erection of Present Court-House — Present Jail — 
Clerks' and Surrogates' Offices— Firet Almshouse— Purchase of 
County Farm and Erection of Present Almshouse 114 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Politicians and Soldiers, and Civil List of Old Gloucester... 119 

< CHAPTER XXIX. 
Bench and Bar. 
Judges — Attorneys — Lists of Judicial Officers 125 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Medical Profession. 

Medical Societies — Pereonal Reminiscences of Physicians 142 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Rebf,llion History of Gloucester County. 
Action uf Freeholders- Soldiers' Monument 162 

CHAPTER XXXir. 
Press in Gloucester County 155 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
Gloucester County School System. 
Jjftr!} Schools — Growth of School System — History and Present 
Condition of Schools in Different Localities iu the County 156 

CHAPTER XXXIV, 

Religious Associations. 
"Grloucester County Bible Society— Gloucester County Sunday- 
I School Association — New Jersey Conference Camp Meeting As- 
sociation.... 161 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Temperance in Gloucester County. 

leraperance Societies — County Temperance Alliauce 164 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Miscellaneous Matters. 
Old Names of Creeks — Trial of Siugleton Mercer— Manumission of 
Slaves — Rppaupo Meadow Company — Population 166 



CHAPTER XXXVIL 

City op Woodbury. page 
Early History— Woodbury in the Wars of 1776 and 1812— Wood- 
bury in 1815— Pioneer Dwellings — Balcony House — Incorporated 
as a Borough — As a City — City Officers — P'ox-Hunting Club — Li- 
brary Company— Whirligig Society— Secret Societies — Loan As- 
sociation — Real Estate Mutual Loan Association— Railroads— 
■\^oodbury Academy — Churches— North Woodbury Seminarj'- 
Industries-Green's New Factory— Green's;Plaiiing-Mill— Stand- 
ard Window-Glass Works— Woodbury Glass-Works-Fru it-Can- 
ning House — Woodbury in 1883 168 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

Township of Deptford. 
Geogmphical and Descriptive — Pioneer Settlers— Pioneer Records 
—Villages and Hamlets— Almouesson— Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Almonesson — Westville — Methodist Protestant 
Church of Westville — Wenonah— Presbyterian Church of We- 
nonah— Methodist Episcopal Church of Wenonah 188 

CHAPTER XXXIX, 

Township of East Greenwich. 
Geography and Topography — Pioneer Settlers and Roads— Land 
Titles — Civil List — Villages and Hamlets — Clarksboro — Pioneer 
Land-Owners at Clarksboro — Mickletun — Berkeley — Churches — 
Egiington Cemetery 201 

CHAPTER XL. 
Township of Franklin. 
Geogi-aphical and Descriptive— Pioneer Settlements— Civil Organ- 
ization — List of Officers — Extracts from Records — Villages and 
Hamlets— Societies— Churches-Industries, Malaga Glass-Manu- 
facturing Company 213 

CHAPTER XLI. 
Township of Glassboro. 
Incorporation — Geographical and Descriptive — Pioneer Settlement 
— Civil List — Societies — Churches — Cemeteries — Industries, 
Whitney Glass-Works— Temperancevllle Glass- Works 223 

CHAPTER XLII. 
Township of Greenwich. 
Geographical and Descriptive — Pioneer Diseases — Pioneer Customs 
— Stock, Grain, and Fruit, and other Notes of Pioneer Life- 
Civil List— Villages and Hamlets— Paulsboro — Gibbstuwn— J?'1 
lingsport— Societies— Churches-Methodist Episcopal Cemetery. 233 

CHAPTER XLIII. 
Township of Harrison. 
Geographical and Descriptive — Early Settlers — Civil Organization 
— Township Officers— Villages and Hamlets- MuUica Hill— -lef- 
feraon- Ewansville- Five Points— Harrison in the Warof ISGl- 
65 — Societies — Ecclesiastical 24'i 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

Township of Logan. 
Geography and Topography— Landing-Place of the Swedish Set- 
tlers-Early Settlers and Pioneer Incidents— Pioneer Sports- ■ 
Cadwalader's Island- Pioneer Trade and Commerce— First Prison 
— PioneerWeddiu^— Sexagenarians— Civil Organization— First 
Town-Meeting— Villages and Hamlets— Bridgeport — Repaupo— 
Churcbes 252 

CHAPTER XLV. 

Township of Mantoa. 
Geographical and Descriptive- Pioneer Settlers— Fi rst Town-Meet- 
ing — Township Officers— Villages— Mantua— Barnsboro-Socie- 
ties — Churches 260 

CHAPTER XLVI. 
Township of Monroe. 
GeographiCiU and Descriptive— Early Settlers and Pioneer Inci- 
dents — In, Out, and In Gloucester Couiity— Settlement of Squan- 



CONTENTS. 



Vll 



l£uiQ_Civn Organization— Townaliip Officers— Villnges and Ham- 
lefci —Wniiauifltowu — Crpss-Kpys— Brooklyn — Kccleeinatical— 
CemeterioB— Societies— Iiifiusfries— Will iamstown Glflss-Woiks 
—J. V. Sliarp Canning Company 268 

CUAPTER XLVII. 

Towxsnip Of South Hahthson. 
Geogi-flphicu] and Topograpliical- Civil Organization— Villages- 
Horrisonville—Fairview- Lincoln— Churches 280 

CHAPTER XLVIIX. 
Township of Washington. 
Geographical and Descriptive — Early Settlers and Pioneer Inci- 
dents — Civil List — Villages and IlRiulets — TurnersvillC' — Hurff- 
Tille — Churches — Cemeteries 282 

CHAPTER XLIX. 

Township op West Deptford. 
Descriptive — Early Settlers and Pioneer Incidents- Organization 
— First Town-Meeting — Township Officera — Villages and Ham- 
lets — Red Bank — Thoroughfare — St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal 
Church— Drain-Tile and Brick Works 292 

CHAPTER L. 

Township of Woqlwich. 
Geographical Description — Topography — Roads — Soil and Agri- 
culture — Industries — Old Families — Old Documents — Political 
and Civil — Township Officers — Rebellion History — Villages and 
Hamlets — Swedesboro — Cootstown — Ground-Rents — Schools — 
Public School in Swedesboro — Ecclesiixstical — Cemeteries — Mills 
— Manufactories — Swedesboro National Bank — Lodges and So- 
cieties 296 

CHAPTER LT, 

Township of Clayton. 
Erection, Boundary, Population, and Valuation — Topography, Soil, 
and Industries — Villages— Clayton — Union— Moore Brothers' 
Glass-Works— FislerA Morgan Glass-Works— Churches — Schools 
—Old Settlera and Families 312 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 

CHAPTER LII. 
Settlement and Settlers. 
Early Settlements — Settlement by the English — Settlement by the 
Quakers — Pioneer Settlers 316 

CHAPTER LIII. 

Political History, Organization, and Subsequent Changes of 

Boundaries. 
Gloucester County Erected — Cape May County Set Off— Cumber- 
land County Incorporated — Townships — Population — Civil List. 321 

CHAPTER LIV. 
Public Buildings. 
Court-HouBe Acre Lot — Court-House — Jail — Clerk and Surrogate's 
Office — Almshouse 325 

CHAPTER LV. 

EXTBACTS FROM CoURT RECORDS 328 

CHAPTER LVI. 

Eablt Roads, Meadow Improvements, Navigation, 
Navigation on Oldman's Creek — On AUoways Creek — On Stow 
Creek— Ou Salem Kiver— Denn's Canal — Penn's Neck Canal 330 

CHAPTER LVII. 

Markets and Fairs, Boundary Question, Fishing Rights. 

Trade and Social Condition— Rangers 333 



CHAPTER LVIII. 

AOBICULTUltK IN Sa[,KM CoUKTY. PAGE 

Marl— Early Trade in AgricuUurul Products — Agricultural St. '.ia- 
tics — Improved Agricultural Implements — Stock Raising — F lirs 
— AgricuUurul Societies — K.'cports 335 

CHAPTER LIX. 

Bah of'Salem County. 
Biographical Sketches of Attorneys— Lists of Attorneys— Lists of 
Judges and Justices 342 

CHAPTER LX. 

Medical Profession op Salkm Cjuntt. 
Biographical Sketches of Physicians — List of Reiidont Physicions.. 353 

CHAPTER LXI. 
Salem County in the Civil War. 
First Volunteers — Johnson Guards— Tlonie Guards— Action of 
County Authorities , 358 

CHAPTER LXII. 
The PRhSS. and Eduoa'Uon in Salem County 361 

CHAPTER LXIII. 

Temperance in Salem County. 

Temperance Societies — Temperance Alliance 363 

CHAPTER LXIV. 

S0CIE"IES AND COEPORATIONS. 

Bible Society— Ct- .a../-S^'-hool Association — Salem County Mutual 
Fire Insurance Company — Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company of Salem County 365 

CHAPTER LXV. 

City of Salem. 
Situation and Boundaries — Descriptive — Settlement and Settlors — 
Organization and Incorporation — Early Officers — Incoi-poiation 
of the City — City Civil List — Growth and Population — Educa- 
tional History — Salem Library — Salem National Banking Com- 
pany — Salem Board of Trade — Merchants — Trades — Vessel 
Building — Early Manufactures — Tannery — Glass Industry* — 
Salem Transportation Company— Oil-Cloth Works — Ice-Cretim 
Manufactory — Carriage Making — Fruit-Canning and Pickling 
Foundry — White Stone Mills — Fire Department and Fire Com- 
panies — Water Works — Physicians — Attorneys — Religioug His- 
tory — Lodges, Societies, and Clubs — Lecture Hall — Hotels 366 

CHAPTER LXVI. 

Township of Elsinboro. 
Geographical — Topographical and Statistical — Revolutionary His- 
tory — Organization — Civil List — Public Schools— Church His- 
toi-y — Industries 418 

CHAPTER LXVir. 
Township of Lower Alloways Creek. 
Geographical- Topographical and Statistical— Early Settlement and 
Original Purchasers — Organization — Civil List — Cemeteries — 
Villages and Hamlets — Hancock's Bridge — Hannersville — Can- 
ton — Public Scliools — Ecclesiastical — Industrial 421 

CHAPTER LXVIII. 

Township of Lower Penn's Neck. 
Situation and Boundaries — Descriptive — (Original Purclinses and 
Settlement— Organization— Civil List — Villages and Hamlets — 
Pennsville — Harrison ville — Public Schools— Churches— Ceme- 
teries — Industrial Pursuits — Fort Delaware and Finn's Point 
Battery 427 

CHAPTER LXIX. 
Township of Mannington. 
Situation and Boundaries — Descriptive— Sottiemeut and Settlers- 
Organization — Civil List — Industrial — Fertilizei-s — Villages and 
Hamlets— Mannington Hill — Welch ville— Halltowii—Marllioro 
—Claysville— Acton Station— Public Schools— The Treadway 
Murder — A Mastodon — Cemeteries — Religious , 433 



via 



CONTENTS. 



\ CHAPTER LXX. 

Township of Oldman's. page 

Geograpl -cal — Descriptive and Statistical — Settlem ent and Settlers 
— Orga aizatioD — Civil List — Villages and Hamlets — Pedricktown 
— Pedrj-ktown Station— Porkintown— Five PoiDts — Indnstrial— 
Church HiBtory — Cemeteries — Societies 442 

CHAPTER LXXL 

Township of Pilesgiiove. 
Geographical — DetiTiptive — Settlement and Settlers — Poll List — 
Organization and Civil List— Public Schools— Industrial— Bor- 
ough of Woodstown — Manufacturers — Merchants — Public-Housea 
— Stages — Railroads— Educational — Incorporation — Fi rst Na- 
tional Bank of AYoodst^wn— Sbarptown— Yorketown— Richman- 
ville — Societies and ABSocialione — Pilesgrove Library Associa- 
tion— Pilesgrove Dairy A&aociatiou— Chuiches— Burial-Places.... 447 

CHAPTER LXXII. 
Township of f iTtsgrovi;, 
Geographical— Topographical— Settlement and Settlers— Organiza- 
tion and Civil List — Churches— Bunal-Pl aces— Educational- 
Villages and Hamlets — E'-'!^r — Centreton — Palatine — Brad- 
way — Willow Grove — Industrial — Lodges and Societies 464 

CHAPTER LXXIir. 

Township of Quinidn. 
StatiBtical— Goographical and Descriptive — ^'ettlement and Settler 
— Organization — Civil List— Public Schools—'^ -i.' '■.♦(\tj's Bridge- 
Churches— Quinton Glass-Works— Cemeteries 471 

CHAPTER LXXIV. 

Township of Upper Allowats Creek. 
eographical- Tupographical and Statistical- Original Settlers and 
Settlements- Organization and Civil List— Churches— Villages 
and Hamlets— AUoway— Watson's Corners— Freasburg—Stock- 
ingtown — Remsterville—Pentoiivine— Industrial— Cemjteries — 
Lodges 



476 



CHAPTER LXXV. 



Township of Upper Penn's Neck. 
Geographical — Topographical and Statistical — Organization — 
Township Officers- Public Schools— Churches— Penn's Grove 
Village — Industrial aud Commercial — Lodges and Societies 482 

CHAPTER LXXVI. 
Township of Upper Pittsgeove. 
Situation and Boundaries— Topography and Statistics— Early Land 
Purchases and Settlement- Civil List— Schools— Cemeteries- 
Villages aud Hamlets— Daretown— Whig Lane— Pole Tavern— 
Monroeville— Swing's Corners— Ecclesiastical—Industrial 490 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 

CHAPTER LXXVII. 
Description. 
Sireams--Marshes— Soil and ProductioDS- Land Titles 

CHAPTER LXXVIII. 



Surveys.. 



502 



CHAPTER LXXIX. 

Early Settlers. 
Uncertainty concerning Pioneers — English from Salem — Settlers 
in Greenwich— Settlers from Wales— From Fairfield, Conn. — 
From Southampton, L. I.— Settlers at Bridgeton — Swedes on 
Mauric River 510 

CHAPTER LXXX. 

Roads. 

Streams and Paths— First Highways— Overseers First Appointed— 
Koad from Fairfield to Burlington— Other Roads 515 



CHAPTER LXXXI. 

Early History. page 

Eariy Names of Townships— First Court-Taxes— Tavern Licenses 
— Officers of the Precincts ^18 

CHAPTER LXXXII. 

Organization and Boundaries of the County. 
Early Action of the Board of Freeholders- Directors of the Board. 522 

CHAPTER LXXXIir. 

County Buildings. 
Court-House— Second Court-Houae— Present Cou rt- House— Fii-st 
Jail— Second Jail— Third Jail— County Offices— Poor-House— 
Present Almshouse 625 

CHAPTER LXXXIV. 

Courts, Judges, and Justices. 
First Courts— Capital Crimes and Executions— Judges of the Court 

of Common Pleas — Justices of the Peace 530 

CHAPTER LXXXV. 

Cumberland County in the Revolution. 
Destruction of Tea at Greenwich — Appointment and Action of 
Committees — Extracts from the Journal of Ebenezer Elmer — 
Men from Cumberland in the Army— Operations in Delaware 
Bay 535 

CHAPTER LXXXVI. 

Cumberland County in the War of the Rebellion. 
Early Meetings and Formation of Companies — Action of the Board 
of Freeholders— Action of the Townships- Supplementary List 
of Soldiers from the County 542 

CHAPTER LXXXVII. 
Bench and Bar. 
List of Attorneys in the County — Biographical Notices of Judges 
aud Attorneys 546 

CHAPTER LXXXVTII. 
Medical Profession. 
Biographical Sketches of Phyaicians — Cumberland County Medical 
Society— List of Physicians 655 

CHAPTER LXXXIX. 

Agriculture. 
Primitive Farming — Improved Methods in Agriculture — Cumber- 
land County Agricultural and Horticultural Society 573 

CHAPTER XC. 
Civil List and Statistics 576 

CHAPTER XCI. 
City of Bridgeton. 
Formation and Boundaries- Early History and Growth— Streets- 
Bridges — Custom-House — Post-Olfice — Stages — Steamboats— 
Press — Banks — Mutual Fjre Insurance Company- Gas-Light 
Company— Water- Works — Mills-City Offices— Manufactures- 
Ecclesiastical- Lodges and Societies — Gouldtown — Personal 
Sketches 532 

CHAPTER XCII. 
City of Millvii.le. 

Incorporation of the Township— Incorporation of the City Mill- 

ville Laid Out— Pioneer Houses— Karly Industries— Growth of 
the Town— Streetfi—Bridges—Pust-OlBces— Stages and Steam- 
boats—Press—Public Schools— Workingmen's Institute — Na- 
tional Bank— Fire Insurance Company— Gae-Liglit Company- 
Water Company— Officers— City Hall— Ecclesiastical History- 
Manufactures — Millvilie Pond and Water-Power— Langley's 
Grist-Mill 533 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XCTII. 

TOWSSHIP OF CoMMBItcrAL. I'AfiE 

Incontoratlon— Dfscription — Sottlement— Vilhigee nnd Hamlets— 
Mauricetown Briilge— Lore's Grist-Mill—Chui-chea 646 

CHAPTER XCIV. 
Township of Deeefield. 
Organizfttiou and Descriptioo— Villages luid Hamlets— Mills- 



Chosen Freeholders— Churches.., 



CHAPTER XCV. 
Township of Downe. 
lucorporation — Soil — Settlement and Growth — Villiiges — Egg 
Island — Dividing Creek Bridge — Mills — Freeholders — Churches.. 

CHAPTER XCVI. 

Township op Fairfield. 
Incorporation — Settlement — Soil — Villages — Mills — Woolen Fac- 
tory — Freoboldere — Churches 

>- 

CHAPTER XCVII. 

Township of Greenwich. 

Boundaries— Town of Greenwich — Faire — School Lot— Trade- 
Ferry — Greenwich in 1883— Hanoi eta— Sheppard's Griet-Mill — 
Freeholders — Churches 



680 



CHAPTER XCVITI. 

Township of Hopewrll. PAaif 

Boundaries and Description — Villages — Shiloh — Roadstown — Bow. 
en town — Gohansey — Freeholders — Churches 693 

CHAPTER XCrX. 

TowseiiiP OF Landis and Bokouoii of Vinelanu. 
Incorporation — Soil — Vineland Tract — Town of Vineland — Early 
Purchasers and Pioneer Buildings— Early History — Growth — 
Landia-Carruth Tragedy — Fruits — Freeholders — Borough of 
Vineland — Borough Office rs-Post-Office — Press — Public Schools 
— Library Association — ■HisturiL'aland Antiquarian Society — Ag- 
ricultural and Horticultural Society — Gas-Light Company- 
Churches — Cemeteries — Secret Societies — National Bank — Man- 
ufactures — Willow Grove — North Vineland — South Vineland 703 

CHAPTER C. 

Township of MaufvICe River. 
Original Boundariesand Subsequent Changes — Name — Settlements 
— Villages and Hamlets — Port Elizaheth — Dorchester — Leesburg 
— Heislerville — Ewing's Neck — Bucksboro — Belle Plain — Mana- 
muskin — Manamuskin Manor — Scho ^r Landing — Freeholders 
— Churches 715 

CHAPTER CI. ^ "^ 

Township of Stow Cheek. 
Boundaries — Soil and Productions — Gonei-al Features — Jericho — 
Mills — Freeholders- Ecclesiastical 722 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



PAGE 

Abbutt, C. G 162 

Abbott, Samuel 442 

Acton, R. M 415 

Allen, Ira 310 

Allen, A. D 149 

Alien, S.A 347 

Armstrong, K. L » ;. 130 

Armstrong, R. L., Jr 137 

Arcbor, Benjamin 354 

Asbcraft, J. H 148 

Atkinson, C. P 471 

Bacon, Lewis 700 

Bacon, William 667 

Barber, Henry 489 

Barton, George W 463 

Batemau, Epliraim 561 

Batoman, Moses 672 

Biitenmn. R. M 668 

Biitten, J. M 464 

Bayard, George D 154 

Becket, A. T 152 

Beesley, T. E 356 

Black, D. R 311 

Blew, Lebnian 623 

Bloom field, Josepb 647 

Bodine, J. F 278 

Bond, Levi 657 

Bowen, Elijali 556 

Bowen, Elijah, Jr 566 

Bowen, Jonatlian 698 

Bowen, William S '. 668 

Bowen, Joseph A 725 

Bradshaw, Henry, Jr 155 

Brewster, F. G 660 

Brewster, Francis G 623 

Brewster, Horatius 658 

Brewster, Joseph 558 

Brick, Joshua 721 

Bright, B.T 628 

Brooks, W. B 666 

Bruuyate, William 649 

Buck, Ephraim 564 

Buck. Henry, Jr 072 

Buck, John 614 

Buck, Joseph 613 

Buck, Robert S 597 

Buckingham, Henry 160 

Burchan, Richard 343 

Burgin Family, the 613 

Burgin, John 699 

Burt, Nathaniel C 672 

Butcher, Joseph, Jr 562 

Buzby, B. F 160 

Carman, 0. B 136 

Carpenter, T. P 131 

Carpenter, William 415 

1 Carter, B.F 128 

Chanipneys, Benjamin 559 

Chapman, Thomas 130 

Chatham, B. F 147 

Chew. M. M 270 

Clark, Charles 560 

X 



PAGE 

Clark, 0. F 146 

Clark, H. 147 

Clarkson, William 558 

Clawson, I.D 160 

Clawson, LD 357 

Clawson, W. S 346 

Clymer, R. S 136 

Coles, Bartholomew 463 

Compton, Charles 650 

Cook, Joseph 357 

Coombs, Samuel M 626 

Cooper, Isaac ; 152 

Cooper, R. M 128 

Cotting, Blias 614 

Cox, Stephen, Sr 631 

Crane, I. W 661 

Cutter, Frederick 162 

Danzenbaker, T. F 703 

Dare, Abel S 677 

Dare, James 691 

Dare, William 625. 

Davenport, Franklin 129 

Davis, Elnathan 699 

Davis, Isaac, Jr 144 

^ Davis, J. Burton 651 

Davis, John T 702 

Davis, Smith 679 

Dayton, A. 344 

Dedrofft,E. E 150 

Dick, Samuel 353 

Dickeson, A. M. P. V. H 349 

Dickeson, T. P 357 

Dickinson, I. V 349 

Dilks, Andrew 290 

Doughty, Elias •652 

Dowdney, S. M 667 

Dyer, John 566 

Eakin, A. L ; 345 

Eastlack, J. C 267 

Eastlack, S. A '. 267 

Egbert, Jacob , 566 

Ellett, H. T 346 

Elmer, Daniel 126 

Elmer, Daniel 549 

Elmer, Daniel, Jr 673 

Elmer, Ebenezer 661 

Elmer, Eli 614 

Elmer, George E 679 

Elmer, James E 679 

Elmer, Jonathan 629 

Elmer, Jonathan 559 

Elmer, L. Q. C 660 

Elmer, Theophilus 673 

Elmer, Timothy 673 

Elmer, William 561 

Erwin, Benjamin 144 

Ewiiig, Charles 126 

Ewing, Maskell 685 

Ewing, Thomas 557 

Ewing, William B 565 

Ferguson, J. B 689 

Ferrell, Thomas M 232 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



XI 



FAQE 

Flanngin, Jnmes H 8^8 

Flilciaft, Aileu *^ 

Fisher, W. C '3* 

Fisler, Bt-njamin ^^ 

FiBler, Jacob ^^^ 

Fi»lur, J. T "8 

FiBlcr, L. F 566 

Fisler, S. F - '^*'' 

Fithian, E, B W 

Fithiaii, Enoch 5GS 

Fithian, Hosea ^^^ 

Fithian, Joel 085 

Fithian, Joel '25 

Fithian, Joseph 1*5 

Fithian, P. V 685 

Fithian, Samuel 685 

Fithian, Keubou 725 

Fltzhugh, J. R ai-l 

Fort, J. H 137 

Foster, J. J 146 

Fox, George 666 

Fox, Samuel M 666 

Freeman, Jonathan 615 

Gandy, James G 662 

Gardner, D. K 152 

Gardner, \V. A 151 

Garrison, C. G 160 

Garrison, Charles 145 

Garrison, J. F 146 

Garrison. Joel 657 

Garrison, William 566 

Gibbon, John 724 

Giles, James 551 

Gillnuin, John 147 

Gilraan, Uriah 150 

Glover, Thomas 186 

Green, G. G 186 

Green, L. M 184 

Haines, William 212 

Haley, B. F 651 

Hall, G. D 689 

Halsey, L. F 146 

Halsey, L. M 150 

Hampton, I. H 665 

Hampton, J. G 6.52 

Hampton, John P 657 

Hannah, Charles 355 

Hannah, J. M 347 

Barker, C. G 164 

Harris, Isaac 364 

Harris, Samuel 668 

Harris, T. U 502 

Harrison, J. B 131 

Harrison, Josiah 343 

Hareley, Kaiph 556 

Heisler, Andrew 722 

Hepner, Jacob t 703 

Heritage, J. D 140 

Heritage, P. S 149 

Herman, A. V 149 

Hewitt, G. H.... 135 

Hitchner, R. SI 471 

Hood, Charles 651 

Hoover, Francis 146 

Uornblower, J. C 126 

Howell, B.P 146 

Howell, Ebenezer 353 

Howell, J. B ;. 154 

Howell, Lewis 557 

Howell, Richard 548 

Hunter, Andrew 68G 

Hunt, Jacob 356 

Hunt, Reuben 688 

Hunt, Thomas S 688 

Huntei', Andrew, Jr 686 

Hurff.T.W 291 



PAGE 

Iszard, Jacob 152 

Iszard, W. H 150 

Jacksun, Winalow 152 

Jeffers,W. N 344 

Jerrell, William 626 

Jessup, J. S 135 

Jessup, West 188 

Johnson, James 656 

Johnson, J. H 156 

Johnson, B. C 358 

Johnson, B, G...... 403 

Jones, Thomas.../. 714 

Keasbey, A. Q 347 

Keasbey, E. Q 356 

Keasby, J. B 150 

Kienzle, Jacob 623 

Kinsey, James 343 

Kirby, J. 2.5'.l 

LaJd, W. W 155 

Laning, Richard 676 

Lawrence, John 131 

Lawrence, N, 674 

Lawrence, Samuel 686 

Laws, G. C .^.^... 150 

Leak, Samuel .7^.^. 342 

Learning, E. B 136 

\ Lee, Thomas 722 

Ling, J. W 155 

Loper, William F 567 

Lord, J. J 296 

Ludlam, J. W 664 

Lummis, Dayton 144 

Lummis, William 144 

MaccuUoch, F. L 346 - 

Matlock, Learning 131 

Matlock, R. K 131 

Maul, Benjamin F 691 

McBride, Lewis 63] 

McCalla, T. H 657 

McCalla, W. H 666 

McGeorge, Wallace 152 

McKolway, A. J 148 

Miller, Charles 690 

[ Miller, S. T 147 

j Minch, Archibald 70C 

Minch, Francis B 630 

Moore, Alexander 615 

More, Azariah 699 

Moore, James 134 

I Moore, John P -ilS 

I Moore, Jonathan 657 

' Moore, Samuel ^67 

Moore, William 134 

I Morris,John H 410 

' Mulfoid, Isaac W 678 

1 Mulford, David P 629 

j Musgrave, J. F 1S2 

i Newkirk, N. K 666 

1 Nichols, Isaac T 690 

Nichols, Robert C 697 

Norris, E. 164 

Ogden, Edo 838 

Ogden, John... 674 

Oliphant, E. T 160 

Osborn, J. A ' 155 

; Packer, D. J 1*7 

Parker, B. W 56» 

Parvin, Holmes 66G 

Parvin, J. B 561 

: Parker, Joel 127 

Parrin, Silas 616 

i Patterson, Robert 616 

j Paulding, M. J 150 

"^eck, Benjamin 667 

Pwk, T. W 663 

Pediick, J. E 1''6 



BIOGEAPHICAL. 



FAOB 

PeiTj-, 'Belmont 135 

T'eiTv, Samuel 624 

Piersun, Azel 55S 

I'iersoii, DC 564 

Piefsoii. Joseph 137 

Pienioii, Joseph 155 

Portei-, 15. M 563 

Poltor, Darid 616 

PoltL'i', .TiutifsB 626 

Pottoi-. MioliMt-l 470 

PottiM, Williiiui 617 

Pofl.!i-, Willinm K 653 

PottB, S. G 126 

RamlKii John 243 

Banibo, William 296 

Raninny, Willmm 675 

Een.l, Chark'S 618 

Reeve, Mark 686 

Beevee. J. J 554 

Keevc-8, Thomas 151 

Ripp, John 232 

lUchmau, Isaiah W 700 

Koberts, Jt. H 155 

Robeson, A.. L 83 

Roe, J. R 151 

Bulon, 0. A 311 

Salisljuiy, Samni 1 242 

Saunders, T. J ; 146 

Seeley, Ebenezer 619 

Seeley, Ephraim 618 

Seeley, E. P 549 

Sharp, iJaniel 630 

Sharp, George S 250 

Sharp, John 651 

Sharp, John L 644 

Sharp, J. S. T 356 

Siiarp, Lorenzo 701 

Sheppard, Daniel M 690 

Shepparil, Philip G 692 

SheppurO, Robert 618 

Sheppard, Robert P 678 

Sheppard, C. Hemy 726 

Sheppard, Edward H 727 

Sbiun, W. J 344 

Shivers, Edgar 137 

Shooiniiker, John 148 

Shuto, S. M 569 

Shute, William 266 

Sickler, J, K 128 

SioHer, John R 146 

Sickler, Joseph T 134 

Sinnickson, Thomas 405 

Skill, C. W *. 155 

Smilh, A. A „ 148 

Smith, Charles P. 406 

Smith, T.S 347 

Smith, Thomas S 349 

Sooy, Samuel T 266 

Spratt, George 566 

Stambach, H. L 152 

Stanger,S. F 160 

Starr, John 134 

.Steeling, William „ 564 

Strattam,E.S 136 

Strattam, J. H 165 

Stratton, Daniel 413 

Stratton, Daniel P 620 



PAGE 

Stratton, Nathan L 620 

Slurdivant, Thomas 570 

Swing, Charles 355 

Swing, Charles 567 

Synott, Martin 151 

Synott, Miles : 150 

Thackara, Thomas 137 

Thompson, Hedge 355 

Thompson, J. S ; 132 

Thompson, B.P 346 

-^renchard, Albert 160 

Trenchard, James H 621 

Trenchard, John 675 

Tuft, John B 356 

Turner, KK 201< 

Turner, J. D 267 v- 

Turner, John C 201/ 

Turner, W. H 149 , 

Turner, Joseph 290.^/ 

Turner, T. B 160 / 

Tyler, John 417 

Van Hook, B 666 

Tan Hook, h 563 

Van Meter, Edward 348 

Van Meter, James 354 

Van Meter, R. H 354 

Vanneinan, W. S 357 

Voorliees, N. W 137 

Wales, E. L. B 569 

Ward, Samuel 556 

Ware, H. E 382 

Ware, J. B 148 

Ware, R.M 133 

Watson, H. P 689 

Watson, J. M 128 

Watson, Samuel '. 689 

Weatherby, I. HurfT 311 

Weatherby, J. C 151 

Westcott, F. F 552 

Westcott, J. D 622 

Westcott, J. D., Jr .'i52 

Westcott, Jehiel 677 

Whelpley, E. W ■ 126 

Whitacar, Richard 676 

Whitaker, Ephraim 676 

Whitekar, D. B 632 

White, J. M 130 

White, John M 650 

Whiting, Abijah 343 

Whitney, S. A 231 

Wiley, Elijah 147 

AViley, George 147 

Wilkins, Hiram 291 

Willetts, Reuben 564 

Wistar, Caspar 441 

Wood, John S 290 

Wood, Richard 687 

Woodhull, G. S 127 

Woodruff, C. P... 562 

Woodruff, E. D 130 

j Woodruff, Israel 701 

Woodruff, Lewis 657 

Woolman, Reuben 470 

Yarrow, Thomas 365 

Yarrow, T. J 366 

Yorke, Thomas Jones 414 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAOE 

AL'wtt, Samuel facing 442 

Acto. R. M " 416 

Allen, Ira " 310 

Atkinson, C. P " 471 

Bacon, Lewis between 700, 701 

Barber, Henry facing 489 

Barton, George W *' 463 

Batten, J. M " 464 

Black, D. R between 310,311 

Blow, Lebman facing 624 

Bodine, J. F " 278 

Bowen, William S between 568, S69 

Boweu, Josepb A facing 726 

Brewster, Francis G " 622 

Briglit, B. T " 628 

Bninyate, William 649 

Buck, Roberts facing 696 

Butcher, Joseph, Jr 563 

Carpenter, William facing 415 

Chew, M. M " 279 

Clawson, I. D " 356 

Coles, Bartholomew " 462 

Compton, Charles " G50 

Cook, Joseph '* 357 

Coombs, Samuel M between 026, 627 

Cox, Stephen, Sr facing 631 

Danzenbaker, T. F. between 702,703 

Dare, Abel S " 676, 077 

Dare, James 692 

Dare, William lacing 625 

Davidson, J. B between 650, 651 

Davis, J. Burton " 660,651 

Davis, John T " 702,703 

Davis, Smith " 678,079 

Dilks, Andrew " 290, 291 

Doughty, Elias facing 553 

Eastlack, J. C between 266, 267 

Eastlack, S. A facing 267 

Elmer, George E " 679 

Elmer, James E " 680 

Elmer, Jonathan " 629 

Elmer, L. Q. C " 560 

Ewing, William B 565 

Ferguson, J. B facing 689 

Ferrell, Thomas M " 282 

Fithiau, Enoch " 668 

Fitliian, Joseph '' 145 

Fithian, Joel " 724 

Fithiau, Reuben " 725 

Fitzhugli, J. B " 314 

Flanagin, James H between 628, 629 

Fox, George " 656, 657 

Fox, Samuel M " 656,657 

Gandy, James G 662 

Garrison, Joel facing 657 

Glover, Thomas between 1S6, 187 

Green, G.G facing 186 

Green, L.M " 184 

Green, L. M., Residence of. " 1(^5 

Haines, William " 212 

Haley, B. F between 650, 661 

HatI,G.D facing 690 



PACK 

Harris, Thomas U facing 593 

Hepner, Jacob " 703 

Heritage, J. D " 149 

Hitchner, R. M between 470, 471 

Hunt, Reuben " 688, 089 

Hunt, Tlioraas E " 688, 089 

Hurfl-, T. W facing 291 

Jerrell, William " 026 

Jessup, West.... " 188 

Johnson, R. C ,^.....,, " 358 

Johnson, R. G " 403 

Jones, Thomas '* 714 

Kieuzle, Jacob ,. " 023 

Kirby, J. C " 269 

Laning, Richard ** 676 

Lord, J. J " 296 

Lore Homestead... 650 

Map facing 1 

Maul, Benjamin F " 691 

McBride, Lewis between 630, 031 

Miller, Charles " 690, 691 

Miller, S. T facing 147 

Miuch, Archibald " 700 

Minch, Francis B 031 

Mincb, Francis B., Residence of facing 584 

Moore, John P " 413 

More, Jonas & More 699,. 

Morris, John H between 416, 417 

Mulford, Isaac W " 078, 679 

Musgrave, J. F facing 152 

Nichols, Isaac T " 690 

Nichols, Robert C " 597 

Old Stone Church 066 

Packer, D. J facing 187 

Perry, Belmont 130 

Perry, Samuel.....' between 024, 025 

Potter, James B facing 027 

Potter, Michael between 470,471 

Potter, William E facing 654 

Ramho, John " 243 

Rambo, William " 290 

Reeves, J. J " 555 

Bichman, Isaiah W betweeu 700,701 

Robeson, A. L facing 83 

Rulon, C. A " 311 

Salisburj', Samuel " 242 

Sharp, Daniel " 030 

Sharp, George S " 200 

Sharp, John < " 061 

Sharp, Lorenzo " 701 

Sheppard, Daniel M between 690,691 

Sheppard Homestead faciug 682 

Sheppard, Robert F " 678 

Sheppard, C. Henry " 727 

Sheppard, Edward H " 727 

Shinu, W. J " 344 

Shute, William , between 260, 267 

Sinuiokson, Thomas lacing 404 

Siunickson, Thomas, Jr., Residence of " 428 

Smith, A. A " W8 

Smith, diaries P " 4U6 

Sony, Samuel T " iiOO 

xiii 



<^V 



ILLUSTKATIONS. 



PAGE 

South Jersey Tnstilute facing 592 

Stratton, D;iuiel " 412 

Stilrdivarit, TliomaB 570 

Turner, E. K between 200, 201 

Turner, John C " 200,201 

Turner, Joseph " 290, 291 

Turner, J. D facing 268 

Tyler, John " 417 

Van Meter, Edward " 348 

Wales, E. L. B " 669 

Ware, H, B " 382 

Watson, H. P Uetwoen 688, 689 

Wuteon, Samuel " 688, 689 



PAGE 

Weatherby, I. Hurff between 310, 311 

Westcott, F. F facing 552 

Westcott, Jehiel between 670,677 

Whitall, Tatum & Cu facing 644 

Wliitekar, D. B " 632 

Whitney, S. A " 231 

WilkiuB, Hiram " 292 

Wistar, Caspar " 441 

Wood, John S between 290, 291 

Woodruff, Israel facing 702 

Woodruff, Lewis 657 

Woolman, Reuben facing 470 

Torke, Thomas Joneu " 414 



HISTORY 

OP 

GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND 

COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE INDIANS OF NEW JERSET.i 

If this chapter had been intended to be a contri- 
bution to the etlinologj^ of North America, the writer 
would certainly have declined to undertake the task. 
The time has not yet come when a satisfactory ac- 
count of the aborigines of this country can be written. 
It is only very recently that anything like scientiiic 
investigation has been applied to this important sub- 
ject, and the earnest effort and diligent labor which 
are now being bestowed upon it have as yet only re- 
vealed the breadth of the field and the vast amount 
of research, comparison, and scientific reasoning 
which must be given to it before convincing and 
satisfactory conclusions can be reached. But the 
field is " white unto the harvest." Already enough 
is known to assure us of another triumph not unlike 
that achieved during the last century in geological 
science. OiiCi; it was sufficient for men to know 
something of the . iicvre of the rocks beneath their 
feet. The race was too young to have any traditions 
of the life of the everlasting hills ; no one dreamed 
of ascertaining facts and events in the history of the 
earth before a living man was there to see them. 
But the mineralogy and biology of the present, well 
observed, gave the key to the investigation of the 
past; and practical science, through an amount of 
toilsome and patient study, of which men in general 
have no conception, now tells the story of primeval 
ages with greater accuracy than commonly belongs to 
the records of coeval historians. In the same way is 
the history of the original inhabitants of North 
America being investigated. We might almost as 
well be without the scanty records of the Europeans 
who first came in contact with them. There was so 



> By Key. J. T. Burk. 



little human sympathy for them, so little interest in 
anything which did not yield material profit. — the 
contact itself so soon affected the original savagery, 
that we learn but little trustworthy from the first ex- 
plorers and settlers of our shores. We have practi- 
cally but two sources of reliable information. They 
are first, the remains of Indian life in the shape oi" 
weapons and domestic implements, which are sown 
more or less profusely over our fields and forests, and 
second, the observation of existing Indian life by 
trained and enthusiastic investigators. Until re- 
cently this second source of inlbrmation was far from 
being satisfactory. He who now visits an Indian 
reservation in the West witnesses a transition life 
farther removed from its primitive condition than it 
is from modern civilization. He sees but little of 
what Lewis and Clark saw when they explored the 
Columbia River, of what Schoolcraft saw when he 
traversed the Missouri and Mississippi, or what 
Catlin saw when he made his home among the Man- 
dans, and even they were some removes from the 
purest types of aboriginal life. It was not until the 
more obscure r'icesses of the continent were explored, 
and its isolated tribes sought out, not until these 
peo|ile were approached as human beings b)' men 
like Cushing, who could win a way into their hearts 
and homes, and be content to be one with them 'n 
closest fellowship, that the study became promising of 
fruitful results. It will not be until after years of 
exact study of the remains, the dialects, the myths, 
the customs, and the physical peculiarities of the 
various tribes, that there can be anything like a con- 
clusive science of American ethnology. Such study 
is being made by most competent men. The Smith- 
sonian Institution and the Peabody Museum are the 
centres of such investigations, and uiilii these are 
further advanced it would be rash to deal with local 
archreology with too presumptuous confideuce. 

1 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



The first settlers in New Jersey, and especially in 
that part known as West Jersey, found there a very 
numerous population of Indians. This is not a mat- 
ter of wonder. There is scarcely a portion of the At- 
lantic coast so favorable to the exigencies of primitive 
life in the stone age. (No disparagement intended as to 
the highest civilization.) The ocean on the one side, a 
mighty river on the other, hardly more than two daj's 
journey apart at the farthest, intersected by numei'ous 
streams swarming with fish, with a soil readily absorb- 
ing rain and easily cultivated by the imperfect tools 
of the savage, with forests and swamps, even now 
classed by botanists as southern rather than northern, 
and therefore abounding in game and fruit, with a 
drift formation furnishing every choice of pebble for 
working stone implements and the choicest clay for 
primitive pottery. West Jersey was not only the home 
of a larger population of Indians than perhaps any sim- 
ilar area in the Middle States, but was most largely 
visited by those who lived elsewhere. Many of the 
Pennsylvania clans were in the habit of making an- 
nual visits to the sea-shore along well-known trails 
across the State. There they may have enjoyed sea- 
bathing and social dissipations, but their chief object 
was to procure fish, oysters, and clams for drying .as 
winter food, and partly for making and getting money. 
The celebrated wampum consisted of beads made out 
of the shells of the large clam Yound abundantly upon 
our coast. The larger and white part of the shell was 
drilled and ground into a cylindrical bead, which bore 
the same relation to their currency as our silver, the 
small blue portion, made into beads, corresponding 
with our gold. They were not strictly bi-metalists 
but bi-conchists in their financial economy. There 
is no record of any serious difliculty in adjusting the 
relative value of the white and blue strings of beads, 
but all alike sulTered some depreciation in the later 
years of Indian residence, for a certain Jacob Spicer, 
a sort of Cape May country storekeeper and trader, 
set all the country people along the shore to making 
wampum during the winter, with the mean advan- 
tage of civilized tools, which he took from them in 
exchange for goods, and then paid it for pelts to the 
Five Nations on the Hudson River. 

These Indians were known as the Lenni-Lenape 
(original people). The very name suggests a false- 
hood. What would ever induce such a boast as it 
implies except the existence of a doubt or contradic- 
tion? And, as we shall see when we come to discuss 
the remains found throughout the State, there are 
witnesses in the very stones to the probable exist- 
ence of an entirely different people anterior to the 
Delawares. According to Heckewelder, a devoted 
Moravian missionary, who gathered his information 
from the Indians, whose language he perfectly under- 
stood, there were three distinct families of aborigines 
in North America east of the Mississippi. The Iro- 
quois, often called the Six Nations, occupied the 
northern part, the Lenni-Lenape the middle, and 



the Natches the southern part. The traditions of all 
concurred in their having had a different origin, and 
of having reached the Atlantic coast by migration 
from the West. Just as in Ohio and other Western 
States there are numerous remains of forts and vil- 
lages, the construction of which indicates a people of 
entirely different habits from those of either of these 
families; so among the stone weapons of our own 
State there is almost certain evidence of the relics of 
an earlier people than the Delawares. So well marked 
is this distinction that collectors designate oue arrow- 
head as a pakeoliih (old stone), and another neolith 
(new stone), although both may be made of precisely 
the same material. The palseoliths include certain 
chipped stones, called, from their appearance, "tur- 
tle-backs," for which no certain use is known, and 
which were probably not a part of a Delaware's out- 
fit. The arrows, spears, etc., of this class have the 
rudest possible outline, their variety of shape is very 
little compared with that of the later weapons, and 
they generally indicate not so much the want of 
ability to give any desired shape to the stone as a 
want of artistic perception and an indiff'erence to the 
appearance and better qualities of the weapon. They 
were probably the remains of a people who had dis- 
appeared from these coasts before the advent of the 
Delawares. If they had been conquered and ex- 
I pelled by the latter, we may be sure that traditions 
; would have boasted of the victory rather than that 
such a name as "original people" should have been 
assumed. It has been suggested that the Eskimo 
once lived here at the end of the Ice Age, and have 
followed the northward retreating ice-belt until they 
reached their present location. Certainly the de- 
scription given by the Norse discoverers of the conti- 
nent of the " Skrcellings" corresponds better with the 
Eskimo than with any of our Indian tribes, but this 
would make their migration far too late to accord 
j with the former theory. But whoever preceded them 
I it is certain that the Lenni-Lenape were not the 
i original people of the country, and it is probable 
that their existence in New Jersey did not antedate 
the arrival of the whites by more than a very few 
! centuries. 

The Lenni-Lenapes were really a noble people. Too 
much of the judgment which has been formed about 
them and other Indians has been based upon obser- 
vations of them in the transitional and worst phases 
of their national life. Destroy the original methods 
of Indian life, change all his natural surroundings, 
debauch him with all the vices of the whites, rob him 
on the one hand and pamper him with the other, 
cheat and insult him, and then by sheer force over- 
awe him, and he would not be human if he did not 
display the worst vices of his nature and ours. Let 
him remain an Indian pure and simple in his sav- 
agery, or else convert him into and treat him as a 
civilized Christian, and in either case you will have 
one who need not fear comparison with other races. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



To ruin first and then to describe and judge has i 
been too much the method used with the Indian. If 
wf turn to the records of those who came in con- ] 
tact witli them at the very earliest, and above all 
of the missionaries who approached them as friends, 
we shall learn something near the truth in regard to 
their original character. The Lenni-Lenape were a 
strong, vigorous, and brave race. At the time of the I 
settlement of the shores of the Delaware they were I 
occupying a peculiar position. By a singular strategy 
of the Iroquois they had been induced to become 
" women," that is, " nou-combatants," under treaty 
obligations which at the same time protected them 
from incursions, made them a barrier against in- 
vading tribes, and placed them in the position of 
umpires in times of disturbance. To this is partly 
to be attributed the peaceful character which both 
Swedes and English found when they settled among 
them. Their political life was simple and patri- 
archal. Its foundations were reverence for elders 
and respect for each other's rights. From earliest 
childhood these were inculcated and practiced, along 
with habits of activity, endurance, and courage. 
Their religion was the filial acknowledgment of a 
Great Father, and the belief in a future life of re- 
wards and punishments, to which were added many 
superstitions concerning evil spirits and occult forces 
in nature. The conspicuous traits in their character 
were a pride in their humanity, which gave dignity 
to speech and manners, a thoroughness in love and 
hatred, which led to extreme faithfulness and self- 
sacrifice in one, and implacable vindictiveness in the 
other, and, in general, a singularly clear apprecia- 
tion of the virtues of truth and justice among them- 
selves. 

On the testimony of the Europeans themselves we 
gather that the Indians were from the first their friends, 
that when kindly treated they were capable of devoted 
and enduring friendships, that they were extremely 
sensitive to contempt and injury, and that in the fatal 
difficulties which arose between them the Indians were 
not the aggressors. They had no written language. 
Important events were kept in memory by carefully- 
repeated traditions handed from generation to gener- 
ation with singular accuracy. Sometimes these events, 
or the terms of a treaty, or the memoranda of a mes- 
senger, were arbitrarily associated with particular 
arrangements of the beads of wampum (before men- 
tioned as money) embroidered on a belt, which was 
read by one who knew the memorial arrangement at 
councils. Their dress was chiefly made from the 
skins of animals, which they were very expert in 
dre.ssing into pliability and softness. They were very 
fond of personal ornament. The feathers of birds, 
the c]uills of porcupines, the teeth of bears and panth- 
ers, shells, perforated stones, and paint made from 
ochreous clays served for their adornment. The latter 
was ground in small stone mortars with little pestles 
of the size of a finger, and was generally found in 



the warrior's pouch. Different styles of painting were 
adopted for festival or for war, and tattooing with 
charcoal for permanent beautifying and for inscribing 
the "totem" or representative animal or sign upon 
the individual. Their habitations were wigwams or 
tents made of skins stretched over a conical frame of 
light poles, or of the bark of the hemlock which they 
split off in large sheets and soaked in water to render 
pliable. Their food was principally animal. The 
forests and swamps of New Jersey abounded in game 
of every description. Our statute books still ofl'er 
bounties for the heads of wolves and catamounts, and 
the bear and deer are not even now altogether extinct. 
Our streams, then unpolluted, swarmed with fish ; 
they and the coast furnished oysters, clams, and mus- 
sels in abundance, and " Scheyichbi" was in Indian 
times as now the greatest food-producing region of 
the Atlantic coast. But their diet was by no means 
exclusively animal. Besides maize, pumpkins, and 
beans, which they cultivated rudely iii^ITttle patches 
near their permanent homes, they were familiar with 
and used many of the wild roots, berries, and nuts 
which are now never thought of as food. There were 
no large granaries or storehouses, but each family 
made some provision of dried and smoked food for 
wintry or stormy weather, although in general they 
depended upon the hand-to-mouth principle, which is 
characteristic of savage life. They were almost en- 
tirely ignorant of the use of metals. About all that 
they ever possessed were fiafces of natural copper from 
the lake regions which were occasionally found among 
them, generally rolled into little cylinders and strung 
as beads. Hence all the operations of life were con- 
ducted with implements of other material. Clay, 
wood, stone, shell, bone, and horn composed every 
tool or weapon which they possessed, and we may 
safely claim that they reached the highest pitch of 
civilization ever attained where these were the only 
resources for human instruments. Of these there re- 
main as relics of the departed race, after the lapse of 
over two ceuturies, only those which were made of 
stone and clay. As we examine them, which have 
been plowed up in enormous quantities and variety 
all over the State, but especially in these lower coun- 
ties, we read distinctly in them the mode of life of 
our predecessors here. We note the density of the 
population, encouraged by the natural advantages of 
the place. We detect the site of long-vanished vil- 
lages or of long-forgotten graveyards. We learn how 
they killed their game and fish, how they fought their 
battles, how they ground their grain and boiled their 
meat, how they barked the trees and excavated their 
canoes, how they flayed and dressed and sewed the 
skins of animals for hou.se and clothing, how they 
speared and scaled their fish, how they adorned their 
persons and smoked their tobacco, how tenderly thev 
buried their dead, — all these are lithographed in the 
stones which their fingers have shaped and tiieir 
hands used, along with yet hidden secrets which per- 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



haps further study and comparison may hereafter ! 
reveal. j 

Let us examine a collection of such I'elics, and read | 
in them the mode of life of their former owners. At 
once we discern two principal classes into which they 
are divided. The first are stones, the shape of which [ 
has been more or less modified by pecking, pounding, 1 
or grinding. A fiat stone has a shallow cavity on its i 
upper surface, and with this is an elongated pestle, ' 
and these constitute the mills of the Indians in which, 
according to size, corn and other food was pounded 
into meal or clay into paint. Oval and flattened , 
natural stones have depressions on each side for ■ 
thumb and finger, and on the circumference marks of I 
bruising, and these are hammers. Cylindrical or oval ' 
stones are found with a groove pecked out around 
the middle for the reception of a handle, the " poga- j 



or deer-horn, which, slightly yielding to the stone, 
embraces an exposed edge, and determines the direc- 
tion of cleavage. The most familiar examples are the 
"darts" or arrow-beads. Beginning with the size of 
the little finger nail, we can arrange a beautiful series 
of leaf-shaped, triangular, stemmed, barbed, twisted, 
serrated, and other forms, increasing in size until the 
line is passed when they can be called arrow-heads, 
and they are evidently spears. These are generally 
from five to eight inches in length, and of strong and 
effective proportions. There is one form, however, 
very common along our water-courses, not larger thau 
some arrow-heads, but long and narrow, and evidently 
used as a " gig" for spearing fish. Next to the spears 
come the much larger and broader implements of 
similar make, which were spades or hoes according 
as they were lashed to a straight or bent handle. 



\ 



moggen" or war-club. Of the same form, but with | All arrows and spear-heads have a flat, chisel-like 



the larger portion ground evenly to an edge, are the 
well-known Indian hatchets of innumerable variety 
in weight, form, and finish. These axes were not 
used for chopping trees, for which they are totally 
unfit, but for barking them, and, after burning, for 
cutting away charred wood. They were also effec- 
tive weapons of war. Smaller stones, of like shape, 
but without the groove for a handle, are called " celts" 
or chisels. When what we might call axes or pick- 
axes are found with a hole drilled for a handle, as in 
modern tools, the)' are always finely made and pol- 
ished, and never intended for hard work. They have 
been called " banner stones," and are believed to 
have been badges of office. Thin, flat stones of ob- 
long shape, with rounded ends and drilled in two or 
more places as if for cords, are supposed to have been 



end opposite to the point, and many were inserted 
into the split end of a shaft, which was then strongly 
bound with green sinew, which contracted as it dried. 
Fish-scaling knives, scalping-kuives, and skinning- 
knives were made by the same process, the latter cu- 
riously similar to the peculiar curved knife now used 
by furriers for cutting up their .skins. Long, slender, 
and triangular flint perforators or awls were made for 
piercing hides in the process of sewing. We have 
seen a magnificent dagger, hett and blade in one piece, 
made out of choice red jasper. We can readily see 
the handiness and use of the relics above described, 
but every collector of such specimens has other sin- 
gular objects, evidently wrought into shape with defi- 
nite purpose, but what that purpose was is yet to be 
discovered. For over two centuries these imperishable 



ornaments for the breast. Stones with variously-sized i riches of the Indians have laid in the soil, and only 



grooves are found, which were adapted for finishing, 
as with sand-paper, the shafts of arrows, or for round- 
ing sinews into threads and bowstrings. And, lastly, 
the precious tobacco-pipe is found in all forms from 
the rudest to the most elaborate. One, found in this 
county, represents a beautifully-carved tortoise. A 
deep cavity in the back is the bowl, and three pro- 
portions on either side of the shell would admit long 
reeds to radiate out to each of six sociable smokei's 
squatted around it. 

The second class is that of chipped or flaked im- 
plements. In these the Indians exhibited their highest 
skill and most artistic taste. Every variety of mineral 
is brought into use, but the best were those which 
have a distinctly conchoidal fracture, such as jasper 
and chalcedony. The art of making them was iu 
producing at will this conchoidal fracture, breaking 
oft' flakes of njineral, and leaving a series of larger 
or smaller concave surfaces over the formed imple- 
ment. Such tools show no signs of bruising or grind- 
ing on their edges. They are sharp, serrated slightly 
on the edges, and thickened in the middle. The frac- 
tures were produced by cunningly-directed pressure, 
not from stone or metal, but from a piece of hard wood 



now are eagerly collected and carefully compared with 
almost identical remains from the lake- and cave-dwel- 
lers of pre-historic times in Europe. 

The only other relics commonly found are of pot- 
tery. The Indian tribes were quite expert in making 
a certain kind of earthenware more or less perfectly 
burned. The Southern and Southwestern tribes ex- 
celled in this and kindred arts, and the more as we 
approach the Mexicans or Aztecs. Our own Indians, 
though inferior to them, were no mean potters. Just 
as the modern faience-worker, having selected his 
best clay, mixes therewith a " degrais,sant" of .some 
refractory material to counteract shrinkage, so the 
Indian tempered our natural clays, and mixed therein 
mica scales or washed quartz sand, where the Florida 
Indians used pounded shells. Sometimes the plastic 
material was moulded on the inside of a woven bas- 
ket and then fired, the basket-marks remaining on the 
finished vessel. Generally the vessels were moulded 
by hand, quite thin, and ornamented by rolling a corn- 
cob over the soft surface, by stamping it with circles 
from the end of a hollow reed, by tracing lines with 
a sharp stick, or by impressions of thumb-nails. 
Holes were provided near the rim for suspending such 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



vessels by cords. They were then burnt, more or less, 
but never, so far as we have seen, to anything like 
vitrifaction or glazing. Such vessels were very frag- 
ile, wliether buried or left on the surface, but their 
fragments are almost imperishable. They sometimes 
mark the spot of burial, where they were placed by 
pious hands, and often mark the site of ancient vil- 
lages. None are very large, yet quite a curious col- 
lection can be made of their various kinds and mark- 
ings. 

Such are the remains of our predecessors in tliis 
county. May we not hope that their zealous gather- 
ing and contribution to the centres of scientific study 
will, along with further research into the languages 
and myths of the American tribes, make possible in 
the near future a more thorough knowledge of the 
people who so long ago faded from the land before 
the advance of our civilized life. They left no ill 
name in New Jersey, nor is New Jersey stained by 
any dark records of crime or cruelty on the part of 
white men towards its "original people." 



CHAPTER II. 

FIRST DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS ON THE 
DELAWARE RIVER. 

Ix 1609 Delaware Bay was first discovered by Hen- 
drick Hudson, an Englishman in the service of a 
Dutch trading company. He had sailed west in 
quest of a passage to the Indies, reached Newfound- 
land, turned south, discovered Cape Cod, which, in 
ignorance of its previous discovery, he named New 
Holland, and proceeded soutliward till he reached 
the shore near Chesapeake Bay. He then turned 
northward, and on the 28th of August entered Dela- 
ware Bay. There he found shallow water and sand- 
bars; and deeming navigation unsafe, he sailed out 
and proceeded north till he came to New York Bay, 
which he entered. He sailed up the river which 
bears his name as far as Albany, then returned, and 
started on his voyage to Holland in October of the 
same year. 

The next year Lord Delaware, on a voyage to Vir- 
ginia, touched at Delaware Bay, which thus came to 
bear his name. 

The report which Hudson gave of his voyage and 
the country which he visited induced the merchants 
of Amsterdam to send another vessel, in 1610, freighted 
with goods for trade with the natives at Manhattan 
Island and its vicinity. This adventure proved profit- 
able, and they obtained from the States-General the 
exclusive privilege of trading during four years with 
the natives of Hudson River and that vicinity. Here 
a remunerative commerce was carried on, and agents 
were left to care for the interests of the trading com- 
pany during the winter of each year. In 1613, Sir 



I Samuel Argall entered New York Bay, and found 

four traders' houses on Manhattan Island, and in 

I 1614 the Dutch built a fort on the southern extremity 

of that island for the protection of their trading 

1 establishment. 

I Although the discovery of America by Columbus 
I was made in 1492, more than a century elapsed be- 
I fore any successful and permanent colonies were 
I planted here. In 1607 the first was established at 
! Jamestown, in Virginia, by the Engli.sh, under a 
charter granted by James the First to Sir Thomas 
Gates, Richard Hackluyt, and others. Under an- 
other charter granted to the Plymouth Company in 
1620, the settlement of New England was com- 
menced, and a permanent colony was established in 
that year. 

As before stated, the trading-post at Manhattan 
Island was fortified in 1614, and at about the same 
time Fort Orange was erected on an island in the 
Hudson, near Albany. The settlements^luis made 
were for purposes of trade only, and nothing having 
the character of a colony was established during 
several years. Even as late as 1625 there was but 
one European family residing on Long Island in the 
near vicinity of the principal trading-post. 

The commercial operations established and carried 
on here were quite .successful, and in 1621 the States- 
General granted a charter to the " West India Com- 
pany," with extensive powers and privileges, but 
without any grant of specific territory, or any guar- 
anty of its possessions. If the company became in- 
volved in hostilities it was to defend itself at its own 
expense, but it was not empowered to declare war 
without the concurrence of the States. To this com- 
pany the States made a present of half a million of 
guilders, and subscribed half a million more to its 
stock. 

It was at once seen that, although commerce was 
the object of this corporation, colonization was essen- 
tial to its success, and efforts in that direction were 
made, not only in the vicinity of the Hudson, or North 
River, but on the Delaware, or South River, as they 
were then called. 

It is said that in 1616, Cornells Hendrickson, in 
the ship " Restless," a vessel of light draft, that was 
built at Manhattan in 1614 by Adrian Block, sailed 
up the Delaware River as far as the mouth of the 
Schuylkill. No other European is known to have 
explored this stream till 1623, when Cornells Jacob- 
son Mey, with Adrian Joris second in command, was 
sent by the West India Company with a number of 
emigrants from Holland. He brought a stock of mer- 
chandise, and means of subsistence and defense. He 
sailed along the coast from Cape Cod, entered New 
York Bay, which he christened Port Mey, then sailed 
south to Delaware Bay, which he named New Port 
Mey. The cape at the north of the entrance to Dela- 
ware Bay he called Cape Mey (now Cape May), and 
that at the south Cape Cornells (now Henlopen). 



6 



HISTORy OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUiNTIES. 



He ascended the stream as far as the mouth of Tim- 
ber Creek, near which he landed and erected a fort, 
which he named Fort Nassau. This was the first at- 
tempt to establish a settlement on the Delaware River. 
The object of planting this settlement was trade with 
the natives, but it is presumed the adventure was not 
successful. No reliable history remains as to subse- 
quent proceedings here, and it is only known that ten 
years later no whites were found here, but that the 
fort was occupied by the Indians. 

In 1629 the West India Company, to promote col- 
onization in New Netherland, offered to patroons, or 
founders of settlements, not only exclusive property 
in large tracts of land but extensive manorial and 
seignorial rights. Encouraged by these offers, sev- 
eral of the directors of the company sought to make 
large territorial acquisitions here. In 1629 the agents 
of Samuel Godyn and Samuel Bloemart purchased 
from three Indian chiefs a tract of land extending 
from Cape Henlopen thirty-two miles and two miles 
in breadth, and the next year another tract was pur- 
chased for the same persons on the opposite side of the 
bay, at Cape May. This purchase was made from 
nine chiefs, and was sixteen miles in length by the 
same in breadth. 

In 1630 two vessels were fitted out and laden with 
emigrants, animals, implements, grain, seeds, etc., for 
settlement on the Delaware or South River. The 
command was given to David Pretersen de Vries, and 
the vessels arrived at their destination early in 1631. 
The settlers, thirty-four in number, landed at Hore 
Kill,' now Lewis Creek. Here a palisade fort was 
erected, and, in the autumn, De Vries returned to 
Holland, leaving the colony in charge of Giles Osset. 
In the absence of De Vries, Osset, who appears to 
have been an indiscreet man, quarreled with the In- 
dians, and one of their chiefs was killed. It has been 
said that the arms of the States-General were set up, 
painted on tin, and that a chief, attracted by the 
shining metal, took it to convert it into trinkets. 
This was regarded as a national insult, and to appease 
the wrath of the settlers the head of the chief was 
brought by the Indians themselves. The truth of 
this story is doubted. Probably the chief had been 
wantonly killed for some trifling offense. On the re- 
turn of De Vries, in December, 1632, he found nothing 
of the colony he had left but the skulls and bones of 
the colonists strewn on the ground. The Indians had 
fallen on them when unsuspicious of danger, killed 
them all, and burned their fort and other buildings. 

After lingering a few weeks in the neighborhood 
of Hoornkill, De Vries, in January, 1633, sailed up 
the river to Fort Nassau, which he found occupied by 
Indians. The Hollanders, left there by Mey ten years 
before, had voluntarily removed to New Amsterdam. 



HereJDe Vries, by the timely information giveu him 
by an Indian woman, eluded a plan to murder him 
and his crew, as the crew of an English boat that liad 
been sent there by the Governor of Virginia had been 
entrapped and murdered. He descended the' river 
and sailed for Manhattan, and thus ended the llrst. 
attempt to colonize the country on the Delaware. 



CHAPTER IIL 



SAVEDISH REGIME. 



> Variously written Horesliill, Hoaikill, Whoreliill, doubtless corrup- 
tions of Hoovnkill, from Hoorn, a city in Holland, and Kill, a rivor or 
creek. 



The first project of planting a Swedish colony in 
America was formed during the reign of the renowned 
Gustavus Adolphus. Upon the representation of 
William Usselinx, a Hollander, that America offei'ed 
great advantages for profitable trade, a company was 
formed, and in 1626 a favorable edict was issued by 
the king. Ships and all necessaries were provided, 
and the preparations were made for the accomplish- 
ment of the work, but the breaking out of the Ger- 
man war, and the subsequent death of the king, ar- 
rested the proceedings, and for the time defeated the 
project. 

Although the idea of establishing a trading colony 
on an extensive scale was not revived, that of a colony 
for settlement was not long dormant. Peter Miiiuit, 
who had been Governor of the Dutch colony at New 
Amsterdam, went to Sweden and urged the project of 
a settlement on the Delaware. Count Oxenstiern 
favored the project, and laid the plan of a colony 
before Queen Christina. It met her approval, and in 
1636-37 she gave orders for its execution. Minuit 
was made commander of the colony, a ship, called 
the "Key of Calmar," was fitted out at Gottenburg, 
and sailed, accompanied by a smaller vessel, tlie 
"Bird Grip" (or "Griffin"), both laden with colonists 
and supplies. On their arrival they purchased from 
the Indians a tract of land on the west side of the 
river, extending from Cape Henlopen to the falls at 
Trenton, and settled on Christina Creek, at the mouth 
of which they built a fort, which they named, in honor 
of their queen. Fort Christina. 

Historians differ with regard to the time when thi.s 
fort was built, but the weight of evidence seems to 
fix the time not earlier than 1636 nor later than 1638, 
probably the latter year. On the death of Minuit 
the government of the colony devolved on Peter Hol- 
lendare, who, after eighteen months, returned to Swe- 
den, and was succeeded by Lieut.-Col. John Printz, 
who came over in 1642 in the ship "Fame," ac- 
companied by two other ships, the "Swan" and 
" Charitas." 

In the instructions given to Governor Print/, the 
following article is noteworthy in its bearing on the 
early settlement of the eastern side of the Delaware 
River : 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



"6. Recently, and in the year Inst past, viz., 1641, several English 
families, probably amounting to sixty persons in all, have settled and 
begun to build and cultivate the land elsewhere, namely, upon the 
east side of the above-mentioned south liver, on a little stream named 
Ferken's Kil,i so have also the above-named subjects of Her Majesty, 
and participants in the Company, purchased for themselves of the wild 
inhabitants of the country the whole of this eastern side of the river, 
from the mouth of the aforesaid great river at Cape May up to a stream 
named Narraticen's Kil,2 which tract extends about twelve (12) German 
miles, including also the said Ferken's Kil, with the intention of draw- 
ing to themselves the English aforesaid. Tliis purchase the governor 
shall always, with all his power, keep intact, and thus bring these fam- 
ilies under the jurisdiction and government of Her Royal JIajesty and 
the Swedish Crown, especially as we are informed that they themselves 
are not indisposed thereto, and should they be induced, as a free people, 
volnntarily to submit themselves to a government which can maintain 
and protect them, it is believed that they might shortly amount to some 
hundred strong. But however that may be, the Governor is to seek to 
bring these English under the government of the Swedish Crown as 
partners in this undertaking, and they might also, with good reason, be 
driven out and away from said place, therefore, Her Most Royal Majesty 
aforesaid will most graciously leave it to the discretion of Governor 
Printz so to consider and act in the premises as can be done with pro- 
priety and success." 

It is uot known whether the English settlers spoken 
of were squatters from New Haven, adventurers from 
Maryland, or the pioneers of Sir Edmund Ployden. 
With regard to the Indians, the instructions received 
by Governor Printz were to regard them as the right- 
ful owners of the country, to obtain land from them 
only by purchase, and to treat them in the most 
equitable and humane manner, that no injury should 
be done to them by any of his people. Thus was in- 
augurated the just and humane policy toward the na- 
tives that was afterward pursued by William Penn. 

As soon as it became known to the Dutch author- 
ities at New Amsterdam that the Swedes were erect- 
ing a fort at the mouth of Christina Creek, a protest 
was made by Governor William Kieft, " that the 
whole south river of the New Netherlands, both 
above and below, hath already for many years been 
our property, occupied by our forts and sealed with 
our blood, which was also done when you were in 
service in the New Netherlands, and you are, there- 
fore, well aware of this. But whereas you have now 
come among our forts to build a fortress to our injury 
and damage, which we shall never permit, as we are 
also assured that Her Royal Majesty of Sweden has 
never given you authority to build forts upon our 
rivers and coasts, and to settle people on the land, nor 
to traffic in peltries, nor to undertake anything to our 
injury, we do therefore protest against all the disorder 
and injury, and all the evil consequences of bloodshed, 
uproar, and wrong which our Trading Company may 
thus suffer, and that we shall protect our rights in 
such manner as we may find most advisable." 

Beyond this protest, and the repair and reoccupa- 
tion of Fort Nassau, it does not appear that any ac- 
tive measures were adopted by the Dutch, during the 
administration of Minuit and Hollandare, for the as- 



1 " Varken's Kil," i.e., "Hog Creek," now Salem Creek. 

2 liaccoon Creek. The Naraticongs are mentioned by O'Callaghan as 
an Indian tribe. 



sertion and maintenance of their rights which they 
claimed to the whole of Delaware River. 

Governor Printz selected as his residence the island 
of Tenackong, otherwise known as Tutaenung and 
Tenico,' and here he erected a fort, with considerable 
armament, which he named New Gotheborg. This 
location was selected because of its relation to Fort 
Nassau, by the occupancy of which the Dutch might 
interfere with passage on the river. 

It may here be remarked that a portion of the 
Swedish immigrants were called freemen, because 
they came with liberty to settle and remain in the 
country or leave it at their pleasure ; while another 
portion came in the service of a trading company, 
and received wages. Malefactors were also sent over 
at first, but the influx of these was arrested by Gov- 
ernor Printz. 

The traffic with the Indians, which the Swedes de- 
sired to control, was interfered with bxihe Dutch, 
who came with permits from Governor Stuyvesant, 
of New Amsterdam. One of these, named Thomas 
Broen, associated with some Swedish freemen, pur- 
chased from the natives land on the eastern shore 
adjacent to this. Printz protested against this, and 
made a purchase from the Indians of the land from 
Mantas Huck, nearly opposite Tenackong, to Narriti- 
cous, or Raccoon's Kihl. On this land he set up a 
post, to which he afiixed the Swedish coat of arms^ 
and thus, for a time, the plan of the Hollanders was 
frustrated. 

Governor Printz having by the erection of the fort 
on Tinicum Island blocked the passage of the Hol- 
landers to Fort Nassau, the latter, in the name of the 
States-General, made a treaty with the Indians in 
1651, for the land between Mingua's Kihl and Bambo 
Hook. This treaty was probably made with the 
Delawares, whose title to the soil was not admitted 
by the Mingos or Iroquois. Soon afterwards they 
built Fort Casimir, at Sandhuk (now Newcastle, in 
the State of Delaware). Governor Printz protested 
against the erection of this fort, but without eflect. 
To overcome the advantage which the Dutch had thus 
gained, Governor Printz erected, on the eastern shore, 
at a place called Wootsessung Sing (Salem Creek), 
another Swedish fort, which he named Eifsborg. 
From this fort the district in that region took the 
uame of Elsinborg. The fort was a Swedish mile 
(more than six English miles) below Fort Casimir, 
and two miles below Christina. From this fort Swe- 
dish ships were saluted as they passed, and Dutch 
vessels were compelled to lower their flags. This fort 
was afterwards called Myggenborg, because of the 
abundance of gnats, or mosquitoes (Myggor), which 
rendered it almost untenable. It was afterwards 
abandoned and destroyed by the Swedes. Several 
other fortifications were erected by the Swedes on the 
western side. 

3 Now Tinicum, about nine miles southwest from Philadelphia. 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



The Dutch historian, Adrian Van der Donck, thus 
speaks of Governor Printz's doings at this fort: 

" The Swedish governor, thinking that now is the 
right time, has built a fort called Elsinborg. There 
he holds a high hand over each and all, even over 
the vessels of our trading company, and all those who 
sail up into South Elver, compelling them to strike 
their flags, without exception. He sends two men on 
board to inquire where they come from, which is 
scarcely better than searching us, to which it will 
come at last. We cannot understand what right 
those Swedes have to act so, or how the officers of 
another power, as these give themselves out to be with 
full powers, can take upon themselves such high au- 
thority over another people's lands and wares which 
they have so long had in possession and sealed with 
their own blood, especially as we hold it by a charter." 

However jealous the Swedes and Hollanders were 
of each other, they were always united in excluding 
the English from the river. Says Acrelius, " Already 
in those times the Englishman sought to settle him- 
self on those coasts, and had so far a claim to it as 
the western shore was regarded as the rear of Virginia, 
especially as the times then gave him the best right 
who had the most strength. The year before Gover- 
nor Printz landed the English had fortified a place 
upon the Schulkihl," whom the Dutch commissary at 
Fort Nassau was ordered to drive out. Again, Van 
der Donck says, " There lies another creek (kihl) on 
the eastern shore, three miles down towards the mouth 
of the river, called Varcken's Kihl (Hog Creek, or 
Salem Creek), where some English settled (the ones 
referred to in Governor Printz's instructions), but Di- 
rector Kieft drove them away, and protested against 
them being in that part, supported by the Swedes, for 
they had botli agreed to drive the English away." 

Governor Printz returned to Sweden in 1652, leav- 
ing the administration of governmental affairs in the 
hands of his son-in-law, John Papeoija. 

In 1654 the ship " Eagle" came from Sweden, bring- 
ing John Claudius Rising, who assumed the guberna- 
torial functions under the title of " General Director 
of New Sweden," and Papeoija returned to his native 
country. Immediately on the arrival of Rising he 
took possession of Fort Casimir, which was surren- 
dered by the Dutch commandant without bloodshed, 
and it was rebuilt and christened Fort Trinity. 

An engineer named Lindstrom, who came over with 
Rising, made a map of Swedes River, on which the 
following places on the eastern side were named : 

"Cape May, wbich is still so caUed; Astvehoens Kiver in Indian, 
called in Swedish Kiddai-e Kihl, now commonly (English) Prince Maur- 
ice Kiver; Fogelsland, Sw., now Egg Island; Sepahacking, or Co- 
hanzy Creek, the Indian name being retained in English; Roiter River, 
now Atlevas (Allovoways?), or Oliver's Creek; Asamohacking, Oijtscs- 
sing, WootseBsuugsing, Ind.; Eltsborg, Sw., now Elsingborg; Warken's 
Kihl in Dutch, Hog Creek in Eng., now Salem Creek; Obisquahosit, 
Ind., now Pennsneck ; Kagkikanizackius Kihl, Ind,; Aldman's Kihl, 
Sw., now Oldman's Creek; Blemiraco, Nan-iticon, Ind., now Kaccoon 
Creek. (N.B. — This name has undergone various changes: Memiraco, 
Kaccoon, Bacnnn, Narraticon, Araratcung, Ratcung.) Mackle's Kihl, 



now Manto's Creek ; Piscozackasing's Kihl, Ind., now Woodbury Creek ; 
Tetamekanek/. Kihl. Ind., now Timber Creek; Arwames, Tekoke, Te- 
kaacho, Hermaomissing, Ind.; Fort Nassaxi in Holland, now Gloucester 
Point." 1 

From the time that Fort Casimir was taken by Di- 
rector Rising, and the Dutch thus practically expelled 
from New Sweden, the Hollanders at New Amster- 
dam began to make preparations for retaliation. Their 
plans were matured, and in 1655 Governor Peter Stuy- 
vesant, with seven vessels and from six hundred to 
seven hundred men from New Amsterdam, sailed up 
the river, encamped one night at the abandoned and 
decayed Fort Elfsborg, then sailed past Fort Trinity, 
landed and invested that fort, which, after a delay of 
a day, surrendered. Thence the Hollanders marched 
against Fort Christina, which also surrendered with- 
out resistance. Thus terminated the Swedish author- 
ity on the Delaware. 

Ferris says, " The war now brought to an issue by 
the vigorous hand of Stuy vesant was, in many respects, 
a singular one. It was waged by the most powerful 
fleet and army that had ever been engaged in North 
America. It was prosecuted by a skillful, experi- 
enced general, and finally closed without the loss of 
a single victim on either side." 

Of the customs of the Swedes an intelligent and 
observing countryman of theirs (Professor Kalm), 
who resided some time among them in New Jersey, 
relates in substance : " They had neither tea, coffee, 
chocolate, nor sugar, and were too poor to buy any 
intoxicating drinks, or vessels to distill them in. The 
first settlers drank at table, as a substitute for tea, a 
decoction of sassafras, and even as late as 1748 they 
mixed the tea they then used with all sorts of herbs, 
so that it no longer deserved the name of tea. For a 
long time they continued to make their candles and 
soap from bayberry bushes. Their buckwheat cakes, 
which were a standard dish, were baked in frying- 
pans, or on stones. The men wore caps, breeches, 
and vests of the skins of various animals. The 
women wore jackets and petticoats of the same ma- 
terials. Their beds, except the sheets, were composed 
of the skins of wolves, bears, panthers, and other 
beasts, with which the woods once abounded. They 
made their own leather for shoes and other articles, 
dyeing it red with chestnut bark, or the moss of a cer- 
tain tree not now known, or black with a preparation 
of common field-sorrel." Among the customs men- 
tioned by Kalm, as peculiar to some of the settle- 
ments on the banks of the Delaware, there was one 
which may be adverted to. When a man died in 
such circumstances that his widow could not pay his 
debts, if she had an offer of a second husband she 
was obliged to marry him en chemise. In this plight, 
on her wedding day, she went out from her former 
house to that of her new spouse, who met her half- 
way with a full suit of clothes, which he presented to 
her, saying he only rented them, because had he given 

1 Acrelius, p. 69, 



GENERAL HISTOKY. 



them to her the creditors of the first husband might 
take them from her. 

Until the English arrived the Swedes bathed regu- 
larly every Saturday. Christmas they celebrated 
with various games, and by serving up certain pecu- 
liar dishes at table, as was customary in old Sweden. 

Tliey made their cart and wagon wheels by sawing 
thick sections out of liquidambar-trees, but when the 
English came they began to use spokes and fel- 
loes of white- and Spanish-oak. They made their 
bedposts of sassafras wood to keep away the bugs. 
Holly-leaves, dried and bruised in a mortar, they used 
as a cure for the pleurisy. Against the ague they 
employed the root of the tulip-tree, the bark of the 
dogwood, the yellow bark of the peacli, the leaves of 
the potentilla reptans, and several other indigenous 
preparations which they adopted from the Indians. As 
an anti-febrile they sometimes tied wisps of mullein 
or Indian tobacco around their arms and feet. The 
root of the bayberry-tree they used as a cure for the 
toothache. 

Kalm says, "The house of the first Swedish set- 
tlers was very indifferent. It consisted of but one 
room ; the door was so low as to require one to stoop 
to enter. Instead of window-panes of glass they had 
little holes, before which a sliding-board was put, or 
on other occasions they had isinglass. The crevices 
between the logs were filled with clay, the chimneys 
in a corner were generally of gray sandstone, or for 
want of it sometimes of mere clay ; the ovens were in 
the same room. They had at first separate stables 
for the cattle, but after the English came and set the 
example they let their cattle suffer in the open win- 
ter air." 



CHAPTER IV. 



DUTCH REGIME. 



Although Swedish historians have complained of 
the grievousness and afflictive character of the sub- 
jugation of the Swedes to the authority of the Dutch, 
it does not appear to have been in reality afflictive or 
grievous to them. They were for a time cut off from 
as frequent intercourse with the mother-country as 
before, but their rights were scrupulously respected, 
and in the exercise of their religious beliefs they were 
left wholly free. In his mortification at the loss of 
the colony. Rising sought to induce the Swedish govern- 
ment to undertake the reconquest of the country, and 
endeavored to make the impression that the Swedish 
colonists were badly treated and oppressed. As time 
wore on, however, this wrong impression was corrected, 
and in a. letter from thirty-six of the principal Swedes 
on the Delaware it was stated, — • 

" Since this country has ceeJied to be under the goTernment of Sweden, 
we are bound to acknowledge and declare, fm- the sake of tnUhy that we 



have been well and kindly treated as well bij the Dutch as by bis majesty 
the king of England. We have always bad over us good and gracious 
magistrates, and we live in the greatest utiittn and liarniony with each 
other." 

The Dutch were a commercial people, and the pro- 
motion of their trade on the Delaware was the object 
they sought in the recovery of their possessions from 
the Swedes. They cared little for land, which could 
be had anywhere by taking it up, and during their 
possession of the region they gave the Swedes only 
three deeds for real estate, — two for plantations and 
one for a mill, — and these were deeds of confirma- 
tion for the satisfaction of occupants. IVIany such 
deeds were afterwards executed by the English au- 
thorities. They were willing to encourage agriculture, 
because it tended to promote commerce ; and where 
that encouragement depended on the easy acquisition 
of land they placed no restrictions on it. They 
wished to trade, and not to govern ; hence the lenity 
which they exercised. 

In 1656 the colony was strengthened by the acces- 
sion of families from New Amsterdam, who were or- 
dered by the government to settle in villages of six- 
teen to twenty families for protection against the 
natives, who, in the vicinity of North River, had been 
hostile. 

On retiring from the scene of his conquest. Gover- 
nor Stuyvesant left Deryk Smidt in charge of the 
settlements, but on his arrival at New Amsterdam he 
commissioned Johan Paul Jaquet as Governor. 

From all their municipal regulations it appears 
evident that the Dutch were not desirous of strength- 
ening their colonies by filling them with a vigorous 
population. They appear to have acted more in fear 
that the presence of such a population among the 
Indians would interfere with their trade than in the 
hope that it would give support in time of danger. 
" Present gain seems to have closed their eyes to fu- 
ture evils, and blinded them to the fact that a very 
extensive fertile country could not be long retained 
for the benefit of a mere trading company." 

After having been established in America during 
half a century the Dutch had only a meagre popula- 
tion, while the colonies in New England, in less time, 
had so expanded that they were crowding the Dutch 
from their trading-places. 

In April, 1657, Jaquet was superseded by Jacob 
Alrich, and in October, 1658, William Beekman was 
appointed Vice-Governor over a part of the colony. 
Goeran Van Dyke was made inspector over the 
Swedes, under the Dutch title of Schout fiscal, and 
an unsuccessful effort was made to gather these peo- 
ple from the places where they had settled and im- 
proved their lands into one settlement. The adminis- 
tration of Alrich was not marked by that liberality 
which characterized that of the other Dutch Gov- 
ernors. 

At that time the number of Swedish families in the 
colony was one hundred and thirty, and they consti- 



10 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



tuted a majority of the population. Estimated from 
that basis, the European population on the Delaware 
in 1659 did not exceed twelve hundred. 

In May, 1659, Beekman, acting under orders from 
Stuyvesant, purchased from the Indians the land 
from Bambo Hook to Cape Henlopen, and erected a 
fort at Hoorn Kill. In this purchase no regard ap- 
pears to have been had for the purchase either of 
Godyn or of the Swedes. 

On the New Jersey side of the Delaware the Dutch 
had at this time acquired several tracts of country, 
and it is reasonable to suppose that the road between 
the colonies on the North and South Rivers was not 
without inhabitants. 

After the failure of the attempts to collect the 
Swedes into a settlement by themselves a more lib- 
eral policy was pursued, and these people quietly 
settled down among their Dutch neighbors, and in 
a few years, by family alliances, they became one 
people. The Swedes maintained public worship, 
while the Dutch had no regular ministry among 
them. The children of the Dutch soon came to un- 
derstand the religious service in the Swedish churches, 
and gradually they lost their Dutch character and 
language, so that the people became homogeneous, 
and in their manners and customs they were purely 
Swedish. 

Governor Alrich died in 1659, and was succeeded 
by Alexander Hinoyosa, who administered the gov- 
ernment jointly with Beekman during three years, 
when Hinoyosa became sole Governor under Stuy- 
vesant. 

The profits to the West India Company from its 
trade on the Delaware were not remunerative. The 
stringent regulations of the government in relation 
to trade were not conducive to the prosperity of the 
colony. It has been said, "On a review of the state 
of the Swedish settlements on the Delaware, under 
the dominion of the Dutch, there is little to incline 
the friends of civil liberty to love or admire the gov- 
ernment whose sole object is pecuniary emolument. Its 
policy was not only mercenary but highly injurious 
to the civil and intellectual improvement of the in- 
habitants. Under the leaden sceptre of a Dutch 
trading company everything beautiful, and fair, and 
good drooped and languished. The people were dis- 
couraged and indolent, the lands, by nature fruitful, 
and offering rich returns to the diligent cultivator, 
were neglected and lay waste. The manners of the 
people were rude and unpolished, education was not 
promoted, the standard of morals was low, and the 
population, which had been gradually augmenting 
under the Swedish dominion, had increased but little 
under that of the Dutch. 

" The rational nature of man requires higher aspi- 
rations and aims than those which find their fruition 
in the accumulation of wealth or personal aggrandize- 
ment, and governments which fail to promote such 
aims and aspirations will end, as did the rule of the 



Dutch West India Company on the banks of the Del- 
aware, in disappointment." 



CHAPTER V. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS AND FINAL CONQUEST BY 
THE ENGLISH. 

The successor of Peter Minuit as director-general 
or Governor of New Netherlands was Wouter van 
Twiller, who was appointed in 1633. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1638 by William Kieft, and he, in 1646, by 
Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch Governor of that 
province. 

It may here be remarked that the English never 
abandoned their claim to the couutry on which the 
Dutch and Swedes settled in North America. The 
claim to these regions was based on the discoveries 
of Cabot, Hudson, and others, and though its validity 
has been more than questioned, it was never relin- 
quished. The English nation has always been fertile 
in pretexts for claims on anything which it coveted. 

In 1606 James I. granted letters patent dividing 
that portion of the American continent which 
stretches from the thirty-fourth to the forty-sixth 
degrees of north latitude into two nearly equal dis- 
tricts. The south, or Virginia district, was allotted 
to Sir Thomas Gates, Richard Hackluyt, and others, 
of London, and the other to sundiy knights, gentle- 
men, and merchants of Plymouth, Bristol, and other 
parts of Western England. Under this charter, and 
another granted to the Plymouth Company in 1620, 
the settlement of Virginia and New England were 
commenced. 

It is not necessary here to trace the growth of these 
and other colonies, or to make allusions to them, ex- 
cept as they are directly or remotely connected with 
events which transpired with the settlements on the 
Delaware ; and here it may be remarked that so inti- 
mately v/ere the settlements on the eastern and western 
sides of the river connected, that the early history of 
the former cannot be separated from that of the 
latter. 

Early during the administration by Van Twiller of 
the government of New Netherland, the relations 
between the Dutch and English in New England be- 
gan to assume a threatening character. The Dutch 
had entered Connecticut River and established a 
trading-post. The expansion of the New England 
colony in that direction led to questions of jurisdic- 
tion, protests, and finally to threatened hostilities, 
with the result of the loss by the Dutch of the foot- 
hold which they had acquired there. 

In the year of the arrival of Director Kieft the 
English formed a settlement at a place which they 
named New Haven, but which had been called by 
the Dutch Roodeberg, and notwithstanding the pro- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



11 



testa of Kieft they continued to hold possession. In 
addition to the lands occupied there they sought fur- 
ther acquisitions, and in the following year they sent 
an agent, Capt. Nathaniel Turner, who purchased 
from the Indians a tract for plantations on both sides 
of the river Delaware. 

Many of the grants from the English king appear 
to have been made in ignorance or forgetfulness of 
the limits of previous grants, and the result, in many 
instances, was confusion and conflict of jurisdiction. 
The grant to the Virginia Company had lapsed by 
the dissolution of that company, and a portion of the 
territory had been regranted, in 1632, to George Cal- 
vert, Lord Baltimore, and had become the province of 
Maryland. 

In 1634 a grant in favor of Sir Edmund Ployden, 
knight, and his associates, was made. This grant 
included territory bounded by a line running west- 
wardly from Cape May forty leagues, northwardly 
forty leagues, northeastwardly forty leagues ; then, 
"descending, touching, and including the top of 
Sandhoey (Sandy Hook), to the promontory of Cape 
May aforesaid." This grant included portions of 
Maryland and of the territory of New England, and 
all these grants wholly ignored the title of the Dutch. 

This grant was ample and full in the title to the 
lands conveyed ; and in the powers which it conferred 
on Sir Edmund Ployden, it was, to say the least, ex- 
traordinary. He was constituted county palatine, 
with the title of Earl Palatine of Albion or of the 
province of New Albion in America, and invested 
with, in some respects, almost regal authority. He 
was empowered to ordain laws under certain circum- 
stances, and to create barons, baronets, and knights 
of his palatinate. It was also provided that all per- 
sons, goods, wares, or merchandise intended for the 
settlement of the palatinate should be shipped with- 
out tax or duty, with only a license from the king's 
treasurer, and that all goods and merchandise ex- 
ported from the province might, for the space of ten 
years, be sold in any part of the kingdom without the 
payment of any tax or duty whatever. It was also 
provided that no tax or custom should thereafter be 
imposed on any of the inhabitants, lands, goods, 
chattels, merchandise, etc., within the province. 

It does not appear that the rights derived from this 
patent were exercised during the reign of James or 
the first Charles, but that they were during the Eev- 
olution. It was said in the patent that the region 
had already been " amply and copiously peopled with 
five hundred persons ;" but this is doubtful. An as- 
sociation of ■" lords, baronets, knights, merchants, 
and planters, forty-four in number, was formed, and 
they engaged to send for settlement in the province 
three thousand able-trained men." 

Mulford says,' "In the year 1641 the earl made 
an attempt to carry out the projected plan, and for 



its better success attended the enterprise in person. 
He conducted a company into the province, though 
it would seem that but a small part of the promised 
number of men were in actual attendance. Either 
from the smallness of his force or from some other 
cause the earl did not succeed in his endeavors to 
establish a settlement, but he remained in the country, 
and engaged in exploring his province. The whole 
extent was divided into several manors, and these, 
being dignified with well-chosen names, served to 
give titles to each member of the earl palatine's 
family. Thus there were the -son and heir appar- 
ent, and Governor, Francis, Lord Ployden, baron of 
Mount Eoyal, an extensive manor on Elk River, and 
Thomas, Lord Ployden, high admiral, baron of Koy- 
mount, a manor on the Delaware Bay in the vicinity 
of Lewistown, and the Lady Winifrid, baroness of 
Uvedale in Webb's Neck. 

"Almost at the same time with the arriyal of the 
earl a company of persons entered the province with 
a view to effect a permanent settlement therein. 
This was the body sent out by the New Haven 
colony to take possession of the lands upon the Del- 
aware that had been purchased by Capt. Turner, as 
has heretofore been mentioned. They were instructed 
to act in close connection with the mother colony ; 
they were to plant the lands and engage in trade, 
and were also to establish churches in gospel order 
and purity. 

"The company, consisting of near fifty families, 
sailed in a vessel belonging to one Lamberton, a 
merchant of New Haven, and Robert Cogswell was 
commander. They touched at Fort Amsterdam on 
their voyage, and the authorities at that place be- 
came thus apprized of the nature of the object they 
had in view. Governor Kieft was too much alive to 
the movements of the English to look with indiffer- 
ence upon the present attempt, and he at once pro- 
tested against it. The English commander replied 
that it was not their intention to settle under any 
government, if any other place could be found, but 
that should they settle within the limits of the States- 
General they would become subject to the govern- 
ment. The company then proceeded. They finally 
reached a place which they selected for a settlement 
not far from the Delaware on a small stream called 
Varcken's Kill. ' 

" Whether these settlers were at all aware of the 
rights and claims of the Earl Palatine of .^.Ibion at 
the time they entered the province is unknown, but 
finding him in the country, as the holder of a grant 
from the English crown, they were ready to submit 
to his rule, and hence, upon being visited by persons 
commissioned by the Earl, they swore fealty to him 
as the Palatine of Albion. 

" But the company had not long been settled in 
their new situation before they found themselves in 



1 History of New Jeraey, p. 69, et seq. 



2 Otherwise called Hog Creek, now Salem Creek. 



12 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



need of the aid and protection which their present 
ruler was in no condition to give. 

"Their settlement had been observed by Jan Jans- 
sen Van Ilpendam, the Dutch commandant, who re- 
sided on the Delaware at Fort Nassau, and informa- 
tion of what was passing was soon transmitted to the 
director at Fort Amsterdam. Kieft immediately 
ordered that two vessels should be prepared and dis- 
patched to the Delaware with orders to visit the Eng- 
lish and to reduce or disperse the colony. This order 
was speedily obeyed; the Dutch made an entrance 
upon the settlement, took possession of the goods, 
burned the houses, and detained a number of the 
people as prisoners. 

"The Swedes who were established upon the Dela- 
ware gave aid and assistance to the Dutch in this 
attack upon the English colony. 

" After a period an attempt was made from another 
direction for the purpose of establishing a colony 
within the province of New Albion. 

" The storm of political agitation was now arising 
in England, and its violence had a\ready become 
such as to shake the State and the throne. The 
minds of men were ill at ease, and such as were dis- 
posed to seek tranquillity and f)eace rather than to 
share in the danger, the glory, and the guilt of the 
coming strife, were anxious to find an asylum in some 
distant land. A number of ' knights and gentlemen' 
who were thus disposed associated together and chose 
one of their company to visit the English plantations 
in America and select a place for a settlement. The 
individual thus chosen was Beauchamp Plantagenet. 
He proceeded at once upon his errand, and after ex- 
tensive travel in the several colonies finally fixed on 
the province of New Albion. He made application 
to the Lord Governor, then in the country, and ob- 
tained, under the seal of the province, a grant of ten 
thousand acres of land. This tract was called the 
Manor of Belvill. Some time afterwards Plantagenet 
returned in order to attend the removal of his com- 
panions, and nearly at the same time the Earl Pala- 
tine also departed from the province, being obliged to 
return to England for aid and supplies. Upon their 
arrival in Europe the Earl Palatine and Plantagenet 
again met, and they then exerted themselves to revive 
the energies of the New Albion Company. For this 
purpose Plantagenet wrote and published ' A Descrip- 
tion of the Province of New Albion,' dedicating it to 
the officers and members of the company, the writer 
himself having become a member of the body." 

This was written in 1648, and the resources of the 
province were thus described by him : 

" 1. Here by bringing good Labourers, and Trades- 
men, the provident planters may doe well by giving 
shares or double wages, when each man may earn his 
five, nay sixe shillings a day in Tobacco, Flaxe, Rice. 

" 2. For here the ship-carpenters ten men a day 
will build a tun of shipping as in England, which 
with masts and yards there taken is here, and there 



worth** a tun, and yet here and there is built at \l. a 
tun wages, which is 6s. a day's work, having the Tim- 
ber without money. 

" 3. Here in 14 days they make a thousand of Pipe 
staves, worth here foure pound, and at the Canaries 
twenty pound a thousand, and so get six shillings a 
day's work. 

"4. Here in making iron they save 51. a tun in the 
price of wood, and 3^. more in digging the Iron mine, 
and saving land carriage of it, and of the chaecoale 
for mine is taken on the Sea beach, and wood floated 
down the Rivers, and so each man earns 5s. lOd. a day. 
Iron valued at 121. per tun. 

"5. Here the constant trade of 850 ships, and 7000 
men a fishing beginne leave cold JVewfoundland small 
fish, and late taken, when this is before theirs two 
moneths at the market, 100 fish here yeelds four 
quintales, there scarce one, and here is fish all the 
year, there but only in the four warm months, and is for 
nine weeks' work each man above his diet, passage, 
and returne, gets twenty pound, and twelve pound a 
man, and herein dried Base, in Sturgeon, in dressed 
Mackrell, Herrings, and Pilchers, is got as well as in 
Cod-fish, sixe shil. and eight shil. a day, and this re- 
turns ready French and Spani.sh coin. 

"6. Here the glorious ripening sunne as warm as 
Italy or Spain, will bring rare fruits, wines, and such 
store of Aniseseed and Licoras, as well as Bay-salt 
made without boyling, only in pans with the sun, 
that each labourer may mak 6 bushels a day, worth 
in these three 12s. a day, and this maiden soyl, so 
comforted with the suns glittering beams, and being 
digged, and set with the Indian Wheat, and their 
Beans and Pease, with 40s. charge in 41 days' work 
with seed, yields 10 quarters an acre, the same Wheat 
being ten times as big and weighty as ours, besides 
Potatoes, Wood, Madder, Roots, and many Plants, 
and Tobacco, will yield half a tun of flax, and a tun 
of Hemp, worth 12^. an acre, and 6s. a day's work. 

" 7. Here as in Province in Prance, Walnut Milk or 
Oyle ground and pressed, will yield the gatherer ten 
gallons, and 10s. a day's work. 

"8. Here the Land lieth covered seven moneths 
with Beech, and Oke Mast, walnuts, chestnuts, and 
three moneths with groundnuts, Seg and other roots, 
and wild Pease, and fetches yearly, so as forty Hogs 
for one, and Ninety Turkeys, Partridges, Heath poults, 
and some Poultry, eating their fill, for once ordinary 
increased. 

" 9. Here the Sope and Potashes men paying in 
England lid. a bushel and id. carriage for ashes, and 
20^. a tun for Pot-ashes, may make them at a quarter 
and lesse, and get 8s. a day's work, by cutting, reek- 
ing, and burning whole plains of fern, Brambles, and 
wilde Vines, being thrice as strong as Wood-ashes. 

" 10. Here a ship may goe, and return in five 

moneths laded, and comfortable, see their friends, 

making two voyages a year, in a healthy ayre, free 

I from Enemies and Turks, and get two for one each 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



13 



voyage ; that is, four for one, of that stock, and pro- 
ceed in a year. 

"11. Here the kinde Gentleman that in England 
[loth not live witliout deep mortgages, suretyship, 
law-suits and troubles, may here settle, and avoid ill 
company, and tempting occasions, and live in plenty, 
and variety of all sorts, hunting Deere, hawking 
fowl, fishing, and many more sports, and sorts of 
game, as with dainty fruits; and lay up his spare 
rents. 

" 12. Here the Soldier, and gentleman wanting em- 
ployment, and not hire to labor, without going to war 
to kil Christians for 58. a week in the mouth of the 
roaring cannon, or in a siege threatened with famine, 
and pestilence : and often together against a few 
naked saviages, may like a devout Apostoliqued sol- 
dier with sword, and the world to civilize, and con- 
vert them to be his Majesties Lieges, and by trading 
with them for furs, get his ten shillings a day, and at 
home intermixing sport and pleasure, with profit, 
store his Parks with Elks and fallow Deer, are fit to 
ride, milke or drawe, the first as big as oxen, and 
bringing three a year, and with five hundred Turkeys 
in a flock got by nets, in stalling get his five shil. a 
day at least." 

"To excite the greater interest a sort of order of 
knighthood was instituted with a view to enlist per- 
sons to go to the province and engage in efforts for 
the conversion of the natives to the Christian faith. 
Those who should devote themselves to this service 
were to be associated under the name and title of 
' The Albion Knights of the Conversion of the 
Twenty-three Kings.' This title had reference to 
the number of Indian kings supposed to be living 
and ruling within the province. But all these efforts \ 
fell short of their object. The ' three thousand able \ 
and trained men' were never enlisted, and no one of 
the Albion Knights of the Conversion ever arrived at 
the field of labor, nor did the Earl Palatine himself 
or his coadjutor, Plantagenet, find a fit opportunity 
again to visit the province. 

" What number of persons ever resided in New 
Albion under the Palatine's rule, or what was their 
condition, is but imperfectly known. A fort called 
Eriwoneck was erected upon the Delaware, near the 
mouth of the Pensaukin, and this post was held 
during the greater part of the earl's sojourn by a 
small body of men. The New Haven colony was 
said to consist of near fifty families, and there were 
al.so a few traders from Virginia residing at different 
places. These companies, together with the people 
on the Isle of Plowden, or Long Island, made up the 
population of the Palatine's province. One of the 
manors, called Watcessit, was selected as the princi- 
pal residence of the earl, and this, it may be supposed, 
was the seat of authority. A plan of government 
was also fully devised; as described by Plantagenet 
it was different in some respects from that laid down 
in the patent. A particular notice of its provisions 



may not be necessary, as it was never brought into 
actual operation, but its general character is worthy 
of notice. It was mild and liberal in temper. 

" In religious matters the most entire freedom was 
given. Some fundamental doctrines, as well as cer- 
tain forms, were to be settled by acts of Parliament ; 
yet dissent was not to be punished. Indeed, all rail- 
ing against any one on account of religion was 
deemed an offence, for it was said, ' this argument or 
persuasion in religious ceremonies or church disci- 
pline should be acted in mildness, love, charity, and 
gentle language.' This noble sentiment, carried out 
as it was to have been into actual practice, gives one 
of the finest as well as earliest examples of religious 
toleration known to the world. In regard to this 
particular, full justice has not been done to the law- 
giver of New Albion. Williams and Calvert have 
been lauded, and justly lauded, as being the first to 
remove the shackles of religious intole^rai^ce, and 
give full liberty to the mind of man in the com- 
munion it holds with its Great Creator. Williams 
was doubtless the first to proclaim the principle ' that 
the civil magistrate has no right to restrain or direct 
the consciences of men.' Calvert followed closely in 
his track. To these men let honor be given. But 
they have been represented as standing entirely alone 
until the appearance of Penn. This is not just or 
true. Ployden may not have advanced to the same 
point ; he retained the shadow of a state religion, 
but he offered the fullest freedom and the fullest pro- 
tection to all, and gave his voice in favor of mildness, 
charity, and love. Though his designs were not suc- 
cessful, though the work he projected fell short of 
completion, yet he deserves to be ranked with the 
benefactors of our race, and New Albion is entitled 
to a higher place in the history of human progress 
than is often allotted to greater and more fortunate 
States. 

"No collision, nor, indeed, any intercourse, is 
known to have occurred between the authorities of 
New Albion and New Netherland. The attack of 
the Dutch upon the settlement at Varcken's Kill led 
to no further hostilities. 

" After that occurrence, and the retirement of the 
forces that had been sent from Manhattan, Van Ilpen- 
dam, the commandant of Fort Nassau, continued at 
his post, and he was directed by Kieft to take care 
and preserve dominion, and to defend the honor of 
the high and mighty States, and of tlie Honorable 
West India Company. But however necessary this 
vigilance may have been to prevent the advancement 
of others, it was scarcely required toward the Earl 
Palatine, of Albion. If possessed of any ability, he 
was little disposed to a hostile movement in oppo- 
sition to the Dutch. In their late aggression the blow 
had been aimed .at New Haven rather than New 
Albion, and in addition to this the Earl was less ap- 
prehensive as to the principal actors in the move- 
ment than as to their accessories. He is reported to 



14 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



have said that 'he would have no misunderstanding 
with the Dutch, though he was much offended with, 
and bore a grudge against, the Swedes/ " 

In 1660 Charles II. recovered the throne of his 
ancestors. Early in his reign circumstances tended 
to disturh the friendly relations that had subsis- 
ted between England and Holland. In addition 
to the European rivalries and jealousies, which 
tended to weaken the friendship between the two 
nations, it is believed that Charles II. for once ex- 
tended his vision beyond the scene of his personal 
gratifications, and looked with a covetous eye on that 
portion of the American coast between the English 
possessions in New England and the south that had 
been settled and held by the Dutch. In March, 
1664, he executed to his brother, the Duke of York 
and Albany, a charter containing a grant of the 
region between the western bank of the Connecticut 
River and the eastern shore of the Delaware. In 
June of the same year, and before possession had 
been attempted, the Duke of York conveyed the ter- 
ritory of New Jersey to Lord Berkeley and Sir George 
Carteret by an instrument in the following form : 

"Tins Indenture, made the three-and-tweniietb day of June, in the 
sixteenth year of the Raigne of our Sovereign Lord Chalee the Second, 
by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, 
Defender of the Faith, Anno Domine 1664. Between his Royal High- 
ness James, Duke of York and Albany, Earl of Ulster, Lord High Ad- 
miral of England and Ireland, Constable of Dover Castle, Lord Warden 
of the Cinque Ports, Governor of Portsmouth, of the one part, John 
Lord Berkely, Baron of Stratton, and one of his majesty's most honor- 
able privy council, and Sir George Carteret, of Satturm, in the County 
of Devon, knight, and one of liis majesty's most honorable privy coun- 
cil, of the other part, Witnesseth; that the said James, Duke of York, 
for and in consideration of the sum of ten shillings of lawful money of 
England, to him in hand paid, by these presents doth bargain and sell 
unto the said John Lord Bei'kely and Sir George Carteret all that tract 
of land adjacent to New England, and lying and being to the westward 
of Long Island. Bounded on tlie east part by the main sea and part of 
Hudson River, and hath upon the west Delaware Bay or River, and ex- 
tendelh southward to the main ocean, as far as Cape May, at the mouth 
of Delaware Bay, and to the northward as far as the northernmost 
branch of said bay or river of Delaware, which is in forty-one degrees 
and forty minutes of latitude, and worketh over thence iu a straight 
line to Hudson's River, which said tract of land is hereafter to he called 
by the name or names of Nova Cesarea or New Jersey." 

In addition to the consideration of ten shillings an 
annual rent of "one pepper corn" was to be paid on 
the day of the nativity of St, John the Baptist, if 
legally demanded. It is said that the name New 
Jersey was given in compliment to Carteret, who had 
defended the island of Jersey against the Long Par- 
liament in the civil wars. 

In the latter part of 1664, without any formal decla- 
ration of war, a small English fleet and some land 
forces arrived before New Amsterdam, and demanded 
its surrender, which Governor Stuyvesant, in conse- 
quence of the defenseless state of the place, was com- 
pelled to yield. 

Sir Robert Carr was at once ordered to proceed to 
the Delaware and bring into subjection the settlers 
there. He was instructed to call on the Governor of 
Maryland and all other English in that vicinity, if 



necessary, for assistance ; but on his arrival Fort Gas- I 

simir was quietly surrendered, and the province came i 

under the control of the English by the following j 

stipulations: | 

"Aiticles of agreement between the Honourable Sir Robert Carr, 1 
knight, on behalf of his majesty of Great Britain, and the Burgomas- i 
ters on behalf of themselves and all the Dutch and Swedes inhabiting > 
on Delaware Bay and Delaware River. 

" 1. That all the burgesses and planters will submit themselves to his ' 
majesty without any resistance. j 

"2. Thatwhoever, or wliat nation soever, doth eulmiittohis majesty's 
authority shall be protected in their estates, real and personal, whatso- 
ever by his majesty's laws and justice. ' 

"3. That the present magistrates shall be continued in their offices ! 
and jurisdictions to exercise their civil power as formerly. \ 

"4. Tiiat if any Dutchman or other person shall desire to depart from j 
this river it shall be lawful for him to do so, with his goods, within six I 
months after the date of these articles. i 

"5. That the magistrates and all the inhabitants who are included in 
these articles shall take the oath of allegiance to his majesty. 

"6. That all people shall enjoy the liberty of their consciences in 
church discipline as formerly. 

"7. That whosoever sliall take an oath is from that time a free deni- 
zen, and shall enjoy all the privileges of trading into any of his maj- 
esty's dominions as freely as any Englishman, and may require a certifi- 
cate for so doing. 

"8. That the schout, the burgomaster, sheriff, and other inferior mag- 
istrates shall use and exercise their customary power in administration 
of justice within their precincts for six months, or until his majesty's 
pleasure is further known. Dated October 1st, 1664." 



CHAPTER VI. 



ENSLISH REGIME. 



Thus terminated the rule of the Dutch on the 
Delaware. As before stated, they had done nothing 
to promote agricultural improvement. All their 
efforts had been directed towards the protection of 
the odious monopoly of the West India Company. 
Tliese efforts had been inefficient, and a door was thus 
left open for the clandestine trade of the smuggling 
adventurer. This trade had been so extensively car- 
ried on by the settlers, that wliile it constituted their , 
chief source of revenue, the profits of legitimate I 
commerce did not pay the expenses of its prosecution, j 
When the weak government of the Dutch was sue- i 
ceeded by the more efficient rule of the English, tliis 
illicit trade was more effectually prevented ; and thus 
was cut off the chief source of the little business that 
had animated the cheerless lives of the inhabitants. 

Acrelius says, " When the English government 
commenced all were summoned to New York to re- ' 
ceive deeds for the land which they had either taken 
up or intended to take up. A part of the inhabitants ij 
took deeds, others gave themselves no trouble about ' 
the matter. The people lived in great quiet, but ex- 
treme indolence. No agriculture, no trade was pur- 
sued, more than was necessary to supply their absolute 
wants." 

On the west side of the Delaware the territory was 
under the control of the Duke of York, of whom it 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



15 



has been said he " was perhaps the weakest of the 
weak and unhappy family of the Stuarts." The Gov- 
ernors of the New York colony were the rulers here, 
and it is not too much to say that the people had 
never before been subjected to a more tyrannical 
government. One of these, Governor Lovelace, said, 
" As for the poor deluded sort, I think the advice of 
their own countryman is not to be despised ; who, 
knowing their temper well, prescribed a method for 
keeping them in order, which is severity, and liiying 
such taxes on them as might not give them liberty to en- 
tertain any other thoughts but how to discharge them." 

The charter granted by Charles the Second to the 
Duke of York granted all 

" Tbe rents, revenues, and profits of the premises, and all our estate, 
right, title, and interest therein ; and we do further grant unto the said 
James, the Duke of York, his heirs, deputies, agents, co77imusioners, and 
iissigTVi, full and absolute power and authority to correct, punish, par- 
don, govern, and rule all stich person or persons as shall, from time to 
time, adventure themselves into auy of the parts or places aforesaid, 
and to ostjibltBh such laws, orders, and ordinances as may be thought 
necessary, so that they be "not contrary to, but as near as conveniently 
may be agreeable to the laws, statutes, and government of the realm of 
England." 

The grant from the Duke to Berkeley and Carteret 
conveyed to them all his rights and powers " in as 
full and ample a manner" as he had received them ; 
and thus, says Gordon, " even with the light which 
had been stricken forth by the extraordinary politi- 
cal concussions of the passing century, the allegiance 
and obedience of freemen were made transferable, 
and, as if they were serfs, attached to the soil." 

After the British revolution of 1688 the ministers 
of William the Third recognized a hereditary, but not 
a commercial transmission of governmental powers 
like these. In the case of New Jersey the evil worked 
its own remedy. The Proprietaries became greatly 
multiplied, and governmental functions came to be 
so inconvenient that they were gladly surrendered to 
the crown. 

Although the first Proprietaries of New Jersey 
were invested with such ample powers they did not 
evince a desire or design to use them improperly; 
they were liberal, or sagacious, or both. There had 
been a long period of agitation in England, during 
which people had been led to investigate the true 
principles of civil and religious liberty, and iu Amer- 
ica popular opinion and feeling was still further ad- 
vanced. The object of some of the emigrants from 
the mother-country had been the fuller enjoyment of 
civil liberty and freedom of conscience, and although 
they had not in every instance carried out the spirit 
of the original object, although those who termed 
themselves exiles for conscience' sake had sought to 
hold in bondage the consciences of others, and al- 
though the robe of the Puritan had become red with 
the blood of the Quaker, the general tendency was 
toward popular freedom. Discerning minds were 
able to foresee that permanence was only to be ex- 
pected in those governments which recognized this 



tendency, and provided for the enjoyment by the 
people of that freedom to which they had come to 
consider themselves entitled. Berkeley and Carteret 
probably perceived and understood this tendency, 
and in the fundamental law which they prescribed 
for their province they recognized the rights and 
privileges of the people to an extent that had not pre- 
viously been done. This fundamental law or consti- 
tution was entitled " The Concession and Agreement 
of the Lords Proprietors of the Province of New Ores- 
area, or New Jersey, to and with all and every of 
the adventurers, and all such as shall settle or plant • 
there." 

Space will not permit a detail of the provisions 
of this constitution. It provided for the election by 
the people of a General Assembly, and on this Assem- 
bly alone was conferred the power of imposing taxes. 
The Governor and Council were by a prohibitory 
article forbidden to impose, or suffer tajjej-mposed, 
any tax, custom, subsidy, tollage, assessment, or any 
other duty whatsoever, upon any color or pretense. 
Justice was administered by popular tribunals, and 
an almost unlimited privilege of appeal was given. 
Entire freedom of conscience was guaranteed to 
every peaceable citizen. 

It has been said of this, it " was truly a constitu- 
tion, an unalterable, paramount law, prescribing and 
regulating the duties and powers of the agents of the 
government, whether legislative, executive, or judi- 
cial, whilst all the provisions of the instrument of 
1776 save three are placed at the will of the Legisla- 
ture. What more was necessary, save the perpetuity 
of the laws, to assure the people all the blessings of 
political union? No laws were in force, save for one 
year, without the assent of the Lords Proprietors. But 
laws which did not infringe their interests would com- 
monly receive their assent, and, when it was refused, 
at the worst, the Assembly was compelled to re-enact 
such laws annually. It was, indeed, a singular com- 
petition which these Proprietary governments pro- 
duced, in which despotic sovereigns and speculative 
legislators were compelled by interest to vie with 
each other in the production of models of liberty, 
and in offering to their subjects the most effectual 
securities against arbitrary government. The compe- 
tition was the noble thougli compulsory sacrifice to 
the great and divine principle that man in the ag- 
gregate is competent to promote his own happiness." 

The executive power was reserved to the Proprie- 
taries. They sought to attract hither settlers by lib- 
eral offers of land, as well as by the establishment of 
a free and popular government. To all persons 
coming to the province, with a view of settling in it, 
allotments of land were offered, proportioned to the 
earliness of their immigration, and to the number of 
servants or slaves that they kept. They were to main- 
tain one able-bodied male servant for every hundred 
acres of land which they held, and to pay a quit-rent 
of a half-penny per acre after 1670. These quit-rents 



16 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTI'ES. 



were regarded as the private estate of the Proprietors, 
and the public expenses were to be defrayed by gen- 
eral contribution. These quit-rents were subsequently 
a source of serious difficulty. 

Philip Carteret, a brother of Sir George, was ap- 
pointed by the Proprietaries first Governor of their 
province. Before his arrival circumstances arose 
which gave much embarrassment subsequently. Gov- 
ernor NicoUs, of the province of New York, was not 
aware of the graut to the Proprietaries, but supposed 
himself Governor of the entire territory. He took 
measures to promote the settlement of the colony, 
and some of the colonists located in New Jersey, and 
purchased land there from the natives, but Governor 
Carteret assumed the duties of his office on his ar- 
rival, and Governor NicoUs reluctantly surrendered 
the position. The titles that had been thus acquired 
under the authority of Governor Nicolls, conflicted to 
some extent, with those granted by the Proprietaries. 
Privileges had been granted by Nicolls different 
from those of the Proprietaries' grantees, and the 
result of the disagreements was an insurrection, 
which, after a time, led to the retirement of Gov- 
ernor Carteret. In the controversy which thus arose, 
the Duke of York exhibited his characteristic weak 
and vacillating character. 

The first legislative assembly met in 1668, and 
completed the work of the session in four days. 

The reconquest by the Dutch of their old possessions 
here, and their repossession by the English, are mat- 
ters of history not especially important in the history 
of this part of the State. After the restoration of 
their possessions to the English some doubt arose as 
to whether the title of the Proprietaries was or was 
not destroyed by the reconquest, and to settle this 
doubt the Duke of York executed a new conveyance, 
in almost the same terms as the first, and this was af- 
terward confirmed by the king. Lord Berkeley had 
disposed of his interest in the province, and this grant 
was made to Sir George Carteret alone. 

During a few years there was much disturbance in 
the province, arising primarily from the question of 
jurisdiction, which the weakness and vacillation of 
the duke tended to perpetuate. The Governors of 
New Netherland sought to exercise authority, and at 
the same time the opposition to the payment of quit- 
rents was another source of serious difficulty ; what 
was afterwards known as East Jersey was the principal 
theatre of these disturbances. 

Governor Carteret returned from England and re- 
sumed the exercise of his gubernatorial functions in 
1675. Up to this time no settlement had been made 
in West Jersey under the Duke of York's grant. 

The sect of Quakers had ai'isen in England, and 
they had become the subjects of great persecution 
and oppression there. This is not the proper place 
to enter into a discussion concerning the conduct of 
these people, or of those who persecuted and op- 
pressed them. While the latter can never escape the 



just censure of the civilized world for their intoler- 
ance and bigotry, it is probably true of the former 
that a portion of them, in the early period of the ex- 
istence of the sect, did much by their extravagance 
and fanaticism to provoke the exercise of the odious 
spirit of intolerance which was then so prevalent. It 
was said of some of these people, and probably with 
equal truth and severity, that they rushed with frantic 
zeal to New England in quest of persecution at the 
hands of the Puritans, who had before fled from Eng- 
land in quest of a field for the free exercise of their 
intolerant spirit. The toleration of their principles 
was less the object of their desire than the victorious 
spread of them. " But there were others," says Gra- 
hame,' " of more moderate temper and more enlight- 
ened piety, who, willing fully to sustain the character 
of the primitive Christians, justly deemed this char- 
acter in no way inconsistent with that conduct which 
was expressly prescribed to the objects of their imi- 
tation in the divine direction that, when persecuted 
in one city they should flee to another. Disturbed 
in their religious assemblies, harassed and impover- 
ished by fines and imprisonments, and withal contin- 
ually exposed to a violent removal from their native 
land, as a consequence of a line of conduct which 
they held it their duty to pursue, they were led to 
meditate the advantage of a voluntary expatriation 
with their families and their substance, and naturally 
oast their eyes on that transatlantic realm which, 
notwithstanding the severities once inflicted on some 
of their brethren in some of its provinces, had always 
presented an asylum to the victims of persecution. 
Their regards were further directed to this quarter by 
the number of their fellow sectaries who were now es- 
tablished in several of the North American States, 
and the freedom, comfort, and tranquillity which they 
were reported there to enjoy." 

At this time Lord Berkeley became alarmed at the 
spirit of insubordination which the planters of New 
Jersey manifested, and dissatisfied with the pecuni- 
ary prospects of his adventure. He therefore offered 
his interest in the province for sale. It was not long 
before he received from two Quakei's, John Fenwick 
and Edward Byllinge, a satisfactory offer, and in 1674 
he conveyed his interest to Fenwick in trust for him- 
self and Byllinge. A difficulty arose between these 
purchasers, the precise nature of which is not known, 
and, as a resort to the law was repugnant to the prin- 
ciples of the Quakers, the matter was submitted to 
the arbitrament of William Penn, who had then come 
to occupy a conspicuous position among the leaders 
in the society. He awarded one-tenth of the purchase 
to Fenwick and the remainder to Byllinge, and al- 
though Fenwick was at first dissatisfied with the de- 
cision he at lengtli assented to it, and in 1675 he, with 
his family, sailed in the ship " Griflith" for his newly- 
purchased territory. Among those who came with 

1 History of North America, vol. ii. p. 27S. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



11 



him were Edward Champneys, his son-in-law, Edward 
AVade, Samuel Wade, John Smith and wife, Samuel 
Nicholson, Richard Guy, Richard Noble, Richard 
Hancock, John Pledger, Hipolite Lefever, John Mal- 
lock, and others masters of families. He also brought 
many servants, and with him came Samuel Hedge, 
who afterwards married his daughter Anne, and John 
Adams, who had married his daughter Elizabeth. 
The " Griffith" was the first English ship that came 
to West Jersey after its purchase by the Friends, and 
no other came during two years. Before his depar- 
ture he gave to John Eldridge and Edmund Warner 
a lease for a thousand years of his portion, with dis- 
cretionary power to sell, as security for the payment 
of money loaned him. The party settled at Salem, 
and Fenwick soon purchased from the Indians a large 
tract of country. He proceeded to make grants of 
land, and assumed authority as Chief Proprietor. 

Byllinge was a merchant, and in the prosecution of 
his business became involved in losses, so that it be- 
came necessary to make an assignment of his interest 
in the province for the benefit of his creditors. The 
province had been acquired with a view of affording 
a place of settlement for the persecuted Quakers, and 
it was desirable that it should be so held that they 
might derive from it the contemplated benefit. It 
was therefore assigned to three members of the sect, 
— William Penn, Gawen Lawrie, and Nicholas Lucas. 
The assignment was executed by Fenwick and Byl- 
linge, and conveyed nine undivided tenth parts of 
the province for the benefit of the creditors of the 
latter. This had been done before the departure of 
Fenwick from England. 

After his arrival difficulty arose from an unexpected 
quarter. Although the first grant of the Duke of 
York had been confirmed, Edmund Andross, whom 
the duke had appointed Governor of New York, 
claimed jurisdiction here, and having been informed 
by Edmund Cantwell, his collector of customs at New 
Castle, of the doings of Fenwick on the east side of 
the Delaware, an order was sent for his arrest, and he 
was forcibly taken and carried to New York ; but 
after an exhibition of his authority he was released 
and allowed to return. 

•Meantime measures for the more general settlement 
of the province were adopted. Many of the creditors 
of Byllinge accepted lands from the assignees in sat- 
isfaction of their claims, and other parties made pur- 
chases. 

That the province might be settled and governed 
with greater facility, it was desirable that a division 
should be made with Carteret. In order that this 
might be the more readily effected, Eldridge and 
Warner, the lessees of Fenwick, conveyed the one- 
ten ih to Penn, Lawrie, and Lucas, who were thus 
enabled to make the partition with Carteret. A di- 
vision was agreed on, and the agreement was ratified 
by an instrument known, from the number of persons 
engaged in the tran.saction, as the " Quintipartite 
2 



Deed." This deed, which was executed July 1, 1676, 
defined the line of division as extending across the 
province from Little Egg Harbor to a point on the 
Delaware at the forty-first degree of latitude, and the 
two parts were called respectively East and West 
Jersey. After the partition Byllinge and his trus- 
tees reconveyed to Eldridge and Warner, in fee, that 
which they had held by lease, and thus Fenwick 
was cut off from the shadow of a title which re- 
mained to him after he had leased his portion. 
Difficulty arose with Fenwick in consequence of 
this, and commissioners were appointed to settle it. 
Pending the settlement the Proprietary government 
in West Jersey was established. 

This scheme of government was originally devised 
by Penn and his immediate associates, but it was sub- 
mitted to other Proprietaries, as they acquired inter- 
ests, and received their sanction. It was promulgated 
March 3, 1676, and was termed "The Concessions and 
Agreements of the Proprietors, Freeholders, and In- 
habitants of the Province of West Jersey in Amer- 
ica." The provisions of the instrument were re- 
garded as fundamental, and were declared unalterable. 
It was provided that they should be read at the open- 
ing and dissolution of each General Assembly, and 
" also to be read, in a solemn manner, four times a 
year, in every hall of justice within the province." 

The liberality of the concessions of the original 
proprietors, Berkeley and Carteret, have been spoken 
of, but, as Field says, — 

"The concessions of the proprietors of West Jersey were still more 
liheral. A more beautiful fabric of free government was never reared. 
It should be forever embalmed in the memory of Jerseymeu. No man 
nor number of men upon earth, such is its language, have power or au- 
thority to rule over men's consciences in religious matters, therefore it 
is agreed and ordained that no person or persons whatsoever, within 
said province, shall at any time hereafter, in any way or upon any pre- 
tence whatsoever, be called in question, or in the least punished or hurt, 
either in person, privilege, or estate, for the sake of his opinion, judge- 
ment, faith, or worship In matters of religion. Never was there a more 
comprehensive act of religious toleration, and never was it violated, 
either in its letter or its spirit. That could be said of the Quakers of 
New Jersey which could not be said of the Puritans of New England, 
' They had suffered persecution and learned mercy.' " 

Again, the instrument set forth, " It being intended 
and resolved, by the help of the Lord and these our 
concessions, that every person inhabiting the said 
province shall, as far as in us lies, be free from op- 
pression and slavery." 

Grahame says of these concessions that they entitle 
their authors to a large share in the honor of plant- 
ing civil liberty in America, and Penn and some of 
his colleagues said, in alluding to them, " There we 
lay a foundation for after ages to understand their 
liberty, as men and Christians, that they may not be 
brought in bondage but by their own consent, for we 
put the power in the people." 

This voluntary relinquishment of the power whicli 
they, as Proprietaries, possessed, and recognition of 
the right and the ability of the people to govern 
themselves, is the more remarkable, because it pre- 



18 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUI^TIES. 



ceded by a century the assertion of that right in the 
declaration of American independence. It has been 
said that, in some respects, this scheme of government 
was so liberal as almost to jeopardize its safety. If 
its founders erred in that direction, it must be re- 
membered that their situation rendered them more 
keenly alive to the evils of oppression than to the 
dangers of anarchy. If it lacked vigor it gave full 
security to freedom. Some of its special provisions 
are worthy of notice, because of the strong contrast 
^ which they exhibit with the practice of other colonies, 
and, indeed, of this nation down to the present time. 
In the case of the purchase of lands from the natives 
no steps were to be taken till these had been visited 
and made fully acquainted with the wishes and de- 
signs of the whites, and compensation arranged and 
agreed on. It was also provided that, in case of in- 
jury to the natives, plenary satisfaction should be 
rendered, and in all matters of difference, wherein 
Indians were concerned, trial should be before six of 
the whites and the same number of the natives. The 
price of land was fixed at one penny per acre, except 
where it was to be laid out in towns, in which case it 
was to be one penny and a half. 

One hundred and fifty-one names were subscribed 
to these concessions, as follows: 



E. Bylynge. 
Richard Smith. 
Edward Netliorp. 
Joliu Penford. 
Duuiel Wills. 
Thomas Olive. 
Thomas Rudyard 
William Biddle. 
Robert Stacy.->- 
John Faniugton. 
William Roydou. 
Richard Mew. 
Percivall Towle. 
Mahlon Stacy. 
Thomas Biidd. 
Samuel Jennins. 
John Lambert. 
William Hewlings. 
George Deacon. .^ 
Johu Thompson. — 
Edward Bradway. 
Richard Guy. 
James Navill. 
William Cantwell. • 
Fospe Onlstoiit. 
Machgyel Baron. 
Caap. Herman. 
Ttirrse Plese. 
Robert Kemhle. 
John Cornelise. 
Garret Van Jiimne. 
William Gill Johnsoil. 
Gawen Lawrie. 
William Penn. 
William Emley. 
Joshua Wright. 
Nicholas Luciis. 
William Haig. 
William Peachee. 
Richard Mathews. 
Johu Haracis. 
Francis Collins, 



William Kent. 
Benjamin Scott. 
Thomas Lambert. 
Thomaa Hooton. 
Henry Stacy. 
Aert. Jansen. 
John Surege. 
Thomas Smith. 
James Pearce. 
Edward Web. 
John Pledger. 
Richard Wilkinson. 
Christopher Sanders. 
Reneare Vanhurst. 
William Johnson. 
Charles Bagley. 
Samuel Wade. 
Thomas Woodrofe. -•--. 
John Smith. 
Thomas Peirce. 
William Warner. 
Joseph Warns. 
Michael Lackeouse. 
Markas Algns. 
Evert Aldricks. 
Hendrick Everson. 
Jillis Tomesen. 
Claas Jansen. 
Richard Warsan. 
Christopher White. 
Paul Doeqnet. 
John Maddocks. 
John Forrist. 
James Vicary. 
WiMiani Rumsey. 
Richard Robison. 
Mark Reeve. *£ 
ThomasWatson. .. 
Samuel Nicholson. 
Daniel Smith. 
Rirhard Daniel. 
William Penton. 



William Daniel. 
Robert Zano. 
Walter Peitersen. 
Anthony Page. 
Andrew Bartleson. 
Wolley Woollison. 
Anthony Dickson. 
John Denna. 
Thomas Benson. 
John Paine. 
Richard Buffington. 
Samuel Lovet. 
Barnard Devendish. 
Thomas Stokes. / 
Thomas French,/ 
Isaac Marriott. 
John Butcher. 
Isaac Smart. SlfviU^ 
Andrew Thompson. "-- 
Thomas Kent. 
Henry Jenings. 
Henry Stnbliena. 
William Willis. 
George Hasclwood. 
Atodger Pedrick. jjS 
'wiUi^rUiughes.V^'^ 
Abraham Vanhighst. 
Hipolitas Lefever. 
William Wilkinson. 
Andrew Shennock. 
Lanse Cornelious. 
Samuel Hedge. .^^ 
William Master. 
John Grubb. 



If 



John Worlidge. " 
E. Meyer. 
Thomas Borton. 
Eobert Powel. 
Thomas Harding. 
Matthew Allen. ^ 
B. Right. 
Godfrey Hancock. 
John Petty. 
Abraham Hewliugs. 
John Newbold. 
John White. 
John Roberts,''^' 

John Wood. I 

John Gosling. 
Thomas Revel. 
Eliazer Fenton. 
Samuel Oldale. 
William Black. 
Anthony Woodhouse. 
Geo. Hntcliiusou. 
Thomas Gardner. 
Thomaa Eves. 
John Borton.,*.^'^ 
John Paine. 
Richard Fenimore. 
Thomas Schooley. 
Daniel Leeds. 
John Pancoast. 
Francis Beswiclc. 
William Laswall. 
John Snowden. 
Gruna Jacobson. 



It must be borne in mind that this government was 
projected while the Proprietors were still in England. 
Commissioners were appointed by them to superin- 
tend the settlement of the province and the introduc- 
tion of the government. 

These commissioners were Thomas Olive, Daniel 
Wills, John Kinsey, John Penford, Joseph Helm.sley, 
Eobert Stacey, Benjamin Scott, Richard Guy, and 
Thomas Foulke. They (except Guy, who had come 
with Fenwict) came in the ship " Kent," and arrived 
at New Castle in August, 1676. With them came two 
hundred and thirty immigrants, mostly Quakers of 
wealth and character, who expatriated themselves be- 
cause of their dislike for the principles which their 
predecessors under Ployden had sought to transplant 
here. 

" Their minds had been enlarged by the free spirit 
of inquiry which preceded the great revolution, and 
could not again be compressed into the narrowness 
of acknowledging the divine right of kings, either. in 
matters of cbi,irch or state. While others, therefore, 
threw up at the restoration the same caps with which 
they had hailed the bleeding head of Charles the First, 
these Quakers sought an asylum in the western world, 
where the}^ might nourish their deep-rooted hatred 
for the pageantry of monarchs and the hypocri.'^y of 
priests. It was no secret to Charles the Second tliat 
the followers of Fox entertained and avowed the most 
latitudinarian doctrines of government and church 
polity, yet, while the ' Kent' lay in the Thames, tliat 
sceptered harlequin, who was pleasuring in his barge, 
came alongside, asked if the passengers were Quakers, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



19 



and where they were bound, and gave them his bless- 
ing. 'This last circumstance,' says Mulford, 'may 
seem somewhat extraordinary when we reflect that at 
the very time when it took place thousands of the 
Quakers were suffering throughout Charles' domin- 
ions. But it was in character with the monarch, ever 
smooth and specious in his exterior, but in heart de- 
ceptive and corrupt : his character was a gilded cheat. 
Yet, perhaps, a blessing from him was better than a 
malediction, and if aught of advantage was conferred, 
let us not be ungrateful.' 

"The 'Kent' landed her passengers at the mouth 
of the Racoon Creek, where the Swedes had left a few 
scattering "habitations. These not being sufficient to 
accommodate them all, some took possession of cow- 
stalls, and apartments of that sort until other edifices 
could be built. From Watson's description of the 
Swedish houses in the olden time it seems there was 
little choice between them and the stalls. Each man- 
sion consisted of but one room, with a door so low as 
to requii'e those entering to stoop, and no windows 
save loop-holes with sliding boards or isinglass dead- 
lights. Their chimnej's in one corner were of gray 
sandstone, abjoining to which was an oven, and the 
cracks between the logs of which the house was built 
were filled with clay. These dwellings had been 
abandoned by the concentration of the Swedes at the 
now obliterated village of Eepaapo, or at the ancient 
town of Racoon, now called Swedesborough, and it 
is probable, from the description, that they had been 
originally built by the servile Finns and Laps, who 
tilled the ground." 

The commissioners waited on Governor Andross, of 
New York, who claimed jurisdiction here under his 
commission, but who finally gave them a temporary 
warrant to proceed with their settlement. 

Soon after the commissioners joined the settlers al- 
ready in the colony they purchased from the natives, 
in three parcels, the lands on the Delaware from the 
Assunpink on the north to 01dm:in's Creek on the 
south, the latter being the boundary of Fenwick's 
purchase. 

According to the record of the deed in the office of 
the Secretary of State in Trenton, the first purchase 
was made on the 10th of September, 1677, from 
"Katamas, Sekappio, Peanto, alirvs Enequeto, and 
Rennowighwan, Indian Sarkamarkoes," and embraced 
the land between Rancocas and Timber Creeks, 
bounded on the east by a right line between the up- 
permost head of each stream. The consideration was 

" fforty six ffadome of duffels, thirty blankits, one liundred and fifty 
pounds of powder, tiiirty gunna, two liundred ffadome of wampum, 
thirty kettles, thirty axes, thirty small howes, thirty aula, thirty needles, 
thirty looking glasses, thirty paire of stockings, seaven anchors of 
brandy, thirty knives, thirty barres of lead, thirty six rings, thirty Jewes 
harps, thirty combs, thirty bracelets, thirty bells, thirty tobacco tongs, 
thirty paire of sissors, twelve tobacco boxes, thirty tflintes, tenne pewter 
spoonfuUs of paint, one hundred flish hooks, and one grosse of pipes." 

September 27th, of the same year, another deed was 



executed to the commissioners by the chiefs Mohock- 
sey, Tetamchro, and Apperinges for a tract 

"between the midstream of Oldnian's creek to the southward, and the 
midstream of Timber creek to the northward, and bounded, to the east- 
ward, by a right lyne extending along the country from the uppermost 
head of Oldman's creek to the uppermost head of Timber creek, for the 
consideration of thirty match coats, twenty guns, thirty kettles, and one 
great one, thirty paire of hose, twenty ffado-ne of duffels, thirty petti- 
coats, thirty Indian axes, thirty narrow howes, thirty barres of lead, 
fifteen small barrels of powder, seaventy knives, sixty paire of tobacco 
tongs, sixty sissors, sixty tinshaw looking glasses, seaventy combs, one 
hundred and twenty aul blades, one hundred and twenty ffish hooks, 
two grasps of red paint, one hundred and twenty needles, sixty tobacco 
boxes, one hundred and twenty pipes, two hundred bells, one hundred 
Jews harps, and six anchors of rum." 

The Proprietors had sold to a company in York, 
and another in London, a tenth each of the West 
Jersey purchase, and one of these located first in the 
vicinity of Timber Creek, but subsequently went 
farther north to the vicinity of Burlington. 

The commissioners were empowered to make all 
necessary regulations for laying oot-alid settling the 
colony, under the concessions, but were not to make 
new laws. In 1678, Fenwick was liberated at New 
York, and returned to Salem. He assumed authority 
as Proprietor, appointed officers, and demanded the 
submission of the people. Although the commis- 
sioners sent by the Proprietors forbore to interfere 
with him, as they had a right to do, the authorities 
at New York, under their assumed jurisdiction, gave 
orders that he should be arrested for a violation of 
the parole he had given on his liberation, not to at- 
tempt the exercise of authority here. He persisted, 
and was arrested and taken to New Castle. 

Further difficulties soon arose. Duties had been 
imposed by Governor Lovelace, of New York, on all 
goods passing up the Delaware, and the payment of 
these duties was rigidly enforced by Governor An- 
dross, who permitted no exemption " to the smallest 
vessel, boat, or person." The Proprietaries in Eng- 
land made frequent appeals to the Duke of York 
against the assumption of a power that reduced them 
to the condition of tributaries, and to escape from 
their importunities he appointed commissioners to 
examine and report in the case. By them, with the 
consent of the duke, the matter was referred to Sir 
William Jones, who, after hearing the able defense 
of their rights by the Quaker Proprietors, gave his 
decision 

"that having heard what hath been insisted on for his Koyal Highness 
to make good the demand of five per cent, from the inhabitants of New 
Jersey I am not satisfied (by anything I have yet heard) that the duke 
can demand that or any other duty from the inhabitants of these lands; 
and that which makes the case stronger against his Koyal Highness is 
that these inhabitants claim under a grant from his Koyal Highness to 
the Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, in which grant there is no 
reservation of any profit or so much as jurisdiction." 

The Duke of York assented to this decision, and in 
1680 executed another deed of confirmation, in which 
he conveyed the province of West Jersey to Edward 
Byllinge, William Penn, Gawen Lawrie, Nicholaf* 
Lucas, John Eldridge, and Edmund, Warner. This 



20 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



conveyance was in such a form that, while it con- 
veyed the property to the above-named proprietors, 
it gave tlie powers, authorities, jurisdictions, govern- 
ments, etc., to Edward Byllinge alone, and his heirs 
or assigns. Byllinge failed to confirm the conces- 
sions of the Proprietors anew, and the government of 
West Jersey assumed a different form, though the 
spirit of the concessions was preserved. 

The conflict of authority, which had been still 
more fierce in East Jersey between Andross and the 
Proprietary government, was finally terminated iu 
1681. In his conduct during this conflict the duke 
was thought to exhibit a want both of honesty and 
capacity. 

The conveyance by the Duke of York to Byllinge 
of governmental authority had given him an appear- 
ance of right, which he did not resign, and which the 
Proprietors did not seem inclined to contest. All con- 
flict, however, was avoided by the election by the Pro- 
prietors of Byllinge as Governor of the province. He 
at once appointed Samuel Jennings his deputy, and 
he summoned an Assembly, which met Nov. 21, 1681. 
This Assembly declared : 

"Forasmuch as it bath pleased God to bring lis into this province of 
■ West New Jersey, and settle us here in safety, that we may be a people 
to the praise and honor of His name who hath dealt so with us, and for 
the good and welfare of our posterity to come, we, the Governor and 
proprietors, freeholders, and inhabitants of West New Jersey, by mutual 
consent and agreementjfor the prevention of innovation and oppression 
either upon us or our posterity, and for the preservation of the peace 
and tranquillity of the same, and that all may be encouraged to go on 
cheerfully in their several places, do make and constitute these our 
agreements, to be as fundamentals to us and our posterity, to be held 
inviolable, and that no person or persons whatever shall or may make 
void or disannul the same upon any pretence whatever." 

The agreements or fundamentals thus adopted were 
fully as liberal as the former ones, and the rights of 
the people were even more strongly guarded, while 
the powers and prerogatives of the Governor and 
Council were'more carefully limited. 

Says Grahame, " Of the laws that were enacted on 
this occasion the most remarkable feature is a provision 
that in all criminal cases, except treason, murder, and 
theft, the person aggrieved should have the power to 
pardon the off'ender, whether before or after condem- 
nation, a provision of a very questionable expedi- 
ency, but probably intended to prevent the Christian 
requirement of forgiveness of injuries from being evac- 
uated, as in most countries is practically done by the 
supposed municipal duty which engages a man to 
avenge, in his capacity of a citizen, the wrong which, 
as a Christian, he is commanded to forgive. . . . For 
the encouragement of poor but industrious laborers, 
who obtained the means of emigrating from Europe 
by indenting themselves as servants to more wealthy 
planters, every servant was authorized to claim from 
his master, at the expiration of his indenture, a set of 
implements of husbandry, certain articles of apparel, 
and ten bushels of corn. To prevent the resort of 
worthless and vicious characters to the province a 
law was soon after passed requiring every new settler, 



under pain of a pecuniary fine, to give satisfactory 
evidence to a justice of the peace that his change of 
residence was not the consequence of crime, or an act 
of fraud, but that he was reputed a person of blame- 
less character and a sober life. From this period till 
the dissolution of the Proprietary government the 
Assembly was annually convoked. It did not always 
confine itself to the exercise of the ample powers 
with which it was constitutionally endowed, for when 
Byllinge soon after proposed to deprive Jennings, the 
deputy Governor, of his office, the Assembly inter- 
posed to prevent this measure, declaring that Jen- 
nings gave satisfaction to the people, and desiring 
him to retain his situation." 

In 1681-82 another " tenth," called, from the na- 
tionality of a majority of the settlers, the Irish tenth, 
was taken up and settled. It was numerically termed 
the third tenth, and extended from Pensauken to 
Timber Creek. The province was, in 1682, divided 
into two judicial districts or counties, one of which 
had its seat at Burlington and the other at Salem. 

The people had acquiesced in the change by the 
last grant from the Duke of York, but they became 
unquiet, and began to insist on the restoration of the 
status under the old grants as a matter of right. By 
a resolution of the Assembly Governor Jennings and 
Thomas Budd were sent to England to negotiate for 
a full restoration of the government to the Proprie- 
tors as before. In this they were only partially suc- 
cessful. A new charter was given, but with no im- 
portant concessions. John Skene was appointed 
Deputy Governor, and entered on his duties in 1685; 
and the Assembly adjourned to " some fit and season- 
able time." It is positively stated by the historians 
Miokle and Mulford that the Assembly did not again 
convene till the latter part of 1692, but the following 
extracts seem clearly to contradict this statement. 

At the session of Nov. 3-12, 1692, an act was 
passed, the preamble to which set forth that — 

"Whereas, for several years past, there hath been held yearhj and evet-y 
year at Burlington a General Assembly at two several times in the year 
— viz., on the I'ith day of May and on the 3d day of November, then 
after, and it being found by experience that the session lield in Novem- 
ber is very inconvenient by reason," etc.^ 

It was enacted that but one session be held an- 
nually. 
At the same session it was enacted that — 

" Whereas, there has been several petitions exhibited to this bouse by 
the people inhabiting about Pensaukin Creek, intimating their dissatis- 
faction concerning the line intended for the division line between the 
counties of Burlington and Gloucester, flHii at our semons in Mtiy laetpaBt 
the bouse, having heard their petition and debated it, resolved to ap- 
point four of the members of the Assembly, viz., John Tatham, Thomas 
Gardiner, Jr., Andrew Robinson, and Daniel Leeds, to review the Place, 
and, according to their Discretion, to fix the line of Partition between 
the said counties the boundaries whereof tlie Persona abovesaid affixed 
as follows," 2 etc. 

It was therefore enacted that these boundaries 
should stand as fixed, " firm and inviolable from 



1 Learning and Spicer, p. 510. 



2 Ibid., p. 513. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



21 



henceforth and forever." This act was repealed at 
the next session of the Assembly. 

Another tenth, extending from Timber Creek to 
Oldman's Creek, had by this time been taken up, and i 
in May, 1686, a convention was held at Gloucester, i 
and another county, that of Gloucester, was erected , 
and subdivided into townships, and courts were con- 
stituted. It included the territory from the Pen- 
saukin to Oldman's Creek. 

Mickle says, " In 1687, on account of frequent 
alienations and transfers, the Proprietors had become 
too numerous to conduct their business in their for- 
mer democratic manner, and accordingly a Proprie- 
tary Council was selected, on the fourteenth of Feb- 
ruary in that year, to manage all matters relating to 
unseated lands. This Council, the ghost of the once 
potent Proprietary government of West Jersey, has 
survived two revolutions, though there has long been 
but little real necessity for its continuance." 

In 1687, Byllinge died, and Dr. Daniel Coxe, al- 
ready a Proprietor, purchased from his heirs his entire 
interest. He assumed the title and powers of Gov- 
ernor, but in April, 1688, the government was surren- 
dered to the crown, on condition that the rights of 
property should be undisturbed, and the whole of 
New Jersey, with New York and New England, came 
under the authority of Edmund Andross. 

This change was followed by but little alteration in 
the administration of affairs. The same officers and 
laws were continued. On the 30th of March, the 
30th of April, and the 16th of May, 1688, Coxe made 
purchases from the Indians of lands including the 
present counties of Cumberland and Cape May, and 
these purchases received the sanction of the Council 
of Proprietors. The Proprietary government, after a 
time, was resumed, as was the case in East New Jer- 
sey. After the revolution in England Coxe claimed 
full governmental authority, but the people had be- 
come accustomed to exercise the right of self-govern- 
ment to a large extent. Coxe either became disheart- 
ened or was tempted by an offer, and in 1691 sold his 
entire interest in the province to the " West Jersey 
Society," which was a company of forty-eight per- 
sons. This society assumed the government of the 
province, and caused the appointment of Andrew 
Hamilton as Governor, and in this arrangement the 
people acquiesced. In 1692 the Assembly convejaed, I 
and at this session the acts of the people in the es- 
tablishment of counties was confirmed, with some 
alterations of limits, and the county of Cape May was 
erected. 

In 1694 further enactments were made relative to 
the boundaries of the counties, the election of repre- 
sentatives in the Assembly was directed to be by 
counties instead of tenths, as before, and the number 
in each county was prescribed. County officers, in- 
cluding justices, clerk and recorder, attorney, sheriff, 
and coroner, were appointed by the Legislature. 
Oaths ibr those having conscientious scruples were 



dispensed with on assuming the duties of office, and 
a declaration of fidelity and a profession of Christian 
faith was substituted. 

The administration of Governor Hamilton in West 
New Jersey was successful, but in 1697 it was brought 
to a close, and Jeremiah Basse was appointed by the 
concurrent action of the Proprietors in East and West 
New Jersey. Hamilton was in like manner reap- 
pointed in 1699. 

Confusion, conflict of interest, and threatened con- 
flict of authority in both the Jerseys made the Pro- 
prietors and the people quite willing to surrender the 
government of both provinces to the crown, and ne- 
gotiations for that purpose were entered into. Pend- 
ing these negotiations, and when they were near their 
consummation, King "William died. The matter was 
resumed and perfected, however, soon after the ac- 
cession of Queen Anne, and on the 15th of April, 
1702, the Proprietors of East and West Jersey sur- 
rendered, ■ 

" and by these presents do surrender and yield up to our Sovereign 
Lady Anne, by the grace of God Queen of England, Scotland, and Ire- 
land, defender of the faith, all the power, authorities, and privileges of 
or concerning the provinces aforesaid." 

This surrender was, of course, made on such con- 
ditions as secured the civil interests and property of 
the Proprietors and people. 

A constitution for the united province was pre- 
scribed in the instructions to Lord Cornbury, the first 
Governor. Of the government thus established, Mul- 
ford says, "The former Proprietary bodies had lost a 
claim to authority which they had been scarcely able, 
if greatly desirous, to retain and enforce; but they 
were now to be secured, under royal assurance and 
direction, in the enjoyment of property. The people 
generally gained nothing whatever, but were losers in 
many particulars. The government was far less fa- 
vorable to popular interests and rights than those 
which had previously existed. The representative 
body, in regard to their meetings and sittings, were 
made wholly dependent upon the will of the Gov- 
ernor. The establishment of courts, and the deter- 
mination of their respective powers, with the salaries 
and fees of the officers, were to be regulated by the 
Governor and Council ; the people or their representa- 
tives were allowed scarcely any part or power in the 
institution and control of the judiciary department 
of government. The public revenues were to be 
raised and disposed of under strict accountability to 
the Governor and the authorities in England ; the 
independent action of the popular representatives in 
matters of revenue extended little further than to fix 
and determine the amount of grants. The complete 
religious freedom formerly enjoyed was reduced to 
an imperfect toleration. Papists were wholly ex- 
cepted from the grant of liberty of conscience, and the 
influence and patronage of government was to be 
given in favor of a particular church. 

"The institution of slavery, which, though ibr- 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



merly existing, had not been fostered, was now urged 
upon tlie province by royal recommendation. As a 
still more decisive mark of the character and temper 
of the government a direction was given that, foras- 
much as great inconveniencies may arise by the lib- 
erty of printing in our said province, you are to pro- 
vide by all necessary orders that no person keep any 
press for printing, nor that any book, pamphlet, or 
other matters whatsoever be printed without your 
especial leave and license first obtained." 

Lord Cornbury was the Governor at the same time 
of the provinces of New York and New Jersey. It 
was soon found that in his administration the rights 
and welfare of the people were disregarded, and the 
rights and interests of the Proprietaries were adroitly 
attacked ; and in 1704 the Proprietaries of the western 
division addressed a memorial to the lords commis- 
sioners of trade, setting forth their grievances. The 
Council of Proprietors for the western division con- 
tinued to meet and transact their business, but in 
1706 the Governor interfered to prohibit them from 
further grants of lands. 

In the Assembly of 1707 Samuel Jennings took an 
active part in opposing the action of the Governor, 
and was appointed to read to him the firm remon- 
strance of the Assembly against his oppressive acts. 
During the entire administration of this tyrannical 
and selfish Governor the antagonism between him 
and the people grew more intense, till, in 1709, his 
commission was .superseded by the queen, and he 
was at once thrown into prison for debt. He was 
succeeded by John, Lord Lovelace, who entered on 
his duties in 1708, and Ingoldsby, the Lieutenant- 
Governor under Cornbury, was continued in office. 
His conciliatory course aroused high hopes of pros- 
perity and quiet under his administration, which 
were suddenly terminated by his death. He was 
succeeded for a time by Ingoldsby, who was de- 
servedly unpopular, and he for a short period by 
William Pinhorne, a member of the Council, who 
was equally so. In June, 1710, Col. Robert Hunter 
became Governor of New York and New Jersey. 
The administration of Governor Hunter was popular, 
but the harmony of the province was disturbed by 
the corrupt Council. In Western New Jersey the 
Quakers were in the majority of the population, and 
an act was passed by the Assembly to enable them to 
serve on juries, with a declaration or afiirmation in- 
stead of an oath. Another more general act embrac- 
ing this provision was passed, but both were defeated 
by the Council. Measures were initiated by the As- 
sembly which resulted in the removal of the obnox- 
ious members of the Council. On the death of 
Queen Anne, in 1741, Governor Hunter was recom- 
missioned by George I., and continued in the exer- 
cise of his functions till 1719. He was a popular 
oflicer, and his administration was successful. 

He was succeeded by William Burnet, Esq. His 
administration was characterized by strenuousness in 



upholding the authority of the king himself, and op- 
position to every measure for the extension of popular 
privileges. He left in 1727, and was succeeded in 
1728 by John Montgomerie, Esq. He died in July, 
1781, and Lewis Morris, president of the Council, 
was acting Governor till August, 1732, when William 
Cosby, Esq., became Governor. His administration 
continued till his death, in 1736, when the govern- 
ment devolved on John Anderson, president of the 
Council. He died soon afterwards, and John Hamil- 
ton, Esq., next in order of seniority, became acting- 
Governor, and continued nearly two years. 

The historian, Grahame, says of New Jersey in 
1783, "Nothing could be more tranquil and pros- 
perous than the condition which New Jersey had now 
for many years enjoyed ; but, if we would ascertain 
the fruits and particulars of this silent prosperity, we 
must look forward to the year 1738. At the close of 
the preceding century New Jersey possessed about 
15,000 inhabitants; in the year 1738 it contained 
41,367, of whom 3981 were slaves. The manufac- 
tures established in the province remained nearly 
stationary, but its trade had considerably increased. 
With the view of still further improving their condi- 
tion, as well as from a sense of their increasing im- 
portance, the people were generally desirous of an 
alteration in the practice according to which the 
administration of their executive government was 
included in the commission of the Governor of New 
York ; and in the year 1728 the Assembly petitioned 
the king that a separate Governor might be appointed 
for New Jersey. They complained of the hardship 
of being obliged to contribute a salary to a Governor 
who spent it in New York, and undertook to make a 
liberal provision for any Governor whom his majesty 
might appoint exclusively for themselves. Their 
petition met with little attention till 1736, when the 
lords of trade presented a report in its favor to the 
privy council, and two years after Lewis Morris was 
appointed." 

At the commencement of his administration ex- 
pectations were entertained by the people which 
were not realized. Like some of his predecessors, he 
seemed more disposed to maintain the arbitrary as- 
sumptions of the English crown than to defend the 
rights and interests of the colonists. He died in May, 
1746, and was succeeded by John Hamilton, Esq., 
senior member of the Council. He died in 1747, and 
John Reading, Esq., next in order of seniority, be- 
came acting Governor ; but in a short time Jonathan 
Belcher, Esq., was commissioned Governor of the 
province. On the 19th of January, 1748, an act was 
passed erecting the county of Cumberland from the 
southern portion of Salem County. As usual in 
such cases, the choice of members of the Assembly 
from the new county was suspended till the pleasure 
of the king should be made known, the freeholders 
meantime continuing to vote with Salem. The new 
county was named by Governor Belcher in honor of 



• 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



the Duke of Cumberland. Governor Belcher died in 
August, 1757, and the government again devolved on 
John Reading. He was superseded in June, 1758, by 
Francis Bernard, Esq., and he, in 1760, by Thomas 
Boone. Both these Governors were transferred to 
other positions. In September, 1762, William Frank- 
lin, Esq., the son of Benjamin Franklin, was com- 
missioned Governor. 

A history of the causes which led to the French 
war, or a detail of events in that contest is not neces- 
sary here. In the prosecution of this war New Jer- 
sey was called on, in 1746, for five hundred men. In 
response to this call six hundred and sixty offered 
themselves for enlistment. There are no available 
means for learning how many of these were citizens 
of Southern New Jersey. Again, in 1755, the Assem- 
bly resolved to raise and equip a battalion of five 
hundred men, and an excess presented themselves for 
enlistment. 

When the Indians overran and devastated the 
country west of the Delaware, and refugees flocked 
to New Jersey, troops were dispatched from all parts 
of the province to defend the western frontier, and 
the expenses were defrayed by the contributions of 
wealthy citizens. Not only were troops raised by au- 
thority of the provincial government, but recruiting 
parties from elsewhere enlisted men in New Jersey 
for defense against the savage foe. One thousand 
were sent from New Jersey after the surrender of 
Castle William, on the southern shore of Lake ! 
George, and three thousand more were put in readi- 
ness to march, should occasion require. During the 
years 1758, 1759, and 1760, New Jersey kept her full 
complement of one thousand men in the field, and in 
1761 and 1762, six hundred, besides a company of 
sixty-four for garrison duty during the latter year. 
The annual expense to the colony of maintaining 
these troops was forty thousand pounds. In furnish- 
ing these troops and defraying this expense the south- 
ern counties bore their full share, but this portion of 
the province was never as seriously threatened with 
invasion as that farther north. The precise share of 
the burden borne by this part of the colony cannot 
now be ascertained. 



CHAPTER VII. 

REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF SOUTHERN NEW 
JERSEY. 

Battle of Red Bank. — The difficulties which led 
to the Revolutiouary war, and the conduct of that 
war, are matters of history. In this sketch it is pro- 
posed to notice only those events which transpired 
in, or in the immediate vicinity of Southern New Jer- 
sey, and especially in the counties of Gloucester, 
Salem, and Cumberland. The following account of 



the first important operations in this vicinity is taken 
mainly from Lossing's " Field-Book of the Revolu- 
tion." 

"In the summer of 1777, Sir William Howe, the 
British commander-in-chief, sailed from New York 
with a large land force, and with a naval arjnament 
under his brother Richard, Earl Howe, and landing 
at the head of Chesapeake Bay commenced a victo- 
rious march towards Philadelphia. Washington, in- 
formed of the movement, went out from Philadelphia 
to meet him, and had proceeded beyond the Brandy- 
wine, in the neighborhood of Wilmington, when the 
van of the enemy appeared at Kennet Square. The 
battle of Brandywine occurred soon afterward, in 
which the Americans were defeated and driven back 
towards Philadelphia. The enemy pushed steadily 
forward, and entered the city in triumph. In antici- 
pation of the possibility of such an event the Amer- 
icans had applied themselves diligently to the erection 
of obstructions in the Delaware to prevent the ascent 
of the British fleet, and also in rearing batteries upon 
the shores to cover them. Upon isolated marshes or 
low islands of mud, made green by reeds, a little 
below the mouth of the Schuylkill, they erected a 
strong redoubt, with quite extensive outworks, and 
called it Fort Mifflin. These islands were called 
Great and Little Mud Islands. The former, on 
which the redoubt and main works were erected, has 
been called Fort Island ever since that time. On the 
opposite shore of New Jersey a strong redoubt, called 
Fort Mercer, was also erected and well supplied with 
artillery. In the deep channels of the river, between 
and under cover of these batteries, they sunk ranges 
of strong frames with iron-pointed wooden spikes, 
called chevaux-de-frise, which formed almost invul- 
nerable stockadoes. Three miles further down the 
river, at Billing's Point (now Billingsport), was a re- 
doubt with extensive outworks covering strong stocka- 
does, which were sunken there in the navigable chan- 
nel of the river between the main and Billing's Island. 
In addition to these works several armed galleys and 
floating batteries were stationed in the river, all form- 
ing strong barriers against the fleet of the enemy. 
This circumstance troubled the British general, for 
he foresaw the consequences of having his supplies 
by water cut ofl', and the danger to which his army 
would be exposed in Philadelphia if unsupported by 
the fleet." 

To be secure in the possession of the city, and to 
be able to provide for the comfort of his army, he 
found it necessary to acquire the free navigation of 
the river which was thus impeded. 

"Immediately after the battle at Brandywine Earl 
Howe sailed down the Chesapeake, and entered the 
lower Delaware with several light vessels, among 
which was the ' Roebuck,' commanded by Capt. 
Hammond. That officer represented to Gen. Howe 
that if a sufficient force could be sent to reduce the 
fortifications at Billingsport, he would take upon 



24 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



himself the task of opening a passage for the vessels 
through the chevaux-de-frlse, or stockadoes at that 
point. Howe readily con.sented to attempt tiie im- 
portant measure. Two regiments, under Col. Stir- 
ling, were dispatched from Chester, in Pennsylvania, 
for that, purpose. They crossed the river a little be- 
low Billingsport, marched in the rear of the unfin- 
ished works, and made a furious assault upon the 
garrison. The Americans were dismayed at this un- 
expected attack, and, believing themselves incompe- 
tent to make a successful defense, they spiked their 
cannons, set fire to the barracks, and fled. The Eng- 
lish remained long enough to demolish the works on 
the river front, when Hammond, by the great exer- 
tions of his men, made a passage way seven feet wide 
in the chevaux-de-frise, and with six vessels sailed 
through and anchored near Hog Island. Stirling re- 
turned to Chester, and with another detachment pro- 
ceeded to camp as an escort of provisions, bearing to 
Gen. Howe the intelligence of his success. 

" Howe now determined to make a general sweep 
of all the American works on the Delaware, and pre- 
paratory thereto he called in his outposts, and con- 
centrated his whole army near to and within Phila- 
delphia. Two Rhode Island regiments, belonging to 
Gen. Varnum's brigade, under Col. Christopher 
Greene, garrisoned the fort at Red Bank, and about 
the same number of the Maryland line, under Lieut.- 
Ool. Samuel Smith, occupied Fort Miifiin, on Mud 
Island. The American fleet in the river, consisting 
chiefly of galleys and floating batteries, was com- 
manded by Com. Hazelwood. It was quite as im- 
portant to the Americans to maintain these forts, 
and defend the river obstructions, as it was to the 
British to destroy them. It was, therefore, deter- 
mined to hold them to the last extremity, for it was 
evident that such continued possession would force 
Howe to evacuate Philadelphia. 

" Count Donop, with four battalions consisting of 
twelve hundred picked Hessians, was sent by Howe 
to attack Fort Mercer at Red Bank. They crossed 
the Delaware and landed at Cooper's Ferry on the 
21st of October, 1777. The same evening they 
marched to Haddonsfield, in New Jersey, a little 
above Gloucester. As they approached Timber Creek, 
on their way down the river, the Americans took up 
the bridge, and the enemy were obliged to march 
four miles up the stream to a shallow ford. They 
arrived at the edge of a wood, within cannon shot of 
Fort Mercer, on the morning of the 22d. Their ap- 
pearance, full armed for battle, was the first intima- 
tion the garrison had of their approach. Although 
informed that the number of Hessians was twenty- 
five hundred, the little garrison of four hundred men, 
in a feeble fort, and with only fourteen pieces of can- 
non, were not intimidated. They made immediate 
preparations for defense. While thus engaged a 
Hessian ofiicer, who was permitted to approach the 
fort with a flag and a drummer, rode up and inso- 



lently proclained, ' The King of England orders his 
rebellious subjects to lay down their arms, and they 
are warned that if they stand the battle no quarters 
whatever will be given.' 'We ask no quarters, nor 
will we give any,' was the prompt reply of Col. 
Greene. The Hessian and the drummer rode hastily 
back to Donop, and the assailants began at once the 
erection of a battery within half cannon shot of tlie 
outworks of Fort Mercer. All was activity and 
eagerness for combat within the fort. The outworks 
were unfinished, but the redoubt was a citadel upon 
which the garrison placed much reliance. Skill and 
bravery were called to combat fierceness, discipline, 
and overwhelming numbers. 

" It was four o'clock in the afternoon when a brisk 
cannonade was opened from the Hessian battery, and 
at a quarter before five a battalion advanced to the 
attack on the north part of the fort, near a morass 
that covered it. Finding the first advanced post and 
the outworks abandoned, but not destroyed, the enemy 
imagined that they had frightened the Americans 
away. Filled witli this idea they raised the shout of 
victory, and, with the drummer just mentioned beat- 
ing a lively march, rushed toward the redoubt where 
not a man was to be seen. They were about to ascend 
the rampart to plant the flag of conquest upon a mer- 
lon, when from the embrasures in front, and from a 
half-masked battery upon their left flank, formed by 
an angle of an old embankment, a shower of grape- 
shot and musket balls poured upon them with terri- 
ble effect, driving them back to the remote intrench- 
ments. Another division of the enemy, under the 
immediate command of the brave Donop, attacked 
the fort on the south side at the same time, passed 
the abatis, traversed the fosse or ditch, and some ac- 
tually leaped the pickets and mounted the parapet of 
the redoubt, but the fire of the Americans was so 
heavy and continuous that they were soon forced back 
and driven out with great loss. They retreated pre- 
cipitately to Haddonfield, under Lieut.-Col. Lin- 
sing (Donop and Mingerode, his second in com- 
mand, being wounded), leaving between three and 
four hundred of their comrades behind. They wer# 
considerably galled, when first retreating, by the 
American galleys and floating batteries in the river. 
The conflict was short but severe. The precise loss 
of the enemy is not known. Marshall estimates it 
at four hundred in killed and wounded. Col. Donop, 
the commander of the expedition, fell mortally 
wounded at the first fire. After the engagement, 
while Manduit, the French engineer who directed 
the American artillery on the occasion, was out 
with a detachment fixing the palisades, he heard 
a voice among the slain, saying, ' Whoever you 
are, draw me hence.' It was the voice of Count 
Donop." Manduit had him conveyed into the fort. 
Here the soldiers, remembering the threats of a few- 
hours before, exclaimed, " Is it determined to give 
no quarter?" " I am in your hands," said the count. 



I 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



" You may revenge yourselves." M. de Manduit im- 
posed silence, and cared for the wounded man. Do- 
nop perceived that Manduit spoke bad English, and 
said, " You appear to me a foreigner, sir. Who are 
you?" "A French officer," replied Manduit. " Je 
suis content," said Donop, speaking in French. "Je 
meurs entre les mains de Vhonneu.r ntime" [I am con- 
tent; I die in the hands of honor itself]. He was 
removed to Whitall's house, and three days later, 
when told that death was near, he said to Manduit, 
"It is finishing a noble career early" (he was thirty- 
seven), "but I die the victim of my ambition and of 
the avarice of my sovereign." 

"The loss of the Americans within the fort was 
eight men killed, twenty-nine wounded, and a cap- 
tain taken prisoner while reconnoitering. The number 
killed by the bursting of a cannon is not known. So 
close was the combat at one time that several Hessians 
were pierced by the gun-wads of the Americans. 

" The conduct of Lieut.-Col. Greene on this occa- 
sion was highly applauded, and Congress ordered 
the board of war to present him with an elegant 
sword. This tribute was given to his family at the 
close of the contest, when Col. Greene was no longer 
living to receive it. He had been basely murdered 
in his quarters near Croton River, in Westchester 
County, in New York, by a band of Tories consisting 
of about one hundred and fifty dragoons, under Col. 
Delancy, who surprised his post. Col. Greene fell 
after his single arm had slain several of his assailants. 
They attempted to carry him off, but he died upon 
the road. Maj. Flagg, a meritorious officer, was killed 
at the same time ; also two subalterns and twenty- 
seven men were killed or wounded. 

"In commemoration of the battle of Red Bank and 
the valor of Col. Greene, a monument of blue-veined 
marble, about fifteen feet high, was erected (in 1829) 
just within the northern line of the outworks of Fort 
Mercer and within a few feet of the margin of the 
Delaware. This tribute to the memory of valor and 
patriotism was made by some New Jersey and Penn- 
sylvania volunteers." 

The following is a copy of the inscription on this 
monument : 

South Side. 

"This monument was erected on tlie 22d Octo., 1S29, to transmit to 
Posterity a grateful remembrance of tlie Patriotism and Gallantry of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Grekne, who, with 4110 men, con- 
quered the Hessian Army of 20U0 troopa (then in the British service), at 
Ked Bank, on the 22d Octo., 1777. Among the slain was found their 
commander, Count Donop, whose body lies interred near the spot where 
he fell." 

Wnst Side. 

"A number of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania volunteers, being 
desirous to perpetuate the memory of the distinguished ofiBcer and 
soldiers who fought and bled in the glorious struggle for Independence, 
have erected this monument, on the 22d of October, a.d. 1829." 

" While it is a testimony of one of the noblest 
traits in human character, it bears another of the ex- 
istence of the most detestable. In the inscription 
were the words New Jeksey and Pexn.sylvania 



in a single prominent line. Some Jersey scoundrel 
almost obliterated the word Pennsylvania, and 
afterwards some Pennsylvania vandal, in the fierce- 
ness of his retaliatory zeal for the credit of Ids State, 
disgraced it so far as insignificance could do it by ob- 
literating the words New Jersey. The whole line is 
destroyed, and that marble shaft perpetuates a remem- 
brance of barbarians as well as of honored patriots. 

" The firing of the first gun from the Hessian bat- 
tery upon Fort Mercer was the signal for the British 
vessels to approach and attack Fort Mifilin. They 
had already made their way through the lower barrier 
at Billingsport, and the ' Augusta,' a sixty-four-guu 
ship, and several smaller vessels were anchored just 
above it, waiting for flood tide. As soon as Fort 
Mercer was attacked the ' Augusta,' with the ' Roe- 
buck,' of forty-four guns, two frigates, the ' Merlin,' 
of eighteen guns, and a galley came up, but were 
kept at bay by the American galleys and floating 
batteries. These galleys did good exeeuiion, not only 
upon the British vessels but by flanking the assail- 
ants at Red Bank. The attack upon FortMiiflin was 
deferred until next morning, when, the Hessians being 
driven from Fort Mercer, the whole power of the 
American flotilla was brought to bear upon the British 
fleet. A heavy cannonade was opened upon Fort 
Mifflin, and attempts were made to get floating bat- 
teries in the channel in the rear of Mud Island. 
Lieut.-Col. Smith, the commandant at Fort Mifilin, 
who was vigilant and brave, thwarted every attempt 
thus to outflauk hiin (if the term may be used in refer- 
ence to a garrison in a fort), and by a gallant defense 
essentially aided the American flotilla in repulsing 
the enemy. The fire was so fierce and incessant that 
the British ships endeavored to fall down the river. 
A shot struck and set fire to the ' Augusta,' and at 
noon, while lying aground on a mud-bank near the 
Jersey shore, she blew up. The engagement con- 
tinued with the other vessels until three o'clock in 
the afternoon, when the 'Merlin' also took fire and 
blew up near the mouth of Mud Creek. The conflict 
now ceased ; the ' Roebuck' dropped down the river 
and passed below the chevaiix-de-frise at Billingsport, 
and the Americans remained masters of the Delaware 
forts for a short season. 

" It was indeed but a short season that quiet posses- 
sion of the river was vouchsafed the patriots. Al- 
though repulsed, his ships beaten back, his mercen- 
ary allies decimated, Howe was not discouraged, and 
he labored eagerly and hopefully to dislodge the 
Americans from their strong posts upon the only 
avenue through which his army could receive food 
and clothing and his magazine supplies for the winter. 
A timely reinforcement from New York enabled him 
to act with energy. He took possession of Province 
Island, lying between Fort Mifiiiu and the main, and 
atdifferentpoints works were thrown up to strengthen 
his power and annoy the patriots. This was on the 
1st of November, and from that time never was a 



26 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



garrison more harassed than that at Fort Mifflin, and 
never was patience and true courage more nobly ex- 
hibited than was then shown by Lieut.-Col. Smith 
and his compatriots. 

" Old Fort Mifflin was upon the lower end of Mud 
(now Fort) Island, having its principal fortification 
in front, for the purpose of repelling ships that might 
come up the river. On the side toward Province Is- 
land (a low mud bank, nearly covered at high water, 
and separated from Mud Island by a narrow channel) 
the fort had only a wet ditch without ravelin or abatis. 
This part was flanked by a block-house at each of its 
angles. These were not strong. When the Americans 
saw the enemy take possession of Province Island, 
and begin the planting of batteries to bruise their 
weakest points, they were sensible that Fort Mifflin 
would be untenable if the British completed their 
works. Such, too, was the painful conviction of 
Washington, and from his camp at Whitemarsh, he 
put forth all his energies to prevent the evil. But, 
weak in numbers and deficient in everything which 
constitutes the strength of an army, he was obliged 
to see the enemy, day after day rearing his battle 
works, without being able to interpose. He had sent 
anxious requests to Gen. Gates to forward reinforce- 
ments from the north, Burgoyne's invading army 
being captured, and no other formidable enemy re- 
quiring a large force in that quarter; but that officer, 
doubtless willing to see his rival unsuccessful, gave 
no heed to his orders until longer non-compliance 
would have been positive disobedience. To break 
up the encampment at Whitemarsh and move the 
army to the west side of the Schuylkill would be to 
leave depositories of stores and hospitals for the sick 
within the reach of the enemy. It would also leave 
the fords of the Schuylkill in the custody of the 
royal troops, and render a junction of the expected 
northern forces with the main army difficult, if not 
impossible. Furthermore, it might bring on a general 
engagement, which, with his weakened forces, the 
commander-in-chief knew might be fatal. Thus sit- 
uated, Washington viewed the progress of the enemy 
in his designs upon Fort Mifflin with intense anxiety. 

" The British erected five batteries on Province 
Island, of eighteen-, twenty-four-, and thirty-two- 
pounders, within five hundred yards of Fort Mifflin. 
They also brought up by the new channel made be- 
tween Hog Island and the main by the changing of 
the current by the chevaux-de-frise, a large floating 
battery, mounting twenty-two twenty-four-pounders, 
within forty yards of an angle of the fort. They also 
brought to bear upon the fort four sixty-four-gun 
ships within nine hundred yards, and two forty-gun 
ships. Altogether the enemy had fourteen strong 
redoubts, and these were well manned and furnished 
with heavy artillery. On the 10th of November 
(1777), the enemy opened their batteries on land and 
water, and for six consecutive days poured a storm of 
bombs and round-shot upon the devoted fortification. 



With consummate skill and courage Lieut.-Col. 
Smith directed the responses from the ordnance of 
the fort. The artillery, drawn chiefly from Col. 
Lamb's regiment, were commanded by Lieut. Treat, 
who was killed on the first day of the siege by the 
bursting of a bomb. On that day the barracks alone 
suffered, but on the morning of the 11th the direction 
of the enemy's fire was changed, a dozen of the strong 
palisades were demolished, and a cannon in an em- 
brasure was disabled. The firing did not cease until 
midnight, and many of the garrison were killed or 
wounded. Col. Smith, the commander, had a narrow 
escape. He had just gone into the barracks to write 
a letter to Gen. Varnum, when a ball passed through 
a chimney. He was struck by the scattered bricks, 
and for a time lay senseless. He was taken across to 
Red Bank, and the command devolved on Lieut.-Col. 
Russel, of the Connecticut line. That officer was 
disabled by fatigue and ill health, and Maj. Thayer, 
of the Rhode Island line, volunteered to take his place. 
Maj. Henry, who sent daily reports to Washington of 
the progress of the siege, was also wounded on the 
11th, but he continued with the garrison. On the 
12th a two-gun battery of the Americans was de- 
stroyed, the northwest block-house and laboratory 
were blown up, and the garrison were obliged to seek 
shelter within the fort. The enemy continued to 
throw shells at night, and fearful indeed was the 
scene. At sunrise on the 13th thirty armed boats 
made their appearance, and during that night the 
heavy floating battery was brought to bear on the 
fort. It opened with terrible effect on the morning 
of the 14th, yet that little garrison of only three hun- 
dred men managed to silence it before noon. Hith- 
erto the enemy did not know the real weakness of 
the garrison ; on that day a deserter in a boat carried 
information of the fact to the British, who were seri- 
ously thinking of abandoning the siege, for they had 
suffered much. Hope was revived, and preparations 
were made for a general and more vigorous assault. 
At daylight on the 15th the 'Iris' and 'Somerset,' 
men-of-war, passed up the east channel to attack the 
fort on Mud Island in front. Several frigates were 
brought to bear on Fort Mercer, and the ' Vigilant,' 
an East Indiaman of twenty twenty-four-pounders, 
and a hulk with three twenty-four-pounders made 
their way through a narrow channel on the western 
side, and gained a position to act in concert with the 
batteries on Province Island in enfilading the Amer- 
ican works. At ten o'clock, while all was silent, a 
signal bugle sent forth its summons to action, and in- 
stantly the land-batteries and the shipping poured 
forth a terrible storm of missiles upon Fort Mifflin. 
The little garrison sustained the shock with astonish- 
ing intrepidity, and far into the gloom of the evening 
an incessant cannonade was kept up. Within an hour 
the only two cannons in the fort that had not been 
dismounted shared the fate of the others. Every man 
who appeared upon the platform was killed by the 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



musketeers in the tops of the ships, whose yards al- 
most hung over the American battery. Long before 
night not a palisade was left, the embrasures were 
ruined, the whole parapet leveled, the block-liouses 
were already destroyed. Early in the evening Maj. 
Thayer sent all the remnant of the garrison to Red 
Bank, excepting forty men, with whom he remained. 
Among these was the brave Capt. (afterward Com- 
modore) Talbot, of the Rhode Island line, who was 
wounded in the hip, having fought for hours with his 
wrist shattered by a musket-bull. At midnight, every 
defense and every shelter being swept away, Thayer 
and his men set fire to the remains of the barracks, 
evacuated the fort, and escaped in safety to Red Bank. 
Al ogether it was one of the most gallant and obsti- 
nate defenses made during the war. In the course of 
the last day more than a thousand discharges of can- 
non, from twelve- to tbirty-two-pounders, were made 
against the works on Mud Island. Nearly two hun- 
dred and fifty men of the garrison were killed and 
wounded. The loss of the British was great, the 
number was not certainly known. 

'■ Fort Mercer was still in possession of the Conti- 
nental troops. Howe determined to dislodge them, 
^r while they remained the obstructions in the river 
could not with safety be removed. While a portion 
of his force was beating down Fort Mifllin, he was 
busy in fortifying Philadelphia. He had extended 
intrenchments across from the Delaware to the Schuyl- 
kill. Having received more reinforcements from New 
York, he sent Cornwallis to fall upon Fort Mercer in 
the rear. That oflicer, with a detachment of about 
two thousand men, crossed the Delaware from Chester 
to Billingsport (Nov. 18, 1777), where he was joined 
by some troops just arrived from New York. Wash- 
ington had been apprised of this movement, and 
had detached Gen. Huntington's brigade to join 
that of Varnuin in New Jersey. He also ordered 
Maj.-Gen. Greene to proceed with his division to 
the relief of the garrison, and to oppose Cornwallis. 
That able oflScer, accompanied by Lafayette, who 
had not yet quite recovered from a wound received in 
the battle on the Brandywine, crossed the Delaware 
at Burlington, and marched with considerable force 
toward Red Bank. He expected to be reinforced by 
Glover's brigade, then on its march through New 
Jersey, but was disappointed. Ascertaining that the 
force of Cornwallis was greatly superior to his own 
in numbers Gen. Greene abandoned the idea of 
giving him battle, and filed off toward Haddonfield. 
Col. Greene, deprived of all hope of succor, evacuated 
Fort Mercer (November 20th), leaving the artillery, 
with a considerable quantity of cannon-balls and 
stores, in the hands of the enemy. Cornwallis dis- 
mantled the fort and demolished the works. His army 
was augmented by reinforcements, and with about five 
thousand men he took post at and fortified Gloucester 
Point, whence he might have a supervision of affairs 
in Lower Jersey. Morgan's rifle corps joined Gen. 



Greene, but the Americans were not strong enough to 
venture a regular attack on Cornwallis. A detach- 
ment of one hundred and fifty riflemen under Lieut.- 
Col. Butler, and an equal number of militia under 
Lafayette, attacked a picket of the enemy three hun- 
dred strong, killed between twenty and thirty of 
them, drove the remainder into the camp at Glouces- 
ter, and returned without losing a man. Gen. Greene 
soon afterward withdrew from New Jersey and joined 
Washington, and Cornwallis returned to Philadelphia. 
The American fleet, no longer supported by the 
forts, sought other places of safety. On a dark night 
(Nov. 21, 1777), the galleys, one brig, and two sloops 
crept cautiously along the Jersey shore, past Phila- 
delphia, and escaped to Burlington. Seventeen other 
vessels, unable to escape, were abandoned by their 
crews and burned, at Gloucester. The American de- 
fenses on the Delaware were now scattered to the 
winds; the obstructions in the river were removed, 
the enemy had full possession of Philadelphia, Con- 
gress had fled to the interior, and the broken bat- 
talions of the patriot army sought winter quarters 
on the banks of the Schuylkill, at Valley Forge." 

More than a century has elapsed since the battle of 
Red Bank, but the embankments and trenches of Fort 
Mercer are still plainly discernible. A forest of young 
pines protects them from being leveled by the plow, 
and they are likely long to remain. The washing 
away of the bank by the river has, from time to time, 
exposed the remains of the soldiers who were buried 
there in boxes after the battle. 

Between the fort and the Whitall house was the 
grave of Count Donop, marked by a modest stone, 
but the crumbling of the bank exposed his remains, 
and in 1874 Mr. Murray, the occupant of the Whitall 
house, humanely removed them to another place of 
interment. 

The old Whitall house still stands, a short distance 
south from the fort, and close to the river-bank. It 
is a brick structure, and it is now one hundred and 
thirty-four years old, as appears from the date of its 
erection on the north end, where the characters " J. 
A. W." (James and Anna Whitall), "1748," may 
still be seen. 

Lossing, who wrote in 1851, said, " The Whitalls 
were Quakers, and of course, though Whigs, took no 
part in the war. This fact made some suspect the old 
man of Toryism. I was informed by the present 
owner that when the attack was made upon the fort, 
and his grandmother was urged to flee from the house, 
she refused, saying, ' God's arm is strong and will 
protect 7ne. I may do good by staying.' She was left 
alone in the house, and while the battle was raging, 
and cannon-balls were driving like sleet against and 
around her dwelling, she calmly plied her spinning- 
wheel in a room in the second story. At length a 
twelve-pound ball from a British vessel in the river, 
grazing the American flag-staff" (a walnut-tree) at the 
fort, passed through the heavy brick wall on the north 



28 HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



gable, and, with a terrible crash, perforated a partition 
at the head of the stairs, crossed a recess, and lodged 
in another partition near where the old lady was sit- 
ting. Conceiving Divine protection a little more cer- 
tain elsewhere after this manifestation of the power 
of gunpowder, the industrious dame gathered up her 
implements, and, with a step quite as agile as in 
youth, she retreated to the cellar, where she contin- 
ued her spinning until called to attend the wounded 
and dying who were brought into her house at the 
close of the battle. She did, indeed, do good by re- 
maining, for, like an angel of mercy, she went among 
the maimed, unmindful whether they were friend or 
foe, and administered every relief to their suiferings 
in her power. She scolded the Hessians for coming 
to America to butcher the people. At the same time 
she bound up their wounds tenderly, and gave them 
food and water." 

On the green between the Whitall house and the 
river formerly lay the cannon which burst and killed 
several of the Americans during the action. This 
relic was removed by the government ten years 
since. A tract of one hundred acres of gi-ound here 
was purchased by the government in 1872, and the 
march of improvement is not likely further to ob- 
literate the few remaining traces of the battle of 
Eed Bank. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.— {Continued.) 

Operations in Salem and Cumberland Counties. 

— While the Americans were encamped at Valley 
Forge, and the British held possession of Philadel- 
phia, the latter at various times sent out parties to 
raid the country, plunder the people, and break up 
the feeble American posts. Among the most active 
troops in these enterprises were the Queen's Rangers, 
a corps of American Loyalists, or Tories, that had 
been enlisted mostly in Connecticut and the vicinity 
of New York. They were, as their name implies, de- 
signed for active service, and at one time they num- 
bered about four hundred men. They had become 
reduced in numbers, but in the autumn of 1777 Maj. 
Simcoe, a young and efficient officer of the British 
army, was placed in command of them. By his zeal 
and military ability he soon made this corps a model 
of its kind. About the 20th of February, 1778, an 
expedition of this kind was sent out from Philadel- 
phia, under the command of Col. Abercrombie, of the 
Fifty-second Regiment. It consisted of about five 
hundred men, and included the Rangers. They went 
to Salem by water, and remained several days, recon- 
noitering to ascertain the position of Wayne, who 
was then in New Jersey collecting horses and pro- 
visions for the American army. They also helped 



themselves to whatever they wished without cere- 
mony. 

On the 17th of March, in the same year, a British 
force, composed mostly of Scotchmen from the Sev- 
enteenth and Forty-fourth Regiments in Philadel- 
phia, twelve or fifteen hundred strong, under the 
command of Col. Mawhood and Majs. Simcoe and 
Sims, marched to Salem. They sought to surprise 
Col. Anthony Wayne, but that vigilant officer made 
good his retreat without loss. They were joined by 
about three hundred Tories, who were placed under 
the command of British officers, and who wore a uni- 
form of green faced with white, and cocked hats with 
broad white bands to distinguish them from the British 
troops whose uniform was red. From these Tories 
Col. Mawhood learned that about three hundred mili- 
tia, under command of Col. Benjamin Holme, were 
posted on the south side of Alloway's Creek, at Quin- 
ton's bridge, three miles from Salem. He deter- 
mined, therefore, to dislodge them, and, as he openly 
declared, " chastise the insolent rebels who dared to 
resist his majesty's arms." He sent out parties to col- 
lect horses among the inhabitants, and on these he 
mounted some of his best men for the expedition. 
Meantime Col. Holme was on the alert. He thre\% 
out vedettes towards various points, to watch the 
movements of the enemy and prevent surprise by a 
passage of the stream elsewhere, while he prepared 
to dispute the passage of the bridge. 

On the morning of the 18th Col. Mawhood dis- 
patched Maj. Simcoe with his rangers, and before 
daylight they had secreted themselves within half a 
mile of the bridge, in a deep ravine and a tangled, 
bushy swamp. They also took possession of a two- 
story brick hou.se, occupied at that time by Benjamin 
Wetherby, and drove the family into the cellar. The 
main road to Salem ran between this house and the 
barn, and the swamp with its thicket of bushes was 
near by. In this house, barn, and swamp the British 
were secreted. 

After daybreak a small portion of the enemy showed 
themselves, and manceuvred for the purpose of draw- 
ing the Americans across the bridge into the ambush. 
In this they were finally successful, for the most ex- 
citable of the patriots became too anxious to be re- 
strained by the more prudent officers present. Capt. 
Smith, the senior officer present, determined to cross 
the bridge and attack the enemy. He led the way, and 
in a confused, unmilitary manner, they crossed without 
— as prudent, vigilant men should do — examining to 
learn whether or not there were concealed foes. The 
decoying party feigned a flight, and Capt. Smith call- 
ing out, " We will have them before they get to Mill 
Hollow I" pursued. After passing some yards beyond 
Wetherby's house the patriots found themselves in 
the midst of the enemy that opened on them from 
the house, barn, swamp, and fences a galling and de- 
structive fire. They retreated towards the bridge con- 
fusedly, fighting bravely in squads. The horsemen 






I 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



29 



were not able to charge on them effectively, for the un- 
trained horses became frightened and unmanageable. 
Though thus surprised, and attacl^ed in front, flank, 
and rear, they made their retreat across the Isridge, 
with the loss of between thirty and forty, many of 
whom were drowned in the creelc. During this skir- 
mish and retreat Capt. Smith had a part of his cue 
shot away, and was grazed by a bullet in his loins. 
His horse was twice shot, but took his rider over the 
bridge, then fell dead. 

Col. Hand, of the Cumberland militia, had been 
informed of the presence of the enemy, and hastened 
to join the force at Quinton's bridge. He arrived 
with two pieces of cannon just at the moment when 
the Americans commenced their retreat, and at once 
placed his men in the trenches that had just been 
vacated by the patriots, and opened on the pursuing 
enemy such a severe fire as to check their pursuit. 
When the retreating patriots had recrossed the creek 
the draw of the bridge was cut away. This was done 
by a nian named Andrew JBacon, who seized an axe, and 
worked while volleys were fired at him. He finished 
his work, and rendered the bridge impassable, but on 
retiring to the trenches he received a wound which 
crippled him for life, though he lived to the age of 
more than eighty years. 

The failure of Maj. Simcoe, with his fine battalion, 
to drive the Americans from their trenches greatly 
chagrined Col. Mawhood, and he determined on an 
attack the next day with his full force. In anticipa- 
tion of this, the militia employed themselves during 
the remainder of the day, not only in burying their 
dead and caring for their wounded, but in strengthen- 
ing their position; so as to be able to repel the ex- 
pected attack. It is said that on that night they en- 
tered into a solemn compact that "no British soldier 
should eat bread or set his foot on that side of AUo- 
way's Creek while there was a man left to defend it." 

At about ten the nest morning, as was anticipated, 
the whole British force appeared, and, with martial 
music sounding, advanced to the foot of the cause- 
way that led to the bridge, and formed their lines at 
the edge of the marsh. The creek there ran in a semi- 
circular direction, and Cols. Holme and Hand had 
placed their men in their intrenchments, both up 
and down the stream, within musket range, so that 
the front and both flanks of the enemy were exposed 
to the fire of the patriots. Thus were they situated 
when the militia opened on them with cannon and 
small-arms in front, and with musketry on their 
flanks, as they sought to reach the bridge by the 
causeway. They were thus thrown iuto confusion, 
and compelled to retreat to Salem. 

An expedition was sent the next day to the head of 
tidewater on the creek near Allowaystown, but it re- 
turned without crossing. 

Maj. (afterward lieutenant-colonel) Simcoe in his 
journal gave the following account of his operations 
at this time in the vicinity of Salem. This is proba- 



bly the most reliable source of information concern- 
ing the afiair at Hancock's Bridge, which imme- 
diately succeeded the fight at Quinton's bridge. 
What has been handed down by tradition concerning 
it must be received with the allowance which should 
always be made for that uncertain source of informa- 
tion. 

" An expedition was formed under the command of 
the late Col. Mawhood, consisting of the Twenty- 
seventh and Forty-sixth Regiments, the Queen's 
Rangers, and New Jersey Volunteers, they embarked 

I the 12th of March, and fell down the Delaware. On 
the 17th the Queen's Rangers landed, at three o'clock 
in the morning, about six miles from Salem, the Huz- 
zars carrying their accoutrements and swords. Maj. 
Simcoe was directed to seize horses, to mount the 
cavalry and the staff, and to join Col. Mawhood at 
Salem. This was accordingly executed. Maj. Simcoe, 
making a circuit and passing over Lambstone's 
bridge, arrived at Salem, near which CoTT Mawhood 
landed. The Huzzars were tolerably well mounted, 
and sufiicient horses procured for the other exigencies 
of the service. Col. Mawhood had given the strictest 
charge against plundering; and Maj. Simcoe, in 
taking the horses, had assured the inhabitants that 
they should be returned, or paid for, if they did not 
appear in arms, in a very few days ; and none but offi- 
cers entering the house, they received no other injury. 
The Queen's Rangers Infantry were about two hun- 
dred and seventy, rank and file, and thirty cavalry. 
Col. Mawhood gave directions for the forage to take 
place on the 18th. The town of Salem lies upon a 
creek of that name which falls into the Delaware 
nearly opposite Reedy Island. The Aloes or Allewas 
(Alloways) Creek, runs almost parallel to the Salem 
Creek, and falls into the Delaware to the southward 
of it ; over this creek there were three bridges : 
Hancock's was the lower one, Quintin's that in the 
centre, and Thompson's the upper one. Between 
these creeks the foraging was to commence ; the neck 
or peninsula formed by them was at its greatest dis- 
tance seven, and at its least, four miles wide. The 
rebel militia was posted at Hancock's and Quintin's, 
the nearest bridges, which they had taken up and de- 
fended by breastworks. Col. Mawhood made detach- 
ments to mask these bridges and foraged in their 
rear. The officer who commanded the detachment, 
consisting of seventy of the Seventeenth Infantry, at 
Quintin's bridge, sent information that the enemy 

! were assembled in great numbers at the bridge, and 
indicated as if they meant to pass over whenever he 
should quit it, in which case his party would be in 
great danger. Col. Mawhood marched with the 
Queen's Rangers to his assistance. He made a cir- 
cuitso as to fall in upon the road that led from Thomp- 
son's to Quintin's bridge, to deceive any patrol whicli 
he might meet on his march, and to make them be- 
lieve that he directed it to Thompson's, not Quintin's 
bridge. Approaching the bridge the Rangers halted 



30 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



in the wood, and Col. Mawhood and Maj. Simcoe 
went to the party of the Seventeenth, but in such a 
manner as to give no suspicion that they were part of 
a reinforcement; the ground was high till within two 
hundred yards of the bridge, where it became marshy ; 
immediately beyond the bridge the banks were steep, 
and on them the enemy had thrown up breastworks ; 
there was a public-house very near the road, at the 
edge of its declivity into the marsh, on the Salem 
side. Col. Mawhood asked Maj. Simcoe whether he 
thought, if he left a party in the house, the enemy 
would pass by it or not? who replied that he thought 
they would be too cowardly to do it, but at any rate 
the attempt could do no harm, and if he pleased, he 
would try. Col. Mawhood directed Maj. Simcoe to do 
so, who accordingly profiting by the broken ground 
of the orchard which was behind it, and the clothing 
of his men, brought Capt. Stephenson and his com- 
pany into the house undiscovered ; the front windows 
were opened and the back ones were shut, so that no 
thorough light could be seen ; the women of the 
house were put in the cellar, and ordered to be silent ; 
the door was left open, and Lieut. McKay stood 
behind it with a bayonet, ready to seize the first per- 
son whose curiosity might prompt him to enter; the 
Queen's Rangers were brought into the wood near to 
that part where it ended in clear ground, and two 
companies, under Capt. Saunders, were advanced to 
the fences at the very edge of it, where they lay 
flat. Col. Mawhood then gave orders for the detach- 
ment of the Seventeenth, who were posted near the 
bouse, to call in their sentinels and retreat up the 
road in full view of the enemy. This party had 
scarcely moved when the enemy laid the bridge and 
passed it ; a detachment of them went immediately 
across the marsh to the heights on the left, but the 
principal party, about two hundred, in two divisions, 
proceeded up the road. Capt. Stephenson, as they 
approached the house, could hear them say, ' Let us 
go into the house,' etc., but they were prevented 
both by words and by action by the officer who was 
at their head ; he was on horseback, and spurring 
forward, quitted the road to go into the field on the 
right, through a vacancy made by the rails being ' 
taken for fires; his party still proceeded up the road, 
and the first division passed the house ; the officer, 
his sight stfll fixed on the red clothes of the Seven- 
teenth, approached close up to the fence, where Capt. 
Saunders lay ; he did not immediately observe the 
Rangers, and, it is probable, might not, had he not 
heard one of the men stifling a laugh ; looking down 
he saw them, and galloped off'; he was fired at, 
wounded, and taken. The division that had passed 
the house attempted to return. Capt. Stephenson ral- 
lied, drove them across the fields ; Capt. Saunders 
pursued them ; the Huzzars were let loose, and after- 
ward the battalion. Col. Mawhood leading them, 
Maj. Simcoe directed the Seventeenth back to the 
house, with the Grenadiers and Highlanders of the 



Rangers, ready to force the bridge, if ordered. The 
enemy for a moment quitted it. Col. Mawhood 
thought it useless to pass it. Some of the division 
who passed the house were taken prisoners, but the 
greater part were drowned in Aloes Creek. The offi- 
cer who was taken proved to be a Frenchman. The 
Rangers had one Huzzar mortally wounded, and, what 
was unfortunate, he was wounded by a man whom, 
in the eagerness of the pursuit, he had passed, given 
quarters to, and not disarmed ; the villain, or coward, 
was killed by another Huzzar. The corps returned 
to Salem. 

"The rebels still occupying the posts at Quintin's 
and Hancock's bridges, and probably accumulating. 
Col. Mawhood determined to attack them at the latter, 
where, from all reports, they were assembled to nearly 
four hundred men. He intrusted the enterprise to 
Maj. Simcoe, and went with him and a patrol oppo- 
site to the place. The ma,jor ascended a tree and made 
a rough sketch of the buildings, which, by conversing 
with the guides, he improved into a tolerable plan of 
the place, and formed his mode of attack accordingly. 
He embarked on the 20th, at night, on board the flat- 
boats. He was to be landed at an inlet seven miles 
below Aloes Creek, when the boats were to be imme- 
diately returned, and by a private road he was to reach 
Hancock's bridge, opposite to which Maj. Mitchell 
was detached with the Twenty- seventh Regiment, to 
co-operate with him. Maj. Simcoe foresaw the diffi- 
culties and dangers, but he kept them to himself; 
everything depended on surprise. The enemy were 
nearly double his numbers, and his retreat, by the 
absolute orders to send back the boats, was cut oft', 
but he had just confidence in the silence, attention, 
and spirit of the corps. By some strange error in 
the naval department, when the boats arrived off' 
Aloes Creek, the tide set so strong against them that, 
in the opinion of the officer of the navy, they could 
not reach the place of their destination till midday. 
Maj. Simcoe determined not to return, but to land 
on the marshes at the mouth of Aloes Creek. There 
were good guides with him. They found out a 
landing-place, and after a march of two miles 
through the marshes, up to their knees in mud and 
water, labors rendered more fatiguing by the carriage 
of the first wooden planks they met with to form 
bridges with them over the ditches, they at length 
arrived at a wood upon dry land. Here the corps 
was formed for the attack. There was no public 
road which led to Hancock's bridge but that which 
the Rangers were now in possession of. A bank on 
which there was a footway led from Hancock's to 
Quintin's bridge. Hancock's house . was ^ a large 
brick house; there were many storehouses round it, 
and some few cottages. Capt. Saunders was detached 
to ambuscade the dike that led to Quintin's bridge, 
about half a mile from the quarters, and to take up a 
small bridge which was upon it, as the enemy would 
probably fly that way, and if not pursued too closely. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



31 



would be more easily defeated. Capt. Dunlop was 
detached to the rear of Hancock's house, in which it 
was presumed the officers were quartered, directed to 
force it, occupy and barricade it, as it commanded 
the passage of the bridge. Different detachments 
were allotted to the houses supposed to be the enemy's 
quarters, which, having mastered, they were ordered 
to assemble at Hancock's. A party was appointed to 
relay the bridge. On approaching the place two sen- 
tries were discovered; two men of the light infantry \ 
followed them, and as they turned about bayoneted 
them. The companies rushed in, and each, with 
proper guides, forced the quarters allotted to it. No 
resistance being made, the light infantry, who were 
in reserve, reached Hancock's house by the road, 
and forced the front door, at the same time that Capt. 
Dunlop, by a more difficult way, entered the back 
door. As it was very dark, these companies had 
nearly attacked each other. The surprise was com- 
plete, and would have been so had the whole of the 
enemy's force been present, but, fortunately for them, 
they had quitted it the evening before, leaving a de- 
tachment of twenty or thirty men, all of whom were 
killed. Some very unfortunate circumstances hap- 
pened here. Among the killed was a friend of the 
government, then a prisoner among the rebels. Old 
Hancock, the owner of the house, and bis brother, 
Maj. Simcoe had made particular inquiry, and was 
informed that he did not live at home since the rebels 
had occupied the bridge. The information was partly 
true ; he was not there in the daytime, but unfortu- 
nately returned home at night. Events like these 
are the real miseries of war. The roads which led to 
the country were immediately ambuscaded, and Lieut. 
Whitlock was detached to surprise a patrol of seven 
men who had been sent down the creek. This he 
effected completely. On their refusal to surrender, 
he fired on them. Only one escaped. This firing gave 
the first notice of the success of the enterprise to the 
Twenty-seventh Regiment, with so much silence it had 
hitherto been conducted. The bridge was now laid, 
and Maj. Simcoe communicated to Col. Mitchell that 
the enemy were at Quintin's bridge, that he had good 
guides to conduct him thither by a private road, and 
that the possession of Hancock's house secured a re- 
treat. Lieut.-Col. Mitchell said that his regiment was 
much fetigued by the cold, and that he would return 
to Salem as soon as the troops joined. The ambus- 
caders were of course withdrawn, and the Queen's 
Rangers were forming to pass the bridge, when a 
rebel patrol passed where an ambuscade had been, 
and discovering the corps, galloped back. Lieut.- 
Col. Mitchell, finding his men in high spirits, had 
returned, purposing to march to Quintin's bridge ; 
but being informed of the enemy's patrol, it was 
thought best to return. Col. Mawhood, in public 
order, ' returned his best thanks to Maj. Simcoe and 
his corps for their spirited and good conduct in the 
surprise of the rebel posts.' Two days after, the 



Queen's Rangers patrolled to Thompson's bridge. 
The enemy, who had been posted there, were alarmed 
at the approach of a cow the night before, fired at it, 
wounded it, and then fled. They also abandoned 
Quintin's bridge and retired to a creek sixteen miles 
from Aloes Creek. Maj. Simcoe, making a patrol 
with the Huzzars, took a circuit towards the rear of 
one of the parties sent out to protect the foragers ; a 
party of the enemy had been watching them the 
whole day, and unluckily, the forage being com- 
pleted, the detachment had just left its ground, and 
was moving oif ; the enemy doing the like, met the 
patrol, were pursued, and escaped by the passage 
which the foragers had just left open. Only one 
was taken, being pursued into a bog, which the Hus- 
sars attempted in vain to cross, and were much mor- 
tified to see a dozen of the enemy who had passed 
round it in safety within a few yards. They con- 
sisted of all the field-officers and committee-men of 
the district. The prisoner was their adjutant. The 
enemy, who were assembled at Cohansey, might easily 
have been surprised, but Col. Mawhood judged that 
having completed his forage with success, his business 
was to return, which he effected. The troops em- 
barked without any accident, and sailed for Phila- 
delphia." 

The following, relating to the massacre at Han- 
cock's Bridge, is from Johnson's " History of Salem :" 
"That night, the murdering party being selected, 
went, as directed, in boats, down Salem Creek to the 
river, thence to Alloway's Creek, thence up the same 
to a suitable distance from Hancock's Bridge where 
they were to land, and being favored by the darkness 
of the night, were to attack the picket in the liouse in 
which they were stationed as their headquarters, and 
put every man to death they found there. In that 
house, the property of Judge Hancock, were Mr. 
Charles Fogg, a very aged man, Joseph Thompson, 
and ^3-3-^ Bacon, all Quakers. A few others besides 
the guard, composed of a full company of men, were 
those persons in that house on that ill-fated night, all 
wrapt in sleep, worn down with watching, nature ex- 
hausted, and many of them doomed to sleep the long 
sleep of death. The hellish mandate was issued at 
headquarters, ' Go — ^spare no one — put all to death — 
give no quarters.' These refugees, only to be associ- 
ated with their brethren, the imps of the infernal 
regions, did their best, and glutted their worse than 
! savage passions in the innocent blood of their un- 
offending neighbors. They killed and desperately 
mangled, with fiendish ferocity, such whom they saw- 
writhing under the severity of their wounds, and thus 
destroyed more than two-thirds of all who were within 
that house. 

"It was currently reported, and that report believed 
to be true, that a negro man, who went by the name 
of Nicholson's Frank, and a man from Gloucester 
County, called Jonathan Ballanger, were the two 
persons who attended this murdering party as pilots. 



32 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



" Ballanger came to the house of John Steward (a 
farmer near Hancock's Bridge), armed, that very 
same night, some time hefore day. Steward said 
that he soon discovered from the looks and conver- 
sation of Ballanger that some evil was about to be 
done. With some persuasion he prevailed on him to 
go into the room and lie down. When he went in 
he turned the key in the door, nor did he open it un- 
til about daylight in the morning. When Ballanger 
came out of the room he stayed but a few minutes 
and went away, carrying with him his musket. A 
short time after he had left the house the report of a 
gun was heard in the direction in which Ballanger 
had walked, and by the side of the fence along 
which he had gone a few moments before was found 
Reuben Sayers, mortally wounded, being a distance 
of not more than one-fourth of a mile from Steward's 
house." 

Ballanger was not seen by any person after he left 
Steward's, until several years afterward. The suspi- 
cion of the murder of Sayers could be fixed upon no 
one but him. Immediately after the massacre of the 
picket and private citizens, the refugees returned to 
Salem over the bridge, the draw of which they laid. 
Ballanger and the negro, no doubt, returned by water 
with the boatmen. It could have been none of the 
refugees who were at Hancock's. The circumstan- 
tial evidence against Ballanger was most assuredly of 
the very strongest kind, amounting pretty near to pos- 
itive. Public opinion was decidedly against him, for 
he was known to be a rank Tory, from the very hot- 
bed of Toryism, of those who secretly traded with the 
British while they occupied Philadelphia. It was but 
a short mile from Hancock's Bridge to where Sayers 
was found weltering in his blood. He had escaped 
thus far towards the woods or marshes in his flight 
from the murdering refugees. Not a single individ- 
ual of the enemy was seen anywhere near to the 
field where Sayers was found. The murderer was 
always believed to be none other than Jonathan 
Ballanger.^ 

"A few names of som« of the desperate villains, 
the refugees, which I here mention, ought never to 
be forgotten. One fellow, who usually bore the name 
of Proud Harry, a plasterer by trade, an insolent, 
swaggering scoundrel, a braggadocio. Another, by 
name Jo Daniels. Another, if possible, worse than 
Satan himself, — his name was John Hanks. This 
fellow was brought up from a boy in the family of 
Morris Beesley. The son of Morris, whose name 
was Walker, belonged to that company of militia. 

1 Some years after this a son of Sayei-s. master of a small vessel navi- 
gating the Delaware River, in bringing his vessel up to a wharf below 
Philadelphia, in a very dark evening, being a little intoxicated, acci- 
dentiUly fell overboard, but was humanely rescued by a person wlio 
happened to be on the wharf. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered 
he discovered in the face of his deliverer a son of Ballanger, the mur- 
derer of his father. He swore he would not owe his life to such a d — d 
rascal, immediately threw himself into the river, and it was with no 
little difficulty and risk that his life was a second time saved. 



Hanks, with another villian, rushed upon young 
Beesley to kill him. He begged of Hanks in the 
most pitiable manner to protect him and spare his 
life. He urged upon him their friendship and inti- 
macy, their having grown up from boys together. 
All his entreaties were in vain. The murderer heard 
his pleas, and then very sternly told him that for their 
former intimacy alone he was determined to kill him, 
and then stabbed him and left him. The poor youth 
lived long enough to tell his tale of woe to those 
people who came to take care of the dead and 
wounded. 

"Another instance I will mention of a militia man 
whose name was Darius Dailey, who, escaping from 
the house, was pursued by two of the refugees ; while 
running he saw an English soldier; he made towards 
him as fast as he could, calling out to him at the same 
time to save him ; crying out, ' Oh, save me ! save 
me, soldier! I am your countryman! Save me, 
save me ! I am a Scotchman ! I am your couutry- 
man !' The very name of countryman, even coming 
from the mouth of an enemy, and in the midst of 
slaughter, struck the tender fibres of the stern sol- 
dier's heart. He immediately put himself in an at- 
titude of defence, and stopped the pursuing refugees, 
and told them that he should protect the man at all 
hazards; that he surrendered himself to him, and 
that he was his prisoner. When his flurry had in 
some measure subsided, Dailey gave his name to the 
soldier, the soldier his name to Dailey. They were 
both struck almost speechless with astonishment ; 
tiiey now found that they had been bosom friends and 
schoolmates together, when boys, in Scotland. Dai- 
ley was conducted a prisOoer, with a few others, to- 
Salem, whose lives had been spared by the English 
soldiers. 

" The naiues of the officers of that unfortunate 
company of militia who were so dreadfully cut to 
pieces on that dreadful night were Carleton Shep- 
pard, captain ; Benjamin Curlis, first lieutenant ; 
Andrew Lowder, second lieutenant; William Bresby, 
ensign." 

After the affairs at Quinton's Bridge and Hancock's 
Bridge, Col. Mawhood sent foraging parties to plun- 
der the farmers of their hay, grain, horses, cattle, and 
everything that could be useful to the British. All 
the teams that could be obtained were pressed into 
his service to transport that which was thus taken to 
the vessels that had been sent to convey this plunder 
to Philadelphia. A larger fleet was in the creek fi.r 
that purpose than has been seen there before or since. 
Foraging parties were sent to explore Elsinborough, 
Lower Mannington, and Salem,' where it was certain 
no resistance could be made. A strong guard was 
sent with the foragers into the township of Lower 
Penn's Neck. 

Barber says, "Capt. Andrew Sinnickson lived at 
that time in Penn's Neck, and being notified of the 
party approaching, hastily collected together as many 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



33 



of his men as could be mustered, came upon the 
guard and their foragers (in what was then called 
Long Lane), and after a severe contest the enemy was 
routed ; and in the raelee the commanding officer lost 
his hat and cloak, and was obliged to flee to Salem 
without them. The next day Capt. Sinnickson sent 
a flag into the town, with the hat and cloak belonging 
to the officer, with something like this laconic mes- 
sage, ' That he had to regret the sudden departure of 
the officer, the owner of these articles, but hoped if he in- 
tended another visit into that township he might have the 
pleasure of detaining him till they became better ac- 
quainted.' " I 
The following letters between the commanding | 
officers of the British and American forces were ex- 
changed shortly after the affair at Quinton's Bridge : 

" Colonel Mawhood, coramandiug a detachment of the British army 
at Salem, induced by motives of humanity, proposes to the militia at 
Quintiii's Bridge and the neighborhood, as well officers as private men, 
to lay down their arms and depart, each man to his own home, On that 
condition he solemnly promises to re-embark his troops without delay, 
doing uo farther damage to the country; and he will cause his commis- 
saries to pay for the cattle, hay, and corn that have been taken, in ster- 
ling moni-y. 

" If, on the contrary, the militia should be so far deluded and blind to ! 
their true interest and happiness, he will put the arms which he has 
brought with bim into the hands of the inhabitants well affected, called 
Tories; and will attack all such of the militia as remain in arms, burn 
and destroy their houses and other property, and reduce them, their 
uTifortuuate wives and children, to beggary and distress; and to convince 
them that these are not vain threats he has subjoined a list of the names 
of such as will be the first objects to feed the vengeance of the British 
nation. 

" Given under my hand, at headquarters, at Salem, the twenty-first 

day of March, 1778. 

" C. Mawiiood, Colonel. 

"Edmund Keasby, Thomas Sinnickson, Samuel Dick, Whiten Cripps, 

Ebeuezer Howell, Edward Hail, John Kowen, Thomas Thompson, George 

Trenchard, Elisha Cattel, Andrew Sinnickson, Nicholas Kean, Jacob 

Huftj', Benjamin Holme, William Sliute, Anthony Sharp, and Ahner 

PentoD." 

Reply of Col. Hand. 

"Sir : I have been favored with what you say humanity has induced 
you to propose. It would have given me much pleasure to have found 
that humanily had been the line of conduct to your troops since j'ou 
came to Salem. Not denying quarters, but butchering our men who sur- 
rendered themselves prisoners in the skirmish at Quinton's Bridge last 
Thursday, and bayoneting, yesterday morning, at Hancock's Bridge, in 
the most cruel manner, in cold blood, men who were taken by surprise 
in a situation iu which they neither could nor did attempt to make any 
resistance, and some of whom were not fighting men, are instances too 
shocking for me to relate, and, I hope, for you to hear. The brave are 
ever generous and humane. After expressing your sentiments of 
humanity, you proceed to make a request, which I think you would 
despise us if complied with. Your proposal that we should lay down 
our arms we absolutely reject. We have taken them up to maintain 
rights which are dearer to us than our lives, and will not lay them 
down till either success has crowned our arms with victory, or, like 
many ancient worthies contending for liberty, we meet with an honor- 
aljle death. You mention that if we reject your proposal you will put 
arms in the hands of the Tories against us. We have no objection to 
the measure, for it would be a verj' good one to fill our arsenals with 
arms. Your threats to wantonly burn and destroy our houses and other 
property, and reduce our wives and children to beggary and distress is 
a sentiment which my humanity almost forbids me to recite, and in- 
duces me to imagine that I am reading the cruel order of a barbarous 
Aitila, and not of a gentleman, brave, generous, and polished, with a 
genteel European education. To wantonly destroy will injure your 
cause more than ours; it will increase your enemies and our army. To 
destine to destruction the property of our most distinguished men, as 
you have done in your proposals, is, in my opinion, unworthy a geuer- 

3 



ouB foe, and more like a rancorous feud betlveen two contendiDg barons 
than a war carried on by one of the greatest powers on earth against a 
people nobly struggling for liberty. A line of honor would mark out 
that these men should share the fate of their country. If your arms 
should be crowned with victory (which God forbid !) they and their 
property will be entirely at the disposal of your sovereign. The loss of 
their property, while their persons are out of your power, will only ren- 
der them despemte, and, as I said before, increase your foes and our 
army, and retaliation upon Tories and their property is not entirely out 
of our power. Be assured that these are the sentiments and determined 
resolution, not of myself only, but of all the officers and private:; 
under me. 

"My prayer is, sir, that this may reach you in health and great hap- 
piness. 

"Given at headquarters at Quinton's Bridge, the 22d day of March, 
1778. 

" Elijah Hand, Colonel.*^ 



CHAPTER IX. 

REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.— tCojilinued. ) 

Minor Operations in Gloucester County. — In 

the histories of the different townships in Gloucester, 
Salem, and Cumberland Counties accounts are given 
of minor aflairs which occurred during the Revolu- 
tion. The region immediately surrounding these 
counties was, during that war, the scene of many raids 
and conflictsof more or less importance, brief sketches 
of which will not be destitute of interest. In his" Rem- 
iniscences of Old Gloucester," Isaac Mickle, Esq., has 
given accounts of many of these, some of which are 
reproduced here. 

Near Gloucester. — On the evening of Nov. 25, 
1777, a lively affair occurred between Big and Little 
Timber Creeks, on the king's road. Lord Cornwallis, 
who was encamped at the point with about four thou- 
sand men and a large quantity of military stores, 
was about to move across the Delaware, and Gen. 
Greene, with a body of Americans, was at Had- 
donfield watching his movements. Lafayette, who 
was still suffering from a wound received some time 
previously, volunteered to reconnoiter the enemy, and 
attack them if he found it advisable. In making his 
reconnoissance he went very near to the enemy's lines 
on the sandy peninsula south from the outlet of Tim- 
ber Creek, where he was discovered, and a detachment 
of dragoons was sent to intercept him. Seeing this, 
his guide pointed out a back path, which took him 
beyond the reach of his pursuers before they arrived 
at the bridge. He passed within musket-shot of an 
outpost, and reached his detachment in safety. 
Lafayette reported, — 

" After liaving spent the most part of tlie day in making myself well 
acquainted with the certainty of the enemy's motions, I came pretty 
late into the Gloucester road between the two Creeks. I had ten light 
horse, almost one hundred and fifty riflemen, and two pickets of militia. 
Col. Armaud, Col. Laumoy, and Chevaliers Duplessia and Gimat were 
the Frenchmen with me. A scout of my men under Duplessis went to 
ascertain how near to Gloucester were the enemy's first pickets, and 
they found, at the distance of two miles and a half from that plnco, a 
strong post of three hundred and fifty Hessians, with field pieces, and 
they engaged immediately. As my little recouuoitering party weie in 



34 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



fine spirits 1 supported them. We pushed the Hessians more than half 
a mile from the place where their main body had been, and we made 
them run very fast. British reinforcements came twice to them, bnt 
very far from recovering their ground they always retreated. The dark- 
ness of the night prevented us from pursuing our advantage. After 
standing on the ground we had gained, I ordered them lo return, very 
slowly, to Haddonfield. I take great pleasure in letting yuu know that 
the conduct of our soldiers was above all praise. I never saw men so 
merry, so spirited, and so desirous to go on to the enemy, whatever force 
they might have, as tliat little party in this little fight.'* 

Of Morgan's riflemen he said, " I found them even 
above their reputation." In this affair the Americans 
had one killed and six wounded. The British had 
twenty killed, many more wounded, and twenty pris- 
oners. 

In February, 1778, while Mad Anthony, as Gen. 
Wayne was called, was at Haddonfield some of his 
men went to Gloucester to reconnoiter the British. 
They were pursued, and a running fight took place, 
lasting nearly to the American cordon, with the great- 
est loss to the British. Col. Ellis, of the Gloucester 
County militia, was prominent in this fight. Soon 
afterward the whole British force at Gloucester moved 
on Wayne at Haddonfield, by night, but found only 
his empty quarters. On this occasion Miles Sage was 
caught, as elsewhere related. 

While the British occupied Gloucester many depre- 
dations were committed on the people in the town- 
ship. On one occasion some Englishmen came to the 
house of Col. Joseph Hugg, and engaged in the amuse- 
ment of throwing a hatchet at the poultry in the yard. 
Mrs. Hugg said to them, " Do you call yourselves 
ofBcers, and come thus to rob undefended premises? 
I have sons who are in Washington's army. They 
are gentlemen, and not such puppies as you." The 
house was soon afterwards burned by Col. Aber- 
crombie. 

Egg Harbor was, during the Revolution, a part of 
old Gloucester County. Mickle says of it, " In the 
Revolution the refugees of South Jersey, Delaware, 
and Maryland were continually passing to and from 
New York and other Northern points by way of Egg 
Harbor. These troublesome strangers did infinite 
mischief to the property of the shoremen, who were 
generally good Whigs, but on some occasions the 
tables were turned, and the refugees got their full 
deserts. Early in September, 1782, Capt. Douglas, 
with some of the Gloucester militia, attacked a boat 
containing eighteen refugees, of whom fourteen were 
killed. Several other equally severe retaliations are 
recorded. 

"Towards the close of the war some people at Egg j 
Harbor, and others further up in the interior, got to [ 
carrying on a considerable trade with the British in • 
New York. The refugees often came there in large 1 
bodies, and committed great depredations on the peo- 
ple ; and the troops taken at the capture of Lord 
Cornwallis, who were cantoned in Virginia, frequently 
escaped in small parties, and by concealing themselves 
in the woods in the day, and traveling only at night, 
by the assistance of guides and friends whom they 



found on their way, got to Egg Harbor, and from 
thence to New York. To prevent all this Capt. John 
Davis was sent with a company of men to Egg Har- 
bor. On one occasion his lieutenant, Benjamin Bates, 
with Richard Powell, a private, called at a house 
where Davis had beeu informed over night that two 
refugee oflicers were lodging. Bates got to the house 
before any of the family had risen, except two girls 
who were making a fire in the kilchen. He inquired 
if there were any persons in the house beside the 
family, and was answered, ' None except two men from 
up in the country.' He bade the girls show him 
where they were, which they did. In passing through 
a room separating the kitchen from the bedroom he 
saw two pistols lying on a table. Knocking at the 
door, he was at first refused admittance, but finding 
him determined to enter the two refugees finally let 
him in. They refused to tell their names, but were 
afterwards found to be William Giberson and Henry 
Lane, refugee lieutenants, the former a notorious 
rascal, who had committed many outrages and killed 
one or two Americans in cold blood. On their way 
to the quarters of Davis' company, Giberson called 
attention to something he pretended to see at a dis- 
tance, and while Bates was looking in that direction 
started in another, and being-a very fast runner, al- 
though Bates fired his musket at him, he made his 
escape. Davis, on being informed of what had hap- 
pened, told Bates to try again the next night. Ac- 
cordingly, the next night he went to the same house. 
While in the act of opening the door he heard the 
click of a musket-cock behind a large tree within a 
few feet of him, and turning around saw Giberson 
just taking aim at him. He dropped on his knees, 
and the ball cut the rim of his hat. Giberson started 
to run, but before he had got many rods Bates gave 
him a load of buckshot, which broke his leg. He 
was well guarded till he could be removed with Lane 
to Burlington jail, from which, however, he soon 
made his escape, and went to New York. 

" About the time of Giberson's capture, Davis was 
informed of a party of twenty-one British troops, who 
had escaped from the cantonment in Virginia, and 
arrived upon the Egg Harbor shore. Knowing where 
they would embark he secreted himself, with nineteen 
men, near where the boat lay that was to take them 
off" to the vessel, and there waited their approach. 
When they came a very warm contest ensued, hand 
to hand and foot to foot. Davis and his men were 
completely victorious, having killed or taken prisoner 
every Englishman." 

Many Revolutionary incidents have passed to ob- 
livion, and on those that have been rescued from that 
fate by oral tradition, many times repeated and finally 
recorded, it is well to look with many grains of allow- 
ance, for at every repetition such traditions are liable 
to receive accessions. 

Waterford, — In Waterford the people were standi 
Whigs during the Revolution, and of course were ob- 



I 



GEiNEKAL HISTORY. 



35 



noxious to the British. During the occupation of 
Haddonfield by the latter, in 1778, many of the houses 
north from Cooper's Creek were visited by foragers, 
who were not scrupulous concerning rights of prop- 
erty. On one of these occasions a British officer 
called at the residence of the Champions, and de- 
manded their best horse. A fine unbroken animal was 
brought out and saddled, and the officer mounted and 
rode away. On arriving at a pond a short distance 
away, the colt became restive and threw his rider into 
the muddy pool. In revenge the oflScer ordered his 
men to rob the house, and rode away on a plow 
horse. 

One worthy gentleman had a large amount of specie 
which he desired to prevent the Hessians, who also 
had their rendezvous at Haddonfield, from plundering. 
He therefore took his treasure at midnight to a se- 
cluded place, and by the light of a lantern buried it. 
On passing the spot the next morning he discovered 
that his gold was gone. His lantern had betrayed 
him to spies who were lurking around, and they re- 
moved his treasure as soon as he left the place of con- 
cealment. 

In sharp dealing, however, the Yankees were usu- 
ally fully equal to the enemy. On one occasion a 
Waterford man learned that the enemy at Mount 
Holly were in want of tiour. He took ten well-filled 
bags to the commissary there, who opened each sack, 
and, finding good flour, paid the man a liberal price; 
as the man started away the oflicer said to him, " Stop ! 
you're leaving your bags I" " You need not empty 
them," said he, " I'll throw the bags in for the sake of 
the cause !" On examination there was found a small 
quantity of flour at the top of each bag ; the rest was 
— sawdust. 

Haddonfield. — Several interesting incidents oc- 
curred at Haddonfield during the Revolution, one 
of which was the almost miraculous escape of Miles 
Sage, a brave dragoon, who belonged to Ellis' regi- 
ment. On one occasion, while his regiment was at 
Haddonfield, he and a comrade, named Ben Haines, 
were ordered to reconnoiter the enemy near Glouces- 
ter Point. He lost his companion, and on reach- 
ing the point learned that the British had already 
moved for Haddonfield, intending to surprise the 
Americans. He turned his fleet steed, and dashed 
through the darkness with the utmost speed for his 
camp. On arriving at the village he dismounted at 
Col. Ellis' quarters to give the alarm, but found that 
the house was filled with British ofiicers. He re- 
mounted without being discovered, and galloped off' 
in search of his retreating comrades. The enemy 
were drawn up near the eastern extremity of the 
town in three ranks. Through two of these he 
charged successfully, but his mare fell at the third, 
and he was at the mercy of his foes, who surrounded 
him, and inflicted on him thirteen bayonet wounds. 
A Scotch officer interposed in his behalf, and had him 
taken to the inn of the village and placed in the care 



of some women, one of whom was the mother of Gov- 
ernor Stratton. One of the women besought him to 
turn his thoughts heavenward, and he replied, "Mar- 
tha, I mean to give the enemy thirteen rounds yet." 
He lived to do so, and to relate this adventure to his 
grandchildren. 

Col. Stirling, and the Queen's Rangers under Maj. 
Simcoe, were at Haddonfield In the latter part of 
1 February, 1778, for the purpose of annoying Gen. 
Wayne, who was collecting supplies of cattle, etc. 
Simcoe, in his journal, says, " A circumstance hap- 
pened here, which, though not unusual in America and 
in the rebel mode of warfare, it is presumed is singu- 
lar elsewhere." As Maj. Simcoe was near the out- 
' posts, on horseback, in conversation with Lieut. Whit- 
' lock, they heard the report of a rifle, and a bullet 
I passed between them. They were on high ground, 
and were able to see the man who fired running 
away. He was pursued and captured by Lieut. 
j Whitlock and the guard. On being questioned why 
[ he had fired thus, he answered that he had often 
! fired at the Hessians, who were there some time 
i before, and thought he would do so again. Maj. 
] Simcoe continues, "As he lived within half a mile 
of the spot, had he not been taken and the patrols 
pushed, the next day they would have found him, it 
is probable, employed in his household matters, and 
strenuously denying that he either possessed or had 
fired a gun. He was sent prisoner to Philadelphia." 
Maj. Simcoe doubled his guards, and enjoined par- 
ticular watchfulness after this specimen of rebel effron- 
tery, for he never felt safe among the Gloucester boys 
after that. 

The Forty-second and the Rangers remained some 
days at Haddonfield, during which time they made 
valiant assaults on some tar-barrels in Timber Creek, 
and some rum-casks on the Egg Harbor road. On 
learning that Mad Anthony was on his way from 
Mount Holly to attack the forces at Haddonfield, 
Simcoe wished, as he represented, to secure the in- 
habitants of the village, by advancing to a favorable 
position two miles from the village, and lying in 
ambush. Stirling, however, saw fit to retire within 
the lines at Cooper's Ferry, and Simcoe led the re- 
treat thither, notwithstanding his professed eagerness 
to fight. He says, "The night was uncommonly 
severe, and a cold sleet fell the whole way from Had- 
donfield to the ferry, where the troops arrived late, 
and the ground being occupied by barns and forage 
they were necessitated to pass the coldest night they 
ever felt without fire." 

The- next day fifty men, picked from the Forty- 
second and the Rangers, were sent three or four miles 
towards Haddonfield for some remaining forage ; but 
were met by Wayne's cavalry, and driven back to 
the ferry. The Americans pursued them to the cor- 
don of the enemy, where they found the British forces 
drawn up, the Forty-second on the right, Col. Mark- 
ham in the centre, and the Queen's Rangers on the 



36 



HISTORY OF GLOUCKSTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



left, and resting their left flank on Cooper's Creek. 
Some of the British troops were embarking for Phila- 
delphia, and, as it appeared to be only a reconnois- 
sance on the part of the Americans, Col. Markham's 
detachment, with the horses, also embarked. Just 
at that time a barn within the cordon was fired, and 
Simcoe supposed the Americans regarded this as an 
evidence that only a few stragglers were left of the 
British, they attacked and drove in the British 
pickets. Whereupon the Forty-second and the 
Bangers, with some sailors drawing some three- 
pounders, moved forward. In the vicinity of the 
academy and the Hicksite Friends' meeting-house 
the Forty-second maintained a heavy fire on the 
main body of the Americans in the woods on the 
Haddonfield road, while the Hangers were only op- 
posed to a few cavalry that were reconnoitering on 
the left. As Simcoe advanced " to gain an eminence 
in front, which he conceived to be a strong advan- 
tageous position," probably the ridge at Dogwood- 
town, half-way between Sixth Street, in Camden, 
and the creek, the cavalry fell back to the woods, 
except one officer, who faced the Rangers, and slowly 
waved his sword for his attendants to retreat. When 
the English liglit infantry had come within fifty yards 
of him, one of them called out, " You are a brave fel- 
low, but you must go away !" He gave no heed to the 
warning, and a soldier fired at him, wounding the 
horse but doing no harm to the rider, who joined his 
comrades in the woods. This daring rider was Count 
Pulaski, the Pole, who had left his native land, and 
volunteered to fight for the advancement of the cause 
of universal liberty. 

From the eminence which Simcoe had occupied 
the English sailors kept up a cannonade on some 
Americans who were removing the planks from 
Cooper's bridge, but this proved to be a harmless 
amusement, for none of the Americans were wounded. 
The English outnumbered the Amei'icans ten to one 
in this aftray, but the loss fell on the side of the 
former. Several of the rangers were wounded, and 
one grenadier was killed. This affair occurred on 
the 1st of March, 1778. 

Cooper's Point was a British outpost during the 
occupation of Philadelphia. The enemy's lines ex- 
tended from the point down the Delaware to near 
Market Street, and thence around to Cooper's Creek. 
Outside of these lines the people were continually 
plundered by the Hessians, several regiments of 
which were stationed here. 

After the British occupation of Philadelphia bat- 
teries were placed along the river, and from these 
shot were sent after American militiamen who were 
seen loitering. One of these struck a rain-water 
cask from which a lady was taking water. On the 
arrival of the British fleet the men-of-war took posi- 
tion in the west channel, and the convoys and ten- 
ders, to the number of a hundred or more, anchored 
in the eastern channel, between Windmill Island and 



the New Jersey shore. The guns on the men-of-war 
were frequently exercised with full cartridges; and 
shot, which were doubtless thus thrown away, have 
been found at distances of one or two miles from the 
river, in Newton township. 

The Americans frequently annoyed the enemy 
while they lay at the point. Soon after the retreat 
of Simcoe from Haddonfield, in March, 1778, Pulaski, 
with a body of Continental cavalry, approached close 
to the British lines to reconnoiter. An ambuscade 
had been placed on both sides of the road from the 
bridge to the middle ferry, and as Pulaski came on in 
advance of his men a Whig, named William West, 
sprang on a log and signaled to him to retreat. He 
did so, and thus his men were saved from destruction. 
At about the same time a severe fight occurred at 
Cooper's bridge, where a party of militiamen were 
surprised by the English, a portion were killed, and 
the rest captured and marched to Fort Washington, 
where they were taken on board of the Jersey prison- 
ship, from which few lived to return. The minute- 
men who annoyed the British here were very young 
men. They were brave, and the lives of those who 
fell were dearly sold. 

John Stokes and David Kinsey, or Taph Bennet, 
as he was commonly called, were rangers who distin- 
guished themselves by their daring exploits. They 
hung on the lines of the enemy, and many an Eng- 
lishman fell, pierced by their bullets, when they little 
dreamed of an enemy being near them. Their names 
were well known to those who were encamped at 
Camden, and the mention of Jack and Taph would 
arouse in the Hessians lively visions of the world to 
come. 



CHAPTER X. 



REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY.— ( Continued.) 

Troops furnished by Gloucester, Salem, and 
CumberlandCounties.'— The first Continental troops 
of the " Jersey Line" were raised under a resolution 
of Congress adopted Oct. 9, 1775. This resolution 
asked for two battalions of eight companies each, and 
each company to consist of one captain, one lieu- 
tenant, one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, 
and sixty-four privates. The privates were to be 



1 The historian has made free use of Adj.-Geu. Stryker's "Official 
Register of the ofBcers and men of New Jersey in tlie Kevolutionary war," 
in this account of the troops furnislied by the State of New Jersey. 
In the preparation of this" Register," Gen. Strjlier e.xamined and com- 
pared the pecision-listsof tlie government, the minutes of the Congress 
of the United States, and of the Legislature and Council of Safety, 
records of the War Department, as well as original manuscripts, rolls 
of companies of Continental troops, diaries of officers, paymasters, 
memoranda, quarterniasters' reports, treasurers' receipts, returns to the 
comniander-iu-chief, etc. It is the only e.\tensive and well-authenti- 
cated " Record" of the kind that has been published. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



37 



enlisted for one year, at five dollars per month, and 
were to be allowed, instead of bounty, "a felt hat, 
a pair of yarn-stockings, and a pair of shoes;" but 
were to furnish their own arms. These battalions 
were first designated the Eastern and Western, 
and subsequently the First and Second, Battalions. 
The First was commanded by William Alexander 
(Lord Stirling), and after his promotion to the rank 
of brigadier -genera) by Lieut.-Col. William Winds, 
who was promoted to the colonelcy; the Second by 
Col. William Maxwell. November 10th of the same 
year six companies of these battalions, all that were 
then full, were sent to do garrison duty in the fort on 
the Highlands of the Hudson; and on the 27th of 
the same month the balance of the two battalions 
went into barracks at New York. The battalions 
were mustered in December, and on the 10th of Jan- 
uary, 1776, three companies of the First Battalion were 
ordered to Queens County, N. Y., to aid in arresting 
Tories. The rest of the battalion were stationed at 
Perth Amboy and Elizabethtown till May 3, 1776, 
when they left to join an expedition to Canada. They 
participated in the operations before Quebec, then 
went into barracks at Ticonderoga, where they re- 
mained till Nov. 5, 1776, when they were sent to New 
Jersey for discharge. On the 8th of January, 1776, 
the Second Battalion was ordered to Albany to report 
to Gen. Schuyler. 

Authority for the formation of a third battalion, on 
the same terms, was given by Congress, Jan. 10, 1776. 
Of this Elias Dayton was made the colonel. Four 
companies of this battalion were first stationed at 
Stateri Island, and the other four at Amboy. 

The data for the following brief history of the 
seventh company in this battalion are taken from 
the diary of Ebenezer Elmer, who was commissioned 
an ensign on the 8th of February, 1775, and promoted 
to a lieutenancy in this company in the following 
April. 

Recruiting for this company was commenced on the 
19th of February, 1775, and on the 1st of March fol- 
lowing the company was full. It remained in Cum- 
berland County, preparing for its future campaign, 
till the 27th of that month, when it marched for its 
place of rendezvous. Under this date the diary says, 
"Marched up to where Daniel Stretch abused us 
(Whig Lane, Salem County), for which we gave him 
a new coat of tar and feathers, made him give three 
hearty cheers and beg our pardon, then proceeded on 
to the death of the fox that night, very tired." 

They went into barracks at Elizabethtown on the 
3d of April, and on the 16th of the same month pro- 
ceeded to Amboy, where they went into barracks with 
three other companies of the same battalion. On the 
28th of April they all left, and, with the four other 
companies that had been on Staten Island, proceeded, 
by way of Elizabethtown, to New York, where they 
arrived the next day. On the 2d of May they were 
mustered by the muster-naaster-general, and were 



pronounced by Gen. Washington "the flower of all 
the North American forces." 

The following is the muster-roll of the company, as 
appears from the diary and from a manuscript copy 
made at the time, and now in the possession of C. E. 
Sheppard, Esq., of Bridgeton : 

Commissioned Officers. 
Captain, Joaeph Bloomfield; First Lieutenant, William Gifford ; Second 
Lieutenant, Ebenezer Elmer; Ensign, William Norcross. 

Cadet. 
Edmund D. Thomas. 



Sergeants. 



David Dare. 
Preaton Hannah. 



Jonathan Lummis, 
Thomas Parker. 



Joseph Riley, drummer. 



John Barret. 
Ephraim Bennet, 
Peter Birney. 
Davis Bivens. 
Charles Bowen. 
Henry Bragg. 
Ezekiel Brayman. 
Henry Buck. 
Jamea Burch. 
Richard Bnrch. 
James Buren. 
Juhn Burroughs. 
John Casperson. 
Azfiriah Casto. 
Charles Cosgrove. 
Jonathan Davis. 
Abraham Dorchester. 
Samuel Dowdney. 
Glover Fithian. 
Abraham Garrison. 
Bennet Ganison. 
Joel Garrison. 
Joaeph Garriaon. 
Mattliias Garriaon. 
Thomas Gibson. 
Philip Goggin. 
Robert Griggs. 
John Hayes. 
William Haynes. 
Abi-aham Hazleton. 
Isaac Hazleton. 
John Henry. 
Daniel Ireland. 
Samuel Jackson. 
Tuley Jenkins. 
Erick Johnson. 
Othniel Johnson. 
Alexander Jones. 



Recompence Lake 
Street Maskell. 



Corporals. 



John Reeves. 
Caroll Whittaker. 



Musicians. 



Lewis James^fer. 

John Jones. 
David Ketcham. 
Davis Langley. 
Elnathan Langley. 
Daniel Lawrence. '^ 
James Logan. 
John Major. 
David Martin. 
Benjamin Massey. 
Uriah Maul. 
Charles McDade. 
William McGee. 
William McGrab. 
Daniel Moore, 
Elijah Moore. 
John Mutten. 
Benjamin Ogden. 
Samuel Potter. 
James Ray. 
Clement Remington. 
Daniel Rice. 
Jamps Riley. 
John Royal. 
Edward Russel. 
Aiianias^Sajrer, 
Oliver Shaw. 
Peter Sheppard, 
Philip Sheppard. 
Reed Sheppard. 
Benjamin Simpkins. 
Seeley Simpkins. 
William Smith. 
Lewis Thompson. 
MoseaTulliB. 
William Tullis. 
Elijah Wheaton. 
Ebenezer Woodruff. 



Edward Christian. 
John McGlaskey. 



Absent. 
Sick, John Shaw. 

Deserters, 

Daniel 0. Ryan. 



On the 3d of May the Third and First Battalions 
embarked on sloops for Albany, where they arrived 
on the morning of the 8th. The following is a de- 
scription of the city given in Mr. Elraer^s diary : 



38 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



to go with twenty men to look after a scouting-party 
that had been sent to Oswego, but pending prepara- 
tions for their departure the party returned. On the 
17th Col. Elmer arrived at Fort Schuyler with several 
companies of his regiment. On the 19th an express 
arrived from Gen. Schuyler announcing a battle on 
the lake, between Gen. Arnold and the king's troops, 
• and requesting the regiment to come forward with all 
expedition, and on the 20th it took up its march. 
The journal gives the marches for each day, and the 
camping at each night till the 25th of October, when 
Schenectady was reached. Thence the march was 
continued, as the journal states, through a swampy, 
uninhabited country, for a portion of the distance, 
till, on the 1st of November, they arrived at Ticon- 
deroga. Here they were at first apprehensive of an 
attack from the enemy, whose morning and evening 
guns they could distinctly hear till the 7th, when they 
ceased to be heard, and it was believed that the forces 
had evacuated Crown Point, and that the fleet in the 
lake had retired. The regiment remained, engaged in 
ordinary garrison duty, till December 20th, when it 
crossed to Mount Independence. Here it remained 
during the intensely cold winter of 1776-77, discharg- 
ing garrison duty, and frequently parading and drill- 
ing on the ice. 

During the summer which they passed in the Mo- 
hawk Valley, at .Johnstown, German Flats, Fort Daj'- 
ton, and Fort Schuyler, they were engaged in erecting 
fortifications, protecting the inhabitants, and prevent- 
ing the incursions of hostile Indians. At Ticonder- 
oga and Mount Independence their duties were not 
less arduous, and by reason of the severity of the 
; winter their sufferings were great. It was not their 
! fortune, during their period of service, to be engaged 
' on the battle-field, but in the discharge of the duties 
1 which devolved on them they acquitted themselves 

hearty cheers were given, aod the grog flew round amain. The parole | with honor, and Contributed their share toward the 



" The town consists of a large number of houses, mostly old Dutch 
buildings; it stands in the valley on the west side of North Kiver; the 
hill on the back of the town is as high as the tallest houses. It is the 
value of half a mile long upon the river, and about forty perches from 
the water up. There are no streets that lead straight up from the water, 
and those which run parallel with the river, which are only two, have 
several windings in tlielr course. The land is very clayey and slippery 
in wet weather. In the hilly part of the town is very flue meadow 
ground. Some distance from the town, on the S. W. side, upon the 
brink of tlio bill, stands Gen. Schuyler's house, which is a very stately 
building, with tine meadows before his door. The land in general, es- 
pecially on the east side of the river, is pine woods and very hilly. 
There is, however, some very good laud on the west side, in the vales. 
The city has a mayor and aldermen in It. tho' the mayor is a rank Tory, 
and so are many of the inhabitants, though a great many are staunch 
Whigs." 

Such was the capital of the State of New York in 
1776. 

It was intended tliat these battalions of New Jersey 
troops should form a part of an expedition to Canada, 
but intelligence from Quebec induced a change of 
plan, and on the 1st of June the Third Battalion 
marched for .Johnstown, in the Mohawk Valley, 
where it arrived on the 4th. 

On the 6th Capt. Bloomfield's company, with 
others, was sent to German Flats, where an attack 
from the enemy was feared. On the 18th the rest of 
the battalion marched for the same place. They ar- 
rived at Fort Herkimer on the 20th, and received or- 
ders to fortify there. On the 12th of July the bat- 
talion, except two companies, one of which was Capt. 
Bloomfield's, marched for Fort Stanwix. 

On the 14th ne\*s was received of the Declaration 
of Independence by the Continental Congress, and on 
the 15th 

'* an assembly was beat for the men to parade in order to receive a treat 
and to drink the States' health, when, having made a barrel of grog, the 
Declaration was read, and the following toast given by Parson Caldwell : 
' Harmony, Virtue, Honor, and all propriety to the free and independent 
United States of America. Wise Legislatures, brave aud victorious 
armies, both by sea and land, to the American States ;' when three 



for the day was ' The Free and Independent States of AraeTica? 

Thus did these patriots celebrate their first " inde- 
pendence" on the banks of the Mohawk, and wake 
with their cheers the echoes from the forest-covered 
hillsides. 

On the 21st of August the fort on which the com- 
mand had labored at German Flats was completed, 
and christened Fort Dayton. The occasion was cele- 
brated, says the diary, after firing a volley from the 
port-holes, by 

"drinking, scouting round the fort, hurraing, swinging of hats, and 
hawbucking about for an hour, when they were drawn up in a square 
and the captain gave them a smart preachment, putting otf his hat and 
beginning with ^friends^comitryvien, and fellow-citizens^ little did I think 
that I should address you to-day, but after making merry our hearts 
upon this occasion I feel an impulse of mine to speak to you which I 
am not able to withstand. Many of you, my Cumberland lads, have 
traveled with me from your native homes, 500 miles, into this wilder- 
ness in this glorious cause of liberty,' etc., etc." 

In September the company joined their comrades 
at Fort Schuyler. 

On the 12th of October Lieut. Elmer was ordered 



accomplishment of the final grand result of the war. 
On the 2d of March, 1777, the battalion started on 
its march homeward. It arrived at Morristown on 
the 18th, and was there discharged on the 23d. The 
diary states, — 

" On Sunday, the 23d, we set out for home, and I arrived at Bridgetou 
the Friday following, being the 2Sth of March, having been from there 
a year and a day." 

Sept. 16, 1776, a second establishment of troops was 
made by the Congress of the United Colonies. Under 
this eighty-eight battalions were to be enlisted, to 
serve during the war, and of these the " Jersey Line" 
consisted of four. The sum of twenty dollars was 
offered as a bounty to each non-commissioned officer 
and soldier, and bounty lands, at the close of the war, 
to each officer and soldier, or to his representatives in 
case of his death in the service, as follows : Five hun- 
dred acres to each colonel, four hundred and fifty 
acres to each lieutenant- colonel, four hundred to each 
major, three hundred to each captain, two hundred to 
each lieutenant, one hundred and fifty to each en- 



• 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



39 



sign, and to each non-commissioned oiBcer and soldier 
one hundred. 
It was also 

" Eesohed, Tliat for tbe further enct'Urageuient of the non-coramie- 
sioued utRcer and soldier who shall engage in the service during the 
war a suit of clothes be anuually given each of the said officers and 
soldiers, to consist, for the present year, of two linen hunting-shirts, two 
pair of overalls, a leathern or woolen waistcoat, with sleeves, one pair 
of breeches, a hat or leathern cap, two shirts, two pair of hose, and two 
pair of slices, amounting in the whole to the value of twenty dollars, or 
that sum to be paid to each soldier who shall procure those articles lor 
himself and produce a certificate thereof from the captain of the com- 
pany to which he belongs to the paymaster of the regiment." 

Arrangements were made by the General Assem- 
bly of New Jersey to carry into effect this arrange- 
ment, and to provide for the re-enlistment of those 
already in the service. The organization of tlie First 
Battalion, Col. Silas Newcomb, was completed in 
December, 1776 ; the Second, Col. Israel Shreve, in 
February, 1777 ; the Fourth, Col. Ephraim Martin, 
during the same month ; and the Third, Col. Elias 
Dayton, in April of that year. Col. Maxwell was 
made a brigadier-general in October, 1776, and was 
assigned to the command of these battalions, which 
were called " Maxwell's brigade." 

In May, 1777, this brigade was placed in Gen. 
Stephens' division, and was encamped at Elizabeth- 
town, Bound Brook, and Spanktown (Rahway). This 
> division, during the summer of 1777, marched through 
Pennsylvania and Delaware, and a portion of the 
" New Jersey Line" opened the battle of Brandy wine, 
on the morning of September 11th. They continued 
actively engaged through the fight, and afterwards 
skirmished with the enemy, arriving at Germantown, 
where they encamped. In the battle at this place, 
October 4th, Maxwell's brigade formed the corps de 
reserve and left wing of the American army, under 
the command of Maj.-Gen. Lord Stirling. The bri- 
gade distinguished itself in this battle, especially the 
First Battalion, which lost heavily in men and officers. 

The winter of 1777-78 was passed by this brigade, 
with the rest of the army, at Valley Forge. On the 
evacuation of Philadelphia by the British, in June, 

1778, this brigade was detached from the main army, 
and, with other troops, was placed under the command 
of Gen. Lafayette, to harass and impede Gen. Clin- 
ton's force. June 28, 1778, the Jersey Line, as well 
as the militia under the command of Maj.-Gen. Phile- 
mon Dickinson, took part in the battle of Monmouth. 

Most of the winter of 1778-79 was passed by the 
brigade at Elizabethtown, though a detachment of 
the Second Battalion was at Newark, and a portion 
of the Fourth at Spanktown (Rahway). In May, 

1779, Maxwell's brigade was ordered with the army 
of Gen. Sullivan to march up the Susquehanna River 
and lay waste the settlements of the Seneca Indians, 
and in October of the same year it returned to New 
Jersey. 

May 27, 1778, Congress made a new arrangement, 
or third establishment, of the troops, under which the 



constitution of the different battalions was changed ; 
and by an act, March 9, 1779, the number of bat- 
talions in the Jersey Line was changed to three. A 
bounty of two hundred dollars was offered, and pro- 
vision was made for enlisting three hundred and 
sixty-five volunteers. 

On the 9th of February, 1780, New Jersey was 
called on for sixteen hundred and twenty men, to 
fill the " Jersey Line." Volunteers were called for, 
and a bounty of one thousand dollars was offered for 
each recruit. " Muster-masters" were appointed in 
the different counties, the one for Gloucester being 
Col. Joseph Ellis; Salem, Maj. Edward Hall; and 
Cumberland, Lieut.-Col. Abijah Holmes. In June, 
1781, more troops were called for, and the quota 
under this call was for Gloucester, fifty-one; Salem, 
fifty-one ; and Cumberland, thirty. The recruiting 
officers were,— for Gloucester, Capt. John Davis; 
Salem, Capt. John Kelly; and Cumberland, Capt. 
Amos Woodruff. The bounty paid und«r this requi- 
sition was twelve pounds, in gold or silver, for each 
recruit. The regiments of the Jersey Line, thus re- 
organized, were commanded by Cols. Matthias Ogden, 
Isaac Shreve, and Elias Dayton. Each regiment 
had six companies, commanded as follows : 

First Regiment. — Captains, Jonathan Formau, John Flahaven, Giles 
Mead, Ale.\ander Mitcliell, Peter V. Voorhees, and John Holmes. 

Second Begimf:nt. — Captains, John Hollinshead, John N. Gumming* 
Samuel Reading, Nathan Bowman, Jonathan Phillips, and William 
Helms. 

Third Beijiment. — Captains, John Ross, William GiiTord, Richard Cox, 
Jeremiah Ballard, Joseph T. Anderson, and Bateman Lloyd. 

Gen. Maxwell continued in command of the Jersey 
Brigade till his resignation, in July, 1780, when he 
was succeeded by the senior officer. Col. Elias Day- 
ton, who continued in command till the close of the 
war. 

In September, 1781, the three regiments went to 
James River, Va., where they were employed in all 
the laJ)or of the siege, and were present at the sur- 
render of Yorktown, October 19th, of that year. 

Early in the war many men from New Jersey en- 
listed in regiments of other States, or in those raised 
by direct authority of the Continental Congress. 

The news of the cessation of hostilities was an- 
nounced in the camp of the brigade, April 19, 1783, 
and the Jersey Line was discharged November 3d, of 
that year. 

State Troops. — At various times during the war 
New Jersey, by reason of its position on the coast and 
between cities in possession of the enemy, was exposed 
to the incursions of the British and the ravages of 
refugees and Indians. It was therefore found neces- 
sary to embody, as occasion required, a certain quota 
of volunteers from the militia of the difl'erent coun- 
ties. These men were held liable for duty in this and 
in adjoining States when necessary, and the organiza- 
tions were known as " New Jersey Levies," " Five 
Months' Levies," or, more generally, as " State 
Troops." 



40 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



The first of these troops organized was under the 
authority of the Provincial Congress, Feb. 13, 1776, 
and consisted of two artillery companies, one to be 
stationed in the eastern and one in the western divi- 
sion of the State. These batteries took part in the 
battles of Trenton, Assunpink, Princeton, and Mon- 
mouth. 

Frederick Frelinghuysen was appointed captain of 
the eastern company. The officers of the western 
company were 

Samuel Hugg, captain ; Thomas Newark, captain ; John Wescott, first 
lieutenant ; Joiepli Dnyton, second lieutenant. 

Captain-Lieutenant, Thomas Newark, resigned. 

First Lieutenant, John Wescott, promoted captain-lieutenant, after- 
wards captain. 

Second Lieutenant, Joseph Dayton, resigned. 

Seth Bowen, appointed first lieutenant, afterwards captain-lieuten- 
ant; resigned. 

Benjamin Whitall, appoiated second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and 
afterwiCrds captain-lieutenant. 

Eli Elmer, appointed second lieutenant. 

Nov. 27, 1776, the Provincial Congress passed the 
first act for the organization of the infantry branch 
of the State troops. This act provided for the organ- 
ization, by voluntary enlistment, of four battalions of 
eight companies each. Of these battalions, one was 
raised in the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cum- 
berland, consisting of three companies from Glouces- 
ter, three from Salem, and two from Cumberland. Of 
this battalion, David Potter was appointed colonel, 
Whitton Cripps lieutenant-colonel, and William Ellis 
major. 

Oct. 9, 1779, four thousand volunteers were called 
for, to serve till Dec. 20, 1779. Of these the quota of 
Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May Coun- 
ties was one regiment of eight companies, each com- 
pany numbering one hundred and two men. Of this 
regiment, Nicholas Stilwell was appointed colonel, 
Robert Brown lieutenant-colonel, and Anthony Sharp 
major. 

Dec. 29, 1781, a call was made for four hundred and 
twenty-two men, to serve till Dec. 15, 1782. Under 
this call the company from Gloucester County was 
commanded by Capt. Simon Lucas, that from Salem 
by Capt. Nicholas Keen, and that from Cumberland 
by Capt. Charles Allen. These companies were or- 
dered to do "duty on land or water." 

Calls were also made June 7 and 14, 1780, for four 
hundred and twenty men, each to serve till Jan. 1, 
1782. 

Militia.— On the 3d of June, 1775, the Provincial 
Congress of New Jersey passed an act providing a 
" plan for regulating the militia of the colony." This 
act set forth that 

"The Congress, taking into consideration tlie cruel and arbitrary 
measures adopted and pursued by the British Parliament and present 
ministry for the purpose of subjugating the American colonies to the 
most abject servitude, and being apprehensive that all pacific measures 
for the redress of our grievances will prove ineffectual, do think it 
highly necessary that the inhabitants of this province be forthwith 
properly armed and disciplined for defending the cause of American 
freedom." 



The plan was still further considered and amended 
Aug. 16, 1775. After that date all officers were ordered 
to be commissioned by the Provincial Congress or the 
Committee of Safety. In the assignment then made 
Gloucester had three battalions, Salem one regiment, 
and Cumberland two battalions. 

"Minute-men" having been raised in some other 
counties, in compliance with the recommendation of 
the Continental Congress, the Provincial Congress, by 
this ordinance, ordered the several counties to furnish 
them, ranging from one to eight companies each. The 
assignment for Gloucester was four companies, Salem 
three, and Cumberland three. These companies of 
minute-men were " held in readiness on the shortest 
notice to march to any place where assistance might 
be required for the defense of this or any neighboring 
colony." They were to continue in service four 
months. Their uniform was a hunting-frock, similar 
to that of the riflemen in the Continental service. 

On the 3d of June, 1776, the Continental Congress 
called for thirteen thousand eight hundred militia to 
reinforce the army at New York. The quota for 
New Jersey under this call was three thousand three 
hundred, of which Gloucester, Salem, and Cumber- 
land Counties furnished each two companies. The 
field and stalf officers of this command were : 

Colonel, Silas Newcomb ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Bowes Keed; 3Iajor, 
William Ellis; Quartermaster, Abijah Holmes ; Surgeon, Thomas 
Ewing; Surgeon's Mate, Robert Patterson ; and Chaplain, Philip 
Yickers Fithian. 

The last died of a fever at Fort Washington, on 
the Hudson, Oct. 8, 1776. 

July 16, 1776, the Continental Congress requested 
the Convention of New Jersey to supply with militia 
the places of two thousand men of Gen. Washington's 
army that had been ordered into New Jersey to form 
the flying camp. Of the thirty companies of sixty- 
four men each sent under this call, Gloucester fur- 
nished three companies, and Cumberland one, which, 
with three companies from Burlington, were under 
Col. Charles Bead, Lieut.-Col. Josiah Hillman, Maj. 
William Ellis, and Surgeon Bodo Otto, Jr. Salem 
supplied two companies, which, with three each from 
Middlesex and Monmouth, formed a battalion that 
was officered by Col. Samuel Forman, Lieut.-Col. 
Whitton Cripps, and Maj. John Dunn. 

Aug. 11, 1776, one-half of the militia was ordered 
to be detached for immediate service, to be relieved 
by the other half every month. On this basis of 
monthly classes, in active service alternate months, 
the militia were held during the war. 

April 14, 1778, the militia of the State was formed 
into two brigades, and Jan. 8, 1781, into three. During 
the war companies of artillery and troops of horse 
were organized in diff'erent localities. Strykersays, — 

"The good service pei-formed by the militia of this State is fully re- 
corded in history. At the fights at Quiuton's Bridge, Hancock's Bridge, 
Three Rivers, Connecticut Farms, and Van Nestes' Mills, they bore an 
active part ; while at the battles of Long Island, Trenton, Assunpink,, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



41 



Princeton, German town, Springfield, and Monmouth they performed 
efBcient service in supporting tlie Continental Line." 

The field and staff officers of the militia regiments 
in the countiesof Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland 

were as follows: 

GLOUCKSTER COUNTY. 

First Baltalion. — Colonel, Israel Slireve ; Colonel, Robert Taylor, pro. 
from capt. and maj. ; Colonel, Bodo Otto; Lieutenant-Colonel, Sam- 
uel Tonkins ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Siimuel Slireve, pro. from capt. ; 
Lieutenaut-Colouel, Robert Brown, pro. from capt. ; Major, Samuel 
Flanningliam. 

Second Baltalion — Colonel, Joaeph Ellis; Lieutenant-Colonel, Elijah 
Clark; Blajor, William Ellis. 

TJdrd BalUdion. — Colonel, Richard Somere ; First Major, Richard West- 
cott ; First Major, George Payne, jiro. from capt.; Second Major, 
Jeremiah Smith, pro. from capt,; Adjutant, William Smith; Pay- 
master, John Little ; Surgeon, Thomas Hendry. 

SALEM COUNTY. 

First Battalion (Western Battalion).— Colonel, Samuel Dick; Colonel, 
Whitton Cripps, pro. from lieut-col. ; First Major, William Wecum ; 
Second Major, Edward Hull ; Quartermaster, Thomas Carpenter. 

Second Battalion {Eastern Baltalion). — Colonel, John Holme ; Colonel, 
Benjamin Holme, pro. from lieut.-col. ; Colonel, William Shute, 
pro. from lieut.-col.; Fiist Major, Thomas Mecum ; First Major, 
Anthony Sharp ; Second M;ijor, John Kelly, pro. from capt. ; Second 
Major, Henry Sparks, Jr. ; Adjutant, John Smith; Quartermaster, 
Andrew Yorke; Chaplain, William Worth. 

CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 

First Battalion. — Colonel, Silas Newcomb ; Cfilonelj^ Isaac Preston ; Col- 
onel, Elijah Hand, pro. from Heut.-col. ; Lieutenant-CulonTl, Enos 
Seeley ; Lieiiteuant-ColoneJ, Samuel Ogden, pro. from capt. and 1st 
maj. ; First Major, Timothy Elmer ; First Major, Derrick Peterson ; 
Second Blajor, Ezekiel Foster, pro. from capt. ; Second Major, 
Ephraim Lummes, pro. from capt. ; Adjutant, Fithian Stratton ; 
Quartermaster, Josiah Seeley. 

Second Battalion. — Colonel, David Potter; Lieutenant-Colonel, Abijah 
Holmes; First Major, Thomas Ewiug; Second Major, Daniel Mas- 
ken, pro. from capt.; Quartermaster, John Dowdney. 

The following is a list of those from Gloucester 
County who served either in the Continental array, 
State troops, or militia during the Revolutionary 
war: ^ 

Brigadier- General. 
Joseph-Ellis, col. 2d Batt., Gloucester; brig. -gen. militia, Feb. 15, 1777 ; 
declined Feb. 21, 1777. 

Colonels. 
Bodo Otto, col. 1st Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 16, 1777 ; died Jan. 20, 1782. 
Israel Shreve, col. lat Batt., Gloucester ; also col. Continental ai-my. 
Richard Somers, col. 3d Batt., Gloucester ; col. batt. State troops. 

Lieutt^iant- Colonels. 

Robert Brown, capt. 1st Batt., Gloucester ; lieut.-col. Ist Batt., Glouces- 
ter, June 10, 1779; lieut.-col. Col. Stilwell's regt. State troops, Oct. 
9, 1779. 

Elijah Clark, lieut.-col. 2d Batt., Gloucester; res. Nov. 6,1777, to become 
member of Assembly. 

Samuel Shreve, c;ipt. 1st Batt., Gloucester ; lieut.-col. 1st Batt,, Glouces- 
ter, Feb. 5, 1777 ; res. Oct. 2, 1778. 

Samuel Tonkin, lieut.-col. Ist Batt., Gloucester; res. Feb. 5, 1777. 

BTajors. 
William Ellis, capt. Col. Newconib's batt., Heard's brig., June 14, 1776 ; 
maj. Col. Newcomb's batt., Heard's brig.; maj. Col. Read's batt.. De- 
tached Blilitia, July 18, 1776 ; maj. Col. Potter's batt., Staie troops, 
Nov. 27, 1776; mnj, 2d Batt., Gloucester; taken prisoner April 5, 

1778 ; exchanged Dec. 26, 1780. 

Samuel Flaunlngham (or Flanagan), maj. 1st Batt., Gloucester, June 10, 

1779 ; also capt. Continental army. 



1 Compiled from Stryker's Official Register. 



George Payne, capt. 3d Butt, Gloucester, Nov, 14, 1777 ; Ist maj, 3d Batt., 

Gloucester, March 31, 1778. 
Jeremiah Smith, capt. 3^1 Batt., Gloucester, Nov. 14, 1777 ; 2il maj. 

ditto, Dec. 12, 1778. 
Richard Westcott, Ist maj, 3d Batt., Gloucester ; res. March 31, 1778. 

Paymasters. 

Thomas Carpenter, paymaster, Salem and Gloucester, March 19, 1777 

(see also quartermasters;. 
John Little, paymaster, 3d Batt,, Gloucester. 

Surgeons. 
Thomas Hendry, surgeon brigade militia, superintendent hospital, April 
3, 1777; surgeon 3d Batt., Gloucester. 

Captains. 

John Baker, capt. 3d Batt., Gloucester; capt. State troops. 

Andrew Barnes, capt. Gloucester; prisoner of war in September, 1780. 

Jacob Browning, capt. 2d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 22, 1777. 

Richard Cheeseman, capt. 1st Batt., Gloucester. 

Joseph Covenovor, capt. 3d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 12, 1777. 

John Cozens, capt. Ist Batt., Gloucester; prisoner of war; exchanged 
Dec. 8, 1780; capt. State troops. 

John Davis, capt. 1st Biitt., Gloucester. 

Douglas, capt., Gloucester. -_ .^ 

Joseph Elwell, capt. 3d Batt., Gloucester. 

Sawtel Elwell, lieut. 2d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 3, 1776 ; capt. 1st Batt., 
ditto. 

Joseph Estell, capt. 3d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 18, 1777. 

Felix Fisher, capt., Gloucester. 

John Hampton, lieut. 3d Batt., Gloucester; capt. ditto. 

William Harrison, capt. 2d Batt., Gloucester. -~^ 

Richard Higbee, 2d lieut. Capt. Payne's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, 
Nov. 14, 1777 ; 1st lieut. ditto. 

James Holmes, capt., Gloucester ; capt. batt. "Heard's brigade," June 
16, 1770 ; also capt. Continental army. 

John Inskip, lieut. 2d Batt., Gloucester; capt. ditto. 

Simon Lucas, capt., Gloucester; capt. Maj. Hayes' Batt., State troops. 

Archibald Maffit, cupt. 1st Batt.v Gloucester; resigned. 

William Maffit, 1st lieut. Capt. Pierce's company, 1st Batt., Gloucester, 
June 2, 1777 ; capt. ditto. 

John Patten, capt. 2d Batt., Gloucester. 

David Paul, lieut. 3d Batt., Gloucester; capt. ditto; capt. Col. New- 
comb's Batt., "Heard's brigade," June 14, 1776; capt. 2d Batt., 
Gloucester. 

George Pierce, capt. 1st Batt., Gloucester, June 2,1777. 

William Price, capt. 3d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 18, 1777. 

George Purvis, capt. 2d Batt., Gloucester. 

Christopher Rape, capt. 3d Bait., Gloucester, Sept. 18, 1777. 

Henry Shute, capt. 1st Batt., Gloucester. 

William Smith, adjt. 3d Batt., Gloucester ; capt. ditto. 

Robert Snell, 1st lieut. Capt. Samuel Snell's company, 3d Batt., Glouces- 
ter; capt. ditto. (See naval service.) 

Samuel Snell, capt. 3d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 18, 1777 (see naval service). 

James Somers, 1st lieut. Capt. Price's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, Sept, 
18, 1777 ; capt. 2d Batt. ditto. 

John Somers, capt., Gloucester. 

Zephania Steelman, capt. 3d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 18, 1777. .^ 

John Stokes, capt. 2d Batt., Gloucester. 

Richard Stonebanks, capt. 1st Batt., Gloucester, Oct. 5, 1778. 

James Tallman, capt. Troop Light Horse, Gloucester, May 3, 1777, 

Joseph Thorne, capt. 2d Batt., Gloucester, Aug. 10, 1776. 

William Watson, 1st lieut. 1st Batt., Gloucester; capt. dittO/ 

David Weatherby, capt. 3d Batt., Gloucester, 

John Wood, capt. Col. Holmes' regt.. State troops ; capt. 1st Batt., 
Gloucester. 

John Wood, capt., Gloucester. 

lAeiitenants. 
David Baker, private, Gloucester; lieut. ditto. 
John Carter, lieut., Gloucester. 
John Chatham, lieut. 1st Batt., Gloucester. 
Enoch Leeds, lieut., Gloucester. 
Joseph McCuUough, lieut. 3d Batt., Gloucester. 

John Parsons, lieut., Gloucester ; prisoner of war in September, 1780. 
Ward Pierce, lieut, Capt. Stonebank's company, let Batt,, Gloucester, 
Oct. 5, 1778. 



42 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Benjamin Weatberby, lieut. 3d Batt., Gloncester, Lieut.-Col. Somera' 
Batt., Slate troops. 

FirM Lieutenants. 

Joseph Ingersoll, Ist lieut. Capt. Jeremiah Smith's company, 3d Batt., 
Gloucester, Nov. 14, 1777. 

Edward Ireland, Ist lieut. 3d Batt., Gloucester, Nov. U, 1777. 

Jereniinh Leeds. 1st lieut. Capt. Covenover's company , 3d Batt., Glouces- 
ter, Sept. 18, 1777. 

Samuel Mailack, 1st lieut. Capt. Tliorne's company, 2d Batt., Gloucester, 
Aug. 10,1776. 

Alexander Mitchell, 1st lieut., Gloucester ; 1st lieut. " Heard's brigade," 
June 14, 177G ; al^o capt. Continental army. 

Nehemiah Morse, 1st lieut. Capt. Payne's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, 
Nov. U, 1777. 

Samuel Springer, Ist lieut. Capi. Rape's compauy, 3d Batt., Gloucester, 
Sept. 18, 1777. 
~~ Arthur Westcott, 1st lieut. Capt. Estell's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, 
Sept. IS, 1777. 

Second Lieutenants. 

Aaron Chew, 2d lieut. 2d Batt., Gloucester; prisoner of war in Septem- 
ber, 1780; exchanged. 

Peter Covenhoven, 2tl lieut., Gloucester, Nov. 14, 1777. 
/■Jacob Endicutt, 2d lieut. Capt. Snell's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, 
Sept. IS, 1777. 

William Finch, 2d lieut. Capt. Rape's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, 
Sept. 18, 1777. 

John Lucas, 2d lieut. Capt. Estell's company, 3d Batt, Gloucester, Sept. 
IS, 1777. 

Samuel McFarland, 2d lieut. 1st Batt., Gloucester. 

Abraham Parsons (or Passant), 2d lieut. Capt. Browning's company, 2d 
Batt., Gloucester; taken prisoner ; exchanged. 

Jeremiah Kisley, 2d lieut. Capt. Covenover's company, 3d Batt., Glouces- 
ter, Sept. IS, 1777. 

Henry Kowe, 2d lieut. Capt. Pierce's company, 1st Batt., Gloucester, 
June 2, 1777. 

John Scull, 2d lieut. Capt. Price's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 
18,1777. 

Elijah Townsend, 2d lieut. Capt. Jeremiah Smith's compauy, 3d Batt., 
Gloucester, Nov. 14, 1777. 

Ensigns. 

John Adams, ensign Capt. Payne's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, Nov. 
14, 1777. 

Joseph Avis, ensign 3d Batt., Gloucester. 

Elijah Barret, ensign Capt. Samuel Snell's company, 3d Batt., Glouces- 
ter, Sept. IS, 1777. 

Japhet Clark, ensign Capt. Price's company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, Sept. 
18,1777. 

John Diikes, ensign Capt. Pierce's company, 1st Batt., Gloucester, June 
2, 1777. 

Ebenez.er Extell, ensign Capt. EstelPs company, 3d Batt., Gloucester, 
Sept. Iti, 1777. 

Daniel Erazor, ensign 3d Batt., Gloucester, Nov. 14, 1777. 

Daniel Hooper, ensign Capt. Taylor's compauy, 3d Batt., Gloucester. 

Benjamin liisUeep, ensign Capt. Browning's company, 2d Batt., Glouces- 
ter, Dec. 22, 1777. 

Cornelius McCollum, ensign, Gloucester. 

Joseph Morrell, ensiga Capt. Thome's company, 2d Batt., Gloucester, 
June 2, 1777. 

Nathiiuiel Sipple, ensign Capt. Covenover's company, 3d Batt., Glouces- 
ter, Sept. 18, 1777. 

David StilUvell, ensign Capt. Jeremiah Smith's company, 3d Batt., 
Gloucester, Nov. 14, 1777. 

John Tilton, private 3d Batt., Gloucester ; sergt. ditto ; ensign ditto, Nov. 
14, 1777. 

Sergeants. 

^^ Abraham Bennet, private 3d Batt., Gloucester ; sergt. ditto. 

William Camphell, sergt. Capt. Davis' company, 1st Batt., Gloucester. 

Patrick McCollum, sergt., Gloucester. 

John Reed, sergt., Gloucester; also private Continental army. 

Richard Sayers, private, Gloucester; sergt. ditto. 

Jacob Spencer, sergt., Gloucester. 

James Tomblin, private, Gloucester; corp. ditto ; sergt. ditto. 



Wagoner. 
Philip Dare, 1st Batt., Gloucester. 

Privates. 
Jeptha Abbot, 3d Batt. 
John Abel, 2d Batt.; also State troops, also Continental army. 

Thomas Adams, 3d Batt. 

William Adams. 

Abram Aim, 3d Batt. 

Abraham Albertson. 

Albert Alberson. 

Isaac Albertson. 

Jacob Albertson, Jr. 

Jacob Albertson, Sr. 

George Allen, 3d Batt. 

Joseph Allen, 3d Batt. 

William Allen, 3d Batt. 

Thomas Alleor, 3d Batt. 

Jacob Allaet, 3d Batt. 



Daniel Ackley. 

Hezpkiah Ackley. 

James Ackley. 

John Ackley. 

Silas Ackley. 

James Adair, 3d Batt. 

Andrew Adams. 

David Adams. 

Elijah Adams. 

Jeremiah Adams. 

Jesse Adams. 

Jonas .\dams. 

Jonathan Adams. 

Richard Adams, 3d Batt. 

Henry Andei-son, 2d Batt.; also Continental army. 

Isaac jVrtnstrong. James Ayers, 3d Batt. 

Gibson Ashcroft. Moses Ayers, 3d Batt. 

James Ashcroft. . Benjamin Bachon, 3d Batt. 

Jacob Assit, 3d Batt. Abel Bacon, 3d Batt. 

Counter Atherton, 3d Batt. Frederick Baker. 

Abijab Ayers, 3d Batt. James Baley. 

John Baley, militia; also Continental army. 

Jonathan Baley. Ilaned B irdin, 3d Batt. 

Joseph Baley. Richard Barker, 3d Batt. 

Benjamin Balken,3d Batt. 

Jonathan Barton, militia; also Continental army. 



Benjamin Bispham. 
Andrew Blackman. 
David Blackman. 
John Blackman. 
Neliemiah Blackman. 
James Bleakman. 
James Boggs, 3d Batt. 
William Boice. 
Jonathan Borton, 3d Batt. 
Edward Bowcn. 
Josiah Bowen. 
David Bowyer, 3d Batt. 
John Bradford, 3d Batt. 



Corporal. 



Leouai-d Fisler, Gloucester. 



William Bates, 3d Batt. 

Thomas Beavin, 3d Batt. 

Jonathan Beesley, 3d Batt. 

James Belange. 

Nicholas Belange. 

Samuel Belange. 

Robert Bell. 

William Bell. 

Jonathan Benly, 3d Batt. 

Alexander Bennet, 3d Batt. 

John Bennet. 

Jonathan Bennet. 

John Berry, 3d Batt. 

Patrick Brady, militia; also Continental army. 

George Bright, 3d Batt. David Brower. 

Asa Brown, 2d Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

Matthew Brown. John Bryant, 3d Batt. 

George Browne, 3d Batt. 

Thomas Bryant, militia ; also Continental army. 

Elijah Buck, 3d Batt. Joseph Burch, 3d Batt. 

Josiah Budd. Elijah Burk, 3d Batt. 

John Budey. Moses Burnet. 

James Bulangey, 3d Batt. Samuel Burton. 

Joshua Bulangey, 3d Batt. William Busbin, 3d Batt. 

Robin Bnnton, 3d Batt. Moses Butterworth, 3d Batt. 

Aaron F. Cade, Capt. Paul's company, 3d Batt. ; also State troops ; i 

Continental army. 
John Cain, 3d Batt. John Camp. 

Samuel Cain, 3d Batt. Joseph Camp, Sr. 

Ezekiel Camp, Jr. Joseph Camp, Jr. 

James Camp. Archibald Campbell. 

David Campbell, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
William Campbell, Capt. Fisher's company ; also Continental army. 
William Campen, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops, 
John Cann, 

George Caranna. 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt', State troops. 
Jacob Ciirpenter. 

George Carter, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
James Cai-uthers, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
John Casey, 3d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 
Benjamin Casker. Simeon Casker. 

Tohias Casperson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somei-s' Batt., State troops. 
William Cattell. Daniel Champion. 

George Cavener, 3d Batt. John Champion. 

Thomas Chamberlain. Thomas Champion. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



43 



Jubn Cbattaut 3d Btitt.; also Col. Somers* Butt., State troops. 

Thomas Cheesinan, 3d Butt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Jolin Chester, 3d Batt.; also Col. Sumers' Batt., State troops. 

Robert Chew, od Biitt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Adrial C'ark. Benjamin Clark. 

David Clark. 

John Clark, 2d Batt,; also Continental army. 

Jusei>h Clark. Reuben Clark. 

Parker Clark. Thomas Clark. 

Richard Clemens, militia; also Continental army. 

David Clement. George Clifton. 

William Clifton. 

Jacob Clough, -id Batt.; also Col. Somer.s' Batt., State ti'oops. 

John Cobb, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Thomas Cobb, 3d Bait.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

■\VilliHm Cobb, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Joseph Conklin. Mecajah Conover. 

Bryant Connelly. Peter Conover. 

/iDavid Conover. Peter B. Conover. 

■^ ^esse Conover. John Cook. 

/^ Patterson Cook, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Butt., State troops, 

Silas Cook, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Cordry. John Corson. 

Abel Corson. Jolin Coshier. 

Simon Coshier. 

Benjamin Cosier, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Simon Cosier, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

James Coults, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State tronps. 

Isaac Course. Isaac Coveuhoven. 

William Course. John Covenhoven. 

Joseph Covenhoven. 

Andrew Cux, militia; also Continental army. 

Jacob Cox, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt , State troops. 
.John Cozens, Capt. Stonebank's company, 1st Batt.; also State troops; 
also Continental army. 

Samuel Crager, 3i Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Levi Crandell, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Cranmore, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Cornelius CuUom, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Cain Dair, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Dair, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Samuel Dallas, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Danelson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Kidd Daniels, 3d Batt. William Daniels. 

Joel Daven, militia ; also Continental army, 

Andrew Davis, 3d Butt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Cain Davis, 3d Batt. Earl Davis. 

Curtis Davis. Richard Davis. 

Charles Day, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Samuel Day, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., Slate troops. 

Thomas Day, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somei-s' Batt., State troops. 

Elias Deal, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

James Deal. John Deal. 

Samuel Deal. 

James Deekley, 2d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Edward Deifel, 3d Batt. 

John Delfer, 2d Batt. ; also Continental army. 

Samuel Denick. David Dennis. 

Samuel Denick, Jr. Matthew Dennis. 

Gideon Denny. 

Jonas Denny, 3d Batt. : also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Thomas Denny, 

Andrew Derrickson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Dickinson. William Dickinson. 

Samuel Dilkes, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops; also Con- 
tinental army. 

Frampton Dill, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Dolbier. Jesse Dormant, 

Samuel Dollis,3d Batt. Edward Dougherty, 

John Doram. Abel Doughty. 

Silas Dorcar. Abige Doughty. 

Abner Doughty. Thomas Doughty. 

Absalom Doughty. Edward Dowan. 

Jonathan Doughty. John Dower. 

Josiah Doughty. Benjamin Drummond. 

John Drummond. 

Edward Duffel, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 



Samuel Dulaney. James Dunlap. 

Thomas Dunaway. Joseph Eastall. 

John Edwards, 2d Batt.; also State troops; ul.so Continental army. 

Joseph Edwards, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State ti'oi)i)s. 

Ebenezer Grinton, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Elbndge, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Jeremiah Elway. Mis. English. 

Joseph English, - Thomas English. 

Joseph Erviu, 3d Batt. : also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Evans, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Abner Ewing. 3d Batt.; also Col, Somers' Batt, State troops. 

Abraham Ewing, 3d Batt. 

Daniel Falker. 

John Fairell, militia; also Continental army, 

Abraham Farrow, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troups. 

John Farrow, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Mark Farrow, 3d Batt.; also Cul. Somers' Butt., State troops. 

George Feathers, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Peter Fell, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt,, State troops. 

William Fell, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Abraliam Fenimore, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Daniel Fenimore, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 

Nathan Ferlew, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 

James Ferril, militia ; also Continental army. 

Jacob Fetter, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Thomas Field, Capt. Fisler's company ; also Contiueirt^'army. 

Jacob Fisher. John Fisler. 

Jacob Fisler. 

George Fithian, 3d Batt ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops 

William Fithian, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops, 

William Fletcher, militia; also Continental army. • 

Uriah Forbes, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Ford. 

William Fort, 3d Batt; also Col. Somer.s' Batt., State troops. 

George Fowler. 

iHiiac Fowler, militia; also Continental army. 

Andrew Frambis. Nicholas Frambis. 

John Franklin, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 

Daniel Frazier. William Fry. 

Samuel French. 

Daniel Furman, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Furman, 3d Batt.; also Col Somers' Batt., SUite troops. 

Calvin Gamble, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Edward Gandy. Jacob Garratson. 

Elias Gandy. Jeremiah Garratson. 

John Gandy. Joseph Garratson. 

James Gant. Lemuel Garratson. 

Robert Garret, militia; also Continental army. 

Cornelius Garrison, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops, 

Elijah Garrison, 3d Batt, ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Reuben Garrison. 

Samuel Garwood, 2d Batt. ; also State tioops; also Continental army. 

Rossel Gee. 

William Gentry, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

James Gibeson. Benjamin Gilford. 

Job Gibeson. James GifFord. 

John Gibeson. John GifTord. 

Daniel Giffen. Timothy Gifford. 

James Giltingham, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Reese Given, Sr. John Goff. 

Reese Given, Jr. Francis Gonnel. 

William Given. James Gormley. 

Richard Graham, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Graham, 3d Batt ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troop:-. 

Joshua Greaves. 

James Grumley, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Benjamin Guild, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Hackett. 

Joseph Haines, 3d Batt,; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Hainey. 

James Hamilton, militia; also Continental army. 

John Hamilton, 3d Batt. 

John Hancock, militia; also Continental army. 

Abram Harcourt, 3d Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Abel Harker, Capt Snell's company, 3d Batt.; also Continental army. 

David Harker. 

Nathaniel Harker, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 



44 



HISTOEY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Hoses Harris, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Keuben Harris, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Harris, 3d Batt. 

George Hawkins. 

David Hays, Capt. Covenovor's company, 3d Batt. ; also State troops; 

also Coutinental army. 
Peter Hedd, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
David Heind, 3d Batt. 

Leonard Helel, M Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Hance Helnies, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
John Helmes, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Robert Hemphill, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Jacob Henns, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
George Henry. 

Michael Hess, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
John Hegsler, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
William Hewes. 

Benjamin Hewett, 3d Bait. ; also Col. Suniera' Batt., State troops. 
Caleb Hewett, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Moses Hewett, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somere' Batt., State troops. 
Samuel Hewett, 3d Batt.; alsoCuI. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Thomas Hewett. 

Willifim Hewett, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Isaac Hickman. Thomas Hickman. 

James Hickman. Absalum Highey. 

Edward Higbny, Capt. Steelman's company, 3d Batt. 
Isaac Higliey. 

Richard Iligbey, 3d Bait. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Uriah Hill, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt , State troops 
Daniel Hillman. John Hilluian, 3d Batt. 

\^' Samuel Hillnuin, infantry, artillery, light horse. 
Samuel A- Hillman. Seth Hillman. 

Michael Hiss, 3d Batt. 

John Hitman, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Benjamin Huffman, militia; also Continental army. 
Jacob Hoffman. 

Thomas HoUings worth, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Andrew Human. David Homan. 

Daniel Homan, John Hugg. 

John Hukey, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
John Hulings, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Butt., State troops. 
Thomas Humphrey. 

David Hund, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Lewis Hund, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
John Hurley. Andrew Hurst. 

Abraham Hutchinson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Ezekiel Hutchinson. 

Peter Hutsinger, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Jacob Idle. 

George Ihneller, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Daniel Ingalson. David Irelan. 

Isaac Ingalsou. Edmond Irelan. 

Benjamin Ingersoll. George Irelan. 

Ebenezer Ingersoll. Japhet Irelan. 

John Ingersoll. Jonathan Irelan. 

Joseph Ingersoll, Jr. Joseph Irelan. 

Amos Irelan. Reuben Irelan. 

Thomas Irelan. 

Thomas Ireland, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
Johu Ireland, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Thomas Ireland, 3(1 Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
James Jeffries. 

John Jeffries, 3d Bait. ; also Col. Somers' Butt. Stite troops. 
Jonathan Jerry, 3d Batt.; also Cul. Somers' Batt., SuUe troops. 
Samuel Jess, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Isaac Johnson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Joseph Johnson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Lawrence Johnson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State Iroops. 
Lewis Johnson, 3d Batt. Michael Johnson. 

Nathaniel Johnson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somera' Batt., State troops. 
Richard Johnson, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Isaac Johnston, Capt. Covenover's company, 3d Batt,; also Coutinental 

army. William Johnston. 

Abraham Joues, militia; also Continental army. 
Abram Jones. 

Daniel Jones, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Hugh Jones, wounded. Isaac Jones, 



Jonas Jones, 3d Batt.; also Cul. Somers* Batt., State troops. 

Lawrence Jones, 3d Batt. 

Samuel Jones, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Kaighn, Capt. Higbee's company, 3d Bait.; also State troops; also 

Continental army. 
Reuben Keen. 

Thomas Kehela, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt. State troops. 
David Keilson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
Patrick Kelly, 3d Batt ; also Continental army, 
Uriah Kelly, 3d Batt. 

William Kelly, militia; also Continental army. 
Jauies Kendle, 3d Batt. 
John Kerrey, Capt. Steelman's company, 3d Batt , also State troops ; also 

Continental army. 
John Kesler, 3d Batt. 

Daniel Kidd, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
Peter Kidd, 3d Batt 
John Killey, Capt. Steelman's company, 3d Batt, ; also State troops ; also 

Continental army. 
Joseph Kindle, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops, 
Andrew King. 
Cornelius Lacy, 3d Batt. 

John Lafferty, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Andrew Lake. Daniel Lake. 

Joseph Lake, Capt. Steelman's company, 3d Batt.; also St;ite troops; also 

Continental army. 
Nathan Lake. Mack Lamor. 

William Lake. George Land. 

James Land, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
Nathan Leah, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
Nathani.l Leake, 3d Batt 

William Leake, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt, Stato troops. 
Godfrey Leaman, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
^David Lee. 

' Joseph Lee, Capt. Piei'ce's company, Ist Batt, ; also Continental army. 
OValter Lee, 3d Batt.; also Col. Sumers' Batt., State troops. 
Daniel Leeds. Nehemiah Leeds. 

Felix Leeds. Thomas Leeds. 

James Leeds. 

William Leeds, militia; also Continental army. 
Azariah Leonard, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops; also 

Continental army. 
Francis Lewis, 3d Batt. 

Jeremiah Lewis, 3d Batt; also Col, Somers' Batt, State troops. 
John Linwood, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
Daniel Lippencott, 3d Batt. 
John Lippencott, Capt. Rape's company, 3d Batt. ; also State troops; 

also Continental army. 
John Little, 3d Batt ; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
John Little, Sr. John Lock. 

John Little, Jr. Jonathan Lock. 

Cornelius Locy, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
John Lodge, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Ansey Long, 3d Batt ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Moses Long, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
Silas Long. Abram Loper. 

Asa Lord, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
John Lord, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt, Stato troops. 
Jonathan Lord, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 
Richard Lown, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Israel Luck, militia; also Continental army. 
Abram Manary. George Marical. 

David Mancy. Joseph Marshall. 

Benjamin Mauley. William Marshall, 

Edmund Mapes. Andrew Mart 

Andrew Mason, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
David Mason. 

Benjamin Massey, 3d Batt ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Joseph Masters, 3d Batt. ; also Col, Somers' Batt, State troops, 
David Mattacks. John McGlaisoer. 

Jesse Mattacks. 

Michael McCleary, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somei-s' Batt, State troops. 
John McCollum. Adam McConnell. 

Abraham McCuUock, militia; also Continental army. 
James McFadden, Capt. Snell's company, 3d Batt; also State troops; 

also Continental army. 
Johu McFadden, 3d Batt; also State troops; also Continental army. 



I 



* 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



45 



Samuel McFarland, 3d Batt.; iilso Col.Soraers' Batt,, State troops. 

Daniel McGee, militia; also Continental army. 

George McGonigal, militia; also Continental army. 

Charles McHenry, 3d Batt.; alBO Col. Soraers' Batt., State troops. 

William McKay, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William McKimmy. 

Hector McNeil, 3d Batt,; also Col. Soraers' Batt., State troops; also 

quartermaster-sergeant, dmtinental array. 
George Meare, 3d Bait. ; also Col. Soniers' Batt., State troops. 
Charles Meyers. 

Benjamin Miller, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt , State troops. 
Samuel Miller, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Stephen Miller, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somei-s' Batt., State troops. 
Samuel Mintear, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Butt., State troops. 
George Mires, 3d Batt. 

Juhii Mitchell, militia; also Continental army. 
Andiew Muore. 

Daniel Moore, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Thomas Morris, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Butt., State troops. 
Jona.s Morse. Joshua Morse. 

Nicholas Morse. 

George Moses, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Sharon Moslander, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Ezekiel Mulford. 

Fnrman Mulford, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Jonathan Mulford, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Samuel Mulford, 3d Batt. John Mullaky. 

Dave iSIuney (or Murrey), 3d Batt. 

John Muunion, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
AVilliani Murphy. 

John Musbrook, militia; also Cunliuental army. 
Thomas Neaves, 2d Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 
Davis Nelson, 3d Batt. 

Gabriel Nelson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' BatJ., State troops. 
James Nelson. 

Joseph Nelson, 3d Batt.: also Col Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Neheniinh Nelson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Uichard Newgen, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops, 
John Newman, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Rpuben Newman, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Silas Newton, militia; also sergt., Continental army. 

Cornelius Nichols. Jacob Nichols. 

Thomas Nichols, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Wilson Nickles, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somera' Batt,, State troops. 
John Nickleson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

David Nielsun, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., SUite troops. 

Davis Nielson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Gabriel Nielson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Benjamin Nile. j 

Benjamin Norcross, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

James Norcross, 3d Batt. 

Joseph Norcross, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Caleb Norton. James Norton. 

Jonathan Norton, 3d Batt, ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Thomas Nukler, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 

Wilson Nuckless 

.I.ihn Orr (or Ord), 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Daniel Osborn, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

David Padgett, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Thomas Padgett, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

.loseph Parker, Sr. Joseph Parker, Jr. 

Samuel Parker, Sr. Samuel Parker Jr. 

Daniel Parkes. 

Joseph Parkes, Capt. Pierce's company, 1st Batt.; also Continental 
army. 

Noah Parkes. John Parry, 3d Batt. 

Paul Parkes. Israel Parshall. 

John Paiterson (1), 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops; also 
Continental army. 

John Patterson (2d), 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Joseph Paul, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Robert Pawpe. David Peirson, 3d Batt. 

Samuel Peckin, 3d Batt. 

Stephen Peirson, 3ciiBatt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

James Penton, militia; also corp. Continental army. 

Joseph Peuyard, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Sonieis' Batt., State troops. 

Samuel Peoyard, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 



Samuel Perkins, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Daniel Perry, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Perry, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Joseph Perry. 

Moses Perry, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Philip Peters, 2d Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

Abram Peterson. 

David Peterson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Jacob Peioison, Capt. Sniith's company, 3d Batt. ; also State troops ; also 

Continental army. 
Samuel Peterson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Tliomas Peterson. 

Joseph Pett, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
George Pierce. Ward Pierce. 

Joseph Phut, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt,, State troops. 
Sanmel Phitt, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
ThoTuas Poarch, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Lawrence Pouleson, militia ; also Continental army. 
John Powell, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Richard Powell. Richard Price. 

Jacob Price. Thomas Price. 

Levi Price. 

Thompson Price, Ciipt. Somers' company. 

William Pridmore, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
William Prigmore, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
William Quicksel, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt-,^StiUB troops. 
John Rain, Capt. Fisler's company ; also Continental army, 
Jonathan Reed. Obediah Reed, 

William Reed, 2d Batt.; also Continental army. 
/John Reeves. 

Joshua Reeves, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Thomas Reeves, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somei-s' Batt., State troops. 
Thomas Rennard. 

Samuel Reynolds, 3d Regt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt,, State troops. 
Michael Rice, 2d Batt. ; also Cnntinental army. 
Joseph Rich, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Richard Richerson, 3d Batt. 

Richard Richman, 3d Batt, ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Daniel Richmond. 

Jacolj Riley, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Patrick Riley. Morris Risley. 

Ann Risley. Nathaniel Risley, 

David Risley. Samuel Risley. 

Joseph Risltjy. Tliomas Risley, 

John Rohhins, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops, 
James Roberts, 

Joseph Roberts, 3d Regt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
George Robertson. I-aac Robertson, 

Caleb Robeson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Jeremiah Robeson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers* Batt,, State troops, 
Joseph Robeson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops, 
Thomas Robeson, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Jeremiah Robinson, 
W^illiam Rockhill, 3d Batt,; also Col. Somers' Batt,, State troops; also 

sergt. Continental army. 
Andrew Ross, 1st Batt. ; wounded Oct. 29, 1777 ; ditto May 19, 177S. 
Stephen Ross. John Ro&sell. 

Enoch Budnown, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Enoch Rudiow, 3d Batt. 

Jolin Salmon, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
John Salsbury, Joseph Sawings. 

David Sayers. 
Thomas Scott, Capt. Paul's company, 3d Batt.; also State troops; also 

Continental army. 
Abel Scull. 

David Scull, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
Joseph Scull. Peter Scnll. 

David Sealey, 3d Batt. ; also Col, Somers' Batt., State troops, 
Jacob Seddens, 

Benjamin Seeds, militia; also Continental army. 
,l<din Seeley, militia; also Continental army, 
David Seers, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
William Seller, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
John Selvy, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
William Senker, 3d Batt. 
John Shane. 
Henry Sharp, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somei-s' Batt., State troops. 



46 



HISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Beubeu Sliaw, 3d Batt,; also Col. Somers* Batt., State troops. 

Kichard Shaw, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., Slate troops. 

David Slieeff, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Soinere' Batt., State troops. 

Lawrence Shepherd, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Nathaniel Shepherd, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers'' Batt., State troops. 

Owen Shepherd, 3d Batt.; also Col. Soinere' Batt., State troops. 

Frederick Shinfelt. 

Edward Shroppear, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Shuley, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Samuel Shiite. Capt. Fisher's company ; also Continental army. 

Henry Sight, militia; also Continental army. 

John Sill, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., Statf troops. 

John Silvey, 3d Batt. George Simpkius. 

James Simpkins. 

Jesse Siner, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Sinker, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops 

David Skeoff, 3d Batt. John Slawter. 

Philip Slide, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

James Smallwood. 

John Smallwood, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army/ 

Elias Smith. Henry Smith. 

Elijah Smith, Jr. Isaac Smith. 

Felix Smith. James Smith. 

Jesse Smith, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Smith, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Joseph Smith, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Joshua Smith. Micha Smith. 

Nathan Smith, Capt. Smith's company, 3d Batt. also Continental 
army. 

Noah Smith. 

Thomas Smith, 3d Batt.; also Col. SomeiV Batt., State troops. 

William Smith (1), 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Smith (2), 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Zenos Smith, 2<1 Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Daniel SnailUaker, ;id Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops 

Philip Snailbaker, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

George SnelUacker, 2d Batt. ; also Continental army. 

David Snell, 3d Batt. 

Robert Snelly, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troups. 

Joseph Soey. David Sommers. 

Nicholas Soey. Enoch Sommers. 

Samuel Soey. Isaac Sommeis. 

John Somers, Capt. Pierce's company, l.it Batt.; also Continental army_ 

Kichard Sommers. Thomas Springer. 

Thomas Sommers. Jeremiah Sprong. 

Joseph Sparks. John Sprong. 

Robert Sparks. John Starkey. 

John Spire. 

Kichard Stedman, 3d Batt. 

Andrew Steelman. Frederick Steelman. -., 

Daniel Steelman. George Steelman. ._ 

David Steelman. James Steelman, Sr. — 

Ebenezer Steelman. James Steelman. 

John Steelman ; also State troops. 

Jonas Steelman. "^Jonathan Steelman, Jr. 

Jonathan Steelman, Sr. 

Richard Steelman, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

David Stephens. 

Ezekiel Steward, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Joseph Steward, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Alexander Stewart. Joel Stewart. 

John Stewart, Sr., Capt. Fialer's company; also State troops. 

John Stewart, Jr., Capt. Fisler's company; also State troops ; also Con- 
tinental army. 

Stephen Stewart. David Stilwell. 

Ebenezer Stebbins. Samuel Stoddard. 

Thomas Stonebank, Capt. Stonobauk's comjiany, 1st Batt.; also State 
troops; also Continental army. 

Joel Sturd. 

Thomas Stotliem, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops; also 
Capt. Allen's comjiany, State troops. 

Samuel Strickland. 

John Strumble, militia; also Continental army. 

Gideon Stull, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

James Summers (or Somers), 2d Batt.; also Continental army. 

John Stutman. 

Abniham SwHiin, 3d Regt. 



Judetb Swain, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Jesse Swan, 3d Batt. 

Isaac Swandler. 

Valentino Sweeny, 3d Batt. 

Timothy Swiney. 

Valentine Swing, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Isaac Taylor. 

Robert Taylor, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

William Tennent, militia; also Continental army. 

Isaac Terrepin, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Uriah Terrepin, 3d Batt.; also Col Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Jonathan Terry. James Thomas. 

John Thackry. 

John Thomas, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Richard Thomas. 

William Thomson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Oliver Thorpe, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Tice. Daniel Tilton. 

Peter Till, 3d Batt. 

Joseph Tilton, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt, State troops. 

Jacob Timberman. 

! Elijah Tomlio, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

j Jacoli Tomlin, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

I Jonathan Tomlin, 3d Butt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

! William Tomlin, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

; Lewis Tonson, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

■ Redack Tourain (or Tournier), 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., Stat^i 
I 

troops. 

John Towns. James Towusend. 

' Daniel Townsend. John Townsend. 

! Reddick Townsend, Capt. Smith's company; also Continental army. 
I Daniel Trumey, 3d Batt. : also Col.Somere' Batt., State troops. 
1 John Vanamon, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

David Vernon, 3d Batt.- also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

George Waggoner, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Walker, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

George Wall, Capt. Fisler's company ; also Continental army. 

John Wallace, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Wallis, 3d B.itt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Benjamin Weatherby, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

David Weatherby, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

George Weatliflrby, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Weeks. Zephaniah Weeks. 

Seth Weldeu, 3d Batt; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Thomas Weldron. Jacob Wence. 

Peter Wells. ^_ 

Israel West, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops, 
i Uriah West, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somere' Batt., State troops. 
I Porter Wheaton. 

'' Robert Wheaton, 3d Batt. ; iilso Col. Somers' Batt,, State troops. 
' Silas Wheaton. Samuel Whitacre. 

i Uriah Wheaton. 

i Jennings White, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
j John White, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
I John Whitlock, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
! John Wild, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
I Daniel Wiles, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

James Wiley. David Williams, 3d Batt. 

Edward Williams, Capt. Fisler's company ; also Continental army, 
i George Williams, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 
j John Williams. William Williams. 

I David Williamson, 3d Batt. : also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

John Wilsey. Elijah Wilson. 

■^ William Wilnon, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

S^amuel Woodruff, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., Stjite troops, 
' John Woolsoo, 3d Batt.; also Col. Somers' Batt., Stjite troops. 

Samuel Worrick. 

John Wright, militia; also Continental army. 

Hance Young, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops. 

Uriah Young, 3d Batt. ; also Col. Somers' Batt., State troops, 

Jacob Zimmerman, 

SALEM COUNTY. 
Coloni'ls. 

Whitton Cripps, lieut.-col. 1st Batt., Salem, June 20, 1776; lieut.-col. 
Col. Sainriel Forman's Batt., "Detached Militia," July IS, 1776; 
lieut.-col. Col. Potter's Batt., State troops, Nov. 27, 1776; col. Is^ 
Batt., Salem. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



47 



Samuel Dick, col. Ist Batt., Salem, June 20, 1776 ; resigned to become 

a member of the General Assembly. 
Benjamio Holme, lieut.-col. "^d Batt., Salem ; col. ditto, May 27, 1777; 

resigned Nov. 6, 1778. 
John Holme, col. 2d Batt., Salem ; resigned May 27, 1777, disability. 
William Shnte, lieut.-col. 2d Batt., Salem, May 27, 1777 ; col. ditto ; also 

aseist.-com-gen. 

Majors. 

Edward Hall, 2d maj. 1st Batt., Salem, June 20, 1776. 
John Kelly, capt. 2d Batt., Salem ; 2d maj. ditto. 
Thomas Mecnm, 1st maj. 2d Batt., Salem. 
William Mecum. 1st maj. 1st Batt., Salem, June 20, 1776. 
Anthony Sharp, 1st maj. 2d Batt., Salem, May 27, 1777; maj. Col. Stil- 
well's Regt., State troops, Oct. 9, 1779; also capt. Continental army. 
Henry Sparks, Jr., 2d maj. 2d Batt., Salem, May 27, 1777. 

Adjutant. 
John Smith, adjt. 2d Batt., Salem, May 27, 1777. 

■ Quartenmuters. 
Thomas Carpenter, q.m. 1st Batt., Salem. (See also paymasters.) 
Jacob Hollinshead, q.m., Salem. 
James Steel, q.m. 1st Batt., Salem. 
Andrew Yorke, q.m. 2d Batt., Salem, Aug. 6, 1777. 

Paymasters. 
Andrew Sinicksou, paymaster. Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem. (See 

also captains.) 
William Smith, paymaster, Salem. 

Captains. 
Elijah Cattell, capt. 1st Batt., Sulem. 
Allen Congleton, capt., Salem ; capt. Col. Newcomb's Batt., Heard's 

brigade, June 14, 1776 ; capt. State troops. 
Benjamin Codies, 1st lieut. Capt. Sheppard's company, 2d Batt., Salem; 

lieut. State troops ; capt. ditto. 
Joshua Coupland, capt., Salem. 

Abraham Dubois, capt. 2d Batt., Salem, Nov. 1, 1779. 
Jacob Dubois, capt. 2d Batt., Sulem; resigned. 
Peter Dubois, 1st lieut. Capt. Jacob Dubois' company, 2d Batt,, Salem ; 

capt. ditto. 
Joseph Heward, capt. 2d Batt., Salem. 
John Houseman, 2d Batt., Salem. 
William Johnson, capt., Salem. 
Nicholas Keen, lieut. Ist Batt., Salem; capt. ditto, capt. Maj. Hayes' 

Batt., State troops. (See uaval service.) 
Jonathan Kinsey, lieut., Salem ; capt., ditto ; capt. Batt. Heard's brigade 

June 16, 1776; also capt. Continental army. 
Bateman Lloyd, capt., Salem ; foragemaster ; also capt. Continental army. 
James Menley, sergt. 2d Batt., Salem ; capt. ditto. 
William Miller, capt. 2d Itatt., Salem; capt. Ist Batt., ditto. 
Cornelius Ne^x^iirk, capt. 2d Butt., Salem; also capt. 1st Batt., Gluucester. 
Abner Penton, capl. 2d Batt., Salem, Aug. 19, 1776. 
William Rice, capt., Sulem; capt. 1st Batt, Gloucester. (See naval 

service.) 
John Rowan, capt., Salem. 
Charlton Sheppard, 1st lieut. Capt. Henry Sparks' company, 2d Batt., 

Salem ; capt. ditto; wounded at Hancock's Bridge, N. J., March 21, 

1778. 
Andrew Sinickson, capt. 1st Batt., Salem. (See payma.sters.) 
Tliomiis Sinickson, capt. 2d Batt., Salem; elected naval officer. Western 

District, New Jersey, Dec. 12, 1778. 
Thomas Smith, ensign Capt. Penton's company, 2d Batt., Salem; lieut. 

ditto; capt. ditto. 
William Smith, capt. 2d Batt., Salem. 
Henry Sparks, capt. 2d Batt., Salem. 
Robert Sparks, capt. 2d Batt., Salem. 
Newcomb Thompson, 2d lieut. Capt. Jacob Dubois' compiuiy, 2d Batt., 

Salem ; capt. ditto, Jan. 3, 1782. 
Thouiaa Tliomp.^on, capt. 2d Bait., Salem. 
John Till, capt. 1st Batt., Salem. 
George Trencbard, capt. Ist Batt., Salem. 

Vincent, capt., Salem. 

Daniel Wentzel, licut. 2d Batt., Salem ; capt. ditto. 

Lieutenants. 
Jonathan Bildetack, lieut. Capt. Thomas Sinickson's company, 2d Batt., 
Salem ; prisoner of war. 



I David Sithene, lieut. Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt., Salem. 

I Henry Young, lieut., Salem. 

! First Lieutenants. 

i Eton Haywood, Ist lieut. Capt. Penton's company, 2d Batt., Salem, Aug. 
I 19, 1776. 

I James Wright, Ist lieut. Capt. Miller's company, 2d Batt, Salem. 
Robert AVttlkor,lst lieut Capt. Robert Sparks' company, 2d Batt., Salem. 

Second Lieutenants. 
Joseph Dickinson, 2d lieut. Capt. Robert Sparks' company, 2d Batt., 

Salem. 
Benjamin Holme, Jr., 2d lieut. Capt. Henry Sparks' company, 2d Batt, 
I Salem. 

) Jacob Houseman, 2d lieut, Capt, Penton's company, 2d Batt., Salem, 
Aug. 19, 1776. 
Anthony Lowdeu, ensign Capt Sheppard's company, 2d Batt., Salem ; 

2d lieut ditto ; wounded at Hancock's Bridge, March 21, 1778. 
John Sinickson, 2d lieut. Capt. Miller's company, 2d Batt., Salem. 

Ensigns. 
John Blair, ensign, Salem ; ensign Heard's brigade, June 14, 1776 ; also 
I lieut. Continental army. 

I William Bresby, ensign Capt. Charlton Sheppard's company, 2d Batt., 
] Salem. 

' John Congleton, ensign Capt Thomas Siuicksonls^company, 2d Batt, 

Salem. 
' William Conklin, ensign Capt. Jacob Dubois' company, 2d Batt., Salem. 
George McFarland, ensign, Salem ; ensign Col.Newcomb's Batt., Heard's 
I brigade, June 14, 1776 ; ensign Capt, Congletou's company, State 

troops; also ensign Continental army. 
I Joseph Stonebank, ensign Capt. Robert Sparks' company, 2d Batt., 
I Salem. 

j Aaron Stretch, ensign Capt. Henry Sparks' company, 2d Batt., Salem. 

Sergeants. 

Aaron Brown, sergt. Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt., Salem. 

Dennis Daley, sergt. Capt. Sheppard's company, 2d Batt., Salem ; wounded 
j at Hancock's Bridge March 21, 1778. 

I Thomas Graham, sergt. Ist Batt., Salem. 
I Joseph Haynes, sergt 1st Batt, Salem. 

Peter Jaquet, sergt. 1st Batt, Salem; sergt Capt Reen's company, 
^ State troops. 

: Robert Patterson, sergt. Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt., Salem. 
I Edward Siddon, sergt, Salem ; taken prisoner Oct 17, 1776. 

! Corporals. 

Henry Congleton, corp. 1st Batt, Salem ; corp. Capt Keen's company, 
I State troops. 

Joseph Fanver, corp. Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt, Salem. 

Privates. 

William Aaron, Capt Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Jushua Allen. 

Thomas Allen, prisoner at Staten Island Oct. 17, 1776. 

Phineas Ayers, 2d Batt. 

Andrew Bacon, severely wounded at Quinton's Bridge, March 18, 1778. t 

David Barnes, militia; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Thomas Barrell, militia; also Continental army. 

Barret. Manoab Bateman. 

Thomas Bee. 

Walker Beesley, Capt Sheppard's company, 2d Batt. 

David Bevens, 2d Batt. ; also State troops ; also OontinoJital army. 

James Boiles, militia; also Continental army. 

Samuel Bowen, militia ; also Continental army. 

Job Brown, Capt. Sheppard's company, 2d Batt. ; also State troops. 

Joseph Brown, C.apt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Jacob Bryand. 

Robert Campbell, Ist Batt ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Lawrence Carney, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

John Cams. 

Powell Carpenter, dangerously wounded at Hancock's Bridge March 

17,1778. 
William Carpenter, 2d Batt. 

William Carty, 1st Batt ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 
Obadiah Caruthers, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 
Joseph Chartres, Capt. Trenclmrd's company, Ist Batt; also State troops ; 

also Corp. Continental army. 



48 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Francis Clark, 1st Batt. ; also Lieut. Smithes compaoyt Col. Newcomb's 
Batt., State troops ; died Nov. 30. 177C. 

Ezekiel Colbert. 

William Collins, 2d Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Timothy Conner, militia ; also Continental army. 

Patrick Connor, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Alexander Cooper, Ist Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Henry Corigan, militia; also Continental army. 

John Coucli, Capt. Smith's company, 2d Batt. ; killed at Quinton's 
Bridge, March 18, 1778. 

Alexander Cowper, militia ; also State troops. 

Enos Craig, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Adam Crouce, Capt. Fenton's company, 2d Batt. ; also Continental 
army. 

William Cullj', militia , also Continental army. 

John Cunningliam, 1st Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Samuel Curry, 2d Butt. ; also State troops. 

Thomas Daniels. 

James Davis, militia; also Continental army. 

Ashbruok Dickiiisoi), Ciipt. Catell's company, 1st Batt. ; also State 
troops; also Continental army. 

Samuel DickinsoD, militia; also Continental army. 

Jacob Dirgus, militia; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Beojamin Dubois, Capt. Isewkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Cornelius Dubois, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

David Dubois, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Jerediali Dubois, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

William Duff, Capt. Haywood's company; alio State troops; also Conti- 
nental arm 3', 

Alexander Dunbar, militia; also Continental army. 

Nenian Dunlap. 

Thomas Eastburn, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Francis Eastlaick, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. ; also State troops ; 
also Cuutinental army. 

Amariah Elwell, 1st Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

David Elwell, militia; also Continental array. 

John Elwell, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. / 

Samuel Elwell, militia ; also sergt. Continental army. 

George Farney, militia; also Continental arm.y 

James Finley, Capt. Sheppard'e company, 2d Batt.; wounded at Han- 
cock's Bridge, Marcli 21, 1778. 

William Finley, Captain Sheppard's company, 2d Batt.; wounded at 
Hancock's Bridge, March 21, 1778. 

John Fitzgerald, militia; also Continental ai'my. 

George Flint, militia ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

Judah Foster, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Jacob Fox, 2d Batt.; also Continental army. 

Jacob Fox, 1st Batt. ; also State troops : also Continental army. 

John Francisco, militia ; wounded, 

Calvin Gamble, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt.; also Continental 
army. 

David Gallon. 

William Givous, militia ; also Capt. Been's company, State troops. 

Daniel Gualder, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

John Green, 1st Batt. ; also 2d Batt. ; also Stiite troops ; also Continental 
army. 

William Griffiths, militia; also Continental army. 

John Grimes, 1st Regt. ; also State troops : also Continental army. 

Richard Grimes, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt.; also State troops; 
also Continental army. 

Jacob Groves. 

Hugh Gunion, 1st Eegt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

Jeremiah Hackett, 1st Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Isjiac Harris. Jacob Harris. 

Walter Harris, 1st Batt. ; also 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Conti- 
nental army. 

James Hill, militia; also Continental army. 

Philip Hogate. 

Daniel Holt, 1st Batt.; also 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continen- 
tal army. 

Jacob Huffy. 

John Hntton, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Henry Johnson, 2d Batt. 

James Johnson. 

Joseph Johnson, militia; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Thomas Jones. John Jorden. 

John Kelly, 1st Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 



Michael Kelly, 1st Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

William Kelly, 1st Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Thomas Kennedy, militia; also State troops; also Continental army. 

John Ketcliam, 1st Regt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

John King, nitlitia ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

James Kinsey, militia; also Continental army. 

Dennis Lafferty, militia; also State troops; also Continental array. 

John Lawson, 1st Batt.; also 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Conti- 
nenial army. 

Paul Leppo. Edward Lewis. 

William Lewis, militia; also Continental army. 

Walter Linedy, militia; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Paul Lipps. 

Jonathan Mains. 

David Mayhew, Capt. Newkirk's cunii.auy, 2d Batt. 

John Mayhew, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

John MeCaglian, 1st Batt. ; also Stale troops; also Continental army. 

John McClain, 2d Batt.; also Continental army. 

William McCollester, militia; also Continental army. 

William McDade, militia; also Continental army. 

John McDonald, militia; also Continental army. 

John McElhaney. 

Abrani McGee. 

Robert McGee, militia; also Continental army. 

James McQuillum, militia; also Continental army. 

Benjamin Miller, 1st Batt.; also State troops. 

Benjamin Miiler, 2d Batt. ; also Continental army. 

Joseph Miller, militia; also Continental army. 

Patrick 5Iooro, Capt. Sheppard's company, 2d Batt. ; wounded at Han- 
cock's Bridge, March 21, 1778. 

William Moure, militia; also Continental army. 

John Murdock, militia; also Continental army. 

Daniel Murphy, 1st Batt. ; also 2d Batt. ; also State troops; also Conti- 
nental army. 

John Neally, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 
' William Neally, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Davis Nelson, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Gabriel Nelson, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Joseph Nelson. 

John Nestler, 1st Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

John Newkirk, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

George Nixon, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt.; also State troops; 
also Continental army. 

Robert Nixon, 2(1 Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Thomas Noble, Capt. William Smith's company, 2d Batt. ; killed. 
I Lawrence Olewine, militia ; also Continental army. 
i Neal O'Neal, militia; also Continental army. 
I Stephen Owens, miliiia; also Continental army, 
i William Parker. Joseph Penton. 

j John Plummer, 1st Batt. ; also State troops. 

John Prummer, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental array. 

William Pounder, 1st Batt.; also 2d Batt.; also State troops ; also Con- 
tinental army. 

John Reardun, 1st Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

James Robertson, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

James Robeson, 1st Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

Thomas Rose, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Daniel Russel, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

Abbot Sayers, Capt. Sheppard's company, 2d Batt.; wounded at Han- 
cock's Bridge, March 21, 177S. 

James Bayers, Capt. Sheppard's company, 2d Batt.; wounded at Han- 
cock's Bridge, Maich 21, 1778, 

Daniel Shepherd. William Smick. 

James Shepherd. 

John Smith, 2d Batt.; also Continental army. 

Nathan Solley, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Henry Starts, Capt, Penton's company, 2d Batt.; also Continental army. 

Charles Stephens, militia; also Continental army. 

George Stools, 1st Batt. ; also 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continen- 
tal army. 

George Strope, 2d Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Jacob Stump. 

James Taylor, militia ; also Continental army. 

Samuel Teal. 

Joshua Terry, Capt. Keen's company, lat Batt., Salem. 

Joshua Thompson, militia; also Continental army. 

William Tindall, 1st Batt.; also State troops ; also Continental army. 



GENERAL FIISTORY. 



4!i 



Samuel Tomlinson. 

John Tyre, Ist Butt.: ftl80 State troops; iilsa Continental array. 

Ahrulinm Vanpnian, Capt. Tronchard's company, 1st Batt. ; al80 State 
troops; also Continental army. 

Joseph Van Meter, Capt. Newkirk's company, 2d Batt. 

John Walker, Capt. Sinickaon's company, 1st Batt.; also State troops; 
also sergt. Continental army. 

Jacob Walter, militia; also State troops; also Continental army. 

John Walter, 1st Batt.; alao State troops; also Continental army. 

Bowman Watte, militia; also Continental army. 

Anthony Weaver, Ist Batt. ; also 2d Batt. ; also State troops ; also Conti- 
nental army. 

James Welch, 2d Batt.; also 1st Batt.; also State troops; also Conti- 
nental army. 

John Wellice. 

Benjamin Wetherington, 2d Batt.; also State trooijs ; also Continental 
army. 

David Wetherington. 

Jacob White, 1st Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 

John White, miliiia; also State troops. 

Nathan Williams, militia; hIro State troops; also Continental army. 

Giles Yourson, Ist Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Robert Wible, Capt. Newkirk'a company, 2d Batt.; also Continental 
army. 

COMBEKLAND CoUNTY. 

Brigadier- Generals. 

Silas Newcomb, col. 1st Batt., Cnmbei'land; col. batt,, "Heard's bri- 
gade," June H, 1776; brig. -gen. militia, March 15, 1777; res. Dec. 
4, 1777 ; also col., Continental army. 

David Potter, col. 2d Batt., Cumberland ; col. batt. State troops, Nov. 27, 
1776; hrig.-gen. militia, Feb. 21, 1777; declined March 15, 1777. 

Colonels. 
Elijah Hand, lieut.-col. Suite ti'oops ; lieut.-col. 1st Batt., Cumberland, 
Feb. 4, 1777 ; col. ditto, June fi, 1777. 
- Isaac Preston, cul. 1st Batt., Cumberland, Feb. 4, 1777 ; res.; died at his 
quarters in camp at the Forks of tlie Raritan, March 5 or 6, 1777. 
Enos Seeley, lieut.-col. 1st Batt., Cumberland ; res. Feb. 4, 1777, disabil- 
ity; col. batt. State troops. 

Lieutenant- Chlonels. 
John N. Gumming, 1st lieut. Capt. Howell's company, 2d Batt., First Es- 
tablishment, Nov. 29, 1775; 1st lieut Capt. Lawrie's company, 2d 
Batt., Second Establi-ihment, Nov. 29, 1776; capt. 2.i Batt., ditto, 
Nov. 30, 1776; capt. 2d R-gt.; m:ij. 1st Regt., April Hi, 17ti0 ; lieut.- 
col. 2d Rcgt., Dec. 29, 1781; lieut.-col. commandant 3d Regt., Feb. 
11, 178:J; disch. at the close of the war. 
Abijah Ilulniea, lieut.-cul, 2d Batt., Cumberland, ^ 

Samuel Ogdi-n, capt, 1st Batt., Cumberland; capt. "Heard's brigade," 
June 14, 1776; capt. Col. Enos Seeley "s Batt., State troops, Jan. iJl, 
1777; 1st maj. Ist Batt., Cumberland, Feb. 4, 1777; lieut.-col. ditto, 
June 6, 1777. 

Majors. 

Joseph Broonifield.maj. ; also judge advocate, JJorthern army. 
Timothy Klmer, capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland, Qvi. 5, 1776; maj. Col. 

Enos Seeley's Batt., State troops, Feb. 1, 1777 ; 1st maj. 1st Batt., 

Cumberland. 
Thomas Ewing, 1st maj. 2d Batt., Cumberlaud, Nov. 26, 1777. 
Ezekiel Foster, capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland; 2d maj. ditto Feb. 4, 1777 ; 

res. June Id, 1779. 
Richard Ilowall, capt. 2d Batt., First Establishment, Nov. 29, 1775; 

brigade maj., Sept. 4, 1775 ; maj. 2d Batt,, Second Establisliment, 

Nov. 28, 1776 ; maj. 2d Regt. ; res. April 7, 1779. 
Jermun Ueulien, 1st maj. Col. Enos Seeley's Batt., State troops. 
Ephrniin Snnnnes, l.st lieut. Capt. Ogdeu's company. Col. Enos Seeley's 

Batt., State troops; adjt. ditto; capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland; 2d 

m;ij. ditto. Oct. 5, 1779. 
Daniel Maskell, capt. " Minute-men" ; capt. 2(1 Batt., Cumberland ; 2d 

maj. diito, Nov. 26, 1777. 
Derick Peter.-(on, 1st maj. 1st Batt., Cumberland, June 6, 1777. 
Robert Pattoition, brig.-maj., staff Brig.-Gen. Newcomb. 
John Smith, brig.-niij., staff Brig.-Gen. Newcomb. 
Ijadis Walling, capt. 2d Batt., Cumberland ; 2d maj, Col. Enos Seeley's 

Batt., State troops. 

Adjvianta. 

Richard Caruthers, adjt. 2d Batt., Cumberland ; adjt. Col. Potter's Regt., 
State troops. 



FIthian Stratton, adjt. 1st Batt., Cumberland ; ufljt. Col. Enos Seeley'a 
Batt., State troops. 

Quarlerma&ters. 

John Dowdney, q.m. 2d Batt., Cumberland; q.m. Col. Potter's Batt,. 

State troops. 
Thomas Ewing, q.m. Col. Isaac Preston's regt. of militia. 
Josiah Seeley, q.m. Ist Batt., Cumberland, July lo, 1777 ; also Ist lieut. 

Continental army. 

Paij^nasUii^. 
Eli Elmer, 2d lieut. "Western company art.," State troops; paymaster 

Cumberland and Cape May. 
James Ewing, paymaster militia; also capt. Deerfield's mititia. 
William Keleey, paymaster, Cumberland. (See also Captains.) 

Surgeons. 

Thomas Ewing, surgeon's mate Col. Nowcomb's Batt., Heard's brigade ; 
surgeon ditto, June 19, 1776. 

Ebenezer Elmer, ensign Capt. Bloomfield's company, 3d Batt., First Es, 
tabliohmcnt, Feb. 9, 1776: 2d lieut. ditto, April 9, 1776 ; surgeon's 
mate Sd Batt., Second Establisliment, Nov. 28, 1776; trans, to 2d 
Batt., ditto ; surgeon 2d Batt.. Second Establishment, July 5, 1778 ; 
surgeon 2d Regt, Sept. 26, 1780 ; disch. at the close of the war. 

John Hampton, surgeon Col. Enos Seeley's Batt. 

Isaac Harris, surgeon Gen. Newcomb'a brigade. __^_.,- 

Lewis Howell, surgeon, 2d Batt., Second Establishment, Nov. 28, 1776 ; 
res. July 5, 1778. 

Surgeons' Mates. 

Moses G. Elmer, surgeon's mate 2d Batt., Second Establishment, Aug. 
28, 1778; surgeon's mate 2d Regt., September, 1780; disch. at the 
close of the war. 

Robert Patterson, surgeon's mate Ool. Newcomb's Batt., "Heard's bri- 
gade," July 8, 1776. 

Chaplain. 

Andrew Hunter, ch;iplain 3d Batt., Second Establishment, June 1,1777 ; 
chaplain to Gen. Maxwell's brigade June 15, 1777 ; chaplain 3d 
Regt. and Brigade Sept. 26, 1780 ; taken prisoner ; disch. at the close 
of the war; also chaplain militia. 

Captains. 
Charles Allen, capt., Cumberland; capt. Maj. Hayes' Batt., State troops. 

(See Naval Service.) 
John Barker, capt. 2d Batt., Cumberland. 
Jonathan Beesley, 1st lieut. Capt. Whildiu's company. State troops, Dec. 

25, 1776; capt. 1st Batt , Cumberland ; wounded and taken prisoner 

near Haddonfield, N. J.; died in the hands of the enemy June, 1778. 
Jeremiah Bennet, capt., Cumberland; capt. Col. Enos Seeley's Batt.' 

State troops. 
John Bowers, lieut. Capt. David Pearson's company, 1st Batt., Cumber- 
land ; capt. ditto. 
John Daniels, capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland, Sept. 15, 1777. 
Elijah Davis, ensign Capt. Ogden's company, Col. Enos Seeley's Batt., 

State troops; capt. Ist Batt,, Cumberland. 
Joseph Dayton, capt. company of artillery militia. 
Joshua Ewing, lieut. 2d Batt., Cumborlafid; capt. ditto. 
Joel Fitliian, capt, Cumberland; capt. Col. Enoa Seeley's Batt., State 

troops. 
William Garrison, 2d lieut. Capt. Ogdeu's company, Col. Enos Seeley's 

Butt, State troops; capt. 1st Batt., Cumberlaud. 
William Gifford, 2d lieut. Capt. Bloomfield's company, 3d Batt., First 

Establishment, Feb. 7, 1776 ; Ist lieut. ditto; capt. 3d Batt., Second 

Establishment, Nov. 29, 1776 ; capt. 3d Regt. ; prisoner of war Jan. 

30,1780; resigned. 
Job Glassby, ensign Capt. Peterson's company, Col. Enos Seeley'e Batt. 

State troops, Jan. 31, 1777 ; capt. Ist Batt., Cumberland. 
James UoUingshead, capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland, Feb. 4, 1777. 
William Kelsey, capt., Cumberland. (See also Paymaster.) 
John Kerr, 1st lieut., Cumberland; capt. ditto ; capt. State troops. 
William Lowe, 1st lieut. Capt. Page's company, Cul. Enos Seeley's Batt.. 

State troops; capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland. 
James McGee, capt., Cumberland. 

George McGlaughlin, lieut. Ist Batt., Cumberland ; capt. ditto ; died. 
Jeremiah Mills, lieut. 2d Batt., Cumberland ; capt. ditto. 
Azariah Moore, 1st lieut. Capt. Piatt's company, 2d Bart., (.'umberland, 

Nov. 3, 1777; capt. ditto. 
Andrew Newcomb, capt , Cumberland. 



50 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Dayton Newcomb, 2d lieut. C:ipt. Phj;o's company, Col. Enos Seeley'e 
Batt, State troops; lieut. 1st Biitt., Cumberland; capt. ditto. 

James Ogfk-n, oipt. 1st Batt., Cumberland, Feb. 26, 1781. 

David Page, capt., Cumberland; capt. Col. Enos Seeley'e Batt., State 
troops, Jan. 31, 1777. 

Aziel Pieraon, capt. '2d Batt., Cumberland. 

David Piergon, 1st lieut. Capt. Elmer's company, let Batt, Cumberland, 
Oct. 5, 1776 ; 1st lieut. Capt. Elwell'a company, Col. Enos Seeley'e 
Batt., State troops, Jan. 31, 1777 ; capt. ditto ; capt. 1st Batt., Cum- 
berland, July 1,1780. 

John Peterson, capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland; capt. Col. Enos Seeley's 
Batt., State troops, Jan. 31, 1777. 

John Peterson, capt. 2d Batt., Cumberland. 

David Piatt, capt. 2d Batt., Cumberland. 

Levi Preston, capt. lat Batt., May 3, 1779. 

Jeremiah Sayre, capt., Cumberland; capt. Col, Euos Seeley's Batt., State 
troops. 

Jonidab Shepherd, 1st lieut. Capt. Pago's company. Col. Enos Seeley's 
Batt., Slaty troops, Jan. 31, 1777; capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland. 

Jonathan Smith, capt. 1st Batt., Cumljerland. 

Thomas Smith, lieut. 2d Batt., Cuuiheiland: capt. 1st Batt, ditto. 

Kobert Taylor, capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland, Feb. 1, 1777. 

Benijah Thoniitsou, capt. 1st Batt., Salem; Capt. Enos Seeley's Batt. 
State truops. 

Lawrence Van Hook, 1st lieut. Capt. Hollingshead's company 1st Batt. 
Cumberland, Feb. 4, 1777; capt. ditto; capt. State troops. 

John Westcott, let lieut. Capt. Samuel Hogg's Western company Art., 
State troops, March 1, 1776; capt.-lieut. ditto; capt. ditto. 

Samuel Westcott, capt. lat Batt, Cumberland ; res. May 3, 1779. 

J. Wheaton, capt. 2d Butt., Cumberland. 

Seth AA'hilden, capt. 1st Batt., Cumberland; capt. Col. Somei-s' Batt. 
State troops, Dec. 25, 1776. 

Amos Woodrufif, capt., Cumberland. 

Capiain-Lieutenunts. 
Seth Bowen, 2d lieut. Capt. Howell's company, 2d Batt., 1st Establish- 
meut, Nov. 29, 1775 ; 1st lieut. Capt. Yard's company, 2d Batt., 2d 
Establishment, Nov. 29, 177G; 1st lieut. Capt. Lawrie's company 
ditto, Feb. 5, 1777 ; declined ; also capt.-lieut militia. 
Seth Bowen, 1st lieut. Capt. Samuel Hugg's Western company Art., 
State troops; capt.-lieut. ditto; res. ; 1st lieut. army; also q.m. in 
Q.M.-Gen. Dept. 

Lieuteriante. 

Joseph Buck, sergt. 2d Batt., 2d Establishment; ensign 2d Kegt., Feb. 
1, 1779; lieut. ditto, Jan. 1, 1781 ; disch. at the close of the war; 
capt. by brevet. 

James Kwing, lieut. 2d Batt., Cumberland. 

Ephraim Foster, ensign Capt Ogden's company. Col. Enos Seeley's Butt. 
State troops, Jan. 31, 1777; Heut. Ist Batt., Cumberland. 

Junies Giles, adjt. art. Continental army; lieut. ditto. 

Benjamin Keen, lieut. Capt. Piatt's company, 2d Batt., Cumberland. 
June 4, 17S3. 

Norton Ludlani, lieut., Cumberland, June 9, 1781. 

David Moore, lieut. Western company of Art. 

David MuHoid, lieut. 2d Batt., Cumberland ; killed Nov. 25, 1777. 

Isaac Mulford, lieut., Cumberlund; lieut. Capt. Fithian's company. Col. 
Enos Seeley'e Batt., State troops. 

Alexander Orr, lieut., Cumberland. 

William Peterson, lieut. Capt. McGlaughlin's company, 1st Batt., Cum- 
berland, Jan. 17, 1780. 

Nathan Sheppard, lieut. 1st Batt., Cumberland. 

Samuel Shute, ensign Capt. Dillon's company, 2d Batt., 1st Establish- 
njent, Aug. 26, 1776; ensign Capt. Shute's company, 2d Batt., 2d 
Establishment, Nov. 29, 1776; ensign Capt. Cummings' company, 
ditto, Feb. 5. 1777; 2d lieut. ditto, Jan. 1, 1778 ; ensign 2d Regt.; 
lieut. ditto, April 8, 1780; disch. at the close of the war; capt. by 
brevet. 

Samuel Seeley, 2d lieut. 1st Batt,, 2d Establishment, Oct. 4, 1777; 1st 
lieut. ditto, March 11, 1780; ensign 1st Kegt.; lieut. ditto, March 
11, 1780 ; disch. at the close of the war; capt. by brevet. 

Elias Smitli, lieut. 1st Batt., Cumberland. 

Edmund D. Thomas, private Capt, Bloomfield's company, 3d Batt., Ist 
Establishment; cadet ditto; ensign Capt. Dickerson's company, 
ditto, July 19, 1776; ensign Capt. Dickerson's company 3d Batt., 2d 
Establishment, Nov. 29, 1776; 1st lieut. ditto, Nov. 11,1777; lieut. 
3d Kegt.; capt. by brevet; disch. at the close of the war. 

Thomas Whitecar, lieut. 1st Batt., Cumberland, Oct. 12, 1782. 



First Lietitenania. 

John Bishop, 1st lieut. Capt. Piatt's company, 2d Batt., Cumberland, 

Thomas Brown, Ist lieut. Capt. Assel Peirson's company, 2d Batt., Cum- 
berland. 

Gideon Eaton, Ist lieut. Capt. Peterson's company, 1st Batt, Cumber- 
land, Jan. 31,1777. 

James Howell, 1st lieut., Cumberland ; Ist lieut. Capt. Sayer's company, 
Col. Enos Seeley's Batt., State troops. 

William Norcross, ensign Capt. Bloomfield's company. 3d Batt., 1st Es- 
tablishment; q.m. ditto, Feb. 10, 1776; 2d lieut. Capt. Mott's com- 
pany, 3d Batt., 2d Establishment, Nov. 29, 1776; Ist lieut, ditto; re- 
tired Sept. 26,1780. 

Daniel Reed, 1st lieut. Capt. David Pierson's companj'. Col. Enos See- 
ley's Batt., State troop-s Jan. 31, 1777. 

Josiah Seeley, 1st lieut. Capt. Bloomfield's company, 3d Butt., Ist Estab- 
lishment, Feb, 9, 1776 ; res. Feb. 24, 1776. 

James Tomlinson, 1st Heut,, Cumberland ; Ist lieut Capt. Bennet'a com- 
pany. Col. Enos Seeley's Batt., State troops. 

Second lAeulenants. 
William Bigga, 2d lieut. Capt. Plntl's cnmpany, 2d Batt, Cumberland. 
John Burgin, 2d lieut Capt Piatt's company, 2d Batt., Cumberland, 

Nov. 3. 1777. 
Job Davis, 2d lieut. Capt Whilden's company. Col. Somers' Batt., State 

troops, Dec. 25, 1776. 
Eli Elmer, 2d lieut. Western company of Art. 
Amariah Harris, 2d lieut., Cumberland ; 2d lieut. Capt. Sayer's compauy, 

Col. Enos Seeley's Batt., State troops. 
Thomas Heaton, 2d lieut Capt. Jolin Peterson's company, Col. Enos 

Seeley's Batt., State troops, Jan. 31, 1777. 
Elkanah Powell, 2d lieut. Capt Elmer's compauy, let Batt, CumberlaDd' 

Oct. 5, 1776 ; 2d lieut. State troops, 
Daniel ReMd, 2d lieut Capt. Peterson's company, let Batt., Cumberland, 

Jan. 31, 1777. 
Elias Smyth, 2d lieut Capt Elwell's compauy. Col. Enos Seeley's Batt., 

State troops, Jan. 31, 1777. 
,Adam Terril, 2d lieut. Capt Samuel Ogden's company. Col. Enos Seeley's 

Batt, Jan. 31, 1777. 
Isaac Wheaton. 2d lieut. Capt. Azel Peirson's company, 2d Batt, Cum- 
berland. 

Ensigns. 

Almerin Brooks, sergt. 2d Batt, 2d Establishment, June 9,1777; ensign 
dittO( June 17, 1780; ensign 2d Regt.; disch. at the close of the war. 

David Dare, sergt. Capt, Bloomfield's company, 3d Batt., 1st Establish- 
ment, Feb. 7, 1776; ensign Capt Gordon's company, 3d Batt, 2d 
Establishment Nov. 29, 1776; retired Sept 26, 1780. 

Maskell Ewing, Jr., ensign, Cumberland; ensign Capt Bennet's com- 
' pany, Cnl. Enos Seeley's Batt., State troops. 

; Glover Fithian, ensign Capt. Longstreet's company, Ist Batt., 2d Estab- 
i lishment, Nov. 29, 177G; retired Sept 26, 17S0. 

Jonathan Fithian, ensign, Cumberland, June 9, 1781. 

Jonathan Hand, ensign, Cumbeiland. 

James Harris, ensign Capt. Elmer's cumpany, 1st Batt., Cumberland, 
Oct 5, 1770 ; ensign f tate troops. 

Charles Howell, ensign Cumberland ; ensign Capt. Sayer's company. 
Col. Enos Seeley's Batt , State troops. 

James Johnson, sergt, Capt. Howell's company, 2d Batt., let Estab- 
lishment; ensign Capt, Dillon's company, 2d Batt, 2d EBtablish- 
ment, Feb. 5, 1777; res. November, 1777. 

Israel Miller, ensign Capt. Azel Peirson's company, 2d Batt., Ciimber- 
land, June, 1780. 

William Miller, ensign Capt. Piatt's company, 2d Batt., Cumberland. 

Samuel Neglee, ensign Continental army. 

Jedediah Ogden, ensign Capt. Elwelt's company. Col EnosSeeley'sBatt, 
State troops, Jan. 31, 1777. 

Stephen Pierson, ensign Capt. Wliilden's company, Col. Somers' Batt, 
State troops, Dec, 25, 1776. 

Reuben Puwell, ensign Capt. David Pierson's company, 1st Batt, Cum- 
berland, April 7, 17S3. 

John Reeves, corp. Capt. Bloomfield's company, 3d Batt., 1st Establish- 
ment; sergt ditto ; ensign Capt. Shaw's company, 2d Batt, 2d Estab- 
lishment, Nov. 29, 1776; retired Feb, 5, 1777. 

Furman Shepherd, private, Cumberland ; ensign ditto. 

Peter Van Horn, Jr., ensign, Cumberland ; ensign Capt. Page's company, 
Col. Enos Seeley's Batt., State troops. 

John Worthington, ensign, Cumbeiland; ensign Capt Joel Fithian's 
company, Col. Enos Seeley's Batt., State troops. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



51 



Enos Woodruff, Jr., ensign 2d Batt., Cumberland, April 7, 1783. 
John Worthington, ensign Capt. Azel Peirson's company, 2d Batt., Cum- 
berland ; commission canceled by removal from county. 

Q uartermaster- Sergea nl. 
George Ewing, sergt., Cumberland ; q.m.-sergt. Capt. Allen's company, 
State troops. (See Boatmen.) 

Sergeants. 
Mattbew Pnrvin, sergt. 2d Regt. Artillery; also commissary sergt. 
James Burch, sergt. Capt. Anderson's company, 3d Regt ; also sergt. lat 

Regt., Continetital army. 
Samuel Duwdney, corp. Capt. Mitchell's company, 1st Regt. ; sergt. 3d 

Regt., Continental army. | 

Thomas Gibson, sergt. Capt. Phillips' company, 2d Regt., Continental 

army. 
John Miller, sergt. Capt. Anderson's company, 3d Regt., Continental 

army. 
James Riley, sergt. Capt. Andereon's company, 3d Regt. ; sergt. Ist Regt., 

Continental army. 
Nathan Shepliard, sergt. Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 
George Taylor, sergt. militia. 

Corporals. 
Joel Garrison, corp. Capt. Bloomfield's company, Continental army. 
John Jones, corp. Capt. Bloomfield's company. Continental army. 
Reuben Mickle, corp. Capt. D'Hart's company, 1st Regt., Continental 

army. 
Thomas Parker, corp. Capt. Bloomfield's company. Continental army. 
Silas Sheppard, corp. Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 
Carrol Whitekar, corp. Capt. Bloomfield's company. Continental army. 

Bombardiers. 
Joseph Bennett, bombardier, 2d Regt. Artillery, Continental army. 
Josliua Reeves, bombardier, Capt. Pett.*r Mills' company of Artificers, 
Continental army. 

Wagoners. 
John Bower, wagoner, Capt. Daniels' company, 1st Batt. 
Amariah Harris, wagoner, Capt. Preston's company, 1st Batt. 

P}'ivates. 

ZHcbariah Allen. 

Noah Ayers, militia; also Capt. Allen's company, State ti'oops. 

William Baker, militia; also Continental army. 

George Barnet, militia; also Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 

Daniel Bateman, Continental army. 

Slorris Bateman. 

Moses Bateman, Capt. Pearson's company ; also State troops; also Con- 
tinental army. 

William Bateman, Capt. Preston's company; also Continental army. 

Benjamin Bates. 

Thomas Bereman, militia; also Capt. Allen's company. State troops ; also 
Continental army. 

Sealey Brew, Capt. Garrison's company; also State troops; also Conti- 
nental army. 

Daniel Bowen, Capt. Allen's company. State ti'oops. 

Joseph Bowen, 2d Bait. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

John Boyd, 2d Batt.; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

John Brooks, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 

Timothy Brooks, militia ; also Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 

Jeremiah Buck, militia; also Capt. Keen's company, State troops ; also 
boatman. 

John Bullock, militia; also Capt. Keen's company, State troops. 

Peter Burney, Continental army. 

John Burrows, Continental army. 

Joseph Campbell. David Carle. 

David Carll, Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 

Loudon Carll, Capt. Allen's company. State troops. 

Azariah Casto (or Caatro), Capt. Garrison's company, 1st Batt.; also State 
troops; also Continental army. 

David Casto, Capt. Garrison's company, Ist Batt.; also State troops; also 
Continental army. 

Ambrose Clark. Henry Congleton. 

Benjamin Connor. Benjamin Cozier. 

Philip Darby. 

Abisha Davis, Capt. James Ewing's company of Deerfield militia. 
Anion Davis, Capt. James Ewing's company of Deerfield militia. 



David Davis, Capt. Davis' company, Ist Butt.; also State troops; also 

Continental army. 
Elijah Davis, Capt. Davis' company, 1st Batt.; also Continental army. 
James Dillap (Indian), 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental 

army. 
Thomas Errickson. 

George Ewing, militia; also Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 
Frederick Fauver, militia; also Continental army. 
Henry Feasler. 

Aaron Fitliiun, Col. Newcomb's Batt., State troops; died Nov. 16, 1776. 
George Fitbian, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 
Thomas Flowers, Sr., Continental army. 
David Gandy, militia; also State troops. 
John Garrison, Capt. Peterson's company, 2d Batt. 
Joseph Garrison, drummer. Continental army. 
John Gibbon, Continental army. 
Joseph Goff. Luke Hackett. 

William Haines, Continental army. 

Daniel Harris. John Harris, 1st Batt. 

Tliomas Ibirrip, 2d Batt.; wounded near Timber Creek, Nov. 25, 177". 
nen;y Ilensminger, 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental army. 
William Holmes (Indian), 2d Batt.; also State troops; also Continental 

army. 
James B. Hunt, Continental array. 

Epbraim Husted, Capt. Keen's company, State troops :_also boatman. 
Hosea Husted, Continental army. 
Reuben Husted, militia; also Continental army. 
Isaac Johnson, militia; also Continental army. 
Abiel Jones, militia ; also Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 
Daniel Jones, Capt. Samuel Ogden's company, 1st Batt. 
Nicholas Kerr. 

Joseph Jones, Continental army. 
Peter Kempton. Samuel Lard. 

Robert Levick, Continental army. 
Zenns Lnder, militia ; also Continental army. 

Joseph Lummis, Capt. Allen's company, State troops ; also boatman. 
John Lupton, 2d Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 
Thomas Magee, 2d Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 
William Martin. 
Samuel JIassey, Capt. Preston's company, 1st Batt. : also Continental 

army. 
Abraham McCarty, Continental army. 

Archibald McClain, militia; also Capt. Keen's company, State troops. 
William Miller. 

John Mills, militia; also Continental army. 

James Monks, militia; also Capt. Keen's company. State troops. 
Thomas Moran, 2d Batt.; also State troops ; also Continental army. 
Azariah Moore, Continental army. 
John Moore, militia ; also Continental army. 
Jonaihan Mulford, Continental army. 

John Nevil, militia; also Capt. Keen's company. State troops. 
Reuben Newcomb, 2d Batt; wounded Dec. 28, 1776 ; also Continental 

ai'my. 
John Ogden, Continental army. 

Ambrose Page, militia; also Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 
John Parsons,' 2d Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 
Benjamin Parvin, militia; also Continental army. 
Jeffry Parvin, Capt. Allen's company, State troops; also boatman. 
Benjamin Peachy, Capt. Davis' company, Ist Batt.; also Continental 

army. 
Abijah Preston, C.ipt. Allen's company. State troops; also boatman. 
Isaac Preston, militia ; also Capt. Allen's company, State troops ; also 

boatman. 
Adam Prouse. 

Josiab Ray, militia; also Capt. Keen's company, State troops. 
Joseph Reeves, Continental army. 
Thomas Reeves, Capt. Maskell's company, 2d Batt. 
James Riggins, Continental army. 
Daniel Riley, Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 
Jsseph Riley, 2d Batt. ; also State troops; also Continental army. 
Abraham Sayre, Capt. James Ewing's company, Deerfield militia. 
Abner Shephard, Continental army. 
PettT Shephard, Continental army. 
Philip Shimp, Continental army. 

Enoch Shnte, militia; also Capt. Keen's company, State troops. 
Henry Spenco, Capt. Davis' company, 1st Batt.; also Continental army. 
Daniel Stacks, 2d Batt. ; also State troops ; also Continental army. 



52 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Bicliard Sweden, 2d Batt.; also State troops ; also Continental army. 

Jonah Terry, Capt. Garrison's company, 1st Batt. 

Josiah Terry, militia; also Capt. Keen's company, State troops; killed 

April, 1782. 
Jeremiah Tuwser. 

Jonas A^m Aman, Continental army. 
William A'^anemun. John Welch. 

Stephen Wey, militia ; also Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 
Elnathau Whitaker, 2d Butt.; also State troops; also Continental 

army. 
John Wood, Continental army. 

David Wuodnifl", militia; also Capt. Allen's company, State troops. 
Jesse Woodruff. 
Jonathan Woodruff, Continental army. 

Express Eider. 
Ben on i Dare. 

Naval Service. 
Charles Allen, capt. "armed boat "Gibraltar;" also capt. commanding 

boatmen on frontiers of Cumberland and Cape May; also capt. 

mililia. 
Nichols Koen, capt. armed boat "Friendship;" also capt. commanding 

boatman on frontiers of Cumberland and Cape May; also capt. 

militia. 



Boatmen on the Frontiers of Cumberland and Cape May ; 



) Militiamen. 



Jeremiah Buck, 
Israel David. 
George Ewing. 
Ephraini Rusted. 
Joseph Lummis. 
David Parvin. 



Jeffrey Parvin. 
Abraham Pliilpot. 
Abijah Preston. 
Isaac Preston. 
James Simpson. 



CHAPTER XI. 

WAR OF 1ST2 AND MEXICAN WAR. 

In the second war with Great Britain, commonly- 
known as the war of 1812, Southern New Jersey was 
not the theatre of active military operations, though 
the State bore her full share with other portions of 
the Union in furnishing men and means for the com- 
mon defense. As in the war of the Revolution, her 
coast on the Delaware River was vulnerable, but the 
enemy did not, as in that case, undertake any im- 
portant operations there. Elmer says : ^ 

"During the war with Great Britain, in 1814, a 
brigade of the militia of South Jersey was drafted, 
and encamped at Billingsport, for the defense of 
Philadelphia, under the command of Gen. Ebenezer 
Elmer, then the brigadier-general of the Cumberland 
brigade. During the summer of that year the 'Poi- 
tiers,' an English ship of the line, under the com- 
mand of Sir John Beresford, lying in Delaware Bay, 
succeeded in breaking up the navigation as high up 
as the Cohansey. No serious engagement, however, 
took place between the hostile forces. 

" The inhabitants of Bridgeton suffered a terrible 
fright, which, alarming enough at first, in the end 
partook more of the ludicrous than the serious. To 
prevent boats from the enemy's ship coming up the 
river in the night and plundering the town, a nightly 

' Early Settlement and Progress of Cumberland County, p. 70. 



guard was detailed and posted at a point on the river 
two or three miles from the town, but more than twice 
that distance by water. All the vessels and boats 
passing the guard-house during the night were hailed 
and required to give an account of themselves. If an 
enemy appeared a messenger was to be sent to a pru- 
dent officer at the town, who was intrusted with the 
duty, if needful, of giving the alarm by firing a can- 
non and ringing the court-house bell, that being then 
the only bell in the place. About two o'clock of a 
midsummer night the gun was fired and the bell rang 
with great animation. The scene that ensued may 
be imagined but cannot be described, and great was 
the consternation. No one doubted that an enemy 
was close at hand. One or two persons threw their 
silver down the well. The militia, except some who, 
as usual, were among the missing, were assembled, 
and an attempt made to organize them for action. 
Happily, however, their prowess was not tested. The 
alarm, although not sounded till all doubt of its ne- 
cessity seemed to be removed, turned out to be a false 
one, originating in the fright of a family near the 
guard-house, the head of which was absent, and in 
the foolhardiness of the skipper of a small sloop, who 
took it into his head to pass the guard without an- 
swering their challenge, and who succeeded in bring- 
ing on himself and his crew a volley of musketry, and 
running the risk of being killed by a ball which 
passed directly over his head." 

An expedition fitted out from Billingsport, during 
the encampment of the troops there, against a British 
tender, which had frequently been seen in the bay, 
was the subject of much merriment among these sol- 
diers. A schooner was manned with forty or fifty raw 
landsmen, and a sea-captain in the dragoons was se- 
lected as commander, with instructions to drive away 
the saucy tender. When the schooner reached the 
bay the rough weather drove all the men, except the 
captain and two or three other initiated sailors, 
beneath the hatches, where they soon became too sick 
to return. With the crew in this condition the captain 
sighted the tender, and with genuine Yankee au- 
dacity gave chase. The tender crowded canvas and 
put to sea, though she could easily have taken the 
schooner. 

At the annual meetings of the board of freeholders 
in the county of Salem, in May, 1813 and 1814, it 
was resolved : 

" Whereas, there is at tliis time some apprehension of an invasion 
from tlie British, therefore it is ordered, by this board, that the clerk of 
the county of Salem to arrange the papers in his office in such a man- 
ner that the speedy removal tif them can be effected, in case of serious 
apprehensions of an invasion from the enemy. And it is recommended 
to the surrngiite of the county to take like measures with the papers 
under his charge, and that the clerk of this hoard serve a copy of Ihis 
minute on the said county clerk and surrogate," 

Mexican War, — In the office of the adjutant- 
general in Trenton are found the following names 
of volunteers in the Mexican war, all from Salem 
County : 



GENKRAL HISTORY. 



53 



Company E, 10th Regiment, U. S. Ixfaniet. 
Jease C. Moore, enl. July 2:5, 1847 ; disch. Aug. 22, 1843. 
Edward Kyon, enl. Aug. 25, 1847 ; disch Aug, 22, 1848. 

CtisiPANV H, IClTH Heqihtent, U. S. Infantry. 
■Williiim Bacon, enl. May 11, 1847 ; disch. Aug. 24, 1848. 
James Deal, enl. May 10, 1847 ; disch. Aug. 24, 1848. 
Charles Emory, enl. May 12, 1847 ; disch. Aug. 24, 1848. 
James W. Mayhew, enl. July 10, 1847; disch. Aug. 24, 1848. 
Samuel F. Treadway, enl. May 11, 1S47 ; disch Aug. 24, 1848. 
Lemuel Vaueman, enl. May 11, 1847 ; di.scli. Aug. 24, 1848. 
Joseph Smith, enl. June 29, 1847; disch. July 8, 1848. 



CHAPTER XII. 

OLOUCESTEK, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES 
IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

Eegimental Histories and Rosters.'— The part 
taken by the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and 
Cumberland in the war of 1861-65, for the suppres- 
sion of the Rebellion and the preservation of the 
Union, was, like that of the other counties in the 
State, highly creditable to the patriotism of the in- 
habitants. On the receipt of the intelligence of the 
attack"on Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, there were in 
these counties the same outbursts of patriotism, the 
same demonstrations of loyalty to the Union, the 
same patriotic meetings, the same eagerness of young 
men to volunteer, and the same readiness of others 
to encourage and aid them in doing so, as were found 
everywhere in the other counties of the patriotic State 
of New Jersey. And when the Union armies melted 
away in the heat of battle, and call after call was 
made for men to take the place of those who had 
fallen, there was shown here the .same determination 
to stand by the government at whatever cost; and 
the people and the local authorities, with the same 
alacrity, voted the sums of money which were called 
for to accomplish the desired end. 

From the time when the first call for men was made 
till the time when the death of the great Rebellion 
made further calls unnecessary, the people of these 
counties responded to each appeal with a patriotic 
devotion not excelled in any part of the State or of 
the Union. The names of these soldiers are found 
on the rolls of a large number of regiments of this 
and other States, and such regiments as were most 

1 State of New Jersey, 
Office of Adjotant-Genehal, 

TRE^T0.v, Nov. 22, 1882. 
I desire to state, for the information of all intere.sted in the subject, 
that the roster of men credited to the counties of Gloucester, Salem, i 
and Cumbeiland, N. J., in the civil war (18G1-65J hai^ been taken from 
the records of this office by Dr. Thomas Gushing, and I believe liom the 
amount of care and patient labor which he has bestowed upon it that it 
will be found to be correct. I only refi-ain from certifying to its entire 
correctness by the simple fact that the work was not done by my own 
assistants, and so I am not called upon to make it official. 

William S. Stryker, 
Adjxitant-Generftl of New Jersey. 



noticeable for the number of Gloucester, Salem, and 
Cumberland County men who served in their ranks 
are especially mentioned in the following pages, in 
historical sketches of their organization and services 
in the great war for the Union. 

Although those who took their lives in their hands, 
and went forth to encounter the stern realities of grim- 
visaged war in defense of the institutions under which 
they had been prosperous and happy, to breathe the 
pestilential miasms of Southern swamps, to languish 
in sickness in distant hospitals, " with no hand of 
kindred to smooth their lone pillows," to pour out 
their blood and yield up their lives on battle-fields, 
and to fill lonely graves, far from their homes, or to 
return, battle-scarred and shattered in health, are 
worthy of all the gratitude and honor that their 
countrymen have lavished on them, it must not be for- 
gotten that great sacrifices were made by others. The 
heroic fortitude with which parents, sisters, wives, and 
children bade adieu to their loved ones' who thus 
went forth, and the patriotic zeal with which all 
labored for the comfort of those in the field should 
ever be remembered, and in these respects the people 
of Southern New Jersey were not excelled by those 
of any other region. 

Three Months' Troops.— On the 17th of April, 
1862, Governor Olden issued a proclamation calling 
for the quota of New .Jersey under the first call for 
seventy-five thousand troops to serve three months. 
This quota was four regiments, aggregating three 
thousand one hundred and twenty-three men. Such 
was the alacrity with which the people responded to 
this call that the quota was filled and the regiments 
stood ready to march on the 30th of the same month. 

These regiments, which included a just proportion 
of representatives from Gloucester, Salem, and Cum- 
berland Counties, were formed into a brigade, under 
the command of Brig.-Gen. Runyon, with Maj. Alex- 
ander V. Bonnel as brigade-inspector, and Capt. 
James B. Mulligan as aide-de-camp. Such was the 
embarrassment of the government at that time that 
the State was obliged to arm and equip these troops, 
and furnish the first supply of ammunition. 

They were sent to Washington via Annapolis, 
and the brigade was reported to Gen. Scott on the 
6th of May. It went into camp at Meridian Hill, 
where it remained till the 22d, when it was ordered 
to Alexandria. Here the troops remained for a time, 
engaged in fatigue duty. Just previous to the battle 
of Bull Run they were ordered forward, and they 
formed a portion of the reserve, which did not be- 
come engaged in that battle. During the stampede 
of the Union troops the regiments of the brigade did 
good service in arresting the flight of fugitives, and 
endeavoring to bring something like order out of the 
chaos that prevailed. 

Soon after this battle the term of service of these 
regiments expired, and on the 24th and 25th of July 
they were ordered to Washington, where they were 



54 HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



formally discharged, and departed by rail for the 
State from which they went forth in the hour of the 
nation's sudden peril. 

First Brigade, First, Second, Third, and Fourth 
Regiments.— On the 17th of April, 1861, Governor 
Olden issued a proclamation calling for troops to 
serve three months. Nearly ten thousand men re- 
sponded to this call, of which number only four regi- 
ments could be accepted. Of the large number that 
remained, many, being anxious to enter the service, 
proceeded to New York, Philadelphia, and other 
points outside the limits of New Jersey, and enlisted 
in regiments of other States. Of the large number 
who enlisted in this manner — estimated by the ad- 
jutant-general at five thousand from the State — no 
record can be given. 

It was not long before it became apparent to the 
authorities at ^Vhshington that it would be necessary 
to call into the field a larger number of regiments, to 
be made up of men enlisted for a longer term of ser- 
vice, and the President issued a call for thirty-nine 
additional regiments of infantry, and one of cavalry, 
to be enlisted for three years or during the continu- 
ance of the war. Under this call the quota of New 
Jersey was fixed at three full regiments, and a requi- 
sition for these was received by Governor Olden on 
the 17th of May. No difliculty was experienced in 
furnishing them, for a sufficient number of com- 
panies had been already raised and organized, and 
were anxiously waiting to be mustered into the ser- 
vice. From these companies there were at once 
organized the First, Second, and Third Regiments, 
which were mustered into the service of the United 
States for three years, being uniformed and furnished 
with camp and garrison equipage by the State of New 
Jersey, but armed by the general government. Such 
was the alacrity of the response to this call that Gov- 
ernor Olden was enabled to announce, on the day fol- 
lowing the receipt of the requisition, that the regi- 
ments were ready to be mustered into the service, and 
that twice as many more could be furnished, if neces- 
sary. The three regiments left Trenton on the 28th 
of June, and were reported to Gen. Scott, at Wash- 
ington, on the following day. 

The Second Regiment was mustered under the fol- 
lowing field and staff ofiicers : 

Colonel, George W. McLean; Lieutenant-Colonel, Isaac M. Tucker; 
Maj07-, Samuel L. Buck; Adjutant, Joseph W. Plume; Quarter- 
master, William K.Sturges; Surgeon, Gabriel Grant ; Assistant Sur- 
geon, Lewis W. Oakley; Cbaplain, Robert R. Proudfit. 

The Third Regiment was officered as follows : 

Colonel, George W. Taylor ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Henry W. Brown ; Ma- 
jor, Mark W. Collitt; Adjutant, Robei-t T. Dunliam; Quartermas- 
ter, Francis Sayre; Surgeon, Lorenzo Lewis Cox; Assistant Sur- 
geon, Edward L. Welling; Chaplain, George K. Darrow. 

The field and staff officers of the Fourth Regiment 
were : 

Colonel, James H. Simpson; Lieutenant-Colonel, J. L. Kirby Smitli; 
Major, William B. Hatch ; Adjutant, .Joseph S. Studdiford ; Quar- 



termaster, Samuel C. Harbert; Surgeon, Alexander N. Dougherty; 
Assistant Surgeon, Joseph D. Osborne ; Chaplain, Norman W. Camp, 
D.D. 

The Fourth Regiment reached Washington on the 
21st of August, and, with the First, Second, and 
Third, constituted the First Brigade of New Jersey 
Volunteers. 

Soon after their arrival in Washington, the First, 
Second, and Third Regiments were ordered across 
the Potomac, and assigned to duty in the New Jer- 
sey brigade, under command of Gen. Runyon. A few 
days before the commencement of the first advance 
toward Manassas, but after the movement had been 
determined on, the Third was ordered forward to per- 
form the duty of guarding and repairing the railroad 
to Fairfax Station, at which point the regiment was 
stationed as a part of the reserve force during the 
progress of the battle of Bull Run, therefore taking 
no part in that engagement, but doing good service, 
nevertheless, in rallying fugitives from the field, and 
helping to restore something like order among a part, 
at least, of the flying and panic-stricken troops that 
were pressing on in disorder and rout towards Wash- 
ington in the evening of that disastrous day, the 21st 
of July. Immediately after the battle the Third was 
moved to the neighborhood of Alexandria, and there 
encamped, with the other regiments of the New Jer- 
sey brigade, which, early in August, received as its 
commander Brig.-Gen. Philip Kearney, one of the 
bravest and best soldiers that ever drew a sabre, and 
one whom the veterans of New Jersey will ever re- 
member with love and admiration. 

The Third Regiment was first under hostile fire on 
the 29th of August, when, in making a reconnois- 
sance in the vicinity of Cloud's Mills, it fell into an 
ambuscade of the enemy, and in the skirmish which 
followed lost two men killed and four wounded. On 
the same day a skirmish took place between a body 
of the enemy and a company of the Second Regiment, 
resulting in a loss to the rebels of twelve men. A 
month later (September 29th) a reconnoissance in 
force was made by Gen. Kearney, with his entire 
brigade, one company of Kentucky cavalry, and a 
light battery under the command of Capt. Hexamer, 
the object of the expedition being to ascertain the 
strength and position of the enemy at Mason's 
Hill, — a point which he was reported to be fortify- 
ing, in front of the Union lines. The object was 
accomplished without loss. After a summer and 
autumn spent in camp and picket duty, varied by 
the events above mentioned, and some other minor 
affairs of similar nature, the brigade went into winter 
quarters near Alexandria. 

On the 7th of March, 1862, the brigade left camp, 
and moved forward to Burke's Station, on the Orange 
and Alexandria Railroad, as a guard to a working- 
party, and on the 8th made an extended reconnois- 
sance of the country, which developed the fact that 
the Confederate forces were preparing to evacuate 



1 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



their strong position at Manassas. Upon tliis, Gen. 
Kearney, witliout further orders from the division 
commander, pressed on with vigor, driving the scat- 
tered pickets of the enemy before him, and on the 
9th reached Sangster's Station, where the Second 
and Tliird Regiments surprised a detachment of 
rebel cavalry, killing several, and taking twelve pris- 
oners. On the 10th the brigade occupied the aban- 
doned position at Manassas, eight companies of the 
Third Regiment being the first force to enter and 
hoist the Union flag on the works. 

On the opening of the spring campaign in 1862 the 
brigade, which then formed part of the First Division 
of the First Army Corps, moved forward to Catlett's 
Station, two miles from Warrenton, on the Orange 
and Alexandria Railroad; the object of the move- 
ment being to divert the attention of the Confederate 
commander while Gen. McOlellan was moving the 
Army of the Potomac to Fortress Monroe and New- 
port News for the commencement of the movement 
towards Richmond by way of the Virginia peninsula. 
It does not appear that Gen. Lee was greatly deceived 
by this movement to Catlett's, and on the 11th of 
April (six days after the army had arrived in front of 
Yorktown), the division moved back to Alexandria, 
where, on the 17th, the brigade was embarked on 
steamers bound for the peninsula, to join the army. 
It lauded at York Point on the York River, whence, 
on the 5lh of May (the day of the battle of Williams- 
burg), it was moved by steamer up the river to West 
Point. It was then under the command of Col. Tay- 
lor, Gen. Kearney having been advanced to the com- 
mand of the division. 

At West Point, during the night and day following 
the disembarkation of the troops, a brisk skirmish, 
amounting almost to a battle, was fought with the 
Fifth Alabama and other Confederate regiments, but 
the New Jersey brigade, being held in reserve, sus- 
tained no loss. On the 15th the First Division joined 
the main body of the Army of the Potomac at White 
House, and marched thence, witli the grand column, 
to the Chickahominy River. 

In the fighting which subsequently occurred along 
the shores of that ill-omened stream, the brigade took 
no active part until, in the afternoon of the 27th of 
June, it moved from the camp on the south side of 
the Chickahominy across that river to its north bank, 
and there plunged into the fire and carnage of the 
battle of Gaines' Mill. 

Foster, in his " New Jersey and the Rebellion," 
says, " The brigade was at once formed into two lines, 
the Third and Fourth Regiments in front, and the 
First and Second in the second line, and in this order 
advanced to the brow of a hill in front, where the 
Third Regiment, under Lieut.-Col. Brown, was or- 
dered into the woods to relieve Newton's brigade, 
which was sorely pressed by tlie enemy. At this point 
the woods, some four hundred yards in front of our 
line of battle, swarmed with rebels, who fought with 



the greatest desperation and ferocity, handling their 

artillery especially in the most effective manner, and 
doing fearful execution in our ranks. The gallant 
Third, however, bravely stood its ground, opening a 
galling fire on the enemy, and remaining in the woods 
until the close of the action." 

The Second and Fourth Regiments were sent into 
a belt of woods on the right of the Third, and thus 
the three were in the action in dangerous parts of the 
field. The loss in four companies of the Second was 
fifteen killed, forty-eight wounded, and forty-one 
missing. The Third had thirty-four killed, one hun- 
dred and thirty-six wounded, and forty-five missing. 
The Fourth lost, besides prisoners, thirty-eight killed, 
and one hundred and eleven wounded. The loss of 
the Third Regiment in the battle of Gaines' Mill was 
one hundred and seventy killed and wounded, and 
forty-five missing. 

At eleven o'clock in the night succeeding the battle 
the New Jersey regiments recrossed to th^ south side 
of the Chickahominy, and remained quietly there, in 
the woods, until midnight of the 28th, when they 
moved silently out, taking the road to Savage Station, 
and thence to White Oak Swamp, on the retreat to 
the James River. A brisk engagement took place 
near the crossing of White Oak Creek, but the brigade 
did not take part in it, though it occupied a position 
of peril between the batteries of the contending forces, 
where the shells of both passed over the men as they 
lay on the ground for comparative security. From 
this point the brigade moved on by way of Malvern 
Hill (passing that position on the 1st of July, but 
taking no part in the bloody battle of that day) to 
Harrison's Landing, which it reached on the morning 
of the 2d, in tlie midst of a drenching rain, and en- 
camped in a wheat-field of several hundred acres in 
extent. 

The regiment remained in the vicinity of the land- 
ing for about six weeks, at the end of which time it 
marched with the army down the Peninsula, and 
was transported thence by steamer up the Chesapeake 
Bay and Potomac River to Alexandria, where it 
arrived on the 24th, and was moved from that place 
to Cloud's Mills, on its way to reinforce the army of 
Gen. Pope, who was in the neighborhood of Manassas, 
and sorely pressed by the Confederates under "Stone- 
wall" Jackson. On the 27th it moved forward by rail 
from Cloud's Mills to Bull Run bridge, and from 
there moved to the old battle-field, where it became 
engaged with the enemy's infantry and fought 'oravely 
for more than an hour, sustaining severe loss from 
the musketry and artillery fire. It was at last com- 
pelled to give way before the overwhelming force of 
the Confederates, but retreated in good order to Fair- 
fax Station and thence to Cloud's Mills, which latter 
point was reached at noon on the 28th. In the en- 
gagement at Bull Run Gen. Taylor was severely 
wounded in the leg, and died at Alexandria, on the 
1st of September, from the eSects of amputation. 



56 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



After defeating Pope's army in Virginia, the Con- 
federate forces moved rapidly to the Potomac at Ed- 
wards' Ferry and other points, and crossed into Mary- 
land. The Union army pursued and overtook them 
at South Mountain, where a severe battle was fought 
on the 14th of September. In that battle the First New 
Jersey Brigade (then under command of Col. Tor- 
bertl was engaged at the point known as Crampton's 
Gap, and fought with its usual gallantry. In the 
great battle of Antietam, which occurred three days 
later, the brigade stood in position for forty-two 
hours, and during six hours of the time was under a 
very severe artillery fire, but was not ordered into 
action. After the battle it remained in Maryland 
more tlian two weeks, and finally, on the 2d of Octo- 
ber, crossed the Potomac at Berlin, and after a num- 
ber of tedious movements in Virginia reached Staf- 
ford Court- House on the 18th, and remained there in 
camp until Gen. Burnside ordered the forward move- 
ment against Fredericksburg. 

In that movement the brigade marched from its 
camp to the Rappahannock, which it reached on the 
11th of December, and crossed to the south shore at 
daylight of the following morning. It remained at 
rest until two o'clock in the afternoon, when it ad- 
vanced rapidly across a plateau, under a heavy fire 
of artillery, until it reached the shelter of a ravine, 
through which flow the waters of Deep Run, and in 
this ravine it remained until the morning of the 13th. 
It was not till three in the afternoon that the brigade 
was ordered forward into the fight. The loss of the 
brigade was one hundred and seventy-two killed, 
wounded, and missing. After the battle the army 
recrossed to the north side of the river, and the First 
New Jersey Brigade went into winter quarters near 
White Oak Church. 

In the movement across the Rappahannock, in the 
spring of 1863, known as the campaign of Chancel- 
lorsville, the First Brigade, then commanded by Col. 
Brown in place of Col. Torbert, who was sick, crossed 
the river, with the Sixth Corps, at Franklin's Cross- 
ing, below Fredericksburg, on the 29th of April, but 
remained occupying the old rifle-pits until morning 
of the 3d of May, when it was put in motion, and, 
moving up the river through Fredericksburg, about 
three miles on the road to Chancellorsville, came to 
Salem Church, where the enemy was found in strong 
force, and advantageously posted in thick woods, 
with earthworks on both sides of the road. The 
brigade advanced and attacked this position, and 
the battle raged with great fury till night, the enemy 
being driven a short distance, witli severe loss, until 
he occupied another line of rifle-pits. The loss of 
the New Jersey brigade was heavy, but its reputa- 
tion for bravery was fully sustained. It remained 
on the field during the following day, but was not 
again engaged, except as a support to the batteries. 
In the early morning of the 5th of May it marched 
back to its old camp-ground at White Oak Church. 



Moving northward with the Army of the Potomac 
in pursuit of Lee, who was then marching towards 
Pennsylvania, the First Brigade (then in Wright's 
division of the Sixth Corps) crossed the Potomac at 
Edwards' Ferry on the 27th of June, and reached 
Gettysburg on the 2d of July, its last day's march 
being thirty-six miles. It immediately went into 
position, and remained without change until the fol- 
lowing morning, when it was advanced to the front 
line, but it did not become engaged, except slightly 
on the picket-line, where it lost eleven men wounded. 
In the pursuit of Lee's army it was again slightly en- 
gaged at Fairfield, Pa., and at Hagerstown, Md. It 
crossed the Potomac on the 19th at Berlin, and on 
the 25th of July reached Warrenton, where it re- 
mained till the 15th of September. During the re- 
mainder of the fall it participated in a number of 
minor movements, and early in December encamped 
near Brandy Station, where it remained in winter 
quarters till the latter part of April, 1864. 

The First Brigade commenced its last campaign on 
the 4th of May, when it crossed the Rapidan at Ger- 
mania Ford, and moved southward into the labyrinths 
of the Virginia wilderness. In the month which suc- 
ceeded, its movements, battles, and skirmishes were 
too numerous to be recorded in detail. On the day 
following the crossing it became heavily engaged with 
the enemy, fighting stubbornly till its ammunition 
was exhausted, and losing severely. On the 6th it 
was again fighting, and suffered heavy loss. On the 
8th, at the Po River, it took part in an assault on 
strong earthworks, but was compelled to retire from 
the overpowering numbers and impregnable position 
of the enemy. It was briskly engaged in skirmishing 
on the 9th, and at Spottsylvania, on the 10th, it again 
formed pare of an assaulting party, which carried one 
of the Confederate works and took a number of pris- 
oners. Still again, at Spottsylvania, on the 12th of 
May, it took part in the battle, and charged the 
enemy's position with great bravery. 

In the advance beyond Spottsylvania, the brigade 
was engaged in heavy skirmishing along the North 
Anna River and at Tolopotomy, until it finally stood 
on its last battle-field, at Cold Harbor, where, through 
two days of blood and terror, it fought as bravely as 
ever. But the term of service had expired, and on 
the 3d of .June the First and Third New Jersey Regi- 
ments (both together numbering only two hundred 
men) left the front, and proceeded by way of Wash- 
ington to Trenton, where they arrived on the 7th, and 
were soon afterward disbanded. 

Some of the men had re-enlisted, and their terms 
had not expired. These were transferred to the 
Fourth and Fifteenth Regiments, but afterward, with 
those of the same class from the Second Regiment, 
were consolidated into the First, Second, and Third 
Battalions. The Fourth was mustered out on the 9th 
and the Second on the 11th of July, 1865, at Hall's 
Hill, Va. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



57 



FIRST REGIMENT. 

Gloucesteu County. 
Band. 
George D. Dulfleld, enl. July 8, 1861; must, out Aug. 9, 1862. 
Andrew Scheivley, enl. July 8, ISOI ; oiust. out Aug. 9, 1862, 

Compitny E. 
Joseiih Dilks, enl. Miiy 23, 1861; killed in action Sept. 14, 18G2, ivt 

Crumpton"B Pass. 
Franklin M. Brown. 

Conipany H. 

Thomas Johnson, enl. June ;i, 1861 ; disch. disiibility Feb. 5, 1863. 
Joseph Tatem, enl. June 3, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 10, 1S63, wounds received 

in action at Manassas. 
John Lecroy. 

Sai-em County. 

Company li. 
Charles F.Campbell, enl. April 25, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 28, 1863; must, 
out June 29, 1865. 

Company G. 

Samuel English, Jr., enl. May 23, 1861 : must, out June 23, 1864. 
Alfred A. English, enl. May 23, 1861 ; disch. disability Sept. 13, 1861. 
John Peacock, enl. May 2;{, 1861 ; must, out Nov. 2, 1864. 

Company H. 
Samuel McWillianis, enl. June 3, 1861. 

Cumbp;r[.and County. 

Company C. 
Thomas S. Downie, enl. May 22, 1861 ; disch. disability March 1, 1863. 

Company E. 
Jacob Dillshaver, enl. Sept. 19, 1862; disch. disability Jan. 10, 1863. 

Company G. 
William H. Felmy, enl. May 23, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 

SECOND KEGIMENT. 
Gloucester County. 
Company B. 
James Brown, enl. March 23, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
George Foster, enl. April 10, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
.\braham Jaggers, enl. April 10, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
William Mick, enl. April 10, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Hiram Sherry, enl. April 10, 1865 ; corp. July 0, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 

1865. 
Cornelius A. Shaw, enl. March 28, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Melvern T. Wickhanj, enl. April 10, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 

Cumberland County. 

Company B. 

Captain, Henry 0. Ryerson ; First Lieutenant, John A. Wildrick ; Second 

Lieutenant, Jacob H. Hoffman. 
Calvin McMahon, sergt., enl. March 24, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
David P. Cawman, sergt., enl. March 23, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Joel A. Herr, sergt., enl. March 21, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Joseph H. Mason, sergt., enl. March 23, 1865 ; disch. June 20, 1865. 
Isaac L. R Mansfield, sergt., enl. March 24, 1865 ; pro. com.-sergt. July 

1, 1865. 
William Gifford, cojp., enl. April 3, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
John W. Curtis, Corp., enl. March 23, 1864: pro. sergt. July 1, 1865; 

must, out July 1 1 , 1865. 
Lucian Stevens, Corp., enl. March 8, 1865; pro. sergt. July 6, 1865; must. 

out July 11,1865. • 

Robert Kay, Corp., enl. March 28, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
William J. Ware, corp., enl. March 24, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Frank E. Baker, Corp., enl. March 23, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Thomas C. Gifford, corp., enl. March 24, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Winslow J. Fries, Corp., enl. March 30, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 

PrivaieB. 
Jesse B. Ashby, enl. March 24, 1864; must, out .July 11, 1865. 
William J. Brown, enl. March 24, 1865 ; must, out July 13, 1865. 
Joseph Branin, enl. March 23, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Sebastian Burkett, enl. March 23, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
William Clark, enl. March 28, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 



Richard Champion, enl. March 25, 1865 ; must, out July II, 1865. 
David Cunningham, enl. March 23,1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Thomas W. Collins, enl. March 24, 1865 : must, out July 11, 1865. 
Benjamin Cossaboon, enl. March 28, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Andrew Gary, enl. April 4, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Jacob Dare, enl. April 10, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
David A. Eberhart, enl. March 2,5, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Aticil E. Faunce, enl. March 23, 1866 ; disch. May 3, 1866. 
Andrew J. Gressman, enl. April 1, 1865 ; must, out July 11. 1865. 
Chester S. Goodwin, enl. April 3, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
James Gaakill, enl May 23, 1865: must, out July 11, 1865. 
John Greiner, enl. March 25. 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Jacob I!. Hubbard, enl. March 23, 1865 ; must, out July II, 1865. 
Charles II. Hathaway, enl. Blarch 23, 1865; must, out .luly II, 1865. 
John C. Hughes, enl. April 1, 1865 ; must, out July II, 1866. 
William Iliff, enl. March 23, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Jacob Kipple, enl. March 23, 1865; must, out July 11, 1805. 
Joseph C. Key, enl. March 24, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Joseph Loder, enl. March 23, 1865 : must, out July H, 1865. 
Peter H. Mossbrook, enl. March 23, 1865 ; m;i8t. out July 11, 1806. 
John McClure, enl. April 'd, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
David Murray, enl. March 28, 1865; must, out July II, 1865. 
Ebenezer Murray, enl. April 6, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Hiram Murray, enl. March 28, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1866. 
Henry Murray, enl. March 28, 1805; must, out Julyll., 1865. 
John G. Morris, enl. April 4, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
John C. Miller, enl. March 23, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Lorenzo D. Morton, enl. April 4, 1866 ; died July 5, 1865, diarrhoea. 
William Morgan, enl. April 10, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Frederic Noble, enl. March 27, 1865; must, out July II, 1865. 
Daniel Osborn, enl. March 28, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
David H. Osborn, enl. March 28, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Charles D. Palmer, enl. March 23, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Charles Payne, enl. April 10, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
John Robbing, enl. March 23, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Dexter A. Robbins, enl. March 24, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
William E. Roberts, enl. March 23, 1865; must, out July 11,1865. 
William Richmond, enl. April 1,1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
William Sypher, enl March 23, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Eastman T. Strickland, enl. March 23, 1866; disch. June 20, 1865; Corp. 
Charles G. Scott, enl. March 24, 1865 ; must, out July II, 1865. 
Isaac S. Sheldon, enl. April 10, 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1866. 
Chailes Terry, enl. April 3, 1865; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Matthias Veal, enl. March 28, 1866 ; must, out July II, 1865. 
Michael Woolston, enl. March 23, 1865; must, out July II, 1866. 
George Williams, enl. March 21, 1865; must, out July II, 1865. 
John E. Williams, enl. April 1.', 1865 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Daniel Westcott, enl. April 10, 1866; must, out July 11, 1865. ^ 

THIRD REGIMENT. 

Gloucester County. 
Band, 
Charles T. Stratton, enl. June 7, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 10, 1862. 
Francis B. Ridgway, enl. June 7, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 10, 1862. 

Company A. 
Captain, David Vickers, Jr.; First Lieutenant, John Roberts; Second 

Lieutenant, Charles Wilsou. 
William H. Snowden, sergt., enl. April 19, 1861 ; pro. capt. Co. D, loth 

Regt., April 16, 1862. 
Joseph L. Franklin, enl. April 19,1861 ; pro. 2d lieut. Co. I Sept. 13,1862. 
Josiah P. Franklin, Corp., enl. April 19, 1861 ; pro. 2d lieut. Co. K Oct. 8, 

1862. 
William L. Butler, Corp., enl. April 19, 1861 ; died July 6, 1861. 
Frank Peabody, corp., enl. April 19, 1862. 
Henry Haggerty, corp., enl. April 19, 1S61 ; pro. 2d lieut. Co. K Oct. 8, 

1862. 
David S. Gibson, Corp., enl. April 19, 1861 ; died June 4, 1862. 
Charles Elkinton, Corp., enl. April 19,1861; pro. sergt. Sept. 1, 1862; 

1st sergt. April 1, 1864 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
William S. Clair, corp., enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 17, 1863. 
Thomas French, wagoner, enl. April 19, 1861; must, out June 23, 1864. 

PrivaUe. 
Nathan Allen, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 26, 1862, wounds received 
in action. 



58 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Joseph T. Allen, cnl. April 19, 1861 ; killed in action May 12, 1864, at 

Spottsylvania Ck)urt-House. 
William F. Allen, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out Jnne 23, 1864. 
Enoch W. Ashton, enl. April 19, 1861; must, out June C4, 1864. 
Charles V. Abbot, eiil. April 19, 1861 ; diech. disability Feb. 17, 1863. 
Charles Beaty, enl. April 19, 1861 ; killed in action May 3, 1863, at Fied- 

ei'icksburg. 
Henry W. Bock, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Robert Bnyle, enl. April 19, 1861; discli. disability Mayl, 1862. 
John Boyce, enl. April 19,1861; killed in action June 22, 1862, at Gaines' 

Farm. 
Henry Burt, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability June 12, 1862. 
James T. Caffrey, enl. April 19, 1861 ; killed in action Sept. 14, 1862, at 

Cnimpton's Pass. 
Samuel ('. Chester, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 9, 1863. 
Henry F. Clark, enl. April 19, 1861; killed in action June 27, 1862, at 

Gaines' Farm. 
Henry S. Clark, enl. April 19, 1861; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 

1864; disch. June 23, 1861. 
William D. Clark, enl. April 19, 1861; died, June 25, 1864, of wounds 

received in action at Wilderness, Va. 
Isaac Clark, onl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular 

arm}'. 
Edward D. Clayton, enl. April 19, 1861; corp. Feb. 1, 1862; disch. Juno 

23, 1864, 
Andrew J. Cunningbam, ciil. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 24, 1864. 
Andrew J. Craig, enl. April 19, 1861; corp. Jan. 1, 1863; sergt. Aug. 1, 

1863 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Edward C. Cattell, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 9, 1861, wounds. 
Joseph C. Cunard, enl. Aug. 27, 1862; served in Co. K, 15th Regt., and 

Co. C, 3d Batt.; disoh. May 17, 1865. 
James B. Caldwell, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; discb. April 2(1, 1863. 
Alexander W.Davis, enl. April 19, 1861 ; Corp. Jan. 1, 1863; disch. June 

23, 1864. 
Michael Donnell, enl. April 19, 1861 ; killed in action Sept. 14, 1862, at 

Crampton's Pass. 
John Downs, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec. 8, 1862. 
Benjamin F. Duffleld, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. disability Feb. 14, 1863. 
Samuel Dilkes, eul. April 19, 1861; disch. disability Feb. 20, 1863. 
John Edwards, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
John W. Eacritt, enl. April 19, 1861; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Reuben Foster, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Joshua Fox, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
Jesse B. Frampus, enl. April 19, 1861 ; corp. Sept. 20, 1862 ; must, out 

June 23, 1864. 
Samuel Graham, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability June 12, 1861. 
Charles Gordon, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. disability Dec. 9, 1862. 
John Grubbins, enl. April 19, 1861; must, out June 23, 1864. 
John Green, eul. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Lewis M. Gibson, enl. Aug. 27, 1862; disch. disability Feb. 25, 1863. 
William Hewitt, enl. April 19, 1861 ; killed in action. May 8, 1864, near 

Spottsylvania, "Va. 
Thomas H. Hill, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Wallace Hemphill, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out Feb. 3, 1866. 
Thomas Jones, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 9, 1862. 
Charles R. Jackson, enl. April 19, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A, 15lh Regt. ; corp. 

Nov. 1, 1862; sergt. Jan. 1, 1864; re-enl. Jan. 6, 1864. 
Isaac Jaggard, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. disability Nov. 19, 1861. 
Robert W. Jaggard, enl. April 19, 1861 ; trans, to Signal Corps ; disch. 

therefrom as serg. Jan. 19, 1865. 
Enoch L. Johnston, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Jan. 23, 1863. 
William Lockwood, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 4, 1863, for wounds 

received iu action. 
John W. Low, eul. April 19, 1861. 
Samuel C. Matt, enl. April 19, 1861; corp. Aug. 1, 1862; sergt. Jan. 1, 

1863; killed in action May 3, 1863, at Fredericksburg. 
William T. Mears, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 9, 1863. 
Robert Morris, enl. April 19, 1861 ; died Nov. 24, 1861. 
John McClure, enl. April 19, 1861 ; died Nov. 13, 1861. 
Benjamin F. Maull, musician, enl Apiil 19, 1861 ; re-enl. March 31, 

1864; pro. principal musician April 1, 1864. 
Anthony Nemes, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability May 15, 1862. 
Frederick Nehls, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability March 31, 1862. 
George Ostertae, enl. April 19, 1861 ; killed in action June 27, 1862, at 

Gaines' Farm. 



Joseph W. Ore, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. disability Nov. 25, 1862. 

Charles Parker, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1«64. 

John K. Pedrick, enl. ApTil 19, 1861 ; corp. Sept. 20, 1802; sergt. Jan. 1, 

1863; killed in action May 3, 180:), at Fredericksburg, Va. 
.Joseph Picken, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1861. 
Andrew Ridgway, enl. April 19, 1861 ; corp. Sept. 30, 1862; sergt. April 

1, 1864; must, out June 23, 1804. 
George W. Sharp, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
John W. Scott, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. disability Nov. 14, 1862. 
John R.Scott, eul. April 19, 1861; corp. June 7, 1862; sergt. Nov. 1, 

1862; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Joseph D. Scott, enl. April 19, 1861 ; corp. Jan. 1, 18G3 ; killed in action 

May 3, 1863, at Fredericksburg. 
Frank A. Shute, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec. 16, 1862. 
Daniel W. Sullivan, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
James H. Stanger, enl. April 19, 1861; must, out June 23, 1864. 
John Tonkins, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. disability Nov. 28, 1862. 
Richard Taylor, enl. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Albert F. Turner, enl. April 19,1861; re-enl. Jan. 5, 1864; disch. June 

28, 1865; served Co. A, 15th Regt., and Co. A, 3d Batt. ; must, out 

July 10, 1865. 
Henry J. Wanislej', enl. April 19, 1861 ; corp. Jan. 1, 1864 ; re-enl. Jan. 

5, 1864 ; killed in action May 14, 1864, at Spottsylvania Court-House 

Va. 
John Wilson, enl. April 19, 1861; dis'ch. disability July 19, 1862. 
Frederick Wilson, eul. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
William J. Williams, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. disability May 19, 1863. 
Thomas F. Zane, enl. April 19, 1861; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 

1864; disch. July 1, 1864. 
Charles G. Zane, enl. April 19, 1861 ; died Aug. 20, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Gaines' Farm. 
William F. Zane, enl. April 19, 1861 ; died May 22, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Wilderness, Va. 

€k3m;pany C. 
Thomas Anderson, enl. Sept. 3, 1862; must, out June 22, 1865. 

Company G. 
George C. Cummings, enl. June 24, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb. 14, 1864 ; served 

in Co. A, 3d Batt. ; must, out June 29, 1866. 

Company H. 
Thomas M. Pennypacker, musician, enl. Aug. 23, 1862 ; served in Co. G, 

15th Regt., and Co. A, 3d Batt. ; must, out June 22, 1865. 
Nicholas Johnson, enl. Sept. 2, 1861; trans, to Co. G, loth Regt., June 4, 
1864. 

Company J. 

Francis Gavauta, enl. Sept. 11, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb. 15, 1864; served in Co. 
E, 15th Rpgt., and Co. A, 3d Batt. ; must, out June 29, 1865. 

Additional. — John L. D. Wentz, capt. ; Frank H. Coles, 1st lieut. ; Aden 
W. Catell, Ist lieut.; Richard Hewett, 2d lieut.; Andrew T . Craig, 
sergt. ; Charles Alexander, corp. : John Moore, corp. ; Joseph Downs, 
Corp.; James Kershaw, musician; John A. Tyler, musician; Ed- 
ward Barber, James Estlow, Patrick Flynn, John Henthorn, Rich- 
ard Lippincott, Ezekiel Madara, Frederick Schraum, John A. Sharp, 
William A. Sharp, privates. 

Sale.-^i County. 
Company B. 
Thomas D. Faris, enl. May 26, 1861 ; disch. disability March 19, 1863. 

Company F. 
David W. Fry, sergt., enl. May 28, 1801 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
John Mowers, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
William F. Nichols, enl. Jan. 21, 1862 ; killed in action June 27, 1862, 

at Gaines' Farm, Va. 
George Robinson, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability July 19, 1862. 

Company J. 

Lewis Birch, enl. May 10, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 26, 1862, wounds received 
in action. 

CUMBEKLAND COI'NTY. 

Band. 
William S. Lambert, enl. June 7, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 10, 1862.. 
Daniel Fredrick, enl. June 7, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 10, 1862. 
Ezbon C. Lambert, enl. Juno 7, 1S61 ; must, out Aug. 10, 1802. 
Francis Albin, enl. June 7, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 10, 1862. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



59 



Samuel Albin, enl. June Y, 1861 ; nmet. out Aug. 10, 1862. 
Beujamin F. Dare, enl. June Y, 18C1 ; disch. Jan. 16, 1862. 
Edwin J. West, enl. June 7, 1861 ; disch. Jan. IG, 1862. 

Compavy A. 

Richard Hewett, Corp., enl. Feb. 22, 1862 ; pro. 2d lieut. ; rea. Oct. 19, 

1862. 
James Kershaw, musician, eul. April 19, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Jolin A. Tyler, musician, enl. April 10,1861; disch. disability Oct. 17, 

1863. 
Ezeldel Madara, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Jan. 23, 1863. 
.Joseph A, Sharp, enl. April 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec. 3,1862. 
William Sharp, enl. April 19, 1861; disch. Dec. 29, 1862; paroled 

prisoner. 

Comjpamj B. 

Jonathan Demaris, musician, enl. May 25, 1861 ; disch. disability March 

30, 1862. 
Edward T. Drament, enl. May 25, 1861 ; disch. dieability Dec. 8, 1862; 

died Dec. 9, 1862. 

Company D. 

Edward A. Martin, musician, enl. Aug. 27, 1862; must, out June 22, 

1865. 
Samuel S. Shull, enl. Aug. 27,1862; Corp. Nov. 7, 1864; must, out .lune 

22, 1865. 

Company F, 

Capt., James W. H. Stickney ; 1st Lieut., Samuel T. Dubois ; 2d lieut., 

George Woodruff. 
Bowman H. Buck, sergt, enl. May 28,1861; re-enl.Feh. 16,1864; served 

in Co. H, IStU Regt., and Co. A, 3d Batt. ; must, out June 29, 1865. 
Daniel J. Dillon, sergt., enl. May 28,1861; disch. disability, June 14, 

1862. 
Samuel Harris, corp., enl. May 28, 1861 ; pro. capt. Co. F, 24th Eegt., Sept. 

16, 1862. 
John C. Garrison, corp., enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Clarence G. Mulford, Corp., enl. May 28, 1S61 ; 1st, Feb. 1, 1863; must. 

out June 23, 1864. 
James W. Murphy, corp., enl. May 28, 1861 ; sergt., Aug. 14, 1862 ; must. 

out June 23, 1864. 
Daniel B. Ginenhack, Corp., enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability, Feb. 

23, 1863. 
Joseph S. Layton, Corp., enl. May 28, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 

Nov. 16, 1863 ; disch. May 28, 1864. 
Barnett Burdsall, Corp., enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Sept. 13, 1862. 
Horace E. Loper, musician, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
William Painter, musician, eul. May 28, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863; 

served in Co. H, 15th Eegt., and Co. A, 3d Batt. ; must, out June 29, 

1866. 
James Bright, wagoner, enl. May 28, 1861 ; trans, to Western gunboat 

service February, 1862 ; disch . Feb. 2, 1864. 

PrivateB. 

Aaron M. Allen, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 17, 1862. 
David S. Briod, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Pec. 8, 1862. 
Robert Burdsell, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Sept. 1,1862. 
Reuben Brooks, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Charles H. Bacon, enl. May 28, 1861 ; killed in action Sept. 14, 1862, at 

Cmmpton's Pass, Md. .^-'" 
Elias W. Blackson, enl. May 28, 1861 ; died July 3, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Gaines' Farm, Va. 
Reuben F. Barret, enl. May 28, 1861; disch. for disability Nov. 25, 1862. 
Adolph Bergen, enl. Jan. 21, 1862 ; served in Co. H, 15th Regt., and Co. 

A, 3d Batt.; must, out Jan. 20, 1865. 
Edmund K. Crosier, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disabilily Feb. 9, 1863. 
Raymond D. Crandol, enl. May 28, 1861 ; died Jan. 20, 1863, smallpox. 
David P. Clark, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Henry Clark, enl. May 28, 1861 ; missing 'in action at Salem Heights, 

May 3, 1863 ; supposed dead. 
Charles L. Davis, enl. May 28, 1861 ; Corp. Feb. 1, 1863 ; must, out June 

23, 1864. 
Thomas B. Davis, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to Join regular 

army. 
James Dailey, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 27, 1862. 
Daniel Doyle, enl. May 28, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Bes. Corps Jan. 15, 1864; 

disch. May 28, 1864. 
Smith Dalrymple, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 28, 1861. 



Jonathan Fadeley, enl. May 28, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps Sept. 1, 

1863; rc-enl. April 15, 1863 ; disch. Nov. 10, 1865. 
Smith J. Fogg, eul. May 28, 1861 ; died June 1, 1862. 
Jonathan H. Facemire, enl. May 28,1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
George Fauver, enl. May 28, 1861. 

Edward H. Grosscup, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 23, 1863. 
Robert Gallaspie, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must. o\it June 23, 1864. 
Levi J. Barker, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
William G. Howell, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Josinh Huster, enl. May 28, 1861; disch. disability Dec. 8,1802. 
Ethan P. Hiirris, enl. May 28, 1861 ; discli. disability May 8, 1863. 
John E. Hill, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability July 19, 1862. 
David B. Husted, enl. May 28,1861; re-enl. Feb. 14, 1864; Corp. Oct. 1, 

1864; served in Co. H, 15tii Eegt., and Co. A, 3d Batt.; must, out 

June 29, 1865. 
Charles H. Henderson, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join 

regular army. 
Robert Jackson, enl. May 28, 1861 ; died Sept. 18, 1862. 
Charles T. Jordan, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Gideon W. Johnson, enl. May 28, 1861 ; killed in action June 27, 1862, 

at Gaines' Farm. 
Thomas B. Keen, enl. May 28, 1S61; killed in action Sept. 14, 1862, at 

Crampton Pass. 
Davis B. Loder, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Richard C. Levick, enl. May 23, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb^J4, 1864 ; trans, to 

Co. H, 16th Regt. 
Joah C. Lore, enl. Blay 28, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 

1864; disch. May 30,1864. 
William Moncrief, enl. May 28, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 

15, 1864 ; disch. July 30,1864. 
William Mulford, enl. May 28, 1861; disch. disability, Nov. 26, 1862. 
Henry W. Marts, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Charles McAllister, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
William Naglee, eul. May 28,1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 30,1863; must, out Aug. 

9, 1865. 
Joshua B. Nichols, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability. May 15, 1862. 
John Ogden, enl. May 28, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps July 1, 1863. 
Samuel Patchell, enl. May 28, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Aug. 1, 

1863 ; disch. June 2, 1864. 
Daniel R. Parvin, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1804. 
Robert Potts, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 20, 1862. 
Enoch B. Pew, enl. May 28,1861; corp. Feb. 1,1863; re-enl. Feb. 14, 

1864; died May 8, 1864, of wounds received in action near Spottsyi- 

vania, Va. 
John Royal, enl. May 28, 1861 ; Corp. Jan. 1, 1863 ; must, out June 23, 

1864. 
Philip Eitner, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability July 19, 1862. 
Edward D. Stanley, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 28, 1862. 
Henry B. Stockton, enl. May 28, 1861 ; re-enl. Deo. 30, 1863 ; killed in 

action May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. 
Alexander Sayre, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
George Slert, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Henry L. Seymour, enl. May 28, 1861; trans, to Co. H, 16th Eegt. ; re- 
enl. Feb. 14, 1864. 
Josiah B. Sheppard, enl. May 28, 1861 ; died July 20, 1861. 
John F. Thornard, enl. May 28, 1861; died Juue 14, 1862. 
John Thompson, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disability March 31, 1862. 
Joseph E. Thompson, enl. May 28, 1861 ; died June 28, 1862, of wounds 

received in action at Gaines' Farm, Va. 
John M. Tyler, enl. May 28, 1861; died June 28, 1862, of wounds received 

in action at Gaines' Farm, Va. 
Benjamin F. Tyler, enl. May 28, 1861; disch. disability Dec. 17, 1862. 
William A. Thomas, enl. May 28, 1861; disch. disability June 6, 1862. 
Matthias Taylor, enl. May 22, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 4, 1863. 
Robert M. Vansant, enl. May 28, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 1, 

1863; disch. June 4, 1864. 
Thomas M. Woodruff, enl. May 28, 1861 ; corp. Jan. 1, 1863 ; must, out 

June 23, 1864. 
Joseph E. Woodruff, enl. May 28, 1861 ; corp. Aug. 14, 1862; must, out 

.^une 23, 1864. 
James B. Woodruff, enl. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
George Wolf, enl. May 28, 1861 ; died July 30, 1862, of dysentery. 
Alexander H. Webb, eul. May 28, 1861 ; disch. March 2, 1864. 
Samuel W. Wells, enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. disabilily Oct. 30, 1862. 
Walker S. Williams, eul. May 28, 1861 ; miist. out June 23, 1864, 
William H. Williams, eul. May 28, 1861 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
James G. Westcott, enl. May 28, 1861; disch. disabilily Jan. 10, 1863. 



60 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



David Yeariclts, enl. May 28, 1861 ; corp. Feb. 1, 1863 ; wounded May S, 
1864, in action near Sputteylvania, Va. ; arm amputated; must, out 
June 2:i, 1864. 

Company H. 

Michael Woolston, enl. May 27, 1801 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 

FOURTH REGIMENT. 

Gloucester County. 
Company C. 
John Keefe, enl. Dec. 3, 1864; must, out July 9, 1865. 

Company D. 
Daniel Parker, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 18, 1862. 

Company E. 
Louis Mattour, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out July 

9, 1865. 
Matthias Richmond, enl. Aug. 20, 1861. 
Theodore Shute, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; re-enl. March 20, 1864; must, out 

July 18, 1865. 
John Brown. 

Company F. 

John Camp, wagouer, enl. Feb. 12, 1864; must, out July 9, 1865. 
Franklin Eastlack, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 13, 1864. 
John Elberson, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 : re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; corp. Jan. 1, 

1S64; must, out July 22,1865. 
Horatio S. Howell, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; Corp. March 1, 1863; re-enl. Dec. 

26, 1803 ; pro. q.m.-sergt. Sept. 6, 1863 ; capt. Co. B Oct. 5, 1864. 
Washington Shultz, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 17, 1864. 
George W Scott, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec. 13, 1863. 

Company G, 
Lewis \Vat8on, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 : re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out July 

9, 1865. 
Samuel B. Fisher, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; corp. Jan. 

1,1864; sergt. March 1,1865 ; must, out July 9,1865. 
Japhet Mosbi ooks, enl. Feb. 13, 1864 ; disch. disability March 28, 1864. 
Lewis Bender. 

Company H. 

Joseph R. Wells, corp., enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; sergt. Nov. 1, 1862 ; 1st sergt. 
March 1, 1863 ; sergt.-maj. June 10, 1863 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; pro. 
capt. Co. E Feb. 13, 1865. 

George Dilks, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; disch. Oct. 7, 1864. 

Thomas Clevanger, enl. Feb. 5, 1804 ; died June 1, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Wilderness, Ya. 

David Doughty, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; died Aug. 4, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Gaines' Farm. 

Jesse G. Eastlack, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; died March 27, 1863, of wounds 
received in action at Cranipton's Pass. 

William J. Gibbs, enl. Aug. 24, 1861. 

George Garrison, enl. Aug. 24, 1801 ; disch. disability Sept. 22, 1862. 

Thomas Gibbs, enl. Feb. 9, 1864 ; disch. June 27, 1865, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Winchester, Va. 

Lewis Perney, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; disch. disability June 13,1865; re- 
enl Dec. 26, 1863; corp. March 6, 1865. 

Charles W. Potter, enl. Aug. 24, 1861 ; killed in action June 27, 1862, at 
Gaines' Farm. 

William Scbenck, enl. Aug. 17, 1861. 

John 0. Schcnce, enl. Ang. 23, 1861 ; disch. disability Jan. 17, 1863. 

Andrew E. Snyder, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 : disch. disability Deo. 24, 1862, 

John W. Schaffer, enl. Jan. 4, 1804 ; must, out July 9, 1865. 

Christopher Stierle, enl. Feb. 4, 1864 ; died May 12, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Wilderness, Va. 

Joseph Thomas, enl. Aug. 17, 1801 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out July 
9, 1865. 

Bli Thompson, eul. Aug. 17, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out July 
9, 1865. 

Sheppard Thompson, enl. Aug. 17,1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out 
June 22, 1805. 

Thomas Thompson, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb. 22, 1865 ; must.'out 
July 9, 1865. 

Felix Thomas, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; missing in ac- 
tion at Wilderness, Va. ; supposed dead. 

John W. Walters, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1803. 



Thomas Brown. 



Company I. 



Company K. 
John G. Arnett, enl. Aug. 19, 1801 ; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1803 ; corp. April 13, 

1805 ; must, out July 9, 1865. 
Robert Burke. John I. Early. 

James Cassidy, enl. Ang. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out July 

9, 1805. 
John J. Early, wagouer, enl. Aug, 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1803 ; must. 

out July 9, 1865. 
John Gleasoo, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec, 26, 1863; must, out July 

9, 1865. 
John Hewett, enl. Aug. 19, 1801; disch. disability Feb. 25, 1863. 
Richard Hall, enl. Aug. 19,1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863. 
Jacob B. Hankins, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; disch, disability Dec. 9, 1862, 
Charles Orr, enl. Aug, 24, 1801 ; must, out Aug. 24, 1864. 
Andrew Seeds, enl. Aug. 19, 1801; disch, disability Jan. 20, 1863. 
John W. Urison, enl. Ang. 24, 1861. 

Salem County. 
Company A, 
Charles Heitniau, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch, disability March 3, 1862. 
Jacob Hucke, enl. Aug. 9, 1801 ; must, out Sept. 6, 1864. 
George Hetchner, enl. Aug. 9, 1801; missing in action at Wilderness 

May 6, 1864; supposed dead. 
Wendle Kuntz, enl, Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability Sept. 26, 1862. 
Christian Krouse, enl. Ang. 9, 1861; disch. March 21, 1863; paroled 

prisoner. 

Company B. 

Alfred Poulson, enl. Jan, 21, 1864; trans, to Co. I. 

Company B. 
John W. Richmond, enl. Feb. 22, 1805; trans, to Co. H. 

Company F. 
William H. Briggs, enl. Aug, 15, 1801; must, out Aug, 26, 1864, 
John E. Holeton, enl, Aug. 16, 1801 ; died July 1, 1862. 

Company H. 
Captain, J. W. Lumley; First Lieutenant, William Stillings; Second 

Lieutenant, Charles W. Johnson. 
William Dolson, enl, Feb. 22, 1865 ; must, out July 9, 1805. 

Company K. 
John M. Mills, sergt.. enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl, Dec, 26, 1803; must, 

out July 9, 1866, 
John Foster, sergt,, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out 

July 9, 1865. 
Daniel Nelson, enl, Ang. 19, 1861 ; must, out Jan. 24, 1866. 
William W. Palmer, sergt, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; killed in action Sept. 14, 

1862, at Crampton's Pass. 
Charles D. Zane, sergt., enl. Aug. 19, 1861; died March 17, 1862. 
Edward B, Smith, corp., enl. Aug. 19, 1861. 
Sheppard H. Flanigan, Corp., enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; killed in action June 

27, 1802, at Gaines' Farm. 
James Chester, Corp., enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec, 8, 1862, 
Gideon S, Keen, corp,, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 

15, 1804 ; re-enl. April 29, 1864. 
Thomas Marrion, Corp., eul. Aug. 19, 1801 ; disch. disability June 6, 

1862. 
Thomas Perry, corp,, enl. Ang. 19, 1861 ; disch, disability March 6, 1863. 
George D. Newman, Corp., enl. Aug. 19, 1861; disch. disability Feb. 4, 

1863, 
William Armstrong, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 23, 1862. 
William Arnett, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; trans, to Yet. Res. Corps July 1, 

1863 ; disch. Aug. 19, 1864. 
William S. Ackley, enl. Aug. 19, 1S61 ; corp. May 1, 1863; sergt. Sept. 1, 

1863 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; pro. 1st lieut. Jan. 31, 1865 ; brevet capt. 

April 2, 1865, 
George M. Brandeff, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out 

July 9, 1805. 
George W. Brown, enl. Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 3, 1864, 
Isaac S. Bright, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; died Jan. 4, 1862. 
John Campbell, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26,1863; Corp. May 1, 

1865 ; must, out July 9, 1865. 
Enoch Cordery, enl. Aug, 19, 1801 ; re-enl. Den, 26, 1863 ; sergt. Feb. 18, 

1805; must, out July 18, 1865. 
James Chamberlain, en!. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out 

July 9, 1865. 



GBNEKAL HISTOKY. 



61 



John Conway, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; died Marcb 13, 

1865. 
Martin V. Cuiden, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Doc. 20, 1863 ; Corp. Jan. 

1, 1864; must, out July 9, 1865. 
Robert C. Corliss, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; disch. disability March 21, 1863. 
George W. Chaniberlnin, enl. Jan. 2S, 1864 ; must, out July 9, 1865. 
John Drumond,'enl. Aug. 24,1861; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps Sept. 1,1863. 
Isaac I. Dubois, enl. Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed in action May 12, 1864, at 

Spottsylvania Court-Honse, Va. 
Charles Dolbow, enl. Feb. 11, 1864; Corp. April 10, 1865; must, out July 

9, 1865. 
Samuel B. Elwell, enl. Sept. 4, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1803 ; trans, to Vol. 

Res. Corps Jan. 16, 1866 ; disch. March 28, 1805. 
Joseph S. Forney, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 10, 1862. 
Charles H. Freaa. enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; must, out March 23, 1865 ; paroled 

prisoner. 
John Gallagher, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; corp. March 1, 1863 ; re-enl. Dec. 

26, 1863 ; sergt. Sept. 14, 1864 ; must, out July 9, 1866. 
David B. Herley, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 24, 1864. 
Edward Hancock, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; died Oct. 25, 1861. 
John C. Headly, enl. Feb. 24, 1864; killed in action May 12, 1864, at 

Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
Amos Jones, enl. Aug. 19, 1861. 
George W. Kates, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; trans to Vet. Res. Corps May 6, 

1863; returned to company March 11, 1864; must, out Aug. 26, 1864. 
Peter C. Keen, enl. Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. disability March 6, 1863. 
Richman Kiger, enl. Aug. 24, 1861 ; must, out March 18, 1865; paroled 

prisoner. 
William Kirkpatrick, enl. Jan. 13, 1862; disch. disability June 4, 1862. 
Enoch G. Loper, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26,1863; missing in 

action May 0, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. 
Daniel Masslander, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; disch. disa- 
bility May 18, 1865. 
Benjamin Miller, enl. Aug. 19, 1S61; disch. disability Sept. 0, 1803. 
Samuel Orr, enl. Sept. 4, 1801 ; killed in action May 12, 1864, at Spottsyl- 
vania Court-House, Va. 
William H. Parmer, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 10, 1865; died April 24, 1806, 
Edward Poison, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; died Nov. 1, 

1864 ; prisoner of war. 
John P. Price, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; corp. Jan. 10, 1862; disch disability 

March 4, 1863. 
Alonzo Peterson, enl. Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed in action May 6, 1864, at Wil- 
derness, Va. 
Alfred Poison, enl. Jan. 21,1804; trans, from Co. B; disch. disability 

Feb. 11, 1865. 
James P. Sparks, enl. Aug 19, 1861; died June 7, 1862. 
William W. Stanly, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out 

July 9, 1865. 
John D. Sargent, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; Corp. March 

4, 1864; sergt. April 13, 1805; must, out July 9, 1865. 
John S. Sharp, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; disch. disability April 25, 1862. 
Isaac Shute, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; killed in action 

May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
Thomas Shute, eul. Aug. 19, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 28, 1863. 
John Shute, enl. Aug. 19,1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; missing in action 

May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
Richard T. Simpkins, eul, Aug. 19, 1861; disch. disability Oct. 1, 1862. 
George R. Smith, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec..26,1863; corp. Jan. 11, 

1864 ; must, out July 9, 1865. 
Richard Thomas, enl. Jan. IS, 1864; missing in action at Cold Harbor, 

June 1, 1864. 
John Vickei-s, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863. 
Henry R. Vansant, enl. Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. disability May 28, 1862. 
Jeremiah Wright, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; disch. disability Feb. 19, 1863. 
James A. Wright, enl. Aug. 19, 1861; corp. May 1, 1803; re-enl. Dec. 26, 
1863; died Feb. 15, 1865, prisoner of war. 

CD3IBEKLAND CoUNTV. 

Company D. 
Charles J. Wilson, enl. Feb. 14, 1865 ; must, out July 9, 1865. 

Company E, 
Francis Loper, musician, enl. Aug. 20, 1861; trans, to Co. F. 
Abram 0. Blue, enl. Aug. 15, 1861; disch. disability Sept. 29, 1862 ; re- 
enl. for one year ; must, out July 9, 1865, 



Robert E. Forver, enl. Aug. 15, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out 

July 9, 1865. 
David E. Fithian, enl. Aug, 16, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, ont 

July 9, 1866, 
Albert Fisher, enl. Aug. 20, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; corp. April 1, 

1865; mnst. out July 9, 1865. 
Samuel Hooten, enl. Feb. 9, 1864; must, out July 9, 1866. 
Henry Woodland, enl. .\ug. 23, 1861 ; killed in action June 27, 1802, at 

Gaines' Farm. 

Compamj F. 

William G. Eldridge, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; died July 4, 1862. 
David Harris, enl. Dec. 15, 1864; must, out July 9, 1866. 

Company H. 
Benjamin F. Mitchell, corp., eul. Aug. 17, 1861 ; died July 20, 1861, in 

the hands of the enemy. 
William C. Doughty, enl. Oct. 18, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; corp, Jan. 

23, 1865 ; mnst, out July 9, 1865. 
Thomas Fleet, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out July 

9, 1865. 
James Higgins, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; disch. July 9, 

1865. 
William 0. Johnson, eul. Aug. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Signal Corps ; disch. 

Aug. 17, 1804. 
William Leak, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Vet, Res. Corps March 16, 

1864; disch. Aug. 18, 1864. ~ "" 

George W. Mcssick, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; disch. disability May 15, 1862. 
George W. Mossbrooks, enl. .\ug. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec. 8, 1862. 
Zechariah Martz, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out 

July 9, 1866. 
John McClure, enl. Aug. 23, 1861 ; disch, June 4, 1862, for wounds. 
John B. Pancoast, enl. Aug. 23, 1S61 ; disch. disability Dec. 22, 1862. 
Elwood Robart, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability Aug. 20, 1862. 
Archibald Scott, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; corp. March 1, 1863; re-enl. Dec. 

26, 1863 ; sergt. March 20, 1864 ; must, out July 9, 1865. 
James Smith, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 

4, 1865. 
David Surran, enl. Aug. 24, 1801 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out July 

9, 1S66. 
Isaiah Shaw, serg., enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; pro, 2d lieut. Co. B, Dec. 23,1861. 
Abraham M. Tice, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; Corp. March 1, 1863 ; re-enl. Dec. 

26, 1863: sergt. March 20, 1864; must, out July 9, 1865. 
Lenoard Tice, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; killed in action Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred- 
ericksburg, Va. 
Archibald Tice, enl, Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863; must, out July 

9, 1866. 
Benjamin F. Upham, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 

31, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 23, 1864. 
John Vanhorn, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; corp. March 

16, 1865 ; must, out July 9, 1865. 
Joseph Vanhook, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; died Oct. 30, 1862. 
Benjamin Vernan. enl. Oct, 28,1861; re-enl, Dec. 26, 1863; died June 

29, 1864. 
James B, Wells, enl. Aug, 17, 1861; corp. March 1, 1863; re-enl. Dec. 

26, 1863; sergt, March 20, 1864; disch. disability Jan. 6, 1865. 
William Westcott, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; killed in action Dec. 13, 1862, at 
Fredericksburg, Va. 

Company K. 
Robert Abbott, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; must, out July 

9, 1865. 
Henry Coleman, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 24, 1864. 
Anthony Craupp, enl. Sept. 4, 1861; killed in action June 27, 1862, at 
Gaines' Farm. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

CIVIL W AU.— (Contitiued.) 

Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Regiments.— Com- 
pany F of the Fifth Regiment was almost wholly 
composed of men from Salem County, Companies I 
and K of the Sixth Regiment had in their ranks 



62 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTEE, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



many from Gloucester and Cumberland Counties, 
and Company H of the Seventh was largely made up 
of men from Gloucester. These regiments served in 
the same brigade, and as the histories of their cam- 
paigns are very nearly identical, they are here given 
in one narrative. 

These regiments, as well as the Eighth, were raised 
under a requisition made by President Lincoln on 
the 24th of July, 1861, three days after the great 
disaster at Bull Run. The regimental officers of the 
Fifth were: 

Colonel, Samuel H.Starr; Lieutenant-Colonel, Gershom Mott; Major, 
William S. Truex ; Adjutant, Caldwell K. Hall ; Quartermaster, 
James F. Riisling:; Surgeon, James C. Fisher ; Assistant Surgeon, 
Addison VV. Woodhnll. 

The Sixth was officered as follows: 

Colonel, James T. Hatfield; Lieutenant-Colonel, Simpson R. Stroud; 
Major, John P. Van Leer ; Adjutant, Leonard J. Gordon ; Quarter- 
master, Joseph Woodward ; .Surgeon, John Wiley : Assistant Sur- 
geon, Redford Sharpe. 

The officers of the Seventh were : 

Colonel, Joseph W. Revere ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Ezra A. Carman; Major, 
J. Dallas Mcintosh; Adjutant, Francis Price, Jr.; Quartermaster, 
Thomas P. Johnson ; Surgeon, D. W. C. Hough ; Assistant Surgeon, 
Alvin Sattertliwaite; Chaplain, Julius A. Rose. 

The Fifth reported for duty in Washington on the 
30th of August, the Sixth on the 11th of September, 
and the Seventh on the 20th of September, 1861. 
Along with the Eighth they constituted the Second 
Brigade of New Jersey troops, under the command, 
at first of Col. Starr, and the brigade made its first 
camp at Meridian Hill, near Washington. 

About the 1st of December the brigade moved 
to Budd's Ferry, Md., some forty-five miles below 
Washington, and became the Third Brigade of Gen. 
Hooker's division. This division was at that time 
encamped along the Potomac, from Mattawoman 
Creek to Liverpool Point. On the south side of the 
river, opposite the position of Hooker's division, the 
rebels had erected formidable batteries at Shipping 
Point, Cockpit Point, and Evausport, for the purpose 
of closing the navigation of the river. The evacua- 
tion of Manassas by the rebels, however, rendered 
the holding of these batteries inexpedient, and about 
the 8th of March, 1862, they were abandoned. When 
this fact became known Gen. Hooker ordered a de- 
tachment of five hundred men of the Fifth, under 
Lieut.-Col. Mott, to cross the river and seize and oc- 
cupy the abandoned position. This was the first im- 
portant duty performed by the men of this brigade. 
The detachment found four pieces of artillery and a 
large quantity of stores which the enemy, in his hasty 
retreat, had abandoned, and the position was occu- 
pied for a time. 

The brigade remained quietly encamped till the 
first week in the following April, when, with its di- 
vision, it was transferred to York River, Va., placed 
under the command of Gen. J. E. Patterson, and in- 
corporated with the Army of the Potomac to partici- 



pate in the Peninsular campaign. Its first position 
was in front of the strong works of the enemy at 
Yorktown. 

On the morning of Sunday, May 4th, it was learned 
that the Confederate line, stretching southward from 
Yorktown to the mouth of Warwick River, had been 
abandoned, and the Union army started in pursuit of 
the retreating enemy. The Second New Jersey Bri- 
gade passed through Yorktown, and bivouacked for 
the night in a swamp on the Williamsburg road, 
about seven miles beyond Yorktown. At two o'clock 
in the morning of the 5th it started from this bivouac, 
and struggled through darkness, mud, and drenching 
rain towards its first battle-field, — that of Williams- 
burg. At that place the enemy were in heavy force 
and strongly posted, their main work. Fort Magru- 
der, commanding the road, and a broad " slashing" 
on each side of it, with a line of about twenty strong 
redoubts, stretching from the fort, in both directions, 
across the Peninsula, from river to river. On the ar- 
rival of the force in front of this apparently impreg- 
nable position, at about half-past seven in the morn- 
ing, the undaunted Hooker at once moved to the 
attack. Two batteries were advanced on, the right of 
the road, with the Fifth to support them. The Sixth, 
Seventh, and Eighth were formed in line on the left 
of the road, and ordered forward. Foster says of the 
action which ensued, "Steadily advancing through 
the underbrush, the gallant regiments soon came 
upon the enemy's forces, and at once opened a vigor- 
ous fire. Here, for three hours, the conflict raged 
with desperate fury. Commanding the ground at 
every point, the fire of the enemy was pitilessly de- 
structive, and did not slacken a moment. But the 
brave men into whose faces it was poured stood 
firmly and unflinchingly, sometimes, indeed, pushed 
back a little space, but as surely hurling the rebels, 
bleeding and shattered, back to their works. From 
the nature of the ground there was no opportunity 
for the bayonet, but the rapid volleys of our heroic 
troops were scarcely less effective. And thus the bat- 
tle raged, the enemy, reinforced again and again, 
directing against these three regiments all the fury of 
their attack, but still the little column stood immova- 
ble. At last, however, the enemy, driven now to des- 
peration, rushed forward in overwhelming numbers, 
pouring a terrific fire into our whole line. Then at 
last that line wavered. Their ammunition exhausted, 
their muskets rusted by the drenching rain, their 
ranks terribly thinned, exhausted by want of food 
and a difficult march, these heroes of the day before 
this last overwhelming onset fell slowly back. But 
they were not defeated. They had held the enemy 
in check, had frustrated every attempt to flank our 
position, and so had saved the division which, but for 
this stubborn resistance, would have been swept in 
disaster from the field." 

The Fifth had maintained its position in support 
of the batteries, under a tremendous fire of musketry 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



63 



and artillery, during six hours, and at last, when the 
rebel infantry charged and captured some of the 
pieces, the regiment made a counter-charge, carried 
an advanced position, and held it through the remain- 
der of the day, maintaining a continuous and most 
destructive fire on the enemy for fully four hours. 
Finally the gallant Kearney threw his division into 
the fire, assaulting the Confederate line with desperate 
impetuosity, and the battle became more furious than 
at any time before. An important portion of the 
enemy's works was carried, and night closed with the 
Union arms victorious along the entire line. The 
enemy retreated during the night, taking the road to 
Richmond, and leaving their dead and wounded on 
the field. In this sanguinary conflict the losses of 
Hooker's division aggregated nearly sixteen hundred 
men, of which the New Jersey brigade sustained 
more than its proportionate share. 

Three days after the battle the brigade moved with 
its division toward Richmond. On the evening of 
the 31st of May, at the battle of Fair Oaks, the Third 
Corps, including the Fifth and Sixth (the Seventh 
and Eighth were detailed on other duty), moved for- 
ward, reached the front line at dark, went into posi- 
tion, and so remained through the night. 

The battle was renewed on the following day (Sun- 
day, June 1st), and the Fifth and Sixth New Jersey 
led the advance, with Gen. Hooker in person at their 
head. The enemy was soon found, and during nearly 
three hours raged the battle, in which the New Jer- 
sey regiments fully sustained the reputation they had 
gained at Williamsburg. By reason of the illness of 
Gen. Patterson, Col. Starr, of the Fifth, was in com- 
mand. In his report of the battle he said, — 

" The road and the fields on both sides of the road were thronged with 
flying regiments IVoni the battle-ground two or three miles in front, 
through whose routed and disorderly masses I was compelled to force 
my way with bayonet and sabre. At seven a.m., on the Ist instant, the 
Fifth and Sixth New Jersey marched forward (Gen. Patterson still being 
very ill), and were actively engaged from about a quarter past seven 
A.M. until a quarter to ten a.m., two and a half hours, with the enemy, 
the Fifth regiment losing four privates killed, three officers and fifty- 
one men wounded, and two privates missing; total, sixty. . . . The loss 
of the Sixth Regiment has not yet been reported to me, but is consider- 
ably less. . . . Credit being but reluctantly accorded to this brigade for 
their services, its members look inwards and upwards for their reward. 
The Fifth and Sixth Kegimente have been for four days and nights 
under arms in battle reconnoissance, and in holding the moat advanced 
position on this flank of the army. They are still under arms, and see 
no prospect of no hour's rest for days to come. They have been exposed 
night and day to deluges of rain, and have suffered every species of pri- 
vation incident to an army in an enemy's country." 

The loss of the Sixth Regiment in the battle of 
Fair Oaks was twenty-one killed and wounded. The 
two regiments bivouacked in their position on the 
night of the 1st, and on the 2d of June advanced and 
occupied the ground recovered from the enemy. On 
the 25th of June they took part in a battle fought a 
short distance in front of the old battle-ground of 
Fair Oaks, and here again they fought most bravely. 

In the retreat to the James River, which com- 
menced on the 28th of June, the brigade was ordered 



to the rear, which is the post of honor and of danger 

in a retreat, and was frequently under fire. It sus- 
tained slight losses at Glendale (June 30th), and at 
Malvern Hill (July 1st), but was not otherwise en- 
gaged. It reached Harrison's Landing on the 3d, 
and there went into camp. A few weeks later it took 
part in the second battle of Malvern Hill, which was 
only an inconsiderable affair. This was the last fight- 
ing done by this brigade in the Peninsula. Its losses 
in the Peninsular campaign amounted to six hundred 
and thirty-four in killed and wounded alone. 

On the 2Ist of August, 1862, the brigade moved 
down the Peninsula, and at Yorktown embarked on 
transports for Alexandria, to reinforce the overmatched 
army of Gen. Pope. From Alexandria it proceeded 
on the 25th toWarrenton Junction, whence it marched 
rapidly to Bristoe Station, where it participated in a 
severe battle on the 27th. It was again in action at 
Bull Run on the 29th, and at Chantilly on the 30th. 
In all these battles the brigade fully sustained its pre- 
vious good reputation. 

From this campaign the brigade returned to Alex- 
andria, where it remained (taking no part in the An- 
tietam campaign) till the 1st of November. From 
that time till the 20th it was engaged in a series of 
unimportant movements, but at the last-named date 
it set out for Falmouth, where it arrived on the night 
of the 28th. This was a severe march for the men, 
who were without rations, and many of them nearlj' 
barefooted. During this march the brigade com- 
mander, Gen. Patterson, died suddenly in his tent, 
and the command devolved on Col. Joseph W. Revere, 
of the Seventh Regiment. 

At the battle of Fredericksburg, on the 13th of De- 
cember, 1862, the New Jersey brigade was not actu- 
ally engaged, though it moved across the river, and 
remained in position during the conflict. It was for 
a time under a heavy fire, but sustained no loss, ex- 
cept that of one man killed in the Seventh Regiment. 
During the night following the battle it returned to 
the north side of the river, and made its winter quar- 
ters in its former camps. 

At the battle of Chancellorsville in May, 1863, the 
brigade (to which had been added a New York and 
a Pennsylvania regiment) was under the command 
of Col. Mott, of the Fifth Regiment. It crossed the 
river on the 1st of May, but was engaged in guarding 
the fords till about 6 p.m. of the 2d, when it was or- 
dered to the front to aid in retrieving the disaster 
caused by the disgraceful panic and flight of the 
Eleventh Corps. By reason of the wild disorder on 
the field it did not reach the position assigned to it 
till about 2 a.m. on the 3d. At half-past four it was 
advanced a short distance towards the front, where it 
occupied a breastwork, which it stubbornly held 
during two hours against several fierce assaults of the 
enemy ; but it was at last compelled to withdraw. It 
was reformed in the rear of the Chancellor House, 
and soon charged and captured the assaulted work, 



64 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



planting the Union colors on it. The position could 
not, however, be held except at the probable sacrifice 
of nearly the entire command, and the brigade with- 
drew to take position in the new line that had been 
formed in the rear of the Chancellor House. In this 
battle the fighting was terrific, and the New Jersey 
regiments lost heavily. The brigade remained on the 
field till the 6th of May, when it recrossed the Eappa- 
hannock and occupied its former camps. 

In the battle of Gettysburg the brigade was engaged 
in the thickest of the fight on the 2d of July, and 
sustained repeated assaults of the enemy's infantry 
with unflinching bravery. It was also engaged on 
the 3d, but less heavily. The total loss of the brigade 
in this battle was five hundred and thirteen. 

After this battle it crossed the Potomac with the 
army, and encamped at Bealeton, Va. On the 15th of 
October it was engaged in a fight with the enemy's 
cavalry and infantry at McLean's Ford, losing about 
thirty men. During the remainder of the year it 
participated in the movements of the army, but it 
was not engaged in battle. It went into winter quar- 
ters near Brandy Station. 

May 4, 1864, the brigade, which had become a part 
of the Second Army Corps, crossed the Eapidan at 
Ely's Ford, and marched, with other bodies of troops, 
into the Virginia wilderness. It was engaged on the 
5th and the 6lh, and again, at Spottsylvania Court- 
House, on the 10th. The 11th was a day of compar- 
ative quiet, but on the 12th it was engaged in the ter- 
rific battle of that day at Spottsylvania. The conduct 
of these regiments in that fight was such as to elicit 
the highest commendations, and to add lustre to their 
already brilliant record. The result of the struggle 
was not decisive, but the fighting had been so tremen- 
dous that both belligerents were exhausted, and, as if 
by mutual consent, hostilities were suspended during ! 
the succeeding two days. The brigade fought again 
on the 15th, with slight loss. It was subsequently 
engaged, on the 23d and 24th, at Chesterfield Bridge, 
a few days later at Tolopotomy, and on June 3d in 
the bloody battle at Cold Harbor, where it sufiered 
severely. On the 7th it was at Baker's Mill, on the 
Chickahominy, and remained there until the 12th. It 
then moved to the James River, crossed that stream 
on the 14th, and arrived in front of Petersburg on the 
following day. On the 16th and 18th it took part in 
fierce and bloody assaults on the enemy's lines, and 
during three days afterward the fighting was almost 
continuous. Another heavy assault was made on the 
23d, but after that there was a lull in the fighting till 
the end of the montli. Up to that time the brigade 
had lost heavily in that campaign. 

The movements of the forces investing Petersburg 
from this time until its capture were too numerous 
and complicated to be mentioned in detail. It is suf- 
ficient to say that in all these operations during the 
summer and fall of 1864 and the spring of 1865, down 
to the closing scene at Appomattox, the regiments of 



the Second New Jersey Brigade bravely and nobly 
performed all the duties that devolved on them, and 
fully sustained the good name which they had ac- 
quired. The war was virtuallj' ended with the sur- 
render of Gen. Lee, and on the 2d of May, 1865, the 
brigade left Burkeville Station for the march home- 
ward. It passed through Kichmond on the 6th, ar- 
rived at Arlington on the 15th, and took part in the 
grand review at Washington on the 23d of May. A 
few days later the men were transported to Trenton, 
where they were disbanded, and returned to their 
homes. 

FIFTH EEGIMENT. 

Salem County. 
Band. 

James E. Pngh, Tliomas Rogerson, Alfred Sparks, WiUiam Emery, De- 
laney Pugh. Jarvis R. Mulford, William H. Bilderback, Diament 
Whitaker, — all mustered in Oct. 4, 1861, and mustered ont Aug. 9 
and 10, 1862. 

Company F. 

Captain, Roswell F. Reynolds ; Fii-st Lieutenant, Edward A. Acton ; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, Thomas C. Godfrey. 

Theodore F. Null, sergt., enl. Aug. 32, 1861 ; pro. 2d lieut., Co. 1, 12th 
Regt., July 9, 1862. 

John Ennis, sergt., enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; died of typhoid fever at Fairfax, 
Va., April 4, 1864. 

Charles P. Frazer, sergt., enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. disability July 31, 
1862. 

John L. King, sergt., enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 7, 1864. 

Thomas J. Lacy, Corp., enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 30, 1861. 

"William Graham, corp., enl. Aug. 22, 1861; disch. disability March 26, 
1863. 

Richard McPheison, Corp., enJ. Aug. 22, 186X; disch. disability March 
15, 1862. 

Charles Banks, corp,, dmm-maj., and sergt., enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; killed 
at Chancellorsville, Va,, May 3, 1863. 

John H. 'Williams, corp., enl. Aug, 22, 1861 ; must, ont Sept. 7, 1864. 

Joseph S. Plummer, corp., enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 19, 
1863. 

William Megill, corp , enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Nathan Birch, corp., enl. Nov. 30, 1861 ; died June 23, 1862, of wounds 
received in action at Fair Oaks, Va. 

William Hutchinson, Corp., onl. Aug, 22, 1861; trans, to Co. F, 7th 
Regt. ; sergt. Nov. 24, 1863 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863. 

Richard F. Robinson, musician, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26,1862, 
to join regular army. 

John Logan, musician, enl. Aug, 22, 1S61 ; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt. ; re- 
enl. Dec. 26, 1863. 

Steward Spears, wagoner, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. disability March 15, 

1862. 

Privaien. 

John Anderson, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Minor Applegate, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

William Applegate, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt. 

William A, Baker, Jr., enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps July 
1, 1863 ; disch. Aug. 23, 1864, 

Joseph Banks, enl. Aug, 22, 1861 ; disch. Feb, 5, 1863, wounds received 
in action, 

William Birch, enl. Aug. 22, 1801; died May 18, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Williamsburg. 

John J. Colgan, enl. Oct. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 16 

1863 ; disch. Nov. 22, 1860, 

John Connolly, enl, Aug, 25, 1863 ; died at Belle Isle, Va,, Feb. 9, 1864, 

prisoner of war. 
Lawrence Carrol, enl. Aug. 20,1863 ; killed in action at Wilderness, Va., 

May 6, 1S64. 
George Drumond, onl, Aug, 22, 1861 ; trans, to Vet, Res, Corps April 10, 

1864 ; disch. Aug. 22, 1864. 

Richard B, Fisher, eul, Aug. 22, 1861 ; committed suicide (insane) Sept, 

5, 1862, 
William Frazer, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; died Sept, 1 1, 1862, of wounds 

received at Bull Run. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



65 



Jacob M. Frazer, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 
15, 1864 ; disch. Aug. 23, 1864. 

Isaac N. Frazer, enl. Oct. T, 1861; disch. Feb. 6, 1863, for wounds re- 
ceived in action. 

Frederic Green, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1863, to join regular 
army. 

Albanas H. Grosscup, enl. Aug. 22, 1861; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

George W. Green, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Lewis Girlacli, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 30, 
1863; disch. Aug. 22, 1865. 

Cliailes W. Hall, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. disability March 4, 1863. 

Enos Headley, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; discli. disability Sept. 24, 1862. 

Benjamin Harris, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. disability July 30, 1862. 

Horace Headley, enl. Aug. 22. 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 6, 1863. 

Henry Hendrickson, enl. Aug. 22, 1861; died May 10,1862, of diarcbosa. 

Alfred P. Halter, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 10, 
1864; disch. Sept. 6,1864. 

David A. Halter, enl. Aug, 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Ricliard Hutchinson, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 18G4. 

William Lloyd, enl. Aug. 22,1861; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt. ; re-enl. 
Feb. 25, 1864. 

Elani Mayhew, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular 
army. 

William Merrion, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 30, 1861. 

Isaac Nichols, enl. Aug. 23,1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 28, 1863. 

Davis Nelson, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
May 3, 1863. 

James T. Odem, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; Corp. Aug. 1, 1862 ; sergt. March 1, 
1863 ; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863 ; pro. 2d lieut. Co. A Oct. 13, 1864. 

John P. Plnmmer, enl. Aug. 22, 1861: died Dec. 23, 1861, of diarrhoea. 

Alexander Robinson, enl. Aug. 22, 1861; must, out Sept. 7, 1664. 

Euimor A. Robinson, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Elisha W. Reed, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt, ; re-enl. 
Feb. 25, 1864. 

James J. Reeves, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Charles H. Reeves, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Samuel Kay, eul. Aug. 22, 1861; Corp. Nov. 1,1862; must, out Sept. 7, 
1864. 

James Kay, eul. Aug. 29, 1861 ; corp. Aug. 1, 1862; must, out Sept. 7, 
1864. 

William J. Kusling, enl. Dec. 24,1861; sergt.-maj. Sept. 1, 1862. 

James Scanlin, enl. Aug. 22, 1S61 ; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt. 

Elias P. Seely, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 15, 1864. 

William M. Siegers, enl. Aug. 22,1861; must, out Sept. 7,1864. 

Christian Sour, enl. Aug. 22, 1864; must, out Sept. 7,1864. 

Peter H. Simpkins, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt. ; re- 
enl. Feb. 25, 1864. 

John H. Smith, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; died Sept. 16, 1862. 

Daniel Sheets, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular 
army. 

Samuel H. Sherron, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Co. — , 7th Regt. ; re- 
enl. Dec. 31, 1862. 

William C. Silver, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. disability Jan. 4, 1864. 

Walter Sheets, eul. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular 
army. 

Calvin C. Turpin, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt. ; re-enl. 
Dec. 26, 1863. 

Cliarles Van Meter, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regu- 
lar army. • 

Thomas J. Willis, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; killed in action at Chancellorsville 
May 3, 1863; corp. Nov. 1, 1862. 

Smith Wentzell, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 18, 1862, disability. 

Smith Willis, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; killed in action before Petersburg June 
18, 1804. 

Cullins D. Williams, enl, Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Jonathan Wentzell, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt. ; re- 
enl. Feb. 25, 1864. 

James Whalen, enl. Aug. 20, 1863. 

Company D, 
John JI. Kiger, enl. Oct. 7, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 2, 1863, disability. 
Joseph Kiger, enl. Oct. 7, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular army. 
William H. Kiger, enl. Oct. 7, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join regular 
army. 

Company E. 

Jacob Amtman, sergt., enl. Oct. 16, 1861; trans, to Co. E, 7th Regt.; 
Corp. May 24, 1862 ; sergt. Feb. 1, 1863 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864 
5 



Matthias Heddenbach, enl. Got. 17, 1861; died Nov. 4, 1862, of wounds 

received in action. 
Jacob Meyers, enl. Nov. 11, 1801 ; died Dec, 30, 1863, of wounds received 

in action at Gettysburg. 
Thomas B. Roberts, enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; disch. disability June 4, 1863. 
William Smith, enl. Nov. 12, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E, 7th Regt. 
Thomas W. Stanley, enl. Dec. 5, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 16, 1864. 
John Smalley, enl. Oct. 11, 1861 ; disch. disability March 16, 1862. 
William H. Vining, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; corp. July 11, 1862; sergt. Sept. 1, 

1862 ; tlisch. Jan. 29, 1863. 

Company G, 

Thomas M. Barker, enl. Nov. 19, 1861. 

Samuel S. Bradway, enl. Oct. 21, 1801 ; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to join reg- 
ular army. 

Charles Booth, enl. Jan. 21, 1863 ; wounded and missing in action, sup- 
posed dead, 

Jacob Baier, enl. Oct. 17, 1861 ; disch. May 17, 1864. 

James S. Flanagan, enl. Dec. 2, 1801 ; disch. Nov, 24, 1862, for wounds re- 
ceived in action at Bull Run. 

John L. Friant, enl. Oct. 21, 1861 ; died Dec. 11, 1862, of rheumatism. 

Andrew Grant, enl. Oct. 18, 1861; disch. Oct. 26, 1862, to Join regular 
army. 

David S. Prinzing, enl. Oct. 18, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 5, 1862. 

Charles S, Staunton, enl, Nov, 6, 1861 ; disch, Oct_2_6Jg62, to join regu- 
lar army. 

Company I. 

William Graves, enl. Dec. 14, 1801; died Sept. 2, 1862, 
Richard Smith, enl, Oct, 10, 1861 ; trans, to Co, G, 7th Regt, : re-enl, Feb. 
25, 1864, 

(!!UMBERL.\ND CotJNTY. 

Company F, 

FHvai£s, 

Richard P, Ogden, corp, and sergt,, enl, Aug, 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept, 

7, 1864, 
Enos A, Beckett, enl, Aug, 22, 1861 ; disch, disability Dec, 30, 1862, 
Nathan Cambern, enl, Aug, 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept, 7, 1864, 
John Davis, enl, Aug, 22, 1861 ; disch, disability Oct, 20, 1862, 
Jonathan Husted, enl, Feb. 18, 1862; trans, to Co, F, 7th Regt. 
Charles Pierson, enl, Aug, 22, 1861 ; disch, Oct, 26, 1862, to join regular 

army, 
James M, Welsh, enl, Aug, 22, 1861; trans, to Co. F, 7th Regt.; re-enl. 
Feb, 25, 1864. 

SIXTH REGIMENT, 
Gloucester County. 
Company F. 
George W. M.atlack, enl. Aug. 7, 1861 ; disch. disability Jan, 7, 1863. 

Company G, 
James Budd, enl, Aug, 9, 1861; killed in action May 5, 1862, at Wil- 
liamsburg, 
James B, Cox, enl, Aug, 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept, 7, 1864. 
James S, Porch, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; corp. Sept. 10, 1862 ; must, out Sept, 

10, 1864, 
Maxwell T, Toy, enl, Aug, 9, 1861 ; disch, disability IMay 31, 1862. 

Company I, 

Oliver R. Collins, corp,, enl, Aug, 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept, 7, 1864. 

Joseph Brown, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability April 18, 1863. 

William Brown, enl. Aug 9, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 27, 1863 ; killed in action 
at Wilderness May 6, 1864. 

William S. Bradford, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Co. F, 8th Regt.; re- 
enl. Dec. 27, 1863, 

Aden Chew, enl, Aug, 9, 1861 ; died Feb, 20, 1802, of typhoid fever. 

Edward Ewen, Jr., enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed in action Aug. 29, 1862, at 
Bull Bun. 

Lewis M. Gibson, enl. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. disability May 31, 1864, 

Bernard Ginlay, enl. Nov. 22, 1861. 

Edward B. Hood, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch, disability March 25, 1863, 

Michael Hartzell, enl, Feb, 20, 1862; disch, disability Sept, 20, 1862, 

James W, Insco, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 5, 1863. 

Samuel Kendrick, enl, Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1862, paroled pris- 
oner, 

Howard F. Matlack, enl. Sept. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

George W. Mooney, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; died Aug. 15, 1864, at Andcrson- 
ville, of diarrhcea. 



66 



HISTOBY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



John Sands, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 23, 1863. 

Charles P. Shute, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 28, 1863. 

John C. Torney, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; died May 12, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived at Williamsburg. 

Isaac Tracy, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 13, 1864. 

Jesse H. Berry, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; died June 1, 1863, of wounds received 
at Chancellorsville. 

Joseph Cheeseman, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability April 27, 186^5. 

Benjamin P. Christy, enl. Aug. 9, 1861. 

Salem County. 
Company J. 
Edward Ostner, enl. Nov. 8, 1861 ; killed in action May 5, 1862, at Wil- 
liamsburg. 

Cwiipant/ K. 

William H. Lawrence, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, 8th Eegt. ; re- 

enl. Feb. 22. 1864. 
Thomas M. Long, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability July 21, 1863. 
William Proud, Jr., enl. Aug. 9, 1861; killed in action June 1, 1862, at 

Fair Oaks. 
William V. Robinson, enl. Sept. 17, 1861; trans, to Co. G, 8th Regt.; re- 

enl. Feb. 22, 1864. 
Manlief W. Reynolds, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec. 9, 1861. 
Wheaton H. Watson, enl. Aug. 17, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps May 

1, 1864. 
John H. Wilkins, enl. May 16, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, 8th Regt. 

CUMBEELAXD COUNTT. 
Company K. 

Lewis E. L. Blizzard, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability June 9, 1862. 

Francis A. Gaskill, enl. Aug. 9, 1S61; disch. disability May 3, 1864. 

Isaac T. Garton, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, 8th Regt. ; Corp. 
1862 ; re-eul. Jan. 4, 1864 ; sergt. June 1, 1864. 

John Gagger, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed in action Aug. 29, 1862, at Bull 
Run. 

William H. H. Hilyard, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; disch. disability Feb. 7, 1863. 

James R. Uusted, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; disch. Jan. 16, 1863, wounds re- 
ceived in action. 

George W. Hall, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Co. F, 8th Begt.; Corp. Oct. 
3, 1862 ; sergt. Jan. 16, 1863 ; re-enl. Feb. 22, 1864. 

Joseph W. Henderson, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, 8th Regt. ; re- 
enl. Feb. 22, 1864. 

Henry Harley, enl. Oct. 3, 1861. 

William F. Joslyn, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 17, 1862. 

Elias P. Jones, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb. 22, 1864 ; killed in action 
June 18, 1864, before Petersburg, Va. 

Joseph 0. Love, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; died May 21, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Williamsburg. 

James McKorniick, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed in action May 5, 1862, at 
Williamsburg. 

William H. Randolph, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, 8th Begt. ; re- 
enl. Feb. 22, 1864. 

Benjamin F. Reeves, enl. Sept. 17, 1861; corp. Jan. 16, 1863; killed in 
action July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa. 

John S. Sibbetl, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; disch. disability July 24, 1862. 

Henry H, Stiles, enl. Sept. 17, 1861. 

John Scott, enl. May 26, 1864. 

George J. Stewart, drafted May 21, 1864; trans, to Co. G, 8th Eegt. 

Antonio Schueider, enl. May 23, 1864 ; trans, to Co. G, 8th Regt. 

Edgar S. Wilkinson, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; killed in action May 5, 1862, at 
Williamsburg. 

John Wiley, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; killed in action Aug. 29, 1862, at Bull 
Run. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
Gloucester County. 

Company G. 

Luther F. Halsey, M.D., surgeon. 

John R. Calhoun, Aug. 23, 1861 ; died Aug. 7, 1864. 

James Magouigle, enl. Aug. 23, 1861 ; killed In action May 5, 1862, at 
Williamsburg. 

Charles Robb, enl. Aug. 23, 1861 ; disch. disability June 8, 1862. 

Andrew F. Shutf, eul. Aug. 23, 1861 ; died June 1, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in actiou at Williamsburg, Vii. 

Joseph N. Shuff, enl. Aug. 23, 1861; corp. Aug. 23, 1861; sergt. June 9, 
186-;! ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 

James Bowman. 



Company C. 
Aaron Smith, drafted June 21, 1864; died Jan. 11, 1865. 



James H, Barnes. 



Company D. 
Company H. 



Captain, John M. Clark; First Lieutenant, Francis M.Duboise; Second 

Lieutenant, Albert Barnes. 
Albert Barnes, enl. July 29, 1862 ; 1st sergt. Sept. 17, 1861 ; pro. 2d lieut. ; 

res. Nov. 1, 1662. 
Charles Dyne, sergt., enl. Sept. 16, 1861 ; disch. disability June 28, 1862. 
Thomas Clark, sergt., enl. Nov. 12, 1S62 ; com. 1st lieut. Jan. 1, 1864 ; not 

mustered. 
James B. Stiles, sergt., enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; died June 4, 1862. 
Jesse C. Morgan, sergt., enl. Jan. 10, 1865 ; pro. 2d lieut., Co. C, Jan. 10, 

1865; must, out July 17, 1865. 
George W. Swan, Corp., enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; killed in action May 5,1862, 

at Williamsburg. 
James H. Weatherby, corp. Sept. 17, 1861 ; sergt. July 1, 1862 ; trans. 

May 15, 1864. 
Isaac S. Fry, Corp., enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
Thomas C. Hannold, Corp., enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; sergt. Jan. 1,1863 ; re-enl. 

Jan. 4, 1804. 
Robert H. HitBngton, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
Stephen M. Cowgill, sergt., enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A ; re-enl. 

Jan. 4, 1864. 
George Scheetz, Corp., enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 9, 1861. 
John Armstrong, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
James Atkinson, enl. Sept. 16, 18G1 ; disch. disability June 9, 1862. 
Abraham K. Allen, eul. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 

16, 1864 ; disch. Oct. 3, 1864. 
Morgan H. Abbott, enl. Nov. 7, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; corp. March 

1, 1864. 
James H. Butler, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
George H. Bakely, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 24, 1865. 
Samuel T. Beckett, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
William F. Brown, enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Charles H. Cunard, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Frederick Caser, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, 

1863 ; re-enl. March 24, 1864; disch. July 8, 1865. 
Stephen H. Chew, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
William T. Davis, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; missing in action at Williamsburg 

May 6, 1862. 
William B. Davis, eul. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A; corp. Jan. 1, 1863; 

re-enl. Jan. 4,1864. 
Henry F. Harold, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1S64. 
Thomas Harding, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 : disch. disability Deo. 28, 1862. 
Joseph R. Heiss, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability May 20, 1862. 
James Jones, eul. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Ees. Corps; re-enl. May 

3, 1864. 
Joseph James, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability July 22, 1862. 
Albert Johnson, enl. Sept. 17, 1861; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
Charles P. Johnson, enl. Nov. 7, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec. 23, 1862. 
Joseph Kircher, enl. Sept. 17, 1861. 

John T. Kenny, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
John Kaufman, enl. Sept, 17, 1861 ; died May 28, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Williamsburg. 
William E. LeVis, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; died Feb. 10, 1862. 
Robert B. Lee, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; died March 17, 1862. 
Henry Long, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; Corp. July 1, 1862; sergt. Sept. 1, 1863 ; 

re-enl. Jan. 23, 1864 ; missing in action before Petersburg June 22, 

1864. 
Alexis Montel, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 19, 1862. 
Samuel H. Nelson, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 

17, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 23, 1864. 
Charles W. Parker, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A Oct. 7, 1804 ; re- 
enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Daniel J. Patterson, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 

1864. 
Elijah S. Porch, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 5, 1862. 
Job P. Skill, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
Daniel W. Simmerman, eul. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A. 
Charles A. Smith, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 30, 1861. 
Maxwell Spence, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 1, 

1863; disch.Sept. 17, 1864. 
James Tussey. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



Thomas W. Wyne, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A ; re-enl. Feb. 14, 

1864. 
Joseph Wolf, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A Oct. 7, 1864 ; re-enl. 

Jan. 4, 1864. 

Salem County. 

Company E. 
Jacob Amtman, sergt, enl. Oct. 16, 1861 j trana. to Co. E, 5th Regt. ; 
must, out Jul.v 17, 1SG5. 

Company F. 
John Logan, musician, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, from Co. F, 5th Regt. ; 

must, out July 17, 1865. 
William Applegate, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, from Co. F, 5th Regt. 
Peter H. Simpkins, enl. Aug. 22,1861; trans, from Co. F, 5th Regt. 

must, out July 17, 1865. 
Samuel H. Sherron, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, from Co. F, 5th Regt. 

must, out July 17, 1865. 
Jonathan Wentzell, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, from Co. F, 5th Regt, 

must, out July 17, 1865. 

Company G. 

Ricbard Smith, enl. Oct. 10, 1S61 ; trans, from Co. I, 5th Regt. ; must, 
out July 26, I860. 

Company I, 

Elisha W. Reed, en!. Aug. 22, 1861 ; trans, as Corp. from Co. F ; sergt. 
June 20, 1865 ; must, out July 17, 1865. 

Cumberland .County. 
Company A. 
Samuel H. Honn, enl. June 22, 1864 ; died Jan. 13, 1865. 
Abraham Sheppard, drafted June 20, 1864 ; must, out July 17, 1865. 

Company B. 
Lorenzo Green, drafted June 24, 1864; must, out July 17, 1865. 
Heiater Silvera, drafted June 22, 1864; must, out July 17, 1865. 

Company D. 
Andrew Geiainger, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
William Sheppard, drafted June 20, 1864; trans, to Co. B. 

Company E. 
Elijah Loper, enl. Dec. 13, 1861 ; trans, from Co. E, 5th Regt.; must, out 

July 17, 1865. 
Dietrich Stauffacker, enl. March 16, 1864 ; trans, from Co. E, oth Regt. ; 

must, out July 17, 1865. 

Company F. 
Jonathan Husted, enl. Feb. 18, 1862 ; trans, from Co. F, 5th Kegt. ; must. 

out Feb. 18, 1S65. 
Owen O'Reilly, enl. Dec. 17, 1861 ; trans, from Co. G, 5th Regt.; must. 

out Dec. 17, 1864. 
James M. Welsh, enl. Aug. 22, 1861; trans, from Co. F, 5th Regt.; must. 

out July 17, 1865. 

Company S, 
Joseph Burt, enl. Sept. 17, 1801; sergt. Sept. 1, 1862; died Feb. 10, 1863. 
Joseph Broomall, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 31, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
John Beaty, enl Nov. 25, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Dec. 15, 1863 ; 

disch. Dec. 10, 1864. 
Albert B. Bateman. enl. Oct. 10, 1861; trans, to Co. A; corp. July 1, 

1862 ; sergt. Feb. 15, 1863. 
Joseph H. Diver, enl. Sept. 22, 1861 ; corp. Dec. 1, 1862 ; must, out Oct. 

7, 1864. 
Elmer Diament, enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; disch. disability Feb. 11, 1863. 
James Hoy, enl. Oct. 29, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps May 15, 1864; 

disch. Oct. 28, 1864. 
Benjamin F. Ogden, enl. Sept. 17,'1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864. 
Elmer B. Ogden, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; killed in action May 5, 1862, at 

Williamsburg, Va. 
Lorenzo Paynter, enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; corp. Dec. 1, 1862 ; must, out Oct. 

7, 1864. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CIVIL -W \'R.— {Continued.) 
NINTH AND TENTH REGIMENTS. 

Ninth Regiment. — The Ninth Regiment of New 
Jersey Volunteers was recruited as a rifle regiment, 
under a requisition from the War Department, in tlie 
fall of 1861. It was composed of volunteers from 
different parts of the State, and among them were 
about sixty-flve from Gloucester, ninety from Salem, 
and thirty from Cumberland County. It was mus- 
tered at Camp Olden, Trenton, and on the 4th of De- 
cember it proceeded to Washington, having on its 
rolls an aggregate of one thousand one hundred and 
fifty-nine men. Joseph W. Allen was colonel of the 
regiment ; C. A. Heckman, lieutenant-colonel ; Fran- 
cis Weller, surgeon ; Louis Braun, assistant surgeon ; 
Abram Zabriskie, adjutant; Samuel Key es, quarter- 
master ; and Thomas Drumm, chaplain. On its ar- 
rival at Washington the regiment went into camp on 
the Bladensburg turnpike, where it remained until 
Jan. 4, 1862, when it proceeded by rail to Annapolis, 
where a large portion of the troops composing Burn- 
side's expedition to North Carolina had already as- 
sembled. Here the regiment was assigned to the 
brigade of Gen. Jesse Reno ; and on the 10th it em- 
barked for Fortress Monroe, whence, on the 12th, it 
sailed for Hatteras Inlet, where it arrived on the 15th. 
Here a disaster occurred which cast a gloom not only 
over the regiment and army in that quarter, but over 
many anxious friends at home. Having cast anchor 
off the Inlet, the field and staff officers went on shore 
to report to Gen. Burnside; returning, the boat was 
capsized and swamped in a heavy surf, and all on 
board were left to struggle with the merciless waves. 
Col. Allen and Surgeon Weller were drowned. Lieut.- 
Col. Heckman, Adjt. Zabriskie, and Q.M. Keyes 
narrowly escaped. The second mate, sent from the 
ship in charge of the boat, was also drowned. Lieut.- 
Col. Heckman and Adjt. Zabriskie, being expert 
swimmers, made several heroic attempts to rescue the 
colonel and Surgeon Weller, but were unsuccessful. 
These two brave men, after battling with the waves 
till their strength was nearly exhausted, succeeded in 
making a signal with a sailor's shirt lifted upon an 
oar, which was seen, and the steamer " Patuxent" at 
once hastened to their relief So overcome were the 
survivors by their exertions that on reaching the deck 
of the steamer some of them sank into insensibility. 
Lieut.-Col. Heckman remained in a state of prostra- 
tion during several days. 

On the death of Col. Allen, Lieut.-Col. Heckman 
took command of the regiment and remained in com- 
mand till Jan. 16, 1864, when he was appointed to 
the command of the district of Suffolk, Va. Adjt. 
Zabriskie then became colonel, and held the com- 
mand until he fell mortally wounded at Drury's 
Bluff, May 16, 1864. Lieut.-Col. James Stewart, Jr., 



68 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



theu commanded the regiment till the close of the 
war. 

The operations of the regiment were confined to 
the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, and 
Virginia. The number of companies were, on the 
18th of November, 1862, reduced from twelve to ten. 
In January, 1864, a majority of the regiment re- 
enlisted in the field, and received a veteran furlough. 
The regiment maintained its organization till the 
close of the war, being strengthened from time to 
time, during 1863-64 and 1865, by recruits from the 
draft-rendezvous at Trenton. It participated in the 
following engagements : 

Koanoke Island, N. 0., Feb. 8, 1862 ; Newberne, N. C, March 14,1862; 
Fort Macon, N. C, April 25, 1S62; Young's Cross Roads, N. C, July 27, 
1862; Kowell's Mills, N. C, Nov. 2, 1862; Deep Creek, N. C, Dec. 12, 
1802; Southwest Creek, N. C, Dec. 13, 1862; before Kinston, N. C, 
Dec. 13, 1862 ; Kinston, N. C, Dec. 14, 1862 ; Whitehall, N. C, Dec. 16, 
1862 ; Goldshorough, N. C, Dec. 17, 1862 ; Comfort Bridge, N, C, July 6, 
1863 ; near Winton, N. C, July 26, 1863 ; Deep Creek, Va., March 1, 
1864; Cherry Grove, Va., April 14,1864; Port Whitehall, Va., May 6 and 

7, 1864; Procter's, Va., May 8, 1864; Swift Creek, Va., May 9 and 10, 
1804 ; Drury's Bluff, Va., May 12 to 16, 1864 ; Cold Harbor, Va., June 3 
to 12, 1864; Free Blidge, Va., June 16, 1864; before Petersburg, Va., 
June 20 to Aug. 24, 1864 ; Gardner's Bridge, N. C, Dec. 9, 1864 ; Foster's 
Bridge, N. C, Dec. 10, 1864; Butler's Bridge, N. C, Dec. 11, 1864; South- 
west Creek, N. C, March 7, 1SG5 ; Wise's Fork, N. C, March 8, 9, and 
II), 186.5 ; Goldshorough, N, C, March 21, 1865. 

In their first battle, that of Roanoke Island, the 
regiment operated successfully in a swamp ; and their 
gallantry, it was believed, secured the success of the 
day by enabling the army to operate effectively on 
the enemy's flank. On the 10th of February, Gen. 
Burnside promulgated an order that the Ninth Regi- 
ment should have the words " Roanoke Island, Feb. 

8, 1862," emblazoned on their banners, as a compli- 
ment for their gallantry on that day. The only ord- 
nance that could be brought to bear on the enemy, 
because of the deep morass and the almost impene- 
trable thickets which the troops traversed, was a small 
rifled cannon, manned wholly by soldiers detailed 
from the Ninth, and the gunboat which did the 
greatest execution on the fort had her guns worked 
by a detail from the same regiment. " On the 10th," 
says the Neioark Daily Advertiser, " this detail asked to 
be sent back to their regiment, but the commodore re- 
plied that the ' Jersey Blues' had shown themselves 
too good managers of the big guns to allow him to 
part with them ; that they were (rue blues, and no 
mistake." 

The following testimonials to the gallantry of this 
regiment are selected from many that might be given. 
In speaking of the battle of Newberne the iVew York 
Tribune said, — 

" In the capture of Newberne the Ninth New Jer- 
sey Regiment sustained the honor of their State with 
characteristic gallantry. Though their position in 
that brilliant engagement was one of great exposure, 
they bore themselves through the conflict like vet- 
erans, sufifering more severely than any other regi- 
ment on the field. Out of a total loss of three hun- 



dred and sixty-four killed and wounded, they lost 
sixty-two, or one-sixth of the whole, although twelve 
regiments were in the battle." 

On the 24th of December, 1862, a beautiful stand 
of colors, costing seven hundred dollars, was presented 
to the regiment by the Legislature of New Jersey, 
accompanied by the following resolution : 

" Resolvi'd, That the Ninth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers, by 
their patient endurance under privation and fatigue, and by their cour- 
age at the ever-to-be-remembered battles of Roanoke and Newberne (a 
courage evinced by the havoc made in their own unwavering columns 
better than by the reports of partial journals), have sustained the high 
reputation which, since the days of the Revolution, has belonged to the 
soldiers of New Jersey, and as evidence of our appreciation of that acme 
of every manly virtue, patriotic devotion to country, the Governor of 
the State is requested to have prepared and forwarded to said regiment 
a standard, on which shall be inscribed these words, 'Presented by New 
Jersey to her Ninth Regiment, in remembrance of Roanoke and New- 
berne' " 

NINTH REGIMENT. 
GLOtJCESTER County. 
Company A. 
Adam Frederick, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. G. 
Lewis H. Ganse, enl. Feb. 23, 1866; trans, to CO. G. 

Company B. 
Chauncey W. Barker, enl. April 13, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E. 
James Casey, enl. March 16, 1865 ; trans, to Co. H. 
John L. Jordan, enl. April 13, 1865 ; trans, to Co. E. 

Company C. 
Isaac L. S. Clark, Corp., enl. Sept. 10,1861; re-enl. Jan. 18,1864; absent, 

sick in hospital, since June 19, 1865. 
Edward H. Bastlack, enl. Sept. 10, 1861; Corp. Jan. 16, 1863 ; re-enl. Jan. 

18, 1804; sergt. Dec. 3, 1864 ; must, out July 12, 1866. 
Benjamin Gleisner, enl. May 11, 1864; trans, to Co. G. 
William C. Zane, enl. Sept. 10, 1861; disch. disability Nov. 23, 1862. 

Company D. 
William H. Craft, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F. 
David S. Carter, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F. 
William P. Oarr, enl. March 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F. 

Company 1. 
Edward D. Mattson, sergt., enl. Oct. 8, 1861; traus. to Vet. Res. Corps 

April 26, 1864 ; disch. as 1st sergt. Oct. 7, 1864. 
John M. Clark, enl. Jan. 17, 1865; trans, to Co. C. 
Benjamin Gill, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 18, 1862, wounds received 

in action. 
Charles Keen, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; corp. Julyl, 1864 ; 

sergt. Feb. 6, 1865; must, out July 12, 1865. 
James P. Mattson, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 8, 1864. 
John B.Mitchell, enl. Feb. 26,1864; corp. April 1,1865; must, out July 

12, 1865. 
Eli B. Pierce, enl. Feb. 16,1864; must, out July 12, 1865. 
John Schweible, enl. Sept. 30, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps March 31, 1866; disch. Aug. 2, 1865. 
Isaac Zanes, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died May 3, 1862. 

Company K. 
Captain, Elias Drake; First Lieutenant, "W. B. S. Boudiuot; Second 

Lieutenant, Jonathan Townley, Jr. 
Joseph Wright, sergt., enl. Oct. 13, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 25, 1803 ; 2d lieut. ; 

pro. 1st lieut. Co. F, Nov. 27, 1864. 
John Lorence, Corp., enl. Oct. 15, 1S61 ; disch. Sept. 30, 1862, wounds at 

Roanoke Island, both legs amputated. 
Samuel J. Dilkes, Corp., enl. Oct. 13, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 25, 1863. 
Charles P. Anglo, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. C. 
Charles M. Billings, enl. Oct. 16, 1861; disch. disability May 12, 1862. 
James H. Brown, enl. Oct. 16, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; Corp. Jan. 1, 

1866 ; must, out July 12, 1866. 
Henry L. Brown, enl. Feb. 24, 1866 ; traus. to Co. C. 
Paul Bowers, enl. Feb. 24, 1865; trans, to Co. D. 
I John P. Crist, enl. Feb. 22, 1865 ; trans, to Co. I. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



69 



Allen Clark, enl. Oct. 16, 1861; re-enl. Deo. 20, 1863; corp. Jan. 1, 1865; 
must, out July 12, 1865. 

John L.;Cleff, enl. Feb. 24, 1865; trans, to Co. I. 

William Chew, enl. Fob. 23, 1865 ; tians. to Co. A. 

Benjamin F. Doughty, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. A. 

John E. Dawson, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. A. 

Joseph F. Ewing, enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; corp. July 1, 
1864; sergt.Jan. 1, 1865; must, out July 12, 1865. 

Henry B. English, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. A. 

Samuel \V. Englisli, enl. Feb 2:S, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A. 

Isaac Fisher, enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; died Oct. 7, 1862, of wounds received 
near Blackwater, N. C. 

Thomas Freeman, enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; diach. Nov. 11, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived at Newberne, N. C. 

Elvy Foster, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; died March 9, 1865. 

Henry Fredericks, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. A, 

David Fredericks, enl. Feb. 24, 1865; trans, to Co. A. 
John J. Hoffmaji, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. C. 
John M. Holstan, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. G. 
William N. Johnson, enl. Feb. 24, 1865; trans, to Co. C. 

Nathan Keel, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. I. 
Joel E. Lutz, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. A. 
Samuel Ledden, enl. Feb. 24, 1865; trans, to Co. C. 
ITathan W. Ledden, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. C. 
William Mclltvaine, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. D. 
William McLaughlin, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. I. 
William H. Newbern, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. A. 
John Parker, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. A. 
Richard Parker, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. A. 
Vincent Robert, Oct. 15, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 23, 1862. 
David Eeed, enl. Feb, 24, 1865 ; trans to Co. G. 
George Senders, enl. Feb. 23, 1865 ; trans, to Co. A. 
William Stalford, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. G. 
Abraham Simmerman, enl. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. A. 
George Shields, oul. Feb. 23, 1865; trans, to Co. A. 
David R. Smith, enl. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Co. C. 
George W. Tonkin, enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 15, 1864. 
Daniel Westcott, enl. Feb. 24, 1865; trans, to Co. D. 
AdditUmal.— George A. Sniith, Co. A; Isaac L. S. Clark, corp. Co. C; 
Paul Bowers, Co. D; Patrick Kerrigan, Charles F. Weatherby, Co. 
B ;_ Josiah Du Boia, William Davis, Robert Greene, Co. I. 

Salem County. 
Company C. 
William M. Morrison, enl. Sept. 10, 1861; re-enl. April 6, 1864; must, 
out July 12, 1865. 

Company D. 
Henry Councellor, enl. March 21, 1865 ; trans, to Co. K. 

Company F. 
James Baner, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 

12,1865. 
Henry H. Robertson, enl. March 21, 1865; trans, to Co. K. 

Company G. 
John M. Freen, enl. March 21, 1865 ; must, out Aug. 4, 1865. 

Company I. 
Captain, Henry F. Chew; First Lieutenant, Samuel Huffy, Jr. ; Second 

Lieutenant, E. M. Pinkard. 
Robert D. Swain, sergt., enl. Oct. 8, 1861; 2d lieut. Aug. 15, 1862; 1st 

lieut. ; pro. to capt. Co . K Feb. 10, 1865. 
Charles H. Miller, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; died Aug. 23, 1864. 
George W. Cawmnn, Corp., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; killed 

in action May 16, 1864, at Drury's Bluff. 
James W. Task, Corp., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. disability March 24, 1863. 
David Kille, Corp., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; 2d lieut. July 3, 1864 ; June 22, 

1866 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 
Daniel Whitney, Corp., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; 2d lieut. ; 

1st lieut. June 22, 1865. 
Charles P. Goodwin, corp., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; 2d 

lieut. June 22, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 
William P. Birch, Corp., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. March 17, 1863, wounds 

received in action. 
Jonathan Shnll, corp., enl, Oct. 8, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must, out 

July 12, 1865. 



Robert P. Craig, musician, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. Not. 19, 1862, to join 

regular army. 
Smith Bilderback, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; com. sergt. Oct. 8, 1861. 
John Bennet, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 12, 

1864. 
Charles Brown, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died Aug. 16, 1862. 
Hugh Bramble, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 19, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
John Brady, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 12, 

1865. 
Joshua Ballinger, enl. Sept. 2, 1864; must, out June 14, 1865. 
James V. Clark, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863 ; must, out July 

12, 1865. 
Enoch Cordrey, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; must, out Dec. 7, 1864. 
Albert C. Cawman, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; must, out Dec. 7, 1864. 
Mark L. Carney, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; corp. Aug. 25, 1863; re-enl. Jan. 18, 

1864; sergt. Jan. 1, 1866 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 
William P. Corliss, enl. Oct. S, 1861; disch. disability March 24, 1863. 
James W. Daniels, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; corp. June 1, 

1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 
Edward H. Davis, enl. Oct. 8, 1861. 
Josiah Dubois, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; re-enl. Nov. 25, 1863; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps March 31, 1866 ; disch. Aug. 2, 1865. 
Abram M. Dickinson, enl. Feb. 29, 1864 ; corp. June 1, 1865 ; must, out 

July 12, 1865. ^_^ 

John M. Davis, enl. Sept. 5, 1865; must, out June 14,1865. 
James M. Elkinton, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 25, 1863; must, out 

.Tuly 12, 1864. 
Frederick Felney, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 19, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
William Floyd, enl. Sept. 2, 1864; must, out July 12, 1865. 
Edward H. Green, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; 1st sergt. March 9, 1862 ; re-enl. 

Jan. 18, 1864 ; pro. 2d lieut. Co. D Jan. 14, 18S5. 
Robert Green, enl. Dec. 29, 1863; must, out July 12, 1865. 
John H. Harvey, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 19, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
Henry C. Hartranft, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. D. 
Joshua D. Haines, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out 

July 12, 1865. 
Magnus Hepburn, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; died Oct. 16, 1864. 
Samuel B. Harbison, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; corp. March 10,1862; re-enl.; 

sergt. Jan. 18, 1864; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps March 31, 1865 ; disch. 

Aug, 1, 1865. 
William G. Hartline, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died Feb, 3, 1863, 
Asa R, Harbert, musician, enl. Oct, 8, 1861 ; re-enl, Jan, 18, 1864 ; must. 

out July 19, 1865. 
John S, Hampton, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; re-enl, Jan. 18, 1864; corp, Aug. 1, 

1864 ; must, out July 19, 1865. 

John W. Harbison, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; disch. disability March 24, 1863, 
Charles Hoffman, enl, Oct. 8, 1861 ; corp. May 1, 1863 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 

1864; died June 5, 1864, of wounds received in action at Cold 

Harbor. 
William H, Hughes, enl, March 1, 1864 ; died March 12, 1864, 
William H. Harris, enl, Aug, 30, 1864 ; must, out June 14, 1865, 
James J. Harris, enl, April 6, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865, 
Henry Eifert, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; re-enl, Dec. 20, 1863 ; must, out July 19, 

1865. 
Richmond Ireland, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 19, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
John E. Johnson, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; died Dec. 15, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Kingston, N. C. 
John N, Johnson, enl. Oct, 8, 1861 ; drum maj, Oct. 8, 1861 ; must, out 

July 8, 1865, 
Thomas H. Kiger, enl. Oct, 8,1861; must, out Dec. 7,1864. 
William B, Loper, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; disch, Nov. 19, 1862, to join regular 

army. 
Samuel Lester, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; disch, disability March 18, 1863. 
Samuel M. Layman, enl. Oct, 8, 1861 ; re-enl, Jan, IS, 1864 ; must, out 

June 22, 1865, 
Albert C, MifBin, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; rc-enl, Jan, 18, 1864 ; must, out .July 

12, 1865, 
Edmund L, Matlock, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch, disability Nov. 25, 1862. 
Lewis S, Mickle, enl, Oct. 8, 1861; re-enl. Jan, 18, 1865; corp, June 1, 

1865 ; must, out July 19, 1865. 

Stephen M. Mosure, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; killed in 

action June 3, 1865, at Cold Harbor, Va, 
Charles D. Mulford, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; must, out Dec. 7, 1864, 



70 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Lewis Murphy, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863 ; corp. Feb. 6, 

1865 ; sergt. April 1, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 
Daniel Myers, enl. Sept. 2, 1864 ; must, out June 14, 1865. 
John Newkirk, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 

12, 1866. 
Beubeu R. Pittman, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out 

July 12, 1866. 
John Powell, enl. Oct. 8, 1861. 
John A. Patten, enl. Oct. 8, ISBl ; re-enl. Jan. 8, 1864 ; must, out July 12, 

1865. 
Thomas Parsons, enl. Oct. 8, 18lil ; trans to regular army Not. 18, 1862 ; 

returned to company and re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 12, 

1865. 
Stephen 0. Park, enl. Sept. 5, 1864 ; must, out June 14, 1864. 
Augustus Remming, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; killed in 

action May 16, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Isaac Reeves, enl. Oct 8, 1861 ; disch. disability March 24, 1863. 
Jacob Ross, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 20, 1862, to join regular army. 
William B. Stretch, enl. Sept, 2, 18G4 ; must, out June 14, 1865. 
Reuben Seagraves, enl. Oct. S, 1861 ; died Oct. 2, 1862. 
John Sparks, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 25, 1863 ; died Nov. 15, 1864, 

prisoner of war. 
William 0. Sparks, enl. Oct. 8,1861; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must, out 

July 12, 1865. 
Arthur F, Shoemaker, enl, Feb, 26, 1864; must, out June 24, 1865. 
Charles Taylor, enl, Oct. 8, 1S61 ; disch. disability July 23, 1862. 
John E. Taylor, enl. Oct. 8, 1864 ; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863 ; must, out July 

12, 1865. 
Samuel B, Taylor, enl, Oct, 8,1861; re-enl, Jan. 18, 1864; must, out July 

12, 1865. 
George W. Townsend, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 25, 1863; must, out 

July 12, 1865. 
George L. TurnbuU, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 22, 

1804 ; disch. Oct. 8, 1864. 
Smith H. Vining, enl. Oct. 8,1861; re-enl. March 31,1864; must, out 

July 12, 1865. 
Josiah Wensell, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; killed in action 

May 16, 1864, at Drury's Bluff. 
David Wensell, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. disability April 7, 1863. 
William Williams, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. disability May 17, 1862. 
George G. White, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died April 18, 1862. 

Cumberland County. 
Company B, 
Beujamiu F. Palmer, drafted April 11, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 
. Owen Riley, enl. Jan. 19, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 
Erick C. Shaw, drafted April 11, 1805; must, out July 12, 1805. 

Company D. 
Benjamin F. Ladow, drafted April 11, 1865; must, out July 12, 1865. 
Walker Simpkins, drafted April 11, 1865; must, out July 12, 1865. 
Thomas Spencer, drafted April 11, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 
David Terry, drafted April 11, 1865; must, out July 12, 1866. 

Company E, 
Fayette Jenkins, drafted April 11, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 

Company F. 

Sheppard D. Lewis, sergt., enl. Oct. 24, 1861; 1st sergt. May 10, 1862 ; 
2d lieut. Jan. 8, 1863; 1st lieut. Co. B April 13,1864; capt. Co. F 
Feb. 10, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 

Charles M. Preston, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; corp. Oct. 24, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 
18, 1862 ; sergt. April 23, 1802 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 

Augustine Aubrick, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; disch. disability May 28, 1863. 

Samuel Alkire, enl. Feb. IS, 1864 ; must, out June 7, 1865. 

Michael Boyle, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; died March 15, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Newberne, N. C. 

Edwin Chance, enl. Sept. 30, 1861 ; disch. May 10, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Newberne, N. C. 

John E. French, enl. Sept. 23, 1801; re-enl. Nov. 26, 1863; disch. May 
4, 1865. 

Reuben H. Learning, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; corp. 
May 16, 1304; must, out July 19, 1865. 

Samuel B. Mills, enl. Sept. 23, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 18,1864; must, out 
June 8, 1865. 

Jonathan Eicbman, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; died March 23, 1862. 



Robert G. Sheppard, 1st sergt, enl. Oct. 24, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; 
pro. 2d lieut. July 20, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1866. 

Cmnpany G, 
Joseph C. Moore, drafted April 11, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865; 

Company H. 
Charles Van Aman, enl. Feb. 24, 1864 ; trans, to Co. I. 

Company I. 

Robert Alcorn, bugler, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. disability Aug. 25, 1862. 

Joshua Anderson, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 25, 1863 ; must, out 
July 12, 1805. 

John W. Hilyard, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must, out July 
12, 1865. 

Henry Loper, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 12, 
1865. 

George H. Lett, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 
12, 1865. 

Charles B. Messick, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 19, 1862, to join regu- 
lar army. 

Ezekiel Madara, enl. March 10, 1 864 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 

Joseph Madara, enl. March 29, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 

John C. Smith, enl. Oct. 8,1861 ; corp. May 1,1863; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; 
sergt. June 1, 1865 ; must, out July 12, 1865. 

John Warfle, enl. Oct. 8, 1801 ; disch. Nov. 17, 1862. 

Tenth Regiment. — " This regiment was raised by 
individuals not authorized by the State, and accepted 
by the War Department as an independent organiza- 
tion some time in the fall of 1861, and was not known 
by the State authorities until it was placed under 
their care, Jan. 29, 1862." 

Such is the statement indorsed on the original ros- 
ter. The organization was at first known as the 
" Olden Legion." It was recruited at Beverly, where 
it had its headquarters, by William Bryan, who be- 
came its colonel, and proceeded to Washington in 
December, 1861. 

When the regiment was accepted by the State, it 
was in a measure reorganized, and placed under the 
command of Col. William R. Murphy. It was de- 
tailed for provost duty at Washington in February, 
1862, and so remained until the spring of 1863, much 
to the dissatisfaction of Col. Murphy, who resigned 
because the regiment was not ordered into active ser- 
vice. His place was filled by Col. Henry Ogden Ey- 
erson, who fell in the battle of the Wilderness, May 
6, 1864. 

From the time the Tenth Regiment engaged in the 
more active and perilous duties of the war it made 
for itself a most brilliant record. " It shared in all 
the battles of the Wilderness, and fought with its 
corps all the way to Petersburg, on every field dis- 
playing conspicuous gallantry," and when transferred, 
with the First Brigade, to the Shenandoah Valley, it 
made, in the several campaigns of that region, an 
equally honorable record till the close of the war. 

The Tenth was engaged in the following actions : 

Oarrsville, Va., May 9, 1863 ; Wilderness, Va,, May 6 to 7, 1864; Spott- 
eylvania, Va., May 8 to 11, 1864 ; Spottsylvania Court-House, Va., May 
12 to 16, 1864 ; North and Sou th Anna River, Va,, May 24, 1864 ; Hano- 
ver Court-House, Va., May 29, 1864; Tolopoti>ray Greek, Va., May 30 
and 31, 1864; Cold Harbor, Va,, June 1 to 3,1864; before Petersburg, 
Va. (Weldon Railroad), June 23, 1864; Snicker's Gap, Va,, July 18, 1864 ; 
Strasburg, Va,, Aug, 15, 1864; Winchester, Va., Aug. 17, 1864; Charles- 
town, Va., Aug. 21, 1804; OpequaD, Va., Sept, 19, 1864; Fisher's Hill, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



71 



Va., Sept. 21 and 22, 1864; New Market, Va., Sept. 24, 1864; Mount 
JackBon, Va., Sept. 25, 1864; Cedar Creek and Middletown, Va.,Oct. 19, 
1864; Hatcher's Rnn, Va., Feb. 6, 1866; Fort Steedman, Va., March 26, 
1866; capture of Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865; Sailor's Creek, Va., 
April 6, 1865 ; Farmville, Va., April 7, 1865 ; Lee'a surrender (Appomat- 
tox), April 9, 1865. 

TENTH REGIMENT. 

Gloucester County. 

Com/pany A. 

David H. Holconib, musician, enl. Sept. 10, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 10, 

1864. 
John McGinnis, enl. Sept. 16, 1S61. 
Charles Swaim, enl. Oct. 28, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; must, out July 

1, 1866. 

Company B. 

George W. Webb, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 24, 1864. 

Company E. 
Edward Brown, enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; trans, to Co. D. 
Charles Conover, enl. Dec. 23, 1861; disch. disability Nov. 10, 1862. 
Andrew J. Peck, enl. Dec. 19, 1861 ; died Nov. 28, 1863. 

Company F, 
John Douglass. 

Company G, 
Benjamin Allen, enl. April 5, 1864; died Dec. 2, 1864. 
Andrew Albertas, enl. March 29, 1866 ; trans, to Co. B. 
Marcellus Falger, enl. March 29, 1866; trans, to Co. B. 
John C. Shute, enl. Feb. 16, 1863; must, out Julyl, 1865. 

Company H. 
John A. Mather, enl. Oct. 21, 1861; corp. Oct. 21, 1861; eergt. Oct. 20, 

1864; must, out Oct. 2, 1864. 
Andrew H. Atkinson, enl. Nov. 14, 1861; must, out Nov. 13, 1864. 
Augustus W. Brown, enl. Oct. 22, 1861 ; must, out July 1, 1865. 
Nathan Campbell, enl. Nov. 11, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864; corp. March 

30, 1864; must, out July 1, 1865. 
Albert Davis, enl. Nov. 4, 1861 ; corp. Oct. 20, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Ees. 

Corps Jan. 16, 1864; disch. Sept. 6, 1864. 
George Hiemer, enl. Feb. 10, 1864; must, out July 1, 1866. 
George W. Hughes, enl. Oct. 1, 1861 ; corp. Oct. 20, 1862; re-enl. Jan. 3, 

1864 ; 2d lieut. Co. E, Dec. 18, 1864 ; Ist lieut. ; com. capt. June 13, 

1866; must, out July 1, 1865. 
Henry McGinnis, enl. Nov. 6, 1861. 

Albert J. Nichols, enl. Nov. 5, 1861 ; disch. disability July 8, 1862. 
Edward N. Sapp, enl. Oct, 28, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 27, 1864. 
Isaac Shute, enl. Nov. 14, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 2, 1862. 
John G. Stiles, enl. Nov. 14, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3. 1864; corp. March 20, 

1865; must, out July 1, 1865. 
John T. Wilson, enl. Feb. 24, 1864; must, out July 6, 1866. 

Company I. 
Miles G. Sparks, Corp., enl. Sept. 30,1861; sergt. 22,1862; re-enl. 

1st sergt. Feb. 26, 1864; disch. Feb. 6, 1866, wounds received in 

action. 
Lewis Beebe, enl. Nov. 21, 1861 ; died Aug. 1, 1863. 
Stille 0. Hendrickson, enl. Oct. 11, 1861 ; disch. June 18, 1864. 
William W. Bandies, enl. Sept. 27, 1861. 
Hedger C. Pierce. 

Company K, 
Jonathan Eastlack. 

SALEja County. 
Company B. 
John Carty, enl. Oct. 5, 1861; died Dec. 24, 1861. 

Company D. 
Clement H. Iieland enl. Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 4, 1862. 
Helms V. Linch, enl. Nov. 12, 1861; corp. April 30, 1862; re-enl. Jan. 3, 

1864; must, out June 6, 1865. 
Alexander Linch, enl. Nov. 12, 1861 ; Corp. June 1, 1863 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 

1864; must, out June 6, 1865. 
James Timmons, enl. Jan. 25, 1865; re-enl. Jan. 20, 1864; must, out July 

1, 1866. 
James H. Turner, enl. Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. disability July 10, 1862. 



Company H. 
Lewis C. Biers, enl. Oct. 31, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864 ; must, out July 

12, 1865. 
James Saj'ers, enl. Octi 31, 1861 ; discli. disability April 22, 1862. 

Company L 
Henry B.Simpson, enl. Feb. 24, 1865; corp. June 19,1866; must, out 

July 1, 1866. 

CuMBERi..\ND County. 

Company A . 

Samuel B. Cambron, enl. Nov. 14, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864); corp. 

March 1, 1865; must, out July 1, 1865. 
James W. Fithian, enl. Oct. 22, 1861 ; corp. July 26, 1863 ; must, out Oct. 

22, 1864. 
Thomas Hess, enl. Sept. 21, 1801 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; must, out July 1, 

1866. 
David S. Johnson, enl. Sept. 1, 1862; final record unknown. 
John A. Koray, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; died July 3,1804. 
Thomas Veach, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; disch. disability 

May 2, 1865. 
George Wiser, enl. Sept. 10, 1861 ; must, out April 24, 1865. 

Ccfmpany B. 
Captain, Charles B. Claypole; First Lieutenant, John Stonehill ; Second 

Lieutenant, George T. Doughty. ~ 

Thomas Harvey, sergt., enl. Sept. 16, 1861 ; died Oct. 2, 1864. 
Henry Reynolds, sergt., enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; must, out May 1, 1866. 
John Stonebill, sergt., enl. Sept. 15, 1861; 1st lieut. April 17, 1862 ; res. 

March 16, 1864, ill health. 
Charles F. Nixon, Corp., enl. Oct. 4, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 6, 1864. 
Jeremiah P. Barber, corp., enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 23, 1864. 
Lewis Getzinger, Corp., enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. disability Aug. 6, 1862. 
Bphraim H. Dare, musician, enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; drum-maj. Jan, 10, 1862. 
David T. Moore, musician, enl, Sept. 23, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Ees. Corps 

Sept. 30, 1863 ; disch. April 23, 1864. 
Jones McLaughlin, musician, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; disch. disability July 

8, 1862. 
Joseph Murphy, wagoner, enl, Oct. 6, 1861 ; disch. disability March 15, 

1862. 
John Abbot, enl. Oct. 5, 1861. 
Francis S. Brown, enl. Sept. 16, 1861. 

Jonathan Barber, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. disability March 5, 1862. 
Daniel A. Barber, enl. Sept. 25, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb. 24, 1864 ; corp. Jan. 1, 

1865; must, out July 1, 1865. 
John Brandiff, enl. Sept. 21, 1861; re-enl. Feb. 20, 1864; corp. Jan. 1, 

1865 ; must, out July 1, 1865. ' 
Evan Brown, enl. Oct. 25, 1861 ; must, out Dec. 7, 1864. 
Christian Crawley, enl. Oct. 28, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 20, 1864; must, out 

July 1, 1865. 
Aaron Camborn, enl. Oct. 26, 1861; disch. disability July 7, 1862. 
Thomas Dare, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; disch. disability May 9, 1862. 
William H. Donnelly, enl. Oct. 4, 1861 ; corp. Sept. 8, 1862 ; sergt. Jan. 

19, 1864 ; re-enl. Feb. 24, 1864 ; must, out July 1, 1865. 
Nathaniel Ernest, enl. Oct. 7, 1861 ; disch. disability July 8, 1862. 
Elmer E. Erriokson, enl. Oct. 20, 1861 ; corp. June 8, 1863; re-enl. Jan. 

24, 1864 ; died June 9, 1864, wounds received in action at Cold 

Harbor, Va. 
David Garrison, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb. 24, 1864; died Feb. 26, 

1864. 
Daniel F. Garrison, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; corp. June 8, 1863; re-enl. Feb. 

24,1864; 1st sergt. Nov. 19, 1864 ; must, out July 1, 1865. 
Francis Garrison, enl. Oct. 13, 1861. 

James H. Hopman, enl. Oct. 5, 1861 ; disch, disability Aug. 11, 1862. 
Azel C. Henderson, enl. Oct. 24, 1861; died Deo. 25, 1862. 
David 6. Johnson, enl. Sept. 27, 1861 ; must. out. 
Joseph P. Layton, enl. Sept. 23, 1861; re-enl. Feb. 24, 1864; killed in 

action June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor. 
Robert Mclntire, enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; died Sept. 11, 1862. 
Charles Michael, enl. Sept. 25, 1861; disch. disability Aug. 11, 1862. 
William T. Morrison, enl. Sept. 25, 1861; disch. disability Oct. 1, 1862. 
Geofge Y. Mason, enl. Oct. 2, 1861 ; disch. disability May 1, 1862. 
Henry B. Moore, enl. Sept. 20, 1861; re-enl. Feb. 24,1864; must, out 

July 1, 1866. 
Robert Mclntire, Jr., enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; disch. disability Dec. 13, 1861. 
Samuel McMullen, enl. Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. disability July 28, 1862. 
Jonathan Nixon, enl. Sept. 28, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 2, 1862. 



72 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Tbomaa Price, enl. Oct. 24, 1861 ; iliBch. disability Aug. 11, 1862. 

Isaac Penn, enl. Oct. 6, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 20, 1864; corp. Jan. 1, 1865; 

must, out July 1, 1805. 
James Robinson, enl. Sept. 21,1861; sergt. Dec. 1, 1862 ; must, out Oct. 

20, 1864. 
Charles T. Stratton, musician, enl. Sept. 20, 1861; must, out Sept. 20, 

1864. 
Richard B. Simpkins, enl. Oct. 6, 1861 ; reenl Jan. 20, 1864; must, out 

July 1, 1866. 
William H. Stadler, enl. Oct. 6, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 6, 1864. 
George Stadler, enl. Oct. 6, 1861; must, out Oct. 6, 1864. 
Daniel Silvers, enl. Oct. 24, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 23, 1864. 
Levi Simons, enl. Aug. 15, 1862; died Nov. 15, 1864, of wounds received 

in action at Cedar Creek, Va. 
Francis L. Vannaman, enl. Oct. 6, 1861 ; corp. Sept. 18, 1862 ; died Oct. 

28, 1863. 
Purman Welch, enl. Sept. 23, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 20, 1864; must, out 

July 1 , 1865. 
Victor G.Williams, enl. Oct. 12, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 20, 1864; trans, to 

Vet. Ees. Corps Sept. 30, 1864 ; disch. July 19, 1865. 

Comjpanij C. 
Captain, William H. Snowden; First Lieutenant, Isaac T. Thackray; 

Second Lieutenant, George W, Hummel. 
Ephraim S. Whittaker, enl. Oct. 19, 1861: sergt. Jan. 1, 1862; re-enl. 

Jan. 3, 1864 ; must, out July 1, 1865. 

Company D. 
Frederick B. KaufTman, sergt., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. disability June 

16, 1862. 
Charles D. Sheppard, 1st sergt., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 8, 1864. 
Jonathan B. Evans, enl, Oct, 21, 1861; trans to Vet, Res, Corps; disch. 

Dec. 28, 1863. 
William D. Sutton, sergt,, enl, Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-oul. Jan. 3, 1864 ; 2d lieut, 

Feb, 11, 1S65 : 1st lieut, Co, B July 1, 1865 ; must, out July 1 , 18G5, 
John B, Ayres, sergt,, enl, Oct, 6, 1861 ; sergt,-maj. May 16, 1863, 
Adoniram J, Sheppard, Corp., enl, Oct, 8, 1861; re-enl Jan. 3, 1864; 2d 

lieut. Co, C March 24, 1864; must, out June 22, 1865, 
Theophilus P, Ayres, corp,, enl, Oct, 21, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 21, 1864. 
Samuel P. Garten, corp,, enl. Oct, 8, 1861 ; sergt, June 1, 1863 ; re-enl. 

Jan, 3, 1864; died June 22, 1864, of wounds received in action at 

Cold Harbor, Va, 
Joseph Skellinger, enl, Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl, Jan, 3, 1864 ; must, out July 

14, 1865, 
John C, Perry, corp,, enl, Oct, 8, 1861; 1st sergt.; re-enl, Jan. 3, 1864; 

died June i, 1866. 
James C. Sutton, Corp., enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died March 7, 1862. 
John D, Ayera, corp., enl, Oct. 8, 1861; re-enl, Jan. 3, 1864; must, ont 

July 1, 1865, 
Alfred T, Bandolph, corp,, enl. Oct, 9, 1861; re-enl, Jan, 3, 1864; 2d 

lieut. Co, B March 24, 1864; disch, disability April 6, 1865. 
James M, West, musician, enl, Oct. 15, 1861 ; must, out Oct, 15, 1864, 
Thomas E, Allen, wagoner, enl, Oct, 8, 1861; disch, disability May 22, 

1862, 
Ephraim E, Buck, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; disch, disability June 2, 1862. 
Thomas J, Bivius, enl. Oct, 9, 1861; corp, April 30,1862; died July 1, 

1863. 
Benjamin H. Bitters, enl, Oct. 15, 1861 ; died June 1, 1862. 
William H. Burr, enl, Oct, 19, 1861 ; re-enl, Jan. 3, 1864; died Feb, 12, 

1865, at Andersonville, 
Benjamin F, Bivius, enl, Oct. 21, 1861 ; died Sept. 8, 1862. 
Thomas Bennet, enl, Oct, 21, 1861; re-enl. Jan, 3, 1864; trans, to Vet, 

Ees. Corps March 16, 1865; disch, July 13, 1865, 
John G, Bowen, enl, Oct, 16, 1861; corp, June 1, 1863; re-enl, Jan, 3, 

1864; must, out Aug, 12, 1865, 
Jacob Caspar, Jr,, enl, Oct. 21, 1861 ; corp, April 30, 1862 ; died Aug. 12, 

1862, 
Lewis H. Danzenbaker, enl. Oct, 9, 1861; died June 12, 1864, of wounds 

received in action at Cold Harbor, Va. 
Charles Danielly, enl, Oct, 15, 1861 ; killed in action May 14, 1864, at 

Gait House, Va, 
Isaac M. Dare, enl, Jan. 4, 1864 ; must, out July 1, 1866, 
Joseph Fisher, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; must, out Oct, 15, 1864. 
William Frank, enl. Oct. 28, ISGl; disch, disability March 5, 1862, 
John J. Hamilton, Oct. 8, 1861; disch, Nov, 1, 1862, to join regular army, 
John B, Hoffman, enl, Jan, 4, 1864 ; sergt. Dec, 1, 1864; 2d lieut, Co, H 

Feb, 11,1866. 



Francis Huested, enl. Feb. 24, 1864 ; died March 7, 1865, 

Samuel D, Keen, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; re-enl, Jan. 3, 1864; must, out Aug. 

23, 1865. 
Isaac Kain, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; corp, July 18, 1863 ; must, out bet. 8, 1864. 
George W. Loud, enl, Oct, 21, 1861; re-enl. Jan, 3, 1864 ; disch. disability 

May 24, 1865, 
Samuel H, Marryatt, enl, Oct, 8, 1861; must, out Oct. 8, 1804, 
Franklin S, Moncreif, enl, Oct, 15, 1861 ; disch, disability Nov. 9, ISO I, 
Henry C. Martin, wagoner, enl, Oct, 8, 1861; re-enl, Jan, 20, 1804; 

must, out July 1, 1865, 
Lewis Mixner, enl. Oct. 28, 1861; disch. disability June 2, 1862, 
Isaac H, N\igent, enl, Oct, 21, 1801; re-enl, Jan, 3, 1864; mtist, out July 

14,1805, 
Robert R, Noble, enl, Feb. 20, 1804 ; must, out July 10, 1865, 
Jacob H. Ott, enl, Oct, 15, 1S61 ; re-enl, Jan. 3, 1864; sergt. March 1, 

1865 ; must, out July 1, 1865, 
William F, Rockerman, enl, Oct. 15, 1861 ; corp. Aug. 1, 1862 ; died Nov. 

6, 1803, 
Charles Robinson, enl, Oct, 21, 1861; re-enl, Jan. 3, 1864; corp. Jan, 5, 

1864; must, out July 1, 1865, 
Lemuel A. Randolph, enl Feb, 27, 1804; died June 17, 1864, of wounds 

received in action at Cold Harbor, Va, 
Jacob H. Sirringer, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; re-enl, Jan, 3, 1864. 
Cornelius Skellinger, enl, Oct. 8, 1801 ; disch, April 28, 1865, 
Peter Shark, enl, Oct, 9, 1861 ; disch, disability May 15, 1862, 
William R. Soley, enl, Jan. 1, 1804 ; died Dec, 2, 1864. 

Company E. 
Joseph Hays, enl, Oct, 22, 1861 ; re-enl, Jan, 3, 1864. 
Philip Shaw, eul, Oct, 14, 1861, 
Joseph W, Smallwood, enl, Feb, 26, 1864; killed by accident May 12, 1861. 

Company S. 
Christopher Myers, enl, Nov. 19, 1861 ; died April 6, 1864, 
James P. Newkirk, 1st sergt,, eul, Oct. 28, 1861 ; rc-enl, Jan, 3, 1864 ; 2d 

lieut, Co, C May 21, 1865, 
Ephraim Palmer, enl, Oct, 31,1861 ; died March 21, 1863. 
Thomas Stiles, enl. March 6, 1864 ; trans, to Vet, Res. Corps April 14, 

1805 ; disch, July 21, 1305, 
Richard Slump, enl, Nov, 8, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864; corp. Jan. 12, 

1865; must, out July 12, 1865. 
William Saulsbury, enl. Sept, 14, 1864; re-enl, Jan, 8, 1864; killed in 

action May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va, 

Company I, 
Jacob Gibson, enl, Nov. 19, 1861 ; re-enl, Jan. 3, 1864; must, out July 6, 

1866, 

Compaml K, 
Captain, Henry A, Perrine; First Lieutenant, Silas M, Wanipole ; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, Thomas Stockton. 
William Todd, sergt,, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; 2d lieut, April 27, 1862 ; pi-o, 1st 

lieut, Co. F Nov, 21, 1863. 
Mark Leeds, sergt., enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; must, out Oct, 17, 1864, 
Barron D, K, Harris, corp,, enl. Oct 8, 1861 ; died Aug, 4, 1864. 
Charles H. Seeley, corp,, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; must, out Oct, 16, 1864. 
James M, Clark, musician, enl, Oct, 8, 1801 ; disch, disability July 21 , 1803. 
Isaac Alkire, enl. Oct, 8, 1801; must, out Oct, 18, 1864, 
John F. Brooks, enl, Oct, S, 1861 ; died March 26, 1862, 
Henry H, Brooks, enl, Oct, 8, 1861; re-enl, Jan. 3, 1864; sergt. Feb. 10, 

1866 ; must, out July 1, 1866, 
John C, Biggs, enl, Oct, 14, 1861; died March 25, 1862. 
Smith Bacon, enl, Oct. 14, 1861; corp, April 30, 1862; re-enl, Jan. 3, 

1864; must, out July 1, 1865, 
Horace P. Bickley, enl. Oct, 14, 1S6I; re-enl. Jan, 3, 1864; sergt, Feb, 1, 

1865 ; must, out July 1, 1865, 
William H. Baine, enl, Dec, 31, 1863 ; must, out July 1, 1866. 
David D. Demares, enl, Oct. 8, 1801 ; died April 5, 1862, 
Aaron B, Fithian,enl, Oct,8, 1801 ; re-enl. Jan, 3, 1864; died Feb, 5,1805, 
John Fansbury, enl. Oct, 18, 1861; re-enl. Jan, 3, 1864; killed in action 

June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. 
Robert Hann, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; must out Oct, 7, 1864, 
George W. Moore, enl, Oct. 8, 1861; died Oct, 12, 1803. 
Richard D. Mitchell, enl. Oct, 6, 1801 ; pro. 2d lieut, Co. I April 17, 1862, 
William M, Mitchell, enl, Oct. 14, 1861; must, out May 25, 1866. 
John G, Mitchell, enl, Oct, 14, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan, 3, 1864; must, out July 

1, 1805, 
Samuel Mayhew, enl, Oct, 8, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 7, 1864, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



73 



Joseph Rorey, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; rs-enl. Jan. 3, 1864 ; died, June 8, 1864, 
of wounds received in action at Cold Harbor, Va. 

Joseph B. Simpliins, enl. Oct. S, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864 ; killed in ac- 
tion June I, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. 

William Spencer, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; must, out June 5, 18G4. 

Edmund T. Smith, enl. Oct. 14,1861; re-onl. Jan. 3, 1864; missing in ac- 
tion at Winchester Aug. 17, 1864. 

Jesse Smith, enl. Oct. 14, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864; must, out July 1, 
1866. 

John H. Smith, enl. Oct. 14, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1S64 ; died Sept. 29, 
1864, of wounds received in action at Opequan, Va. 

John Wright, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; disch. disability Oct. 17, 1864. 



CHAPTER XV. 

CIVIL W An.— (Continued.) 

Twelfth Regiment. — The following historical 
sketch of the Twelfth Regiment is taken from the 
first address before the Society of the Twelfth Regi- 
ment New Jersey Volunteers, delivered at its reunion 
in Woodbury, Feb. 22, 1875 : 

'"The Twelfth Regiment was organized under the 
provision of an act of Congress approved July 22, 
1861, and under a call issued by the President of the 
United States July 7, 1862, for three hundred thou- 
sand additional volunteers to serve for three years, or 
during the war. This regiment was one of the five 
required from this State under the call named. The 
org.anization of the regiment was begun in July, and 
was fully completed, and the regiment was officered 
and equipped, by the 4th day of September, 1862, at 
which time it was mustered into the service of the 
United States for three years by Capt. William B. 
Royall, Fifth Cavalry, U.S.A. The several compa- 
nies of the regiment were raised in the following- 
named counties respectively : Company A in the 
county of Salem, Company B in the counties of 
Camden and Burlington, Company C in the county 
of Camden, Company D at large, but chiefly, I think, 
in the county of Camden, Company F in the county 
of Gloucester, Company G in the counties of Cam- 
den and Cumberland, Company H in the county of 
Salem, Company I in the county of Salem, and 
Company K in the county of Cumberland. 

" The regiment left Woodbury (where it had been 
encamped) and the State Sept. 7, 1862, under orders 
for Washington, but on its arrival at Baltimore was 
diverted from its route by Gen. Wool, and ordered to 
Ellicott's Mills, on the line of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad, then threatened by the advance of the 
rebel army into Maryland. The strength of the 
regiment when it left the State was: officers, 39; 
non-commissioned officers and privates, 953 ; total, 
992. As a proof of the severity of its service, it may 
be here mentioned that its strength present for duty 
at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864, less than two years 
afterward, was : officers, 3 ; non-commissioned officers 
and privates, 90 ; total, 93. The regiment joined the 
Army of the Potomac, and was put in position on the 



Rappahannock, about three miles above the towns of 
Falmouth and Fredericksburg, on the 19th of De- 
cember, 1862, and from that time until the close of 
the war, wherever and whenever hard service was 
done by that army, the regiment had its full share. 

" I might well pause to tell how it held its ground 
at Chancellorsville until its right was turned by Jack- 
son's corps, and its colonel and one hundred and 
seventy-eight of its officers and men were stricken 
down; how sternly at Gettysburg it stood upon the 
right of the left centre of the army, the key of the 
position, and with the rolling fire of its smooth-bore 
muskets smote, as with the blast of death, Pettigrew's 
brigade of North Carolina troops, which formed the 
left of Longstreet's charging columns ; of its suffer- 
ing in the severe winter campaign of Mine Run ; of 
how it plunged through the icy waters of the Rapi- 
dan at Morton's Ford ; of the wonderful campaign 
of the Wilderness, where, in a short space of thirty 
days, our devoted regiment lost more than three hun- 
dred killed and wounded out of a total of four hun- 
dred and twenty-five muskets ; of its service, its 
losses, its sufferings by night and day during the 
summer of 1864, and until the rebel army surren- 
dered, and the war was ended ; but to you it is a 
familiar story, and I forbear." 

During the period of its service the regiment was 
present and under fire in more than thirty general 
engagements, besides a large number of combats and 
skirmishes, viz. : 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3 and 4, 1863 ; Gettysburg, Pa., July 2 and 
3, 1863 ; Falling Waters, Md., July 13, 1863 ; Auburn Mills, Va., Oct. 14, 
1863 ; Blackburn's Ford, Va., Oct. 16, 1863 ; Robinson's Tavern, Va,, Nov. 
27, 1863 ; Mine Run, Va., Nov. 28, 29, and 30, 1863; Morton's Ford,Va., 
Feb. 6, 1864 ; Wilderness, Va., May 5 and 6, 1864 ; Spottsylvauia, Va., May 
8 to 11, 1864 ; Spottsylvauia Court- House, Va., May 12 to 18, 1864 ; North 
and South Anna Rivers, Va., May 24 to 26, 1864 ; Tolopotomy, Va., May 
30 and 31, 1864; Cold Harbor, Va., June 2 to 12, 1864; before Petersburg, 
Va., June 16 to 23, 1864; Deep Bottom, Va., July 25 to 2it, 1864; Mine 
Explosion, Va , July 30, 1864; North Bank of James River, Va., Aug. 14, 
18, 1864 ; Ream's Station, Va., Aug. 25, 1864 : Fort Sedgwick, Va., Sept. 10, 
1864 Hatcher's Run, Va., Oct. 27, 1864; Boydton Plank Road, Va., Oct. 
27, 1814; Hatcher's Run, Va., Feb. 6 to 8, 1865; Dabney's Mills, Va., 
Feb. 28, 1865 ; Hatcher's Run, Va., March 25, 1865 ; Boydton Plank Road, 
Va., April 1, 1865; Capture of Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865; Sailor's 
Creek, Va., April 6, 1862; High Bridge, Va., April 7, 1865; Farmville, 
Va., April 7, 1865; Lee's surrender, Appomattox, Va., April 9, 1865. 

The total strength of the regiment during its terra 
of service was 1899 : at muster in, 992 ; gain from all 
sources, 907. In order to ascertain, however, its total 
strength during its term of active service, there should 
be deducted from the aggregate stated 300, being the 
number of recruits who joined it at Burkesville, after 
the surrender of Lee, which will show its total strength 
before the close of the war to have been 1599. There 
died in the service, — of its officers, 9 ; of its non-com- 
missioned officers and privates, 252 ; making its total 
loss by deaths, 261 ; being a loss by death of a little 
more than one-fourth of the original number of its 
rank and file, and of its officers, exclusive of the med- 
ical staff and quartermaster. Its other losses were, — 
of officers discharged, 12; resigned, 14; total, 26: of 



74 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



enlisted men discharged, 159 ; total resigned and dis- 
charged, 185 : add losses by death, 261 ; total losses 
from all causes, 446 ; being almost one-half of its 
original number. 

It is proper to state that the resignations and dis- 
charges were chiefly on account of disability caused 
by wounds or disease contracted in the service. Con- 
sidering the deaths in the service by the respective 
companies, there died of Company A 1 officer and 24 
men ; Company B, 26 men ; Company C, 1 officer and 
22 men ; Company D, 1 officer and 21 men ; Company 
E, 1 officer and 31 men ; Company F, 1 officer and 36 
men ; Company G, 1 officer and 26 men ; Company 
H, 1 officer and 18 men; Company I, 29 men; Com- 
pany K, 1 officer and 23 men ; unattached substi- 
tutes, 1 : total, 252. 

Of the field and staff, Lieut.-Col. Thomas H. Davis 
was killed. Of the total number of officers originally 
commissioned in the regiment, exclusive of the medi- 
cal staff and quartermaster, and of those who were 
killed or died of their wounds, twelve were wounded 
in action, with greater or less severity, seventeen 
were mustered out before the expiration of their term 
of service, and but three who served the full term 
escaped unhurt; and of the enlisted men a very 
large number who were mustered out with the regi- 
ment bear the scars of honorable wounds. The 
official register in the adjutant-general's office shows 
that no regiment in the State, up to and including 
the Fourteenth, suffered as heavy a loss in deaths as 
the Twelfth, except the Eighth and Tenth, and one 
of these had a total aggregate of twenty -six hundred, 
and the other of twenty-eight hundred officers and 
men, their loss exceeding our own but very little. 
The Fifteenth suffered a total loss by death of nine 
officers and three hundred and fifty-two men, in a 
total aggregate of eighteen hundred and seventy-one, 
and I believe this to be the- heaviest loss suffered by 
any of our regiments. 

The regiment was first attached to the Second Bri- 
gade, Third Division ; then to the Third Brigade, 
Second Division, Second Army Corps; and at the 
close of the war was attached to a provisional corps, 
all in the Army of the Potomac. A part of the regi- 
ment was mustered out near Munson's Hill, Va., 
June 4, 1865 ; the remainder near Washington, July 
15, 1865. The names of the officers who were killed 
or died of wounds received in action are : 



Lient.-Col. Thomas H. Davis, killed in action at Spottsylvania Court- 
House, Va., May 12, 1864 ; Capt. Charles K. Horafall, Company E, killed 
in action at Gettysburg:, Pa, July 2, 1863; Capt. James McComb, Com- 
pany D, (lied July 2, 1864. of wounds received in action at Cold Harbor, 
Va. ; Ist Lieut. John M. FopK, Company H, killed in action at the Wilder- 
ness, Va., May 5, 1864; Ist Lieut. John K. Rich, Company E, died Sept, 
2, 1864, of wounds received in action at Beam's Station, Va. ; 1st Lieut. 
James T. Lowe, Company G, died Oct. 20, 1863, of wounds received at 
Bristoe Station, Va. ; 1st Lieut. James S. Stratfon, Company F, killed 
in action at Ream's Statiou, Va., Auji. 25, 1864; 1st Lieut. Joseph Pier- 
son, Company F, killed in action at Chancelloreville, Va., May 3, 1863; 
2d Lieut. Richard H. Townseud, Company C, killed in action at Gettys- 
burg, Pa., July 3, 1863. 



Such is, in brief, the history of the regiment, and 
though there may be others that can show as good a 
record, considering the numbers and term of service, 
none, I think, can show a better one. The Twelfth 
had the advantage of being a peculiarly homogeneous 
regiment. Composed largely of freeholders and sons 
of freeholders, raised in adjoining counties, and closely 
allied both by friendship and blood, its companies 
stood shoulder to shoulder in more than a score of 
stricken fields, with a gallantry which the armies of 
Marlborough or Napoleon never surpassed, and under 
fiercer musketry fire than the soldiers of those great 
leaders ever met. 

The Twelfth went forth when the country was 
rocking as with the throes of an earthquake, and the 
government and its flag were rising and falling, with 
the varying fortunes of the day, like a feather tossed 
upon an angry ocean. Its course was marked from 
the Kappahannock to Gettysburg, and from Gettys- 
burg to Richmond and Appomattox Court-House, by 
the graves of its slain and the blood of its wounded, 
and its survivors came back under the sunlight of a 
peace so profound that no martial sound broke the 
stillness save the tramp of returning feet, bearing its 
flag, torn by the winds of heaven, blackened by the 
dust of the march and the smoke of battle, and dyed 
through and through with the blood of its defenders, 
but with no stain of weakness or dishonor on its 
streaming folds. 

TWELFTH REGIMENT. 
Gloucester County. 
Compan?/ A. 
Captain, S. S. Chase ; First;! Lieutenant, Josiah Franklin ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Ellis P. Phipps. 
William S. Garwood, sergt., enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 

Aug. 10, 1864; disch. July 10, 1865. 
William B. Chew, en!. July 31, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Nicholas P. Barber, enl. July 31, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
George B. Cousins, enl. Feb. 29, 1864 ; must, out July 15, 1865. 
Jacob Dehart, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; corp. Aug. 3, 1863; sergt. March 1, 

1865 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Mizeal C.English, enl. Aug. 23, 1864; Corp. June 1, 1865; must, out 

June 4, 1865. 
William Fletcher, enl. Aug. 4, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 1, 

1865 ; died June 7, 1865. 
Joseph S. Fletcher, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; corp. Oct. 5, 1865 ; must, out June 

4, 1866. 
Edward Fitch, enl. Aug. 12, 1S62 ; disch. disability Aug. 12, 1864. 
William P. Hallowell, enl. July 25, 1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, 

at ChancellorBville. 
Thomas S. Hampton, enl. Aug. 1 3, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Isaac D. Jones, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Ees. Corps Nov. 15,1863 ; 

disch. Sept. 4, 1805. 
George H. Martin, enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; killed in action July 3, 1863, at 

Gettysburg, Pa. 
William McMonigle, enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; corp. Feb. 6, 1864; sergt. Oct. 5, 

1864; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Thomas C. Moore, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Dec. 1, 

1863; disch. July 7, 1S66. 
Jesse A. Osborn, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died Feb. 8, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived at Morton's Ford, Va. 
Amos Parker, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died March 16, 1863. 
Frank Skinner, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Signal Corps March 1, 1864 ; 

com. 2d lieut. Co. F June 24, 1865 ; disch. June 24, 1865. 
Isaac Stetzer, enl. Aug. 9, 1862: must, out June 4, 1865. 
Joseph C. Watson, enl. Aug. 4, 1802 ; must, out June 3, 1865. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



75 



Jacob H. Yerricks, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Thomas J. Youug, enl. Feb. 29, 1864; must, out July 18, 1865. 

Compitny B. 
Lewis C. Sparks, musician, enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1805. 
Oliver Hawkey, enl. Oct. 3, 1864 ; tranij. to Co. K. 
Martin V. B. Sparks, eul. Aug. 22, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 

1, 1805 ; disch. June 28, 1865. 
Joshua Treadway, eul. Aug. 14, 1862 ■, disch. disability May 6, 1865. 

Company C. 
James Dilkes, sergt., enl. Jnly 29, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
James Atkinson, Corp., enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John W. Jordan, corp., enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Jacob K. Madara, Corp., enl. July 28, 1862 ; sergt. Oct. 14, 1S64 ; must. 

out June 4, 1865. 
George Anthony, enl. July 29, 1862 ; killed in action May 6, 1864, at 

Wilderness, Va. 
Robert Blackburn, enl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Patrick Cannair, enl. Aug. 16, 1864 ; disch. disability Sept. 12, 1863. 
Benjamin W. Hewitt, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 : trans, to Vet. Ees. Corps Jan. 

15, 1865 ; disch. July 15, 1866. 
Charles Jordan, enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Hugh Mclntyre, enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; disch. June 5, 1865, wounds received 

in action. 
Anthony Nemes, eul. Aug. 15,1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, at 

Cliancellorsville. 
Elias H. Oshorn, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; corp. Oct. 1, 1862 ; 1st sergt. Feb. 4, 

1865 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John Pierce, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; re-enl. Sept. 6, 1864 ; trans, to Vet. Ees. 

Corps ; disch. Nov. 21, 1865. 
Charles Scott, enl. July 29, 1862 ; died April 30, 1865. 
William Smith, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; died May 18, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Spottsylvania, Va. 
James Wilson, enl. Aug. 1,1862. 

Joseph Watson, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 14, 1865. 
James Watson, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; traus. to Vet. Res. Corps ; died March 

24, 1864. 

Oompaiiy D, 

Captain, William Henry Moore ; First Lieutenant, John W. Paris ; 

Second Lieutenant, James Mcllhenney. 
Samuel F. Cassidy, corp., enl. Aug. 18, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 

Not. 15, 1S63 ; disch. June 26, 1864. 
John R. Campbell, Corp., enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; died March 27, 1863. 
Daniel Richmond, eul. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
William H. Swift, eul. Aug. 19, 1362; must, out June 4, 1865. 
William Brown, enl. Aug. 18, 1862; died Nov. 18, 1863. 
Daniel Connelly, enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
George Connelly, eul. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Charles Camp, enl. Aug. 23, 1862 ; died April 10, 1863. 
Edward Mills, enl. Aug. 20, 1862; killed in action June 3, 1864, at Cold 

Harbor, Va. 
Samuel Park, enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; corp. Nov. 8, 1862 ; must, out May 30, 

1865. 
Joseph Rile, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; missing in action at Spottsylvania Court- 

House, Va., May 12, 1864. 
Elve Thompson, enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Christian Vechan, enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. July 18, 1865, wounds re- 
ceived in action at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
Uriah S. Watkins, enl. Aug. 23, 1862; Corp. Dec. 27, 1863; sergt. Jan. 

1, 1865 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Charles A. Wcidman, enl. Aug. 21, 1862; hosp. steward Sept. 12, 1864. 
John McKeon, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; killed in action May 3, 1863, at Chan- 

cellorsville, Va. 
Dennis Ryan, enl. Aug. 22, 1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, at Chan- 

cellorsville, Va. 
William Tozer, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Company F. 

Captain, E. L. Stratton ; First Lieutenants, J. J. Trimble, James S. Strai- 
ten ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph Pierson. 

William F. Pierson, sergt., enl. July 29,1862; 1st sergt. Dec. 11, 1862; 
tl-aiis. to Vet. Res. Corps April 1, 1865; disch. June 26, 1S65. 

Charles D. Lippincott, sergt., enk July 29,1862; sergt.-maj.; Ist lieut. 
Oct. 31, 1863; capt. Co. B Sept. 13, 1864. 

Azariah Stratton, corp., enl. Jnly 29, 1862 ; sergt. Dec. 11, 1862 ; 1st sergt. 
1, 1864 ; Ist lieut. Sept. 13, 1864; capt. June 24, 1865. 



James White, Corp., enl. Jnly 29, 1862 ; lat sergt. Sept. 22, 1864; 2d lient. 

Jan. 17, 1865; must, out June 4, 1865. 
George H. Duell, corp., enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; sergt. Jan. 3, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 

20, 1864, wounds received in action. 
Henry M. Avis, Corp., enl. July 29, 1862 ; sergt. Sept. 22, 1864 ; must, out 

June 4, 1865. 
Abel K. Shute, Corp., enl. July 29, 1862; died July 31, 1863, of wounds 

received at Gettysburg, Pa. 
James L. Plummer, corp., enl. July 29,1862; killed in action May 3, 

1863, at Chancellorsville, Va. 
William B. Gleason. Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 

April 10, 1864; disch. June 28, 1865. 
John F. Meley, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Joseph J. Ashbrook, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; discli. disability Feb. 10, 1863. 
William Avis, enl. July 29, 1862; disch. disability March 31, 1863. 
George W. Allen, enl. Aug. 1, 1862; died Dec. 9, 1862. 
John Albright, eul. Aug. 9, 1862 ; killed in action July 3, 1863, at Gettys- 
burg, Pa. 
David Boody, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died Nov. 13, 1862. 
Thomas Bereu, enl. July 29, 1862; disch. disability Dec. 8, 1862. 
Allen Baker, Corp., enl. Aug. 4, 1862; killed in action March 25, 1865, at 

Hatcher's Run, Va. 
Richard Borton, enl. Aug. 7,1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
David Borton, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; sergt. March 20, 1864 ; roust, out June 

4, 1865. 
Edward Barney, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; killed in action May 12, 1864, at 

Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
Jacob Bender, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must. out. June 4, 1865. 
James Corneal, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; Corp. Dec. 14, 1863; disch. disability 

Jan. 18, 1864. 
George H.Coles, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. 

June 11, 1865, wounds received in action. 
Edward Casperson, enl. Dec. 28, 1863; disch. disability Oct. 21,1865. 
Joseph M. Carter, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Juno 15, 1865. 
George W. Dunlap, enl. July 30, 1862; must, out June 12, 1865. 
William Dermitt, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; killed in action May 6, 1864, at Wil- 

dernef^s, Va. » 

Alfred Easlburn, enl. Aug. 1, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Ees. Corps Jan. 1, 1864 ; 

re-enl. Aug. 25, 1864 ; disch. Nov. 21, 1865. 
James Eacritt, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; trans, to Yet. Res. Corps Jan. 15,1864 ; 

disch. Feb. 8, 1864. 
' George J. Eldridge, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; died March .i, 1863. 
i Aaron B. Eacritt, enl. Aug. 25, 1864 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
George W. French, enl. July 29, 1862; corp. Dec. 11, 1862; disch. dis- 
ability Oct. 14, 1864. 
Ellwood Griscom, enl. July 29, 1862; Corp. Sept. 20, 1863; sergt. Oct. 6, 

1863; 2d lieut. Co. A Jan. 17, 1865. 
Joshua C. Grice, enl. Aug. 4, 1862; corp. March 1, 1864; must, out June 

4, 1865. 
Samuel S. Greenwood, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; killed in action May 3, 1863, 

at Chancellorsville, Va. 
Joseph T. Garwood, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. disability Dec. 24, 1863. 
William P. Haines, enl. July 29, 1862; corp. Sept. 1,1864; must, out 

June 4, 1865. 
Theodore F. Hudson, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Samuel G. Headley, enl. Aug. 5, 1862; died May 30, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Spottsylvania, Va. 
Isaac K. Horner, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; corp, Sept. 22, 1864; must, out Juno 

4, 1865. 
Josei* S. Harker, enl. Aug. 11, 1S62 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Enos Hann, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Samuel Iredell, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; corp. March 1,1864; must, out June 

4, 1865. 
George W. Jennings, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; corp. March 26, 1865 ; must, out 

June 4, 1865. 
William H. Johnson, enl. July 31, 1862; killed in action July 3, 1863, at 

Gettysburg, Pa. 
Joseph Jones, enl. -Vug. 7, 1862 ; died June 13, 1864, of wounds received 

in action at Cold Harbor, Va. 
John C. Jackson, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died Feb. 1, 1864. 
Alfred Jones, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; corp. June 11, 1863 ; disch. disability 

Jan. 26, 1864. 
Isaac P. Kuisell, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. disability March 9, 1863. 
David W. Keen, wagoner, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Louis Kellogg, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 30, 1864 ; 
' disch. June 20, 1865. 



76 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



William Lakes, eul. July 29, 18G2; died Feb. 13, 1863. 
John May, enl. July 29, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Benjamin F. Mattson, eul. July 29, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Dec. 

1.5, 1863 ; disi;li. July 29, 1865. 
Charles Miller, eul. Aug. 4, 1862; killed in action at Bristoe Station 

Oct. 14, 1863. 
William Moncreif, enl. Aug. 6, 1862; corp. Feb. 6,1865; must. out June 

4, 1865. 
Charles McIIvnine, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Joseph W. Moore, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Adam Marshall, enl. Aug. 9, 1802; died June 10,1863, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Chancellorsville, Va. 
George Meley, Jr., enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 1, 

1866 ; disch. June 27, 1865. 
James Mosey, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Lewis Bluta, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 31, 

1864; disch. June 24, 1865. 
William S. Moore, enl. Aug 22, 1862 ; killed in action May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
Charles T. Norris, nnisician, enl. Aug. 4, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Frederick Noll, enl. March 6, 1864. 
William H. Park, onl. Aug. 9, 1802; disch. Dec. 4, 1864, to accept com. 

n. S. C. T. 
William Press, enl. Aug. Y, 1802; disch. disability July 30, 1863. 
James K. Russell, enl. July 31, 1S62; must, out July 4, 1866. 
William L. Stevenson, enl. Jan. 4, 1804 ; must, out July 15, 1805. 
William H. H. Stratton, enl. July 29, 1862; corp. Dec. 11, 1862 ; killed 

in action July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg. 
Charles C. Stratton, enl. July 20, 1862; killed in action May 12, 1864, at 

Spottsylvania Court-Houee, Va. 
Emanuel Stratton, Jr., enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. March 14, 1864, wounds 

received in action. 
Leonard L. Stiles, enl. July 30, 1862 ; killed in action May 12, 1864, at 

Spottsylviuiia Court-H(uise, Va. 
William H. Stone, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Isaac H. Saul, enl. Aug. 11,1862; must, out June 4, 186.5. 
Jacob K. Shoemaker, enl. Aug, 11, 1862 ; corp. Dec. 13, 1863 ; must, out 

May 24, 4865. 
Warren H. Sommers, eul. Aug. 11, 1802; disch. disability July 25, 1863. 
Edward F. Sweeten, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died March 8, 1863. 
Joseph A. Test, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. disability June 10, 1865. 
Joseph Tompkins, enl. Aug. 2, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Dec. 15, 

1863; di>ch. June 29, 1865. 
John Tonkin, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; corp. Dec. 13, 1862; sergt. Feb. 6, 

1865; must, out 4, 1865. 

Miles S. Turner, enl. Aug. 5, 1802 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Dec. 15, 

1806; disch. June 29, 1865. 
Albert J. Weatherby, eul. Aug. 4, 1862 ; killed in action May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
John B. Wamsley, enl. Aug, 4, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Charles M. Wilson, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; died of wounds received in action 

at Wilderness, Va. 
Joseph L. White, eul. Aug. 11, 1862; corp. March 1, 1864; sergt. Feb. 

18, 1865 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Charles K. Wood, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died May 10, 1863, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Chancellorsville, Va. 

Company G. 
Robert E. Burk, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Jeremiah Casto, enl. Aug. 15, 1862; corp. Jan. 1, 1863 ; 1st sergt. April 

24, 1865; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John B. Carey, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
William K. Carter, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; disch. disability Dec. 11, 1863. 
Henry C. Deriickson, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 

15, 1864 ; murdered June 20, 1864. 
David E. Eldridge, eul. Aug. 12, 1862 ; corp. March 1, 1865 ; must, out 

July 1, 1865. 
Amos Frampes, eul. Aug. 9, 1862 ; Corp. Oct. 30,1804; must, out June 

4, 1865. 
Benjamin Hood, enl. Aug. 4, 1802 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Joseph T. Higginson, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; disch. disability Oct. 19, 1803. 
Charles E. Madarn, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Henry H. Richmond, enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; died Jan. 13, 1863. 
William B. Skill, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; missing in action at Gettysburg, 

Pa., July 3, 1863. 
Joseph J. Thompson, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps March 

18, 1864; disch. July 18, 1805. 



James M. Wilkius, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps May I, 
1864; disch. June 20, 1,S66. 

Company H. 

Captain, H. A. Matlison ; First Lieutenant, Joshua Lippincott ; Second 
Lieutenant, John M. Fogg. 

Jacob K. Levvallen, corp., enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; sergt. May 1, 1865 ; must, 
out June 4, 1865. 

Thomas J. French, Corp., enl. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. disability Dec. 19, 
1863. 

Joseph K. Butcher, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; died Aug. 6, 1864, of wounds 
received in action before Petersburg, Va. 

James P. Beckett, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 10, 
1S04; disch. July 3, 1865. 

Charles French, enl. Aug. 13, 1802 ; died Dec. 23, 1863. 

Amos C. Homan, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res, Corps Dec. 15, 
1803; disch. June 28, 1805. 

Peter D. Hewlings, eul. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 1, 
1865; disch. June 28, 1865. 

John Hewlings, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 23, 
1803 ; died Dec. 22, 1863. 

Daniel Kiernan, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed in action July 2, 1863, at 
Gettysburg, Pa. 

Charles H. Kates, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; Corp. Sept. 3, 1864; sergt. Feb. 2, 
1865; killed in action Feb. 28, 1866, at Dabney's Mills, Va. 

Stacey D. Layton, enl. Aug. 13, 1802 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

George H. Lockwood, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 

James Blagee, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 
1804 : disch. Oct. 20, 1864. 

Azeal Nichols, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Aug. 15, 
1864; disch. June 13, 1865. 

Albert J. Nichols, onl. Feb. 28, 1864 ; must, out July 16, 1865. 

James Stretch, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; corp. Oct. 21,1864; sergt. Feb. 22, 
1865; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Thomas H. Steward, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; died May 30, 1804, of wounds 
received in action at Spottsylvania, Va. 

Samuel L. Soran, enl. Aug. 13, 1802 ; disch. Nov. 28, 1803, for wounds re- 
ceived in action at Gettysburg, Pa. 

William L. Seran, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. Aug. 10, 1804, to accept 
com. in U. S. C. T. 

James Stetzer, enl. Aug. 13, 1802 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 
1864; disch. July 27, 1865. 

Charles D. Stanton, enl. April 13,1802; corp. Feb. 22, 1805; must, out 
June 4, 1866. 

Thomas H. Zane, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; corp. Jan. 1, 1864 ; must, out May 
IS, 1805. 

Company J. 

J. Morgan Barnes, 1st sergt., enl. July 29, 1862 ; q.m.-sergt. Jan. 1, 1865. 

Robert C. White, Corp., enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; sergt. May 1, 1864 ; sergt.- 
maj. Oct. 6, 1864. 

Thomas S. Champion, enl. Aug. 14, 1802 ; Corp. Oct. 1, 1862 ; sergt. April 
1, 1864; disch. June 16, 1805, for wounds received in action at Wil- 
derness, Va. 

William J. Clark, enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; died March 24, 1863. 

George Sailor, enl. Aug. 22, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Additional. — Barclay Gaunt, Benjamin F. Gant, Isaac Jones, Thomas 
Milsed, William C. Mankin, Samuel D. Mills, Charles P. Mills, An- 
drew J. Pierce, William H. Pierce, William Starr (sergeant), Sedg- 
wick R. Sithens, Isaac Setzer; Co. A ; Henry C Hance, William 
Huff, John Huff, Co. C ; John Coffe, Gilbert Davis, Joseph A. Gant 
(sergeant), Co. D ; Samuel Fleet, James B. Pierson, William H. Stock- 
ton, Co. E ; John Albright, William Dolon, Charles W. Elkins, Wil- 
liam M. Frazer, John Grice, Asa G. Foldcraft, Henry Jenkins, 
Joshua Livzey, Charles C. Sharp, Isaac Sickler, Alfred T. Somers, 
Warren H. Somers, Co. F ; Samuel E. Barker, Edward L. Brick 
(corporal), Hiram Cramer, Theodore Hughes, John Hall (sergeant), 
John Jaggard, Francis Mills, Howard Turner, Eli Watson, George 
Woodrow, Co. G; John Bowling, Presmil Hughes, Enos Hann, 
Stucy D. Layton, Peter Nichols, Joseph Paul, George C. Sithens 
(sergeant), Co. H ; Eli K. Ale (first lieutenant), Henry T. Chew (cap- 
tain), Benjamin Sailor, Clement White, Co. I, George Hughes (ser- 
geant), Co. K ; Samuel T. Miller (assistant surgeon). 

Salem CoxAity. 
Company A. 
William H. Pierce, sergt., eul. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1805. 



J 



m 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



77 



Joseph Burroughs, sergt., enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. Feh. 13,1865, wound 

received in action at Cold Harbor, Va. 
1 barles F. Sickler, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; sergt. Nov. 1, 1863 ; 2d lieut 

Co. I Sept. 19, 1864. 
John W. Edwards, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1862; killed in action May 12, 

1864, at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
Samuel Williams, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out May 19, 1865. 
Charles P. Mills, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1S65, 
Andrew S. Cliaso, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; 

re-enl. Sept. 3, 1804. 
Eli K. Ale, enl. Aug. 1, 1862; 2d lieut. Co. I Jan. 30, 1865. 
Paniel S. Ayres, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
James S. Butler, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps March 23, 

1864; disch. July 7, 1865. 
John J. Boon, enl. Aug. 11, 1R62 ; must, out May 19, 1865. 
Daniel S. Clark, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. disability March 19, 1864. 
Albert Coombs, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died April 27, 1863. 
Jacob Denelsbeck, enl. April 15, 1862; disch. disability Dec. 11, 1863, 
David B. Elwell, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; Corp. Jan. 1, 1865 ; must, out June 

4, 1S65. 
Benjamin F. Edwards, enl. Aug. 10, 1802; disch. disability March 4, 

1863. 
Barclay Gaunt, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. Oct. 30, 1864, wounds received 

in action at Cold Harbor, Va. 
Benjamin F. Gaunt, enl. Aug. 11, 1863; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 

30, 1864 ; Corp. June 28, 1865; disch. June 28, 1865. 
Charles S. Garrison, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died July 23, 1863. 
Damon T. Gillraan, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; must, out June 20, 1805. 
Hubert Harris, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; Corp. Sept. 1,1863; must, out May 

20, 1865. 
Abraham S. Harris, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; Corp. Aug. 3, 1863; died May 6, 

1864, killed at Wilderness. 
William H. Harris, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died May 14, 1863, of wounds 

received in action at Chancelloi'sville, Va. 
Francis B. Harris, enl. Aug. 11, 1S62; must, out May 29, 1865. 
Jacob V. Harvey, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 10, 

1864; disch. July 3,1865. 
Isaac Kates, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Albert T. Lawrence, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Rea. Corps Feb. 

15, 1864 ; disch. June 27, 1865. 
.lames E. Ludwick, enl. Aug. 11, 1802 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
William C. Mankin, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Feb. 

15, 1864; disch. July 5, 1805. 
David B. Mitchell, enl. Aug. 11,1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Joseph S. Mutta, enl. Aug, 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 23, 

1864; disch. June 29, 1865. 
John A. Meyers, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 12, 1865. 
John McQnillon, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
James Murphy, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1866. 
Joseph Morgan, Jr., enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. Sept. 26, 1863, wounds 

received in action at Gettysburg. 
William A. Mackin, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died March 19, 1863. 
Furman R. Parvin, enl. Aug. 11, 1803; corp. Sept. 12, 1863; 1st sergt. 

Jan. 1, 1865; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Andrew J. Pierce, enl, Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
diaries H. Peterson, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 186.5. 
George T. Poulson, enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
Joseph B. Powell, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed in action June 3, 1862, at 

Cold Harbor, Va. 
Hedgwick B. Sitbens, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 6, 1865. 
Daniel Smalley, enl. Aug, 11, 1802; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 

1864; disch. June 28, 1865. 
William H. Sayers, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 29, 

1864 ; disch. June 26, 1805. 
Martin Schnelzler, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Henry Schnetzler, enl. Aug. 11, 1802 ; died May 6, 1863. 
John T. Sayres, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; killed in action May 6, 1864, at Wil- 
derness, Va. 
Joseph B. Stewart, enl. Aug, 11, 1862; corp. June 20, 1863; sergt. Jan, 

1, 1865 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
AdamStorms, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Rea. Corps Dec. 1, 1863; 

re-enl. Sept. 4, 1864 ; disch. Nov. 21, 1865. 
Anley B. W. Sheppard, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, 

at Chancellorsville, Va. 
Cljarles H. Ferry, enl. Aug. II, 1862; disch. June 23, 1866; wound re- 
ceived in action at Hatcher's Run, \a. 



Company B. 
John Morrow, enl. Sept. 5, 1864; trau9. to Co. C. 

Company D. 
Abden Abbott, enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; disch. disability Dec. 11, 1863. 
Joel Abbot, enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. disability Dec. 11, 1863. 
John W. Broadwater, enl, Aug. 22, 1862 ; Corp. Deo. 27, 1863 ; sergt. May 

4, 1864 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Williiim Barton, enl. Aug, 23, 1802; disch, (insane) Dec, 20, 1864. 
Joseph Bassett, Jr., enl. Aug. 22, 1802 ; must, out May 30, 1805. 
John Wilson Carson, enl. Aug. 15, 1862; must, out June 4, 1866. 
Charles W, Gamble, enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; corp. April 11, 1863 ; died Jan. 

13, 1864. 
James Garrison, enl. Aug. 22, 1862; killed in action May :j, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
Enos Garrison, enl. Aug. 18, 1802; must, out June 4, 1864. 
Daniel Gaskill, eul, Aug, 23, 1802; corp. Nov. 1, 1862; disch. disability 

Dec. 11, 1863. 
Samuel Green, enl. Aug. 23, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Andrew Hastings, enl. Aug. 13, 1802; died MarclL 15, 1863. 
John H. Johnson, enl. Aug. 18, 1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
John Kite, enl. Aug. 15, 1862: corp. Dec. 26, 1864; must, out Aug, 3, 

1865. 
Joseph Kite, enl. Aug, 15, 1802 ; must, out June 4^1865^ 
Thomas L. Lutts, enl. Aug. 23, 1862; disch, disability Dec. 15, 1863. 
Isaac D. Mayliew, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Bes. Corps Jan. 15, 

1804; disch. May 26, 1864. 
David V, M. Smith, enl. Aug. 20, 1862; died Oct. 14, 1863. 
Henry H. Sheppard, enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Bes. Corps Nov. 

3, 1863 ; disch. Jan. 26, 1804. 
Henry Woodward, enl. Aug. 22, 1862; trans, to Vet. Rea. Corps Nov. 1, 

1863 ; diach. Sept. 12, 1865. 

Company E. 
Israel J. Conkliu, musician, enl, Aug. 22, 1862; trana. to Vet. Rea. 

Corpa Jan. 15, 1864; re-enl. Sept. 13, 1864. 
Thomas J. Gordon, enl. Aug, 12, 1862; disch, disability Jul* 28, 1865. 
Charles Hannahs, enl. April 5, 1865; nmst, out July 15, 1865. 
Ira B. Ridgway, enl, April 5, 1865; must, out July 15, 1865. 

Cotiipayiy F. 
Samuel Williama, 1st sergt., Aug. 21, 1862; 2d lieut. Co. H Dec. 11, 1862. 
John Grice, enl. Aug, 6, 1862; corp, Oct, 1, 1864; must, out June 4, 1864. 
William Graham, enl. April 4. 1864; must, out July 15, 1864. 
Joseph B. Hilliard, enl. July 19, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Alfred J. Somers, enl, Aug. 11, 1862; died March 13, 1863. 
Elisha Stewart, enl. Aug, 15, 1S62 ; corp. July 20, 1863 ; 1st sergt. Feb. 6, 
1805 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Company G. 
Isaiah GrofT, enl. July 25, 1862 ; corp, Oct. 30, 1864 ; must, out June 4, 

1865. 
Richard Groff, enl. July 26, 1862 ; died March 29, 1863. 

Company H. 
John H. GroflF, 1st sergt., enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res, Corps 

Sept. 30, 1864; disch. Aug. 17, 1865. 
George W. Swing, sergt., enl. Aug. 13, 1862; Ist lieut. May 5,1864; 

capt. June 24, 1805; must, out July 15, 1865. 
John D. Somers, sergt,, enl. Aug, 13, 1862; sergt,.maj. .\pril 25, 1864. 
Joseph Matlack, sergt., enl. Aug. 13,1862; disch. disability Oct. 22,1863. 
Alfred H. Buck, sergt,, enl. Aug. 13, 1802; trans, to Vet, Res. Corpa Feb. 

16, 1804; disch. June 27, 1866. 
George A. Cobb, corp., enl. Aug. 13, 1862; sergt. Feb.1,1864; aergt.-maj. 

Feb. 22, 1865; 2d lieut. Co. E, April 20, 1865 ; 1st lieut Juue 24, 

1865 ; must, out July 15, 1866. 
Thomas 0, Slater, corp,, Aug. 13, 1862 ; sergt, Jan. 1, 1864; 1st serg. Feb, 

1, 1864; 1st lieut, Co, B April 11, 1864. 
Clarksou Jennings, Corp., enl, Aug. 13, 1862 ; sergt. Oct. 23, 1862 ; disch. 

disability June 28, 1864, 
Francis C. Cook, Corp., enl. Aug. 13, 1862; sergt. Sept. 1, 1864; 2d lieut, 

Jan. 17, 1865; must, out June 4, 1805, 
Christopher C. Mead, corp,, enl. Aug, 13, 1862; killed in action June 3, 

1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. 
William N. Johnson, musician, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; must, out June 4, 

1865, 



78 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



William W. YerneBt, wagoner, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; discli. disability 

Maich 29,1863. « 

David H. Atkinson, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out May 22, 1865. 
Charles H. Atkinson, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; Corp. Feb. 2, 1865 ; must, out 

June 4, 1865. 

Jonathan Allen, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. disability 25, 1863. 

David Ballinger, enl. Aug. 3, 1862 ; sergt. Feb. 2, 1865; sergt-maj. May 

1,1865. 
Ara E. Burt, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, killed in action May 3, 1863, at Chan- 

cellorsville, Va. 
Richard Barnes, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; Corp. May 1, 1865 ; must, out June 

4, 1865. 
Elwood S. Costill, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. disability April 25, 1864, 
John Carter, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 6, 1865. 
William S. Crispin, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; corp. May 1,1865; must, out 

June 4, 1865, 
John W. Clark, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. disability May 30, 1863. 
Joseph D. M. Dunlap, enl, Aug. 13, 1 862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Elwood S. Dubois, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. 

July 13, 1865. 
Isaac A. Dubois, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; corp. Feb. 2, 1865 ; must, out June 

4,1865, 
John T. Dubois, eul. Aug. 13, 1862; corp. June 4, 1864; sergt. May 22, 

1866; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Theodore F. Dare, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John Dowling, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed in action May 3, 1862, at Chan- 

cellorsvile, Va. 
Albert S, Emmell, enl. Aug, 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1805. 
Edward L. Fisher, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps Feb. 15, 

1864; disch. July 5, 1865. 
Samuel Grice, enl, Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed in action June 3, 1864, at Cold 

Harbor, Va. 
William S. Barker, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed in action July 2, 1863, at 

Gettysburg, Pa. 
William Hendricks, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps Aug. 

3, 1863; died Aug. 30, 1863, 
Enos Hann, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Andrew Hann, enl. Aug, 13, 1862 ; disch, disability July 20, 1863, 
Samuel Headley, enl. Aug, 13, 1862 ; disch, disability Apiil 10,1863, 
Uriah B. Joslin, enl. Aug, 13,1862; disch, Jan. 11,1864, wounds received 

in action at Chancellorsville, Va. 
Richard S. Kirby, enl. Aug. 13, 1802 ; died May 17, 1803, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Chancellorsville, Va. 
John L. Keen, enl. Aug, 13, 1862; disch. disability Jan. 1, 1863. 
Robert R. Kates, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; corp. Jan. 1, 1864 ; sergt. Sept. 1, 

1864 ; Ist sergt. Feb. 2, 1865 ; 2d lieut. Co. G, April 20, 1865. 
John Killy, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; corp. Feb. 22, 1865; must, out June 4, 

1865. 
Joseph A. Kille, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed in action May 6, 1864, at Wil- 
derness, Va. 
John W. Kidd, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 16, 

1864; disch. July 6, 1865. 
William M. Louderback, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 12, 1865. 
Elwood H. Loper, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. April 30, 1864, wounds re- 
ceived in action at Chancellorsville, Va. 
James Lippincott, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John R. Morton, drafted April 4, 1865; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John Martin, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. disability Aug. 7, 1863. 
Peter D, Nichols, enl, Aug. 13, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John Neusteal, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 15, 

1864; disch. July 7, 1865. 
Charles P. Pinyard, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; corp. Feb. 2, 1865; sergt. May 1, 

1865; must, out June 4,1865. 
Joseph Paul, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; disch. disability Sept. 9, 1863. 
Amnion Reighn, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
Elmer D. Sayers, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps July 16, 

1864 ; disch. June 29, 1865. 
Charles String, enl. Aug, 13, 1864; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 31, 

1864; disch. July 3, 1865. 
George C. Sithens, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; corp. April 25, 1864; sergt. Oct. 

31, 1864 ; 1st sergt. May 1, 1865 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Harrison Snellbacker, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 

25, 1865 ; disch. June 28, 1865. 
Edward Snellbacker, enl, Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John Shull, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 6, 1865. 
John J. Shultz, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1866. 



John Schwitzer, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 30, 

1863 ; disch, June 23, 1865. 
Edmund C. Tier, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; Ist sergt, July 1, 1864 ; 1st lieut. Co. 

B, Oct. 8, 1864, 
Charles Uhlinger, eul. Aug, 13, 1862 ; corp. May 1, 1865 ; must, out June 

4, 1866. 
Theophilus H. Vaunaman, enl. Aug, 13, 1862; disch. disability Feb. 26, 

1863. 
John A. Van Meter, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov, 

16, 1863; disch. Sept. 4, 1865. 
Benjamin F. Van Meter, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; 1st sergt. Oct. 1, 1864; 2d 

lieut. Co, C Jan. 17, 1865. 
William W. Walton, enl. Aug, 13, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Anthony Wiley, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Isaac Wiley, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Lewis Watson, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Company I. 
Captain, Henry F. Chew ; First Lieutenant, Frank M. Acton ; Second 

Lieutenant, Theodore F. Null. 
David Dickerson, enl. Aug. 5, 1862; killed in action May 6, 1864, at 

Wilderness, Va. 
George P. Ogden, sergt., enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 

April 10, 1864 ; disch. July 3, 1865. 
George A, Bowen, 1st sergt., enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; Ist lieut. Co. C, April 

11, 1864. 
Isaac N. Morton, Ist sergt,, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 

March 23, 1866 ; disch. July 6, 1865. 
-Ksa W. Tash, Corp., enl. July 31, 1862 ; sergt. Dec. 16, 1803 ; niissing in 

action at Wilderness, Va,, May 6, 1864. 
Ale S. Kidd, Corp., July 29, 1862 ; died May 15, 1864, of wounds received 

in action at Spottsylvania, Va. 
Firman Lloyd, Jr., corp,, enl. July 31, 1862 ; must, out June 30, 1865. 
John S. Sharp, Corp.. enl, July 31, 1802 j died April 20, 1863, 
Benjamin S, Wood, corp., enl. July 31, 1862 ; sergt. Jan. 1, 1864 ; must. 

out June 4, 1865. 
William R. Williams, Corp., enl, July 31, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1805. 
George R- Burroughs, Corp., enl. Aug. 13, 1862; sergt. Aug. 20, 1863 ; 

died June 23, 1864, of wounds received in action before Petersburg. 
Edward Bradway, musician, enl, July 31, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Jacob Adams, enl. Aug. 31, 1862 ; died May 24, 1864, of wounds received 

in action at Spottsylvania, Va. 
William H. Allen, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 31, 

1864; disch. June 28, 1866. 
Joseph A. Ayers, enl, Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to Vet, Res. Corps March 31, 

1864; disch. July 3, 1865, 
John H. Barklow, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; corp, April 1, 1864 ; died July 16, 

1864, of wounds received in action at Spottsylvania, Va. 
Alexander Brown, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; Corp. Aug. 27,1864; must, out 

June 4, 1865. 
Melchoir Breitel, enl. Aug. 6,1862; disch. disability March 28,1864. 
Jacob Biddle, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Aug. 4, 1863; 

died Sept. 2, 1863. 
Gilbert Bishop, enl. July 13, 1862 ; died Feb. 3, 1864. 
John P. Bennet, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to U.S.N. Aug. 4, 1864 ; disch. 

June 16, 1865. 
Matthew Coombs, enl, July 31, 1862; corp. Feb. 13, 1863; Ist sergt. Jan. 

1,1865; June 4, 1865. 
Clement Colgan, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; disch. disability Dec. 31, 1862. 
Christopher Cooker, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. disability March 9, 1865. 
John Champion, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. disability March 16, 1863, 
John C. Champion, enl. Aug, 12, 1862; died Oct. 11, 1863. 
James M. Cook, enl, Jan. 26, 1865 ; trans, to Co. F. 
William Daniels, enl. July 31,1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
Samuel Dickesou, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John W. Bubois, enl. Aug, 5, 1862 ; died Sept. 22, 1862. 
Joseph Dilkes, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; corp. June 1, 1803 ; sergt. Jan. 1, 1865 ; 

must, out June 4, 1865. 
Joseph R, Edwards, enl. Aug. IS, 1862 ; killed in action June 3, 1864, at 

Cold Harbor, Va. 
Edward R. Emmel, enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; disch. disability Dec. 10, 1863. 
Joseph S. Fithian, enl. Aug. 11. 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Richard V. Fitliian, enl. Aug, 20, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 1, 

1866 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1866. 
Isaac Fox, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; corp. Aug. 20, 1803 ; killed in action June 

17, 1864, near Petersburg, Va. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



79 



Charles C. Fithian, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; di8ch. disability Dec. 16, 1863. 

Frank E. Gandy, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; died March 19, 1863. 

John Gerstle, enl. Aug. 13, 1802; died March 13, 18a3. 

George W. Goodwin, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

John J. Hoffman, enl. July 31, 1862 ; must, out July 15, 1865. 

Theophilus B. Halter, enl. July 31, 1862; Corp. July 31, 1864; must, out 

June 4, 1865. 
Philip Hickman, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps Sept. 1, 

1863 ; disch. July 7, 1865. 
Josiah Holton, enl. Aug 7, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
George W. Honian, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 

1864; disch. July 6, 1865. 
Daniel A. Hancock, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; corp. Dec. 16, 1S63 ; died May 22, 

1864, of wounds at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
John Haverstick, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 5, 1865. 
James nemphill, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
James Horner, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; must, out .Tune 4, 1865. 
George W. Jester, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps Jan. 15, 

1864; disch. June 24, 1865. 
James M. Jones, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; disch. disability April 10, 1863. 
Joseph S. Jacobs, enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 16, 

1864 ; disch. July 5, 1865. 
Thomas D. Kane, enl. July 31, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Lewis S. Kemfer, wagoner, enl. Aug. 15, 1862; must, out Sept. 4, 1862. 
Emmet King, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1866. 
Lemuel B. Loper, enl. Axig. 13, 1862 ; missing in action at Chancellors- 

Tille May 3, 1863. 
Michael G. Morton, enl. July 31, 1862 ; killed in action June 3, 1864, at 

Cold Harbor, Va. 
Samuel Mrtttson, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; killed in action June 4, 1864, at Cold 

Harbor, Va. 
Thomas J. Mattson, enl. Aug. 16, 1862. 
William Munnion, enl. Aug. 16, 1862. 

John Miller (3d), enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died June 22, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Wilderness, Va. 
John P.Miller, eul. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. April 28, 1865, wounds re- 
ceived in action at Wilderness, Va. 
Charles Miller, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1866. 
Preston P. Merrion, enl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; corp. Aug. 20, 1863 ; sergt. May 

1, 1866 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
James McAulitf, enl. July 31, 1863; disch. disability Dec. 16, 1863. 
Joseph Murphy, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Lewis McPhei-son, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; corp. Jan. 1, 1865 ; must, out June 

4, 1865. 
John W. Niblick, enl. July 31, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Dec. 1, 

1863 ; disch. March 7, 1864. 
John P. Newkirk, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died April ID, 1864. 
James Privet, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; ro-enl. Sept. 3, 1864; trans, to Vet. Bes. 

Corps Jan. 1,1805. 
James Pierce, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Aug. 1, 1863 ; 

disch. June 28, 1865. 
William Parsons, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; cm-p. Aug. 6, 1864 ; must, out June 

4, 1865. 
Samuel Reall, enl. July 31, 1862; corp. Aug. 27, 1864; must, out June 

4, 1865. 
James Sullivan, enl. July 31, 1862 ; must, out May 15, 1865. 
Lewis F. Simms, enl. Aug. 7, 1802 ; corp. Oct. 1, 1862 ; killed in action. 

May 3, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Va. 
William Sloan, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1866. 
James P. Stanton, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; corp. July 1, 1864 ; must, out June 

4, 1865. 
Peter Sharp, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Dec. 1, 1863; 

disch. Feb. 26, 1864. 
David Simpkins, enl. Aug. 12, Aug. 12, 1862 ; disch. disability Dec. 24, 

1863. 
Elijah B. Thomas, enl. Aug. 7, 1662 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
James Turner, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. disability July 13, 1863. 
Jonathan Timmerman, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; died April 4, 1863. 
John Urban, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. disability March 25, 1865. 
Adam Urban, enl. Aug. 7, 1802 ; must, out July 4, 1865. 
Benjamin R. Vincent, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps May 

1, 1864; disch. Aug. 14, 1865. 
Albert S. Wood, July 31, 1862 ; died Dec. 1, 1864. 

Joel Wood, enl. July 31, 1862; killed in action, May 3, 1863, at Chancel- 
lorsville, Va. 
Joseph Work, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. July 

6, 1865. 



Clement G. White, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Company K. 
Ambrose P. Garrison, enl. Sept. 1, 1864; must, out June 4, 1865. 
John H. Mullica, enl. Jan. 3, 1864; died Juno 30, 1806. 

Cumberland County. 
Compani/ A. 
Joshua Dawson, enl. Jan. 3, 1864; must, out June 30, 1865. 

Company O. 
Isaac P. Busby, corp., enl. July 25, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Company E, 
Enoch A. Dnffleld, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. disability Dec. 30, 1862. 

Company G. 
Joshua D.Fithiun, sergt., enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. disability Dec, 11, 1863. 
Thomas H. Conover, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must, out June 12, 1866, 
James P. Demaris, enl, Aug, 9, 1S02 ; disch, disability March 25, 1863, 
Lewis S, Elmer, enl, Aug, 11, 1862; killed in action, May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va, 
William H, Henderson, enl, Aug, 12, 1862 ; disch, disability June 5, 1803. 
Adam Jordan, enl. Aug. 20, 1802 ; must, out June 4, 1806. 
Lorenzo S. Land, enl. Aug, 12, 1862; killed in action, June 3, 1864, at 

Cold Harbor, A^a. 
Charles May hew, enl. Aug. 9, 1802; corp. April 19, 1863; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps March 31, 1804; disch. July 0, 1865. 
Robert G. Sheppard, enl, Aug. 9, 1862 ; died April 13, 1863. 

Company H. 
Gilbert S. Eberheart, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; killed in action May 3, 1863, at 

Chancellorsville, Va. 
William P. Speagles, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; died June 10, 1864, of wounds 

received in action at Cold Harbor, Va, 
Henry J. Todd, enl. Aug. 13. 1862; killed in action May 12, 1864, at 

Spottsylvania Court-House, Va, 

Company I. 
Amos Tompkins, enl, Aug, 7, 1862; disch. May 29, 1865, wounds received 

in action at Chancellorsville, Va, 
James B, Wood, enl, July 31, 1862 ; died Dec, 20, 1864. 

Company K, 

Captain, R. S. Thompson ; First Lieutenant, Daniel Dare; Second Lieu- 
tenant, William E. Potter. 
Henry Crooks, 1st sergt,, enl, July 31, 1862 ; trans, to Vet, Ees, Corps 

Oct, 30, 1803 ; disch. Nov. 6, 1864. 
Edward M. Dubois, sergt. June 24, 1862 ; sergt.-maj. Feb. 16, 1863. 
John P, Shuman, enl, Aug, 12, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps June 15, 

1864 : disch. March 6, 1806, wounds received in action. 
Frank M. Riley, enl. Aug. 22, 1802; sergt.-maj, March 12, 1804, 
Moses B. Holmes, sergt,, enl, Aug, 9, 1802; died June 4, 1864, wounds 

received in action at Cold Harbor, Va, 
William F, Moore, corp,, enl, Aug, 0, 1862; disch. May 30, 1865, wounds 

received in action at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 
Aaron Terry, corp,, enl, Aug, 7, 1862 ; 1st sergt, Oct, 1, 1803 ; died March 

24, 1804. 
William B. Hines, corp. enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; Ist sergt. Feb. 22, 1805 ; 

must, out June 4, 1865, 
William Sayres, corp,, enl, Aug, 6, 1862; sergt. Sept. 1, 1864; must, out 

June 4, 1865, 
Benjamin F, Howell, Corp., enl, Aug, 4, 1862 ; sergt. Oct, 6, 1863 ; trans, 

to Vet, Res. Corps Aug, 10, 1864; disch. July 10, 1865, 
Charles M, Riley, Corp., enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; hosp. steward May 28th ; 

disch. May 28, 1865. 
Charles S. Padgett, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 1802 ; disch. July 13, 1864, wounds 

received in action. 
Joseph B. Husted, corp., enl. Aug. 0, 1862 ; disch. disability Oct. 24, 1863. 
William H. Berry, musician, enl, Aug, 16, 1862 ; trans, to Vet, Res, Corps 

March 20, 1865; disch, Sept. 24, 1865. 
John EvaTis, musician, enl, Aug, 20, 1802; must, out June 4, 1865, 
Henry C, Lore, wagoner, enl, Aug, 8, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1805, 
Timothy Bateman, enl, Aug, 12, 1802 ; corp, Oct. 1, 1863 ; sergt, Sept. 23, 

1864 ; must, out June 4, 1806, 
William H, Bennet, enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; corp. July 1, 1864; must, out 

June 4, 1865, 
John B, Bonham, enl, Aug, 11, 1802; disch. disability May 16, 1863, 



80 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Jonathan Borden, enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; must out June 4, 1865. 

Henry II, Bradford, enl. Aug. 13, 1862; must, out June 4,1865. 

Amos S. Burt, enl. Aug 9, 1862 ; Corp. Sept. 1, 1864; must, out June 4, 
1865. 

Samuel Bramble, enl. Dec. 12, 1863 ; Corp. June 5, 1865 ; must, out July 
15, 1865. 

Henry Campbell, enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Samuel Carey, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; died May 5, 1864, of wounds received 
in action at Wilderness, Va. 

Albert F. Carll, enl. July 26, 1862 ; must, out June 12, 1866. 

Daniel H. Carman, enl. Aug. 7, 1862; died July 3, 1863, of wounds re- 
ceived in action. 

Jacob W, Carter, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed in action. May 3, 1863, at 
Chancellorsville, Va. 

Eobert G. Clark, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Keeves Cutler, enl. Aug. 7, 1865; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Simon W. Creamer, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed in action, July 3, 1803, at 
Gettysburg, Pa. 

William Craig, enl. Sept. ?','1864; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Anderson Davis, enl. July 31, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

William H. Dickerson, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Henry D. Duffield, enl. Aug. 6, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 24, 
1865; discll. July 14, 1865. 

Abraham Facemire, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1S65. 

Eobert P. Fislir, enl. Aug. 12, 1862; must, out June 4, 1866. 

Edgar M. Fithian, enl. Aug. 14, 1802; disch. June 11, 1865. 

Thomas C. Galloway, enl. Aug. 5, 1862; died Aug. 28, 1864. 

JoBiah Garrison, enl. Aug. 14, 1802; disch. disability Dec. 11, 1863. 

John Garrison, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1805. 

Horace B. Garlon, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; died June 3, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at SpottsylvaniaCourt-House, Va. 

Joseph H. Gaunt, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; died April 20, 1865. 

Henry W. Gaskell, enl. Aug. 8, 1862; Corp. Feb. 14,1863; Ist sergt. Sept. 
1, 1864 ; 1st lient. Sept. 13, 1864; must, out July 15, 1865. 

Thomas S. Green, enl. July 25, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

William H. Greenly, enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 21, 
1805 ; disch. June 20, 1865. 

Edward C. Hall, enl. Aug 9, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Daniel B. Harris, enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; trans, to Signal Corps March 1, 
1864; disch. June 24, 1805. 

George A. Harris, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. May 31, 1804, wounds re- 
ceived in action. 

William D. Hendricfcson. enl. Aug. 11, 1802; died July 23, 1863. 

George H. Horner, enl. Aug. 11, 1863; must, out July 31, 1865. 

Nathaniel H. Horner, enl. Aug. 11, 1802; died June 4, 1864, of wounds 
received in action at Cold Harbor, Va. 

Henry Howell, enl. Aug. 9,1862 ; died March 23, 1803. 

Francis Hnsted, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; died Dec. 19, 1862. 

Jeremiah HuBted, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Mavitz Isell, enl. July 20, 1862 ; disch. disability Aug. 10, 1864. 

Isaac F. Jerrell, enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; disch. disability Dec. 11, 1863. 

Absalom Jordan, enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Jacob Keyport, eul. Aug. 4, 1862 ; disch. disability Oct. 17, 1863. 

Thomas R. Kemp, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. disability May 30, 1863. 

George Laws, enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; Corp. July 1, 1864 ; must, out June 4, 
1865. 

Charles Livingstone, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; died May 14, 1864, of wounds 
received in action at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. 

Justus H. Livingstone, enl. Aug. 0, 1862 ; Corp. Sept. 1, 1864 ; must, out 
June 4, 1805. 

John Maxwell, enl, Aug. 13, 1862; must, out June 4, 1805. 

George McHenry, enl. Aug. 9, 1802 ; Corp, Feb, 22, 1866 ; toust,out June 
4,1805, 

Lorenzo D. Messec, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; disch, disability March 12, 1863, 

John C. Miller, enl, Dec, 19, 1863 ; must, out July 15, 1865. 

Butler Newcomh, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; corp. Sept. 23, 1804 ; must.outjune 
4, 1805. 

Edwin M. Pladgett, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; Corp. April 1, 1864; sergt. Feb. 
22, 1865 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Samuel R, Payne, enl, Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. disability Oct. 3, 1863. 

Thomas H. Pancoast, enl, Aug, 9, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1866, 

Charles 0. Powell, enl. Aug. 6, 1862; killed in action, May 6, 1864, at Wil- 
derness, Va. 

Hiram Pew, enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 

James Rinear, enl, Aug, 11, 1S62; must, out June 4, 1865, 

Aea A. F. Randolph, eul. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 
15, 1864; disch. Aug, 5, 1864. 



Richard F. Randolph, enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 

10, 1865; disch. June 28, 1805. 
Charles 0. P. Riley, enl. July 24, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Jeremiah Roray, enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 14, 

1865; disch. July 7, 1866. 
Ethan B. Swinney, enl. Feb. 6, 1805,; must, out July 16, 1865. 
William M. Seeley, enl, July 28, 1802 ; must, out Juno 4, 1805. 
Daniel Simpkins, enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; disch. disability Sept. 23, 1863. 
Charles H. Simpkins, enl. July 31, 1862; killed in action May 6,1864, at 

Wilderness, Va, 

Josiah F. Smith, enl. Aug. 9, 1862; disch. disability 14, 1863. 

Charles L, Sockwell, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Henry S. Sockwell, enl, Aug. 14, 1862; killed in action July 3, 1863, at 

Gettysburg, Pa. 
Bloomfleld Spencer, enl. Aug, 7, 1862 ; disch, disability Dec, 18, 1803, 
Edward M, Steward, enl. Aug, 9, 1862; must, out June 4, 1S05, 
Samuel S, Sutton, enl, Aug, 2, 1802; died June 8, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Cold Harbor, Va. 
Charles E. Smitli, enl. Aug, 9, 1802 ; corp. Sept, 1, 1863 ; killed in action 

May 26, 1864, at North Anna River, Va, 
Theophilus Sutton, enl, Aug, 11, 1862 ; died Oct, 28, 1864, a prisoner of 

war,. 
John G, Swinney, enl, Aug, 12, 1862 ; must, out May 22, 1865, 
Samuel Tomlinson, enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
George S, Tindall, enl, Aug, 12, 1862 ; trans, to Vet, Res. Corps Not. 16, 

1863; disch.June28, 1865, 
William H, Vaughn, enl, Aug, 9, 1862 ; disch. disability Dec, 31, 1862. 
Henry Walker, enl. Aug. 7,1802 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps July 1,1863 ; 

disch. Nov. 24, 1865. 
William H, B, Ward, enl, Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 4, 1865. 
Elmer M. West, enl, Aug, 15, 1862 ; disch, disability April 8, 1863. 
James P. Williams, enl. Aug. 19, 1862; corp. Sept. 1, 1803; Ist sergt. 

Sept. 23, 1864; Ist liout. Co. 6 Jan. 3, 1866. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

CIVIL WAR.— {Continued.) 

SIXTEENTH, TWENTY-FOURTH, AND TWENTY-FIFTH REGI- 
MENTS. 

First Cavalry, Sixteenth Regiment.— The First 
Cavalry contained about forty men from Gloucester, 
Salem, and Cumberland Counties, of which number 
three-fourths were from Salem County, and most of 
these in Company E. 

The regiment was raised in August, 1861, mainly 
by Hon. William Halsted, who was its first colonel. 
He was then near seventy years of age, and his mili- 
tary career, which continued about six months, was 
not successful. 

He was succeeded in February, 1862, by Col. Sir 
Percy Wyndham, under whose command the regi- 
ment .soon assumed a condition of efiiciency ; and in 
April it entered upon active service, which it con- 
tinued till the close of its term. In June, 1863, many 
of the men re-enlisted for three years or during the 
war, and its organization and active service were 
continued to the end. 

The service of this regiment was, like that of all 
cavalry regiments, different from that of infantry. In 
addition to participating in pitched battles, patrol- 
ing, scouting, raiding, harassing the flanks and rear 
of a retreating enemy, or impeding the march of an 
advancing column, and all service in which celerity 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



81 



of movement is essential, must necessarily be per- 
formed by mounted soldiers ; and they are, therefore, 
oftener in action than those of any other branch of 
the service. During the winter season, while bodies 
of infantry and batteries of artillery are established 
in their winter quarters, squadrons and detachments 
of cavalry are required to be constantly on the alert, 
to scour the country, and prevent surprises, or to 
harass the enemy by frequent raids and sudden at- 
tacks on exposed positions. In such operations the 
First New Jersey Cavalry was engaged, and the 
record, in the adjutant-general's office, of ninety- 
seven engagements in which it participated, is evi- 
dence of the fact that its members were never in 
danger of " spoiling for a fight." The tattered flag 
that was carried in ninety-two of the ninety-seven 
engagements of this regiment is now in the adjutant- 
general's office at Trenton. 

SIXTEENTH KEGIMBNT. 
Gloucester County. 
Company A. 
Isaac B. Zanes, enl. Aug. 5, 1861. 

Company D. • 

Tbomas G. Ireland, corp,, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; muBt. out Sept. 16, 1864. 
Charles P. Thompson, enl. Aug. 22, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864; regt'l 
q.m.-sergt. Oct. 18, 1864. 

Company E. 
Thomas H. Locke, enl. Aug. 27, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 16, 1864. 

Salem CoUNiy. 
Company B. 
William Brevier, enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 
Jacob Moore, enl. Oct. 16, 1861 ; disch. disability Nov. 12, 1862. 

Company D. 
Thomas Gordon, enl. Aug. 14, 1861. 

Company E. 
Captain, John W. Kester; First Lieutenaut, Patton F. Torke; Second 

Lieutenant, Francis B. Allibone. 
Harry Jones, enl. Jan. 12, 1862; 1st sergt. Aug. 9, 1861 ; 2d lieut. Co. B 

Oct. 27, 1861; 1st lieut, Co. E; trans, to Co. M. 
Edward E. Jameson, enl. Aug. 13, 1861; 1st sergt. Jan. 12, 1862; 2d 

lieut. Co. D Oct. S, 1862. 
Edward L. Williams, sergt., enl. Aug. 13, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 16, 1864. 
Timothy U. Middleton, sergt., eul. Aug. 28, 1861; disch. disabilitj' Nov. 

%>, 18G2. 
David S. Barr, Corp., enl. Aug. 13, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 30, 1864. 
Isaac Dilks, wagoner, enl. Aug. 11, 1861; must, out Sept. 16, 1864. 
William H. Barnbart, bugler, enl. Sept. 2, 1861 ; chief bugler 3d Batt. 

Feb. 19, 1862. 
Josiah F. Eastlack, enl. Aug. 14, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864; corp. July 

5, 1865; must, out July 24, 1865. 
Epbraim B. Fithian, enl. Aug. 11, 1861 ; disch. disability Oct. 30, 1862; 

re-enl. Sept. 5, 1864 ; must, out June 12, 1866. 
Amariah Foster, enl. Aug. 18, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864; trans, to Vet. 

Ees. Corps April 14, 1865 ; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. 
Bernard GooUbread, enl. Aug. 13, 1861; died Feb. 1, 1863. 
John S. Griffith, enl. Aug. 23, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864; Corp. Jan. 15, 

1864 ; must, out July 24, 1864. 
Bernard Gaffuey, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out July 24, 1865. 
Andrew Hill, enl. Aug, 11, 1861 ; disch. disability Jan. 30, 1804. 
Charles D. Lamblack, enl.- Aug. 19, 1861; re-enl, Jan, 1,1864; must. out 

July 24, 1865. 
John Marshall, enl. Aug. 31, 1861 ; corp. April 15, 1862 ; disch. Sept. 6, 

1862, wounds received in action. 
William Nuneviler, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864; must, out 

July 24, 1865. 
6 



George T. Poulson, enl. Aug. 3, 1861 ; killed in action June 9, 1863, at 
Brandy Station, Va. 

Smith Kobinson, enl. March 14, 1862; disch. disability Miirch 12, 1803. 

Henry Rash, enl. Aug. 10, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; must, out July 24, 
1865. 

John Shields, enl. Aug. 24, 1861 ; corp. Nov. 1, 1862; sergt. May 1, 1863; 
re-enl. Feb. 1,1864; 2d lieut. July 18, 1865 ; must, out July 24, 1866. 

Joseph R. Sharp, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; must, out July 
24, 1865. 

George W. Steward, enl. Aug. 11, 1861; sergt. Nov. 1, 1862; re-enl. Feb. 
1, 1864; 1st sergt. Dec. 11, 1864; received medal of honor from Sec- 
retary of War for gallantry ; must, out July 24, 1865. 

Enoch F. Sheppard, enl. Aug. 11, 1861 ; must. out. Sept. 16, 1864. 

Augustus W. Tallksdorf, enl. Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 1, 1862, to join 
regular army. 

Frederick Trullender, enl. Aug. 11, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864; must, out 
July 24, 1866. 

Charles H. Wendel, bugler, Aug. 26, 1861; chief bugler Aug. 27, 1861. 

Cumberland County. 
Convpamj A. 
Henry Langley, enl. Feb. 27, 1864; died Jan. 5, 1865. 

Company G. 
Carpenter Coombs, enl. Dec. 31, 1863. '' 

Company D, 
Daniel E. Hogbin, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; must, out July 24, 1865. 
Albert Jaggers, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; must, out July 24, 1865. 

Company E. 
Michael Clement, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb. 4, 1864 ; farrier July 

5, 1865; must, out July 24, 1865. 
Theodore L. Clement, enl. Aug. 17,1861; corp. Sept. 23,1863; re-enl. 

Feb. 21, 1864; sergt. June 1, 1865 ; must, out July 24, 1865. 
Maskell C. Reeves, enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 16, 1864. 

Twenty-fourth Regiment.— The following sketch 
of this regiment is taken mainly from Foster's "New 
Jersey and the Rebellion." 

"The Twenty-fourth Regiment was mustered into 
the United States service at Camp Cadwallader, Bev- 
erly, on the 16th of September, 1862. Four compa- 
nies of the regiment, B, F, G, and H, were from the 
county of Cumberland; three; A, C, and K, from 
Salem ; and one, E, and part of D and I, from 
Gloucester, and the remaining men of the two latter 
companies from Camden. Of the members of Com- 
pany B, about an equal number were enlisted from 
the city and township of Millville and the township 
of Maurice River. . Of Company F, the city of Bridge- 
ton furnished about thirty, the township of Green- 
wicli fifteen, while the remainder, with the exception 
of one from Deerfield, were equally divided between 
Hopewell and Downe. Of Company G not less than 
twenty were from Bridgelon, thirty from Deerfield, 
ten from Stow Creek, while the rest hailed from 
Downe. Company H, officered exclusively by Bridge- 
ton men, comprised about seventy-five from the city 
of Bridgeton, while the remainder were from Hope- 
well, Deerfield, and Stow Creek. In Companies A 
and C there were a large number of men from the 
city of Salem ; the surrounding townships, however, 
were nearly all represented in them, and also in Com- 
pany K. Company E comprised men principally 
from Woodbury, Paulsboro and the upper townships 
of Gloucester ; Company D had men from Camden, 
Gloucester City, and Glassboro; and Company I, 



IIISTOUY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



mainly from Clayton township, in Gloucester County, 
and several of the townships of Camden County." 
The regiment was originally officered as follows: 

Field and Staff. — Colouel, William B. Kobertsun ; Lieutenant-Colonel, 
Franklin L. Knight ; Major, Joel A. Fithian ; Adjutant, Thomas F. 
G. Cooper; Quartermaster, Sumuel R. Fithian; Surgeon, "William S. 
Newell ; Assistant Surgeons. Alban 'Willinms, Thomas G. Rowand ; 
Chaplain, William C. Stockton. Line. — Company A, — Captain, How- 
ard Basset; First Lieutenant, Milton Wright ; Second Lieutenant, 
"William N. Hancock. Company B, — Captain, George E, Dunlap; 
First Lieutenant, James Smith ; Second Lieutenant, B. Heed Brown. 
Company C, — Captain, John T. Garwood ; First Lieutenant, Thomas 
Simpkins; Second Lieutenant, Jonathan E. Moore. Company D, — 
Captain, Aaron Ward; First Lieutenant, David W. Bartine; Second 
Lieutenant, George D. Brittain. Company E. — Captain, Augustus 
Sailer : First Lieutenant, Edward C. Cattell ; Second Lieutenant, 
Charles W. Wilkius. Company F, — Captain, Samuel Harris; First 
Lieutenaut, Elijah Husted ; Second Lieutenant, William B. Pepper. 
Company G, — Captain, Jas. R. Hoagland ; First Lieutenant, Charles 
M. Pease; Second Lieutenaut, Kobert B. Potter, Company H, — Cap 
tain, Henry Neff; First Lieutenant, Alexander L. Robeson ; Second 
Lieutenant, Jiunes J. Reeves. Company I, — Captain, William C. 
Shinn; First Lieutenant, John 0. Crowell; Second Lievttenant, 
James S. Woodward. Company K, — Captain, John S.Locke; First 
Lieuteoauf, Daniel Brown; Second Lieutenant, James P. Butler. 

The regiment was armed with Belgian rifles, and 
on the 30th of September left for Washington via 
Philadelphia and Baltimore, at both of which places 
the men were entertained in the Union refreshment- 
rooms. The regiment reached Washington on the 
morning of October 2d, and encamped on East 
Capitol Hill. It was here temporarily brigaded with 
the Twenty-second, Twenty-ninth, and Thirty-first 
New Jersey Regiments, under Gen. Abercrombie; 
but about two weeks later it moved into Virginia, 
and was brigaded with the Twenty-eighth New Jer- 
sey and the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Penn- 
sylvania Regiments. Aside from drill and light 
fatigue and picket duty, the regiment remained com- 
paratively idle till December 1st, when it broke camp 
and marched for Falmouth. Acquia Creek was crossed 
in a storm of snow and sleet, on a steamer and canal- 
boats. After a day or two of uncomfortable camping 
in the mud it went on to Falmouth, where it was per- 
manently brigaded, with five other regiments, under 
Brig.-Gen. Kimball, in Gen. French's division, Second 
Army Corps. The regiment participated in the bat- 
tle of Fredericksburg, but was not actively engaged 
till the 13th. of December, when, with its division, it 
made a gallant and valiant, though unsuccessful, 
charge on the enemy's works. In this charge the 
loss of the Twenty-fourth was as follows : Company 
A, killed 2, wounded 18; Company B, killed 3, 
wounded 15; Company C, wounded 16, missing 5; 
Company D, killed 3, wounded 12, missing 3; Com- 
pany E, killed 2, wounded 4, missing 7 ; Company 
F, killed 1, wounded 6, missing 5; Company G, 
killed 2, wounded 20, missing 3; Company H, killed 
1, wounded 5, missing 2; Company I, killed 2, 
wounded 16, missing 1; Company K, wounded 8, 
missing 3; total, 160. Many of those reported as 
wounded subsequently died, and of those reported, 
missing many were never again heard from. 



Space will not permit a detailed mention of the 
many instances of special gallantry in this engage- 
ment. It is but simple justice, however, to say that 
the conduct of the men was such as to reflect credit 
on the character of the New Jersey citizen soldiery. 
The conduct of the non-combatant oSioers — the chap- 
lain and surgeons — in their assiduous care of the 
wounded, during and after the battle, was highly 
commended. 

On the 15th the regiment returned to its camp, 
havinglost mostof its blankets and shelter-tents in the 
action. The fatigue and exposure to which the men 
were subjected occasioned much sickness, and on the 
30th of December only thirteen officers and two hun- 
dred and seventy men were reported for duty. 

During the month of January, 1863, the regiment 
was only engaged in the ordinary routine of camp 
duties, without participation in Gen. Burnside's 
" mud march." On the 20th of February it removed 
to a more comfortable camp, which, in honor of its 
colonel, w^as named Camp Robertson, and during 
some weeks it did picket duty along the Rappahan- 
nock, opposite Fredericksburg. The headquarters 
of the picket-line of all the regiments were in a fine 
old mansion called the Lacy House, the owner of 
which was a colonel in the rebel army. The head- 
quarters of the Sanitary Commission were also in 
this house, and the ladies of this and the Christian 
Commission held daily evening prayer-meetings in 
one of the rooms. At this camp a limited number 
of visitors was allowed, and a reasonable number of 
ten-days' furloughs was granted. Packages cf neces- 
saries and luxuries from individuals and from ladies' 
aid societies at home were almost daily received, and 
thus to some extent home comforts as well as the so- 
ciety of home friends were enjoyed by the men. 

The following note in the diary of an officer relates 
to a memorable incident that occurred in the regi- 
ment: 

"Thursday, April 2d, was an eventful day in camp. Copies of the 
infamous ' Peace Resolutions', passed by the New Jersey Legislature, 
having been received and pretty generally read, tlie suUliers of the 
Twenty-fourth assembled in convention, and unanimously passed a 
series of resolutions severely condemning the action of the Legislature. 
Speeches were made by Col. W. B. Robertson, Chaplain Stockton, Sur- 
geon W. L. Newell, Capt. R. S. Thompson, and Lieut. W. E. Potter, of 
the Twelfth New Jersey, and Lieuts. C. W. Wilkins, D. W. Bartine, and 
J. J. Reeves. This was one of the finest meetings ever held in the 
Army of the Potomac." 

With the return of spring came the resumption of 
active service. On the 28th of April the regiment, 
with the rest of the brigade, broke camp, crossed the 
Rappahannock, and, after waiting two or three days, 
marched to a point near Chancellorsville. While the 
preliminary fighting and skirmishing of this battle 
were going on the Twenty-fourth, with its brigade, 
was held in reserve. On the 3d of May, however, it 
became engaged, and for hours was exposed to an 
incessant storm of shells. A charge was finally 
made on the front and flank of the brigade, com- 




i/lliy? ^ /Tn-cMn^ 



GENERAL HISTOKY. 



83 



pelling it to retire to where heavy guns protected it 
from further assault. The loss of the regiment in 
this action in killed, wounded, and missing did not 
exceed forty. 

After this battle the regiment returned to its old 
camp, where picket duty was resumed, and continued 
till it was ordered to Washington. 

" Proceeding thence to Beverly, in due time the 
regiment was mustered out of the service, and the 
men were paid off and returned to their homes. At 
Bridgeton, Salem, Millville, and elsewhere, public 
receptions were tendered to the home-coming com- 
panies, and so, amid the salutations and rejoicings of 
friends and kindred, the soldiers of the Twenty- 
fourth, having faithfully discharged their duty on 
every field to which they were called, dropped con- 
tentedly into the old paths, and occupied once more 
the places they had filled before their feet turned 
battleward. 

Alexander Lewden Eobesojj . — The great grand- 
father of the subject of this biographical sketch was 
William Robeson, who emigrated from Ireland to 
America before the war of the Eevolution, in which 
he participated, and held the rank of major. His 
son, Alexander, married Elizabeth, daughter of John 
Lewden, a gentleman of Welsh descent, and had 
among his children a son, John Lewden, the father 
of Alexander Lewden. He was married to Mary 
Janvier, daughter of Thomas and Mercy Janvier, of 
New Castle, Del. Their second son, Alexander Lew- 
den, was born Feb. 5, 1834, in the village of New- 
port, Del., and at a very early age removed to Wil- 
mington, in the same State, where he received a lib- 
eral education at private schools. During the year 
1851 he removed to Bridgeton, N. J., and entered the 
counting-room of the Cumberland Nail and Iron 
Works as clerk. Later he engaged in the lumber and 
hardware business, having formed a copartnership 
with D. B. Whitaker and the late Isaac A. Sheppard, 
under the firm-name of Whitaker, Robeson & Co. 
Though a successful business was established, he soon 
embraced a more favorable opportunity for advance- 
ment, and severing his relation with this firm he 
formed a business connection with James L. Whita- 
ker, of the same place, under the firm-name of Robe- 
son & WJiitaker, who together established a large 
wholesale and retail drug- and stationery-store on 
East Commerce Street. While on the threshold of 
commercial prosperity, the patriotic ardor of Mr. 
Robeson was thoroughly aroused by the appeal of the 
country for additional troops during the late civil 
war, and, severing both business and social ties, he 
resolved to tender his services for the conflict. 

Early in 1861, having announced his intention of 
forming a company of volunteers, he associated with 
him James J. Reeves, Esq., his brother-in-law, whose 
office was opened for recruiting purposes. The rapid 
enrollment of this company, which was formed in 
thirty-six hours, and many of the members of which 



were from the iron-works and other manufacturing 
establishments of the city, was largely due to the 
great personal popularity of Lieut. Robeson. The 
military career of this gallant officer was of short 
duration. The Twenty-fourth New Jersey Regiment, 
to which his company belonged, was early called into 
the conflict, and being brigaded with several other 
regiments under the charge of Brig.-Gen. Kimball, 
French's division, Second Corps, was the first to make 
the attack upon the batteries and rifle-pits of the 
enemy in the rear of Fredericksburg on the eventful 
13th of December, 1862. The firing of the enemy 
ceased at nightfall, and not until then could assistance 
be affiirded or any attempt made to ascertain the num- 
ber of -the dead. And even then, though the night 
was spent in diligent search for friends supposed to 
be among the wounded or slain, many remained from 
whom no tidings could be obtained, and of them it 
could only be said that they were " missing." Among 
those thus recorded was Lieut. RobesoTi. Having the 
charge of his company in the captain's absence, he 
bravely led them forward never to return. Though 
a faithful and oft-repeated search was made for him 
no tidings were received, nor has any positive intelli- 
gence since been transmitted concerning him. The 
members of his company loved him as a brother, and 
his men were equally dear to him. He looked faith- 
fully after their wants and sympathized with them 
unfailingly in all their sufferings. He was especially 
endeared to his fellow-officers, who esteemed him for 
his intelligence and excellent judgment, and loved 
him for his virtues and exemplary Christian character. 

Mr. Robeson possessed, in a rare degree, the elements 
of popularity, and among the young business men of 
South Jersey few, if any, surpassed him in general 
intelligence and business sagacity. He was prompt, 
efficient, systematic, courteous, generous, faithful, and 
true. As an evidence of the esteem in which he was 
held by his comrades in the army the members of the 
order known as the Grand Army of the Republic, 
having their organization in Bridgeton, named their 
post in honor of him, — the " A. L. Robeson Post, No. 
42, G. A. R." 

Lieut. Robeson was married, Sept. 26, 1854, to Miss 
Martha, daughter of Johnson Reeves, of Bridgeton, 
N. J. Three children were born to them, two of 
whom (a son Francis and a daughter Mary Elizabeth) 
died in the spring of 1871. One son, John Lewden 
Robeson, still lives, and is a member of the firm of 
Fithian & Robeson, florists and seedsmen, of Bridge- 
ton, N. J. 

TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

GL0UCB6TEE COUNTY. 

Staff, Wniiam C. Stockton. 

, Compamj B. 

John G. Stout. 

Company D, 

Caiitaiii, Aaron W'aid; First Lieutenant, David W. Bartine; Second 

Lieuteuaiils, George D. Britton, Samuel 11. Deal ; Sergeants, Frank- 



84 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



lin T. Homau, Cooptjr Wiltsey, John H. Smith (died), George H. 




Companij 


I. 


Lawson ; Cuiporals, Benjamin Dilks, William Carney/Cornelius W. 


Captain, William C. Shinn 


: First Lieutenants, John 0. Crowell, James 


Strung, Thomas N. Zimmerman, 


Samuel E. Clark, Alphonso T. 


S.Woodward; Second Lieutenant, 


Henry S. Spaulding; Corporals, 


Chew; Musicians, Richard S. Lutz 


Matthias M. Chew. 


Robert C. Parvin, James McClernaud, Jacob N. Nelson; Sergeant, 


Pi'ivates 




Thomas Law. 






John C. Atkinson. 


Leonard Kuorr. 




Privates 




Theodore Allen. 


Samuel Leddon. 


Nathaniel 0. Ganely (corp.). 


Conrad Krantz. 


Joseph D. Bates. 


Samuel Longstreth. 


Elijah Porch. 




John Ma-skall. 


Hiram D. Beckett. 


George McClernan (died). 


John W. Adams. 




Paulen Nelson. 


Andrew W. Berrj-. 


Alexander Murray. 


Levi H. Atkinson. 




Daniel Osborn (musician). 


William H. Chew. 


William Mason. 


James Biggs. 




Oliver Ogden. 


Abraham Camp. 


Sheppard liossell. 


Joseph H. Button. 




William B. Parka. 


Charles F. TilkB. 


George Reckeleomb. 


Henderson S. Biggs. 




George Parks. 


Dana L. Dunbar (died). 


John Reckeleomb. 


John S. Beckett. 




John Eidgway. 


Charles IT. Davis (died). 


Abraham L. Sharp. 


Lawrence E. Cake (die 


d). 


Ephraim C. Richmond. 


Frederick Densbeck. 


Sylvester Sharp. 


Nathan Comer. 




David Rile. 


Henry B. Dickinson. 


Samuel Taylor (died). 


Adrian Clunti. 




Israel Stiles. 


Martin V. Hains. 


Robert W.Turner (died). 


Joseph E. Comer. 




George J. Stuart. 


William Haina. 


Benjamin F. Turner. 


George Conly. 




Christian L. Sharp. 


Benjamin Hoffman. 


James Turner. 


Ambrose P. Clark. 




John W. Saul. 


John M. Holston. 


Isaac M. Turner. 


William Chew, Jr. 




Charles Scott. 


Samuel Haywood. 


Theodore F. Worth (died). 


Eli Craig. 




Ely Simpkins (died). 


Hiram Hufsey. 


Uriah Wilson. 


Lamer M. Daniels (die 


d). 


George C. Saul. 


Nathan Hammond. 


John F. Wolf. 


John W. Downs. 




Philip G. Simpkins. 


Jonathan K. Henry (died). 


William J. Wolf. 


Abraham C. Dilks. 




Charles Trapper. 


Jonas T. Jackson (died). 


John R. Walters. 


Thomas Gibbs. 




Levi B. Tice. 






William E. Hagerman 


Jr. 


Isaac T. Vanneman. 


Company E. 


Henry H. Hughes. 




John F. Walker. 






William Jagers. 




Eli Wilson. 


Captain, Augustus Sailer ; First Lieutenant, Edward C. Cattell ; Second 


James C. Jones. 




Jacob Weiss. 


Lieutenant, Charles W. Wilkius; Sergeants, Samuel H. Deal, Wil- 


Isaac P. Johnson. 






liam N. Hewitt, George W. Bailey, 


Henry C. England, Nathan Paul, 








Isaac J. Cowgill ; Corporals, W. Thackara Cozens, Isaac L. Fowler, 




Company E. 


Robert W. Hughes, Clark R. Tomlin 


, Charles W. Clement, Benjamin 


Lemuel T.Hendrickson 


(corp.). 


Jacob Hughes. 


F. Stetser, John L. Huff, John B. 


Simmons, Luke Reeves (died), 


Thomas B. Dyer (corp.). 


Clarkson Ogden. 


John Sinclair, John W. Gnskill, Charles Farr, George W. Hannold. 


William Catling. 




Garrison Shute. 






James Farrell. 




John C. Shibler. 


JWva(€s 




William Guest. 




Nathan C. Taylor. 


Harrison T. Adams. 


Lawrence R. Nuss. 








William E. Atkinson. 


Frederick P. Neil. 




Salem Countt. 


John H. Boody. 


George Onens. 




Company A. 


Euos W. Bates. 


J. Alexander Packer (died). 


Captain, Howard Baasett; 


First Lieutenant, Milton Wright; Second 


Joseph T. Bates (died). 
Charles H. Bacon. "^ 


William Pettit. 


Lieutenants, William 


N. Hancock 


, William B. Thompson ; Ser- 


Fithian Parker. 


geants, Robert B. Sellers, John G 


Holme, George W. Sheppard, 


Joseph B. Bailey. 


William Randless. 


George B. Giier, Samuel D. Smith ; 


Corporals, Charles M. Bisbiug, 


Edward H. Cooper. 


John W. Randless. 


James L. Summerville 


Samuel Mills, Levi Kelly (died), Jonathan 


Hanson S. Cooper. 


Henry Ramsey. 


Fithian Smith, Jouatb 


an H. Dunn 


Edwin C. Bassett, John Chap- 


Coleman Ciirren. 


Edward Russell. 


man, James H, Glass, William L. Lavton, Robert J. Summerville. 


George W. Cattell. 


John Reed. 








Charles Cowgill. 


William S. Richardson. 




Privates. 




Thomas G. Caspeison. 


William Ranibo. 


James Ale. 




Lorenzo Hoffman. 


William H. Dilks. 


William C. Spaika. 


Henry B. Ayers. 




Thomas Jones. 


Richard D. Davis. 


William D. Sheets. 


Enos Ayers. 




James J. Jaquett (died). 


George T. Davis. 


David H. Sparks. 


Charles E. Baker. 




Powell Jaquett (died). 


Arthur P. Ellis (died). 


Charles W. Stevens. 


Clement Bellinger. 




Francis Jaquett. 


Andrew Eisile. 


Joseph T. String. 


Moses B. Banks. 




Michael Kates. 


Chester Green. 


Jeremiah J. Snethen. 


Charles Banks. 




Edward H. Keen. 


Daniel S. Groff. 


William B. Fussey. 


Benjamin Bell. 




Thomas P. Lewis. 


John Gallagher. 


William T. Thomson. 


Isaiah Bell. 




George Loper. 


William Guld. 


Martin H. Tanner. 


Morris Bennet. 




Josiah Magill. • 


Charles G. Garrison. 


Joseph W. Tomlin. 


John H. Boone. 




Fenwick Merron. ^ 


John W. Hanuold. 


Johu W. Tonkin. 


John Brayton. 




Stacy F. Moore. 


William C. Huff. 


John E. Tonser. 


Gideon P. Butler. 




Jacob Nixon. 


Edward P. Hall. 


Edward Tall man. 


Richard Carl. 




David S. Nixon. 


James H. Hughes. 


William T. Turpin. 


Henry Donaldson. 




Robert R. Noble. 


Cliarles Hood. 


Rufus C. Thomson. 


Harrison W. Davis. 




Abner Patrick. 


Amariali HoUis. 


James H. Vanneman. 


Richard Emerson. 




Joseph S. Peachey. 


John H. Ireland. 


Charles S. Warner. 


William Fisher. 




John W. Peachey (died). 


Jolin L. Jordan. 


George W. Warner. 


James G. Fisher. 




Daniel C. Peterson. 


Richard Jones (died). 


Joseph C. D. Williams. 


Johu H. Fogg. 




Isaac Ridgway. 


Barclay D. Kelly. 


Jehu T. Wood. 


Joseph Fox. 




William F. Kipley. 


John Keller. 


Aaron Wilkins. 


Matthias B. Friant. 




John K. Seagraves. 


Samuel L. G. Murphy. 


William W. Wollard. 


Ephraim U. Friant. 




Thomas J. Seeley. 


Joseph W. Miller. 


Charles Weiley. 


Bernard Gaffney. 




Elmer Simpkins. 


John Mapes. 


John Wood, 


Robert F. Groscup. 




Dayton P. Simpkins 


Benjamin F. Murray. 


William Yerricks. 


William T. Groscup. 




Jonathan J. Simpkins. 


Isaiah W. Magee. 




Daniel F. Hancock. 




Jonathan Sharp, 



« 



GENERAL HISTORY". 



85 



William M. Sbeppard. 




Joseph Thompson. 


William F. Cullin (died). 


John Moore. 


Isaac Sheets. 




Joshua P. Thompson. 


Joseph Cheeseman, 


Daniel Myers. 


Stephen Smith. 




Ephraim Tonkins. 


Edward G. Dougherty. 


James Blnore. 


David F. Starts. 




Calvin G. Turner. 


James F. Dalbow. 


Joseph P. Myers. 


Jonathan E. Stilea. 




George P. Walker. 


Samuel E. Dalbow. 


Henry M. Munion. 


Edward Stretch. 




Samuel Watsou. 


Wesley Elliott. 


John Metz. 


James Stauton. 




Benjamin T. Willis. 


John Giblin. 


Daniel S. Owen (died). 


Benjamin P. Smith. 




David Williamson. 


John Gray. 


Ezra H. Peterson. 


Daniel Taylor. 




Joseph L. Wright. 


Mark H. Guest. 


Burrows Poulson. 


Samuel J. Thomas. 




James Zanea. 


Benjamin Headley. 
Andrew T. Hughes. 


George Patten, Jr. 
George W. Pile. 




Company C. 


Jesse Holton. 


Shadrack Sparks. 


Captains, John T. Garwood 


Thomas 1 


. Simpkins; First Lieutenant, 


Samuel A. HuUon. 


Benjamin Stiles (died). 


William N. Plancock; 


Second Lieutenants, Jonathan E. Moore, 


James W. Harkei'. 


Isaac P. Simpkins. 


William B. Willis; Sergeants, Samuel P. Thompson, William A, 


William Holton. 


Davids. Shimp. 


Miller, Henry N. Mulford 


, Charles Johnson, Charles Watson, Thomas 


Allen Hunter. 


Francis H. Shults. 


Mapes; Corporals, Elijah Wheaton 


Abraham Proud, William L. 


James Hutchinson. 


William A. Sack. 


Williams, Richard W. Vaneman, William L. Lippincott, John Bil- 


David Jess. 


Ezekiel Simpkins. 


derback, Joseph S. Bradway, David 


S.Walker, Albert P. Moore; 


Jacob G. Johnson. 


Joseph K. Shultz. 


Pemberton Peirce, musician. 




William Jordan. 


John Stiles. 




Privates. 




Adam Jess. 


James D. Torton. 


William B. Bacon. T 




Richard Marshall. 


Clark Kates. 


Bakor D. Tomlin. 


George W. Boltinghouse 




Riohard McPherson. 


Patrick Kenney. 


Nicholas Van Sant. 


Aaron Brandiff. 




Richard Miller. 


James Kady (died). 


John P. Wiley. 


Thomas Bates (died). 




William McNichols. 


John S. Lloyd. 


Charley W«Hing. 


Thomas Bowen (died). 




John Miller, Jr. 


James F. Layton. 


John E. Wilson. 


John F. Baker. 




John Nickei-son, Jr. 


George H. McCullough. 


John Walling. 


James Buck, Jr. 




Aaron Nickerson. 


Charles Munion. 




Charles Bradway. 




William S. Palmer. 


Cumberland County. 


John S. Burch. 




Stephen H. Park. 




Company A. 


Thomiis L. Brown. 




William Peacock (died). 


Allen J. Ware 


corp. ; Charles E. Headley. 


George W. Beckett. 




Simon Paydon. 




Company B. 


Kobert W. Conuver. 




Joel Pedrick. 




George H. Casperson. 




Samuel K. Reed. 


Captains, George Duulap, James Smith; Firat Lieutenant, B. Reed 


Cliarles P. Cole. 




Edgar Reeves. 


Brown; Second Lieutenant, John Springer; Serjeants, George B. 


Alfred J. Cheeseman. 




Charles B. Roork. 


Langley, Henry S. Spauld 


ing, John Rounds (died), Francis Hankina, 


Benjamin T. Collins (die 


d). 


Maskell E. Robinson. 


Gilbert R. Heritage, Hiram B. Shaw, William H. Wills, Thomas S. 


Robert F. Campbell. 




Steward Spears. 


Simmons; Corporals, Richard W. Vansant, John W. Simmons, Al- 


Joseph Champion. 




Samuel R. Stratton (died). 


len S. Garrison, George 


Madden, Jacob B. Kates, Joseph Glrard, 


John H. Collins. 




Samuel Stiner. 


William D. Jackson, Franklin Appleby, Enoch Laird, Scholea, 


John N. Davis. 




William Souder. 


Joshua Corson, Loren Russ (died); Musicians, Isaiah E. Johnson, 


Edward S. Davis. 




Jonathan E, Smith. 


Henry H. Mayhew. 


Privates. 


Peter Davis. 




John Sanderlin. Jr. 




Richard Doody. 




John Smith. 


Henry Adler (died). 


Samuel Keare. 






Alexander Anderson. 


John Matticka. 


William J. Dilks (died). 




David Simpkins. 










Frederick Blint. 


John McGill. 


George Eldridge. 




George Simpkins. 


John H. Boody. 


Calvin J. McMahan. 


William Emmet. 




John W. Simpkins. 










Samuel F. Baird. 


George W. Messeck. 


Thomas Evans, Jr. 




Smith Simpkins. 


Francis L. Batchelder. 


Samuel Maines. 


David Fisher. 
Benjamin Hewitt, Jr. (d 
Charles Hannah. 


ed). 


Noah Sheppard (died). 
Edward J. Simms. 
Samuel P. Shimp, 
Anley Sutton. 


Isaac H. Beakley. 
Joseph Camp. 


John S. Orr. 

William W. Robinson. 


Abner D. Hymers. 




Edward C. Champion. 
William J. Carlisle. 


Henry Beeves (died). 
Ezekiel Simmons (died). 


William F. Harris. 




Richard Sutton. 


Jesse Cassaboom. /" 


John Stout. 


James H. James. 




Robert Ferry. 










David Crawford, v^ 


Lewis S. Sockwell. 


Jesse S. Keeper. 
Gottlieb Lindenberger. 




James C. Turpin. 
Jonathan Vincent. 


Benjamin Cassaboom. 
Jacob F. Cake. 


Edward Speuce. 
Isaacs. Sheldon. 


Joseph Lnmmis. 




William H. H. Wheaton. 


John W. Carman. 


William C. Shaw. 


Thomas Lippincott. 




Hugh White (died). 
Adam Wentzell. 






John R. Loveland. 




George Donnelly. 


A. L. Singers. 








Isaac W. Downs. 


Harvey T. Shaw. 


John Miller. 




William Yapp. 


Randolph Edwards. 


Jeremiah B. ShuU. 




Company D. 


Oscar B. Eaatlack. 


David D. Stites. 


James C. 


Abbott, William Abbott. 


Jesse Ford. 


Samuel Stukely. 








Thomas H. Gifford. 


John R. Sapp. 




Company K. 


John Gilliland. 


Job Sheppard. 








John Garrison, Jr. 


Andrew H. Thomlin. 


Captain, John S. Locke; First Lieutenant. Daniel Brown: Second Lieu- 












Nicholas Gunder. 


Benajah H. Thompson (died). 


tenant, James P. Butler 


Sergeants 
='rslice. Edw 


Samuel M. Denny, Hiram H. 






De Grofft, Charles Vand 


ard Darlington, James G. Mur- 


James Gibson (died). 


Dare Thompson. 


phy, Joseph F Poulson; Corporal 


s. James B. Given. William S. 


John Hess, 


Asen Thompson. 


Hutchinson, Joseph Pancoast. Holmes Wallins. Eli P. Bliss. John C. 


William F. Hogbin. 


William Tinker (died). 








Job Hess. 


Benjamin F. Yannaman (died). 
Tan Hook Zingles. 


Shibler, William H. Stephens (died) 


Lemuel D. Harvey; Musicians, 


John M. Henderson. 


David Simpkins, George 


Pile, Jr. 




Samuel Hess. 


William Weiser. 




P)-ivates 




James Hindley. 


Levi Wilson. 


George S. Barnett. 




Aaron H. Biddle. 


George F. Headley. 


Lemuel G. Welch. 


John Biddle. 




Isaac P. Beach. 


Samuel H. Jones (died). 


John Webb. 


William F. Borden. 




George Cook. 


Joseph E. James. 


William Toung. 



86 



HISTORY OF GLOUCP]STER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Company F. 
Captains, Samuel Harris, Elijah Huested; Second Lieutenant, William 
B. Pepper; Sergeants, Benjamin Hancock, Joseph S. Glaspey, Isaac 
L. Moore, David Garrison, James Stewart, Joseph P. Fithiau ; Cor- 
porals, William F. Demai'is, Theodore F. Buck, Alphonso Dunham, 
Charles Haley, Joseph Shimp, Benjamin F. Ayres, Charles N.Wood- 
ruff, David D. Sheppard, George W. Pierson, William F. DuflBeld, 
Jesse B. McBride, James E. Logue, Charles Brown ; Musician, 
Samuel Humphries. 



Privates. 



Charles M. Alkire. 
Joseph H. C. Applegate. 
Jesse S. Adams. 
William S. Ackley. 
Charles F. Ackley. 
David Bowen. 
David M. Bowen. 
David G. Brooks. 
Daniel Bruuks. 
leaiah Boody. 
Edgar S. Brown. 
Judson Bateman. 
Jonathan W. Bonham, 
Roger S. Crozier. 
James Craig. 
John D. Craig. 
Louis G. Clark. 
Charles K. Colter. 
Thomas Campbell. 
Albert Davis. 
Theodore A. Felmy. 
John Finley. 
Samuel Colder, Jr. 
Enos Graspell. 
Simon J. Garrison, 
Charles F. Garrison (died). 
Peter German (died). 
Christopher Getsinger. 
Jeremiah Hann. 
Francis Husted. 
Edward R. Husted. 
James Harding. 
Henry F. Hutchinson. 
William M. Husted. 
Allen N. Harris. 
Samuel H. Jones. 
Joseph Jeffiies. 
Isaac Launing, Jr. 



David A. Long (died). 

Edwin J. Lee. 

Peter Ladow. 

Benjamin F. Ladow. 

Aaron Leamiiig, 

Jesse McKee. 

John S. Miller. 

Daniel McHenry. 

John Murphy. 

William Moore. 

Isaac Mcpherson. 

Thomas McKuen. 

John N. Middleton. 

Andrew Maynes. 

Clarence D. Mayhew. 

Clement C. Moore. 

John McNichols. 

Major McDauiels. 

Charles H. Newcomb. 

John H. Orr. 

William J Orr (died). 

Oswald Patchell. 

Elihu R. Peterson. 

Edgar J. Riley. 

George G. Richmon. 

Wiliiam F. Richards (died). 

Williiim Reddon. 

Edgar Shute. 

William B. Trout. 

Samuel P. Trout. 

Henry Vogle. 

William R. Vanmeter (died). 

John F. Wheatou. 

Isaiah P. Warren. 

Timothy Woodiuff. 

Thomas C. Weldon. 

Henry W. Warful. 

John L. Wilfong. 



Companif G. 
Captain, James R. Hoagland; First Lieutenant, Charles M. Pease; 
Second Lieutenant, Robert B. Potter; Sergeants, Francis M.Dubois, 
Henry R. Pierson, Jesse C. Davis, George H. Chester, William F. 
Brown, Thomas A. Harris, Thomas M. Barracliff ; Corporals, John 
Dubois, Japhet Hann, Israel L. Fish, Charles McDaniels, Dallas D. 
Haley, John W. Cobb, Robert Robinson, William Garrow, Jacob P. 
Cobb. 

Privates. 



William Ackley. 
Charles P. Bacon. 
Lot Bacon (died). 
Lorenzo Bailey (died). 
John W. Blizzard. 
James Boyle. 
Aaron B. Broadway. 
William S. Brown. 
David M Carman. 
Ephraim Carman. 
Joshua Clark. 
Caleb Cobb. 
Alfred S. Cobb (died). 
Joseph D. Cobb. 
James Cornell. 
William S, Corson (died). 
John Danelbeck (died). 
Charles H. Dare. 
William C. Dare. 



Jeremiah A. Davis. 
Matthias Fox. 
Francis W. Gallager. 
Samuel Gallager, 
James H. Gandy. 
Jonathan C. Garrison. 
Nathan P. Gerls (died). 
Nelson Haley. 
Franklin E. Hand. 
Henry Harris, 
Frederick Heintz. 
Alfred Harris. 
John F. Heintz. 
Isaac Hunter. 
Charles R. Hopkins. 
William C. Husted (died). 
Henry Huster. 
Lorenzo D. Hutton. 
Daniel Jagger. 



Joseph Jagger. 
Albert B. Jones (died). 
Samuel Joslin, 
Janjes Kain. 
Joseph L. Kincaid. 
Conrad Keefer. 
Levi F. Loper. 
Valentine Maxner (died). 
John McConnell. 
Jeremiah P. Miils, 
Isaac Newcomb. 
Daniel K. Pearson. 
Nathan Pennington, Jr. 
David F. Randolph. 
Benjamin R. Rassinger. 
William H. Rowley. 

Georj 



William Seaman. 
Levi Sharp. 
Stacy Sloan. 
Smith Stitos. 
Albert Smith. 
Andrew B. Shimp. 
Jacob C. Shinn (died). 
George Steelman. 
Daniel Turner. 
Job T. Tront. 
Hiram Trueland. 
William H. H. West. 
William H. White. 
Wallace Wriggins. 
Sheppard Westcott. 
John Wines. 
6 E, Wills. 



Company H. 

Captain, Henry Neflf; First Lieutenant, Alexander L. Robeson (killed 
in action at Fredericksburg, Va.) ; Second Lieutenant, James J* 
Reeves; Sergeants, John H. Shreiner, Samuel M. Carll, James Mc- 
Cowan, William B. Smith, David S. Pedrick ; Corporals, Benjamin 
T. Bright, Daniel H. Neiplin, James Ewing,.Charles H. Atmore, 
Alexander McGraw, Jesse D. Claypole, Jacob Ernest, James R. Sel- 
lers, William B. Elmer (died), Joseph M. Elwell (died), William G. 
Harris, George Fox (died) ; Musician, Ephraim R, Ayars. 



Privates. 



Samuel Ayare. 
Richard R. Ayars. 
Edward Ayars. 
Harris Brooks. 
Richard H. Brooks. 
William Bowers. 
William Howard Blew. 
George W. Burch (died). 
John D. Boone. 
Joseph C. Brooks. 
William E. Brooks. 
Isaac H. Bowen. 
William Bodine. . 
Darius Bowen. 
Ephraim E. Buck. 
William M. Barnes. 
Thomas Bodine. 
Frederick Bowen. 
Samuel A. Carter. 
William S. Conklin. 
John Cake. 
James R. Cheeseman. 
George Cawman. 
William Campbell. 
Charles Dayton (died). 
Albert Dolton. 
Henry C. Deemer. 
Henry C. Dare. 
Jacob Elwell. 
John S. Ernest. 
Martin Edwards. 
David Edwards. 
Ambrose Fox. 
Benjamin Ford. 
James Gillen. 
William B. Gilman. 
Edward B. Gilman (died). 
Henry Griner. 
Benjamin N. Gibson. 
Jacob Garton. 



Francis M. Harris. 
Robert Huntsinger. 
Daniel Ireland. 
William Ireland. 
John G. Keyser. 
Cliristopher Laich. 
Martin Lodor. 
Joseph L. Mulford. 
Edward Mixner. 
David McGear (died). 
Robert Moucreif. 
Allen Mulford. 
Reuben Marryott. 
James Norton. 
Jacob Naglee. 
John B. Nienkirk. 
Solomon Overdorff. 
William A. Parvin. 
Charles Quicksall. 
Alexander Riggan (died). 
John Lenhart Rice. 
William Riley. 
Richard H. Rittig (died). 
Elmer Sheppard. 
James L. Stiles. 
Edward B. Simpkins. 
William E. Schuyler. 
John Sheppard. 
Thomas W. Sheppard. 
Stephen Sliimp. 
Francis Seaman. 
Chiirles S. Sellers. 
William Smith. 
Enos D. Simpkins. 
Jehu Turney. 
George H. Whipple. 
Charles S. Wallen. 
William Harrison Woodruff. 
Abrani Woodruff". 
George M. D. Woodruff. 



Twenty-fifth Kegiment. — In this, which was a 
nine months' regiment, Cumberland County was rep- 
resented by one man in Company E, eleven men in 
Company F, nine in Company G, and nearly all the 
members of Company D. In its personnel the regi- 



GENEKAL HISTORY. 



S7 



ment would compare favorably with any in the ser- 
vice. 

It arrived in Washington on the 11th of October, 

1862, and was first made a part of Gen. Casey's divi- 
sion. Early in November it went to Fairfax Semi- 
nary, and on the 30th of that month marched for 
Falmouth, where it arrived on the 9th of December, 
and became a part of the Ninth Army Corps, In 
the battle of Fredericksburg it was closely engaged, 
and made an honorable record. After this battle 
it remained in camp near Falmouth till March, 

1863, when it proceeded to Suffolk, and encamped 
near the Dismal Swamp, where it remained about a 
month, when it engaged for a time in building roads 
and bridges. In the action near Suffulk, Va., May 
3, 1862, the Twenty-fifth was again engaged, and to 
its gallantry was largely due the success of the day. 

A month later it was ordered home, and on the 
20th of June it was mustered out of the service, at 
Beverly. In a special order, issued when the regi- 
ment left the field, Gen. Getty said, — 

" Since the regiment joined this diyision, last Novembei', they have im- 
proved as soldiers with great rapidity ; from the most inexperienced tbey 
have become worthy to be ranked as veterans. Everything required of 
them haa been performed cheerfully and well, and they return home 
with the proud consciousneBS of having done their duty." 
TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 

CUSIBEKLAND CoUNTY. 

Company B. 
Joseph Ballatiger. 

Company D. 
Captain, Ethan J. Garretson ; First Lieutenant, Samuel Peacock ; Second 
Lieutenants, Joseph Bateman, Charles J. Field, B. Frank Wil- 
liams; Sergeants, Benjamin F. Williams, William W. Messick, Na- 
thaniel Westcott, James W. Trencbard, Henry Jess; Corporals, 
Rufiis E. Bennett, George Crosrer, Frank Gandy, Edward H. Sliep- 
pard, Ephraim F. Bateman (died), Charles H. Turner, David S. W. 
Steelman, Jamea B. Russell; Charles Conover, Francis P. Kiley, 
Jamea H. Stevens; Musicians, Hiram B. Whiticar (died), William 
P. Link. 



Furman R. Willis. 
William Whiticar, 
Henry H. Whiticar. 



Robert 0. Walleii. 
Benjamin F. Williams. 
Epiiraim L. Young. 



Charles Biddle. 
Robert M. Bennett. 
John Blizzard. 
David E. Bateman. 
Joseph C. Bradford. 
William M. Carter. 
John Coleman. 
Joseph L. Cassidy. 
James G. D. Craig. 
Philip Clark. 
Archibald Campbell. 
Peter Campbell. 
William P. Cooper. 
Job Dilks. 
Eli Earl. 
Hugh Fowler. 
William L. Grey. 
Horatio M. Gates. 
Benjamin F. Gaskill. 
Charles Gaskill. 
Charles Heney. 
LrwIs B. Holmes. 
John Banes. 
Joseph E. Husted. 
Elmer B. Hogben. 
George W. Hall. 
Henry D. Hines. 
David W. Husted. 



Eldridge Hand. 

John B. Jones, Jr. 

William H. Jordan. 

John P. Farrel. 

Lewis W.Kates (Glo.Co.,died). 

Charles Lore. 

Dallas Lore. 

John M. Mickolaon. 

James Mickolson (died). 

Willis A. Ogden. 

George D. Ogden. 

John E. Ogden. 

Martin V. B. Powell. 

James W. Petitt. 

Benjamin Pine. 

Daniel B. Powell. 

Benjamin F. Sockwell (died). 

Thomas Sutton. 

Charles Swing. 

William H. Sheppard. 

Leonard R. Swing. 

William B. Shaw. 

Thomas B. Shaw. 

Elijah Thompson. 

William Tullis. 

Isaac S. Whiticar. 

Henry Wallen. 

John B. Westcott. 



Company E. 

Charles Woolaton. 

Company F. 



Charles Heisler. 
Daniel Chambers. 
John Chambers (corp.). 
Eliaa Camp. 
Owen Endicott. 
Samuel Hand. 

Jonathan Borden. 
Joseph Collins. 
John Collins. 
Charles H. Coombs. 
Henry Hitchuer. 



Jeremiah Hampton. 
Samuel Bonn. 
Henry Langley. 
John Trout. 
Jeremiah Weldon. 



Company G. 



Adam Kerrick. 
John Lloyd. 
Frederick Marshall. 
Hezekiah Veach. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

CIVIL \N k'K—{Con(inned.) 
TWENTY-EIGHTH AND THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENTS. 

Twenty-eighth Regiment.— The Twenty-eighth 

Regiment was organized under the provisions of an 
act of Congress approved July 22, 1861, and was 
mustered into the United States service, for nine 
months, Sept. 22, 1862. A draft had been ordered 
for this date, to fill a requisition for ten thousand 
four hundred and seventy-eight men, to serve nine 
months, unless sooner discharged. Such was the en- 
thusiasm of the people that by the time for the draft 
the quota for the State was entirely filled by volun- 
tary enlistment. Company G of this regiment was 
recruited principally in Gloucester County. This 
company was officered by Captain, Lewis Schoch; 
First Lieutenant, Jesse C. Chew ; and Second Lieu- 
tenant, Thomas Applegate. Lieut. Chew was suc- 
ceeded by Lieut, Charles L. Lukens. 

The field and staff officers of the Twenty-eighth 
were: 

Colonel, Moses N. Wisewell ; Lieutenant-Culonel, E. A. L. Roberts; 
Major, S. K. Wilson; Adjutant, fVilliam A. Gulick ; Chaplain, C. J. 
Page; Surgeon, William D. Newell; Assistant Surgeon, Benjamin 
N. Baker. 

Col. Wisewell, who assumed command of the regi- 
ment at its organization, was a man of fine intel- 
lectual capacity, and soon acquired a marked hold 
on the confidence of his men, which he retained for 
a time, but in November, 1862, by obtruding on his 
command certain offensive avowals in reference to 
the war and the gubernatorial contest then in prog- 
ress in New Jersey, he became unpopular with a 
large portion of his regiment. His courage, how- 
ever, was undoubted, and at the battle of Fredericks- 
burg he held his regiment with great gallantry. He 
fell, severely wounded, and was carried from the field. 
He was not able to resume service till June, 1863. 

Lieut.-Col. Roberts was from New York. He was 
in command of the regiment from the 14th of No- 



88 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



vember, 1862, till the 2d of January, 1863, when he 
was discharged for tendering his resignation in the 
face of the enemy. Lieut.-Col. John A. Wildrick, 
who had been a captain in the Second Regiment, 
then assumed command, and by his sound judgment 
and wise exercise of authority soon made the regi- 
ment one of the most effective in the brigade to 
which it belonged. He led the command with great 
bravery in the battle of Cbancellorsville, where he 
was taken prisoner, but being exchanged, he soon re- 
turned and was discharged with the regiment. 

Maj. Wilson commanded the regiment a short time 
in January, 1863, and also in the following May, and 
was discharged with it at the expiration of its term 
of service. 

Surg. Newell, during the entire term of service, 
performed the duties of his position with admirable 
efficiency and skill, and was ably seconded in all his 
efforts by his assistant. Dr. Baker. 

Adjt. Gulick acquitted himself with honor in the 
battle of Fredericksburg, and was an efficient officer 
throughout. He resigned, and was succeeded in 
March, 1863, by Adjt. B. A. Robbins, who was also a 
capable officer. 

The chaplain, who at the time of entering the ser- 
vice was pastor of a Baptist Church at Piscataway, 
proved to be a prompt and faithful officer. 

The regiment, nine hundred and forty strong, left 
Freehold on the 4th of October, 1862, and reaching 
Washington the night of the 5th, encamped on 
Capitol Hill, and was furnished a few days afterward 
with Springfield muskets. On the 13th it marched 
into Virginia, and was attached to Gen. Abercrom- 
bie's commaud. On the 1st of December it again 
broke camp, crossed into Maryland, and marched to 
Liverpool Point, on the lower Potomac, whence, on 
the 5th, it crossed to Acquia Creek, and in the midst 
of a driving snowstorm went into camp till the 8th, 
when it proceeded to Falmouth. There it was at- 
tached to the First Brigade (Gen, Kimball's), Third 
Division (Gen. French's), Second Army Corps. 

"Duriug the whole time that the Twenty-eighth 
was connected with the Army of the Potomac it held 
a position on the immediate front, within a short dis- 
tance of the Rappahannock, and was, consequently, 
at all times exposed to attack by raiding parties of 
the enemy. Extraordinary vigilance and activity 
were thus constantly required, as every alarm, 
whether trifling or otherwise, summoned the men 
into line, there to remain for hours, and sometimes 
for a day and a night at a time, exposed to all the 
inclemency of midwinter as well as to many priva- 
tions which regiments in the rear never experience." 
It took part in the engagements at Fredericksburg 
and Chancellorsville. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

Gloucester County. 

Convpany E. 

George A. Wright. 



Company G. 
Captain, Lewis Schocli ; Fii-at Lieutenant, Jesse Chew ; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Charles L, Luketis; Sergeants, Ira B. Leap, Henry Burtt, John 
C. Somers, Jiimes H, Hews, William Kates ; Corporals, Phineas F. 
Leddon, Joseph T, Haines, Jacob C. Dilks, Frederick B. Warring- 
ton, Peter K. Leap (died), William H. Weatherby, Wilbur F. Chew, 
Amos C. Carter, Aaron S. Featherer (died); Musicians, Charles 
Knapp, Joseph C. Heudricksou; Wagoner, Samuel M. Ewen. 



Pi'ivates. 



Benjamin F. Allen. 
John Adams. 
Thomas Andrews. 
Solomon H. Brewner. 
Charles L. Barnes. 
Joseph B. Brown. 
Edward Bjillenger. 
John T. Brown. 
Elias Brown. 
Jacob Ballenger. 
Frederick A. Chriatman. 
William H. Conover. 
Justin M. Crane (died). 
William Davidson. 
Joseph M. Davenport. 
Samuel M. Ditvenport. 
John Douglass. 
Kichard Dawson. 
Peter Dougherty. 
Benjamin 0. Davia. 
Christopher Donnegan. 
Eustace Bggie. 
Michael J. Fleetwood. 
Michael Giffln. 
RandL'.U HeDdrickson. 
Charles G Hendrickaon. 
Henry B. Hendrickson. 
George Hoffman. 
Arthur Hofiman. 
James H, Hutchinson. 
Edward Hutchinson. 
William B. James. 
Benjamin Jones- 
James Kates. 
Samuel D. Lock. 
Daniel Lane. 
Samuel H. Leap. 
John C. Leap. 
John Laconey. 
William H. Lewis. 
Robert Lynn. 
Michael Marley. 



Aaron P. Martara. 
Edmund Murrell. 
John B. Moore. 
Charlo'! H. N. Martell. 
Augustus H. Moses. 
John Nonemaker. 
Charles Ore. 
John H. Paul (died). 
Joseph B. Peterson. 
Ira C. Pierce. 
Charles Pierson. 
John Peoples (died). 
Thomas J. Porch. 
Jacob G, Pancoast. 
Vanroon Rohbina. " 
William Richai'da. 
Hollins P. Reed. 
Robert P. Strang. 
Lewis Shock. 
John C. Somers. 
William H. Stiles. 
Enoch B. Souder (died). 
Samuel Stanger. 
William H. Shiveler. 
Alfred Simpkins. 
John Swift. 
George Swabinland. 
Patrick Tool. 
John Tool. 
Michael Tool. 
Thomas Tool. 
George Taylor. 
John H. Taylor. 
Edward C. Turner. 
Richard B. Tomlin. 
George Uron. 
Martin H. Van Bureu. 
ThomiisW. Wick. 
Patrick Welch. 
Lewis Warrington. 
John Wedman. 



Company H. 
Thomas S. Clark, sergt. ; William H. Agins, corp. 



David S. Carter. 
William P. Carr. 
Edward I. Dixon. 
William Dolan. 
Whitten G. Iredell (died). 
Franklin E. Lloyd. 
Joshua J. Livzey. 
Richard Richards (sergt,). 
John W. Suran. 
Charles Vanlear. 
Thomas West. 



Christian Apple. 
George W. Bittle. 
George Brill. 
Thomas S. Clarke. 
John W. Darnell. 
Benjamin H. Hughes. 
Benjamin W. Hughes. 
Joseph F. Hughes. 
Benjamin C. Bulon. 
Richard Seelej'. 
Walter H. Zane (musician). 



Second Cavalry, Thirty-second Eegiment.— 

This regiment was raised in the summer of 1863, 
and reported at Washington on the 6th of October, 
in that year. Its field and staff officers were: 

Colonel, Joseph Karge ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Marcus L. W. Kitchen; 
Majors, Frederick B. Revere, P. Jones Yorke, and Peter D. Vroom, 
Jr. ; Adjutant, J. Lacey Pierson ; Quartermaster, James M. Bald- 
win ; Commissary, Wolfgang Mosse; Surgeon, Ferdinand V. Day- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



89 



ton ; Assistant Surgeons, William W. Bowlby and Lnwrence 0. 
Morgan. 

The regiment first encamped in Virginia, a short 
distance above Alexandria, where it spent a month 
in drill, varied by two or three scouting expeditions 
by detachments. 

On the 9th of October it departed by rail for tlie 
Southwest, reaching Cincinnati on the 15th, and from 
there proceeding by water to Eastport, Miss. There 
it was engaged in scouting the surrounding country, 
and occasionally skirmishing with the enemy. On 
the 6th of December it went by steamer to Columbus, 
Ky., and thence, on the 15th, to Union City, Tenn. 
On the 23d it moved to Paris, Tenn., where it re- 
mained till the 16th of January, 1864, and then re- 
turned to Union City. On the 22d it marched for 
Memphis, and reached Colliersville, within twenty- 
five miles of that place, on the 8th of February, after 
a very severe march. On the 11th the regiment, with 
other troops, started on an expedition to effect a junc- 
tion with Gen. Sherman, who was about to move to- 
wards Mobile. On the route several skirmishes and 
two considerable actions occurred, and on the 20th 
Gen. Sherman's forces were met near West Point, 
about one hundred miles north from Meridian. On 
the 22d, at Okolona, the regiment was in action, and 
by its gallantry aided in retrieving some disasters that 
had befallen two brigades of Union troops. 

During the month of April the regiment was sev- 
eral times engaged, and on the 30th of that month it 
started, with other cavalry and a force of infantry, 
under Gen. Sturgis, to operate against the rebel gen- 
eral Forrest, who had been raiding through Southern 
Kentucky and Western Tennessee, but who had re- 
treated into Mississippi. On the 2d of May Somer- 
ville was reached, and the enemy was attacked in his 
inlrenchments on the heights of Bolivar. The Second 
New Jersey charged the works, and drove out the 
rebel force, which retreated in confusion. The force 
soon afterwards went into camp at White's Station, 
below Memphis. 

Another expedition, under Gen. Sturgis, was sent 
against Forrest, whose force was encountered at Gun- 
town, on the 10th of June, and a battle was fought, 
which, by reason of the mismanagement of the com- 
mander, resulted disastrously to the Union force. 
The conduct of the Second New Jersey in this action 
was highly creditable. 

Early in July the regiment, with other troops, was 
transferred to Vick.sburg, in the vicinity of which it 
was several times engaged. It returned to Memphis, 
then went again on a fruitless pursuit of Forrest, after 
which it was idle during two or three months. Late 
in November it made a successful expedition into 
Arkansas. About the 20th of December it went, with 
other troops, under Gen. Grierson, to Eipley, Miss. 
From this point expeditions were sent to various 
places, immense amounts of military stores were 
captured and destroyed, and several severe engage- 



ments occurred. In one of these, at Egypt Station, 
the Second New Jersey had seventy-four men and 
more than eighty horses killed. 

From this part of Mississippi the command moved 
southwesterly to Vicksburg, and thence the Second 
New Jersey returned by steamer to Memphis, where 
it arrived on the 6th of January, 1865. Foster says, 
" No expedition of the war was more completely suc- 
cessful, and in none did the Second New Jersey ex- 
hibit greater gallantry and soldierly endurance than 
in this dash through the very heart of Mississippi." 

The regiment was at once ordered to report to Gen. 
Davidson, at Natchez, Miss., where it arrived on the 
19th. On the 4th of March it was ordered to report 
to Gen. Grierson, at New Orleans, and on the 8th it 
encamped at CarroUton. On the 5th of April the 
regiment was ordered to Mobile, Ala., but only a 
portion of the command arrived in time to partici- 
pate in the taking of Fort Blakely and^panish Fort. 
Thence the regiment marched to Eufala, Ala., where 
information of the practical ending of the war was 
received. 

On the 16th of June the detachments of the regi- 
ment were united at Vicksburg, and on the 30th a 
portion of the one year men were mustered out. The 
balance were engaged in provost duty at various 
points till the 1st of November, when they were 
mustered out at Vicksburg. 

The regiment had part in the following actions : 

Fairfax, Va., Oct. 17, 1863; luka, Miss., Dec. 4, 1863; Jacksou, Tenn,, 
Dec. 30, 1863 ; near Moscow, Tenn., Feb. 13, 1864 ; Aberdeen, Miss., Feb. 
19, 1864 ; West Point, Miss., Feb. 20 and 21, 1864; Okolona, Miss., Feb. 
22,1864; Ivy Farm, Miss., Feb. 22,1864; Tallaliatchee Kiver, Miss., Feb. 
23, 1864; Kaleigh, Tenn., April 10, 1864; Bolivar, Tenn., May 2, 1804; 
Holly Springs, Miss., May 23,1864; Corinth, Miss., June 6,1864; Rip- 
ley, Miss., June 7, 1864; Hatchie River, Miss., June 8,1864; Guntown, 
Miss., June 10,1864; Eipley, Miss., .Tune 11, 1864; Waldron's Bridge, 
Miss., June 11, 1864 ; Davis' Mill (on Hatchie River), Tenn., June 12, 
! 1864; Dtica, Miss., July 12, 1864; Grand Gulf, Miss., July 14, 1864; Port 
i Gibson, Miss., July 15 and 16,1864; Grand Gulf, Miss., July 17, 1864; 
Jackson, Miss., July 20, 1864; Abbyville, Miss., Aug. 10, 1864; Talla- 
j hatchee River, Miss., Aug. 14, 1864; Teppo River, Miss., Aug. 15, 1864; 
Waterford, Miss., Aug. 19, 1864; near Memphis, Tenu., Sept. 12 and 13, 
1864 ; Syracuse, Mo., Oct. 10, 1864 ; Big Blue and Osage River, Kan., Oct. 
23 to 25, 1864 Fort Scott, Ark., Oct. 28, 1864 ; Big Lake, Ark., Nov. 29 
and 30, 1864 ; Verona, Miss., Dec. 25, 1864 ; Egypt Station, Miss., Deo. 28, 
1864 ; Spanish Fort (Mobile), Ala., April 8, 1865 ; Fort Blakely (Mobile), 
Ala., April 10,1865; Blakely, Ala., April 12, 1865; Maningham, Ala., 
April 23, 1865. 

THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT (SECOND CAVALRY). 

Gloucester County. 

Companij D, 

Captain, Charles N. Pelouze ; First Lieutenant, Alfred Tlarnes ; Second 

Lieutenant, Albert H. Crump. 
Chailes B. Chandler, sergt., enl. Aug. 20, 1863. 
John Kilhoffer, enl. Aug. 15, 1863; must, out July 29, 1865. 
Mulford Howell, sergt., enl. Aug 1, 1863; disch. disability Oct. 20,1864. 
Charles H. Rice, sergt., enl. July 8, 1863; 2d lieut. Co. H October, 1865. 
George W. Waters, sergt., enl. Aug. 11, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1864. 
David Dean, Corp., enl. Aug. 6, 1863 ; disch. disability Jan. 27. 1864. 
Daniel B. Hancock, Corp., enl. Aug. 21, 1863 ; died Aug. 17, 1864. 
Thomas Johnson, Corp., enl. Aug. 21, 1863 : shot Juno 10, 1864. 
Richard B. Johnson, Corp., enl. Aug. 10, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 4, 1865. 
Vincent Roberts, Corp., enl. July 29, 1863; disch. disability March 10, 

1864. 



90 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



James F. Wray, Jr., Corp., enl. Aug. 4, 1863; q.m.-sergt. July 1, 1864 ; 

1st lieut. Co. F Oct. 24, 1865; must, out Nov. 1, 1866. 
Jesse Andrews, eul. Aug. 10, 1S63 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Thomas Brady, eiil. Aug. 4, 1863. 
Hendiick Brinkman, enl. Aug. 18, 1803 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 

30, 1864; discli. Nov. 1, 1865. 
William S. Bundick, enl. July 8, 1863; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps Jan. 1, 

1805; disch. March 11, 1865. 
Robert-Brown, enl. Aug. 20, 1863. 

Jacob Cats, enl. Aug. 10, 1803; must, out June 9, 1866. 
Joseph D. Curtis, enl. Aug. 15, 1863. 
Daniel Clary, enl. July 8, 1863. 
George Davis, eul. Aug. 20, 1S63, 
John Dilks, enl. Aug. 20, 1863; died Feb. 19, 1864. 
James Downing, enl. July 13, 1863. 
John Dolao, enl. Aug. 24, 1863. 

John K. Fisher, enl. Aug. 13, 1863; killed accidentally Dec. 28,1864. 
Whitney Fry, enl. Aug. 20, 18C3; disch. disability Aug. 3, 1864. 
William Hall, eul. Aug. 25, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Jesse L. Harri.sou, enl. Aug. 24, 1863; killed in action June 11, 1864, at 

Guntown, Miss. 
George T. Hill, enl. Aug. 4, 1863. 

Joseph M. Hook, enl. July 21, 1863 ; died Jan. 8, 1865, at Andersonville. 
George Hewett, enl. Aug. 3, 1803 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
John Hamilton, enl. Aug. 15, 1803. 
John Jackson, enl. Aug. 24, 1863 ; corp. Sept. 4, 1864 ; must, out Nov. 

1, 1865. 
Albert Kaelppel, enl. July 13, 1863 ; died Jan. 21, 1864. 
Thomas King, enl. July 23, 1863. 

John Logue, enl. July 23, 1863 ; died Jan. 8,1865, at Andersonville, Ga. 
William W. Ladd, enl. June 15, 1863; died Dec. 15, 1863. 
Albert Mcllwaine, enl. Aug. 21, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
John Madara, enl. July 15, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Edward Moore, enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; died April 17, 1864. 
Philip OUert, erjl. July 29, 1863 ; Corp. Sept. 1, 1864 ; sergt. June 1, 1865 ; 

must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
William Peoples, enl. Aug. 14, 1S63 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Daniel Ryan, enl. July 8, 1863. 
William Smith, enl. Aug. 19, 1863. 
Charles Smith, enl. Aug. 26, 1863. 

Samuel Tomlin, enl. Aug. 20, 1863 ; must, out June 29, 1865. 
George W. Turley, enl. Aug. 21, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Gootfreed Wollenburg, eul. Aug. 20, 1863. 

Thomas Whittaker, eul. Aug. 25, 1803 ; must, out June 29, 1865. 
Charles L. Warner, enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; died Oct. 7, 1864, at Anderson- 
ville, Ga. 
Joseph FIsler, enl. Sept. 3, 1864; must, out June 29, 1865. 
Benjamin J. Pierce, enl. Aug. 31, 1864; trans, to Co. C. 

C^jmpany K. 
John E. Lozer, enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co C. 

Salem County. 

Company A, 
Lorenzo Duffield. 

Company C. 
Philip Adams, enl. Aug. 17, 1S63; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Otto Brown, enl. Sept. 2, 1863. 

James Carroll, enl. Aug. 17, 1863; must, out Oct. 3, 1865. 
Thomas Dutfy, enl. Aug. 20, 1863 ; must, out June 6, 1865. 
Robert Englehardt, enl. Sept. 2, 1863. 
William H. Harvie, enl. Sept. 2, 1863 ; trans, to Vet, Res. Corps Aug. 10, 

1864. 
Robert H. O'Neill, enl. Aug. 24, 1863 ; disch. disability Nov. 20, 1863. 
Robert Reed, enl. Aug. 20. 1863; died Aug. 17, 1804. 
Cliarles Timberman, enl. Sept. 3,1863; killed accidentally May 11,1864. 

Company D. 
Francis Dunham, Sept. 2, 1864; must, out June 29, 1865. 

Company E. 
Captain, William F. Scudder ; First Lieutenant, Lewis Rainear ; Second 

Lieutenant, Lemuel Fisher. 
John Woolman, enl. Sept 5, 1863; died Jan. 12, 1804. 
John Chandler, enl. Sept. 16, 1803 ; q.m.-sergt. Sept. 26, 1863. 
Charles W. Vreeland, enl. Sept. 1, 1803; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 



Company F. 

David Bigley, enl. Aug. 2, 1863. 

James D. Fox, enl. Aug. 28, 1863; must, out July 6, 1863. 

David Mack, enl. Aug. 31, 1863. 

Martin Pirman, enl. Aug. 21, 1863; disch. disability Sept. 24, 1804. 

William Wheeler, enl. Aug. 31, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 

Charles Willard, enl. Sept. 1, 1803. 

Israel Brown, sergt., enl. Sept. 14, 1863 ; disch. disability July IS, 1805. 

William Abbott, enl. Sept. 14, 1863; died July 14, 1804. 

Joseph Arent, enl. Sept. 12, 1803 ; died July 15, 1804, at Andersonville, Ga. 

George W. Boody, enl. Sept. 14, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 

James Blackburn, enl. Sept. 17, 1863; must, out Nov. 4, 1865. 

Edward D. Bertsler, enl. Sept. 0, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 

Peter Brandt, enl. Sept. 6, 1863. 

Hugo Brandt, eul. Sept. 14, 1803. 

John Cake, enl. Sept. 9, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 

Peter T. Campbell, enl. Sept. 19, 1863; disch. disability Feb. 6, 1864. 

Levi Caler, enl. Sept. 16, 1863. 

Michael Dambrouch, enl. Sept. 7, 1863. 

George W. Green, enl. Sept. 10, 1803; died July 1, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in action near Guntown, Miss. 

Charles Headley, Corp., enl. Sept. 14, 1803 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 

Lewis Keller, blacksmith, enl. Sept. 8, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1866. 

William H. Munlon, enl. Sept. 9, 1864; must, out May 27, 1865. 

Charles T. F. Mayhew, enl. Sept. 14, 1863 ; died Aug. 16, 1864. 

Samuel S. Miller, enl. Sept. 14, 1803 ; died Aug. 4, 1804, at Anderson- 
ville, Ga. 

Henry Nenstiel, enl. Sept. 14, 1863; died Nov. 20, 1864. 

Daniel Pierce, eul. Sept. 4, 1863; died April 22, 1864. 

William T. Phillips, enl. Sept. 3, 1863; Corp. Jan. 8, 1864; Ist sergt. 
March 15, 1864; 2d lieut. Co. D Sept, 20, 1864. 

Delaney Pugh, enl. Sept. 14, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 

Nathan Pawing, enl. Sept. 12, 1863 ; died July 25, 1865. 

George M. Pierce, enl. Sept. 11, 1863 ; must, out June 17, 1865. 

Jacob R. H. Seeds, eul. Sept, 10, 1803 ; killed accidentally Aug. 5, 1865. 

Theodore F. Walker, enl. Sept. 13, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1866. 

Company K. 

Captain, Morris R. Sti'atton ; First Lieutenant, Frederick von Klitzing; 

Second Lieutenant, Lambert L. Mulford. 
Richard G. Hadley, sergt., enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; died Aug. 20, 1865. 
Frauk A. Hill, sergt., enl. Aug. 21, 1863 ; wounded and missing at Oko- 

lona. Miss., Feb. 22, 1864. 
Charles Hawkesworth, 1st sergt , enl. Aug. 27, 1803 ; 2d lieut. Co. I Dec. 

28, 1804 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1805. 
Benjamin Smith, sergt., July 22, 1863; must, out June 23, 1805. 
Stacy F. Moore, sergt., enl. Aug. 23, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1866. 
James H. Glass, sergt., Aug. 22, 1863 ; trans, to Yet. Res. Corps March 6, 

1S64; disch. Oct. 19, 1865. 
Frederick Hadley, sergt., enl. Aug. 26, 1863; died Oct. 26, 1866. 
William Pease, Corp., enl. Aug. 21, 1863 ; died Dec. 23, 1864. 
William H. Peterson, Corp., enl. Aug. 17,1863 ; sergt. Jan. 1, 1864; must. 

out Nov. 1, 1864. 
Chambless Applegate, corp., enl. Aug. 26, 1863 ; killed Dec. 28, 1864, at 

Egypt Station, Va. 
Isaac S. Cannon, corp., enl. Aug. 19, 1863 ; must, out Nov, 14, 1865. 
Zenas P. Loughland, Corp., enl. Aug. 24, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Maskell E. Robinson, corp., enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; died Oct. 4, 1864. 
Joseph Bullinger, bugler, enl. July 21, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
William McNichols, enl. Aug. 15, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Burris Applegate, enl. Aug. 24, 1863 ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
William B. Bacon, enl. Aug. 24, 1863; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps July 1, 

1864; disch. Nov. 1,1865. 
James C. Blackwood, enl. Aug. 24, 1863 ; sergt. Sept. 1, 1864; must, out 

Nov. 1, 1866. 
John Banks, enl. Aug. 21, 1863. 

Joseph F. Bright, enl. July 27, 1863 ; died June 4, 1864. 
William H. Bowltinghouse, enl. Aug. 17, 1863 ; disch. disability Nov. 30, 

1864. 
Ephraim Chamberlain, enl. July 27, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
William Clark, enl. Aug. 25, 1863; corp. Jan. 1, 1865 ; must, out Nov. 1, 

1865. 
Clinton F. Cheeseman, enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; sergt. June 1, 1865 ; must, out 

Nov. 1, 1.865. 
Thomas B. Campbell, enl. Aug. 24, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Isaac Clemmens, enl. July 21, 1803 : must, out July 29, 1865. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



91 



Francis S. Diica-ise, enl. Aug. 26, 1863 ; must, out July 19, 1865. 

Samuel E. Dolbow, pnl, Aug. 15, 1863 ; died Feb. 18, 1865. 

Joseph S. Dennis, enl. Aug. 21, 1S63; died Dec. 1, 1863. 

Samuel Dickinson, enl. Aug. 24, 1863; corp. June 1, 1S65; must, out 

Not. 1,1865. 
John E. Dubois, enl. Aug. 3, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Edward Evans, enl. Aug. 25, 1S63. 
Eugene Ellsworth, enl. Aug. G, 1863. 

James P. Fiulaw, eul. Aug. 17, 1863; must, out June 30, 1865. 
.John S. rries, enl. Aug. IS, 1S63; Corp. June 1, 1864; aergt.Nov.l, 1864; 

must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Jacob Fries, enl. Sept. 15. 1863; disch. disaiiility May 25, 1864. 
John W. Gibson, enl. Aug. 19, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
George C. Garrison, enl. Aug. 19, 1863; must, out Aug. 4, 1865. 
John Gallaghin, enl. Aug. 23,1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1866. 
George Grey, enl. Aug. 25, 1863. 

John Gallagher, enl. Aug. 19, 1863; died April 16, 1864. 
Joseph S. Garrison, enl. Aug. 18, 1863; Corp. Nov. 1, 1864; must, out 

Nov. 1 , 1 865. 
Benjamin Harris, enl. .\ug. 24, 1863 ; Corp. Jan. 1, 1864 ; must, out Nov. 

1,1865. 
■Joseph M. Hunter, enl. Aug. 26, 1863 ; must, out July 14, 1865. 
Henry Harding, enl. Aug. 26, 1863. 
John Hopkins, enl. ,4.ug.22, 1803; corp. Jan.], 1864; sergt. Nov. 1,1864; 

must, out Nov. 1, I860. 
Richard Hewitt, enl. Aug. 23, 1863. 

Gottlieb Lindenberger, enl. Aug. 13, 1863 ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
James \V. Lawney, enl. Aug. 25, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Thomas Lippincott (1), enl. Aug. 22, 1863. 
Thomas P. Lewis, eul. Aug. 21, 1863; must, out Nov. 18, 1865. 
Thomas Lippincott (2), enl. Sept. 15, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Charles T. Loper, enl. Sept. 13,1864; trans, to Co. H. 
Joseph C. Marlin, enl . July 22, 1863 ; killed while foraging April 29, 1865. 
George M. Morrison, enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Lewis Moose, enl. Aug. 23, 1863 ; died Oct. 17, 1865. 
Joseph Millington, enl. Aug. 26, 1863. 
John Mowers, enl. Aug. 20, 1863; corp. Aug. 20, 1863; sergt. Nov. 1, 

1864: must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Michael Mart, enl. Aug. 8, 1863 ; must, out June 10, 1866. 
David Newman, enl. July 29, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Horatio S. Packard, enl. Aug. 25, 1863; must, out June lo; 1865. 
William Patterson, enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps July 1, 

1864; disch. Nov. 1,1865. 
Philip S. Reeves, enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
William Eeall, enl. Aug. 25, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Charles Richman, enl. Sept. 6, 1864 ; trans, to Co. D. 
John Scott, enl. Aug 25, 1863. 

John Simpkins, enl. July 31, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Joseph G. Simpkins, enl. Aug. 1, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 14, 1865. 
Benjamin Stanger, enl. Aug. 21, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
John Stowe, enl. Aug. 26, 1863; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
James B. Shidener, enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; died Jan. 19, 1864. 
Jonathan E. Seeds, enl. Aug. 25, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Matthew Tomlin, enl. Aug. 16, 1863; died Jan. 26, 1864. 
Henry Thomas, enl. Aug. 26, 1863. 

■William Townsend, enl. Aug. 25, 1863; died March 7, 1864. 
Albert Trump, enl. Aug. 26, 1863. 
Theodore Toppen, enl. Aug. 26, 1863. 
Alfred Vesso, eul. Aug. 26, 1863. 

Joseph B. Vaimeman, bugler, enl. Aug. 26, 1863; must, out Nov. 1,1865. 
Andrew J. Vanneman, enl. July 25, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 
Henry Waller, enl. Aug. 26, 1863. 
Townsend Walmsley, enl. Aug. 24, 1863; Corp. Jan. 1, 1866; must, out 

Nov. 1, 1865. 
Charles Wilhelm, enl. Aug. 24, 1863. 

Company L. 
John Mount, enl. Sept. 2, 1864 ; disch. June 29, 1866. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

CIVIL V/AB..—(a,ni!,iHed.) 
THIRTY-FOURTH AND THTETY-SIXTH REGIMENTS. 

Thirty-fourth Regiment. — Tliis, which was a 
three-years regiment, was recruited during the sum- 
mer and autumn of 1863, chiefly in Mercer, Burling- 
ton, Camden, and Salem Counties ; though many 
came from other parts of the State, and many others, 
who were attracted by the large bounties then offered) 
came from New York and Philadelphia. 

The regiment was mustered into the service in the 
latter part of October, and was ordered to Eastport, 
Miss., to report to Gen. W. T. Sherman. On the 16th 
of November it left Trenton eight hundred strong, 
and proceeded, by way of Philadelphia, over the 
Pennsylvania Railroad to Pittsburgh, and thence to 
JefTersonville, Ind., where it erabarke(l o"n transports, 
and passed down the Ohio River to Paducah, Ivy. 
About seventy of the bounty-jumpers, who had en- 
listed, deserted during this trip. From Paducah the 
regiment went on the same transports three hundred 
miles up the Tennessee River to its destination at 
Eastport. Thence it went down the river, and 
reached Columbus, Ky., on the 20th of December, 
and at once went to Union City, Tenn. Thence it 
went on a march through the interior of the State, 
and on the 21st of January, 1864, returned to Co- 
lumbus, where it remained till the following spring. 
During the summer and autumn of 1864 it was in 
active service in the interior of Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee. In the winter of 1864-65 it went to Nash- 
ville, thence to Paducah, and again to Eastport, and 
from there to New Orleans, where it arrived on the 
22d of February. It left that city on the 17th of 
March for Dauphin Island, and took part in the ope- 
Vations in April against Mobile. After the capture 
of that place the regiment was, during several months, 
engaged in provost duty at Montgomery, Ala., and in 
supporting the freedman's bureau, and in the fall and 
winter of 1865 detached companies were stationed at 
various points in that region. It was mustered out 
on the 10th of April, 1866, and arrived at Trenton on 
the 80th of the same month. 

Foster says, "The regiment was unfortunate in not 
having been sooner ordered into the field with the 
larger armies, but when it did encounter the enemy 
it never failed to do its entire duty. It had the honor 
of striking one of the last blows at the Rebellion, and 
of being the last volunteer regiment from New Jersey 
to quit the service of the Union upon the conclusion 
of the war." 

The regiment participated in the following actions : 

Columbus, Ky., April 13, 1864 ; Hickman, Ky., June 10, 1864 ; Clinton, 
Ky., July 10, 1864 ; Mayfleld, Ky., Sept. 1 , 1864 ; Paris Landing, Ky., Oct. 
31,1864; Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 27, 1864; Fort Hugar, Mobile, Ala., 
April 2, 1865; Spanish Fort, Mobile, Ala., April 3 and 4, 1866; Fort 
Blakely, Mobile, Ala., April 5 to 9, 1865. 



92 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Jesse H. Darlington. 
William Emnielt. 



Gloucestee County. 

Company A, 
■William H. Clark. Daniel Green. 

Compmxij B. 
James Parker. John Gibson. 

Company C. 
William C. Zane. John Simon. 

Company D. 
Patrick Donnelly. Edward A. Fithian (died). 

Company F, 

James Caffrey. William H, Clark. 

Samuel Porch. 

Company G. 
John A. Heil (sergt.). Hiram J. Noyes. 

Company S. 
James Green. 

Company I. 
Moses S. Dallrj'. Samuel Porch. 

Salem Codnty. 

Company A, 

Joseph H. Compton (sergt.). 

Company C. 

John P. Dulin. Stephen L. Lawrence (died). 

Samuel H. Marryatt. 

Thomas Simpkins. 

Company E. 
Joseph F. Davis. William Emmell. 

Jacob Wick. 

Company F. 
Clement C. Ballinger (corp.). Hiram Froeland (died). 

Thomas Simpkins. Jacob Wick. 

George H. Skarritt (died). 

Company G. 
Ebenezer D. Garrison (corp.). David R. Litel. 

Richard W. Vansant (coni.-sergt.). 

Company K. 
James Darling. John Dulin. 

Cumberland County. 

Company B. 

John Bright. 

Company E. 

James Tucker. 

Company F. 

Dean R. King. Samuel McNabb. 

Company I. 
David Barnes. Nelson S. Donnelly (died). 

Elwood Roberts. 

Third Cavalry, Thirty-sixth Regiment.— The 

Thirty-sixth Regiment, or Third Cavalry, was raised 
during the winter of 1863-64, and mustered into the 
service of the United States on the 10th of February, 
in the latter year. Its first designation was " The 
First United States Hussars," but this name was soon 
dropped. The regimental officers were : 

Colonel, Andrew J. Morrison ; Lieutenant-Colonel. Charles C. Suydam ; 
Majors, Siegfried von Forstner, William P. Robeson, Jr., S. V. C. 
Van Rensalaer; Adjutant, William J. Starks; Quartermaster, John 
n. Bailey ; Commissary, George Patten ; Surgeon, William W. 
Bowlby; Assistant Surgeons, Lawrence 0. Morgan, Samuel A. 
Phillips ; Chaplain, John H. Frazee. 



The regiment left the State April 5, 1864, and 
inarched to Annapolis, whence, in a short time, it 
proceeded to Alexandria, Va., and became a part of 
the Army of the Potomac. It first engaged in guard 
duty and scouting along the line of the Orange and 
Alexandria Railroad, but on the 5th of May it was 
ordered forward to participate in operations that had 
then commenced in the Wilderness. Its duty con- 
sisted chiefly in scouting, patroling, watching fords, 
bearing dispatches, etc. As the enemy fell back the 
regiment advanced, with its brigade, and participated 
in the cavalry operations at various points. In the 
vicinity of City Point it was engaged in picket duty 
more than a month. 

Early in August the regiment went to Washington, 
and thence, on the 12th, it marched toward Win- 
chester, Va., where it arrived on the 17th. It went 
at once into action, and became fiercely engaged, 
suffering a loss of one hundred and thirty. After 
this action it was engaged in operations in the vicin- 
ity of Charlestown and Harper's Ferry. On the 13th 
of September it went forward and had an active part 
in a very brilliant affair at Berryville, Va. On the 
19th it was engaged at Opequan. From this time 
till the latter part of November the regiment was 
actively engaged in the cavalry operations that were 
progressing in that region, and was frequently in 
action. 

In December, 1864, it went into winter quarters, 
and remained till the latter part of February, 1865, 
when it rejoined the army in front of Petersburg. 
There it was engaged in the ordinary duty of cavalry 
till early in April, "when at Five Forks, fighting 
again with the scarred veterans who had swept Early 
clean out of the Shenandoah, it displayed conspicu- 
ous gallantry, sharing in all the perils as well as the 
splendid achievements of that memorable and glo- 
rious day, on which the power of the rebellion was 
finally and forever broken." 

In its first commandant the regiment was unfor- 
tunate, but after his suspension it at once acquired a 
degree of efficiency that entitled it to a higher repu- 
tation than was accorded to it. Its achievements in 
the Shenandoah Valley gave it a high place in the 
esteem of its commanders and comrades in that cam- 
paign, and it was unjust for those at a distance to 
judge it harshly for reasons that had passed away. 

The regiment took part in the following engage- 
ments : 

United States Ford, Va., May 19, 1864; Ashland Station, Va., June 1, 
1864; North Anna River, Va., June 2, 1864 ; Hawes' Shop, Va., June 3, 
1864; Bottom's Bridge, Va., June 4, 1864 ; White Oak Swamp, Va., June 
13, 1864; Smith's Store, Va., June 16, 1864; before Petersburg, Va., July 
25, 1864 ; Lee's Mills, Va., June 4, 1864 ; Winchester, Va., Aug. 17, 1864; 
Summit Point, Va., Aug. 21, 1364; Kearneysville, Va., Aug. 25 and 26 
1864; Berryville Turnpike, Va., Sept. 13, 1864; Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 
1864; Front Royal, Va., Sept. 21 and 22, 1864; Fisher's Hill, Va., Sept. 
22, 1864; Winchester, Va., Sept. 24, 1864; Waynesboro', Va., Sept. 28, 
1864; Bridgewater, Va., Oct. 2, 1864; Tom's Brook, Va., Oct. 9, 1864; 
Cupp's Mills, Va., Oct. 13, 1864; Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864; Back 
Road (near Cedar Creek), Va., Nov. 12, 1864 ; Mount Jackson, Va., Nov. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



93 



22, 1864; Lacey's Spring, Va., Dec. 21» 1864; Morefield, Ya., Feb. 22, 
1865; Waynesboro', Va., March 2, 1865; Dinwiddie Court-Honse, Va., 
March 31, 1865 ; Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865; capture of Petersburg, 
Va., April 2, 1864; Deep Creek, Va., April 3, 1865; Sailor's Creek, Va., 
April 6, 1865; Appomattox Station, Va., April 8, 1865; Appomattox 
Court-House, Va. (Lee'a surrender), April 9, 1865. 

THIRD CAVALRY. 

Gloucester County. 

Company B. 
George Y. Davis, eel. Jan. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Company C. 
Charles N. Billings, enl. Sept. 22, 1864; must, out June 7, 1865. 
Thomas L. Kendrick, enl. Sept. 22, 1864 ; must, out June 7, 1865. 

Company G. 
Joshua C. Howell, enl. Aug. 15, 1864; must, out June 6, 1865. 
Charles F. Miller, enl. Aug. 12, 1864; must, out June 6, 1865. 
Andrew H. Post, enl. Aug. 30, 1864 ; trans, to Co. B. 
Thomas B. Snethen. enl. Aug. 15, 1864; must, out June 6, 1865. 
Josiah H. Tice, enl. Aug. 30, 1864; trans, to Co. E. 

Company R. 
Jacob G. Pancoast, enl. Oct. 10, 1864. 
Abraham Steinbaker, enl. Oct. 7, 1864. 

Additional Names. — James Jenkins, Co. E ; George Hillraar, Charles F. 
Miller, William V. B. Pierce, Co. G ; John G. Clark, Co. M. 

Salem County. 
Company F. 
James Allen, enl. Jan. 2, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Richard Hawn, enl. Jan. 2, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Company JS. 
Charles F. Doru, enl. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
George Edwards, enl. Dec. 7, 1863; must, out Aug. 10, 1SG5. 
Joseph Mills, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Andrew R. Snyder, corp., enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

CVMBEELAKD COUNTT. 

Company A. 
Levi Christian, enl. Jan. 4, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
William P. Batts, enl. Dec. 8, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Company G. 

Captain, Thomas R. McClong; First Lieutenant, William M. Scott; 
Second Lieutenant, Gilbert Tice. 

John Adams, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Alexander Anderson, bugler, enl. Dec. 2'.i, 1863; died Dec. 24, 1S64. 

Jacob Adams, enl. Jan. 4, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Georgfi J. Bard, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; died Aug. 31, 1864. 

Alfred J. Brooks, enl. Dec. 28, 1863; disch. June 23, 1865, wounds re- 
ceived in action. 

Benjamin F. Buck, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Gideon Biggs, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; sergt. Aug. 1, 1864; killed in action 
Sept. 13, 1864. 

John H. Boody, enl. Dec. 23,1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Charles Bartlett, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must, out July 19, 1865. 

Jonathan D. Buck, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Cornelius Brannin, enl, Jan. 4, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Samuel F. Bennett, enl. Dec. 22, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1864. 

William H. Beebe, enl. Jan. 5, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

John W. Cawman, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Ezra Champion, enl. Dec. 22, 1S63 ; must, out May 21, 1865. 

Robert Camblis, enl. Dec. 23, 1863. 

William E. Chinn, com.-sergt., enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug.1,1865. 

James M. Chamberlain, enl. Dec 23, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Charles P. Clunn, sergt., enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Joseph T. Donnelly, enl Dec. 22, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Enoch F. Doughty, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; killed in action Aug. 21, 1864. 

John L. Doughty, enl. Dec. 22, 1863; died Feb. 26, 1864. 

Jonathan M. Davis, farrier, enl. Jan. 1, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Andrew J. Fox, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Elwood Fisher, enl. Dec. 28, 1S63 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Israel Garron, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out May 23, 1865. 

John Griner, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 



Henry R. Griffith, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; corp. Sept. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 

1, 1865. 
William Garrison, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 10, 1865. 
Charles P. Garrison, enl. Dec. 28, 18f>3; must, out Aug.l, 1865. 
Samuel Getsinger, enl. Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Christoplier Garrison, enl. Jan. 2, 1864; disch. Nov. 24, 1865. 
James P. Hughes, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
John Headley, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug, 1, 1865. 
Charles Hankins, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
George Hogan, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Andrew Hiles, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Diivid Harris, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
James Hudley, enl. Aug. 24,1864; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 14, 

1865 ; disch. July 11, 18G5. 
John Impson, enl. Jan. 6, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
William Jones, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
David Key, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; sergt. Jan. 19, 1865; 2d lieut. Aug. 4, 

1865; must, out Aug. 12, 1865. 
Charies Loder, enl. Dec. 22, 1863; died Oct. 19, 1864. 
Henry M. Lee, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Henry Lippincott, enl. Dec. 22, 1S63 ; regt. q.m.-aergt. Sept. 1, 1864. 
John Lutes, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; died June 11, 1864. 
Joseph A. Messick, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out May 23, 1865. 
Thomas Morgan, enl. Dec. 20, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Irvin Marks, enl. Dec. 22, 1863; must, out Aug. l^Mo^- 
Avery S. Messic, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; sergt. Feb. 6, 1864; must, out Aug. 

1, 1865. 
Henry Morris, enl. Dec. 22, 18G3; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Barney McAuley, enl. Dec. 23, 1863. 

Samuel Morris, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must, out July 6, 1865. 
Joseph B. Myers, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Levi S. Measic, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; died Aug. 31, 1864. 
Joel Madden, enl. Dec. 22, 1863; must, out Aug. 1,1865. 
James McGill, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; died Dec. 28, 1864. 
Jacob Niplin, enl. Dec. 24, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
John Owen, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 3, 1865. 
George W. Penn, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; killed in action Aug. 21, 1864. 
Lewis R. Paine, enl. Doc. 24, 1863 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 

1865 ; disch. Aug. 9, 1865. 
Joseph T. Rose, sergt., enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; q.ra.-sergt. Sept. 1, 1864 ; must. 

out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Joseph D. Richardson, enl. Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 4, 1865. 
Patrick Raney, enl. Dec. 22, 1863. 
William Roecop, corp., enl. Dec. 28, 1863; 1st sergt. Sept. 1, 1864; must. 

out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Oliver Smith, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
John Sheppard, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; died March 21, 1865. 
Hosea Sithens, saddler, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; saddler sergt. July 30, 1864. 
Thomas Sharp, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; killed in action Aug. 17, 1864. 
William E. Smith, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Edward B. Shaw, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 : must, out Aug. 10, 1865. 
John G. Stout, enl. Jan. 4, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Thomas Tyler, enl. Jan. 14, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Charles P. Tyler, enl. Aug. 17, 1864 ; must, out June 6, 1865. 
William Wilfolne, enl. Dec. 29, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Joseph Williams, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 24, 1865. 
Lemuel G.Welch, corp., enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Companij H. 

Captain, Ethan T.Harris; First Lieutenant, Barnet Birdsell; Second 

Lieutenant, John Bamford. 
Henry Allison, enl. Jan. 3, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
William E. Brooks, enl. Dec. 15, 1863 ; must.' out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Enoch Brooks, enl. Jan. 1, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Ruljert Bell, enl. Dec. 15, 1863; disch. April 7, 1S64. 
Henry C. Beebe, enl. Dec. 9, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Benjamin F. Barracliff, enl, Dec. 11, 1863; must, out May 31, 1865. 
Franklin W. Buzby, enl, Dec. 24, 1863 ; corp. Dec. 31, 1864; must, out 

Aug. 1, 1865, 
George S. Buck, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Charles B. Buck, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Jacob H. Brown, farrier, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug, 21, 1865. 
James Bradford, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; killed in action Sept. 19, 1864. 
Charles Clark, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; corp. May 19,1864; must, out Aug. 1, 

1865. 
William Clark, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
' James M. Clark, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; disch. disability Oct. 20, 1864. 



94 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Robert G. Clynier, enl. Dec. 22, 18G3 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Elam Crozier, enl. Dec. 31, 1S63; corp. July 1, 1865; must, out Aug. 1, 

1865. 
Benjamin Couzzans, enl. Feb. 1, 1S64 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1S65. 
Siimuel v. Davis, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; died Feb. 10, 1864. 
James Drumuioud, enl. Jan. 2, 1864; must, out Aug. 3, 1865. 
Theodore A. Dare, 1st sergt., enl. Dec. 12, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
George M. Dodd, enl. Sept. 3, 1S64. 
Theodore W. Elmer, enl. Dec. 7, 1863 ; corp. May 19, 1864 ; died Jan. 13, 

1865. 
Chai les G. Edwards, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Joseph H. Fitbian, Corp., enl. Dec. 11, 1803; sergt. Oct. 25, 18C4; must. 

out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Lewis K. Finley, Corp., enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out June 19, 1865. 
Enoch B. Garrison, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1S65. 
John Garretson, enl. Dec. 22,1863. 

James Garrison, enl. Dec. 31, 1S63; must, out Aug. 1, ISe.T. 
John E. Gorton, fari-ier, enl. Dec. 21, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Samuel Harris, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug, 1, 1865. 
Helms Heritage, enl. Jan. 2, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Daniel Heaton, enl. Jan. 2, 1865 ; died April 30,1865. 
Levi J. Harker, enl. Oct. .5, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 3, 1865. 
Samuel H. June.", enl. Dec. 7, 1863 ; missing in action Sept. 22, 1864. 
Blwood Jones, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; died Jan. 10, 1365. 
William C. Lore, sergt., enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
William G. Loder, enl. Jan. 1, 1864; discli. disability June 9, 1864. 
Franklin SlcCandless, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Bartholomew Mcder, enl. Dec. 22, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
George Master, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Howard Miuot, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; corp. Oct. 25,1864; must, out Aug.l, 

1865. 
Harrison McNeely, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out August, 1866. 
Mathias Mmphy, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Jonathan McCowan, enl. Dec. 16, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Samuel A. McClintock, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out May 18, 1S65. 
Edward McQuillinn, enl Jan. 2, 186-1 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Daniel Newcombe, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Henry Pelei-sou, enl. Dec. 7, 1863; died Sept. 10, 1864. 
Isaiah Palmer, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; died .\ug. 1, 1865. 
Robert Potts, enl. Jan. 1, 1864; corp, Sept. 21, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 

1865. 
BurrisPlummer, Corp., enl. Jan. 2,1864; sergt.-maj. May 19,1864; must. 

out June 9, 1865. 
Daniel Robinson, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1S65. 
George W. Robinson, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Leonard L. Rorey, enl. Jan. 2, 1864; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Samuel T. Strang, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; disch. disability March 9, 1865. 
Theodore F. Strang, bugler, enl. Dec. 13, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Daniel R. Seeds, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
William E. Schuyler, corp., enl. Dec. 5, 1863; sergt. July 1, 1865; must. 

out Aug. 1, 1865. 
John Sharp, enl. Jan. 2, 1864; must, out June 9, 1865. 
Jacob Spahr, sergt., enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Aaron Schellengei', enl. Dec. 18, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Isaac Swing, enl, Dec. 16, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
James Synrar, enl. Dec. 9, 1863; nmst. out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Sheppard F. Stewart, sergt., enl. Dec. 14, 1863 ; must, out June 6, 1865. 
Azor E. Swinney, seigt., enl. Dec. 16, 1863; killed in action Sept. 19, 

1864. 
Theodore F. Sheppard, enl. Dec. 22, 1863 ; corp. June 26, 1865; must, out 

Aug. 1, 1865. 
Lewis Schaible, sergt., enl. Dec. 22, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
John L. Smith, enl. Dec. 24, 1863 ; corp. June 25, 1865 ; must, out Aug. 1, 

1865. 
Michael Sligar, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out .4ug. 1, 1865. 
John Trimble, enl. Dec. 22, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Francis Treiekle, enl. Dec. 31, 1863. 
Frederick Thi-esh, enl. Deo. 31, 1863; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 24, 

1865; discb. Aug. 24, 1S6S. 
William Tullis, enl. Jan. 1, 1864; must, out Aug, 1, 1866. 
William Wescott, enl, Dec. 23, 1863. 

Isaiah Weeks, Corp., enl. Jan. 1, 1864; killed in action Sept. 19, 1864. 
Walker G. West, enl. Dec. 14, 1863; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
William A. Wright, enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out June 15, 1865. 
Charles S. Wallen, corp., enl. Feb. 5, 1864; Ist sergt. Oct. 25, 1864; 2d 

lieut. Aug. 4, 1865 ; must, out Aug. — , 1865. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

CIVIL WA-R.—{Conti,iuecl.) 

THIRTY-SEVENTH AND THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENTS AND 
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 

Thirty-seventh Regiment.— The Thirty-seventh, 
which was a hundred days' regiment, was recruited 
in May and June of 1864. It was mustered into the 
service of the United States on the 23d of the latter 
mouth, with the following field and staff officers: 

Colonel, E. BurdGrubb; Lieutenant-Colonel, John S. Barlow; Major, 
John Daiiforth ; Quaiterniaster, J. W. Kinsey; Surgeon, Henry C. 
Clark; Assistant Surgeons, M. Robinson and E. P. Hancock; Adju- 
tant, Parker Grubb. 

On the 28th of June the regiment left Trenton, and 
on its arrival at Washington it was ordered to Ber- 
muda Hundred. Thence it went to Spring Hill, near 
the Appomattox River, and on the 28th of August to 
the extreme front at Petersburg. On the 25th of 
September it left for Trenton, where it was mustered 
out on the 1st of October, 1864. 

During most of its term of service the regiment 
was scattered in detachments, and engaged in fatigue 
duty. While working in trenches and rifle-pits five 
of its members were killed, and twenty-nine wounded. 
The person7iel of the regiment was not up to the ordi- 
nary standard. Many of the men had passed the 
usual age of military service, and many others had 
not reached that age. They did their duty, however, 
like veterans, and on retiring from the service they 
were complimented in a general order for their effi- 
ciency. The regiment was never in battle. 

THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
Glouckstee County. 
Compani/ D. 
Augustus Stewart. 
Company F. 
John Harker. George W. Hutchinson. 

George M. Morris. Thomas Ivins. 

Lemuel G. Peterson. Thomas J. Lacy. 

Harry D. Cramer. Charles Morris. 

George W. Davis. Harry Robertson. 

John H. Edwards. Clement E. Sbaw. 

Gilbert G. Fowler. Richard Simpkins. 

Alvin Guuut. Moses Tallmau. 

Alfred Green. William Wilson. 

Cumberland County. 
Company F. 



Joseph T. Brown (sergt.). 
Theodore F. Buck (sergt.). 
Israel L. Fish (sergt). 
Isaac H. Brown (sergt.). 
George Moore. 
J. Calvin McMaban (corp.). 
George W. McPherdon (corp.) 
William C. Westcott (corp.). 
Henry S. Lee (corp.). 
Jitmes Bright (wagoner). 
Elbert Bradford. 
AmoB B. Blackwood. 
Robert J. Buck. 



Wm. F. Drament (corp,, died)' 
Samuel Gallagher. 
Lewis G. Mitchell. 
John C. Nixon. 
William M. Ogden. 
Ephraim Parvin. 
William Pogue. 
John Randolph. 
William E. Roberts. 
Hosea R. Robinson (died). 
Charles Strang. 
Elmer C. Ware. 



Thirty-eighth Regiment.— This regiment was 
raised in t!ie summer and autumn of 1864; its organ- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



95 



ization being completed by the 15th of October, 
field and staff officers of the regiment were: 



The 



Colonel, William H, Sewell ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Ashbel W. Angel; 
Major, William H. Tantum ; Adjutant, Edwin G. Smith ; Quartermaster, 
Israel Wells ; Surgeon, Ricbard Thomas, Jr. ; Assistant Surgeons, Israel 
Hart, William S. Combs; Chaplain, Charles R. Hartranft. 

On leaving the State the regiment was sent, succes- 
sively, to City Point, Bermuda Hundred, and Fort 
Powhattan, on the James River, about fifteen miles 
below City Point. Here it remained till the sur- 
render of Lee, engaged in protecting a line of tele- 
graph some forty miles in length, and keeping open 
the river. Although it participated in no general en- 
gagement, it frequently had skirmishes with parties 
of guerrillas. The duties of the regiment were faith- 
fully performed, and had it been called into actual 
combat it would doubtless have acquitted itself with 
honor. 

THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

Gloucester County. 

Company C. 



Joseph E. Headley. 
Benjamin B. Hughes. 
David Lewallen. 
John Morgan. 
AViUiani Bobeitson. 
John J. Stewart (corp.). 
Joseph Surran. 
Joseph T. Turner. 
Samuel Wolbert. 
Company B. 
Captain, Jacob D. Wilson ; First Lieutenant, John N. Cottrell; Second 
Lieutenants, Joseph T. Harnes, Edmund H. Mendenhall. 



John S. Turner (Corp.). 
Joseph Andrews. 
David Boice. 
Cyrus W. Buller. 
David Bunning. 
James Craig. 
Elisha Clark. 
Thomas Grealy. 
Benjamin Harris. 



Privates. 



Edward H. Black, 
John Bond. 
Asa Bond. 
Robert W. Burkett. 
John B. Batten (coi-p.). 
Charles Brown. 
Robert Burt. 
John H. Brown. 
Charles L. Barnes. 
Samuel P. Barnes. 
John Carr. 
Maskill Duboice. 
Benjamin C. Davis, Jr. 
John A. Ewiog. 
Ezekiel English. 
John Eunis. 
William Givens. 
Benjamin Gill. 
Hugh Hines. 
Charles Huplet. 
Samuel D. Lock. 
Seth H. Leap. 



William B. Lloyd. 
Phineas F. Ledden. 
Joseph M. Mattson. 
Terence McNulty. 
Josiah Pedrick. 
Samuel B. Piatt. 
Charles Pierson. 
William Buchers. 
Samuel Richardson. 
Charles W. Rice. 
Amos Sack. 
Charles Storms. 
John Swift. 
Martin H. Schueder. 
Leonard Sparks. 
Patrick Toole- 
Charles E. Thompson. 
John Toole. 
George Uron. 
George Walker, 
Samuel B. Ward. 
Foster S. Zaues. 



Company E. 



James Skill. 



Frederick J. Smith. 



Salem County. 

Company A . 

Charles E. Hetzell. 

C&mgany C. 

William M, White. 

Company D. 

Alfred Jenkins. 



Cumberland County, 



Captain, Henry J. Spaulding 
Second Lieutenant, Will 
John W. Wade (sergt.). 
Francis G. Hawkins (sergt.). 
John W. Simmons (sergt.). 
Nicliolas Griner (sergt.). 
John W. S. Cawman (sergt.). 
Jabez Scholes (corp.), 
Albert Randolph (corp.). 
Jonathan B. Rose (corp.). 
John N. Loper (corp.). 
Josiah Garrison (corp.). 
Robert P. Nixon (corp.). 
Stephen C. Abbot. 
Jonathan Brown. 
Joseph F. Biggs. 
Levi Baily. 
Byron L. Conway. 
Charles P. Cobb. 
Robert Carson. 
Jesse E. Cassaboom. 
Philip W. Carter. 
Nathan S. Champion. 
Rudolph Edwards. 
William J. Frain. 
Alexander Fowler. 
Eli Garrison. 
Dayton L. V. Hess. 
Richmond Henry. 
George V. Hawkins. 
John W. Hover. 
Job Hiles. 
Alphonso A. Jones. 
George M. Keen. 
Franklin Murphine. 
John Murphine. 



Company G. 

Fii-st Lieutenant, L. Clinton McMahon ; 
iam D. Jackson. 

William G. Madden. 
George Y. Mason. 
Wesley S. Matticks. 
John Matticks. 
Andrew L. Maines. 
Henry V. Madden. 
Frank L. Mather. 
George W. Nabb. 
Hiram L. Pettit. 
Jacob L. Piatt 
Amos Penn. 
Gilbert G. Richmond. 
George Runkle. 
Thomas Reed. 
John Richards. 
Joseph G. Souder. 
Abraham Sawyer. 
John Scholes. 
Lewis S. Sockwell. 
John Simpkins. 
Charle.'3 E. Slmw;^ 
Israel Styles. 
Abden A. Shaw. 
Seely F. Sheppard. 
Gustave Shear. 
Godfrey Schear. 
Felix F. Turner. 
Zingles Van Hook. 
David C. Vannenian. 
Luke W. Vanneman. 
Richard Walker. 
Edward Walker, 
William Weldeu. 
John Wolford. 



Company H. 
James Chambers. 

Company K. 
William HofTman. 

Volunteers in other organizations were as follows : 

GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 

Eighth Regiment. 

Company F. 

William S. Bradford, enl. Aug. 9, 1S61; trans, from Co. T, 6th Regt. ; 

corp. Sept. 17, 1864; died Oct. 24, 1864. 
Charles Farley. 

Company G. 

Daniel T. Bendalow, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, from Co. D, 6th Regt. 

must, out July 17, 1865. 
Henry Deats, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, from Co. D, 6th Regt.; disch. 

Aug. 17, 1865, for wounds received in action before Petersburg. 
Albert G. Clark, corp. 

Company H. 

Charles Wilkios. 

Fortieth Regiment. 
Company A. 
Charles Augustine, musician. William Dopson. 

Campany B. 
William McFarland. Joseph S. Duffield. 

Michael Mulvaine. 

James Davis, Jr., wagoner. 
Josiah S. Faraey. 



Company D. 

Company H. 

Henry Smith. 



Battery A. 
Coleman Curren,enl. Jan. 1, 1864; trans, to Batt. D Jan. 26, 1864. 



96 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



BaUery B. 


John Q. Adams. 


Joseph W. Ling. 


John GibBon, enl. Dec. 29, 1863; trans, to Batt. E Feb. 2, 1864. 


■William Anderson. 


Thomas Locke. 


Kobert Hannover, enl. Dec. 29, 1863 ; trans, to Batt. B Feb. 2, 1864. 


Napby Accoo. 


Charles A. Lloyd. 




David Brown. 


William H. Mathews. 


BaUery B. 


Jacob Bowman. 


George Mohring. 


John Douglass, enl. Dec. 29, 1863 ; trans, from Batt. B ; must, out June 


William Bunning. 


William H. McOuUough. 


17, 186.5. 


Adam Black. 


John E. Matts. 


Isaac Terpine, enl. Dec. 21, 1863; died March 30, 1864. 


Theodore Burkett. 


Peter S. Morris. 




Nicholiis Beach. 


John A. Mather. 


SALEM COUNTY. 


John Coy. 


Henry Montcrief. 


Fortieth Regiment. 


Joseph C. Conover. 


Charles Mounce. 


Co^npany C. 


George R. Cousins. 


James Murphy. 


Joseph J. Clement. 


John Murphy. 


William Seyers. 


Joseph L. Coles. 


John Madara. 


Compawj E. 


Josiah Duffield. 


Charles Pinnaman, 


Charles S. Tice. 


William Deal. 


John H. Norris (2d lieut.). 




Hiram Duffield. 


James R. Russell. 


Company I. 


Frank J. Faucett. 


JohnH. Redfield. 


Edward S. Davis. Adam S. Rudolph. 


Milos Foley. 


Robert Ramsey. 




Nathan Fisler. 


David Ricco. 


CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 


Leonard Fisler. 


Charles D. Roy. 


Eighth Regiment. 


Aaron S. Finnamau. 


Gustavo Schaffer. 


Company F. 


Richard Finnaman. 


John S. Smith. 


Alfred French. 


Alfred B. Shute. 


George W. Hall, enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, from Co. K, 6th Eegt. ; must. 


BenjamiaW. Fowler. 


Samuel Saunders. 


out Aug. 1, 1865. 


Miles Foley. 


Edward S. Stratton. 


Company G. 


William Gibson. 


Charles T. Stratton. 


Isaac T. Garten, sergt., enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, as sergt. from Co. K, 


David Grows, 


Abram L. Sharp. 


6th Regt.; must, out July 17, 1865. 


Henry Gilbert. 


William H. Sturgis. 


Joseph W. Henderson, sergt., enl. Aug. 9, 1S61; trans, from Co. K, 6th 


John Green. 


John S. Simmerman. 


Eegt.; must, out July 17, 1865. 


John C. Griffin. 


Jonathan C. Stiles. 


William H. Randolph, sergt., enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, from Co. K, 6th 


Henry S. Gorman. 


John W. Sparks. 


Regt. ; must, out July 17, 1866. 


David Givens. 


Charles B. Scott. 




Samuel 0. Holdcraft. 


William C. Stokea (2d lieut.). 


Eleventh Regiment. 


David Hunt. 


Isaac V. Simpson, 


Company A. 


Thomas Hunter. 


Alfred C. Titus. 




Alfred Hushback. 


William Tiiompson. 


Thomas Law, enl. March 25, 1864; trans, to Co. B. 








Thomas J. Hardin. 


Isaac Tracy. 


Company D. 


Samuel Hewett. 


Andrew M. Williams. 


Francis Sweeny, enl. June 14, 1864; trans, to Co. 1, 12th Regt. 


Samuel Hnywood. 


Joseph C. Weatberby, Jr. 




Stacy W. Hazleton. 


Thomas Watson. 


Company lij. 


Martin P. Hornett. 


Joseph 0. Wallace. 


Armstrong Powell, drafted Aug. 15, 1864; trans, to Co. B, 12th Regt. 


Frank H. Hughes. 


William H. Wallace. 




David Hutchinson. 


John C. Wallace. 


Company E. 


William James. 


Patrick Welsh. 


William F. Hogbin, drafted Aug. 12, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E. 


Ezekiel F. Jonea. 


William J. Wiley. 




Aaron W. Knight. 


William White. 


Fourteenth Regiment (Gloucester). 


Charles H. Kain (2d lieut.). 


Robert White. 


Company C. 


John Keeler. 


Moses N. White. 


Andrew McFarland, enl. Sept. 16, 1864 ; must, out June IS, 1866. 


James Lee. 


Andrew Williams. 




John R. Lewis. 


Stephen Wilson. 


Fifteenth Regiment. 


James G. Leap. 


Benjamin F. Wilson. 


Company H. 


Alfred Litus. 




Henry L. Seymoure, enl. May 28, 1861; died Nov. 2, 1864, of wounds 


Salem: County. 


received at Opequan, Va. 


Isaac S. Fry. 


Gibson Johnson. 


Fourteenth Regiment. 


Thomna Godfrey. 


Draper Jackson. 


Company F, 


Miller Jenkins. 


William H. Johnson. 




John Peacock. 


Thomas Lewis. 


William Taylor. 


John H. Williams. 


Samuel I. Moore. , 


BaUery B. 


iBaiic Becket. 


James Munsou. 


John Blizzard, enl. Jan. 2, 1864 ; trans, to Batt. E Feb. 2, 1864. 


William H. Brown. 


Samuel Moore. 


James G. W. Craig, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; trans, to Batt. E Feb. 2, 1864. 


Wilhani Coy. 


Samuel Price. 


Ephraim B. Harris, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 20, 


Elisha Huff. 


Elias Price. 


1866; disch. July 21,1865. 


William Deal. 


George Riiigold. 


Joseph M. Henry, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; trans, to Batt. B Feb. 2, 1864. 


Edward Frisbey. 


Moses Reason. 


Robert Levick, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; trans, to Batt. E Feb. 2, 1864. 


George W. Green. 


Jacob Rigby. 


Lemuel Loder, enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; trans, to Batt. D Jan. 26, 1864. 


John H. Green. 


William Robinson. 




Israel George. 


David Shockley. 


BaUery C. 


John R. Green. 


Moses L. Selvy. 


Samuel Wood, enl. Feb. 8, 1864; must, out June 19, 1866. 


Joshua Gibbs. 


John W. Shockley. 




Thomas Green. 


James G. Sullivan. 


The following are the names of men from Glouces- 


Benjamiu B. Grooms. 


John A. Sullivan. 


ter County who served during the war in organiza- 


Nathan Green. 


William Steward. 


tions of New Jersey, of other States, and of the 


Richard Harry. 
John Hall. 


George H. Silas. 
Harrison Skinner. 


United States : 


William Johnson. 


Benjamin Sullivan. 



% 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



97 



Emery Thomas. 
Edward G. Thompson. 
-Tohn Wilson. 
Isaac Wriiigle. 
Charles Wrayman. 

Cumberland 
Wilson B. Colvin. 
Thomas F. Campljell. 
George W. Shute. 
Lewis M. Tucker. 
Geoi-ge W. Taylor. 
John Q. Adams. 
William Berry. 
Joseph Bond. 
Thomas Crawford. 
Wesley Downs. 
James Denman. 
Robert Gould. 
Joseph H, Graves. 
William Goldsborough. 
Jacob B. Johnson, 



William H. Warner. 
Franklin W. Warick. 
John B. Young. 
James Young. 



Charles H. Lloyd. 
George Lloyd. 
John W. Miller. 
William Morrison. 
George H. Miller. 
Samuel Murray. 
Jedediah Pierce. 
Harraica Pierce. 
Hosea Pierce. 
Mark Pierce. 
Daniel G. Rose. 
Samuel Riley. 
John S. Willis. 
John W, Winchester. 



continued on duty during seventeen days. Company 
K, of Vineland, became a part of this regiment 
March 14, 1876, and Company E, of Woodbury, 
March 22, 1880. 



CHAPTER XX. 

SIXTH REGIMENT, NATIONAL GUARD N. J. 

There were in West New Jersey, in 1869, but two 
military companies connected with the State militia, 
one in the city of Burlington, and one in Camden. 

By an act of the Legislature approved in March, 
1869, the old militia system of the State was abol- 
ished and a new law was passed, organizing the na- 
tional guard. 

By an order from headquarters the two companies 
mentioned were constituted the Fifth Battalion of the 
Third Brigade of the National Guard of the State of 
New Jersey, and E. J. Jackson was commissioned as 
major, and assumed command of the battalion. Three 
additional companies were immediately formed and 
added to the organization, thus constituting it a full 
battalion, and the following staff officers were ap- 
pointed : Adjutant, Solon R. Hankinson ; Paymaster, 
William Sexton ; Quartermaster, Jacob Hill ; Sur- 
geon, H. Genet Taylor; Assistant Surgeon, J. Or- 
lando White; and Chaplain, Rev. William H. Jef- 
ferys. Adjt. Hankinson resigned, and in January, 
1820, D. B. Murphy was commissioned first lieuten- 
ant and adjutant of the battalion. 

In August, 1870, another company was organized 
at Atlantic City and added to the battalion, thus cre- 
ating a necessity for a regimental organization, and 
accordingly the Sixth Regiment was organized, and 
Col. James M. Scovel, Lieut.-Col. William H. Hem- 
sing, and Maj. Richard H. Lee were elected field 
officers. ' 

The commandants of the regiment since have been. 
Col. William J. Sewell, elected 1873, and Col. E. Burd 
Grubb, 1877. The present field officers, elected in 
1882, are. Colonel, William H. Cooper; Lieutenant- 
Colonel, J. C. Lee; and Major, G. W. Smith. 

The regiment was called out in August, 1877, to 
suppress the labor riots at Phillipsburg, N. J., and 
7 



CHAPTER XXI. 

RAILROADS IN SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY. 

The system of railroads that ramify through 
Southern New Jersey was not commenced till some 
years after railroads were in operation in many other 
parts of the country. This part of the State is not 
situated where the needs of travel or commerce re- 
quire the establishment of a great thoroughfare, and 
until experience had demonstrated the practicability 
of these roads for local business they were not likely 
to come into existence in a region like-this. Of their 
effect in the development of the resources of this 
part of the State it is hardly necessary to speak. 

About the year 1840 a railroad was built between 
Camden and Woodbury. The route was the same as 
that of the present railroad from Camden to North 
Woodbury crossing, thence in a direct line to the 
present brick grist-mill near the bridge in Woodbury, 
which mill was erected for the depot of that road. 
The road was at first operated by steam, but after a 
time it became embarrassed financially, and came 
into the possession of Amos Campbell, who operated 
it by horse-power, till finally it ceased to be used. It 
was constructed in the primitive style of building 
railroads, with flat iron on stringers for rails. 

The West Jersey Railroad Company was incor- 
porated by an act of the Legislature approved Feb. 
3, 1853. This act authorized the construction of a rail- 
road from Camden, through the counties of Glouces- 
ter, Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May, to a point 
at or near the city of Cape Island, in the latter 
county. In 1857 this road was put in operation be- 
tween Camden and Woodbury. It had then been 
built two or three years, but not operated. It was 
built mainly by the Camden and Amboy Railroad 
Company. 

The MillviUe and Glassboro Railroad Company 
was incorporated by an act approved March 9, 1857. 
The route prescribed was " from the village of Mill- 
viUe, in Cumberland County, to such a point at or 
near to the village of Glassboro, in the county of 
Gloucester, as may be deemed convenient." This 
road was at once constructed and put in operation 
between its termini, a distance of twenty-two miles. 
From Glassboro to Woodbury passengers were taken 
in coaches. To obviate this inconvenience the West 
Jersey road was extended to Glassboro. 

The principal stockholder in the Millville and 
Glassboro road was Richard D. Wood, and it was 
said that connection was established between the 
two roads sooner than would otherwise have been 



98 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



because of the well-grounded apprehension that he 
would extend his road to Eed Bank, and thus estab- 
lish communication with Philadelphia by that route. 
The extension of the West Jerse)' road was at the 
same time continued to Bridgeton. 

The Salem Railroad was constructed from Elmer 
to Salem, a distance of sixteen miles, soon after the 
extension of the West Jersey road to Bridgeton. The 
route prescribed in the charter, which was passed in 
3856, was "from a point in the town of Salem, or 
within one mile thereof, to any point on the West 
Jersey Railroad, at Woodbury or south thereof, 
which the directors may deem most eligible." The 
limit of time for the completion of the road was seven 
years from the 4th of July, 1856 ; but by a supple- 
ment, approved Feb. 17, 1865, this time was extended 
to June 4, 1870. 

The Cape May and Millville Railroad Com- 
pany was incorporated by an act approved March 
9, 1863. This act superseded the supplement to the 
charter of the Millville and Glassboro Railroad Com- 
pany, which authorized that company to extend their 
road to any point on or near Cape Island. The sep- 
arate charter was requested by the Millville and 
Glassboro Company. The termini named were Mill- 
ville and Cape Island, and all the lands, rights of way, 
and privileges acquired by the Millville and Glassboro 
Company were conveyed and assigned to the new 
corporation. In all these charters the power was re- 
served to the State of having an appraisement made 
of the property belonging to the companies, after 
periods varying from thirty to fifty years from the 
date of the charter, and becoming the owner of such 
roads and property by the payment to the companies 
of the amount of the appraisement in each case. 

An act was passed in 1868, the preamble of which 
set forth that 

'* Whereas, the West Jersey Riiilroad connects directly with tlie Mill- 
ville and Glassboro Kailroad, and, by means of the latter, with the Cape 
May and Millville Railroad, and also connects directly witli the Salem 
Railroad, forming altogether one entire system of railroads, which can 
be operated with greater economy under one management, and whereas 
the West Jersey Kailroad Company and the Millville and Glassboro 
Railroad Company have entered into an agreement, bearing; date the 
twelfth day of October, in the year eighteen hundred and si.\ty-soven, 
providing, among other things, for a consolidation of the two compa- 
nies, so that all their corporate powers and franchises shall he merged 
into, and all their corjjorate property shall be owned by, the West Jersey 
Railroiul Company." 

It was enacted that the agreement should be vali- 
dated and confirmed, and the company was author- 
ized to lease and operate the Cape May and Millville 
Railroad, and the Salem Railroad, or either of them. 

The " Act to authorize the formation oC railroad 
corporations and regulate the siuric" was approved 
April 12, 1873, and railroads in Southern New Jersey 
have since been built under the provisions of that 
act. 

The Swedesboro Railroad, between Woodbury 
and Swedesboro, was built (18Gi)) at a coat of two hun- 
dred and seventy thous.aiid dollars, and was at once 



leased by the West Jersey Railroad Company. An 
extension of this road to Woodstown and Salem was 
completed in 1883. 

The Delaware River Railroad, between Wood- 
bury and Penn's Grove, went into operation about 1874. 
It was first called the Delaware Shore Railroad. It 
became embarrassed financiallj', and passed into the 
hands of a receiver, and was finally purchased by 
Thomas L. Ogden. After his death, in 1880, it be- 
came the property of the Dupont Powder Company, 
by which it is operated. 

The New Jersey Southern Railroad was chartered 
in 1867, and completed to Vineland in 1872. It ex- 
tends from Bay Side, on the Delaware River, across 
Cumberland County, through Bridgeton and Vine- 
land, and northward to New York City. It has re- 
cently passed under the control of the Reading Rail- 
road Company. 

The Cumberland and Maurice River Railroad 
was first the Bridgeton and Port Norris Railroad, and 
was chartered by an act of the Legislature, in 1866. 
Its termini were indicated in its original title. It was 
completed about 1875, and was afterward sold under 
foreclosure of a mortgage, and was reorganized under 
its present name. The transportation of oysters over 
this road constitutes the largest item in its business. 
From eight to fifteen car-loads are carried over it daily. 

The West Jersey and Atlantic City Railroad, 
from Newfield, on the Millville and Glassboro Road, 
to Atlantic City, was put in operation in 1881. All 
these, except the Delaware River, the Southern New 
Jersey, and the Cumberland and Maurice River Rail- 
roads, have come to be controlled and operated by the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and under the ex- 
cellent management of this, as well as of the Reading 
company, the wants of the public are consulted and 
supplied. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
liKOLOlJY OF SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY.! 

In the study of the geology of Southern New Jer- 
sey it is thought best to lay down some of the jirin- 
ciples of the science that the general reader may 
understand the statements made, and also to satisfy 
him that the assertions are made from what is believed 
to be the latest scientific explanation of the formation 
of our planet. 

The weight of evidence is in favor of the theory 
that there was a lime in the early history of our globe 
when its constituents were in a gaseous state in space, 
and were kept so by being at a high temperature, — 
supposed to be 2000° Cent. That at this time the 
cooling process began. " Professor Helmholtz hii8 cal- 
culated, from the rate of cooling of lavas, that the 

1 lly J. n.nvn Heritage, M.I). 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



9 'J 



earth, in passing from 2000° (760° Fahr.) to 200° Cent. 
(76°), must have taken three hundred and fifty mil- i 
lions of years." (Dana's Manual of Geology, p. 147.) 
" But the temperature when the Archtean, or first ; 
period of the world's history, ended was probably not I 
over 38° Cent. (100° F.), to reach which many scores { 
of millions of years must have been passed." 

This cooling process was carried on until the various | 
elements of the globe, through chemical agency, crys- 
tallized into a crust on the surface and the various j 
rocks were formed, while the internal molten condition 
of the globe was kept up, and through the agency of 
the internal heat from gaseous expansion the various 
elevations of the earth's surface were brought about, 
and volcanoes were formed as outlets or vents for the 
pent-up fires, in the centre of the earth. 

In the cretaceous period the region of a large part 
of the Rocky Mountains, and of the Atlantic, Gulf, 
and Pacific borders of the continent, were beneath the 
sea, but mostly near its surface; the marine life of 
the sea contributed to the forming of cretaceous beds. 
Now, the marine beds, filled with cretaceous fossils, 
are at a height of ten to eleven thousand feet in the 
Rocky Mountain region, at a maximum height on the 
Pacific border of only five thousand feet, in Alabama 
of seven to eight hundred feet, and in New Jersey not 
over four hundred feet. (Dana's Manual of Geology, 
p. 783.) 

Through a succession of ages, the length of which 
it is impossible to conjecture, the surface of the globe 
was cooled, until, from the inclination of the axis of 
the globe to the sun or other causes, there became 
what is denominated a glacial period, or one of intense 
cold. 

These successive ages are the periods of geological 
time. They are given by Dana as follows : 
I. AECHiEAN Time : 

1. The Azoic age. 

2. Eozoic, — a long period without life, except 

in the last of the period there appears 
algfe, or sea-weed. 
II. Paleozoic Time : 

1. Age of invertebrates. 

2. Age of fishes. 

3. Age of coal plants. 

III. Mesozoic Time : 

Age of reptiles. 

IV. Cexozoic Time : 

1. Age of mammals, tertiary. 

2. Age of man, quaternary. 

The geological formation of Southern New Jersey 
is of the cretaceous and tertiary formation of the 
Cenozoic age, or most recent in the world's history. 

We will now return to the glacial period, at 
which time, in the history of Southern New Jersey, 
the mouth of the Delaware River was at Trenton ; 
at that time the weight of evidence goes to prove 
that the upper portion of the State, or Northern New 
Jersey, also New York, and the New England States, 



were in a condition of eternal frost, and glaciers oc- 
cupied much of the territory. It is conjectured by 
scientists to have been elevated since that age. The 
coast-line of New Jersey was then from Raritan Bay, 
near New York City, across the State to Trenton, 
and thence down the east shore of the Delaware 
River to Penn's Grove on the Jersey shore. The 
line of coast from Trenton across the State to Raritan 
Bay is marked by a line of hills composed of what 
is known as "drift," being the gravel, boulders, and 
other indestructible dfibris of the glaciers at that time 
occupying the northern part of the State. 

The evidences of glacial action are found to a 
limited extent in our State, but are very marked in 
the more indestructible rocks in the New England 
States and New York, where are found smooth 
grooves cut and polished in the granite walls of the 
mountains ; all these scratches having one general 
direction, being southward to soutb^eastward in New 
England ; southwestward in Western New York (see 
Dana's Manual of Geology, page 531), as follows : 

"TABLE 01' DILUVIAL SCRATCHES ON THE TEAP-EOCKS. 

Localities. Direction. 

Palisade Mt., near suDimit, east of Inglewoorl S. 40° E, 

" " S. E. of Eiiglewootl, on Palisjitle Avenue S. 35° E, 

" S. E. of English NeiKhborliOoil S. -.'0° E. 

" " road lietweeii Fort Lee and Fort Lee Station S. 30° E. 

" " nearGiiltunlmrp; Brewerv S. 20° E. 

" " topofbluir north of Fort Lee S.20°E. 

" " Eock over Bergen Tunnel S. 20° E. 

Bergen Neck, shore of Newark Bav S. W. 

"" S. E. 

Southwest of Paterson, south bank of Morris Canal S. 70° W. 

Fiist Blountiiin, west slope, soutti of Paterson S. 75° E. 

" " " " near the Notch S. 75° E. 

" " near Llewelli-n Park S. 60° W.? 

West of Paterson, on the road to Little Falls, south bank of 

Passaic S. 60°W. 

Second Mt , west slope, near the line between Passaic and 

Essex Counties S. 40°E. 

Second Mt., west slope, north of Mt. Pleasant turnpike S. W. 

" " Mt. Pleasant turnpike S. W. 

Half-mile east of Pouipton Furuace, north of the Paterson 

road S.160W. 

Near the site of old furnare, Pouipton Furnace S. 10° W. 

Hook Mountain, road crossing to Beavertown S. 25° W. 

" " near Beavertown S 40° W. 

" " south of the peat-works S. 60° W. 

" " west slope S 65°W. 

" " " " near south end of the mountain.... S.55°'W." 

— (Cook's Geology of New Jersey, page 22S.J 

Other evidence is that of immense boulders along 
this coast-line, weighing hundreds of tons of rock, 
which has no representation in our State. In soine 
instances it is possible to conjecture fairly, accurately, 
the mountain from which this boulder was torn 
farther to the north, and masses of native copper 
occur in the drift of Connecticut and New Jersey 
that were taken from veins nearly north of the places 
where they occur. (Dana's Manual, page 529.) 

The whole of Southern New Jersey was at that 
time undoubtedly under water, and from this coast- 
line — from Trenton to Raritan Bay — the descent into 
the Atlantic was probably much more abrupt than at 
present, as "off the coast of New Jersey for a distance 
of eighty miles there is a depth of only six hundred 
feet at the present time, and from this line the ocean 
basin dips oft' at a steep angle" (Dana's Manual, page 
11) ; whereas the dip — inclination or descent — of the 
various strata of clay, marls, etc., unrlerlyin.g the 



LofC. 



100 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



southern part of the State, is about thirty feet to the 
mile, soutlieasterly direction. (Professor Coolf's Geol- 
ogy of New Jersey, page 245.) From this statement 
the ocean-floor at the time of the commencement of 
the deposit of clay upon it at Egg Harbor Bay (which 
lies at nearly right angles to Trenton to the drift 
across the State) would be one thousand six hundred 
and eighty feet. Therefore the dip or descent was 
nearly three times as great then as in the present de- 
scent of the ocean-floor oft' the Jersey coast for eighty 
miles. Upon this ocean-floor was spread through the 
ages a deposit or stratum (like a huge blanket) of 
plastic clay varying in thickness or depth at different 
places, but estimated by Professor Cook to be two 
hundred and ten feet in thickness (Geology of New 
Jersey, page 246), and is believed to have been 
formed from disintegration of gneiss rock. 

The outcrop of this clay-bed, two hundred and 
ten feet thick, is found on the shore of Earitan Bay, 
a little south of Cheesequakes Creek (of Congressional 
fame), crossing the State and outcropping at various 
places until it nearly reaches the Delaware River at 
Bordentown. It follows about a mile east of the 
river, and reaches its bank at Gloucester City, coming 
to the surface at various places, — Woodbury Creek, 
a mile from its mouth, Mantua Creek, near Pauls- 
boro. Raccoon Creek, a mile above Bridgeport, tlience 
in the same direction to the Delaware, near Penn's 
Grove. (Cook.) 

These clays are known as fire-clay, potter's-clay, 
and lignite, and are a source of much commercial 
value for purposes of manufacture where such crude 
materials are to be used for any purpose. This stratum 
of clay undoubtedly underlies the whole of Southern 
New Jersey, though it is probable its greatest thick- 
ness was along the original coast-line. 

The organic remains found in this clay are those of 
the fresh-water mussel and some other fresh-water 
shells, trunks and branches of trees, in one place 
twenty-five feet in thickness, and a stratum of " four 
feet of clayey sand containing leaf impressions; and 
from the leaves found, from the bark, and from the 
rings of annual growth, the evidence is conclusive 
that the age of broad-leaved plants was then begun." 
(Cook.) 

We have now laid the foundation, or shown liow 
nature has done it, of the southern part of the State, 
and before proceeding to explain the deposit of the 
remaining strata will state that undoubtedly through 
the ages, at uncertain periods of time, there has been 
a gradual elevation of the surface of the globe in this 
particular locality, and during the Champlaiii period 
there was unquestionably an elevation from some 
cause — probably those mentioned as usually causing 
such phenomena, — the internal heat of the globe and 
gaseous expansion resulting therefrom — of Southern 
New Jersey. 

This hypothesis being correct, then commenced the 
deposit of clay, neal-ly two hundred and seventy-seven 



feet in thickness. Our theory of upheaval of the 

earth's surface being correct (and we have shown from 
the highest authority that there areevidencesof marine 
life in mountains fifteen thousand feet high), it is safe 
to conjecture that at this period of the world's his- 
tory a more rapid process of elevation began in 
Southern New Jersey; besides, other climatic and dis- 
integrating changes took place, — changes of direction 
of the Gulf Stream, — which deposited on the ocean- 
floor this deposit of clay marl two hundred and sev- 
enty-seven feet in thickness, the outcrop of which is 
shown between Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays on the 
northeast, following the southeast line of the outcrop 
of the plastic clays to Bordentown, on the Delaware, 
and thence in a nearly direct line down the east shore 
of the Delaware River to a point near and below 
! Penn's Grove. 

When these clay marls are exposed they show 
crusts of a reddish material ; below the surface it is 
dark-colored clay mixed with grains of green sand. 

This formation is dug for fertilizing purposes at 
various points, but is not of sufficiently rich material 
to make it a valuable acquisition to the farmer except 
it is of very convenient access. 

Shells are found in this formation, but not in such 
quantities as ai'e seen in the marl-beds. 

The gradual upheaval of the State continuing, there 
was another deposit, known as the lower marl-bed, 
thirty feet in thickness ; red sand, one hundred feet ; 
middle marl-bed, forty-five feet ; yellow sand, forty- 
three ; upper marl-bed, thirty-seven feet. The total 
thickness of the foregoing deposit since the glacial 
period being seven hundred and forty-two feet. (Cook.) 

The plan followed by Professor Cook, the State 
geologist, has been to give a chapter (v.) on "Marl- 
Beds," which we will quote : 

" The series of strata comprised under this name 
include those beds of green sand which have obtained 
so high a reputation, under the name of marl. The 
district in which they have their outcrop is widely 
known as the marl region, and occupies a strip of 
country from six to fifteen miles wide, and stretches 
from the ocean below Sandy Hook to Salem, on the 
Delaware. The soil over this district is more or less 
sandy, remarkably free from stones and boulders" 
(though there are scattered through the district quar- 
ries of a conglomerate stone, which is evidently of 
recent formation, and is used for building purposes), 
"and in most parts in a high state of cultivation and 
very productive. When exposed in natural or artifi- 
cial sections several well-marked beds and layers can 
be characterized. 

"These several beds having a strike of -south 55° 
west and a dip to the southeast of twenty to thirty- 
three per mile, having their outcroppings in the order 
of their occurrence ; that which is lowest appearing 
farther to the northwest, and that which is higher in 
the series farther to the southeast. A line marked 
' Register line,' known as the 'strike,' is drawn across 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



101 



the State, which shows all parts of the lower inarl- 
bed, which outcrop at the level of tide-water. This 
line touches the lower marl-bed at tide-water on 
Sandy Hook Bay, opposite Eed Bank, near the mouth 
of Hop Creek, at Mount Holly, Clement's Bridge, 
Mantua, and above Sculltown, at Marshall ville, Salem 
County, and St. George's, Delaware. The distance 
from St. George's to Sandy Hook Bay is one hundred 
and six miles, and finding the marl at intermediate 
points on the same level, and in the same line, proves 
that there is no important change of direction in the 
strike for the whole distance. The true bearing of 
this line is south 55° west. It is evident from an in- 
spection of the map that the belt of country in which 
this formation lies narrows towards the southwest, 
and the strike of the white clay as taken at tide-water 
between Bordentown and Cheesequakes is south 52° 
west, and that of the middle marl-bed, between Par- 
ker's Creek, near Eatontown, and Salem, is south 55° 
west. Many verifications of these bearings have been 
made upon shorter lines, and they have been uniformly 
found to agree. Those parts of the various outcrop- 
pings which are thirty feet above tide appear a mile 
northwest of this ' Register line.' Those which are 
sixty feet above, two miles northwest, and so on." 

In an article of this length it is impossible to go 
minutely into the chemical composition of these 
various strata, which through the ages have at each 
upheaval of South Jersey been spread upon the ocean- 
floor, but I think the following table, as compiled by 
Professor Cook, will be sufiicient for the purpose of 
the general reader : 

" Divisions. Subdivisions. 

/ Fire-clays. 
PlasOc clay J p„tter's clay. 

^Lignite. 

Clay mails /Clayey green sand. 

t Laminated Bands. 

(-Sand marl. 
Lower marl-bed J Blue shell marl. 

v-Marl and clay. 

/■Dark micaceous clay. 
Bed sand -< Ked sand. 

vlndurated green earth. 

r Chocolate marl. 

M-jjr 1 1 J Green marl. 

Middle marl-bed ^ „, „ , 

Shell layers. 

[^Yellow limestone and limesand. 
Yellow sand Yellow sand. 

(-Green marl. 
Upper marl-bed J ^g^ n,arl. 

^Blue marl. 

" The above is a table of the divisions of the creta- 
ceous formation in the order of their occurrence, be- 
ginning with the lowest." 

We have now gone over the geological formation of 
Southern New Jersey in a very brief manner in conse- 
quence of being limited in amount of space. It only 
remains to say that wherever these outcroppings of 
clay occur it may be used in the manufacture of brick, 
pottery, etc., and therefore has a commercial value. 
In the outcrop of the marl it is very extensively used 



as a fertilizer, and along the line through the State 
extensive operations are carried on in digging and 
furnishing it for local use and sending it to distant 
States. There are many localities which owe their 
prosperity and fertility almost entirely to marl. 

The surface formation of this part of the State is 
such as would naturally occur as the water of the 
ocean was draining away, there being a water-shed 
which drains towards the Atlantic Ocean and another 
in which the stf-eams run into the Delaware River, 
and there being no rocky formation, the beds of 
streams in both instances having undoubtedly been 
formed where least resistance was found to the pas- 
sage of water. The southern banks of streams usually 
presenting bluffs of larger or smaller magnitude, 
while the northern banks usually slope much more 
gently down to the water's edge. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

METEOROLOGY OF SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY.' 

This is a subject which, directly or indirectly, in- 
terests all classes. Commerce, agriculture, and sani- 
tary science especially are largely benefited by every 
advance in the science of meteorology. 

In considering the elements of New Jersey weather 
it is not atmospheric phenomena alone that require 
attention, but the ocean and bay, on the east and 
south, furnish important data. 

While prosecuting the coast survey investigations, 
Lieut. Bache discovered that the great Gulf Stream, 
in performing its sinuous journey northward and east- 
ward, often makes a deflection of thirty to one hun- 
dred miles to the westward, and thus our Jersey 
shores, with our extensive hummocks and vast inland 
plateaus, receive the warmth wbich the southern 
breezes carry from this immense reservoir of the 
sun's treasured-up forces. 

By reason of the proximity of South Jersey to the 
bay and ocean, with its favoring winds, the warmth 
of the ocean current, the wonderful sanitary condi- 
tions of its climate, this whole region is much more 
favorably situated for agriculture and fruit growing 
than any similar amount of territory in the interior 
of the country in same latitude. 

The water, by virtue of its inherent properties, 
modifies both extremes of temperature, making the 
summer less fervid and the winter less rigorous than 
continental regions in the same latitude, as may be 
seen from the following illustration which physical 
science afibrds : Different substances, subjected to 
the same degree of heat, do not attain the same tem- 
perature. Their differing capacities for becoming 
heated are called their specific heat. 

1 By J. Ingram, BI.D., Vineland. 



102 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



Comparing equal weights of water and air together, 
the specific lieat of water is four times as great as air, 
and lience an ounce of water losing one degree of 
heat would raise four ounces of air one degree; but 
as water is about 814 times heavier than air, an ounce 
of water losing one degree of heat would raise 
814 X 4 = 3256 ounces of air one degree. Consider, 
then, the influence that the constantly recurring 
thousands and millions of tons of water must exert 
on the atmosphere of our climate, as it wends its way 
north and east or west, laden with the untold millions 
of degrees of heat that the sun is and has for cen- 
turies unnumbered been pouring into the tropical 
ocean. 

This shows the immense advantage that this locality 
possesses over interior districts remote from the genial 
and equalizing influences of ocean and bay. 

J. S. Lippincott, of Haddonfield, N. J., has pointed 
out in a masterly manner the great benefits to fruit 
culture arising from proximity to lakes and other 
bodies of water, as Kelly's Island in Lake Erie in the 
growth and perfection of the grape, the advantages 
of Seneca, Cayuga, Champlain, and other lakes on 
grapes and crops in general, by their storing up great 
quantities of the sun's heat in summer, and slowly 
parting with the same in winter, thus modifying the 
rigors of winter, and preserving vegetation that would 
otherwise yield to chilling blasts and frosts. 

The conditions thus specified tend largely to com- 
pensate for any protracted drought to which the region 
may be subjected, and also to explain why the soil 
responds so promptly and satisfactorily to the hoe and 
cultivator of tlie farmer. The loose, calcareous soil 
absorbs with wonderful avidity the moisture which 
the atmosphere brings from the ocean, and thus ac- 
quires what other regions only obtain from i'requent 
and heavy rains. The experienced farmer well knows 
that the untilled field is very unproductive, because 
the surface soil becomes baked by the sun, and is thus 
made incapable of absorbing the moisture that is so 
bountifully supplied from the adjacent ocean and bay. 

The elements of the climatic conditions will next 
demand attention. Under this head we will consider 
the subjects of wind, rain, frost, snow, etc. And while 
we cannot minutely specify the exact details of each 
section of the area under consideration, yet we can 
give the outlines of such commanding points as will 
satisfy all inquiring minds of the general drift of the 
weather phenomena of South Jersey. 

A line from Philadelphia to Cape May is the eastern 
boundary, while the Delaware Bay and River consti- 
tute the limits of the territory on the south, west, and 
north. Geograi)hically the northern and southern 
points are one degree of latitude apart, while the ex- 
treme width is about half a degree of longitude, or 
from Cedar Lake Station, on the New Jersey Southern 
Railroad, to Penn's Neck, on the Delaware River. 

Philadelphia being a well-known point, and its 
weather observations recognized everywhere, and be- 



cause of its close proximity to the territory under 

consideration, it is deemed advisable to use its records. 
Care has been taken to take averages of long series 
of years where possible. 

The first topic we shall consider is that of wind. 
The observations were recorded three times daily, and 
are unquestionably reliable. 

N. N. E. E. S. E. S. S. W. W. N. W. 

PhilaJelpliia 415 100 50 52 61 247 271 26S 

Viiielanil 21 156 22 186 49 323 63 270 

Cape May 116 86 H9 147 2:i9 72 111 235 

These records show the variability of the air cur- 
rents in the territory named. Philadelphia is marked 
by southwest, west, and northwest winds, and hence 
the drying nature of the air as well as the general 
healthfulness of the city and vicinity. Vineland 
presents the remarkable feature of a large percentage 
of northeast, southeast, and south winds, or what may 
be termed sea breezes, as they all come from quarters 
partaking of that element, and hence they bring a 
hygrometric atmosphere that largely compensates for 
any lack of rain in the growing season. 

One marked feature of the Cape May winds is that 
the aggregate of northeast, east, southeast, and south 
winds blowing oft' the ocean constitute more than all 
the other winds, and thus carry inland the warm 
vapors of the Gulf Stream, which modify the climatic 
conditions of all South Jersey, Delaware, and the 
adjacent territory. 

That it is a fact that easterly and southerly winds 
do add largely to the hygrometric conditions of this 
region, is shown from the circumstance of the large 
proportion of rain coming from those directions. 

The citation of one year may be taken as a type of 
all others on this point. During 1870, at Vineland, 
the amount of rain was 49.343 inches, and of this 
amount the northeast brought 14.271 inches, east 
2.862 inches, southeast 16.81 inches, south 1.975 
inches, southwest 11.025 inches, northwest 2.4 inches. 
This shows that northeast, east, southeast, and south 
winds brought eleven-sixteenths of the whole, leav- 
ing only five-sixteenths for all other points. This 
shows which are the moist and which are the dry 
winds, and the reasons for this distinction are so ob- 
vious as not to require stating. 

The next topic requiring attention is that of the 
temperature of South Jersey. A general view of this 
matter may be obtained from the following table, 
which takes in the northern, middle, and southern 
regions of the area named : 



, riiiliidclpliia.... 

' Nowlielii 

Vitiuland 

i Greenwich 

, Cape May 



Spring Suinmor Autumn Wfutcr Year 



49.78 I 74.10 

48.49 1 74.57 

48.73 , 74,92 

51.10 I 73.70 

80.10 72.90 



/)4 20 32 67 

64,41 ! 33,09 

53,81 j 32,44 

66,60 I 33,30 

6923 32,76 



Year 


Max. 
97 


Min. 


S2.«8 
6i,64 
62 42 
63,80 
63.T6 


■' 


100 

-iii- 


10 

i" 



By the above tables it apjiears that during the 
spring and autumn inonths at Grooiiwicli, on the 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



103 



Delaware, and Cape May, on the ocean, the tempera- 
ture is higher than it is at either Pliiladelphia, New- 
field, or Vineland, and the reason for this is to be 
found by the relative location of the several places, 
the two former being on or nearer the water than the 
latter. 

Also, that the temperature during the summer 
months at Philadelphia, Newfield, and Vineland is 
higher than at Greenwich or Cape May, and the rea- 
son for this is to be sought for in the relative position 
of the several places as to nearness or remoteness 
from water as before stated. The water takes in and 
holds the heat in summer and gives off the same 
slowly but continuously in winter, hence water is the 
great climatic equalizer. 

I have no data for late and early frosts outside of 
Vineland, but give the following for it, and this may 
approximate the interior of the area named in a like 
way as showing the cycle of vegetation for South 
Jersey : 





Frost. 


1 
o 

IS, 


DC 

1 

.5 

i 




5 


a 


c 
1 _ 


Year. 


1 


» 

S 
H 


> 


< 


1866 


April 

MarcV 
April 

„ 

Marcl 
April 


10 
20 
24 
24 
20 
24 
17 
27 
30 
18 
19 
3 
26 
3 
9 
6 


October 24 
■ " 1 

18 
21 
19 
21 
12 
29 
15 
13 
12 
29 
29 
26 


178 
164 
177 
210 
182 
ISO 
178 
185 
169 
178 
176 
203 
218 
217 
181 
183 


92 
91 

113 

101 
76 
78 

113 
92 
92 

101 
91 
79 
75 
92 

ino 

97 


23U 
493^ 
40 

1314 

15 

365i 

-^ 

60 

2514 

36I4 

30 


4 

15 

13 

7 

7 

11 

11 

5 

3 

9 

5 

I 
4 
7 


67 

lis 

117 
111 

99 
113 
107 
105 

90 
104 
103 
100 
100 

94 
101 


40.52 




48.17 


1868 


56.33 


1869 


52.70 


1870 


49,43 


1871 


63.03 


1872 


45.03 


1873 


54.94 


1874 


42,38 


1875 

1876 


45,90 
51.87 


1877 


60 89 




47.99 


1879 


45 72 


1880 


62.02 






















187 


93 


26 


8 


96 


46.06 








.__.__ 



This table enables any farmer to form a judgment 
as to when he may sow or plant certain crops with 
safety in this whole region so as to escape frost. It 
likewise shows the cycle of vegetable life from frost 
to frost. Also the number of frosty and rainy days, 
the amount of snow and rain in the year, or an ap- 
proximation thereto. 

The average indications by the psychrometer is 77 
per cent, of moisture. The barometer is an instru- 
ment of importance in this region as showing the 
fluctuations preceding, accompanying, and following 
storms, but to tabulate its indications to any great 
extent would occupy too much space with figures that 
most readers would regard as more dry than edifying. 
A few special m8,xima and minima may be given to 
show the range to which it sometimes reaches in this 
region. In February, 1876, it reached an elevation 
of 30.932, and in December, 1874, it was 30.784. A 
few of the lowest points reached by it are as follows : 
28.656 and 28.820 ; thus showing a range of over two 



inches, as follows : 30.932 — 28.656 = 2.276. The 
average of this instrument for seventeen years is 

j 29.940, at an elevation of one hundred and five feet 
above tide level. The barometer is an element of un- 

I told value to the weather observer, and without its 

I indications the Signal Service would be like the mari- 
ner without the chronometer in finding his longitude. 

I To make it of practical value, however, it must be 
observed and studied for years, and ihaXnot alone, but 
in connection with winds, with seasons of the year, 
with the hour of the day, etc., and all its fluctuations 
must be carefully noted, and the broadest generaliza- 
tions known to science will reward the conscientious 
and painstaking student. 

Much has been said about the protracted dry 
weather to which this region of country is liable, 
but the observations made heretofore on the atmos- 
pheric supply of moisture here show that drouths can 
be as well borne here as in any equal area in the 
United States without serious injury ttrcfops. 

The following table will give an idea of the fre- 
quency and duration of these dry periods during the 
time from 1866 to 1881. These are only the longest 
periods happening within these months, and no notice 
is taken of shorter ones, as this would require too much 
space. This fractional form of expression is for econ- 
omy of space, and may be relied upon as strictly ac- 
curate. Only the growing months are used. 

APItlL. 

Year 1871 1876 1S77 1878 1879 1880 1881 

Number of dry days 11 21 13 10 13 11 12 

Mat. 

Year 1866 1868 1872 1877 1879 1880 

Number of di7 days 15 11 16 11 14 24 

June. 

Ye,ar 1868 1870 1873 1874 1878 1879 1880 1882 

Number of dry days... 13 13 14 14 16 13 13 11 

July. 

Year 1866 1868 1869 1873 1874 1877 1878 1879 1881 

No. of dry days. 12 11 10 10 12 11 15 13 11 

August. 

Year 1869 1870 1871 1874 1876 1877 1880 1881 

Number of dry days.,.. 13 15 12 13 14 11 12 18 

From this table we see that May, 1880, had twenty- 
four consecutive dry days (this embraced two days of 
April), this being the longest period without rain 
during the growing season in seventeen years; and of 
course the grass, clover, and strawberry crops suffered 
to a considerable extent that year, and this was aggra- 
vated by a preponderance of northwest winds that 
month. 

A longer dry period than the above has been met 
with in other than the growing months, as in Novem- 
ber, 1874, a period of thirty days passed without rain 
or snow ; twenty-four dry days also in December, 
1877. 

As respects the matter of clouds in this region, a 
single year may be taken as a type of all the rest. 
In 1879, thirty-one days were entirely clear; in ten 
hundred and ninety-five observations three hundred 



104 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER, SALEM, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTIES. 



and forty-nine were clear, seven hundred and forty- 
six were cloudy, and on a scale of ten the degree of 
cloudiness for the year was six hundred and twenty- 
four. 

A few general considerations on the climatology of 
South Jersey, and we will close. 

If the wind comes from the south, southwest, south- 
east, east, or northeast, the hygrometer indicates a 
large degree of moisture, if not complete saturation ; 
but if the wind changes suddenly to west, northwest, 
or north, the hygrometer shows at once the dry state 
of the atmosphere. These varying states of the air 
are quite as obvious in rainy weather as any other, so 
that the number of rainy days in a given time, or the 
vertical depth of water, would not be a safe criterion 
of the hygrometric state of the locality. The course 
of the wind and the hygrometer itself tell more 
clearly than aught else the state of the atmosphere as 
to moisture. 

A southeast, east, south, or northeast wind bring to 
us the same climatic conditions that a west, southwest, 
or northwest wind carries to Spain or England, viz., a 
breeze charged with the contents of the Gulf Stream. 



The annual quantity of rain falling in England is 
32 inches; at San Antonio, 32.7 inches; in France, 
25 inches; in Vicksburg, 48.4; Hamburg,' 17 ; Mo- 
bile, 61 ; and yet Mobile has a dryer atmosphere than 
Hamburg, — no contradiction here. A northwest wind 
bearing down on San Antonio and Mobile passes over 
a wide scope of dry inland country, which must ren- 
der the atmosphere dry ; but the same wind sweeping 
over France or Hamburg will be charged with abun- 
dance of watery vapor. The prevailing winds in both 
continents are westerly, but the results must be diverse 
on animal and vegetable life, — vide the giant pines of 
California, oaks in Michigan, and as compared with 
the same genera and species in England, Spain, and 
Germany. 

Our climate invites the invalid from all parts of 
the country, as here is to be found the golden mean 
between the enervating miasms of the South and the 
fierce cold and snow of a five- or six-months' winter. 

Here we have no tornadoes, but the healthful breezes 
that cheer and invigorate both mind and body, and a 
climate that invites to our midst every nationality 
under the sun. 



I 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

ORGANIZATION AND SUBSEQUENT DIVISIONS OP 
THE COUNTY. 

The Province of West New Jersey had, in 1682, 
become quite populous, and for convenience in the ' 
administration of justice, it was in May of that year, 
divided into two jurisdictions or counties, with a 
Court of Quarter Sessions, a sheriff, and a clerk in 
each. They were named from the two towns which 
they included, Burlington and Salem. It was still 
found inconvenient for the people of the third and 
fourth tenths, or precincts, to transact their business 
at distant places, and they availed themselves of the 
first opportunity which disturbances in the provincial j 
government afforded to remedy this inconvenience 
for themselves. 

Nov. 25, 1685, the Assembly met, but on the same 
day adjourned, ostensibly on account of the sharp- 
ness of the weather, " to some fit and seasonable 
time." No record appears of the proceedings of this 
Assembly at any session afterwards till the latter 
part of 1692, though there is reason to believe that 
regular sessions were held. 

Perhaps no better account can be given of the or- 
ganization of this county, and the early action of the 
courts and authorities therein than that of Mickle,' 
which is here substantially copied. 

Organization of the County.— On the 26th day of 
May, 1686, the proprietors, freeholders, and inhabi- 
tants generally of the third and fourth tenths, or 
the territory between the Pensaukin and Oldman's 
Creeks, met at Arwames, and organized a jurisdiction 
or county by the adoption of what may be termed a 
county constitution. This curious instrument, which 
had ten brief paragraphs, erected the two precincts 
into a county, ordained a regular court, provided 
officers, and prescribed the minutise of legal practice, 
and also provided regulations for the marking of 
hogs and other cattle. The following is a literal copy 
of this constitution : 

"CONSTITUTION OF GLOTOESTEE COUNTY. 

" Gloucester ye 28th May 1686. 

" By the Propryetora, Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Third and 

Fourth Tenths (alias county of Gloucester,) then agreed as foUoweth : 

" Imprimis — That a Court be held for the Jurisdiction and Limits of 

the aforesaid Tenths or County, one tyme at Axwamus alias Gloucester 

and another tyme at Red Bank. 

1 Reminiscences of Old Gloucester, 1844. 



"Item — That there be fower courtes for the Jurisdiction aforesaid 
held in one year at ye dayes and tynies hereinafter mentioned viz : 
uppon the first day of the first Month, upon ye first day of ye fourth 
month, on the firat day of the seventh month and upon ye first day of 
the tenth month. 

*' Item— That the first Court shall be held at Gloucester aforesaid 
upon the first day of September next. 

" Item — That all warrants and summons shall be drawne by the clarke 
of the Courte and signed by a Justice and soe delivered to the eherriff 
or his Deputy to Execute. 

"Item — That, the bodye of each warrant etc. shall contayne or In- 
timate the nature of the action. 

" Item — That a coppy of the Declaration be given along with ye war- 
rant by the Gierke of the Court, that soe the Defendant may have the 
longer tyme to Considder the same and prepare his answer. 

" Item — That all summons, warrants, etc. shall be served and Declara- 
tions given at least ten days before tlie Court. 

"Item — That the Sherriffe shall give the Jury summons six dayes 
before the court be held on which they are to appear. 

" Item.T-That all persons within ye Jurisdiction aforesaid bring into 
the next courte ye mark of their Hoggs and other Cattell, in order to 
be approved and recorded." 

This was the origin of Old Gloucester, the only 
county in New Jersey that derived its existence from 
the direct action of its own people. 

Early Administration of AfPairs.— " It would 
seem," says Gordon, " that the inhabitants of the 
county deemed themselves a body politic, a democratic 
commonwealth with full powers of legislation." 

It will appear by the extracts from the county 
records, to be hereafter given, that such was their 
opinion. The courts and grand juries which sat at 
Red Bank and Arwames would have been formidable 
tribunals but for the stern integrity with which they 
exercised extraordinary authority. It must be ad- 
mitted, however, that the justices chosen by the peo- 
ple under the concessions appear to have been too 
complaisant to the juries under their direction. 
Whether it was a verdict changing a freeman to a 
slave, or a presentment laying the most inconsiderable 
tax, the entry by the clerk was the same. " To all 
which ye Bench assents." 

" By the joyntt consent of the proprietors," who, 
during the interregnum in the provincial government, 
fixed everything, the county-seat was fixed at Ar- 
wames. 

Recognition of the County. ^One statute erect- 
ing the county of Cape May. in 1692, by reciting 
that the province had " been formally divided into 
three counties," gave an indirect sanction to the 
irregular proceedings of the inhabitants of Glouces- 
ter County in forming themselves into a county with- 
out the action of the provincial Legislature. An act 
passed the same year partially defined the boundaries 

ICi 



106 



HISTORY OP C4L0UCESTER COUNTY. 



of the county, by making the Pensaukin the division 
line between it and Burlington, but this was repealed 
at tlie next session of the Legislature because of " a 
great inconveniency seen in that act." In 1694 two 
laws relating to Gloucester were passed. The first 
enacted 

'■ that the two distioctions or divisions, lieretol'ore called the Third and 
Fourth Tenths, he and is hereby laid into one county named, and from 
hencelbrth to be called, Thk County of Gliiucester, the limits whereof, 
bounded with the aforesaid river, called Crapwell (formerly called Peui- 
sawkiii), on the north, and the river Berkley (formerly called Oldman's 
Creek) on the south." 

It was probably intended that the eastern boundary 
of the county should be a right line drawn from the 
head-waters of the Pensaukin to the head-waters of 
Oldman's Creek. It is certain that Gloucester did 
not originally reach to the ocean, for the second law, 
enacted the same year, set forth : 

EGG HARBOR ANNEXED TO GLOnCESTER. 
"Forasmuch as there are some families setlled upon Egg Harbour, 
and of right ought to be under some jurisdiction, be it enacted by the 
authority aforesaid that the inhabitants of the snid Egg Harbour shall 
be and belong to the jurisdiction of Gloucester, to all intents and pur- 
poses, till such time as tliey shall be capable, by a competent number of 
inhabitants, to be erected into a county, any former act to the contrary 
notwithstanding." 

In this dependent condition the Egg Harbor region 
continued till 1710, when, by a legislative act, it was 
incorporated with and made a part of Gloucester. 

Atlantic County erected.— A hundred and twenty 
years later the people on the seaboard had acquired, 
as they thought, " a competent number of inhabit- 
ants" to be made a separate county, and accordingly 
Atlantic County was erected in 1837. A board of 
commissioners, consisting of three from each of the 
new counties, was appointed to appraise the public 
property of the old county and apportion the net 
value thereof to the new counties according to the 
population of each. The commissioners for Glouces- 
ter County were John Clement, Elijah Bowers, and 
James Saunders. They found the net value of the 
public property of the old county of Gloucester 
(after deducting liabilities) to be .124,195.45, of which 
$17,247.69J was the amount apportioned to the new 
county of Gloucester, and $6947.75^. to the new county 
of Atlantic. 

Attempted Removal of County-Seat— From time 
to time during the early part of the present century 
the question of removing the county-seat to Camden 
was iigitated, and on the 25th of November, 1824, an 
act was passed by the Legislature of the State author- 
izing an election in the county of Gloucester to de- 
termine whether or not the county-seat should be re- 
moved to or within one mile of Camden. The election 
was held on the 8tli day of February, 1825, and the 
contest was a spirited one. The result was 25U> votes 
for Woodbury and 1040 for Camden, a majority of 
876 in favor of continuing the public buildings at the 
former place. 

Erection of Camden County. — As time went on 



the convenience of the rapidly-increasing population 
in the northern part of Gloucester seemed to call for 
the erection there of a new county, and the measure 
was favored by some in order to secure to West New 
Jersey its just share of influence in the State govern- 
ment. 

Accordingly, on the 13th of March, 1844, an act 
was passed by the Legislature erecting the townships 
of Camden, Waterford, Newton, Union, Delaware, 
Gloucester, and Washington, then constituting apart 
of the county of Gloucester, into a separate county 
by the name of Camden. So violent, however, was 
the opposition to the measure that the act passed the 
Assembly by a majority of only one. 

By the terms of this act the court-house, jail, and 
other public property at Woodbury continued to be 
the property of Gloucester County, but the alms- 
house and the farm, and the personal property per- 
taining to them, as well as the other real estate which 
constituted the almshouse property, was to be owned 
and occupied jointly by the two counties. 

By a supplement to the act erecting the county of 
Camden, which supplement was approved April 1, 
1846, Joseph Saunders, J. B. Harrison, J. K. Cow- 
perthwaite, Edward Turner, and J. J. Spencer were 
appointed commissioners to divide the public prop- 
erty which belonged to the county of Gloucester at 
the time of the passage of the act erecting Camden 
County, between the counties of Gloucester and Cam- 
den, excepting real estate and the movable property, 
which the act reserved for the county of Gloucester. 
These commissioners met and made an appraisement 
of all the personal property, moneys, and effects, ex- 
cept as excepted, and after deducting therefrom the 
amount of the debts against the county at the time 
of the passage of the act dividing the county of 
Gloucester, apportioned the balance to the two coun- 
ties in the ratio of the county tax paid by the several 
townships which composed the counties in 1843. The 
surplus revenue of the United States which had been 
deposited with the county, and the interest thereon, 
was apportioned in the ratio of the State tax i)aid by 
the same townships in the year 1836, the year pi'evious 
to that in which this deposit was accepted. 

By this apportionment the county of Gloucester 
received of personal property, moneys, and effects a 
balance of $872.10. 

Of the bonds and mortgages for surplus revenue 
loaned, and interest thereon, there was apportioned 
to the county of Gloucester the sum of $23,367.30. 

The personal property connected with the alms- 
house was not taken into account in making this 
division, as it was not believed to come within the 
intent and meaning of the act by which the commis- 
sioners were appointed. 

Washington and Monroe restored to Glouces- 
ter. — The township of Washington, which was in- 
cluded in the county of Camden when that county was 
erected, was subsequently divided into the townships 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



107 



of Washington and Monroe. B.v a law approved 
Feb. 28, 1871, it was enacted,— 

"That all that part of the county of Camden comprising the townsliips 
of Washington anil Monroe (except that pait of the township of Wash- 
ington included within the boundjiries of the Canulen almshouse farm, 
which is to remain a part of said county of Camden, and be annexed to 
and made a part of, the township of Gloucester in said county) shall be, 
and the same is, hereby annexed to and made a part of the county of 
Gloucester." 

Geography and Topography. — The county as 
now constituted is bounded on the northeast by 
Camden County, from which it is separated by Tim- 
ber Creek, Four-Mile Creek, and Great Egg Harbor 
River ; on the southeast by Atlantic County ; on the 
southwest by Cumberland and Salein Counties, Old- 
man's Creek from its source to its mouth separating 
it from Salem ; and on the northwest by Delaware 
River. 

It has the same general form that it had previous 
to the separation from it of Atlantic and Camden 
Counties, — that of a parallelogram extending from 
northwest to southeast. The water-shed which sepa- 
rates the streams running toward the east and west — 
a portion of what is sometimes called the " Backbone 
of New Jersey" — extends in a northeast and south- 
west direction across the county, near the line between 
Washington and Monroe, and through Clayton. 

It is drained towards the east by Great Egg Har- 
bor River and several smaller streams, and towards 
the west by Timber, Woodbury, Mantua, Raccoon, and 
Oldman's Creeks and their affluents, all of which are 
navigable for some distance inward. Its greatest 
length between northwest and southeast is about 
thirty-nine miles, and its greatest width between 
northeast and southwest about nineteen. It has an 
area of about four hundred and thirty square miles. 
The surface is generally level and the soil is sandy. 

Divisions of Townships.— As the population of 
the county has increased the few original townships 
that were included within the limits of the present 
county have been divided and subdivided till now 
there are twelve, viz. : Clayton, Deptford, Frank- 
lin, Glassboro, Greenwich, Harrison, Logan, Mantua, 
Monroe, Washington, West Deptford, and Wool- 
wich. 

Population. — The population of the county was 
in 1790, 3368; 1800,16,115; 1810,19,744; 1820,23,071; 
1830, 28,431 ; 1840, 26,438 ; 1850, 14,655 ; 1860, 18,444; 
1870,21,662; 1880,25,886. 

Land Titles. — The acquisition of the title to the 
land hereby the original proprietors, the extinguish- 
ment of the Indian title, and the changes which oc- 
curred in the early proprietorship have been spoken 
of elsewhere. It is now exceedingly difficult, and 
in many cases quite impossible, for individuals to fol- 
low the chain of title to their lands back to these 
early proprietors ; for the reason that titles were not 
recorded here prior to 1785. In a few cases deeds re- 
cite this chain of title back, but in most of these few 
the recital stops short of the original proprietors. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

EARLY DOINGS OF THE COUNTY AUTHORITIES. 

Extracts from Court Eecords. — The following 
extracts not only show that the inhabitants of old 
Gloucester considered themselves, for a time after the 
constitution was adopted at Arwames, an independent 
government, with power to prescribe penalties, levy 
taxes, determine boundaries, and exercise other gov- 
ernmental functions, but they illustrate to some ex- 
tent the moral and social condition of the early Eng- 
lish settlers. 

At the court at Red Bank, on the 10th of Decem- 
ber, 1686, 

" Andrew Wilkie was brought to ye Bar, aud tlie indictment against 

him for ffelony being read, lie pleaded guilty in manner and form." A 

jury, however, " was emiiannelled and attested iipou his Triall and true 

deliverance to make between our Loid the King and tlie prisoner at 

the bar, etc. Verdid— The jury brought in Andrew "NVilke, the prisoner, 

I Guilty ill the manner and form; and that ye said^-isonor ought to 

I make pay to the prosecutor the sum of sixteen pounds. Senknce— The 

I Bench appoints that ye said Wilkie shall pay ye aforesaid sixteen 

I pounds by way of servitude viz: if he will be bound by Indenture to 

! ye prosecutor, then to serve him ye ternie of four years ; but if he con- 

j discended not thereto, then yo court awarded that he should be a ser- 

I vant, and soe abide the terme of five years, and to be accomuiudated in 

I the tyme of his servitude by his master witli meat, drink, cloaihs, and 

I washing according to ye ciuitome of ye county aud fitt for such a ser- 

I vant." 

The felony for which this double conviction was 
had was the theft of goods from Denis Sins, and the 
sentence was in accordance with the provincial law 
of 1681, which required thieves to make fourfold res- 
titution, '"or be made to work for so long a time as 
the nature of the offence shall require." Neither law 
nor custom, however, furnished authority for the fol- 
lowing proceedings, which were had at a court held 
in Gloucester on the 1st of December, 1693: 

"The grand jury present William Lovcjoy for that, contrary to the 
order and advice of the Bench, he doth frequent the bouse of Ann Pen- 
stone, and lodge there, none being in ye house but he and ye said Ann 
with the bastard child. William Lovejoy solemnly promises to appear 
at the next court, to be held at Gloucester, and to be of very good 
behaviour during the same time." 

First Court. — The first court held under the county 
organization was in September, 1686. The justices 
present on the bench were Francis Collins, Thomas 
Thackera, and John Wood. The jury-list returned by 
the sheriff included the names of 

Willi^m_5unt, William Bate, William Alvertson, William Lovejoy, 
Henry Wood, Jonathan Wood, John Hugge, James Atkinson, Thomas 
Sharp, Thomas Channders, George Goldsmith, John Ladde, Daniel Read- 
ing, John Ithel, John Bethel), Thomas Matthews,i^illiam Dalboe, An- 
tliony Neilson, John Matson, Thomas Bull, John Taylor, William Salis- 
bury, Matthew Medcalfe, and William Cooper. At this term, "Upon 
ye complaynt of Kebecca Hammond against her late master, Robert Zane, 
for want of necessary apparell as alsoe his failure in some covenants 
that be was obliged by his indenture to perform — it was ordered yt ye 
said Rob. Zane, before ye first day of ninth month next, should finde 
and give to ye said Rebecka Hammond apparell to the valine of three 
pounds seven shillings and sixpence, and alsoe fifty acres of land to ?ter 
and her heiis forever; and in case ye ad Rob. shall dislike this order tJien 
to stand to and abide by ye Act of Assembly iu the like case provided; 
whereupon ye sd Rob. Zane did at last declare that he would comply 
with ye aforesaid order and answer ye same." 



108 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



The clause of the county constitution relating to 
the marks on " hoggs" was not obeyed by all the in- 
habitants, and at this court the clerk was ordered " to 
warne in those who had made default, to his own 
house, and there take account and register their 
markes." The records of these marks are not the 
least curious parts of the archives of the county. 
To kill a marked hog, even though its owner was 
unknown, was a misdemeanor, punishable by fine, 
and at the December term, 1686, three of the most 
respectable citizens in the county were fined re- 
spectively twelve, ten, and seven shillings for so 
offending. 

On the 1st of March, 1691, John Richards was 
convicted of perjury, and was sentenced by the jury 

"to pay twenty pounds fine, or stand in ye pillory one hour. To which 
ye bench assents, and ye prisoner chasing to stand in ye pillory they 
award and order the same to be in Gloucester on ye twelfth day of April 
next between ye hours of ten in ye morning and four in ye afternoon, 
and condescend to take his owne bond for his appearance at that tynie, 
under ye penalty and/oi7i/(ca((on of fifty pounds." 

Two burglars were convicted at the September 
term, 1690, and were sentenced to be "burnt to the 
bone" in the hand with the letter T, or be sold for 
five years in the West Indies. They chose the 
latter. 

Question of Jurisdiction. — The independence 
claimed by the county during the disturbances in the 
provincial government is illustrated by the subjoined 
extract from the minutes of the court. Gloucester 
and Burlington seem to Iiave regarded the question 
of county boundaries as a proper subject for county 
legislation : 

" At a court held at Gloucester on ye first day of 4 th mo., 1689, the 
grand jury havinjr information that the persons formerly appoynted 
by ye propryetors for fixing ye line of division between ye counties of 
Burlington and Gloucester have agreed upon a course that shall deter- 
mine ye Sftme, Doe, in pursuance thereof, order that upon ye seven- 
teenth of this instant ye said lines shall be run, and that Thomas Sharp 
shall be surveyor for ye doing thereof. That John Walker and John 
Heritage shall mark ye trees, and that Francis Collins, Richard Herit- 
age, John Key, and John Wilis be appointed to see yt the sumo be duly 
performed and done. And also that it's judged that ye people in Bur- 
lington County may have advice hereof, that they may appear to see the 
thing completed, if they plesiae. To all which ye Bench assents, and 
order the procedure thereof in manner above said." 

Two years previous to the above proceedings the 
Burlington people had given offense to Gloucester by 
holding pleas of crimes belonging to the jurisdiction 
of Arwames. The Burlington officers who had thus 
offended the dignity of Gloucester were promptly 
brought to account. At a court held at Gloucester 
on the 1st of December^ 1687, 

"The grand jury present John Wood and Will Warner for conveying 
forth of this county two prisoners thereof, namely Henry Treiulway and 
Mary Driner, for tlioir tryull at Burlington Court, contrary to tlio right 
and privileges of this county, and to tlin perverting of justice Ac. The 
Bench orders this preflcntment to tie rt-fi-rrod to tlm next court, at which 
tyme yo sd. Johti Wuod is ordorcil to appear," At tlie next couit *' The 
presentment ol' tlm grand jury of the hwt court against Jtihn Wood, tur 
the conveying of Ilt-nry Treaiiway and Miiry Driner, two notorious ile- 
linquonte, forth of this county kc. to the destioylng of ye county's 
privileges Ac. being read, the siiid John Wood spcakfth aa followeth : 
Since I luidoistand that thin county liitth tnkiMi ofTonce at ami wltli mv 



proceedings concerning Henry Treadway and Mary Driner I am heartily 
sori-y that I ever gave them that cause of offence, ff'orasmuch as I de- 
signed noe prejudice against the county, nor any therein, but that it was 
my ignorance that occasioned the same, I doe desire the sd county 
would be pleased to remit and pass by ye same." 

First Tax. — The first tax act passed by the Legis- 
lature of the county (the grand jury) was as follows: 

"Gloucester, first of second mo., 1687: The Courte dissolved, but the 
Grande Jury, having something iinder consideration that required a 
longer tyme to deliberate thereof, they now adjourned till the fourteenth 
day of the same month, at which time appearing they agreed and or- 
dered as followeth : — 

"That for the public use and concerne of the County of Gloucester 
there should be a tax levyed and raised upon the inhabitants thereof, 
in the manner following: 

"That every owner or possessor of lande shall pay, for every hun- 
dred of lande that shall be possessed, taken up, or surveyed, the sum of 
one shilling. And that every person keeping Ciittell within the sd 
County of Gloucester, whether oxen, horses, or cowes, being two years 
of age, shall pay for every head of such cattel the sum of two pence. 
And alsoe that all free men, liaving neither lande nor cattell, shall pay 
the sum of two pence. And alsoe that all men, having neither lande or 
cattell, being sixteen years of age, shall pay for their owne heads one 
shilling a piece. 

" The assessors appointed for the taxing of eveiy man's estate as afore- 
said are Richard Heritage, John Key, Thomas Sharpe, Andrew Robeson 
Jun., and Anthony Neilson ; whoe are to meet together, on or before the 
twentieth day of the third month next, in order to assess and levy the 
said tax. 

"The treasurers appointed are Henry Wood and Anthony Neilson, to 
whom every person concerned shall bringe in their several taxations by 
or before the twenty -ninth day of September next, either in silver money, 
or in corne at the prices following viz: 

Wheat, at 

Rye, 

Barley, 

Indian Corn, 2 6. 
" Ancl in case any person shall refuse or neglect to bring in their tax, 
as aforesaid, it shall be lawfuU to distreJne upon them for double the 
value, with all such charges as shall accrue for or by reason of distress 
soe made; and any one that findes himself wronged shall repair to the 
next justice, who hath pow^er to redress their aggrievunces. And the 
Treasurers are hereby ordered to have for their receiveing and disposall 
of the pay two shillings in the pound; 

" And that this tax, when received, shall not be disposed on but by the 
consent, knowledge, and appoiutment or approbation of the Grand Jury 
for the tyme being. 

" This was seen and approved on the fourteenth day of April by the 
Justices aforesaid, and the Jury was discharged." 

Taxes continued to be levied by the grand jury, 
of its own accord, till 1694, when the power was 
vested by the Assembly in a quorum of the county 
I justices, "with the advice, concurrence and assistance 
' of the Grand Jury.'' In 1713 the prerogative was by 
statute vested in the justices and chosen freeholders, 
where it remained until tlie organization of the board 
of freeholders, as at present constituted, on the 13th 
of February, 1798. On the minutes of the county 
' legislative board under the date of Dec. 11, 1738, ap- 
pears the subjoined act for repairing Timber Creek 
bridge: 

'* The justices and froeholdors have appointed ticorgt* Ward, and C-<>n- 
stantino Woo<l to ho managers lo repair Tiinln'r Crick Urldgo; and aUv) 
'' that nrty ponncls shall be raised to defray the charge of the fiiiid reiwir, 
and fiu' and towards ulher county elutrffos, in (ho manner foHowing, 
' viz: Single men, one shilling and six pence each; servants, four pence 
' each; Men'hant* as fullowoth, viz: John Un>wn of Gloucester, ten shil- 
lings; Samh Korriw, live; TImotliy Matlack, ton; Michael Fishor, live; 
n. 'I'uyh.r. ten. Mills nn fnlloweth, viz: Ueunel's Mlll.'four shillingn ; 



«. cf. 


s.d. 


4 0; 


Oatea, lit 2 0; 


3 0; 


Indinn Peas, 6 0; 


3 U; 


Buckwheat, 2 6; 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



109: 



Cole's Mill, four; Child's Mill, four; Key's Mill, four; Andrew Ware's ' 
Slill, two; Richard Cheeseman's Mill, three; George Ward's Mill, five; 
Griffith's Mill, one aud six pence; I. Couseirs Mill, two; Israel Ward's 
BIill,two; S. Shiver's Mill, four; Soniers' Mill, throe; Stileman's Mill, 
one and six pence; Fisher's Mill, four; Breache's Mill, two. Taverns as 
foUoweth, viz: T. Perrywebh's, ten shillings; Medcalf's, ten; Wheel- 
den's, ten; Griffith's, one; Sarah Bull's, two; E. EUiaou's, five; Tatem's 
Ferry, seveu and six pence ; Gerrard's, seven ; Taylor's, ten ; Medcalf's 
Fei'ry, twelve." From a similar act passed in 1750 it appears that tht-re 
wero then in the county fourteen stores and shops, twenty-seven mills, 
five ferries, and more than twenty-five taverns, and that single men 
were taxed "Eight Shillings Each, Mule Sarvenis & Nej^roes aliove Six- 
teen Yt^ares of Age two Shillings Each, flats & wood Boats two Shillings 
per Cord, Siialups and Sloops two Sliilhngs per Tunn, Marchents Tun- 
nage. The Remainder to be levied on Ye Pound Value." 

Early Ferries. — In 1688 the first ferry between 
Gloucester and Phiiadelphia was licensed by the 
court. Under the date of January 1st in that year 
Clerk Sharp recorded: 

"It is proposed to ye bench yt a ferry is veiy needfuU and much 
wanted from Jarsey to Philadelphia, yt William Koydon's house is 
looked upon as a place convenient for, and the said William Roydon a 
peison suitable for tliat employment, and therefore an order desii-ed from 
ye Bench that a ferry may be fixed &c. To which ye Bench assents, and 
refers to ye Grand Jury to methodize ye same, and fix ye rates thereof." 

A ferry over Timber Creek was proposed in 1693, 
but that and the one established in 1688 across the 
Delaware probably became extinct before 1693, for 
under the date June 1st in that year appears the 
i'ollowing : 

" The Grand Jury cousenteth to and presenteth the i)roposals of Daniel 
Cooper for keeping a ferry over the river to Philadelphia, at the prices 
following; that is to say; for a man and horse, one shilling and six pence; 
for a single horse or cow, one shilling and three pence ; for a single man, 
ten pence, and when ten or more, six pence per head, and six pence per 
head for sheep, calfs, or hoggs. To which ye bench assents. 

" The Grand Jury conseuteth to and presenteth the proposals of John 
Rending for keeping a ferry over Glocester River, and from Glocester 
to Wickaco, at ye prices following. That is to say for a single man and 
horse, two shillings and six pence ; and four shillings per head for more 
than one horse or cow, &c., and one shilling and six pence for a single 
man, and one shilling per head when more than one, from Glocester 
to Wickacoe. And five pence per head for horses, cows &c, and two 
pence per head for man without horses or cattell over Glocester River. 
To all which ye Bench consents." 

The first regular ferry over Cooper's Creek was es- 
tablished Dec. 1, 1702. The record of that date 
says, — 

"John Champion makes great complaint of his great charge in set- 
ting people over Cooper's Creek at his house ; whereupon ye Grand Jury 
propose that in case ye sd John Champion will find sufficient conveni- 
ences to putt people over at all seasons the said Champiun may take for 
ferriage iis follows viz: for two persons together, two pence per head ; 
for one single person, three pence ; and for a man and a horse five pence. 
To which* ye Bench assents." 

No mention is made in any of these schedules of 
carriages. These were not in general use, even in 
Philadelphia, previous to the Eevolution. In West 
New Jersey journeys were usually made on horse- 
back, and the daughters of the wealthiest men usually 
received for a marriage portion a cow and a side- 
saddle. Wheeled carriages would have been but 
little useful in a region where the roads were full of 
trees, and where the streams were seldom bridged. 

More than a century later, or in 1821. the following 
rates of ferriage across the Delaware from the town- 



ship of Newton and Gloucester Town were estab- 
lished by the board of freeholders : 

" For each passenger without baggage or marketing, from the 1st 

of May to Isi of September .' $0.6W 

"Single passenger in a wherry 12M 

*' From Ist September to iOth December 6^ 

"From 2Uih DeCfUilicr to fith March 25 

'' From otli March to 1st May 614 

"Market people to have the privilege of carrying with them as 
many as six bushel-baskets, or what is equivalent thereto of 

any kind of niaiketing not hereinafter rated 12j^ 

" A barrel to be rated equal to 2 baskets. Tubs, chests, and scow- 
baskets to be rated according to the number of bushels they 
hold, and for every bushel-lasket, or wliat is equivalent to one, 
over six, to pay one cent each. All articles having contained 
marketing to return free, if empty, otherwise to pay tlie usual 
rates. 
"For a two-horse load, with or without the carriage, not other- 
wise rated 371^ 

" Barrel of salt, flour, plaster, sugar, liquor, meat, etc 12}/.; 

"Empty " " " 2 ' 

"Half " " " empty 1 

" Hogsheads of liquor, molasses, sugar, lime, etc 37lv; 

"Empty " " " lijk 

" Stove of cast iron, 6 or more plates ^^%- 

" " " less than 6 plates 6I4 

" Salt, plaster, grain, clover, and other grass-seeds, per bushel 2 

'• Flonr, lieef, pork, iron, etc., per cwt 3 

" Cofi'ee, per bag, large trunk, etc ■•- 0^4 

"Soap, candles, chocolate, glass, etc., per box 3 

" Windsor chairs, perdozeu .^.^^^.,^ 9^ 

"Bureau, bedstead, clock-case 32^ 

" Lumber, per 100 feet 10 

" Live calves, fat hogs, per head 6^ 

" Sheep, and store iiogs, per head 3 

"Fat cattle, per head 373^ 

" Cow and calf 25 

"Store cattle, horses, mules, etc 18^ 

"Sideboard 25 

"Desk, secretary, etc 18^^ 

"Large table 10 

"SmuU table, stand, feather bed, matrass, large chest fur tea &% 

" Crate or tierce of earthenware, hamper of bottles 18p^ 

" Fresh shad, per 100, or herring, per 1000 25 

"Carriages of pleasure, and drivers: 

Every i-wheel carriage drawn bv 4 horses 1.00 

" 4 " " " " 2 " 621^ 

" 2 " " " " 2 " 561^ 

" 4 " " " " 1 " 44 

" 2 " " « " 1 " - 37i.'2 

Stage wagon " " 4 " 75 

" " 2 " 373^ 

" Market carriages with their drivers, including fish wagons, going 
to or returning from market: 

With 4 wheels drawn by 2 horses 373'.^ 

1 " 25 " 

"Market wagons taking in nierchaiulise ou their return, to be 

charged as carriages of burden 50 

"AH passengera in carriages, except the driver, to pay the same 

as other passengers. 
" Carriages of burden to inchide charcoal, tin wagons, pedlars, 
etc., with their drivers: 

2 horses, loaded 50 

" unloaded 25 

1 horse, loaded 31|^ 

" unloaded 25 

"For carrying hay, straw, hemp, flax, and otlier bulky articles: 

2-horse load G2]4 

Unloaded 37J/2 

1 horse loaded 44 

1 " unloaded ." '^5 

"Each additional horse, ox, or mule IS^ 

" Every load of lumler exceeding 16 feet in length to pay 3 cents 
per foot for such excess. Bricks on carriages Sl.25 per thou- 
sand, empty carriages to return fi ee. Not more than 500 
brick on two wlieelal A loiid for each horse not to exceed 
half a ton. Carriages carrying cordwood or manure to cross 
free, when empty, by returning at the same ferry. 
"The above rates to be taken Spring, Summei', and Fall." 

Another schedule prescribed the rates on certain 
articles between December 20th and March 5th of 
each year. 

Weights and Measures Regulated.— At the ses- 
sion of the court held Sept. 2, 1695, the following de- 
cree was recorded: 

" Whereas, There hath biu of late very great abuses and Irregulari- 
ties Committed by ye vse and vndue practice of Selling by small and 
unlawful measures, for ye preventing ol wch mischiefs for ye future 
Tbe Bench Orders that a person be appointed to he yo Sealer and Recti- 
fier of weights and Measures for ye County of Gloucester, who shall 
take Care tliat all weights and measure, within ye County aforesaid be 
made according to ye standard of England,'* etc. The decree prescribed 



110 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



the fees of the officer, and provided that persons selling by short weights 
or measures should " be severely fined for their so doing." 

March 1, 1700,— 

" The Grand Jury present Thomas Kendall and Daniel Cooper for sell- 
ing Liquors by small measures without Lycence, and ye bench Order 
that they do forthwith Ceasoselling, or take to do ye same under penalty 
of being prosecuted according to Law," 

Foreigners, Vagrants, Servants, etc.— June 2, 
1701 — 

"The Grand Jury present Amos Nicholson as being a man of ill fame, 
and under all circumstances as Reputed guilty of Roberys, ffelonys &c. 
Is lately come to Inhabitt in ye township of Greenwich, well is like to be 
of a Dangerous Consequence to ye Inhabitants, and a troublesome neigh- 
bour. That he shall give satisfaction that be hath satisfyed ye Law 
Concerning tliose things that have been laid to his charge from ye places 
of his last residence, and allso to give security tliat he will not become 
Burthensome to ye County, as being no ffreeholder. 

" The Bench assents hereto, and order that a Justice of peace do send 
his warrant to apprehend ye sd. Amos, and that he shall give sufficient [ 
security to Indemnify ye township, or else to be sent back to ye place of : 
his last Residence." 

Sept. 1, 1701. "The Grand Jury present that Thomas Gardiner may be 
paid ye sume of ffive pounds one shilling and nine pence halfpenny ffor 
wolves and Panthers heads." 

Sept. 1, 1701. " The Sber. brings into Court a vagrant Negroe, taken 
up at Michael Buffinshonse at little Egg harbour, not giving an account 
of his masters name or place," The sheriff's charges amounted to nine 
pounds eight shillings and two pence. 

"The Bench orders that to any person who shall Disburse ye sd Ex- 
pence and Charge The Negro shall serve ye term and time of two years, 
to Commence from ye time that such person so disbursing ye Charge 
shall take him into their Custody, and to he made to work for his men- 
teynence, and if in ye mean time his master shall Come and claim, 
making proof bis Rigiit to him, he shall then be Delivered to his 
said master, he Defraying of ye said Charge," 

March 2,1701. "Griffith Morgan makes Complainst agst, a servant 
woman of his Deserting of her service ye 1st of Instant, The servant 
appearing and alledging That her passage was paid in Scotland she 
came ffroni, and that she was not any servant, upon which ye said Grif- 
fifth pioduces an order of Chester Court, in pensilvania, for her serving 
of Qve years to one E. Evan &c, and his assignment to ye siiid Griffith ; 
whereupon ye Bench order that ye sd Servant perform her time of servi- 
tude according to ye said assignment," 

First Capital Crime in Gloucester County.— Tlie 
first murder in Gloucester County occurred in 1701. 
It was a case of infanticide, but the record does not 
show what penalty, if any, was inflicted' on the guilty 
mother. The case was tried by Governor Lord Corn- 
bury in person,^ and on the 19th of December the 
following record was made : 

"We the Grand Jury of the County of Gloucester doe order eighteen 
pence to by twelve bushels uf charcoal for the prisoner, and two pounds 
two shillings to by tliree ni itcli coats, for tlie prisoner's use so long as 
6he bath occasion for il, and then to be reserved for the county's use. 
We allow seven shillings and six pence to the clerk for five warrants to 
the collector to gather the above tax. We further allow I\Iattliew Med- 
calfe twelve shillings and si.^ pence for defiuying the Lord Coriibury's 
retinue's expenses when he was lately at Gloucester, and six shillings 
to John Siddon foracofiin for the murlhored chibl, and six shillings 
more wo allow him by discount of his old tax in 16'.M for bringing ilie 
Justices and Coroner to Glostor. We also allow eight pounds twelve 
shillings and four pence for defraying tho Lord Cornbury's and his at- 
tendance's expenses when ho was lately at Gloucester." 

Records of Marriages and Births. — One of the 

1 Governor Ilunloko bidd tlio GlDoccMtcr court in IMitrch anil Docem- 
her tornis, U»U.ii, and Septombor, 101)4. Governor Jeremiah Biwse pre- 
sided at September term, 1008, and Governor Andrew Hamilton in 
March, 1701). 



duties of the clerk was to keep a registry of the mar- 
riages and births. The following are copies of some 
of these records : 

*'■ The thirl eenth of ye first montli Anno 16S1. Samuel Taylor and Eliz- 
abith Ward now then married together, according to the good and laud- 
able rules and laws of the province of West Jarsey in that case made, 
before Francis Collins, one of ye King's magistrates for ye county of 
Gloucester, and in the presence of John Richards, Phillis Richards, 
James Ward, Thomas Thackara, John Hugge, George Goldsmith, Jona- 
than Wood &c. 

*' John Reading Becorder*' 

" Province of West Jersey. 

"John Burroughs, the sou of John Burroughs and Jane his wife of 
Gloceater Rivei", in ye County of Glocester, was born ye fourteenth day 
of March, Anno 1687. Entr. pr, me 

"John Reamm^, ^«. 

" Testis 

" John Askbrook" 

" The sixteenth of November, Anno 1697. This may certify whuni it 
may concern, that I, George Ward, of ye town of LTpton and county of 
Gloucester, and Hannah Waynwright, of Woodbury Creek, have been 
published according to Law, and nothing appearing contrary in any wise 
to hinder them they have proceeded at a public place appointed for that 
purpose as followeth : ye sd George standing up and taking ye ad Han- 
nah by ye hand saith as followeth: I George Ward, in ye presence of 
God and this assembly, take Hannah Waynwright to be my wife; prom- 
ising to be a loueing Husband untill Death sepperate ; and She, ye sd 
Hannah, in like manner saith, I Hannah Waynwright, in ye presence 
of God and this Assembly, take George Ward to be my husband, promis- 
ing to be a loueing ffaithfull wife till Death sepperate. 

his 
"George X Ward, 
mark 
her 
"Hannah X Waynwru^ht.*' 
mark 
" Persons present were 

" John Brown, Israel Ward, William Ward, John Tatnm, Thomas Gib- 
son, Isaac Wood, Cliarles Orossthwait, John Ashbrook, Thomas Bull, 
James Whitiill, SamuoU Taylor, John Euno, Elizabeth Tatum, and Su- 
rannah Waynwright. 

" Deci'-mher ye firsts Anno lf>97, the within certificate was ordered tn be 

recorded 

"By Tho. Gardiner, 

" Jttslice." 

" December 8th, 1697 Entr. Exam, and Recorded pr. me 

"John Reai'INC R'c. 
"Testis John Reading'''' 

Miscellaneous Extracts from Court Records.— 

The subjoined miscellaneous extracts will be read 
with interest: 

"At a Court held at Red Bank on the tenth of ye Tenth month, HiSG, 
I tho Grand Jury present tho neglect of magistrates for thoiro not making 
I a full Bi-nch on ye first day of this InsU^nt, for which cause yo Court was 
I yn adjourned till tliis present tenth day, 

I "At ye court held at Gloucester (for ye jurisdiction thereof), on ye 
' first day of yo fourth month, Anno 16SU, Divers Couiplalnta being made to 
I ye Grand Jury of yo great loss and damage which the Cou>ity sulfers by 
I reason of wolvi'S, they, with ye concurrence of ye Bench, to encourage 
I ye destroying of them doe order ye severall Treasurers within thU 
! county to pay ton shillings for every wolfe's head, lothem brought fortb, 
j of yo etlecls of yo counl\ tax ; and ye clerk is ordered to write paport 
I to pn)>lish ye sauio." 

December, 1701, the oiiiiiii jury at the court in 
Gloucester presented 

' Thomiw Wills, uf Gloutostor, for selliug l>oor by wiuo moMuri-, ami 
' ullso timt Jiilm Koo iiuil Oomnii Liiwroiico bo imlil for twowolfo's licmtB. 
j by tliom kllkul. To wliicli yo BiMicli iinfloiitti." 

i June 1, 1702,— 

I "Till' llcMirli niiH> Niillianii'l Znn.' for lila iiftVoiil, AI'Usi', iirnl iin.loi- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



Ill 



vallueing of ye foreman of ye grand Jury yeeumeof TennShillingB, and 
ye same is ordered to be Levyed by warr* of Distress." 

Dec. 1, 1702 — 

"Jeremiah Bate, for Severall Contemptuose and Reflecting abusive 
Expressions used towards ye Bench, he is fined for ye same ye eume of 
thirty shillings, and that a warrt be given forth to levy ye same Dys- 
tress in case he shall not make payment. But upou his humble sub- 
mission to ye Bench , and desire of fforgefulness, ye same is remitted and 
forgotten." 

After the record for the term of June 1, 1703, the 
following entry appears : " Here ends the Proprietary 
Government of ye Province of West New Jarsie in 
America." 

Justices and Freeholders. — The first recorded 
meeting of justices and freeholders was held on the 
" ffifth day of the Second month, called Aprill, Anno 
Domini 1715." The justices present at this meeting 
were Richard Bull, John Inskeep, George Lawrence, 
and John Rambo. The freeholders were John 
Kaighin, Peter Long, John Ladd, Jacob Clement, 
Joseph Cooper, Jacobus Collin, and John Shivers. 
The business transacted at this meeting consisted in 
providing for the building of a new prison and court- 
house by a tax of eighty pounds, as elsewhere stated, 
to which was added fifteen pounds ** ffor Wolves, 
Panthers, and Red ffoxes." The sum of thirty pounds 
was ordered to be *' Raysed," in 1716, for the same 
purposes, and in 1717 the board ordered a tax of ten 
pounds for completing the prison, twenty for wolves, 
panthers, and red foxes, and seventy for Timber 
Creek bridge. Assessors, collectors, and commission- 
ers were appointed to carry into eifect the action of 
the board. 

Sheriff's Fees. — At the meeting on the 21st of 
November, 1721, the following demands, among 
others, were audited and allowed : 

'*ffir8t allowed unto ye sheriflf ffor Executing James More, his hora 
saddle, & Braas Pistoll." 

"Item to Josiali Kay, Sheriff, ffor the Execution of Christian Boff, 
alias Logon, & other ffees, the sum of £9 Ss." 

What was the crime for which the first sufiered the 
extreme penalty of the law does not appear ; the last 
had been presented by the grand jury for *' murther- 
ing her child." 

In the minutes of the proceedings of the board 
May 3, 1750, the following appeal's : 

" At sd Board Samuel Harrison, Sheriff for ye County of Gloucester, 
brought in a Bill wherein he Charges ye County : 

Dr. 

£ s. d. 

To whijiping James McBride 00 10 

For Ills time in gftting a whiper, & whipera ferrijiges DO 7 G 

To Executing Juhn Julmaoii, John Steward, & Ebenezer 

Caral U. 00 

ForKupps to Kx>-cute Ihem 00 8 8 

To the ExfCiitionei's Expenses 1 00 

TuDiggiugGi-.ivesforsdMen 00 6 

17 12 2 
'* The Board, taking sd. Bill into Consideration, allow for ye Ropes & 
Diging ye Graves, 14s — 8 ; & for ye rest are of Opinion yt its ye Sheriffs 
Office to see ye Law Executed upon Convicts, & as they know no Law 
yt lutitU's him to any Pay for ye Execution of his Office in Such Case, 
think therefore it would be a ill Presedent, A not warrentable in them 
to allow sd Bill, or any of ye like kind." 



Parliamentary Rules. — From the following entry 

in 1722 it appears that questions concerning parlia- 
mentary rules arose at the meeting of the freeholders 
and justices: 

"Whereas, a Debate hath a Risen what Should make a Certain Deci- 
sion in auy matter or thing yt niiiiht arise in debate before the meeting 
off Justices & flfreeholders. The Conclusion off this meeting is that two 
off the three Justices, one being of ye Quorum, Together with ye major- 
ity of ye ffreeholders, shall be sufficient to Confirm any matter yt may 
be thought necessary to be Don." 

IMPORTATION OF PAUPERS. 
March, 1734. "Whereas, it appears to this court that William Herril 
hath lately brought and imported into this County of Gloucester a cer- 
tain Margaret Jatie, as a Servant to him, and it also appearing to ye Court 
that ye sd Margaret is a weakly and Impotent person, and liltely to be- 
come chargeable to this County, or to some Township within ye same, it is 
thereupon ordered by ye Court tliat ye same Wm. Herril do forthwith 
give Security by way of Recognizance to carry and transport ye sd Mar- 
garet to ye place from whence he Imported her," etc. Mr. Herril gave 
bonds " that to morrow morning he will convey ye sd Margaret Jane ti> 
ye place from whence he Imported her," 

Jan. 15, 1736, the justices and freeholders ordered 

" Abraham Chatten to receive ten shillings for treating the workmen 
at building the work or watch house, and that John Kaigiiii receive 
forty shillings for treating the said workmen." 

Tavern-keepers' Prices Prescribed.— The follow- 
ing ordinance will be read with interest, for it shows 
not only the watchful care that was exercised to pre- 
vent extortion, but the manner in which people were 
entertained in olden time : 

"AN ORDINANCE 

" Of the rates of Luiuors and of Eatables for Man, and Provender and ■ 
Pasture for Horses, to be open'd and hept by all the Public House Keep&'S, Inn 
Keepers, or Tavern Keepers in the county of Gloucester, for the following year — 
as followelh viz : 

s. d. 

" Every Pint of Madeia Wine 1 

Every Quart Bowl of Punch, made of Loaf Sugar, and 

Good Hum, and ifresh Limes 1 6 

Eveiy like Bowl ol Punch made with Lime Juice 1 4 

Every Quart of Miralio, made of Muscovado Sugar 8 

Every Quart of Metheglin 1 

Every Quart of Cyder Royal 8 

Every Quart of Egg Punch 2 

Every Quart of Milk Punch 8 

Every Quart of Cydor, from 1st of September to 1st of 

Jau'y 3 

From tlielst of Jan'y to 1st of Sept'r 4 

Evory Quart of Strung Beer 4 

Every Jill of Brandy fi 

Every Jill of other Cordial Drams 5 

Every Jill of Rum 3 

(And so in proportion for greater or smaller quantities 

of each sort.) 

Every Breakfast of Te:i, Coffee, or Chocolate 8 

Every Breakfast of other victuals 6 

Every Hot Dinner or Supper, provided for a single 

person, with a pintof strong Beeror Cyder 1 

Every Hot Dinner or Supper for a company, with a 

quart of Strong Beer or Cyder each 1 

Every Cold Dinner or Supper, with a piut of Strong 

Beer or Cyder each 8 

Every Night's Lodging, each person 3 

HORSES, ETC. 

Stabling every horse edch night, and clover hay enough 3 

StidiUng each Night, and other Hay enougli 6 

Every night's Pasture for a Horse G 

Every two quarts of oats or Other Grain 3 

"Adopted at the Court of General Sessions and County Court &c., 
held at Gloucester the eighth June Ann. Dom. 1742." 

Township and County Boundaries Regulated. 

— On the 13th of May, 17G1, Kichard Mattock, Henry 
Wood, John Hinchman, William Davis, James White- 
all, Joshua Lord, Francis Batten, and Jacob Spicer 
I were appointed to determine and fix the boundaries 



11:2 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



of the several townships in the county, according to 
an act of Assembly, and were authorized to employ 
Samuel Clement, a deputy surveyor, to run the lines. 

At the meeting in September of the same year they 
reported to the board that they had done this work, 
and presented to the board a map of the same, certi- 
fied by Samuel Clement. This map was ordered to be 
placed in the office of the county clerk, and in that 
of the secretary of Western New Jersey. 

A committee, consisting of Francis Battin, George 
Flannigan, and Thomas Denny, Esq., was appointed, 
in 1764. to join a like committee appointed by the 
board of justices and freeholders in Salem County, to 
run and mark the line between the two counties, pur- 
suant to an act of Assembly. Thomas Denny was 
appointed surveyor for this purpose. This committee, 
in June, 1765, reported that they had accomplished 
this work as directed. 

In 1765 the justices and freeholders ordered that 
the arms belonging to the county be divided into four 
equal lots and delivered, one lot to John HiAchnian 
and John Mickle, one to Samuel Harrisonvand John 
Rider, one to Alexander Randall and George Flan- 
nigan, and the fourth to Michael Fisher and John 
Sparks. These commissioners were directed to sell 
the arms delivered to them, and account for their 
doings to the board. This was done, and the proceeds 
were paid over to the county collector. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



KOADS AND BRIDGES. 



It is not practicable, within reasonable limits, to 
give a full history of the highways and bridges in this 
county which changing circumstances have necessi- 
tated within the last two centuries. Here, as in other 
regions, roads were constructed to supply the imme- 
diate apparent wants of the people at the time, rather 
than to meet possible or even probable future exigen- 
cies, and when once these highways were established, 
their influence in directing the subsequent develop- 
ment of the region was potent. A few only of the 
earliest highways and bridges can be noticed here, 
and knowledge of these is limited to the meagre 
statements concerning them wliich are to be found in 
old records. 

It must be remembered that early immigrants 
came here by way of the Delaware River, and tliat 
the first settlements were made on that river or on 
its navigable affluents. The first paths and roads, of 
course, were made from these into the surrounding 
country in those directions in which the tide of set- 
tlement happened to flow. These roads, in a short 
time, met each other and became thoroughfares be- 
tween the settlements, with lateral branches running 



from them, to be abandoned or changed, as circum- 
stances required, when the country became more 
thickly inhabited. Thoroughfares were, however, in 
some instances established between distant and im- 
portant points, or those which appeared likely to 
become important. 

The Old King's Highway.— One of these, the old 
King's Highway, leading from Perth Amboy, or Perth 
Town, as it was called two hundred years ago, to Salem, 
was first " surveyed, set forth, and laid out" in two sep- 
arate and distinct sections or parts. The first, from 
Burlington to Salem, was directed to be laid out in 
the year 1681 by the General Assembly of the prov- 
ince of Jersey, at Burlington, while in a state of sep- 
aration from East Jersey. The following is a copy of 
the act by which it was authorized : 

" Be it also further enacted by the authorily aforesaid, that there shall be 
a highwaj' surveyed and set forth between Burlington and Salem, the 
same to be begun at or before the first day of the second month next, 
and that twenty men in the whole shall be appointed for said work, ten 
thereof from Burlington and ten from Salem." i 

Between Burlington and Perth Amboy it was di- 
rected to be laid out in 1683. The width of this great 
highway, as they called it at that time, was not men- 
tioned in the act, but that it was laid out and opened 
of the width of six rods there can be no doubt. The 
general law of the province of New Jersey, and after- 
ward of the State, recognized public roads of that 
width, that is, from/o;«- to six rods, but in 1799 an act 
was passed "that every public road or highway wiiich 
should hereafter be laid out, should not be more than 
four nor less than two rods wide," and the former 
regulation was repealed. This is the present law, 
though it was enacted in 1871 that a greater width, if 
the applicants desired it, should be specified in the 
application for the road. In 1879 this was repealed, 
and public roads may not now be more than four nor 
less than two rods in width. 

Again, in May, 1799, an act to alter part of the 
public road in the township of Greenwich, in the 
county of Gloucester, leading from Woodburj' to 
Salem, was passed as follows; 

*' Be it enacted, tf-c., that so much of the road culled Sulem Koad as runs 
through the tract of laud belonging to Thonnia Clark be, and the same 
is, hereby vacated and made void, provided nevertheless, and it is further 
enacted, that a road, bLv rods in width, beginning in the middle of sjiid 
Salem road, between the said Thomas Clark's house and Samuel Bllckle's 
house, and thence rnnning along the line between said Suniuel Micklo's 
land and said Thomas t'lark's land south iifly-three degrees and thirty 
minutes west, forty-funr chains and twenty links to the middle of said 
Salem road at Samuel Tomkins' line, shall be and the same is hereby es. 
tablished as a public highway in the place and slejid of the road hereby 
vacated and made void/' 

The Legislature at that time would not have jiasscd 
the foregoing law to replace the Ibrty-foiir chains atul 
twenty links of king's highway vacated by a six-rod 
road, unless the whole of it had been laid out of thai 
width. 

An act was passed, in 1790, appointing oommissionors 



1 I-aws passed in West .Telsev in UISI, page 4iif». 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



113 



to alter, relay, and vacate a part of a six-rod road in 
Woodbridge township, Middlesex County. The Legis- 
lature would not have passed this act except for the 
reason above given. 

The actual width of this old road in the city of 
Woodbury, and in the towns of Clarksboro and 
Swedesboro, when the houses were erected on or near 
the boundary of the street, was six rods; and in 
Swedesboro it is six rods by actual measurement. This 
road, having been laid by authority of the Council and 
General Assembly of the State, could not be vacated 
or altered by any inferior power, until a law was 
passed authorizing such roads to be vacated and 
altered by surveyors of highways appointed by the 
court. What the State had done or ordered to be 
done by the supreme power thereof could not be un- 
done except by the same power. 

Although this road was, in 1799, declared unalter- 
able, it was, in 1821, made subject to the same laws 
that govern other roads. 

This road was subsequently altered and straight- 
ened, but it continued as a public highway till 1851, i 
when it was vacated, and became the Salem and I 
Gloucester turnpike. ; 

Action of Court concerning Roads and Bridges, j 
— The following extracts from the minutes of the 
court, which was at first the legislative as well as the 
judicial department of the county government, sliow 
lit the same time what were some of the earliest roads 
that were established by authority, and how they were 
established. These extracts also show some of the 
earliest acts of the county authorities concerning 
bridges, the erection, rebuilding, and repair of which 
have ever since engaged a large share of the attention 
of the county legislative board. 

The following entry appears in the court record for 
" the 14th day of April," 1687 : 

"Whereas, there were severall persons sumoned to niake the Roade 
betwixt Salem and Burlington, by Wooly Dalbo, one of the surveyors 
within the lower Division of ye County of Gloucester, and these per- 
sons following Refusing or neglecting to appear, or doe their proportion 
of that work, viz.: Martin Holt, Edward Eglington, Thomas Matthews, 
Thomas Gardiner, James Thomas, John Post, and the occupyers of ' 
James Sanderlin's plantation, the Grand Jury did present, and with the | 
Consent and Coucurenoe of the Court, Ifined .each and every of the | 
foresaid persons six shillings a piece, and the dark was ordered to give [ 
a warrant to leavy ye same by way of Distress," etc. ' 

In the record for the December term, 1687, it ap- ! 
pears that Francis Collins was engaged to build a | 
bridge "over ye upper Branch of Gloucester River;" 
and at the same term 

"Complayut being made to ye Grand Jury for ye want of sufficient 
Bridges in five severall places in ye pt of ye Road leading to Salem, 
wch ought to be made good by Andrew Robeson Jr., and Wooley Dalbo, 
overseers of j'o Highways, wch Said persons ye Grand Jury doe present 
for their neglect and default. Therein the Court orders that if ye 
Bridges be not good, and ye way passable without danger, on or before 
ye 10th day of ye 2nd month next, the overseers shall be severely fyned 
at ye discretiou of ye court." 

From time to time the grand jury, " ye Bench as- 
senting/' appointed persons to construct or repair 
bridges or roads as appeared necessary. 



At the June session of the court, in 1696, 

" the Grand Jury Present ye necessity of making Bridges marking and 
mending ye way leading towards great Egg harbour, Propose John 
Hugg, Jr., Thomas Sharjt, and Tho Gardiner, or any two of them, with 
all Convenient Speed to view ye sd Road for about Ten miles from Gloces- 
ter. In order to have ye same mended, marked &c as above, and the 
persons doeing ye sd work to be paid out of ye County Tax. To all 
which ye Bench assents."' 

"James Steelinan, Elected Overseer of ye Highways, to mark and 
make the Road from Egg harbour towards Glocester, and that he have 
power to summon together ye Inhabitants of Egg harbour to ye pur- 
pose." 

" John Hopman, elected overseer of ye high ways for ye Township of 
Greenwich." 

June 1, 1697, 

" the (^Irand Jury present ye necessity of a new Road to be laid out and 
made from ye ffals of oldman's ci-eek to ye mouth of Glocester River, 
and so from Elias Hugg's up to ye old Road, in ye most Convenient 
place, and order Andrew Robeson and \Vm. Dalboe to lay forth ye same on 
ye lower side of Glosfer River, and Thomas Sharp to se ye same Effected 
from Elias Hugg's up ye old Roade. To wch ye Beuch assents, and order 
ye performance of ye same with all convenient expedition." 

At the next court, in September of the same year, 

" the Grand Jury present ye northerly Branch of Glocester River, and 
ye logg bridge in ye fork thereof. The Bench order a speedy repair of 
ye same.*' 



was presented by the Grand Jury in September, 1698, 
and the Bench ordered that it be repaired. 

The first record of a road established after the ter- 
mination of the proprietary government is as follows : 

"Wee, whose names are heare Subscribed, Commissioners for the 
Highways for this County of Glocester, at the Request of John Wood 
& divers Others of the Neighbours, have laid out a way for the use of 
the People in & about Dedford Township, and also others that may have 
Occasion for ye same, beginning at a marked Pine Sapling Standing by 
the Path which Comes down from the Widow Laicons to John Woods 
bowse, which sd marked PineSaplin Stands about half amile from John 
Woods howse; from thence Eastwardly through the woods in a direct 
line as neare as Conveniently will allow, avoiding the Swamps and low 
wet grounds, to ye out Side of Henry Threadways Cleared Ground, and 
so toafast landing upon the branch of Woodbury Creek, called Matthews 
his branch, where was formerly and now must be made a bridge Over 
the Said branch, and Caseway through ye Swamp to the fast land on ye 
Other Side ye branch ; from thence in a direct line to ye outward Corner 
of Thomas Nixons field, and iio Along ye Outside of ye said field straight 
into ye Queens Roade, neare Debtford Bridge, which said Way is to be 
Sixteen ffoot wide. 

'* Dated this Sth day of " Signed : Willm Warner, 

august, 170S. Mat. Medcalfe." 

At the first recorded meeting of the justices and 
freeholders, April 5, 1715, 

" the Managers Chose for the Rebuilding of Timber Creek Bridge are 
Constantine Wood and William Harrison, and to make itt in Breadth, 
from outside to outside, Eleven ffoot, the Sleepers & Campsells to be 
made of Good white oake, Got in a proppre Seate, and to Jutt over as is 
necessary to Rayle ye bridge in of Each Syde," 

After this date the care of highways and bridges 
was exercised by the board of justices and freeholders 
till 1798, when the freeholders became the legislature 
of the county. 

Jan. 6, 1724. " Ordered by the Said Court, upon application made by the 
upper part of ye Township of Greenwich, that ye order for rebuilding of 
their part of Manto Creek Bridge be Sett aside; and that the Inhab- 
itants aforesaid be allowed to do it by day Labour as formerly, Provided 
they do it with what speed may be, and according to ye Dementions 



114 



HISTOKY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



agreed upon By ye overBeere, Justices, Ffreeholders, and Surveyors, mett 
together for that purpose at The House of Kobert Gerrards, a copy of 
wch Steven Jones and John Young are to be Served with, and that ye 
Tax Levyed for ye doing said work be dropped, and they that have paid 
the same be Reimbursed." 

Managers were at many difterent times appointed 
for the repair of bridges, especially Timber Creek 
bridge, and finally, at the meeting Jan. 15, 1739, 

— 

"Saml. Harrison & Geo. Ward, who were at ye Last meeting appointed ■ 

managers to repair Great Timber Creeli Bridge, on viewing ye sd Bridge i 

find it not to be in a Condition to be repaired, but that it must be Re- , 

built; and therefore the Board order that the Sum of one hundred & ■ 
sixty Pounds be Raised for ye Building ye sd Bridge, & for the Country's 
use, and that ye sd Sum be Levied as follows," etc. 

Great Timber Creek bridge was often repaired by 
order of the freeholders, and in 1773 it was rebuilt at 
a cost of £202 Is. 7d. The commissioners or man- 
agers for rebuilding it were John Hincliman, Isaac 
Mickle, Joshua Lord, and Joseph Hugg. 

In 1794 the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, 
in addition to fifty pounds directed by law, was ap- 
propriated for " laying out and clearing the publick 
road directed by law to be laid out from Woodbury 
to Bridgetown;" also thirty-five pounds for similar 
work on the Mount Holly road. In 1795 five hun- 
dred pounds were ordered to be collected in the town- 
ships of Waterford, Newtown, Gloucestertown, Dept- 
ford, Greenwich, and Woolwich for expenditure on 
the same roads. 

Seven hundred pounds were ordered to be raised, in 
1798, to be expended on the road from Woodbury to 
Bridgeton and Roadston in Cumberland County. 
The commissioners for opening this road were Aaron 
Pancoast, Thomas Carpenter, and Joshua L. Howell. 
In 1799 the proprietors of the lower bridge over 
Raccoon Creek relinquished their claim to the same, 
and the bridge, by the action of the freeholders, was 
accepted as public property. 

These few extracts from the proceedings of the 
court, and afterwards of the board of freeholders, 
are sufficient to show what was the system of man- 
agement of roads and bridges in early times. It is 
not practicable to make further mention here of par- 
ticular roads or bridges. No striking change or 
improvement in highways was made during many 
years. The character of the soil was such that if 
roads were much used it was difiicult to transport 
heavy loads over them, by reason of the depth to 
which the sand became loosened. 

Turnpikes. — About the year 1850 what has been 
termed tlie "turnpike mania" began to prevail, and 
within a decade many toll-roads were built in the 
county. These roads soon came to be regarded with 
great favor by the people, because of the greatly im- 
proved facilities for travel and transportation which 
they afforded, and in many cases the public highway.s 
were vacated, and the right of way was freely given 
to turnpike companies. 

In 1849 the board of freeholders adopted a reso- 
lution 



" to give to the Mullica Hill and Woodbury Turnpike Co. all the County 

bridges, and the material therein contained, which may be upon the 
road now about tu be constructed by said Company between Mullica 
Hill and Woodbuiy without any charge and expense." 

In 1850 the board of freeholders adopted the fol- 
lowing preamble and resolution : 

" Whereas, The Legislature of this State has recently passed several 
laws incorporating Tnrnpilte companies in the County of Gloucester, au- 
thorizing said companies to construct turnpike or plank roads on public 
highways in said county, upon their being vacated according to law 
and whereas, this board are of the opinion that the interests of the 
County will thereby be relieved from the e.xpeuse of maintaining the 
bridges upon said roads: 

'' There/ore, Resolved, That this board do hereby agree to give to the 
Woodbury and Gloucester Plank road and turnpike company all the 
County Bridges, and material therein contained, which may be upon 
said ruad, as shall be turupiked or planked, without any charge there- 
for. Provided, however, that if the said company (from any cause) shall 
not continue in operation, that then the county bridges on said road 
shall revert to and become the property of the county, the above grant 
being made upon this condition; and also provided, that the said com- 
pany pay the expense lately incurred repairing the Truss Bridge over 
Great Timber Creek, or that part belonging to the County of Glou- 
cester." 

In 1851 the same with reference to the bridges on 
the Salem and Gloucester Turnpike Company's road. 

The Red Bank and Woodbury Turnpike Company 
was chartered, and the road built, in 1848, four miles 
in length ; the Mullica Hill and Woodbury turnpike, 
eight miles in length, in 1849; and in 1853 a supple- 
ment to the charter of the first authorized the exten- 
sion of it through Woodbury, so as to connect the 
two. The effect of the construction of these roads 
was to enable farmers to carry seventy to one hundred 
baskets of produce at a load, where before they were 
limited to about thirty. 

The Gloucester and Salem turnpike was soon built 
from Woodbury to Woodstown, through Berkeley, 
Clarksboro, and Swedesboro, as was also the Glouces- 
ter City turnpike, which was first a plank road, and 
afterwards was converted into a graveled road. The 
evident utility and success of these roads induced the 
construction of many others, some of which continue 
to be operated as toll-roads, while others have be- 
come public highways. Of these last it may truly be 
said that what was a loss to the companies was a 
gain to the public. 



CHAPTER XXVIL 

PUBLIC lUULDINiiS. 

Tun first action for the erection of any public 
buildings taken by the county authorities, which 
then consisted of the grand jury and "ye bench," 
was at a court held on the 2d day of December, 1G89, 
between three and four years subsequent to the or- 
ganizntion of the county. 

First County Prison.— The grand jury did at that 
time, in due form. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



115 



"present ye County of Gloucester for their not erecting a common 
goale fur the securing of prisoners,'* whereupon " Daniel Reading un- 
dertakes to build a gonle or logghouse of fifteen or sixteen foot square, 
provided he may have one Lott of Land conveyed to him and his 
heirs forever ; and ye sd house to servo for a prison till ye county makes 
a common geole, or until ye ed logge huuse shall with age be destroyed 
or made insufficient for that purpose. And Wm. Eoyden undertakes to 
convey ye lott, he being paid three pounds for the Bame at or before ye 
next courte." 

Second Prison and First Court-House.— The 
"logge house" thus provided was used as a jail till 
December, 1695, when it was 

"Ordered that a prison be with all convenient expedition built six- 
teen feet long, twelve feet wide in the clear, and eight foot high, to be 
made of loggs, with a floor of loggs, above and below, covered with cedar 
shingles, and a partition in the middle." 

Till that time the courts had been held at taverns 
or private houses ; but on the 1st of June, 1696, the 
preceding order was changed so as to require 

"a prison of twenty foot long and sixteen wide, of a sutficient height 
and strength, made of loggs, to be erected and huilded in Gloucester, 
with a Court House over the samo, of a convenient height and largeness, 
covered of and with cedar shingles, well and workmanlike to be made, 
and with all convenient expedition finished. Matthew Medcalfe and 
John Reading to be overseers or agents to lett the same or see the 
said buildings done and performed in manner aforesaid, they to have 
money for carrying on of the said work of the last county tax." 

The following entry on the record appears under 

date of the 5th of October, 1708 : 

"We, the Grand Jury for the county of Gloucester, being mett to- 
gether at Gloucester to consider of the present imergancies of the same, 
doe consider itt necessary that an addition -be made to the Prison and 
Courtt House in the manner following, viz.: That it joyne to the south 
end of the ould one, to be made of stone and brick, twelve foot in the 
cleare, and two story high, with a stack of chimneys joyniug to the ould 
house, and that itt be uniform from ye foundation to the Court House." 

To defray the expenses of this improvement the 
grand jury levied a tax of one shilling upon every 
hundred acres of land, for every horse and mare more 
than three years old sixpence per head, for neat cattle 
two pence for each, three shillings for each freeman 
in service, and three shillings for each negro over 
twelve years old, 

*'to be paid in current silver money, or corn, or any other country pro- 
duce, at money price, to be delivered and brought in to the county treas- 
urer at his dwelling house." 

Second Court-House and Jail.— Pride crept in 
among the people, and they were not long satisfied 
with their public buildings, even after they had been 
improved. On " the fifth of the second month, called 
April," 1715, it was resolved by the justices and free- 
holders to build 

"a goal twenty four foot long in the cleare, and the wall in the fall 
height from the foundation nine foot high and two foot tliick, well done 
with good mortar of lime and sand. And to lay the upper and under 
floors with the planks of the old prison, to make a good roof to it, and 
necessary doors and windows. And to remove the court house where 
the new prison is to stand, and to repay ve the same as shall he needful/* 

This new county capitol was finished in 1719, but 
for some reason it was not satisfactory to the justices 
and freeholders, who, in December of that year, con- 
tracted with Abraham Porter and William Harrison 
as follows : 



" Allso it is agreed by this meeting y t the Prisson as it is now built, 
being defective, shall be pulled Down to ye Lower filoor, &. Rebuilt upon 
the same foundation, with good fresh Lime & Sand, ye Same bight it 
now is, with corner Chimneys at Each End, cros barred with Iron in 
Each ffunnell, to prevent Escapes, A ptition in ye Middle of three inch 
Plank, as allso a liouse of office, each Prisson made in ye manner of a 
well with brick six ffoot Deep & boarded for yt. purpose. Together with 
a Port at ye entrance, with a second Door into ye prison, for the better 
Security. 

"A Court house built upon it of well burnt Brick, and half thick wall, 
Laide in Good Lime & Sand, nine foot in the bight, A Payre of Substan- 
tiall Stone Stayers at ye East inside, of Hewn Stone of ffour foot Long 
with a peddiment over them, two transom windows, on ye South Side a 
casement. In Each window the Lights agreeable to ye building, one of 
the Same Kinde on ye North Side, & a casement, a Large ffolding Door- 
case, &■ Doors with Lights over it at the head of the stayers for an En- 
trance, the walls of the Court house well plaistered & whitewasht, the 
Lower fllors of the Court house well joyced planked upon them, ite a 
ffloor of inch boards, well Plained & Nailed down upon them the ffloor 
above ye Joyces of Pine, Plained on boath sides, with inch boards, a 
Payer of Stayers up in to the garret, and a window in Each Gable End 
well Kooft & Shingled & to Jutt over a foot on Each Side & to be Con- 
sidable Sett of under the Eves A Gallery at the Westt End from Side to 
Side well Pailed with Stayers at Each End, A table & Bar Failed yt it 
may Sufficiently accomodate the Justices, Clerk, -Attufneys, & Jurys, 
allso to finde Glass, nailes Iron Work, Locks, hinges, & to finish the 
whole Building as is Convenient &■ Suitable to such a work, and yt all 
the timber Except boards & ye upper Joyce of the Court house be Good 
white oak. It is allso Concluded yt this meeting is adjourned until the 
fii-st day of the Sixth Month next, to meet at Gloucester, then & there 
to Inspect the work Don, & to allow or disallow ye same according as it is 
acted." 

If this house was not satisfactory it was certainly 
not for lack of " plans and specifications." 

First Stocks and Whippings-Post— A desire for 
the maintenance of good order was manifested by the 
county Legislature, as appears by the following entry 
in the clerk's book, about this time, of a further pro- 
vision for the punishment of malefactors: 

" It is agreed by this meeting that a payer of substantial stocks be 
erected near the prison, with a post at each end, well fixed and fastened, 
with a hand cuff iron att one end of them for a whipping-post." 

In 1736 the board ordered the addition of a yard, a 
watch-house, a work-house, and a pump to the public 
property. No further material improvements appear 
to have been made to the loc/g house. That the court- 
house was never very comfortable appears by the fol- 
lowing minute, made Dec. 19, 1721 : " Proclamation 
being made, the Court of Common Pleas is adjourned 
to the house of Mary Spey, by reason of the cold" 

At the meeting held on the 27th day of the first 
month, 1722, the following resolution was adopted: 

"Whereas, by a minute off this Board, dated ye thirteenth day of ye 
Second month, Anno Domini, 1719, Abraham Porter and William H.u- 
rison was appoynted managers ffor Building ye Prison & Court house, 
under ye Pennalty off ffifty Pounds Each in ye non Performance off the 
same, which they att ytt time Consented and agreed to, being ytt mem- 
bers off the Same Boddy, and the Work as yett Lying & not Compleated ; 
Ordered yt Thomas Sharp, if they neglect ye Perfecting off itt by ye 
twenty-Eighth of ye third month next, shall Prosecute them the sd. 
Mannigers ffor their Deffect uppon yt account, or otherwise a Prosecu- 
tion shall be Proceeded in against ye sd. Thomas Sharp for Paying ye 
third and last Payment before itt became due." 

At the meeting on the fifth day of the fourth month, 
1722: 

" The order against Abraham Porter and William Hurrison i Thomas 
Sharp, by ye Last Sleeting, aboutt fSnishing ye Court-house & Stone 



116 



HISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



stayers, Respited untill ye next courtt, but when fliDiBlied wholely to be 
Sett a Side." 

It appears from the minutes of the board of ju.stices 
and freeholders that repairs of the prison and court- 
house were frequently ordered, and commissioners or 
managers were appointed to carry into effect these 
orders. 

The following entry appears under the date June 
15,1736: 

"At wliich Dieetiiig ye Board orders that a yard and a Watchliouse, 
and also a Worklmiise be built and erected before the iron tot' the Prison 
at Gloucester, that is on the south side of sd. Prison, and also a cellar the 
whole bigness of the w.atchliouse, and also a well to be sunk within the 
said yard, and a Primp to set tliereiii. The yard, watchhouae, and work 
house to be.erected and built according to ye Dementions of a Draft that 
is lodged with the clerk of this Board." 

"And that the sum of two hundred pounds be raised for defraying the 
charge thereof in the manner following," etc. 

At the meeting, July 10, 1750, it was 

"agreed yt ye Prison bo enlarged 10 foot in ye Cleare into ye Road, 
ye Walls to be sunk three foot into ye Ground, to be 2U foot thick, & a 
Partition carried up ye first story, ye floar to be Pitched with long stone, 
two foot deep, filled up with morter, & floared over yt with two inch 
Plank." 

Samuel Cole was manager to see the addition built 
" as soon as conveniently may be." At the next meet- 
ing it was ordered that the whole prison be " floared 
over in ye same manner as ye_new." 

In January, 1852, the same managers were ordered 
"to Erect & Build a pair of Stocks and a Whipping 
Post." 

In March, 1853, the managers were ordered to pur- 
chase for the court-house a new bell of one hundred 
pounds weight, and " dispose of ye old one to help 
pay for ye same." 

The erection of new stocks and whipping-post was 
ordered in 1774, and Joseph Ellis was appointed 
manager to erect them. 

In 1782 certain repairs to the court-house and jail 
were ordered, and such repairs to the county-house as 
to make it tenable. 

County-House. — The first mention of a county- 
house in the minutes of the justices and freeholders 
was June 10, 1765, when William Hugg and Samuel 
Harrison were allowed £62 16s. 2d. for materials, 
workmen, wages, and commissions in repairing the 
same. Again, in 1770, repairs were ordered. Where 
this county-house was located, or what were the regu- 
lations, if any, concerning it, does not appear. 

Court-House Injured by Fire,— In tlie justices' 
and freeholders' minutes for Feb. 8, 1778, appears the 
following : 

" VVnEREA6, by theaxedentof fire, the Roof of the Courthouse is Burnt 
of, aud other Daniag is Done to ye sd house, it is Ordered By the Bord 
that all Nesery Utentials Be Purchesod, and all Neser.v Repairs be made 
to the Court house and Jail in or near the manner it was Before the 
Consumtion by the sd fire, with all Conveuiont Speed; and accordingly 
Isaac Mickle and James Hinchman is apinted Rlanagars to Purches 
Bletearals and Hii'r Woi-kmen, anil See the work is Done," etc. 

Court-House and Jail Burned.— From time to 
time, after that date, repairs were ordered, till, in 
March, 1786, the following entry appears : 



"The Question was weather the Courthouse & goal Lately Consamed 
by fire should he Repaired, or weather a Petition be sent to the Legis- 
lature for a law to be Passed to enable the Inhabitants to build a new 
Courthouse tfe Goal. The votes being called there was a majority for 
having tliem Built new. It wiis then agreed by the Board That a peti- 
tion should be sent from sd Board praying the Legislature To pass a law 
for the Building of a Courthouse & Goal In such place in sd county as a 
majority of the Inhabitants thereof shall Determine by a free and im- 
partial Election — that sd Petition be Drawn immediately, and signed by 
the Clerk on behalf of the board — which was done accordingly.' 

When the fire alluded to occurred is not known, but 
it is believed to have taken place early in March, 1786. 
Aug. 3, 1786, James Brown, John Jesop, and Samuel 
Hugg were appointed managers " to agree with work- 
men and purchase materials for the building of the 
Goal and Court house at Woodbury ;" a tax of 
£108 6s. Sd. was ordered to defray the expense. 

Location and Erection of the Present Court- 
House. — It is presumed that an election had been 
held, and that Woodbury had been selected as the 
county-seat, though no record of such action exists. 

At a meeting held for the purpose, Sept. 29, 1786, 
the board 

" proceeded to the Choice of a lot for the use of a Courthouse \' Goal, 
wlien John Bispham offered a lot four Rods front and fifteen Rods Back 
for the purpose afs"* ; the votes where then called whether the board Ex- 
cept of s^ offer yea or nay — which was Called accordingly <t unani- 
mously Excepted. 

"Ordered that James AVilkius, John Wilkins Esq, & Joseph Reeves 
be a committee to see the lot laid out and take a Deed therefor. 

" Ordered that the Goal be Built the same size of Salem Goal, and the 
Courthouse be 35 feet by 40 feet, aud the yard 100 feet in length." 

At a special meeting held Dec. 6, 1786, the man- 
agers were instructed to pay fifty pounds for the lot, 
and it was ordered that fifteen hundred pounds be 
raised " for the purpose of building the Court house 
and Goal." This sum was increased May 9, 1787, to 
seventeen hundred pounds. An additional sum of 
five hundred pounds was ordered at a special meeting, 
April 2, 1788, to complete the court-house. The jail 
had been reported nearly finished. May 14, 1788, the 
managers were ordered to procure, and hang on the 
court-house, a suitable bell. Additional sums were 
ordered from time to time as the work progressed. 
When a final settlement was made with the managers, 
John Jessup, Samuel Hugg, and James Brown, on 
the 19th of June, 1790, it was found that the cost of 
the court-house and jail had been more than twelve 
thousand dollars. 

May 9, 1792, furniture was ordered for the court- 
house, including among other articles " two sots and- 
irons, shovels & Tongs." At the same time provision 
was made for the erection of " Stocks, whipping post, 
and pillory, to be placed at the discretion of the man- 
ager," John Jessup. 

The andirons, shovels, and tongs, included in the 
furniture of the court-house, were articles that are now 
seldom seen, except in museums of antiquities, and 
to those who have reached the age of threescore and 
ten years they arc suggestive of the " blazing hearth" 
of their youthful days. The mention of the stocks, 
whipping-post, and jiillory calls up reflections on 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



117 



the times when " the rod for the fool's back" was the 
accepted doctrine, and when idiocy was believed to 
be more widely prevalent than now. Public stocks 
were again ordered to be erected on the county lot in 
1822. 

In 1858 an alteration was made in the court-house 
by removing a portion of the rear or west wall, and 
erecting a semicircular recess for the better accommo- 
dation of the bench, and for the enlargement of the 
court-room. Some changes were at the same time 
made in the interior of the court-room. The cost of 
these improvements was seven hundred dollars. 

Except these improvements, and some unimportant 
changes in th^ rooms in the second story, the interior 
of the house remains as when it was built. The stone 
steps, columns, etc. in front, were added many years 
since, and the belfry and steeple have been more than 
once rebuilt. In 1850 a committee was appointed " to 
get a plan for and superintend the erection of a new 
steeple or belfry upon the court-house," and they were 
directed to " have it so constructed as to accommodate 
a town clock, should the inhabitants of Woodbury 
and vicinity feel disposed to place one in it at their 
own expense." 

The question of a new and more commodious and 
tasteful court-house is under consideration, and not 
many years will elapse before this venerable structure, 
which has survived several generations, will pass 
away, as did the jail that stood just in the rear of it 
till the completion of the new jail. 

County Prison. — On the 18th of February, 1875, a 
committee of the board of freeholders, consisting of 
Charles S. Knisell, Edmund Jones, John Pierson, 
Benjamin F. Sickler, and John M. Saunders, was ap- 
pointed to visit prisons " for the purpose of ascertain- 
ing a proper plan for a prison for this county, with 
power to employ an architect to draught apian," etc., 
and to make an estimate of the cost of a new jail. 
At a meeting in May this committee reported plans 
as instructed. No further action in the matter was 
then taken. 

At the annual meeting of the freeholders. May 9, 
1877, the following preamble and resolution were 
adopted: 

" Whereas, The judges of the Court, at the April term, brought before 
the grand jury the condition of our county jail, and censured the 
board of freeholders of the county for Ueeising such a nuisance, and re- 
quested the grand jury to take cognizance of the same, and that, after 
a careful examination of the same, said grand jury recommended that 
this board take the matter under consideration ; therefore, 

"i?e-<oircd. That we build on the countj' lot, in Woodbury, a new jail, 
with a dwelling-house attached for the use of the sheriff or jailer, with 
a sheriff's office attached, not to cost more than fifteen thousand dol- 
lars." 

John Pierson, Jonathan H. Smith, and Charles S. 
Knisell were appointed a committee to procure plans 
and specifications for the building. 

On the 24th of the same month this committee re- 
ported plans, etc., furnished by Stephen D. Button, 
for the building, which is of stone ; and by Royer 



Brothers, of Philadelphia, for the iron cells, the prob- 
able cost of the whole to be sixteen thousand five 
hundred dollars. The plans were accepted and adopted, 
and an additional appropriation of three thousand 
dollars for the purpose was made. These appropria- 
tions were from time to time supplemented by others, 
making the total aggregate of twenty-two thoustind 
dollars, including the cost of the iron cells, doors, 
windows, gratings, etc. John Pierson, Charles S. 
Knisell, Jonathan H. Smith, Abijah S. Hewitt, and 
Martin Madden were appointed a cominittee to su- 
perintend the erection of the jail. Except the iron 
cells it was built by day labor, under the immediate 
supervision and direction of this committee. It was 
completed and occupied in the winter of 1877-78. 

it is built of stone from quarries in Chester, Pa., 
laid in rubble-work (irregular), with dressed face, 
pointed with cement, and brownstone trimmings. 
The dwelling has a front of forty-tvvo feet and a 
depth of forty-seven. In the rear of, and joined to 
this, is. the prison, thirty-eight by fifty feet, with 
walls two feet in thickness and twenty-five feet in 
height. The floor of the prison is of broken stone 
and cement, three feet thick, and solid as a rock. 
On this floor stands a block of cells, twenty-eight in 
number, built of cast iron, each plate being three- 
fourths of an inch in thickness, and all joined to- 
gether as butt-hinges, and securely bolted from top 
to bottom. Each cell has a length of seven feet, a 
width of four feet six inches, and, a height of eight 
feet; and in each are iron ventilating columns, which 
connect with the smoke-stack or large chimney, and 
aflTord perfect ventilation. 

The ceiling of the prison is of solid cast-iron plates, 
three-fourths of an inch thick, rendering the prison 
absolutely fire-proof. Over the block of cells are 
four boiler-iron tanks, having an aggregate capacity 
of ten thousand gallons. Water is conducted into 
these from the roofs of the prison and dwelling, and 
an ample supply is thus afforded for bathing, closet 
drainage, etc., all of which is carried six hundred and 
fifty yards through an eight-inch terra-cotta pipe 
and discharged into Woodbury Creek. The aggre- 
gate weight of the iron used in the construction of 
the cells is more than ninety-five gross tons, and the 
prison is considered a model of workmanship. Tlie 
county has no debt. 

Clerk's and Surrogate's Offices.— Nov. 24, 1797, 
Joshua Howell, Phineas Lord, John Blackwood, John 
Brick, John E. Hopkins, and John Thorn were mtide 
commissioners, and authorized to 

" purchase a lott of ground (within the Towu of Woodbury) on behalf 
of the County, and to erect thereon, or cause to he erected, a suitable 
Building for the keeping safe the records of the County, and sucli other 
records as now is and may be recorded in the Clerk's office fur the 
county of Gloucester."' 

May 9, 1798, these commissioners presented to the 
board a plan, which was adopted, and they were or- 



118 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY, 



dered to complete the building as soon as convenient. 
The plan was 

"25 ft. 4 in. by 20 feet, an arched Sellar nnder the wliole, Door posts 
and window frames Stone, Doors and window sliutters iron, and the Koof 
to be covered willi copper." 

An appropriation of one thousand pounds was made 
Jan. 8, 1799, for the erection of this building. The 
commissioners had purchased a lot for that purpose 
from Isaac and Rachel Wilkins. 

The office was erected according to the foregoing 
specifications, and it still stands, on the east side of 
Broad Street, between Cooper and Hunter Streets, 
having undergone no change since its erection. In 
the transom the words " Clark's Office" were carved. 
The a in Clark's has been partially obliterated and e 
cut in its place by some modern vandal. Since 1820 
it has been the surrogate's office. 

In January, 1799, " was proposed to this Board for 
consideration the propriety of an Iron Chestof wrought 
Iron being purchased for the County Collector, the 
more safely to keep the money of sd County"'; there- 
fore, " Ordered that the County Collector be author- 
ized to purchase one." The chest procured under 
this order has long since ceased to be used. It now 
lies in the attic of the court-house, along with other 
relics of " ye olden time." 

Present Clerk's Office. — At a special meeting of 
the freeholders held on the 24th of February, 1820, it 
was 

"Ordered that James Matlack, Job Bi-own, Joseph Kaign. Joseph V. 
Clarli, and Joseph Rogers be a committee to procnre matei'ials, employ 
mechanics, and build a Surrogate's office on the County lot on the west 
Bide of Woodbury street, and that the same be built, not to exceed 
thirty-one feet in Dehth, and twenty-four feet in width, and of the best 
materials that can he procured, one Koom of which to lie made com- 
pleatly fire proof, And that they take Down the Belcony House and apply 
the Bricks and other materials in tlie el'ecting the said office. Also to 
level the Public lot, and cause to be removed from the same all buildings 
not belonging to the county, and fence said lot, and the sum of Two 
Thousand Dollars is appropriated to that service." 

In May of the same year this committee reported 
that the building was completed, at a cost of $3133.95 ; 
and that the old house had been removed, and the lot 
fenced and leveled, at an expense of S314.88. An ad- 
dition to the county lot of nearly three-fourths of an 
acre had been purchased, three years previously, from 
John Keen. 

In 1821 the board of freeholders directed that the 
county clerk and surrogate exchange offices, and 
transfer their records and papers on or before the first 
day of October in that year. 

Addition to the Clerk's Office.— In 1873, John J. 
Estell, C. B. Leonard, and C. C. Pancoast, the stand- 
ing committee of the board of freeholders on public 
property, and John M. Saunders, director of the board, 
and James Moore, clerk, were made a committee to 
build an addition to the clerk's office. 

The work was done under the supervision of John 
M. Saunders ; and tlie addition consists of iin exten- 
sion from the rear of twenty feet. The walls are of 



brick, eighteen inches in thickness ; the beams are of 
iron, the roof of tin, and the floor of tiles. The win- 
dow-frames are of stone, and the shutters and doors 
are of iron, making the structure fire-proof. It was 
completed and first occupied in 1874, and its cost was 
two thousand seven hundred dollars. 

Almshouse. — In May, 1799, a committee, consisting 
of Samuel Cooper, James Hopkins, and James Strat- 
tou, was appointed to make inquiry concerning a poor- 
house for the county, and to recommend a site for such 
house. This committee made no report, and on the 
30th of August, 1800, another committee, consisting 
of Samuel Cooper, James Hurley, John Hider, Sam- 
uel W. Harrison, Amos Cooper, William Ford, James 
Stratton, John Collins, Richard Westcott, and Elias 
Smith, was appointed and instructed to purchase a 
site, if a majority agreed thereto. 

On the 6th of December, 1800, this committee re- 
ported that they had 

" purchased of Wichael C. Fisher, in the township of Deptford, a Plan- 
tation Containing one hundred & twenty five Acres of Land at ten 
Pounds per acre, amounting to three thousand and thirty three dollars 
and thirty three cents, which was unanimously agreed to." 

A committee, consisting of Samuel Cooper, Jacob 
Stokes, John Brick, Amos Cooper, Samuel P. Paul, 
Enoch Allen, Enoch Leeds, Thomas Somers, Elias 
Smith, Jr., and Isaac Tombleson, was appointed to 
take charge of this plantation and elaborate a plan 
for a poor-house, etc. This committee reported on the 
28th of February 

"a plan of a house to he built, seventy five feet by thirty five, two 
stories high, and a auUer under, the whole to be built with stone, which 
was agreed to, and Amos Cooper, John Brick, and John Hider were ap- 
pointed Commissioners to Superintend the Building of sd House." 

These commissioners contracted with Edwin Brewer 

and John C. Morgan for the building of the house 

for five thousand six hundred dollars. The house was 

completed and occupied in 1803. 

' In 1812 two hundred and forty-eight acres of wood- 

j land for the county poor-house were purchased, at a 

I cost of nine hundred and eighty-seven dollars. 

A " mad-house," or building for the care of the in- 
I sane poor, was erected in 1816. 

' The farm of Jedediah Morgan (deceased), adjoin- 
i ing the poor-house farm, was purchased in 1822. 
! Early (luring ihe joint occupancy and use of the 
almshouse property by the two counties of Gloucester 
and Camden the r|uestion as to the proportion of the 
expense to be paid by each county arose. It was 
found that a larger number of the paupers came from 
Camden than from Gloucester County, and the latter 
insisted on the assumption by the former of a eorre- 
.spoiuling proportion of the expense. To this the 
board of IVeoholders of Camden County finally as- 
sented. Then the ([uestion arose as to the proportion 
of rent to be assumed by each county, and several in- 
effectual efl!brts were made to agree on tliis point. 
Pending the discu.ssion of this question the Glouces- 
ter County board declined to incur further expense in 
repairs or iniprovoments. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



119 



Disposal of the Almshouse Property. — In De- 
cember, 1859, committees of the boards of chosen 
freeholders in both counties were appointed to act 
jointly in effecting a sale of the out-lands and timber 
and a portion of the almshouse farm. In March, 
1860, these committees reported that they had sold the 
timber for five hundred and forty-nine dollars and fif- 
teen cents, and ten acres of the land at twenty-five 
dollars per acre. 

In March, 1860, a law was enacted by the Legisla- 
ture, and approved on the 17th of that month, ap- 
pointing W. P. Robeson, of Warren ; Charles Stokes, 
of Burlington; Joseph Porter, of Camden; Joseph 
Tatem, of Gloucester ; and Josiah M. Reeves, of 
Salem Counties, commissioners for the sale of the 
joint property of the two counties, and the division 
of the proceeds. 

On the 8th of June, 1860, a committee, consisting 
of .John R. Sickler, C. P. Stokes, John Pierson, W. 
Warrick, and Amos J. Peasle, that had been ap- 
pointed to attend to the interest of the county in the 
sale of the joint property, reported that they had at- 
tended the sale that was held as advertised by the 
commissioners, and that the result was as follows : 

Parcel No. 1, continuing 144 acres, was sold to Camdeo 

County atS126 per acre '. $18,000.00 

No. 2, 8U acres, to Kandall E. Morgan, $74 per acre 5,920.00 

No. 3, 7!l acres, to Randall E. Morgan, $.5.5 per acre 4,345.00 

No. 4, 10 acres, to David C. Wood, $66 per acre 1,064.00 

No. 5, 121)3^*^ acres, to Camden County, $15 per acre 1,802,10 

No. 6, UlS^yj, acres, to Camden County, $11 per acre 1,190.53 

No. 7, 9iVo acres, to W.Warrick, $16.50 per acre 162.62 

Total $32,484.15 

Purchase of the County Farm and Erection of 
the Present Almshouse. — On the 17th of March, 
1860, a committee, consisting of John R. Sickler, 
William C. Sparks, Amos J. Peasle, Samuel Fisler, 
and John Pierson, was appointed to receive proposals 
for the sale of a site for an almshouse, and to report 
plans for the building. On the 9th of May this com- 
mittee reported that they had advertised for such 
proposals, and that they had received about thirty 
from different parts of the county. 

On the 22d of the same month this committee re- 
ported that they had purchased from Restore Lippin- 
cott, in Greenwich township, a farm of about one 
hundred acres, at sixty dollars per acre. The ex- 
istence on this farm of an excellent spring of water, 
which could be utilized for the supply of the build- 
ings, influenced the committee and the board largely 
in their selection of this farm. 

At the same meeting a general plan for an alms- 
house was presented by Mr. Button, of Camden, who 
estimated the cost of the building at fifteen thousand 
dollars. This plan was adopted, and specifications 
were ordered. Proposals were advertised for, and on 
the 8th of August, 1860, the contract for building 
this house was awarded to William Beckett and 
Aaron M. Wilkins at eleven thousand seven hundred 
and fifty dollars, and Amos J. Peasle, John R. Sick- 
ler, and Samuel Fisler were appointed a committee 



to superintend the erection of the house. Till this 
almshouse was completed the paupers of Gloucester 
County were cared for at the house that was sold to 
the county of Camden. 

The contractors for building the almshouse were 
paid twenty-five dollars for extra work. The total 
cost of the almshouse property, including all expen- 
ditures on it for improvement, was $25,667.01. 

Since the erection of this house it has undergone 
no material change. In 1867 a separate building 
for insane paupers was erected. This, which is of 
stone, stands about one hundred feet from the main 
building, and has a capacity for six patients. 

The almshouse is a brick structure, consisting of a 
central, forty by forty feet, and two wings, each 
thirty by thirty, the whole having a height of three 
stories above the basement, which is used for dining, 
cooking, storage, and heating. The ventilation of 
the house is excellent, and it is warmed by heaters 
placed in the basement at each end." 

From a spring on the farm issues such a quantity 
of water that it turns a wheel which forces water at 
the rate of sixty gallons per hour into a reservoir 
that is on a height overlooking the house. From 
this reservoir the house and all the outbuildings are 
amply supplied with pure water. Each story is sup- 
plied with both hot and cold water, and in each are 
several baths. 

The house has accommodations for eighty inmates, 
but there have been times when it has had more than 
one hundred. Hiram Jones has been the steward 
from the time when the house was erected. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

POLITICIANS AND SOLDIERS, AND CIVIL LIST OF 
OLD GLOUCESTER.! 

We have had occasion to mention, in the preceding 
pages, several incidents which illustrate the sturdy 
attachment of the first English settlers in West Jer- 
sey to those just and liberal principles which caused 
their exile from the mother-country. The political 
history of those settlers and their immediate descend- 
ants is a subject of which the ablest pen might not be 
ashamed. The material is abundant and rich, and 
forms a mine which should long ago have been ap- 
propriated by a Griffith or an Ewing. When this 
! neglected field is explored, if impartiality be the lamp- 
bearer, we are sure that Old Gloucester will be found 
to have given to the councils of our State, and the 
armies and navies of our nation, men than whom 
none better understood the true principles of liberty, 
or knowing, more bravely defended them. For a 
long time Gloucester was peopled almost exclusively 

1 Mickle'g Reminiscences, chapter xxiv. (1844;. 



120 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



by Friends ; by men who had themselves felt the 
political thraldom of the mother-country, or by those 
who remembered well their fathers' recitals of the 
wrongs which drove them into the wilderness. They 
guarded, therefore, with a jealous eye those admirable 
concessions upon which the government of West Jer- 
sey was based, and after the union of the two prov- 
inces, in 1702, watched with unceasing vigilance every 
attempt made by the East Jersey Calvinists to despoil 
the laws of the colony of that peaceful and lenient 
spirit which had pre-eminently distinguished the 
western code. A consistent hatred of militia bills, 
and 

"All quality, 
Pi'ide, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war," 

formed a prominent trait in the character of the early 
men — and we may add of the early women too — of 
Gloucester. In 1695 the recorder, John Reading, 
afterwards president of the Council, having so far 
forgotten his original Quakerism as to accept a mili- 
tary commission of some kind from the Governor, 
employed a drummer, who on one occasion had the 
audacity to visit the tavern kept by Matthew Med- 
calfe, at Gloucester town. This worthy host, not 
seeing the use of music, and not feeling disposed to 
tolerate such vanities about his premises, called his 
wife Dorothy to his assistance, and incontinently 
broke the heads both of drum and drummer, for 
which, being indicted, he made no defense, but 
promptly paid his penalty, content with having 
borne some testimony against the practice of war. 
The defendant in this indictment was for many years 
one of the most prominent men in the county.' 

The representatives of Gloucester County in the 
General Assembly always iirmly resisted the attempts 
of the East Jersey colonels and majors to fasten upon 
the colony a militia system in time of peace. Prior 
to the French war this subject became, in New Jer- 
sey, one of such warm interest that both parties be- 
took themselves to pamphleteering. In one of the 
works elicited in this wordy contest it is urged as a 
jjotent reason against the establishment of a militia 
system that " six shillings of every honest man's 
property in the province, except those above sixty, is 
subject yearly to the liumors or prejudices of any 
low-lived pragmatical fellow that can get dubbed a 
sergeant." All the abuse of the East Jersey cham- 
pions failed to drive the Friends from Gloucester into 
a support of this step, until the necessities of the war 
absolutely required the organization of a military 
force. 



> On tlie 2d of September, 1096, the following minute is made by the 
clerk of tho County Conrt: "The Orand Jury return and find a hill 
against Matthew Mudcjilfe and Dorothy, his wife, for a hrradi of the 
King's peace, anil conteniptnoU!*ly ussanlting of a lirtmimor under yo 
command of John Keading. and breaking of yo drum. The said 
Matthew confesseth ye niatlor of ffact, both as to Iiiniself and in behalf 
of bie wife, and leaves yo same to ye considei'ation and mercy of yo 
Bench, The UeiLch,anei' consideration, award Ihe (-iiiil Matthew to pay 
aa a fine yosurii of twenty HliilHiigs, willi costs of suite." 



But it was not only in questions of conscience 
that the ancient men of our shire carried a stiff neck. 
They were imbued with a county pride which brooked 
no insult and forgave no wrong. In 1742 one John 
Jones, a deputy of .Joseph Warrell, Esq., the attorney- 
general, prosecuted some criminal to conviction in 
the Gloucester court, whereupon he demanded his 
fees of the board of justices and freeholders, who 
referred him to his employer, telling him the county 
had not asked for his services. Jones threatened to 
take out a mandamus to compel them to pay, at 
which the worthy freeholders took fire, and immedi- 
ately charged the deputy, before the Assembly, with 
trying to extort money from them against law. They 
pressed their plaint with such vigor that Jones was 
forthwith arrested by the Speaker's warrant, and 
brought before the House. Here he humbly prom- 
ised not to do the like again, and was dismissed, but 
as he had criminated the king's attorney as the insti- 
gator of his offense, Mr. Warrell was also arrested. 
His story was that what he had done was by tlie im- 
portunity of Jones, but " since he was informed that 
it was the opinion of the House that such demands 
were not allowable," he asked pardon of the county 
and colony, and was dismissed from custody. This 
case, which was really Gloucester versus the Crown 
of England, for the attorney-general was a crown 
ofiicer, also caused a pamphlet war, which was con- 
ducted with considerable ability on both sides. The 
Assembly was assailed for its action in the premises 
in a pamphlet entitled "Extracts from the Minutes, 
etc., to which are added some Notes and Observa- 
tions." A reply whereto speedily followed, under 
the caption of " The Note-Maker Noted, and the Ob- 
server Observed Upon, by a true lover of English 
liberty, 1743." The first was probably written by 
Jones himself, and the other by some of Old Glouces- 
ter's indignant freeholders. In this little afliiir we 
see a strong tinge of the spirit which, thirty years 
afterwards, led to the Revolution, and we hazard but 
little in saying that the same jealousy of the royal 
power, in all its modifications, always distinguished 
the people of Gloucester County. 

The first Legislature of independent New Jersey, 
during its session at Haddoufield, in the month of 
September, 1777, found itself surrounded by true 
friends of liberty, who gave all its acts a prompt and 
hearty support. It was here, during the darkest liour 
of the Revolution, that the two Houses, by unani- 
mously expunging the word "colony" and substi- 
tuting " state" in public writs and commissions, wiped 
out the last vestige of our servitude. It was liere, too, 
that that Committee of Safety was established wliich 
afterwards proved of such signal servict-. The mem- 
ber of Council for Gloucostor iluring this season was 
John Cooper, who atteniknl regularly at ILnUlonlield, 
but did not follow to Princeton, whitlicr the Legisla- 
ture adjourned on the 24th of September. His Ex- 
colloncy William Livingston, and Messrs. Sinnickson, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



121 



Cox, Condiet, Symmes, Hand, Scudder, and Paterson 
were regular in their attendance. The joint meetings 
were held, while the two Houses continued at Had- 
donfield, at Thomas Smith's, and joint committees 
generally met at Hugh Creighton's or Samuel Kin- 
nard's. 

The most prominent military characters of the 
county of Gloucester at the commencement of the 
war of the Revolution were Cols. Joseph Ellis, Josiah 
Hillman, Joseph Hugg, and Robert Brown, Maj. 
William Ellis, Capts. Samuel Hugg, John Stokes, 
and John Davis. Col. Ellis had commanded a com- 
pany in Canada, in the French war, but on the open- 
ing of the issue between tlie mother-country and her 
colonies he resigned the commission he held of the 
king, and was made a colonel in the Gloucester mili- 
tia. He was in the battle of Monmouth and several 
other engagements, in all of which he fought bravely. 
Col. Hillman was esteemed a good officer, and saw 
much hard service. Col. Hugg was appointed com- 
missary of purchase for West Jersey at an early 
stage of the war, and in that capacity did much for 
the cause. He was in the battles of Germantown, 
Shorthills, and Monmouth, and when the British 
crossed from Philadelphia to New York he was de- 
tailed to drive away the stock along their line of 
march, in performing which duty he had many nar- 
row escapes from the enemy's light horse. Col. 
Brown lived at Swedesboro, and his regiment was 
chiefly employed in preventing the enemy from 
landing from their ships and restraining the excur- 
sions of the refugees from Billingsport. Maj. Ellis 
was taken prisoner early in the war, and kept for a 
long time upon Long Island, feapts. Samuel Hugg 
and Frederick Frelinghuysen were appointed by an 
act of the Legislature to command the two first com- 
panies of artillery raised in New^ Jersey, Hugg in the 
western and Frelinghuysen in the eastern division. 
The former soon raised his company, and in it were 
a number of young men of fortunes and the first fam- 
ilies in the State, the Westcoats, Elmers, Seeleys, and 
others, men who afterwards occupied distinguished 
posts in the local and national governments. This 
company was at the battles of Trenton and Prince- 
ton. When the "Roebuck" was engaged in pro- 
tecting the operations against the chevaux-de-frise 
at Billingsport, Hugg's artillerists threw up a small 
breastwork upon the Jersey shore, and fought her 
during a whole day ; but, unfortunately, their first 
sergeant, William Ellis, was killed by a cannon-ball, 
which took off both his legs above his knees. This 
Ellis was an Englishman, and had been for several 
years a recruiting officer for the British service in 
Philadelphia. He joined the American cause early. 
Like his namesake, he was a very brave man, and 
died much regretted by his companions in arms. 
Capt. Stokes commanded a company of mere boys, 
made up from some of the best families in Glouces- 
ter County. These fellows were at the battle of 



Monmouth, but Col. Hillman sent them to the rear 
to guard the baggage. Stokes was often heard to say 
afterwards that he " never saw so mad a set of young- 
sters" as these were on being assigned to so safe a 
post. They cried with rage at being stationed there, 
after having marched so far to see what fighting was. 

In our war with Tripoli, and in the late war with 
England, some of the best and bravest sailors in our 
navy were sons of Gloucester County. AVho, that is 
not culpably ignorant of the history of his country, 
has not heard of the name of Capt. Richard Somers? 
This chivalric sailor was the son of Col. Richard 
Somers, an officer of the Revolution. He was born 
at Somers' Point, about the year 1778, was educated 
at Burlington, but took to the sea when very young. 
He joined the American navy in its infancy, where 
he soon became distinguished by his courage and his 
seamanship. In 1804 he was in the Mediterranean, 
captain of the " Nautilus," under Commodore Preble. 
The operations of the fleet before TripolFhaving been 
prolonged a great while to little purpose, a master- 
stroke was devised to cripple the enemy's galleys and 
hasten the bashaw's will to capitulate. With this 
view the ketch "Intrepid" was prepared as an in- 
fernal, to be sent into the harbor among the Tripoli- 
tan vessels and there exploded. To navigate a ma- 
chine, to the crew of which an accidental spark or a 
shot from the enemy was certain destruction, required 
no ordinary degree of courage. But though others 
shrank back Somers volunteered for the adventure, 
and with a picked crew, on a proper night, embarked 
in the infernal for the harbor. For a few minutes 
the breathless Americans peered with intense unsat- 
isfied curiosity into the deep darkness which had 
swallowed the adventurous vessel. Then shells and 
shot started from the alarmed battery of the town, 
and swept in every direction. A fierce light rested 
for a moment on the wave, and with the tenfold dark- 
ness that returned came a terrific concussion that made 
the ships in the ofiing quake from their trucks to their 
keels. It was evident that the ketch had prematurely 
exploded, and that Somers and his crew had been 
blown into a thousand atoms. It was understood, 
upon the departure of the infernal from the fleet, that 
in no event was her cargo of powder to fall into the 
hands of the Tripolitans. Somers was known to be a 
man capable of any sacrifice for the glory of the ser- 
vice and the welfare of his country, and it was, there- 
fore, believed by Preble (and it is still believed upon 
every foretop and quarter-deck of our navy) that, being 
discovered and in danger of being taken, he ordered 
the match to be applied to the magazine, and died 
with his comrades, to keep from the enemy the means 
of prolonging the war. 

Were we to dwell upon the biographies of all the 
distinguished sons of Old Gloucester, where would we 
find — what we fear the reader already anticipates with 
pleasure — the end of our book ? One has risen from 
a poor Egg Harbor fisher-boy to be the second only 



122 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTEE COUNTY. 



among tlie millionaires of America. Another, left at 
an early age an orphan and friendle.ss, heoame cele- 
brated as the most eloquent man at the most powerful 
bar of the Union. A third receives, for the first time 
directly at the hands of the people, the office of Gov- 
ernor of New Jersey, and many in distant States, by 
the manner in which they discharge high and respon- 
sible posts, reflect honor upon the shire that gave 
them birth. 

Civil List. 

SHERIFFS. 
16S6. Daniel Reading, 

1691. .John Hugg, Jr. (deputy). 

1692. Thomas Shaip. 

1694. John Wood. 

1695. Jus. Tomlinson 



1696. Joshua Lord. 

1697. William Warnei'. 

1698. Benjann'n Bramen. 

1699. William Warner. 

1700. Matthew Medcalfe, 
1711. Josiah Kay. 

1713. Samuel Coles. 

Samuel Harrison. 
1715. William Harrison 
1719. Josiah Kay. 
1724. Samuel Coles. 
1726. Joseph Hugg. 
1728, S.amuel Harrison. 
1733. Jacob Medcalf. 
-1742. Samuel Harrison. 
1769. Thomas Hugg.i 
1781, Thomas Denny, 
1784, Joseph Blackwood, 
1787. John Blackwood. 
1790. Benjamin Whitall, 
1793. Samuel Fhiuigan, 
1795, Edward Vaughn, 
1798, Joseph Hugg. 



~?^ 



1801. Edward Vaughn. 
1803, Jacob Glover, 
isno. Joseph V, Clark, 
1809. Isaac Pine, 
1812, Joseph V, Clark, 
1815, John Baxter. 
1818, Benjamin Wilkins, 
1821, John Baxter, 
1824, Enoch Doughty, 
182G, Isaac Hinchman, 
1829, Jesse Smitli, 
1832, James W, Caldwell. 
1835. Joshua P, Brewing, 
1838._ Josiah S, Franklin, 
1841, Mark Ware, 
1844, Joseph C, Gill, 
1847, Joseph Jessup, 
1850, John Eyles, 
1853, Joseph T. Paulin. 
1856. John L. C. Tatem, 
1859, Joseph Carter, 
1862, David B, Gill. 
1805, Charles S, Knisell, 
1868. Thomas P, Mathers, 
1871, Henry C, Garrison. 
1874. Edmund Jones, 
18GS, Amos Gaunt, 
1881, John W, Downs. 





COUNTY CLERKS. 


1688, 


John Reading. 


1781, Elijah Clark, 


1704, 


Richard Bull, 


1785, Elisha Clark, 


1706 


Edward Kemps, 


1806, Charles Ogden. 


1706, 


John Spey, 


1815, Thomas Hendry, 


1714, 


Thomas Sharp, 


1S20, Jeremiah J. Foster, 


1723. 


Gervas Hall, 


1825. John C, Smallwood. 


1727. 


John Ladd,2 


1835, Joseph Sailer, 


1762, 


John Ladd, 


1837, Henry Bradshaw, 


1770, 


Samuel Mickle, 


1847. William D, Scott, 


1771, 


James Bowman, 


1857, Josiah S, Fianklin. 


1774, 


Josiah F, Davenport, 


1872, S, Piiul Laudensluger, 


1776, 


Joseph Hugg, 


1883, Henry C, Laudenslager 



1S23, Jacob Glover, 
1834. Jesse Sn'ilh, 
1839, John C, Smallwood, 
1844, Bowman Sailer. 



SURROGATES. 

1853, Alexander Wentz, 

18C4, Samuel A, Grofl', 

1874, J, Harrison Livennore. 



PROSECUTORS OF THE JURY, 



1824, Thomas Chapman, 

1829. Robert L, Armstrong. 

1838. Thouias P, Carponler, 

1843, Wiliam N, Joffers, 



1849, Joshuas, Thompson. 
1859, John B, Harrison. 
1866, Joshuas, Thompson, 
1880, Belmont Perry, 



COUNTY COLLECTORS. 

1716, Jacob Clements, I 1724, Joseph Cooper, 
Peter Long, 1760, Eboiiezer Hopkins, 

1717, John Kay, 1757, David Cooper. 

1721', ThonuiB Sharp, | 1764, Samuel Clements, Jr, 



' From 1709 to 1781 the record Is lutomipted, 
3 A break in the rocordf rom 1727 to 1762, 



1777. 


John WilkiDS. ' 


1863. James V. Caldwell. 


1782. 


John Wilkins. ■ 


1844. Charles F. Clark. 


1794. 


Joel Westcntt. 


1S49. James W. Caldwell. 


1807. 


WiUiiim Brick. 


1854. John M. Saundera. 


1809. 


Epliraini Miller. 


1801. John L. C. Tatem. 


1814. 


Johns. Wiiitall. 


1866. Henry C. Clark. 


1822. 


Samuel Webster. 


1871. Joseph Paul. 


1838. 


Eplnaim Miller. 






TRUSTEES OF THE POOR. 


1803 


Charles French. 


1828. Christopher Sickler. 




Marraaduke Burr. 


Samuel B. Lippincott. 




Samuel W. Harrison. 


James Jessup. 




John Hider. 


1829. Benjamin B. Cooper. 




Amos Cooper. 


Elijah Bower. 




John Haines. 


Samuel B. Lippincott. 




Thomas Clark. 


Joseph Porter. 




Schobey Stewart. 


David B. Morgan. 




Nehemiah Blackmer, 


1830. Benjamin B. Cooper. 




Elias Smith. 


Samuel B. Lippincott. 


1804 


Samuel W. Harrison. 


Elijah Bower. 




John Hider. 


Charles French. 




Amos Cooper. 


Christopher Sicklor. 




John Hains. 


1831. Joseph Kay. 




Charles French. 


Elijah Bower. 


1805 


Samuel W. Hanison. 


Samuel B. Lippincott. 




John Hider. 


Thomas Redman. 




Amos Cooper. 


Charles French. 




Churles French. 


1832. Samuel B. Lippincott. 




Isanc Pine. 


Elijah Bower. 


1806 


Amos Cooper. 


Charles French, Jr. 




Samuel W. Harrison. 


Robert W. Ogden. 




Isaac Pine. 


Arthur Brown. 




Charles French. 


1833. Elijah Bower. 




Jacob Stokes. 


Arthur Brown. 


1807 


Samuel W. Harrison. 


Joshua P. Browning. 




Edmund Brewer. 


Joseph Kay. 




Samuel Clement. 


Samuel Sailer. 




John Tatum, Jr. 


1834. Elijah Bower. 




Charles French. 


Joseph Porter. 


1808 


Samuel W. Harrison. 


Arthur Brown. 




Edmund Brewer. 


Thomas Redman. 




Samuel Clement. 


William Haines. 




John Tatum, Jr. 


1S35. Charles C. Stratton. 




Charles French. 


William Haines. 


1814 


Michael C. Fisher. 


Joseph Porter. 




Joseph Kaighn. 


Thomas Redman. 




John Siekler. 


Arthur Brown. 




Job Brown. 


1837. Joseph Porter. 




Job Eldridge. 


Elijah Bowers. 


1818 


Joseph Kaighn. 


John M. Kaighn. 




John Sickler. 


William Porch. 




Biddle Reeves. 


Gerrard Woud. 




Isaac Kay. 


1839. Josepli Porter. 




Joseph C. Swott. 


John M. Kaighn. 


1819 


Jost'ph Kaighn. 


Gerrard Wood. 




John Sickler. 


William Purch. 




Biddle Reeves. 


Stacy Hazleton. 




Isaac Kay. 


1840. Joseph Porter. 




Joseph 0. Swett. 


John M. Kaighn. 


1820 


Biddle Reeves. 


Gerrard Wood. 




John Sickler. 


William Porch. 




Joseph Kaighn. 


Stacy Hazleton. 




Charles French. 


1841. Jotioph I'orter. 




John Roberts. 


John 1>. Glover. 


1826 


Bonjaniiu B. Cooper. 


William Brown. 




Elijah Bowor. 


Isaac Wilkins. 




Christophor Sicklor. 


Stacy Hazleton. 




Isaac Reeves. 


1844. Charh'aFnMu-h. 




Snmnt-I B. l.ippincott. 


Samuel Sailor. 


1827 


Benjamin B. Cooper. 


John B, JeH»up. 




Elijah Bower. 


1845. Somui'l Sailor. 




Christopher Sicklor. 


Joseph Jessup. 




Samuel B. Lipplncott. 


Lawreuco Cake 




Isnao Rui'vi'H. 


1840. Samuel SalU-r. 


1828 


Bi'iijiunin B. Cooper. 


Joseph Jetuup. 




Elijah Bower. 


Lawrence Cake. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



123 



I860. 



Cliarles Elkinton. 
B. C. Tatem. 
Saianel Sailer. 
B. C. Tntcm. 
Charles ElkintMH. 
William IlaineB. 
B. C. Tatem. 
William Haiues. 
William W. Diinu. 
B. C. Tatem. 
William Haines. 
William W. Dunn. 
William Haines. 
Matthias K. Crane. 
William K.Tatum. 
W. at. Tatum. 
Matthias R. Crane. 
Martin W. Rulon. 
Woodward Warrick. 
David B. Gill. 
Peter F. Locke. 
Woodward Warrick. 
David B. Gill. 
Peter F. Locke. 
Joseph Tatum. 
James M. Roe. 
Matthias R. Crane. 
Joseph Tatum. 
Matthias R. Crane. 
John H. Bradway. 
Joseph Tatum. 
Juhn Pierson. 
Woodward Warrick. 
Woodward Warrick. 
John Pierson. 
William C. Sparks. 
Woodward Warrick. 
John Pierson. 
Amos J. Peasle. 
Woodward Warrick. 
John Pierson. 
Anjos J. Peasle. 
Amos J. Peasle. 
John R. Sickler. 
James Chatteu. 
John Buck. 
Samuel Hopkins. 
Joshua Richman. 
Samuel J. Fisher. 
John K. Sickler. 
Samuel Hopkins. 
Joseph L. Reeves. 
James Chattin. 
Joshua Richman. 
Joshua L. Reeves. 
Samuel Hopkins. 
Joshua Richman, 
Isaac H. Lippincott. 
John K. Clark. 
Joseph L. Reeves. 
Samuel Hopkins. 
Isaac H. liippincott, 
Isaac C. Dilkes. 
John K. Clark. 
Isaac C. Dilkes. 
Joseph R. Paul. 
Isaac H. Lippincott. 
Jacoh J. Hendrickson. 
Ezekiel C. Mount. 
, Isaac C. Dilkes. 
Isaac H. Lippincott. 
Jacob J. Hendrickson. 
Ezekiel C. Mount 
Joseph Warrington. 
David S. Adams. 
Lewis V. Atkinson. 
Isaac H. Lippincott. 



I 1867. Jacob J. Uendiickson. 
' K/okiel C. Mount. 

. 1868. Ezekiel C. Mount, 

Lewis V. Atkinson, 

Isaac H. Lippincott. 

David S. Adams. 

Isaac N. Hughes. 
1869. Leonard F. Harding. 

William Knight. 

Isaac N. Hughes. 

John R. Sickler. 

Asa Coles. 
j 1870. Williiim Knight. 
I Juhn R. Sickler. 

! Isaac N. Hughes. 

Asa Coles. 
1 George F. Ford. 

I 1£71. William Knight. 

John R. Sickler. 

Caleb C. Pancoaflt. 
I Asa Coles. 

I Edmund Jones. 

I 1872. William Knight. 

Caleb C. Pancoast, 

Edmund Jones. 

George C. Allen. 

George H. Gaunt. 

1873. Caleb C. Pancoast. 
Edmund Jones. 
George C. Allen. 
George H. Gaunt. 
Charles B. Leonard. 

1874. Caleb C. Pancoast. 
Edmund Jones. 
George C. Allen. 
Charles B. Leonard. 
J. Alfred Bodine. 

1875. Alfred B. Richman, 
Samuel T. Miller. 
Henry M. Leap. 
Joseph T. Paulin. 
J. Alfred Budine. 

1876. Henry M. Leap. 
Joseph T. Paulin. 
David C. Wood. 
John Pierson. 
Jonathan H. Smith. 

1877. Henry M. Leap. 
Joseph T. Paulin. 
David C. Wood. 
John Pierson. 
Jonathan H. Smith. 

1878. John Pierson. 
Joseph T. Paulin. 
Paul S. Richman. 
George Craft. 
Benjamin Shoemaker. 

1879. John Pierson. 
Paul L. Richmond. 
George Craft, 
Samuel Hopkins. 
Peter F. Locke. 

1880. John Pierson. 
Peter F, Locke. 

William S. Mattson. 
Joseph Higgins. 
Elwood J. Davis. 

1881. John Pierson. 
Peter F. Locke. 
Elwood J. Davis. 
Joseph Higgins. 
William S. Mattson. 

1882. Peter F. Locke. 
John Pierson. 
Elwood J. Davis. 
Joseph Higgins. 
William S. Mattson. 



The Presiding Officers of the Board of Justices 

I and Freeholders, and afterwards of the board of 

I freeholders, were first called moderators, or chairmen, 

and afterwards directors. They have been as follows 

; since 1791, when the first is recorded: 



1791. Elijah Clark. 
1794:. John Griffith. 
1795. John Sparks. 
1798. John Wilkins. 
1800. Samuel Harrison. ■ 

1803, John Wilkins. 

1804, Samuel W. Harrison. 

1806. Amos Cooper. 

1807. Samuel W. Harrison. 
1809. William Zane, 

1811. Joseph Rogers. 

1812. James Saunders. 

1813. Michael Fisher. 
1815. James Matlack. 
1821. Michael C, Fisher. 
18^2. Ephraim Miller, 



1823. Jacob Glover, 

1831. Samuel B. Lippincott, 

1832. Jacob Glover. 
1838. James Matlack. 
1840. Michael C. Fisher. 
1846. Joseph Saunders. 
1851. Joseph Franklin. 
1853. William R. Tutum. 
1855. Joseph Tatum. 
1858, Woodward Warrick. 

1861. Amos J. Peasle. 

1862. John M. Moore. 
1865. Woodward Warrick. 

1870. John L. C. Tatem. 

1871, John M, Saunders. 
1881. Charles S. Knizell. 





OLEKKS OF THE BOARD OF FREEHOLDEES. 


1715. 


Thomas Sharp. 


1787. 


William White. 


1723. 


William Harrison. 


1791. 


John Gruffyth. 


1725. 


John Kay. 


1792. 


John Blackwood. 


1728. 


John Ladd, Jr. 


1794. 


John Wilkins. 


1740. 


Samuel Spicer. 


1796. 


Thomas Wilkins. 


1748. 


Joseph Kaighn. 


1797. 


James Stratton. 


1749. 


William Wood. 


1798. 


Samuel W. Harrison 


1751. 


David Cooper. 




Benjamin Rulon. 


1764. 


William Wood. 


1807. 


Thomas Wilkins. 


1756. 


Joseph Harrison. 


1808. 


Richard Snowden. 


1763. 


James Whitall. 


1809. 


Benjamin Rulon. 


1764. 


Samuel Clement, Jr. 


1810. 


Job Brown. 


1765. 


Joseph Hugg. 


1812. 


Samuel Webster, Jr. 


1766 


Isaac Mickle. 


1818. 


Jacob Glover. 


1767. 


James Uinchman. 


1820. 


Joseph Saunders. 


1768. 


Samuel Harrison. 


1835. 


John B. Harrison. * 


1773. 


Samuel Spicer. 


1844 


George M. Paul. 


1776. 


Joseph Hugg. 


1854. 


Joseph Z. Pierson. 


1781. 


John Griffith. 


1867. 


Josiah S.Franklin. 


1782. 


Jacob Jennings. 


1873. 


James Moore. 


1783. 


Samuel Harrison. 


1880 


John S. Jessup. 


1784. 


Elijah Cozens. 







UNITED STATES SEN.\TOE. 
1798-99. Franklin Davenpoit. 



REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

1837-39, 1841-43. C. C. Stratton. 
1839-41. William R. Cooper. 
1S51-65. Nathan T. Stratton. 
1871-73. John W. Hazelton. 
1883. Thomas M. Ferrell. 



1776. John Cooper. 
1799-lSOl. Franklin Davenport. 
1803-9. James Sloan. 
1821-25. James Matlack. ^. 
1829-33. Richard M. Cooper. 



MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 



1776. 
1777. 
1778. 
1779. 
1780. 
1781. 
1782. 
1783. 
1784. 
1785. 
1786. 
1787. 
1788. 
1789. 
1790. 
1791. 
1792. 
1793. 



John Cooper. 
John Cooper. 
John Cooper. 
John Cooper. 
John Cooper. 
Joseph Hugg. 
Elijah Clark. 
Elijah Clark. 
John Cooper. 
Elijah Clark. 
Elijah Clark. 
Joseph Ellis. 
Joseph Ellis. 
Joseph Ellis. 
Joseph Ellis, 
Joseph Ellis. 
Joseph Ellis. 
Joseph Ellis. 



1794. Joseph Ellis. 

1795. Joseph Cooper. 

1796. Joseph Cooper. 

1797. Joseph Cooper. 

1798. Thomas Clark. 

1799. Thomas Clark. 

1800. Thomas Ciark. 

1801. Thomas Clark. 

1802. Thomas Clark. 

1803. Issac Mickle. 

1804. Isaac Mickle. 

1805. Isaac Mickle. 

1806. Isaac Mickle. 

1807. Richard M. Cooper. 

1808. Richard M. Cooper. 

1809. Richard M. Cooper. 

1810. Richard M. Cooper. 

1811. Isaac Mickle. 



124 



HISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1812. James Hopkins. 


1 1828. Jeremiah J, Foster, 


1 
1746. Joseph Cooper. 


[ 1764. John Ladd. 


1813. .James Hopkins. 


1829, Joseph Kaighn. 


Ehenezer Hopkins. 


Samuel Clement. 


1814. Samuel W. Hanisun. 


1830. John W, Mickle. 


1746. Joseph Cooper. 


1 1761, Samuel Clement, 


1815, Samuel W. HiU-rison, 


1831. Joseph Kaighn. 


' Ebenezer Hopkins. 


David Cooper, 


1816. Samuel W. Harrison. 


1832, Joseph Kaiglin. 


1749. Joseph Cooper. 


nm. Robert Friend Price. 


1817. .Jiimes Matlack. 


1833. John W. Mickle, 


.Tames Hinchman. 


John Hinchman. 


1818. James Matlack. 


1S34. John W. Mickle. 


i 1751, William Mickle, 


1772. John Hinchman. 


1819. John Baxter. 


1835, John W. Mickle. 


Joseph Ellis. 


Robert F, Price. 


1820. John Baxter. 


1836. John C, Smallwood. 






1821. Michael C.Fisher. 


1837. John C. Smallwood. 


Since Li (z. 


1822. Michael C. Fisher. 


1828, John C, Smallwood, 


1776, Richard Somers, 


j 1798. Samuel W. Hai-rison 


1823. Joseph Kaighn. 


1839, Joseph Porter. 


Robei t F, Price. 


j James Wilkins. 


1824. Isaac Wilkins. - 


1 1840, Joseph Porter. 


Isaac Mickle. 


1 1799. Joshua L. Howell. 


1825. Isaac Wilkins. . 


1 1841. William B. Cooper, 


1 1777, Elijah Clark, 


Samuel Harrison, 


1826. John Moore White. 


1 1842, Joseph Saunders, 


John Wilkins, Jr. "•• 


j Thomas Wilkins, 


1827. Christopher Sickler. • 


1843, Joshna P, Browning, 


j Isaac Tomlinson. 


1 1800. Samuel Harrison. 






1778, Elijah Clark. 


1 Abel Clement. 


Under ConsliltUio 


1 of im.— Senate. 


Joseph Ellis. 


Samuel French. 


1845. John C. Smallwood (Pres.). 


1864. Joseph L. Beeves. 


i Joseph Cooper. 


1801. Samuel W. Harrison 


1846. John C. Smallwood (Pres.). 


1865, Joseph L, Reeves, 


1 1779. John Sparks. 


Samuel French, 


1847. John C. Smallwood (Pres.). 


1866, Joseph L. Reeves. 


1 Joseph Low, 


Isaac Mickle, 


1848. John C. Smallwood (Pres.). 


1867, Woodward Warrick, 


r Thomas Rennard. 


1S02, Samuel W, Harrison 


1849, Charles Reeves. 


1868, Woodwaid Warrick, 


1 1780. John Sparks. 


Samuel French. 


1860. Charles Beeves. 


1869. Woodward Warrick, 


Thomas Rennard, . 


Abel Clement. 


1851. Charles Reeves. 


1870. Samuel Hopkins, 


1 Isaac Kay. 


1803. Joseph Cooper. 


1852. John Burk. 


1871, Samuel Hopkins. 


1781. Samuel Hugg. 


Robert Newell. 


1853. John Bulk. 


1872. Samuel Hopkins. 


Joseph Ellis. 


Richard Risley. 


1854. John Burk. 


1873. Samuel Hopkins. 


Joseph Cooper. 


1804. Joseph Cooper. 


1855. Joseph Franklin. 


1874. Samuel Hopkins. 


1782, Samuel Hugg, 


Richard Risley. 


1856. Joseph Franklin. 


1876. Samuel Hopkins. 


Joseph Ellis, 


Robert Newell. 


1857. Joseph Franklin. 


1876. Thomas B. Mathers. 


Joseph Cooper, 


1805. Robert Newell. 


1866, Jeptlia Alitott. 


1877. Thomas P. Mathers, 


1783, Sacnuel Hugg, 


Reuben Clark, 


1859. Jeptha Abbott. 


1878. Thomas P. Mathers. 


Joseph Ellis, 


Samuel C. Champion, 


1860. Jeptha Abbott. 


1879. John F. Bodine. 


Joseph Cooper. 


1806, Robert Newell. 


1861. John Pierson. 


1880, John F. Bodine. 


1784. Joseph Ellis. 


Reuben Clark. 


1862. John Pierson. 


1881. John F. Bodine. 


Joseph Cooper. 


Samuel C, Champion 


1863. John Pierson. 


1882. Thomas M. Ferrell. 


Thomas Clark. 


1807. Jacob Glover. 






1785. Josejih Ellis. 


Benjamin Rulon, 






Joseph Cooper. 


Michael C, Fisher. 


MEMBERS OF ' 


rHE ASSEMBLY 


Thomas Clark. 


1808. Jacob Glover, 


From the Surrender in 1702 (o 17 


72. From the Western Division. 


1786. Thomas Clark. 


Benjamin Rnlon. 






Franklin Davenport. 


Thomas Doughty. 


1703. Peter Fretwell. 


1704. Joshua Wright, 


John Kille. . 


1809. Joseph B, Clark. 


Thomas Gardner. 


1707. Peter Canson, 


1787, Thomas Clark. 


John Brick. 


Thomas Lambert. 
William Biddle. 


William Hall (of Salem). 
Richard Johnson, 


Franklin Davenport. 
Joseph Cooper. 


Thomas Dovighty. 
1810. Benjamin Rulon. 


William Stevenson. 


John Thomson. 


1788, Thomas Clark. 


Michael C. Fishor, 


Restore Lippincott. 


Bartholomew Wyat. 


Franklin Davenport. 


Matthew Gill, Jr. 


John Kay. 


John Wills, 


Joseph Cooper. 


1811. Jacob Glover. 


Joseph Cooper. 


Thomas Bryan, 


1789, Franklin Davenport, 


Joseph B. Clark, 


William Hall. 


Samuel Jennings, 


Joseph Cooper, 


Matthew Gill, Jr. 


John Mason. 


Thomas Gardner. 


Abel Clement, 


1812. Isaac Pino. 


John Smith. 


John Kay. 


1790, Joseph Cooper. 


Joseph C. Swott. 


John Hugg, Jr. 


Philip Pawle. 


Thomas Clark. 


Daniel Carroll. 


1704. Restore LippiacotU 


1708-9. Thomas Gardner. 


Samuel Hugg. / 


1813. Isiuic Pine. 


John Hugg. 


Thom.as Rapier. 


1791. Joseph Cooper. A 


Daniel Carroll. 


John Kay. 


Hugh Sharp, 


Thomas Clark. • 


Charles l-'rench. 


John Smith. 


Nathaniel Cripps, 


John Blackwood. 


1814, Charles French. 


William Hall. 


John Kay, 


1792. Joseph Cooper. 


Isaac Pine. 


John Mason. 


John Kaighn, 


John Blackwood. 


Nicholas Rape. 


Thomas Br,vau. 


Richard Johnson. 


Richard Somers. 


181,'j, Isaac Pino. 


Robert Wlieeler. 


Nathaniel Breading, 


1793. Joseph Cooper. 


Edward Sharp. 


Peter Fretwell. 


Hugh Middleton. 


-Tohn Blackwood. 


Richard S. Risley. 


Thomas Lambert. 


.Tohn Lewis, 


Abel C'lement. 


1816. Isaac Pine. 


Thomas Gardner. 


Eldridgc. 


1704. John Blackwood, ' 


Richard S. Bialey. 






Benjamin Wliitall, j 


Edward Sharit. 


From CloucL 


iter County. 


Thoinns Wilkins. 


1817. Isaac Pino. 


1709, John Kay, | 


1730, William Harrison, 


1795. Abel Clement. , 


Edward Sharp. 


John Kaighn, 1 


Joseph Cooper. 


Samuel French, 


John Mstell. 


1710, John Kay. 


1738. Joseph Cooper. 


Thomas Somers, ' 


1SI8. Danlol Uik». 


John Kaighn. 


John Mickle. 


1786. Abel Clement, 


Samuel Kllh:-. 


1710, Daniel Cox. 


1740. .Toseph Cooper. 


Snmuol French, 


Snimiel I,. Howell. 


Richard Bull. 


John Mickle. 


ThtnnaH Soluels, 


1819. Snniuoi Klll(i. 


172). Samuel Cole. 


1743. Joseph Cooper. 


1797. Abel Clemont, 


Jeremiah J. Foster. 


John Micklo. _ 


John Micklo. 


Samuel French. 


Thomas Gitrwooil. 


1727, John MicUIo. 


1744, .Toaeph Cooper. 


Daniel l,eed». 


1K20. John Wil-on. 


WilliaTM liiMTisoll, 


John Mickle. 


1708. Joshua 1/, ]lo\rell. 


Willliini Telelii. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



125 



1820. 
1821. 



John Muore White. 
Jobu R. Scull. 
Charles C. Stratton. 
Joseph Kaighu. 
John R. Scull. 
Isiiac jMickle. 
Joseph Kaighn. 
John Moore "White. 
Charle.s C. Stratton. 
John Estell. 
Benjamin B. Cooper. 
Thonms Chapman. 
Daniel Lake. 
Benjamin Cooper. 
Jolin K. Scull. 
Charles French. 
Charles French, Jr. 
Daniel Lake. 
ThoDias Bee. 
Thomas Bee. 
Joseph Porter. 
John W. Blickle. 
Joseph Porter. 
John Estell. 
Charle.^ Stratton. 
John W. Mickle. 
Isaac Hindi man. 
Japliet Irelaud. 
Jajjhet Ireland. 
Jacoh Howey. 
Charles Reeves. 
Robert L. Armstrong 
Jacob Ilowej'. 
Charles Rreves. 
Charles F. Wilkius. * 
Samuel B. Westcott. 
John Gill, Jr. 
Charles F. M'ilkins.' 
Elijah Bower. 
Samuel B. Westcott. 
iloseph Rogers. 
Jesse Sniitli. 



1833. William K. Cooper. 
John R. Scull. 

1834. Joseph Rogers. 
Samuel B. Lippincott. 
John B. Scull. 

1835. Joseph Rogers. 
Samuel B. Lippincott. 
William R. Cooper. 
Josepli Endicott. 

1836. Joseph W. Cooper. 
James W. Caldwell. 
David C. Ogden. 
John Richards. 

1837. James W. Caldwell. 
David C. Ogden. 
Joseph Porter. 
Josepli W. Cooper. 

1838. Joseph Porter. 
Joseph W. Cooper. 

! Charles Reeves. 

I Elijah Bower. 

1 1839. Elijah Bower. 
j Charles Reeves. 

Joseph Franklin. 
i Richard W. Snowden. 

i 1840. Richard W. Snowden. 
: Joseph Franklin. 

; Charles Reeves. 

' Elijah Bower. 

I 1841. .Joseph L. Piereon. 
I Thomas H. Whitney. 

John B. Miller. 

Charles Knight. 
I 1842. Thomas H. Whitney. 

Samuel C. Allen. 

Thomas H. French. 

Richard W. Snowden. 
143. Samuel R. Cooper. 

Benjamin Harding. 

Nathan T. Stratton. 

Thomas B. Wood. 



1877. Samuel Moore. 

1878. Caleb C. Pancoast. 
Lawrence Locke. 

1879. Caleb C. Pancoast. 
Lawrence Locke. 

1880. George Craft. 



1880. Thomtis M. Terrell. 

1881. George Craft. 
Thomas M. Ferrell. 

1882. Abijah S. Hewitt. 

1883. Job S. Haines. 



1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1864. 
1855. 
1856. 
1S57. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 



Samuel Cooper. 
Benjamin Harding. 
Benjamin Harding. 
Samuel W. Cooper. 
John B. Miller. 
John B. Hilyard. 
John B. Miller. 
John B. Hilyard. 
John Duell. 
John Burk. 
Thomas Gaskell. 
John Duell. 
Benjamin C. Tatem. 
Edmund Wetherby. 
Samuel Mayhew. 
David Campbell. 
Jeptha Abbott. 
John V. Porch. 
Joseph Franklin. 
Benjamin Beckett. 
Jacob G. Tomlin. 
James B. Albertson. 
James B. Albertson. 
Jacob G. Tomlin. 
John H. Bradway. 
Benjamin Smith. 
John F. Thomas. 
George C. Hewitt. 
John F. Thomas. 
George C. Hewitt. 
John Starr. 
Joseph Barker (died). 
Joseph Duftield. 



ConstUution of 1844. 

1861. John Starr. 



Joseph Duffield. 

1862. Allen Moore. 
Thomas G. Batten. 

1863. Allen Moore. 
E. C. Heritage. 

1864. Nathan S. Abbott. 
Elisha C. Heritage. 

1865. Nathan S. Abbott. 
"William D. Wilson. 

1866. William Clark. 
William D. Wilson. 

1867. Willjpm W. Clark. 
Jacob J. Hendrickson. 

1868. Charles T. Moloney. 
William B. Rosenbaum. 

1869. Nimrod Woolery. 
Leonard F. Harding. 

1870. Nimrod Woolery. 
Leonard F. Harding. 

1871. Nimrod Woolerj'. 
John S. Rulon. 

1872. John R. Middleton. 
John S. Rulon. 

1873. Obadiah Eldridge. 
DeW^itt C. Hemingway. 

1874. Obadiah Eldridge. 
DeWitt C. Hemingway. 

1876. Thomas B. Lodge. 
Simeon Warrington. 

1876. Thomas B. Lodge. 
Samuel Moore. 

1877. Caleb C. Pancoast. 



CHAPTEK XXIX. 

BENCH AND BAR OF GLOUCESTER CODNTY.i 

The separation of the present county of Camden 
from old Gloucester County took away from the 
latter county its largest and most thriving city, and 
with Camden a majority of the members of the bar 
of the old county, leaving it with a small population 
and no large towns ; consequently, in the present 
county of Gloucester the business of the courts has 
been limited and the lawyers few in number. The 
Woodbury bar has always been considered a fairly 
good one, and has had in its ranks many men of 
marked ability. Judges Moore and Carpenter, of the 
Supreme Court, went from this bar, and others of its 
members in the past have achieved a most enviable 
reputation in the courts of the State and nation. In 
1872 Judge Carter, of Woodbury, a local historian 
of note, remarked in a public lecture that " within 
this (Woodbury) court-house, during the last eighty- 
five years, not a small number of master-minds have 
combated with each other. Here have practiced 
some of the most able lawyers, such as the Hon. 
Richard Stockton, grandfather of the commodore, 
and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Hon. 
Samuel L. Southard, Hon. Garret D. Wall, Hon. 
Charles Ewing, Hon. John Moore White, Hon. Peter 
A. Brown, Hon. Peter D. Vroom, Hon. David Paul 
Brown, and others of their time, as well as our own 
day, eminent for learning and venerable in years, of 
our town and State, whose noted ability has made 
their names as familiar to us as household words. It 
may be safely said, without any attempt at flattery, 
and as the opinion of those more competent to judge, 
that, generally speaking, the present younger practi- 
tioners of the Gloucester County bar (those who are 
in the habit of practicing here) stand second to none 
in point of general legal ability, promptness, integ- 
rity, and courtesy, ambitious to make still more 
honorable a most honorable profession." 

For a long period after the Revolution it was cus- 
tomary for the lawyers of the State to " go on cir- 
cuits;" that.is, to go from county to county with the 
Supreme Court judge and argue cases in which they 
were already engaged, or pick up any business they 
could during the continuance of the terra, and 
Gloucester County was visited in this way by many 
attorneys who became famous; besides those named 
in Judge Carter's lecture, such eminent legal lights 

1 By Belmont PeiTy. 



126 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



as James Kinsey, Lucius Stockton, Joseph W. Scott, 
L. Q. 0. Elmer, William Griffith, Gen. James Giles, 
Joseph C. Hornblower, Abraham Browning, and Jere 
Sloan came frequently to practice here; but the home 
bar, with its T. P. Carpenter, Franklin Davenport, 
John Moore White, Eobert L. Armstrong, and others, 
was generally able to hold its own with the best of : 
them. 

Judges. — The courts of the county have been pre- 
sided over by some of the most learned of the State's 
judiciary. Chief Justice Andrew Kirkpatrick, of 
New Brunswick, presided here one or two terms 
prior to 1820. He was born in 1756, in Somerset 
County, and, like many other distinguished New Jer- ! 
sey jurists, was from Scotch-L-ish stock. He was a 
Princeton graduate, and was designed by his parents 
for the ministry, but after a year's study of divinity he 
gave it up for the law, and after teaching school for 
a time studied law under ex-Governor AVilliam Pat- 
terson, at New Brunswick, receiving his license as an 
attorney in 1785. He was elected to the Supreme 
Court in 1797, and in 1803 was made chief justice, 
holding this position for twenty-one years. He was 
noted for his profound knowledge of the laws relating 
to real estate, and his opinions are regarded as models 
of deep learning and sound judgment. He died in 
1831. 

Another eminent jurist who frequently presided 
over the Gloucester courts was Chief Justice Joseph 
C. Hornblower, of Newark, who held his high office 
from 1832 to 1846. His decisions during this period 
were marked by learning of a high order, and are 
frequently quoted in courts of law. He was a native 
of New Jersey, having been born at Newark in 1777. 
His father was a member of the Continental Congress. 
Judge Hornblower once gave a decision to the effect 
that Congress had no right to pass a fugitive-slave 
law. He was chairman of the New Jersey delega- 
tion to the convention that nominated Fremont for 
President, and was president of the New Jersey Elec- 
toral College in 1860. He died at Newark, June 11, 
1864, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. 

Chief Justice Charles Ewing was in all probability 
New Jersey's ablest jurist. We find that he presided 
over our county courts on numerous occasions, and 
we also find his name appearing among the lawyers 
who came to Woodbury, and also as assisting the 
prosecutor on two occasions. He was of Scotch- 
Irish descent, and the son of James Ewing, who at 
the time Charles was born was living at Bridgeton, 
N. J. He graduated from Princeton College in 
1798, and from the law office of Samuel Leake, of 
Bridgeton, three years later. The Legislature made 
him chief justice, in 1824, to succeed Judge Kirk- 
patrick, and seven years later he was re-elected by a 
Legislature opposed to him politically; but he only 
lived a few months after his second election, dying in 
1832, one of the first victims of the Asiatic cliolera 
that visited New Jersey that year. Judge Ewing 



was noted for the great clearness of his decisions, and 
for the pointedness of his charges to the jury, never 
hesitating to inform them just exactly what he 
thought of the case under consideration. 

Stacy Gardiner Potts presided over the Gloucester 
courts for seven years, commencing with 1853. He 
was a most excellent jurist and a very popular judge. 
Harrisburg, Pa., was his native city. He was born 
in November, 1799. His great-great-grandfather, 
Thomas Potts, came over from England in the 
famous ship " Shield," in 1678, landing at Burling- 
ton, N. J., this being the first vessel to ascend the 
Delaware above Philadelphia. His grandfather, 
Stacy Potts, was a tanner at Trenton, and in his 
family young Stacy was brought up. He attended 
the Quaker schools, and early in life entered a print- 
ing-office as an apprentice. When twenty-one years 
of age he became editor of the Trenton Emporium, 
and in 1823 entered the law office of L. H. Stockton 
as a student, still editing his paper. Afterwards he 
became a law pupil to Governor G. D. Wall, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1827. In 1828 he was elected 
to the Legislature, and re-elected in 1829, and two 
years later was made clerk of the Chancery Court, 
holding this position for ten years. In 1845 he as- 
sisted ex-Governor Vroom, Chancellor Green, and 
William L. Dayton to revise the laws of New Jersey, 
and in 1852 Governor Fort placed him on the Supreme 
Bench, his circuit comprising Camden, Gloucester, 
Ocean, and Burlington Counties. He was a prominent 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and connected, 
as teacher and superintendent, with one Sunday-school 
for thirty-six years. He died at Trenton, April 9, 
1865, a kindly, Christian man, loved and honored for 
his virtues and his ability. 

From 1841 to 1846, Daniel Elmer, of Bridgeton, 
was the Supreme Court judge assigned to the Glou- 
cester Circuit. He was born in Cumberland County 
in 1784, and was admitted to the bar in 1805, and 
made a sergeant-at-law in 1828. He remained in 
practice at Bridgeton until 1841, when he was, by the 
joint meeting of the Legislature, elected a member of 
the Supreme Court. It was during his term that the 
Mercer case was tried. He resigned in 1846, on ac- 
count of ill health, and died in 1848. 

Then followed Judge Carpenter, whose sketch ap- 
pears among the lawyers of the county. 

In 1852, Lucius Q. C. Elmer was appointed a Su- 
preme Court judge, and presided in the Gloucester 
circuit for about fifteen years thereafter. An e.\tended 
sketch of him will be found in the history of Cumber- 
land County embraced iu this work. He ranked as 
a very able and learned jurist. 

Chief Justice Fdward W. Whelpley presided hero 
for one term, and his strict rulings and dignified 
manner, as well as his ability, made the same impres- 
sion here as elsewhere where he presided, — that he 
was, in fact, one of the ablest jurists in the United 
States, having a wuMdorfully retentive memory, to- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



127 



gether with a sound and discriminating mind, and his 
whole bearing being that of a model judge. 

Hon. George Spofford Woodhull presided over the 
Gloucester courts for about fourteen years, commenc- 
ing with 1867. He was born near Freehold, N. J., 
and graduated from Princeton College in 1833. He 
studied law under Judge Richard S. Field, of Prince- 
ton, and was admitted as an attorney in 1 839, and began 
practice at Freehold, where he remained until 1850, 
when he removed to May's Landing, Atlantic Co. 
He was prosecutor of the pleas for this county for 
fifteen years, and for two terms held the same posi- 
tion in Cape May County. His first appointment to 
the Supreme bench came from Governor Marcus L. 
Ward, in 1866, and in 1873 he was reappointed by 
Democratic Governor Parker, although himself a 
Republican. He retired from the bench in 1880, 
and died in 1881. He was a careful and accurate 
judge, and although slow in his manner, he generally 
rendered decisions that were acceptable and sound. 

Hon. Joel Parker is the Supreme Court judge who 
at present presides over the Gloucester County courts, 
and it may safely be said that the circuit never had 
a more careful, accurate, or painstaking presiding 
officer, or one whose rulings have given more general 
satisfaction. Judge Parker was born Nov. 24, 1816, 
in Monmouth County, N. J., very near the old " Mon- 
mouth battle-ground," and is a son of Charles Parker, 
a leading citizen in his day. His grandfather was a 
Revolutionary soldier, serving throughout the war. 
His father was sheriff, member of the Legislature, 
and State treasurer. Joel Parker attended the schools 
of Trenton during his younger days, and afterwards 
managed his father's Monmouth farm for three years. 
He graduated from Princeton College in 1839. His 
law studies were prosecuted under the tutorship of 
Chancellor Henry W. Green, and he was admitted to 
the bar in 1842, and commenced practice at Freehold, 
where he has resided ever since. In 1844 he entered 
political life as a public speaker on behalf of the 
Democratic party, and in 1847 was elected to the 
Legislature. While in the Legislature he offered a 
bill to equalize taxation by taxing personal as well 
as real property. In 1851 he was made prosecutor of 
the pleas for Monmouth County, and served five 
years. In 1860 he was chosen a United States elector, 
casting his ballot for Stephen A. Douglas for the 
Presidency. For several years prior to the late war 
he was brigadier-general of the Monmouth militia, 
and took great interest in military matters. In 1861, 
Governor Olden made him major-general of the five 
counties of Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, Mercer, 
and Union, with a view to promote volunteering, and 
in this position he was highly successful. In 1862 
he was nominated for Governor, and was elected over 
Hon. Marcus L. Ward by fourteen thousand six hun- 
dred majority, and his efficiency in this position 
during the trying war times is well known, — he is 
New Jersey's honored "war Governor." He has 



frequently been mentioned for the Presidency, and 
his name always well received. In 1871 he was 
again elected Governor, and served another term of 
three years. In 1880 he was made a member of the 
New Jersey Supreme Court, and assigned to preside 
over the counties of Camden, Burlington, and Glouces- 
ter, and his administration of this position has earned 
for him the reputation of a careful, wise, and prudent 
judge. He was married in 1843 to Maria M. Gum- 
men, of Burlington, N. J. 

The Common Pleas courts of the county have 
been presided over most of the time by laymen, and 
a greater part of the County Court business has been 
conducted by them. The prominence and length of 
service of some of these deserve more than a passing 
notice. Thomas Thackara, Francis Collins, John 
Wood, and Andrew Robinson were the first of these 
judges of whom we have any record. They were on 
the bench in 1686, when the courts^were held at 
Gloucester and Red Bank, and it appears from the 
records of that year that Andrew Wilke was the first 
person indicted by the Gloucester courts. He had 
stolen overalls from Thomas Sins, of Philadelphia. 
But one term of the court was held at Red Bank, 
and it is supposed that this was held in a tavern that 
once stood near the mouth of Woodbury Creek. 

Among other early judges we find such names as 
Watkins, Hugg, Rambo, Cooper, Howell, Kaign, 
Whitall, Paul, Sharp, Mickle, Clement, Tatum, 
Sparks, Stratton, Hopkins, Pancoast, Gill, French, 
and others familiar throughout the county. Judges 
were plenty in early days, and we find that from 1686 
to 1883 Gloucester County has had about four hun- 
dred Common Pleas judges. In one year (1812) sev- 
enteen were appointed, and in 1818 sixteen more 
were appointed. Thomas Thackara, Gloucester 
County's first judge, was evidently a distinguished 
man in his day, for we find him a member of the first 
Legislature that sat in Burlington to frame laws for 
the province of West New Jersey. It was a respon- 
sible position, for these new-comers found themselves 
the inhabitants of a land without a law, except so far 
as generally promulgated through the original con- 
cessions, which did not enter into detail or the prac- 
tical application of the principles therein embodied. 
Thomas Thackara was a native of Yorkshire, Eng- 
land, where the family suffered much religious perse- 
cution by reason of their adherence to the opinions 
and practices of George Fox, the Quaker. In 1656, 
Thomas Thackara was taken from a religious meet- 
ing at Leeds, and confined for several weeks in York 
Castle. He is probably the same Thomas Thackara 
who arrived at Salem, N. J., in the pinke " Ye Own- 
er's Adventure," Nov. 18, 1681, and about the 1st of 
January, 1682, purchased a tract of land in the 
present Newton township, extending from Newton to 

1 Cooper's Creek. Together with Mark Newbie and 
William Cooper, he was appointed one of the judges 

' of the court for the third tenth in the year 1682, and 



128 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



continued in ofiBce until 1685. The authority, in all 
probability, only extended to that of Orphans' Court, 
Quarter Sessions, and Common Pleas, and was held 
for the judicial division, as named in the law, until 
the year 1686, when the third and fourth tenth were 
made one bailiwick by the inhabitants, and thereafter 
so recognized by the Legislature of the province. No 
records seem to have been kept until 1686, when they 
began to be preserved in the Gloucester County 
clerk's ofiBce. He was also one of the land commis- 
sioners, a responsible duty in those days, having to 
examine titles, direct the deputy-surveyors in locat- 
ing land, etc. He gave the land for the first Friends' 
meeting-house built at Newton, and William Cooper 
and he were selected by the Friends to sign the ad- 
dress of the Newton Meeting to the Yearly Meeting 
of London, protesting against the conduct of George 
Keith in his differences with the' Society of Friends. 
His first wife probably died after his settlement here, 
as in 1689 he married Hepsibah Eastlack, a resident 
of these parts. His death occurred in 1702. 

Richard Matlack Cooper, of Camden, presided over 
the Common Pleas courts for many years, and ranked 
very high in that position. He was born in this county 
in 1768, and was a direct descendant of William 
Cooper, one of the first English occupants of South 
Jersey, it being at his house at Pyne Point (now 
Cooper's Point) where some famous Indian treaties 
were made, and in his house that the first Friends' 
meetings were held. E. M. Cooper was a member of 
the Legislative Council, and in 1829 was sent to Con- 
gress, and re-elected in 1831. His judgeship covered 
very many years, and his official duties were carried 
out in a straightforward, plain manner, that won for 
him the respect and confidence of all. He died March 
10, 1844. 

Another distinguished presiding judge of Common 
Pleas courts of the county was Benjamin F. Carter, 
who was a. judge of this court for twenty years, and 
most of this time acting as its presiding officer. He 
was born in Philadelphia, Nov. 2, 1823, and is a son 
of the late Joseph Carter, a native of Gloucester 
County, but for many years a hardware merchant in 
Philadelphia, where his son Benjamin was at school 
up to his eleventh year, after which he attended the 
private schools of Woodbury. Judge Carter has held 
many positions of honor and trust, and always with 
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all with 
whom his duties brought him in contact. He was 
Woodbury's postmaster during the terras of Presidents 
Pierce and Buchanan, and one year under President 
Lincoln. He was a member of the first Borough 
Council of Woodbury, and one of its first nuiyors. 
He was elected mayor by the Council after the place 
became a city, but declined. In 1863 he was ap- 
pointed by Governor Parker post quartermaster, with 
the rank of captain, and stationed at Beverly us a 
disbursing officer for the State troops engaged in 
putting down the Uebellion, and on his retirement 



was highly recommended by the State officers for his 
efficient management. In 1873, Governor Parker ap- 
pointed him a member of the State Constitutional 
Commission, and he served therein on the committees 
on the judiciary, the executive, and the appointing 
power. In 1875 he ran for State senator, but was 
defeated by a small majority. Twice he had the 
honor of serving as a member of the Electoral Col- 
lege of New Jersey, once in 1876, when he voted for 
Samuel J. Tilden, and again in 1880 (to fill a va- 
cancy), when he cast his ballot for Gen. Hancock for 
President. His career as a judge began in 1858, 
when he was appointed by the joint meeting of the 
Legislature, and he was reappointed in the same way 
in 1863, and again in 1868. In 1877, Governor Bedle 
appointed him judge for a term of five years. He 
ranked as one of the ablest Common Pleas judges in 
the State, and had he desired it he could, in 1881, 
have received the appointment as a member of the 
Court of Errors and Appeals for the State. He is at 
present a member of the board of managers of the 
State Lunatic Asylum. Judge Carter has always 
beert very active in church work, and was one of the 
original trustees of Christ Episcopal Church of 
Woodbury, superintendent of its Sunday-school for 
a quarter of a century, and at the present time its 
senior warden and treasurer, and frequently has rep- 
resented this church in diocesan conventions. He 
is also president of the Gloucester County Bible So- 
ciety, and is the author of the " Historical Lectures 
on Woodbury," published in 1873 by the citizens of 
the town. A leading citizen and an affable neighbor. 
Judge Carter stands among Gloucester County's most 
respected citizens. 

John M. Watson was appointed Common Pleas 
judge in 1€43, again in 1851, and again in 1856. He 
was born in Salem County, in March, 1796, and died 
at Woodbury on the 3d day of July, 1878. He was 
at one time Woodbury's postmaster, and for many 
years a director in the Woodbury Bank. 

John R. Sickler, M.D., of Mantua, was first ap- 
pointed a judge in 1844, and reappointed in 1852- 
1857, and 1862, serving altogether about twenty-three 
years. He was born at Chew's Landing, Camden 
Co. ; was for many years a member of the board of 
IVeeliolders, and a member of the State Constitutional 
Convention of 1840. He is still living at Mantua. 

Simeon Warrington was on the bench for ten years 
from 1864, and in 1874 represented the county in the 
Legislature. He was born in Burlington County in 
1808. 

The present Common Pleas judges are Samuel T. 
Miller, M.D., of I'aulsboro ; John M. Moore, of Clay- 
ton ; and px-Shcrilf ICdmund Jonos, of Franklin- 
ville, all of wliom have proved tliomselves olliciont 
and capable to discharge the duties of the office. 

The office of prosecutor of the pleas of the county 
has been held hut by a few men, the list comprising 
Elias D. Woodrnlf (<hiring his term the office wius 



GENERAL JITSTORY. 



1:^9 



called deputy attorney-general), Thomas Chapman, 
Samuel L. Southard (as attorney -general of the State), 
Morris Croxall (one term, in 1830, by appointment of 
the court), Jeremiah H. Sloan (one term, in 1832, by 
appointment of the court), John Moore AVhite, Rob- 
ert L. Armstrong, Thomas P. Carpenter, John B. 
Harrison, Joshua S. Thompson, and Belmont Perry. 
During their incumbency there were very few 
murder cases tried ; indeed, we think that the Gooby 
case, the Mercer trial, the Stewart case, and the trial 
of Michael Lighe comprise the list. 

The first case was the trial of John Goob}', a col- 
ored man, aged about fifty years, who lived at old 
Dilk's Mill, near the present town of Wenonah. He 
shot another colored man, named George Tiller, during 
a quarrel. This occurred near Gooby's house in the 
spring of 1820, and at the June term of that year he 
was indicted. Chief Justice Andrew Kirkpati-ick pre- 
sided at the trial, and the case was prosecuted by 
Deputy Attorney-General Elias D. Woodruff, of the 
Woodbury bar. 

Gooby was convicted and sentenced to be hung in 
June, 1821, but after the gallows had been built by 
Amos Campbell and erected on the lot in the rear of 
where Daniel Packer's wheelwright-shop now stands, 
Gooby was reprieved until the following December, 
when the gallows was re-erected on the Salem turn- 
pike, just below the forks of the road, in the south 
end of Woodbury, and on the lot now occupied by 
the house of Edward Haur, and Gooby duly hung by 
Sheriff John Baxter. Gooby was buried alongside of 
the wall of the old jail. 

The Mercer case was prosecuted by Attorney- Gen- 
eral Molleson and Prosecutor Thomas P. Carpenter, 
and Mercer was defended by the famous criminal 
lawyer, Peter A. Brown, of Philadelphia, assisted by 
Abraham Browning, Esq. Judge Daniel Elmer pre- 
sided. Singleton Mercer shot Hutchinson Heberton, 
the alleged betrayer of his sister, while they were on 
a ferry-boat crossing the Delaware from Philadelphia 
to Camden, the latter city being at that time in old 
Gloucester County. Both of the parties were mem- 
bers of prominent families, and the case created 
widespread interest, the old court-house being con- 
stantly crowded almost to suffocation during the 
trial, which took place in April, 1843. Although a 
clear case of murder was made out, Mercer was ac- 
quitted through the eloquence of his counsel and the 
strong popular feeling in his favor. 

The next murder case was that of Joseph Stewart, 
a colored boy, who killed a colored companion named 
Prague, by holding his head under the water while 
the two were together in Woodbury Creek. This 
was in 1861. Chief Justice Whelpley presided at the 
trial, and Attorney-General F. T. Frelinghuysen and 
Prosecutor Thompson conducted the case for the State. 
Stewart was ably defended by Abraham Browning 
and Samuel H. Grey, of Camden, but the jury 
brought him in guilty, and he was sentenced to be 



hung. This sentence, however, was afterwards 
changed by the court of last resort, and Stewart 
was sent to the State's prison, where he still is, 
undergoing a life-sentence. 

The Tighe murder case was tried in May, 1879. 
Michal Tighe and Jolin Burke were both Irishmen 
and both near neighbors, living at Centre Square, in 
the lower end of the county. On the day of the 
murder they were engaged with others in filling up a 
gulley in the highway near their homes. Burke had 
a cart which he had just driven on a piece of land 
owned by Tighe, and which he was about to load 
with rubbish therefrom. He had a fork in his hand, 
and Tighe stood by with a shovel. After Burke had 
thrown a few forkfuls into his cart, Tighe objected to 
his taking any more, and sharp words followed, when 
Tighe started up Burke's horse. Burke stopped the 
horse, and started for the rear of the cart again, when 
Tighe raised his shovel and brougkt, it -down upon 
Burke's head, breaking the skull, and from this 
wound Burke died a few days thereafter. Judge 
WoodhuU presided at the trial, and the prosecution 
was conducted by Prosecutor Belmont Perry, as- 
sisted by his brother, Samuel E. Perry, Esq. The 
defense was ably handled by James Moore, Esq., and 
John S. Jessup, Esq. Their plea on behalf of Tighe 
was self-defense. The trial was a long one, and ex- 
cited great interest throughout the county, people 
coming from miles away, and bringing their lunch 
along so as not to lose their seats at the noon recess. 
The verdict was " Guilty of murder in the second 
degree," and Tighe was sent to State's prison for 
twenty years. 

Below will be found sketches of all the lawyers 
who were actually resident in Gloucester County. 
The list is not very long, but embraces the names of 
many who were eminent for their learning and 
probity. 

Franklin Davenport. — It is believed that the 
subject of this sketch was Woodbury's first lawyer. 
He was one of the most distinguished men in the 
State, and the most noted citizen of old Gloucester 
County in its early days. During the Revolutionary 
war he served as an officer of the New Jersey troops, 
and particularly distinguished himself at Fort Mifflin, 
under Gen. Samuel Smith, and after the war was 
known as General Davenport. When the office of 
county surrogate was created Gen. Davenport was 
appointed to the position by Governor William 
Livingston, and was sworn in Feb. 15, 1785, before 
Judge John Wilkins. He practiced law at the 
same time he was surrogate, and from the frequent 
mention of his name in the early county records it 
is evident that he had an extensive practice. Dur- 
ing 1798 and 1799 he was a United States senator 
from New Jersey, and for two years thereafter a 
member of Congress. He was a member of the 
famous "Fox Hunting Club," established in this 
county prior to the Revolution, and we lind his name 



130 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



among the original trustees of Woodbury Academy, 
erected in 1791, also auiong the original mem- 
bers of the Woodbury Library Company, instituted 
in 1794. He was one of the first members of the 
Gloucester County Bible Society, founded in 1816. 
During the " Whiskey Insurrection" in Pennsylvania, 
in 1794, Gen. Davenport was a colonel command- 
ing New Jersey troops. Among the records in the 
surrogate's office, Woodbury, occurs the following: 

'"' Decenilier rerni. 1794. No luisiness, the siin-ogatp (the first ap- 
poidted) Kiaiikliii Davenpoit, having marched from Trenton, N. J., 
thningh Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, as colonel commandant of a 
detachment of New Jersey militia, consisting of seven hundred ant] 
twenty-four, rank and file, with a double proportion of field and staff 
ofiicers, by order of the President of the United States, Georjxe Wasli- 
ington, to assist in quelling an insurrection raised by tlie patriots of tiie 
day." 

His house and office were in a frame building that 
stood on the site just south of Paul's Hotel, now 
occupied as the residence of George Brick. 

Elias D. Woodruff. — Among the very first, if 
not the first, lawyers to locate in Woodbury were, 
we believe, Franklin Davenport and Elias D. Wood- 
ruff. The latter was a son of Elias Woodruff, 
of Elizabethtown, N. J., where Elias D. was born 
about the year 1765. He was a brother of Aaron 
Dickinson Woodruff, attorney-general of New 
Jersey from 1793 to 1817, and also a brother to 
George W. Woodruff, United' States district attor- 
ney. Elias D. Woodruff was a man of medium size 
and rather small features ; his manner was quick and 
impulsive, and he was accounted a rather brilliant 
man. He held the office of deputy attorney-general 
for many years, and as such performed the duties of 
State's attorney for the county up to 1821. It was 
the custom at this period for the attorney-general to 
deputize a prosecuting officer for the counties where 
he did not attend court. He had charge of the pros- 
ecution when John Gooby was tried for murder, in 
June, 1820. His law office was the one now occupied 
bv Belmont Perry, and lately the office of Hon. John 
C. Sraallvvood. He died in Woodbury about 1825. 

Hon. John Mooee White. — He was born in 
Bridgeton, Cumberland Co., N. J., in 1770, and was 
the youngest son of an English merchant who had 
originiilly settled in Philadelphia, and his mother 
was the daughter of Alexander Moore, who had set- 
tled ill Bridgeton about 1730. His mother died 
while her youngest son was but an intiiiit, leaving 
also two other sons. His father returned to Eng- 
land, leaving his children under the guardianship of 
their grandfather, Alexander Moore, who educated 
tliem. When the Kevolutioiiary war broke out he 
returned to America, obtained a commission in the 
American army, was an aide to Gen. Sullivan, and 
was killed in the battle of Germaiitown, Pa. Judge 
White studied law with Joseph Bloomfield, received 
his license as attorney in 1791, as counselor in 1799, 
and as sergeant-at-la\v in 1812. He practiced law in 
Bridgeton, where he resided until 1808, when he re- 



moved to Woodbury, and lived there until the close 
of his life. He was very successful as an advocate, 
and was well versed in the common law as applied to 
matters where real estate was concerned, and was 
generally charged with cases where boundary-lines 
were involved. During his professional life he was 
prosecutor of the pleas for several years in the coun- 
ties of Salem and Cumberland. During the early 
part of his residence in Woodbury he was elected a 
member of Assembly from Gloucester County, and 
was several times re-elected. He was appointed 
attorney-general of the State in 1833, and in 1838 he 
was elected a judge of the Supreme Court of the 
State. He served his term of seven years on the 
bench, and at its close retired to private life. He 
had married, about the time of his admission to the 
bar, Miss Luntzinger, and his family consisted only 
of one child, a daughter, who died when about six- 
teen years of age. Judge White's years were pro- 
tracted beyond fourscore years and ten. He died in 
1862, in the ninety-second year of his age. His 
widow by a second marriage still survives him, and 
resides in Woodbury. 

KoBERT L. Armstrong, Sr., was the only son of 
Rev. Jas. F. Armstrong and Susannah Livingston, 
who were married by the famous Dr. Witherspoon, at 
Princeton, in August, 1782. Rev. J. F. Armstrong 
was a native of Maryland, a chaplain in the army 
during the whole Revolution, and settled in Trenton. 
as pastor of the Presbyterian Church, in 1786, and con- 
tinued as such till his death in 1816. Robert L. was 
born at Princeton about 1785. One of his sisters was 
the wife of Chief Justice Ewing, another the wife of 
Chancellor Green, and another the wife of Judge 
Caleb S. Green. Soon after attaining his majority he 
was admitted to the bar and settled in Woodbury. 
He was made prosecutor of the pleas for this county 
in January, 1838, and held the office until his death, 
which occurred the following year (1839). He was a 
very distinguished lawyer, and as a pleader ranked 
among the first in the State. In all matters affecting 
the welfare of his native county he was ever active, 
and always as a leader. During the war of 1812 he 
commanded a militia company known as " The Blues 
of Gloucester County," but just what service they 
[lerformed is not known. Among the records of the 
WoDilhury Presbyterian Church heappears as a trustee 
in 1834. 

The hist whipping-post was erected in Woodbury 
about 1821 i^it remained standing three days wlien it 
WHS burned down by some boys, and Mr. Armstrong 
always got the credit for liaving it done. 

TiiDJfAti Cll.W'^[A^• was among the first lawyei"s 
to settle in Woodbury. He came to tliis oounty, 
about the year 1818, from Hahway, N. J., of whicii 
place he was a native, being a son of Rev. Robert 
Helt Chapman, a famous Presbyterian clergyman, and 
at one time president of the University of North 
Ciiriilina. Mr. Chapman was a gentli'mnn of the old 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



131 



school, and wore the old style of dress so common 
during the Eevolutionary period. As a lawyer he was 
somewhat slow in manner, and ranked higher as an 
office lawyer than as an advocate. From 1822 up to 
1829 he was prosecutor of the pleas of old Gloucester 
County, and filled the position with much credit; but 
his duties as prosecutor were evidently not laborious, 
as we find by the records that the number of indict- 
ments found in those days was very small. He lived 
in the brick house on Broad Street, Woodbury, lately 
the residence of Dr. Benjamin Howell, and the office 
now occupied by Squire William Watkins was built 
by him and stood in his day on the lot just north of 
his residence. Soon after he left the office of prose- 
cutor he removed to Camden, where he remained 
until his death. 

John Lawrence. — John Lawrence was a brother 
of the famous Capt. James Lawrence, who was mor- 
tally wounded at sea during the conflict between the 
American frigate " Chesapeake" and the British 
frigate "Shannon," off Boston, in June, 1^13, and 
whose memorable command, as he was being carried 
below decks in a dying condition, " Don't give up 
the ship," made him a true hero. 

His father, John Brown Lawrence, was a mem- 
ber of the Council, a distinguished lawyer, and a loy- 
alist. He resided at Burlington, N. J., where the 
subject of this sketch was born. 

He resided in the house now occupied by John S. 
Jessup, Esq. Among the early court records his 
name appears very frequently in civil cases, and he 
evidently had a large practice. With Gen. Daven- 
port, he was a member of the ante-Revolution " Fox 
Hunting Club." He died and was buried in Wood- 
bury, but the exact date could not be obtained. 

John B. Harrison. — He was born in Gloucester 
County, educated in the same county, and, save three 
years of liis law studies in Philadelphia, pursued 
his profession in the county. He was known as a 
scholar, a ripe lawyer, and a high-toned gentleman. 
He died Dec. 21, 1863, in the sixty-sixth year of his 
age. At the time of his death he was the eldest 
member of the bar. The criminal docket was heavy 
at that time, and his prosecutorship about expiring. 
His duty required work, and his unremitted labor 
overtaxed his energies. After the adjournment of the 
court but a day or two, he was attacked by typhoid 
fever, and in a brief week's illness departed this life. 
He was a member of the bar for forty-five years, and 
was never married. " He was a man remarkable for 
honesty and directness of purpose. It was the great 
feature of his character." R. K. Matlock, Esq., said 
of him, "Quite half a century we were comrades; 
as boys we met in the school-room and on the play- 
ground ; in after-years we were in daily intercourse, 
personal or professional. In youth, manhood, and 
old age he was characterized by the same elements 
of character. No one ever challenged his truth or 
his sincerity, his generosity or his courage." 



To the common school, the Sabbath-school, and 
church of every Christian denomination he con- 
tributed largely of time and substance. He was not 
a politician, but he was a political scholar, and no 
books in his library were so attractive to him as books 
on government. 

Robert K. Matlock. — The son of Hon. James 
Matlock, at one time a member of Congress from 
Woodbury, N. J., whose American ancestor, William 
Matlock, was among the Quakers who settled at Bur- 
lington, N. J., about the year 1670. His mother's 
name was Elizabeth Matlock, nee Kennedy. He was 
born in Woodbury, Jan. 22, 1804, and died April 27, 
1877, at his home in Woodbury. His law preceptor 
was Charles Chauncey, Esq., of Philadelphia. He 
was admitted as attorney Nov. 15, 1827, and as coun- 
selor Sept. 6, 1833, and always resided in Woodbury, 
and ranked high in profession. As a citizen he was 
highly respected, and his services wer^^aTways valua- 
ble to any cause he championed. 

Leaming Matlock, son of the above Robert K. 
Matlock, was born in Woodbury, March 26, 1854 ; was 
educated in Woodbury and Philadelphia. His law 
preceptor was his father, R. K. Matlock. He was 
admitted a,s attorney June term, 1876, and coun- 
selor June term, 1879, and is now in full practice in 
his native town. 

Thomas Preston Carpenter, lawyer and ex- 
judge of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, late of 
Camden, was born on April 19, 1804, at Glassboro, 
Gloucester Co., N. J., where his father, Edward Car- 
penter, was then living and operating the glass-works 
now owned by the AVhitneys, his mother being a 
daughter of Dr. James Stratton, of Swedesboro, 
well known through that portion of the State as a 
physician and a churchman. He was a descendant 
of Samuel Carpenter, Thomas Lloyd, and Samuel 
Preston, well-known men in the early days of Penn- 
sylvania. His father dying when he was quite young, 
Mr. Carpenter spent his early life with his grand- 
father, at Carpenter's Landing (now Mantua). After 
receiving a liberal education, he studied law with 
Judge White, of Woodbury, and was admitted as an 
attorney in September, 1830. On October 26, 1838, 
he was appointed prosecutor of the pleas of Glouces- 
ter County, and took a prominent part in several 
very important trials, and among the first the one 
known as the " Mercer trial" (March, 1843). On Feb. 
5, 1845, he was appointed by Governor Stratton one 
of the associate judges of the Supreme Court of the 
State, his circuit comprising Burlington, Camden, 
and Gloucester Counties. On his retirement (after 
seven years) from the judgeship he devoted himself 
to the practice of his profession, principally as a 
counselor, and was eminently successful. At the 
breaking out of the Rebellion he joined the Union 
League of Philadelphia, and gave his entire sympa- 
thies to the Union cause. In 1865 he was active in 
promoting the success of the Sanitary Fair, occupy- 



132 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



ing as he did the position of president of the New 
Jersey auxiliary. He married Eebecca, daughter of 
Dr. Samuel Clemens Hopkins, formerly of Wood- 
bury. He was an earnest Christian, and in the 
church (Protestant Episcopal) he always held an 
honored position, being' for many years vestryman, 
warden, and deputy to the diocesan and general con- 
ventions. He was not only an able lawyer, but amid 
the cares of an active practice he was thoroughly 
versed in classical and general literature. He was 
greatly respected throughout the State of New Jersey, 
of which he was at the time of his death one of 
the best-known citizens. As a judge of the Supreme 
Court he was held in high esteem by his associates, 
and by the bar of the State for his ability, learning, 
and for the uniform good judgment which he brought 
to the consideration of cases. In the counties where 
he presided at circuits, and which he visited during 
his term of office at regular periods, his genial man- 
ners and kindly intercourse with the people made 
him very popular. Judge Carpenter was interested 
and active at home in all enterprises which affected 
the prosperity and welfare of his town. In church, 
at the bar, and in society he was, during his life, 
one of the most prominent men of his native State. 
Overwork and a death in the happy home-circle, 
where, after all, his loveliest traits were shown, 
broke his health. In 1872 he had a slight threaten- 
ing of paralysis, and he never fully recovered from 
the shock. He died at his home in Camden on the 
20th of March, 1876. 

Among all the notices that appeared none summed 
up his life and character more truthfully than that 
by Bishop Scarborough in the Convention address : 

"Judge Thomas P. Carpenter, of Camden, after a 
life of singular purity and gentleness, was taken, not 
many weeks ago, from his labor to his reward. He 
held many important trusts in the diocese, and always 
won the respect and confidence of those who came in 
contact with him. While he was an impartial judge, 
an able lawyer, and a man of generous culture in 
other branches of learning, he was a very Nathaniel 
in guilelessness. The family, the parish, the diocese, 
and the whole church militant are, humanly speak- 
ing, the poorer for the death of such a man, but the 
store of Paradise is enlarged, which is far better." 

Hon. Joshua S. Thompson, A.M., lawyer of 
Swedesboro, was born in Somerset County, Me., Oct. 
11, 1815. His parents, James and Susan (Patterson) 
Thompson, were both natives of that State, where his 
father followed agricultural pursuits, but his grand- 
father, John Thompson, belonged to Londonderry, 
N. H., coming from a long line of ancestors in that 
section. After a thorough preparatory course in the 
jjublic schools and academies in his native Slate, the 
subject of this sketch entered Waterville College, in 
the town of Waterville, Me., an institution of high 
standing in New England, now known as Colby 
University. From this college he was graduated in 



1839, after a four years' course, zealously pursued, 
with a degree of A.B. In 1844 he received the de- 
gree of A.M., in regular course. Electing to join 
the legal profession, he began the study of law in the 
ofiice of Hon. Wyman B. S. Moore, at Waterville. 
Here he enjoyed exceptional advantages in legal 
training, his preceptor being among the eminent 
lawyers of the State. Subsequently Mr. Moore be- 
came, in 1848, attorney-general of the State, and, 
later on, was appointed by the Governor to fill a 
vacancy in the United States Senate, caused by the 
death of Hon. John Fairfield. Some years after- 
wards he was nominated and confirmed as United 
States consul-general for the British North Ameri- 
can provinces. Under the guidance of this distin- 
guished lawyer Mr. Thompson completed his legal 
studies, and was admitted to the bar in his native 
county, in the State of Maine, in June, 1841. There- 
upon he entered into a law partnership with Stephen 
Stark, Esq., a prominent lawyer of Waterville. This 
connection lasted, however, for about a year only, 
the delicate condition of his health, caused by ex- 
cessive mental labor, constant sedentary habits, and 
the severity of the winters in that latitude compel- 
ling him to seek a more genial climate for a residence. 
After due consideration he concluded to settle in 
Swedesboro, Gloucester Co., N. J., whither he re- 
moved in August, 1842. He could not, however, at 
once resume the practice of his profession, the rules 
of the Supreme Court of New Jersey requiring a 
longer course of study and residence in the State as 
a condition precedent to admission to its bar. In the 
mean time, therefore, having had the advantages of a 
thorough classical education, and appreciating the 
dignity and value of an educator, he, at the earnest 
solicitation of the leading men of the town, engaged 
in teaching in the academy at that place, and con- 
tinued so occupied for two years, or until his admis- 
sion to the bar, in September, 1844. This experience 
naturally aroused a lasting interest in educational 
matters in the coniiuunity, and the manife-station of 
this interest has led to the reposing in him of various 
educational trusts by the community. Thus, about 
1848, he was appointed by the board of chosen free- 
holders of the county as examiner of public-school 
teachers, and this position, which he was so admira- 
bly fitted to fill, he occupied with great acceptability 
for about eight years. He was also for several years 
connected with the board of education of the county. 
He headed the first teachers' institute ever held in 
the county of Gloucester, at the ancient town of 
Swedesboro. 

During this period an agitation was commenced 
having for its object the passage by the Legislature 
of a new school law, and the movement was entirely 
successlul. A board of commissioners was appointed 
to re|iort a new school law with other revisions. 
Among other clianges introduced by the new meas- 
ure was the extension of the scliool-going age. Under 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



133 



the provisions of the old statute the limit was from 
five to sixteen years. Mr. Thompson entertained 
the opinion that instruction should be continued to 
children until they were eighteen years old, and that 
the school-going age should be extended to that 
time, believing that during the additional two years 
the scholars would be so much more alive to the ad- 
vantages of education, and so much more capable of 
comprehending their studies, their minds being more 
expanded and matured, as to make far greater 
progress than during their earlier life. He would 
prefer and recommend, in the case of males especially, 
an extension to the age of twenty-one rather than to 
make eighteen the limit. He pressed his convictions 
on this subject so strongly upon the commissioners 
appointed by the Legislature to revise the school 
laws, that his recommendation was adopted and the 
limit extended to eighteen years. 

He was married, on Dec. 24, 1844, to Frances Strat- 
ton Garrison, daughter of Dr. Charles Garrison, late 
of Swedesboro. They had five children. The eldest 
daughter, Hannah, was married, Oct. 20, 1869, to 
George B. Boggs, civil engineer, and resident super- 
intendent of the Delaware and Bound Brook Eail- 
road. Mr. Thompson acquired an excellent position 
in his profession, which from the date of his admis- 
sion, 1844, he had earnestly prosecuted; so high a 
rank he had secured by 1847, and so favorably was 
he regarded by the community generally, that his 
name was prominently mentioned by the press for a 
position on the Supreme bench of the State; but re- 
garding himself as too young in the profession for so 
exalted a station, he declined judicial honors and re- 
fused to take any steps to accomplish the fulfillment 
of the wishes of his friends. In September, 1848, he 
was licensed as counselor-at-law, and on February 
22d of the following year he was appointed prose- 
cutor of the pleas for Gloucester County by Governor 
Daniel Haines. Five years later, on the expiration 
of his term, he was reappointed by Governor R. M. 
Price ; again, on March 1, 1864, by Governor Joel 
Parker ; again, on March 1, 1869, by Governor Ran- 
dolph ; again, on March 2, 1874, by Governor Joel 
Parker. At the expiration of that term he had filled 
this important position for twenty-five years, the ser- 
vice being continuous except for one interval, oc- 
curring between 1859 and 1864. This is, in all prob- 
ability, the longest service ever rendered by any one 
in the State as prosecutor of the pleas ; and that the 
oflice should have been so continuously held under 
successive administrations is sufficient testimony to 
the zeal, ability, and fidelity with which Mr. Thomp- 
son discharged his functions. The Governor makes 
the nomination to the Senate, and they have the 
power to confirm or reject, as they may please. So 
popular and favorably known had he become that at 
his last nomination they confirmed it by acclamation, 
without even referring his name to a committee, as 
was usual. 



On July 6, 1848, at the time of his admission as 
counselor, he was made master in chancery, and on 
Nov. 17, 1874, he was appointed a commissioner of 
the Supreme Court. He ever identified himself with 
the interests of Swedesboro and his adopted State, 
and in all movements tending to their advancement, 
material and moral, he took an active part, in many 
being the prime mover and leader. In 1854, at the 
instance of the agents of the Camden and Amboy 
Railroad Company, he drew up a charter for a 
railroad from Woodbury to Swedesboro, called the 
Woodbury and Swedesboro Railroad Company, and 
procured its passage through the Legislature; but the 
railroad under the charter was never constructed by 
them, its necessity being removed. In 1866 he suc- 
ceeded in obtaining from the Legislature a charter 
for a railroad from Swedesboro to Woodbury, called 
the Swedesboro Railroad, a distance of eleven miles, 
thus opening railroad communication, the first-men- 
tioned place previously being quite Tsolated from the 
rest of the world. This project had been broached 
by him several years previously, as appears above, 
but this time he was bound to succeed. He encoun- 
tered not only opposition and discouragement from 
all quarters, but in some cases ridicule from those 
who would neither help build it nor let others do it. 
He, however, was well satisfied of its necessity, and 
of the great advantage to the country through which 
it would run, and undauntedly pushed the matter, 
step by step and year by year, until complete success 
in its accomplishment crowned his public-spirited ef- 
forts. Upon the organization of the commissioners 
and of the board of directors he was very fittingly 
chosen president of both, and he filled that position 
till his death. The road was opened for travel in 
September, 1869. The friends of Mr. Thompson, and 
those who recognized the benefits conferred by the 
railroad on the country through which it runs, cheer- 
fully acknowledged that, owing its existence to his 
untiring efibrts and unbounded energy, it constitutes 
the chef-cV ceuvre of his life. Mr. Thompson was suc- 
cessively elected a vestryman in Trinity Church, 
Swedesboro', for thirty years, holding that position 
for a longer period than any member of the board; 
To the rising generation especially his life and char- 
acter present a notable example of energy of purpose 
and perseverance in doing good to his fellow-men, 
against any and all obstacles. He was attacked with' 
paralysis October 21, and died Nov. 1, 1881, leaving 
a wife and five children. 

Richard Moore Ware, who is now in full practice 
at Mullica Hill, in this county, was born at Roads- 
town, Cumberland Co., N. J., on the 27th day of 
December, a.d. 1816. He is a son of the late Maskell 
Ware, who was also a native of Cumberland County, 
N. J., where the subject of this sketch received his 
early education at the public schools. His legal 
studies were carried on in the ofiices of James B. 
Dayton and ex-Governor Vroom, at Trenton, N. J., 



134 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



his name being actually entered as a student in 
the oiEce of Mr. Dayton, but bis actual preceptor 
was Governor Vroom, from whom be received pri- 
vate examinations. His license as an attorney-at- 
law bears date Nov. 3, 1864, and he was admitted 
as a counselor-at-law on Nov. 13, a.d. 1867, and be 
was also admitted to practice before the United States 
Court at Trenton on April 4, 1871, and he is also a 
Supreme Court commissioner. Mr. Ware is a Ke- 
publican in politics, but has never held any elective 
office, though often urged to accept nominations from 
his party. His practice has been quite extensive, and 
he is a careful counselor and good advocate. His 
fine residence in the northern part of Mullica Hill 
adjoins the Episcopal Church, where he is a regular 
worshiper and one of the managing vestrymen. As a 
private citizen be is highly esteemed and respected 
for bis kindness of heart and sterling qualities. 

Wii.LiAJi Carroll Fisher. — Among the young 
attorneys of this county none ranked higher in his 
day than William C. Fisher, whose early demise, after 
receiving bis commission as an attorney, was greatly 
regretted. He was a native of Woodbury, N. J., 
having been born there on Dec. 31, a.d. 1824, bis 
father, Michael C. Fisher, being of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent, and his mother, Mary Reeves Fisher, being 
from English and Welsh stock. William attended 
the public schools of Woodbury and finished bis edu- 
cation at the Westtown Boarding School, and after- 
wards was enrolled as a student in the office of Robert 
K. Matlock, Esq., where he remained for four years, 
being admitted to the bar in 1845. He was a fine 
talker and gave every promise of becoming an orna- 
ment to the bar and a leading and influential citizen, 
but in a year or two after his admission to the bar he 
was threatened with consumption, which disease 
finally (March 31, 1849) carried him ofl^ at the early 
age of twenty-five years. He was buried in the 
Reeves family burying-ground near Woodbury. He 
was unmarried. 

James Moore. — One of the leading members of 
the Gloucester County bar for many years was James 
Moore; indeed, at the time of his death be stood at 
its head. He was an excellent cross-examiner and 
had a ready flow of language, which he was able to 
use to the best advantage, as was particularly dis- 
played in his defense of Michael Tigbe, who was tried 
•for murder in this county in 1879. 

Mr. Moore was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on the 
16th day of December, 1832, and died Sept. 17, 1880, 
in the forty-seventh year of bis age. His fiither, Wil- 
liam Moore, was a Baptist clergyman. James Moore 
moved to Woodbury in 1859, and for a time conducted 
a grocery, then entered the clerk's office as scribe, and 
afterwards read law with the late Robert IC. Matlock, 
Esq., and was admitted to the bar as an attorney-at- 
law at the .Tune term, a.d. 1869, and as a counselor 
at the June term, A.D. 1871. He was engrossing clerk 
of the New Jersey State Senate during the years 1869, 



1871, and 1872, but held no other office except that of 
clerk of the board of freeholders, counsel for the same, 
and city attorney of Woodbury. Politically he was 
a Republican, but never held an elective office. His 
widow and three children (Fannie Moore, William 
Moore, and Helen Moore) are still living in Wood- 
bury. 

He was very active in the Presbyterian Church, of 
which be was a member, and held many responsible 
positions. In literary circles he was a good debater 
and elocutionist, and as a citizen be ranked very high, 
being an upright, conscientious gentleman, and the 
friend of every enterprise that looked to the welfare 
of the place. 

William Moore. — He is the only son of the late 
James Moore, Esq., and was born in Woodbury, Oct. 
4, 1861. He read law with his father until the latter's 
decease, after which he entered the office of John S. 
Jessup, Esq., where he finished bis studies, and was 
admitted to the bar as an attorn ej'-at-law June term, 
1883. He is now practicing at Woodbury, and has 
already established some business. He bids fair to 
become an attorney of ability. 

John Starr. — Mr. Starr was born in Philadelphia, 
Pa., on Nov. 23, a.d. 1832. Both his father, Joseph 
Starr, and his mother, Rachel L. (Thomas) Starr, were 
natives of Philadelphia, but the family subsequently 
removed to Gloucester County, N. J., where most of 
the children still reside. 

The subject of this sketch received most of bis edu- 
cation at Burlington, N. J., and subsequently entered 
the law-office of John B. Harrison, Esq., of Wood- 
bury, N. J., and was admitted as an attorney-at-law 
on June 8, 1854, by the New Jersey Supreme Court, 
at Trenton, N. J. Five years afterwards he was 
elected, as a Republican, to the lower house of the 
New Jersey Legislature, where be served from 1859 
until 1862. He died at Woodbury, N. J., on the 29th 
day of December, a.d. 1869, of typhoid fever, and 
was buried in the Woodbury Cemetery. Mr. Starr 
was a man of good education, a close reasoner, and of 
good judgment, and had be been spared to a longer 
life of usefulness would undoubtedly have taken a 
high rank. He was unmarried. 

Joseph T. Sickler. — The subject of this sketch 
is a son of Dr. John R. Sickler, of Mantua (late Car- 
penter's Landing), N. J., who was for about twenty 
years a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of 
Gloucester County, and a member of the New Jersey 
State Constitutional Convention of 1840. Jose])h T. 
was born at Mantua, in this county, and is now about 
thirty years of age. He received his education at tiie 
public schools of his native town, and afterwards en- 
tered the law-office of R. M. Ware, Esq., of Mullica 
Hill, to learn the practice of law, and in 1874 was ad- 
mitted to the bar as an attorney-at-law ami solicitor 
in chancery, and four years later was admitted as a 
counselorat-law. His office has always been located 
at Mantua, bis native town, and be has nlso engaged 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



135 



in business outside of his profession and met with 
much success therein. In politics he is quite active, 
being a leader among the Democrats in his native 
township of Mantua, and an active and leading mem- 
ber of society. He is unmarried. 

Edward S. Steatton was born in Gloucester 
County about the year 1838, and educated at the ]iub- 
lic schools therein. Somewhat late in life he enrolled 
himself as a student-at-law in the office of Richard 
M. Ware, Esq., of BluUica Hill, N. J., and after re- 
maining there for a period of four years, was admitted 
to the bar, and began practice at Mullica Hill. He 
was a iiuent talker, and might have made a strong 
advocate. He died in 1878, after practicing only a 
few years, and was buried at Mullica Hill. 

Chaeles Bodine Caeman. — He was born June 
19, 1840, at Bordentown, Burlington Co., N. J. His 
parents' names were Alexander D. and Martha W. 
Carman. His ancestors were natives of England, 
and came to this country in 1631, on the ship " Lion." 
Mr. Carman was educated in Bordentown, and his 
law preceptor was Garrit S. Cannon, of the same 
place. He was admitted to the bar June 5, 1862, and 
made counselor June 8, 1865, and practiced in Wood- 
bury. He was an able lawyer, and ranked high in 
his profession, and until his health failed had about 
the best practice in the county. In the few short 
years of his practice he had attained an enviable 
place, and had his life continued, he would have been 
an ornament to the bar in its higher branches. He 
was married Jan. 29, 1867, to Miss Maria E. Franklin, 
an estimable lady, then residing in Woodbury, and 
had two daughters, Mary Franklin and Louise Ham- 
ilton, all of whom survive him, and now reside in 
Philadelphia. Although never a politician, he was 
always deeply interested in politics, and was a 
stanch Republican, stumping the northern portion 
of the State for Lincoln in 1864. He died Feb. 25, 
1873, of rheumatic neuralgia, and was buried at 
Bordentown. 

As a man he was respected and loved, as a Chris- 
tian he was a bright example, living up to those 
great truths and privileges which fit men for life. A 
Methodist in religion, he was active in working for 
his church, and as superintendent of the Sunday- 
school, he drew around liim those who cherish his 
memory and value the purity and sincerity of his 
aims. 

John Samuel Jessup was born on a farm near 
the village of Stringtown, in the township of Harri- 
son, Gloucester Co. His parents, Joseph and Mary 
Jessup, his grandfather, James Jessup, and great- 
grandfather, John Jessup, all lived in Gloucester 
County, N. J. The subject of this sketch received 
his first general education at the public schools near 
his native place and Mullica Hill, near to which 
town his father afterwards moved. 

In September, 1857, he attended the West Jersey 
Academy, at Burlington, N. J., where he prepared for 



college, and entered the sophomore class in Princeton 

College, New Jersey, September, 1862, graduating 
with the degree of A.B. June, 1865. The same month 
he entered the law-office of the Hon. Frederick T. 
Frelinghuysen, present Secretary of State, at New- 
ark, N. J., and pursued his studies there for one year, 
and after attending law lectures at Harvard Univer- 
sity, Cambridge, Mass., for a year, he returned to the 
office of Mr. Frelinghuysen, and completed his studies, 
and was admitted to practice as an attorney June 4, 
1868 ; as counselor June 8, 1871. 

On Nov. 2, 1871, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary M'. Howell, daughter of the late Benjamin 
P. Howell, M.D., and has four children. 

Mr. Jessup held the office of city solicitor of Wood- 
bury, -where he has always practiced, from March, 
1876, to March, 1879, and has been a member of the 
City Council from March, 1879, to the present time. 
He has also been clerk of the board of freeholders 
from Sept. 23, 1880, to the presenftTme. He is a 
prominent member of the Presbyterian Church in 
Woodbury, and has acted as trustee and ruling elder 
for some time, and is counsel for the West Jersey 
Presbytery. He is the oldest member of the bar in 
Woodbury, and stands at its head as an office-coun- 
selor, and is an able lawyer and an upright Christian 
gentleman. Politically he is a Republican, and is 
always true to the interest of his party, working zeal- 
ously for it, but not actively enough to be termed a 
politician. 

Geoege Heney Hewitt. — This gentleman is now 
in full practice at Clayton, and also has a branch 
office at Williamstown in this county. He was born 
at Glassboro, about three miles from his present resi- 
dence, on the 28th day of October, a.d. 1853. His 
parents, Hon. George C. and Abigiiil A. Hewitt, were 
both born in this county, and his father for a time 
represented a portion of the county in the lower 
branch of the State Legislature, where he distin- 
guished himself as a painstaking, careful, industrious, 
and conscientious legislator. George Henry was ed- 
ucated at the public schools in Clayton, where the 
family has resided for over twenty-five years, and at 
Pennington Seminary, a Methodist institution, in the 
upper part of the State, after which he entered the 
law-office of Hon. Samuel H. Grey, of Camden, where 
he remained for four years, being admitted to the bar 
in 1876. In politics Mr. Hewitt is a Republican, and 
in 1882 was a candidate for the Republican nomina- 
tion for county clerk. In the township where he 
lives he has been township clerk, and is at the 
present time township collector. He takes an active 
part in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Clayton, and is the leader of the church choir, and 
is an upright, aifable gentleman, having the respect 
of his fellow- citizens generally. 
I Belmoxt Perey. — The present prosecutor of the 
pleas of this county is the second son of the late Hun. 
Edmund Perry (a descendant of Commodore Perry. 



136 



HlSTOllY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1 



of Lake Erie fame), who for a number of years was a 
judge on the bench of Hunterdon County, at one time 
a State senator from the same, and in 1861 president 
of the New Jersey State Senate. His mother, Eliza- 
beth A. Wliite Perry, was a native of Hartford, Conn. 
Mr. Perry was born on the 14th day of March, 1854, 
at Flemington, N. J., where his father was at that time 




BELMONT PERRY, 

practicing law and editing the Htmterdon Counfy 
Democrat. The public schools of his native town 
afforded the subject of this sketch his early educa- 
tion, and he was for a time a student of Col. Hyatt's 
Military Academy at Chester, Pa., finishing his edu- 
cation' at St. Stephen's College, Annandale, N. Y. 
His law studies were commenced in the office of his 
father in the spring of 1871, and in 1873 he entered 
the office of Hon. R. S. Kuhl, where he remained 
until admitted to the bar at June term of the Su- 
preme Court in 1875. For a year thereafter he was 
a teacher in the classical department of the pre- 
paratory school at Burlington College, New Jersey. 
In September, 1877, he was married to Lida, eldest 
daughter of Rev. Daniel Thackara, of the city of 
Woodbury, N. J., and in the November following he 
located in that city for the practice of his profession. 
At the June term of the Supreme Court, 1878, Mr. 
Perry was made a counselor-at-law, and subsequently 
received from the same court the appointment of Su- 
preme Court commissioner, and in 1878, (rom Chan- 
cellor Theodore Runyon, an appointment as a special 
master in the Court of Chancery. In 1877, Governor 
Bedle made him a notary public, and in 187SI he re- 
ceived from Governor George B. McClellan the ap- 
pointment ol' prosecutor of the pleas of the county, 
succeeding in that oHice Hon. Joshua S. Thom|)sou, 
of Swedesboro, who had creditably and faithfully 
filled the position for the previous twenty-five years. 
In politics Mr. Periy is a ]>omocrat, and takes an in- 



terest in political matters, but never held any politi- 
cal office other than prosecutor, and for a year the 
office of city solicitor of Woodbury. He is a mem- 
ber of the Episcopal Church in his adopted city, and 
also a member of the vestry, a member of the execu- 
tive committee of the Gloucester County Bible So- 
ciety, and at one time was secretary of the Glouces- 
ter County Sunday-School Association. Outside of 
his profession he lias been somewhat active, and a 
few years ago established and edited the Gloucester 
County Democrat, a flourishing newspaper, devoted to 
the interests of the Democratic party. He is also in- 
terested as director in the Woodbury Glass- Works, a 
business enterprise that has met with much success, 
and materially added to the city's prosperity. 

Robert Schejstck Clymek. — He was born in the 
city of Philadelphia, Pa., on the 23d day of August, 
1855, and is now twenty-eight years of age. His 
father, David M. Clymer, is a native of Philadel- 
phia, and his mother, whose maiden name was Abi- 
gail A. Ashcraft, is a native of Carpenter's Landing, 
now called Mantua, Gloucester Co., N. J. He at- 
tended the public schools in Philadelphia, and went 
from the George W. Nebinger Grammar School to 
the Boys' Central High School, where he completed 
a two-and-a-half-years' course. After leaving school 
he was a book-keeper until commencing study of the 
law -with Belmont Perrj', Esq., prosecutor of the 
pleas of Gloucester County, having resided in Wood- 
bury since May, 1872. He was admitted to the bar 
at the June term, 1882, of the Supreme Court, and 
has since practiced in AVoodbury. In politics he is a 
Republican, and held for some time the position of 
city clerk, and is now the city solicitor. He is also a 
prominent member of the Methodist Church, and for 
a while was superintendent of the Sunday-scbool. 
He is a young man of ability, and deserves credit for 
the perseverance and energy with which he has risen 
to his present position. Already he has consider- 
able practice, and with his popularity among the 
people gives promise of a successful future. 

EiiMUNn B. Leaming, of the firm of Leaming & 
Black, was born at Seaville, Cape May Co., N. J., 
May 24, 1857. He is a member of the family of 
Learnings that are so closely identified with the his- 
tory of Cape May County, his father being Dr. J. F. 
Leaming, of Cape May Court-House, and is a lineal 
descendant of Aaron Leaming, of Cape May, one of 
the compilers of Leaming & Spicer's "Grantii and 
Concessions." He was educated at his home under 
a private tutor. In 1877 he commenced the study of 
law under Judge Buchanan, of Trenton, and in Feb- 
ruary, 1881, was admitted to the bar of New Jersey. 
In the fall of tlie same year he formed a partnership 
with Alford L. Black, and at once commenced the 
practice ol his profession in Camden, N. J., estab- 
lishing a branch office at Woodbury. In the practice 
of law he ha.s met with the rare success which his 
well-known abilitv and iiitcu'rity merit. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



137 



Edgae Shivers. — Swedesboro, in this county, has 
but one lawyer, the subject of tliis sketch, who was 
born in that town on the 27th day of June, a.d. 1859, 
being therefore just twenty-three years of age. His 
parents, Charles P. and Mary M. Shivers, are still 
living in Swedesboro, where his father is a leading 
business man and for many years a justice of the 
peace. 

Edgar Shivers attended the Swedesboro jjublic 
schools, and was afterwards prepared by a private 
tutor to enter college, but his father, through the 
advice of George N. Conrow, Esq., of Camden, con- 
cluded to put him at once at the study of law instead, 
and in June, 1877, he entered the law-office of Mr. 
Conrow to carry out this resolve, but in about eight 
months thereafter Mr. Conrow died, when Mr. Shivers 
entered the oflBce of Judge R. T. Miller as a student, 
and here remained until June, A.d. 1881, when he 
was admitted to the bar as an attorney-at-law and so- 
licitor in cliancery. He occupies the office formerly 
used by Hon. Joshua L. Thompson, and is a rising 
young attorney. Politically he is a Republican. 

Robert L. Aemstroxg, Jr., was a practicing at- 
torney in Woodbury for a few years. He was a son 
of the late R. L. Armstrong, who was one of the 
earliest practitioners at this bar. His grandmother 
was one of the young girls who received Washington 
on his triumphal march from New York to Philadel- 
phia to assume the Presidency, and helped to strew 
flowers in his path. 

Nathaniel W. Vooehees, at the present time 
cashier of the First National Bank of Clinton, Hun- 
terdon Co., N. J., practiced law in Woodbury for a 
few months about 1845. His ofBce was the one for- 
merly occupied by Squire Sparks, which stood on the 
site now occupied by Joseph Clement's house, Broad 
Street. He was a very diffident man and made little 
progress at the law, soon giving it up to accept a 
position in the Clinton Bank. 

John H. Fort, at present practicing law in Cam- 
den, was located at Woodbury for a few months about 
1876, and built the office now occupied by a plumber 
and standing directly in the rear of C. P. Abbott's 
store. 

Joseph Pierson was, we believe, a resident of 
Woodbury, and a practicing attorney here many years 
ago, but it was impossible to obtain any data con- 
cerning him. 

The following names of judges and justices prior to 
1776 appear on the court records of Gloucester County. 
They are given under the dates of their first appear- 
ance on these records : 



1686. Francis Collins. 
Thomas Tbackara. 
John Wood. 
Andrew Robeson. 

1687. John Soughurst. 
Christ. Watkins. 
Samuel Spicer. 

1692, Andrew Robeson, Jr. 



1693. James Atkinson. 

Thomas Gardner. 

John Hugg, Jr. 
1G94. John Ray. 

1695. John Eambo. 
John Somei-s. 

1696. William Cooper. 
1698. Joseph Braman. 



' 169S. Mordecai Howell. 


1729 


John Jones. 


Cliaries Crostliwaite. 


1732 


Jacob Metcalf. 


Jos. Tomlinsou. 




John Hincbman. 


1699. John Kaighn. 




Joseph Cooper. 


James Wbitall. 


1733 


Alexander Morgan. 


Philip Paul. 




Robert Zane. 


1700. Thomas Sharp. 




Constantine Wood. 


1701. William Warner. 


1734 


Abraham Chattin. 


1702. Peter Long. 




Stephen Morris. 


George Lawrence. 


1739 


Thomas Wilkins. ^^ 


1705. Timothy Atkinson. 




William Harrison. '' 


John Tathum. * 




Simon Ellis. 


1709. Kichard Bull. 


1741 


James Soraera. 


William Dalho. 




Joseph. Kaighn. 


Samuel Colea, 


1742 


Thomas Coles. 


Daniel Cooper. 


1755 


Michael Fisher. 


! 1710. Ai>raham Porter. 




Samuel Clement. 


1711. Wooley Dftlbo. 




Joseph Applyn. 


1712. Samuel Ward.- 


1756 


Edward Doughty. 


Amos Ashkad. 


1757 


Thomas Denny. 


JohnDIickle. 




Joseph Harrison. 


1716. Jonathan Wood. 


1760 


John Ladd. 


1718. JohnFfriend. 


1762 


Robert Friend Price. 


1719. Thomas Kisley. 




Daniel Leeds. 


1722. Thomas Spicer. 


17r.3 


Elijalt-GlaFk". 


1723. Japhet Leeds. 




Thomas Clark. 


1724:. David Vaneman. 


1764 


Henry Wood. 


Isaac Jennings. 


1770 


Isaac Kay. 


1725. John Inskip. 


1771 


Siimuel Spicer. 


1726. Peter Rambo. 


1772 


Richard Somers. 


1727. Abraham Siddon. 


1774. 


Samuel Blackwood. . 


1728. Alexander Randall. 




George Vanleer. V 


James Hirsehman. 


1775. 


Israel Shreve. 


John English. 




f 


JUDGES SINCE 


Vilh} ' ■ 


1776. Alexander Randall. 


1797 


James Sloan. 


Michael Fisher. 




John Blackwood. 


Thomas Denny. 




James Stratton. 


^ Isaac Kay. 




Joseph Blackwood. 


1779. Robert Friend Price. 




Daniel Benezet. 


John Wilkins, Jr. 


179S 


John Brick. 


John Cooper. 




William Tatem. 


1781. Bodo Otto. 




Frederick Steelman. 


Joseph Hugg. 


1799. 


Thomas Hesten. 


1784. John Wilkins. 




James Hopkins. . 


John Cooper. 


1800. 


Thomas Clark. 


1785. John Wilkins. 


1801. 


Joseph Champion. 


John Griffith. 




Jeremiah Wood. 


Joseph Ellis. 




Charles Lock. 


Thomas Denny. 




Levi Rogers. 


1786. John Somers. 




Isaac Pine. 


Robert Brown. 




Joseph Risley. 


John Sparks. 


1803. 


Joseph Rogers. 


1788. Joeepb Hugg. 




Richard Cooper. 


17S9. Richard Somei-s. 




William Tatem. 


1790. John Wilkins. 




Richard Tittermary. 


Joseph Ellis. 


1805. 


Richard Highee. 


John Griffiths. 




John Clement. 


1791. Robert Browu. 


1806. 


Daniel Steelraau. 


John Sparks. 




William Zane. 


1792. Joseph Blackwood. 




Abraham Inskeep. 


James Stratton. 




Joseph Champion. 


Thomas Carpenter. 




James Hopkins. 


Daniel Benezet. 




James B. Caldwell. 


1793. Joseph Hugg. 




James Matlack. 


1795. Thomas Clark. 




Joseph Risley. 


John Wilkins. 


1807. 


Thomas Hendry. 


Joseph Ellis. 




John Marshall. 


John Griffith. 




Matthew Collins. 


Samuel Kennard. 




James Pancoast. 


1796. John Sparks. 


1808. 


Richard M. Cooper. 


Abraham Inskeep. 




Amos Cooper. 


1797. Isaac Mickle. 




Richard Tittermary. 


Micajah Smith. 




Joseph Sharp. 



1 From records at Trenton. 



138 



HISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1808. 
1811. 



1817. 



1818. 



1821. 



Joseph Kogers. 
Robert Newell. 
Joseph Kisley. 
John Cleiiieiit. 
Beiijiimiti Burrongh. 
James Mutlatk. 
Jehu Wilson. 
Nehemiah Blackman. 
Abraham Inskeep. 
John Ruderow. 
J OS i ah Foster. 
Samuel W. Harrison. 
John Brick. 
Samuel Clement. 
James Hopkins. 
James B. Caldwell. 
Matthew Gill. 
Matthew Gill, Jr. 
William Watson. 
Thomiip Summers. 
Richard S. Risley. 
John V. Clark. 
Joshua Haines. 
James Pancoast. 
Charles French. 
John M;irshall. 
Daniel England. 
Richard M. Cooper. 
Richard Tittermary, 
Joseph Sharp. 
Thomas Hendry. 
Jacob Glover. 
Joseph Rogers. 
Joseph Lodge. 
Nathan Folwell. 
Moses Crane. 
Christophor Sickler. 
John Steelman. 
Thomas Thackara. 
Sciiby Stewart. 
William Zane. 
William Ackley. 
John Ffirth. 
Isaac Wilkina. 
Robert Newell. 
John Clement. 
Joseph Risley. 
James Matlack. 
John WJiaon. 
James Hopkins. 
Samuel W. Harrison. 
Matthew Gill, Jr. 
Charles Ogden. 
John Marshall. 
William Harrison. 
Christopher Sickler. 
Kicluird M. Cooper. 
Joseph Lodge. 
Joseph Rugers. 
Jacob Glovi-r. 
John Steelman. '■^— 
Samuel Cuoper. 
Tlioinas Thackara. 
William Zane. 
Isaac Willtins. 
John Ffirth. 
George West. 
Jehu Wilson. 
Joshua Haiuea. 
John Rudiow. 
John Clement. 
Samuel CU-nient. 
Joseph Risluy. 
James Hopkins. 
JoHppli V. Clark, 
William Harrison. 
Charlefl Ogden. 



I 1822. John Marshall. 

I Benjamin Weatherby. 

I 1823. Christopher Sickler. 

Richard M. Cooper. 

Joseph Rogers. 

Thomas Thackara. 

Ephraim Miller. 

John Steelman.*^ 

Samuel Cooper. 

Isaac Pine. 

1824. Job Brown. 

] James Pancoast. 

Samuel C. Champion. 
j Isaac M'ilkins. 

{ John Clement. 

John P. Vaneman. 
I Joseph Lodge. 

John Ffirth. 

Jacob Glover. 

Benjamin Weatherby. 

1825. William Porch. 
Joseph Bndicott. 
Jehu Wilson. 

1826. John Clement. 
Joseph Risley. 

1827. Josepli V. Clark. 
John Mjirshall. 
Benjamin Weatlierby. 

1828. Daniel Baker. 
John R. Sickler. 
Joseph Rogers. 
Thomas Thackara. 
Ephraim Miller. 
Isaac Pine. 

John Pierson. 
Thomas Redmun. 
Franklin Davenport. 
George West. 
Christopher Sickler. 

1829. Job Brown. 
John Clement. 
Samuel C. Champion. 
James Pancoast. 

John H. Cowperthwaite. 
Josepli Lodge. 
James Chester. 
James Hinchman. 
David B. Morgan. 
Isaac Wilkina. 
Joseph B. Harker. 
Benjamin Wpatherby. 
Samuel Miller. 

1830. William Porch. 
Joseph Endicott. 

1831. John Clement. 
Isaac Hinchman. 
John Dunham, 

1832. Michael C. Fisher. 
John Marshall. 
Benjamin Weatherby. 

1833. Daniel Baker. 
James W. Sloan. 
Jacob W. Glover. 
Tliomas Thackara. 
Ephraim Miller. 
Christopher Sickler. 
Isaac Pine. 

1834. Thomas Bee. 
Joseph Rogers. 
Simeon Sparkes. 
John Clement. 

John K. Cowperthwaite. 
Isaac Wilkina. 
Joseph B. Harker. 
Samuel Miller. 
JoHeph Lodge. 
John GodfVoy. 



1835. Jesse Price. 

Jesse H. Bowen. 
William Porch. 
Joseph Garwood. 

1836. Charles French. 
Joseph Rogers. 
Lewis M. Walker. 
Joseph Endicott. 
John Clement. 

1837. Thomas Redman. 
Jacob Howey. 
John Marshall. 
Richard Stafford. 
Samuel C. Champion. 
Josiah Harrison. 
Michael C. Fisher. 

1838. David B. Morgan. 
James W. Sloan. 
Thomas S. Dyer, 
Ephraim Miller. 
Isaac Pine. 

1839. Charles H. French. 
Thomas B. Darragh. 
Josepli Franklin. 
James L. Gibhs. 
John Clement. 

1840. Levi L. Campbell. 
Philip J. Gray. 
Joseph Franklin. 

1841. Joseph G. Gill. 
Joseph Franklin. 

1842. Thomas Redman. 
Jacob Howey. 
Richard Stafford. 
Samuel C. Champion. 
Josiah Harrison. 
Michael C. Fisher. 
Charles Reevea. 
Joseph Iszard. 

1843. Benjamin Harding. 
Janiea W. Sloan. 
Joseph Woolohon. 
Benjamin P. Lippincott. 
Charles H. French. 
David C. Ogden. 

John K. Cowperthwaite, 
Simon Sparks. 
Isaac Hinchman. 
Samuel E. Moore. 
Isaac Wilkina. 
Thomas Bee. 



16S6 



1687. 

1688. 
1692. 
1693. 



1694. 
1695. 



JUSTICES 

Francis Collins. 
Thomas Thackara. 
John Wood. 
Andrew Robeson. 
John Longhwrst. 
Christ. Matthews. 
Samuel Spicer. 
Andrew Robeson, Jr. 
James Atkinson. 
Thonuis Gardner, 
John Mugg, Jr. 
Jolin Kny. 
Samuel Spicer. 
Thomas Gardner. 
John Kay. 
Andiew Kobeson. 
John Hugg, Jr. 
John Ranibo, 
John Somora. 
Samuel Spicor. 
Thonms Gardner. 
John llnjrg, Jr. 
Andrew Kobeson. 
John Rambo. 



1843. William Porch. 

John M. Watson. 
Joseph C. Collins. 
Jesse Smith. 

1844. John Marshall. 
Samuel Richards. 
William Brown. 
John B. Miller. 
Joseph C. Stafford. 
Joel Wood. 

John Hanna. 
William R. Cooper. 
John R. Sickler. 
Jesse C. Chew. 
John R. Rosenbaum. 
Johnson Beckett. 
John H. Cooper. 
Amos Campbell. 
Benjamin Harding. 
Samuel Porch. 
Benjamin M. Richardson. 
Ephraim Miller. 

1845. Joseph Saunders. 

1846. Jacob Howey. 

1847. Charles Reeves. 

1848. Benjamin Harding, 

1849. Josepli C. Gill. 
Benjamin P. Lippincolt. 

1850. Joseph Saunders. 

1851. John M. Watson. 

1852. John R. Sickler. 

1853. William R. Cooper. 

1854. John G. Rosenbaum. 

1856. John M. Watson. 

1857. John R. Sickler, 

1858. Benjamin F. Carter. 

1859. Benjamin Harding. 

1862. John R. Sickler. 

1863. Benjamin F. Carter. 
1864 Simeon Warrington. 
1867. William D. Scott. 
18G8. Benjamin F. Carter. 
1869. Simeon Warrington. 

1872. William D. Scott. 

1873. John F. Bodine. 

1874. David B. Gill. 

1877. Benjamin F. Carter. 

1878. Samuel T. Miller. 

1879. John M. Moore. 
1882. Edmund Jones. 



PRIOR TO 1776. 

1696. William Cooper. 
Jonathan Adams. 

1697. Samuel S|)icer. 
ThonniM Gardner. 
John Kay. 
Andrew Robeson. 
John Hugg, Jr. 
John Ranibo. 
Jonatlian Adams. 

1699. Thomas Gardner. 

John Hugg, Jr. 

.\ndrew Robeson. 

rhilip I'uul. 

Jolin Ciihaen. 

James Wliiteall. 

Jonatban .Vilains. 

Nathan We.'^ttand. 

Joseph Braman. 

Mordecai HowoU. 

I'harlee Cfossihwaite. 

Joseph TonilhiMon. 

Jolin Kalghn. 
170(1. Thomas Ganhier. 

John tCay. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



139 



1700. Andrew Robeson. 


1731. Alexander Morgan. 


1781. John Somers. 


1795. Richard Higbee. 


John Hupg, Jr. 


OhriBtopher Taylor. 


Isaac Tomilson. 


Micajah Smith. 


John Kaighn. 


Jacob Medcalf. 


Bodo Ottu. 


1796. Thomaa Wilkins. 


Thomus Sharp. 


John Ladd, Jr. 


John Wilkins. 


Jeffery Clark. 


Philip Paul. 


1733. Abraham Chatten. 


Samuel Suyres. 


Gibson Aslicroft. 


William Warner. 


Amos Ireland. 


Elijah Clark. 


John Sparks. 


John Somera. 


Stephen Morris. 


Robert Brown. 


1797. Isaac Micklo. 


1701. Thomas Gardner. 


Robert Zane. 


Robert Morse. 


Micajah Smith. 


Andrew Robeson. 


John Brown. 


John Griffith. 


Richard Cooper. 


John Kay. 


Joseph Cooper. 


John Little. 


James Sloan. 


John Kaighn. 


John Hinchman. 


John Hedger. 


John Blackwood. 


Philip Paul. 


1737. John English. 


1782. Joseph Hugg. 


John Brick. 


John Hngg, Jr. 


1739. William Harrison. '•^- 


Joshua Smith. 


Isaac Pine. 


William Warner. 


Thomas Coles. 


Thomas Champion. 


William Tatem. 


John Soniers. 


Thomas Wilkinsi *" 


Joseph Blackwood. 


James Stratton. 


1702. Peter Long. 


1740. John Kaighn. 


Daniel Southerland. 


Joseph Blackwood. 


George Lawrence. 


Thomas Wilkins. - 


Sawtel Elwell. 


Thomas Hester. 


1704. Peti-r Long. 


Simeon Ellis. 


1783. Joseph Hugg. 


1798. Thomas Clark. 


Joseph Tumlinaon. 


1742. John Kaighn. 


Thomas Eennard. 


Jeremiah Wood. 


John Rambo. 


1747. Michael Fisher. 


1784. Thomas Carpenter. 


Isaac Morgan. 


Mordecai Howell. 


1748. Samuel Clement. 


William Cozens. 


Joseph Rogers. 


Timothy Atkinson. 


1755. Joseph Applyn. 


John Cooper. 


Joseph Risley. 


John Tatham. 


1757. Thomas Denny. 


Samuel Kennard. 


Jeremiah Smith. 


James Steelman. 


Joseph Harrison. ~ 


Elijah Clark. 


Frederick Steelman. ^^ 


1709. Richard Bull. 


Silas Doughty. 


1785. Joseph Ellis. 


James Steelman. 


Abraham Porter. 


1760. John Ladd. 


Thomas Denny. 


1799. Thomas Somers. 


Daniel Cooper. 


1762. Robert Friend Price. 


Benjamin Morgan. 


James Hopkins. 


George Lawrence. 


Daniel Leeds. 


1786. John Somers. 


John Clement. 


Samuel Cole. 


Elijah Clark. 


Samuel Risley. 


Jonathau Harper. 


Wooley Dalbo. 


1763. Edward Doughty. 


Benjamin Morgan. 


John Cowman. 


James Steelman. '^ 


Henry Wood. 


Micajah Smith. 


1800. Thomas Clark. 


1710. John Rambo. 


Thomas Clark. 


Elias Smith. 


Abraham Inskeep. 


1713. John JesBup. 


1769. Alexander Randall. 


Jeffery Clark. 


Thomas Wilkins. 


John Inskeep. 


Michael Fisher. 


Robert Brown. 


Micajah Smith. 


1714. John Somera. 


Samuel Harrison. ^■ 


Job n Sparks. 


Richard Higbee. 


George Lawrence. 


Robert F. Price. 


John Wilkins. 


Joseph P. Hilman. 


Samuel Coles. 


John Hinchman. 


John Griffiths. 


James C. Wood, 


1715. John Kay. 


Thomas Clark. 


1787. Joshua Smith. 


1801. Thomas Wilkins. 


John Hugge. 


Edward Doughty. 


Joseph Blackwood. 


Gibson Ashcroft. 


John Micklo. 


Henry Wood. 


William Tatem. 


Joseph Champion. 


CoDBtantine Wood. 


Thomas Denny. 


1788. Joseph Hugg. 


Jeremiah Wood. 


Amos Ashead. 


James Somers. 


1789. Richard Somers. 


Charles Lock. 


Samuel Ward. 


James Hinchman. 


Daniel Benezet. 


Levi Rogers. 


1717. John Sciill. 


George Vaolear. 


1790. Jeflfery Clark. 


Joseph Rogers. 


1718. John Ffnend. 


Samuel Spicer. 


Isaac Mickle, Jr. 


John Marshall. 


1719. Thomas Risley. 


Isaac Mickle. 


Matthew Gill, Jr. 


1803. Richard Cooper. 


1721. Thomas Spicer. --> 


Samuel Resley. 


Samuel Kennard. 


William Tatem. 


1723. Joseph Leeds. 


Isaac Kay. 


Joseph Etlia. 


Richard Tittermary. 


1724. Isaac Jenniogs. 


1771. Richard Somers. 


John Griffiths. 


Benjamin Burrough. 


David Vaneman. 


Amos Ireland. 


Thomas Carpenter. 


Charles Ogden. 


Abraham Lydden. 


James Bowman. 


Micajah Smith. 


John Jennings. 


1727. John Mitchel. 


1772. Samufl Blackwood. 


Thomas Renyard. 


William Zane. 


Jacob Yaneman. 


Thomaa Claik. 


Samuel Risley. 


Asa Gibbs. 


Isaac Jennings. 


1774. Robert Morris. 


Benjamin Morgan. 


Samuel Wood. ' 


John Jones. 


George Vanlear. 


1791. Robert Brown. 


James Matlock. 


James Hinchman. 


1775. Thomas Cox. 


John Sparks. 


John Ffirth. 


John English. 


Israel Shreve. 


John Wilkins. 


Joseph Lodge. 


Alexander Randal. 


Samuel Risley. 


1792. James Stratton. 


Nicholas Justice. 


1731. John Hinchman. 




William Tatem. 


James Pancoast, 






Joseph Blackwood. 


John Wilson. 


JUSTICES S 


INCE 1776. 


Thomas Heston. 


Benjamin Preeu. 


1776. Alexander Randall. 


1776. Lemuel Sayre. 


1793. Joseph Hugg. 


Joseph Risley. 


Michael Fisher. 


Thomas Thome. 


Frederick Steelman. *. 


James Steelman. '^ 


Thomas Denny. 


Robert Brown. 


1794. Daniel Benezet. 


Nehemiah Blackman. 


Isaac Kay. 


Isaac Ellis. 


James Williams. 


Matthew Collins. 


James Somers. 


1777. Samuel Risley. 


1795. Constant Somers. 


Joseph Sharp. 


Thomas Clark. 


Joseph Hugg. 


Joseph Champion. 


1804. Amos Cooper. 


George Vaulear. 


1778. Matthew Gill. 


Abraham Inskeep. 


John Clement. 


Richard Somers. 


Charles Fisher. 


Thomas Clark. 


1805. Richard Higbee. 


Amos Ireland. 


Thomas Rennard. 


Edmund Ireland. 


-John Cawman. 


Robert Morae. 


Joseph Collins. 


Joseph Ellis. 


1806. Daniel Steelman. *— 


John Sparks. 


1779. Robert Friend Price. 


John Griffith. 


Japhet Ireland. 


John Somera. 


Thomas Taber. 


Samuel Kennard. 


Abraham Inskeep. 


leaac Tomlinson. 


John Cooper. 


Thomas Carpenter. 


Joseph Champion. 


Joseph Cooper. 


Samuel Kinnard. 


Isaac Mickle. 


James Hopkins. 


Bodo Otto. 


John Griffith. 


Samuel Risley. 


James B. Caldwell. 


John Wilkins, Jr. 


1781. John Sparks. 


William Lane. 


James Jnggard. 



140 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1806. Brnzier Westcott. 


1813. Richard Steelman. ^ 


1818. Thomas Thackara. 


1824. Isaac Wilkins. 


John Marshall. 


Richard M. Cooper. 


Thomas Bee. 


John Clement. 


180Y. Thomas Hendry. 


Richard Tittermary. 


William Harrison. ■"— 


John P. Yaneman. 


John Marshiill. 


Joseph Sharp. 


Jehu Wilson. 


Joseph Lodge. 


Matthew Collins. 


Thomas Hendry. 


Josiali Atkinson. 


John Ffirth. 


Joseph Rogers. 


Jacob Glover. 


Jesse Sparks. 


John Coles. 


John Steelman. >^ 


Joseph Rogers. 


William Ackley. 


Thomas P. Clement. 


Thomas Thackara. 


Joseph Lodge. 


1819. Juhn Steelman. 


James Stoy. 


1808. Kichard M. Cooker. 


Nathan Folwell. 


Samuel Cooper. 


Samuel B. Hunt. 


Amos Cooper. 


Benjamin Burrough. 


Joseph Risley. 


Samuel B. Harrison. 


Richard Tettermary. 


William Zane. 


StephiiU Kirby. 


James Chester. 


Joseph Sharp. 


Samuel Wood. 


Joseph B. Smallwood. 


Thomas B. Wood. 


Benjamin Burrough. 


James Matlack. 


Nathaniel Chew. 


Elijah Bower. 


William Zane. 


James Pancoast. 


John Sickler. 


Joseph B. Harker. 


Samuel Wood. 


James Blackman. 


Thomas Garwood. 


Benjamin Say. 


James Matlack. 


Elias Smith, 


Robert Tittermary. 


George Cake. 


Nathanipl Chew. 


William Ackley, 


Michael C. Fisher. 


Stephen Kirby. 


John Wilson. 


Benjamin T. Cheesman. 


Benjamin Weatherby. 


Thomas Marsh all. 


James Pancoast. 


Charles Fish. 


James English. 


Samuel B, Westcott. 


William Harrison. - 


Job Cole. 


Enoch Doughty. 


John C. Kille. 


Joseph Risley. 


Thomas Thackara. 


John Clement. 


1825. John Pierson. 


James Bbickman. 


John Si'ckler. 


Thomas B. Wood. 


Nathaniel Chew, 


Eliaa Smith. 


Andrew Ware. 


John P. Vaneman. 


William Porch. 


1809. John Clement. 


Thomas Bee. 


Samuel C. Pierce. 


John Ziern. 


Joseph Sloan. 


William Allen. 


1820. Isaac Wilkins. 


John C. Thackara. 


Kobf^rt Neweli. 


William Miller. 


John Ffirth. 


^\illiam Coffin. 


Samuel Kille. 


Andrew Crawford. 


George West. 


Nathaniel Chew. 


Nathan FoUvell. 


Enoch Gabb. 


John Baxter. 


William Watson. 


1811. William Porch. 


William Harrison. ^.^ 


John R. Cowperlhwaite. 


John B. Sickler. 


Thomas Garwood, 


Jehu Wilson. 


Joshua Haines. 


Charles F. Clark. 


1812. Nehemiah Blackman. 


John Thorn. 


John Rudi'ow. 


Andrew B. Blackman. 


Christopher Sickler. 


Benjamin Wilkins. 


William Coffin. 


1826, Ephniim Miller. 


William Tatiim.Jr. 


1814. John Steelman. ^ 


John Pierson. 


Charles H. Ellis. 


Job Brown. 


Benjamin Wetherby. 


John C. Thackara. 


John Salsbury. 


Mpses Crane. 


Japhet Hickman. 


William Porch. 


Josiah Atkinson. 


Samuel Sowry. 


Andrew B. Llackman. 


Nathaniel Chew, Jr. 


Daniel Focer. 


Scoby Stewart. 


Joseph Winner. 


1821. Charles H. Ellis. 


Charles Reeves. 


Samuel Shute. 


Joseph Risley. 


Ephraim Miller. 


1827. Joseph V. Clark. 


Abraham Iiiskeep. 


Stephen Kirby. 


Cornelius Tice. 


Lewis M. Walker. 


John Ruderow. 


Abraham Brown. 


Isaac Hinchman. 


James Hinchman. 


Josiah Foster. 


Joseph B. Smallwood. 


1822. James Hopkins. 


Christopher Sickler. 


Samuel W. Harrison, 


Josiah Beckett, Jr. 


Joseph v. Clark. 


Joseph Endicott. 


John Brick. 


David S. Bassett. 


Lewis M. Walker. 


Joseph Garwood. 


Samuel Clement. 


John Clement. 


Isaac Thome. 


1828. Jacob B. Stokes, 


James Hopkins. 


Joseph Sloan. 


Samuel Clement. 


Parker Cordery. 


James B. Caldwell. 


Robert Newell. 


Charles Ogdeu. 


Robert B. Risley. 


Matthew Gill. 


1815. John Ffirth. 


James Hinchman. 


Federal Champiou. 


Matthew Gill, Jr. 


Isaac Wilkins. 


Josiah Moore. 


Joshua P. Browning. 


William Watson. 


John Baxter. 


Christopher Sickler, 


Joseph Scull. 


Thomas Summers. 


1816. William Porch. 


Joseph Endicott. 


James L. Gibbs. 


Richard S. Risley. 


Thomas Garwood. 


Joseph Garwood. 


John Marshall. 


Joseph T. Elfreth. 


Joel Gibbs. 


1823. Christopher Sickler. 


Thomas Bee. 


Benjamin West. 


1817. Cornelius Tice. 


Richard M. Cooper. 


Joseph Rogers, 


Isaac S. Collins. 


Moses Crane. 


John Marshall. 


Thomas Thackara. 


Job Eldridge. 


Seaby Stewart. 


Thomas Bee. 


William Ackley. ' 


Edmund Brewer. 


Robert Leeds. 


Joseph Rogers. 


Isaac Pine. 


James Jii^gart. 


James Hopkins. 


Thomas Thackara. 


Thomas Rcdnum. 


Edward Carpenter. 


1818. Samuel W. Harrison, — ■ 


John Wilson. 


Joseph Clialhiim. 


John D. Clark. 


Matthew Gill, Jr. 


William Harrison. 


John Steelman. 


Joshua Haines. 


Charles Ogden. 


William Ackley. 


John Sickler. 


Daniel Carral. 


William Watson. 


Samuel Cooper, 


Benjamin NN'oatherby. 


1813. Charles French. 


Josiah Moore. 


Isaac Pine. 


James English. 


John Marshall. 


Isaac Thorn. 


Joseph B. Smallwood. 


Philip Emmell. 


Daniel England. 


Thomas Somers. 


Thomas Redman. 


Daniel Baker. 


Josiali Moore. 


Benjamin Allon, Jr. 


Josopli Chatham. 


William Harrison. 


Lemuel Hieler. 


CbriB'topher Sicklei". 


Enoch Doughty. 


Franklin Cavenport. 


Samuel P. Paul. 


Samuel Clement. 


John Steelman. 


George West. 


Ebeiiezer Whitney. 


Joseph Endicott. 


Joseph Risley. 


1829. Miei-s Wilson. 


John Tice. 


Richard M. Cooper. 


John Stickler. 


George Cawnmn. 


Morton Stillee. 


Joseph Lodge. 


Benjamin Weathorbv. 


John Godfrey. 


Joseph Dillies. 


Joseph Rodgere. 


James English. 


William Leo. 


Richard MolTelt. 


Jacob Glover. 


Philip Emmoll. 


Charles Heck. 


Marmiiduke Wood. 


John Marshall. 


1824. Job Brown. 


Joromiali Fish. 


John EdwardH. 


Williain Ziuie. 


James Pancoaxt. 


Job Brown. 


Hugh H. lI.dliiiHheud. 


Sanuii'l Wodd. 


Sanuml C. Champion, 


Samuel 0. Chiimplun. 


Willluui Coin II. 


JumuH Mullack. 


Samuel Wood. 


Juhn Clement, 


ThomnB Adinufl. 


Job Colo. 


John K. Cowporthwaito. 


James Puncoiwt, 



GENEEAL HISTORY. 



141 



1829. John H. Cowperthwaite, 
Joshua P. Browning. 
MuUin CoJlins. 
Marmaduke Beckley. 
Samuel B. Hunt. 
Isaac Wilkina. 

James Story. 
Joseph B. Harker. 
Benjamin Weatherby. 
Benjamin Say. 
Stephen Kirby. 
Daniel Edwards. 
Samuel Miller. 
Thomas P. Clements. 
Joseph Lodge. 
James Chester. 
David B. Morgan. 
Samuel B. Westcott. 
Samuel Porch. 

1830. Nathan Thompson. 
Richard B. Champion. 
James W. Moore. 
David D. Keemer 
Jesse Price. 

Joseph C Gill. 
John Piersou. 
William Porch. 
John C. Thackara. 
William Coffin. 
John B. Sickler. 
Charles F. Clark. 

1831. Joseph Staru. 
John Dunham. 
William Brooks. 
Samuel Sailer. 
Joseph C. Stafford. 
John Cove. 
William R. Cooper. 
Thomas Wilson. 
Simon Sparks. 
Isaac H inch man. 
Ephraim Miller. 
Charles Ellis. 
Josiah Atkinson. 
Nathan Thompson. 
James B. Lane. 
John Salsbury. 

1832. Michael C. Fisher. 
Lewis Woodward. 
Septimus Weatherby. 
John Harding. 
Christopher Sickler. 
Joseph Eodicott. 
Joseph Garwood. 

1833. Parker Cordery. 
Gideon S. Risley. 
Federal Champion. 
Joshua P. Browning. 
Joseph Sciill. 
Edmond Taylor. 
Richard Stafford. 
Chai'les H. French. 
Benjamin Harding. 
Daniel Forcer. 
Jacob Glover. 
Zebulon Wolf. 
Charles Wiggins, 
Richard W. Snowden. 
Thomas Parsons. 
Joseph Lodge, Jr. 
Joseph Rogers. 
John Marshall. 
Ephraim Miller. 
Christopher Sickler. 
Thomas Bee, 
Thomas Thackara. 
William Ackley. 



1833. Joseph Chatham. 
John Sickler. 
Benjamin Weatherby. 
Philip Emmell. 
Daniel Baker. 
William Harrison. ^ — 
Jacob Wick. 

James H. Chester, 
Samuel G. Ogden. 
John B. Miller. 

1834. John Godfrey. 
Samuel M. Thorn. 
Charles Beek. 
Jesse C. Chew. 
George Cowman. 
Joseph Rogers. 
James D. Dottener. 
John A. Alexander. 
Benjamin Burrough, Jr. 
Samuel Laniog. 
Robert B. Risley. 

Joel G. Clark. 
John D. Norton. 
John Clement. 
John K. Cowperthwaite. 
Joshua P. Browning. 
Marmaduke Buckley. 
Samuel B. Hunt. 
Isaac Wilkins. 
James Stoy. 
Joseph B. Harker. 
Samuel Miller. 
Samuel Porch. 
Benjamin Avise. 

1835. John H. Richardson. 
William Peacock. 
Marmaduke Beckley. 
Solomon S. Chester. 
Nathan Thompson. 
Jesse H. Bowen. 
Joseph Starr. 
Benjamin Allen. 
William Porch. 
Jesse Price. 

John C. Thackara. 
Daniel C. Cozens. 
James Leeds. 
Foster Sears. 
John Westcott. 
James Hinchnian. 

1836. Joseph C. Collins. 
John Dunham. 
Simon Sparks. 
Joseph Stafford. 
Samuel Sailer. 
Joseph C, Starn. 
Charles French. 
Charles Kaighn. 
John Redfield. 
Lewis M. Walker. 
Joel Wood. 
David R. Ackley. 
Daniel Stoy. 
Joseph Atkinson. 

1837. Thomas Redman. 
Israel M. Scattergood. 
James M. Glover. 
John Pierson. 
Michael C. Fisher. 
James W. Sloan. 
Josiah .Harrison. 
William M.Graff. 
Amasa Garwood. 
Samuel C. Champion. 

1838. Richard Stafford. 
Charles H. French. 
Daniel Forcer. 



1838. Arthur Brown. 
John I. Cooper. 
Paul Seartj. 
Eli Wilson. 
Richard Clark. 
Jacob Park. 
David B. Morgan. 
Richard W. Snowden. 
Jacob Troth. 
Joseph J. Hatch. 
Thomas S. Dyer. 
Thomas B. Darrach. 
Nathan Thompson. 
Ephraim Miller. 
Alexander H. Hay. 
Joseph Chatham. 
James H. Chester. 
John D. Glover. 
Joseph C. Gill. 

1839. Charles Beck. 
James M. Wolf. 
Isaac Hinchman. 
John Coles. 

Samuel Pimm. 

Abel Curtis. 
James L. Gibbs. 
Joseph Woolohon. 
David Sloan. 
James W. Lamb. 
Joseph H. Moore. 
Joseph Franklin. 
James H. Brick. 
■ John Clement. 
Gilbert Kellum. 

1840. Levi L. Campbell. 
Philip J. Gray. 
William J. Hatch. 
John Rudran, Jr. 
John Redfield. 
Charles Davis. 
Robert Chew. 
Henry Jackson. 
Joseph A. Chatham. 
James Gibson. 
John P. Sheets. 
Joseph G. Shinn. 

1841. Jacob Swope, Jr. 
Jacob L. Rowland. 
Joseph Z. Piersou. 
Joshua Duble. 
Edward Brewer. 
Joseph Inskip, 
John P. Curtis. 
Joel Bodiiie. 
Benjamin Harding. 
John B. Miller. 
George T. Risdon. 
Ira Bradsliaw. 
Benjamin H. Fisler. 
Simon Sparks. 
Isaac Lodge. 
David B. Leslie. 
Jacob S. Bender. 
Josiah Atkinson. 
John B. Hilyard. 

1842. Michael C. Fisiier. 
James W. Sloan. 
Josiah Haiiison, . 
W^illiam Keyser. 
John R. Graham. 
James L. Gibbs. 

1843. Richard Stafford. 
Arthur Brown. 
Richard Clark. 
George Cawman, Sr. 
Samuel B. Woolman. 
Charles H. French. 



1843. Paul Sears. 
Jacob Andress. 
Andrew Dilks, Sr. 
Thomas V. Clements. 
Richard W. Snowden. 
Jacob Troth. 
Joseph Woolohon. 
John K. Cowperthwaite. 
Joseph Stafford. 

iBaac Wilkins. 
James H. Chester. 
Isaac Hinchman. 
Joel G. Clark. 
Lemuel B. Hunt. 
James D. Dutterer. 
Nathan Thompson. 
John C. Sheebs. 
Marmaduke Beckley. 
Joel Wood. 
Samuel Porch. 
John M. Watson. 
Alexander K. Long. 
William Peacock. 
John Hanna. 
Joseph C. Rollins. 
Jesse Smith. 

1844. John Marshall. 
William Brown. 
Ralph Y. M.Cooper. 
Hugh Woodrow. 
Samuel Richards. 
John B.Miller. 
Samuel M. Thorn. 
Samuel Pimm. 
Nathan T. Stratton. 
John Daniels, 
Benjamin C. Downs. 
Joseph Reed. 
Ephraim Miller. 
Alex.Wentz, Deptfi-rd twp. 
M. C, Fisher, " " 
J. P. Sheets, Woolwich " 

1849, N. Thompson, " " 
Jos. Iszard, Franklin " 
Benj. Harding, " " 
Samuel Poicli, " '* 
I. S. Peacock, " " 

1850. Saml. Pimm, Harrison " "■ 
J. Lippincott, " " 

J. B. Miller, Greenwich " 
J. M. Wolf, " " 

J. C. Eastlake, " " 

C. Balliuger, " *' 

Ira Allen, Woolwich " 
Wm. Kayser, " " 

1853. Alex. Wentz, Deptford " 
M. C. Fisher, " " 
R. Burwell, " 

J. P. Shept-s Woolwich " 
Caleb Roof, " " 

1854. Casp. Wirsham, " " 
Benj. Salisbury, " " 

B. C. Downs, Franklin " 
Benj. Harding, " " 
Samuel Porch, " " 
M. Madden, " " 

1855. Samuel Pimm, Harrison " "" 
James Lippincott, " " 
Simon Spai'ks, Deptford " 
Jas. M. Wolf, Greenwich " 
John Stetsir, " " 

C. Wirsham, Woolwich " 
C. P. Shivers, " " 
J. S. Bendler, Mantua " 
J. M. Kitchen, " " 

1856. James Gibson, Harrison " 
J. L. Stratton, " 



142 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1857. M. C. Horner, Harrison twp. 

1858. Samuel Tatem, Deptford " 
Alex. Wentz, " " 
Joshua Wutlack, " " 
J. P. Sheets, Woolwich " 

1859. N. F. Iredell, Harrison " 
Chas. Holton, Woolwich " 
Joa. Lashley, Fi'ankliu " 
Jacob Porch, " " 

1860. Samuel Pimm, Harrison " 
N. F. Iredell, 

Simon Sparks, Deptford " 

E. C. Mount, " " 

N. C. Jordan, Greenwich " 
J. M. Wolf, 

C. P. Shivers, Woolwich " 

Eph. Waters, " " 

L. L. Campbell, Clayton " 

Benj. Harding, " " 

1861. I. C. Ervan, Harrison " 
J. W.Eastlack, Deptford " 
Wm. D. Scott, " " 
Daviil B.Gill, Greenwich " 
Isaac Ilinchman, " " 
J. S. Bendler, Mantua " 
John Daniels, " " 
Saml. L.Iszard, Clayton' " 
Benj.F.Diiboist, " " 

1862. Levi B.Davis, Harrison *' 
Benj, C. Downs, Clayton *' 

1863. W.R Maiikin, Deptford " 
Benj. D. Sparks, " " 
Alex. Weutz, " " 
John Ford, Greenwich " 
J. P. Sheetz, Woolwich " 
G. J. Abbott, Clayton " 

1864. Jiis.H.Pierson, Deptford " 
I. J. Cowgill, Greenwich " 
Johns. Mullen, " " 
Chas. Holton, Woolwich " 
W. P. Crane, Franklin " 
Jos. P. Lashley, " " 
Charles B. Wolf, Clayton " 

1865. N. F. Iredell, Harrison " 
Samuel Pimm, " " 
Jeptha Abbott, Deptford " 
J. V. Cheeseman, " " 
C. P, Shivers, Woolwich " 
E. Waters, Jr., " " 
Benj. Harding, Clayton " 

1866. Jesse C. Chew, Deptford " 
I. J. Cowgill, Greenwich " 
David B.Gill, 

Joseph Wolf, " *' 

John T. Ogden, Mantua " 

H.M.McIlvaiiie, " " 

1867. J.B Simmons, Greenwich " 
S. P. Iliiines, Harrison *' 
Chas. P.Soiider, " " 
John Ford, Woolwich " 
Joel Locke, " " 

1868. C. M. Campbell, Clayton " 
Ale.x. Went/, Di'ptford, " 
John P. Sheets, Woolwich " 

1809. Chas. B. Wolf, Clnyton " 

Saml. L. Iszard, " ** 

Wm. P. Cran^-, Franklin *' 

Jos. Lashley, " " 

1870. John R.Morton, Clayton " 
Jas. Pennington, " " 
Jeptha Abbutt, Deptford " 
N. F. Iredell, Harrison " 
J. Lippincott, *' " 
John F.Tiultt, Woolwich " 
Epli.S. Waters, 

1871. Bonj. Hiirdin;;, Cluytim " 
H. V. Kennedy, Ueptfurd " 



1871. T. W. Harris, Franklin twp. 
Joseph Wolf, Greenwich " 
I. J. Cowgill, 

John T. Ogden, Mantua " 
John Daniels, " " 

D.S.Aldrich, Washington " 

1872. S. Peacock, Deptford " 
Wm. Miller, Greenwich " 
Geo. Walters, Harrison " 
Jno. S. Rulon, " " 
John Ford, Woolwich " 
D.B. Leslie, W. Deptford " 

1873. Jno. H. Coffin, Franklin " 
Francis B. Ridgeway, Harri- 
son twp. 

Matt. M. Chew, Monroe twp- 
C. W. HuBted, " " 

J. P. Sheets, Woolwich " 
S. H. Ladd, Woodbury City. 
John P. Sheets, Logan twp. 

1874. C. Buckman, Deptford " 
R. A. Rosenbaum, Franklin 

twp. 
W. P. Crane, Franklin twp. 
J. Keen, Washington " 

1875. B. M. Turner, Clayton, " 
Chas. B. Wolf, 

Jno. J. Combs, *' " 

Chas. B. Wolf, Glassboro " 
G. C. Sithens, Harrison " 
N. F. Iredell, " " 

C. W. Husted, Monroe " 
Eph. Waters, Woolwich " 
C. P. Shivers, " " 

J. Abbott, Woodbury City. 
T. Pilling, Washington twp. 
1870. Benj. Harding, Clayton " 
S.B.FulIerton, Deptford " 
Chas. Young, Franklin " 
Joseph Wolf, Greenwich " 
L J. Cowgill, 

John T. Ogden, Mantua " 
John Daniels, " *' 

W. H. Livermore, Woodbury 

City. 
William C. Fletcher, Wood- 
bury City. 
J. Keen, Washington twp. 
S. Chew. West Deptford " 

1877. S. Peacock, Deptford " 
John S. Rulon, Harrison '* 
John Ford, Woolwich ■' 
I. J. Hill, Woodbury City, 
John F. Truitt, Logan twp. 

1878. A. Eastlack, Deptford '* 
T. U. Atkins, Franklin " 
J. P. Reece, Harrison " 
Wm. Bodine, IMonroe " 
S. H. Ladd, Woodbury City. 
Daniel L. Lamb, Washing- 
ton twp. 

John P. Slieets, Logan twp. 

1879. J. A. Riggins, Franklin " 
Wm. P. Crane, " " 
Philip Schlag, Logan '* 

1880. E. M. Turner, Clayton " 
R. Edmonds, " " 
Wm. A. Warrinor, Franklin 

twp. 
E. D. Riley, FmnUlin twp. 
CbuK. B.Wolf.Gliissbnro " 
G. V. Sillu-ns, Harrison " 
N. V. Irtidell, *' " 

(;. W. lluHtetl, Monroe twp. 
C. 1*. Shivers, Woulwicb " 
Wm. C. Nicliolison, Waaliing- 

toii Iwp. 



1880. J. Abbott, Woodbury City. l 1882. 

1881. Joseph Wolf, Deptford twp. 
A. C. Dalton, Franklin " 
I. J. Cowgill, Greenwich " 
John Daniels, Mantua " 
Joseph Shuster, " " 
W. H. Livermore, Woodbury 

City. 
Stille Chew, West Deptford 
twp. 



Frank De Merchant, Dept- 
ford twp. 
G. Jennings, Deptford twp. 
J. P. Watson, Glassboro *' 
N. J. Justice, Harrison " 
John Ford, Woolwich " 
W. Watkins, Woodbury City. 
Jacob S. Bendler, Washing- 
ton twp. 
Philip Schlag, Logan twp. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

MEDICAL PROFESSION OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY.^ 

In the early half of the present century there were 
very few regularly licensed or graduated physicians. 
All sorts of quacks — herb, Indian, Thomsonian, and, 
finally, eclectic and homoeopathic — settled in and 
practiced through the county. 

Here, as elsewhere, are always found those who are 
ready to impose on the ignorance and credulity of 
people who know nothing of professional matters, but 
the proportion of such in Gloucester County cannot 
be considered excessive. 

Medical Societies. — No medical society is known 
to have been formed here prior to 1818. In that year 
one was organized by authority of the State society. 
The physicians signing the application for authority 
to form this society were Drs. Dayton Lummis, 
Thomas Hendry, Joseph Fithian, Lorenzo Fisler, 
Isaac Davis, Benjamin Erwin, Francis Hoover, Wil- 
liam Hunt, Samuel Harris, Bowman Hendry, J. J. 
Foster, Ezra Baker, and John C. Warner. 

The society continued to hold its regular annual 
and semi-annual meetings up to December, 1821, and 
then from some cause they were discontinued. It 
was reorganized in March, 1830, at which time Dr. 
Charles Garrison was elected a member. After this 
meeting no records appear till May, 18-16, when a 
charter was granted by the State society to Drs. Jo- 
seph Fithian, C. F. Clark, Joseph C. Weatherby, 
Thomas J. Saunders, John R. Sickler, and Benjamin 
P. Howell. Under this charter the society was organ- 
ized, with Drs. Joseph Fithian, president; Charles 
Garrison, vice-president; Thomas J. Saunders, secre- 
tary ; and Jose[)h C. Weatherby, treasurer. Sections 
9 and 10 of the constitution adopted by the society 
were as follows : 

" Six'. 0. Putifs of Mombei-B. — At each aiiniml niul soini-jiiimml mot't- 
ingthoro slmll ho lUl I'ssiiy reiul on Komo modicnl eulijcot by llic mi'in- 
bor doBignuteil ut tin' previous mooting by tlie iireaitlunt, Sinill not l»o 
excusoil, unci u ftiiluro boin;; ono ilolliu' line. 

"Skc. U). The lJ^e^i^ient chilli Hppoint H member who whrtll report nil 
epidemics of tlni county during the year, — this at aininal meeting,— 
tlieir nature, mortality, atul treatment." 

The iiist addre.ss was delivered by tlie president, 
Dr. .losi'ph Fitliiaii, (in the subject of hygiene. At 



1 lly I.nllierl''. Halsey, M.l). 



GENEKAL HISTORY. 



143 



the next meeting an essay on the subject of scarla- 
tina was read by Dr. C. Garrison. At the meeting 
in October, 1847, Dr. Sickler gave an essay on "The 
Philosophy of the Human Mind," and Dr. Howell 
one on the " Asiatic Cholera." At the meeting in 
1849, Dr. Saunders read an essay on " Lunatic Asy- 
lums, and the Duty of Physicians Respecting Them." 
At the annual meeting in 1850, Dr. J. F. Garrison 
read an essay on " Periodic or Recurring Colica." 
At this meeting the delegates to the State Medical 
Society were instructed to bring before that body the 
importance of a high standard of preliminary educa- 
tion among those entering the profession. At the 
semi-annual meeting in the same year. Dr. Fithian 
gave an essay on the " Philosophy of Man," and at 
the annual meeting in 1851, Dr. C. Garrison was the 
essayist; subject, "Thrombus of the Labium and 
Ossification of the Placenta." The essay by Dr. 
Clark, at the annual meeting in 1852, was on "Dys- 
entery." At that meeting the following fee-bill and 
resolution were adopted : 

" Counsel fees, .50 to S5.00; visit in town, .50 to SI. 00; visit at night 
in country, S2.00; in town at night, SI. 00; visit out of town to four 
miles, Sl.OO, and .25 for each additional mile; consultation fees. S3.00 to 
$5.00 for first visit, J2.00 for second, and Sl.OO for third; both physi- 
cians receiving like fees. All other rates same as adopted by the State 
Medical Society. — Revised Lmps of ISol. 

" Besolvcd, That any violation of the above adopted rates of charges 
he considered as dishonorable and a violation of professional honesty.'* 

The essayists in 1853 were Drs. Sickler and Howell. 
Dr. Sickler's subject was " Erysipelas," and Dr. How- 
ell treated of the then recent epidemic of yellow fever 
in Philadelphia, in which he had volunteered his 
services. In 1857, Dr. S. T. Miller read an essay on 
"Medicine as a Science;" in 1858, Dr. H. C. Clark 
was the essayist, subject, " Amputation ;" and in 1859, 
Dr. Halsey read an essay on " Scrofula." 

No meeting of the society was held after 1861 till 
1866, on account of the absence in the war of the Re- 
bellion of many of the members. 

In 1867 the constitution of the society was revised, 
though but few alterations were made. One change 
]irovided that meetings should be held quarterly, the 
code of charges was revised, a minimum was estab- 
lished, and the rates ordered by the State society 
were cut down. 

During the past fifteen years the society has met 
regularly, often being entertained in a most princely 
manner by different members of the society at their 
residences. Representatives of the press and honor- 
able gentlemen from various parts often convening 
with the members at these meetings, all highly en- 
joyable and instructive. 

Personal Remixiscences. — De. James Steat- 
TOX. — The Stratton family emigrated from Stratton 
Hill, in England, to New England in the seven- 
teenth century. In the title to East Hampton, Long 
Island, acquired by Eaton and Hopkins, in 1648, of the 
sachems of the four eastern Indian tribes of the island, 
and transferred bv them to the settlers of the town, 



we find the name of Richard Stratton. In 1660, and 
after the death of Sachem Wyandanch, his widow, 
called Squaw Sachem, and her son united in a deed 
of confirmation to the original purchase of Montauk. 
Among the names in the original conveyance are 
those of Richard and John Stratton. One of them 
was the father of Benjamin, who removed from East 
Hampton about 1700 to Fairfield, Cumberland Co., 
N. J., and became the first of the family of this name 
in New Jersey. (Thompson's "Long Island.") 

The subject of our record was a son of Benjamin 
and Sarah, born August, 1755. Of his early life 
and education we are not informed. He studied 
medicine with Dr. Benjamin Harris, of Pittsgrove, 
Salem Co., N. J. Almost his only book was Cullen's 
"First Lines." He married a daughter of his pre- 
ceptor before he was of age, and first settled in 
Clarksboro, Gloucester Co., six miles from Swedes- 
boro, where he began his practice. Upon the 
breaking out of the war in 1776 he gave his services 
to his country's cause. After the war, though he had 
a wife and three children, he went to Philadelphia, 
and attended medical lectures in the University of 
Pennsylvania for one winter. He then removed to 
Swedesboro, and entered upon the service of his life 
in the practice of medicine. He soon became the 
leading physician in that portion of the State. His 
practice, extending over a country of thirteen or four- 
teen miles, taking Swedesborn as a centre, extended in 
each direction. He was very popular and eminently 
successful. He was also a man of great influence in 
civil and political affairs, was judge of the court, and 
administrator and executor of many large estates. 

His practice often called him from Woodbury to 
Salem, and from the Delaware River to twenty miles 
in the interior. His habit was to rise early, do his 
writing and preparations for the day, breakfast by 
candle-light, and then start in his two-wheel sulky, 
without a top, and return if he could before night ; 
with a change of horses, start again, seldom getting 
home till late at night. His students, of which he 
had a number, were employed on his return in com- 
pounding his medical preparations for the next day's 
necessities. 

His obstetrical practice was not correspondingly 
large, as at that time and in the sparse population it 
was necessarily in the hands of women midwives, 
though his services were always sought in all difficult 
and preternatural cases. He used Smillie's forceps, 
but was probably not an adept in the employment of 
the instrument, as few at that time were. 

Upon the death of his wife he married (2) Miss 
Mary Creighton, of Haddonfield. By his first mar- 
ri.ige he had one son, who died early, and two 
daughters. By his second marriage he had seven 
children, one dying in infancy. He was the father 
of the Rev. S:imuel V. Stratton, of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, and the Hon. Charles C. Stratton, 
who was elected Governor of the State of New Jer- 



144 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



sey. Dr. Stratton was remarkable for his strict moral 
and religious habits. He early joined the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, and was an efficient member. 
Being very fond of music, he usually led the songs 
of the congregation. He venerated the Lord's Day, 
and so timed his professional engagements as to 
secure for himself the privileges of the sanctuary. 
He retained his predilections for the Puritan faith, 
and assembled his family on Sunday afternoon to in- 
struct them in the Westminster Catechism. He was 
possessed of a fine, commanding figure, of genial 
manners, and Christian tenderness, and full of sym- 
pathy. He was one whom everybody loved and re- 
spected. As a politician he was a Federalist, and 
his influence with the people was such that, with the 
exception of six persons, he controlled the entire 
vote of the township. 

He left a large landed estate, but the fall of prices 
after the war of 1812 very much reduced its value. 
He was grandfather of Dr. Benjamin Harris Stratton, 
of Mount Holly, recently deceased, one of the Fel- 
lows of the Medical Society of New Jersey, of which 
his grandfather was a member in 1786, and president 
in 1788. 

The following obituary notice was published at the 
time of his decease : 

"On Sunday, tlie 29th ult., departed this life at his residence near 
Swedesboro, Qloucester Co., in this State, after a short illness, Dr. 
James Stratton, aged fifty-seven yeai-s. Thus, in the midst of life and 
usefulness, in possession of the love and esteem of all who knew him, 
is this amiable and respectable man snatched from his family and so- 
ciety by the hand of death. May his bereaved family and friends find 
consolation in the well-grounded hope that he has exclianged a world 
of unsatisfying enjoyments for scenes of bliss and glory. 

" Dr. Stratton was of that description of men who are justly styled 
the pillars of society, active, intelligent, sensible, dignified, a Christian 
and a patriot. The chasm created by his death will long be marked in 
mournful recollections by his surviving relations and neighbors and 
fellow-citizens." 

His tomb in the old churchyard of the Swedish 
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Raccoon (as Swedes- 
hero was then called), now Trinity Protestant Epis- 
copal Church, bears this inscription : 

"Sacred to the memory of 

Dr. James Stratton, 

who departed Ibis life March a'Jtli, IS12, in the 

57th year of his life. 
With a mind strong and well cultivated, he was 
uncommonly useful as a citizen and as a Chris- 
tian. His piety and virtue will long bo hold in renienibrauce," 

James Stratton Gejieafoi/y.— Married (1) daughter 
of his preceptor, Benjamin R. Harris, and had Anna, 
who married Dr. John L. Stratton ; Sarah, who mar- 
ried Edward Carpenter, father of Hon. T. P. Carpen- 
ter, of Camden. 

Married (2) daughter of Hugh Creifrhtoii, and had 

Samuel, a clergyman in the Episcopal Cliureh, wlio 
died about fifteen years since. 

Charles C, first Governor of New Jersey under 
the new constitution. 

Maria, who married (1) Dr. JOrcuries Fithian, and 
(2) Daniel P. Stratton. 



Isabella, who married Burgh Howey. 

Harriet, who married Dr. Joseph Fithian. 

Frances, now still living in Philadelphia. 

Dr. Ercueies B. Fithian succeeded Dr. James 
Stratton in the practice of medicine in Swedesboro; 
was a son of Joel Fithian, who was sheriff and also 
in the Legislature. He studied medicine with Dr. 
James Stratton, and married his daughter Maria. In 
1816 he associated with him in practice Dr. Joseph 
Fithian. He died suddenly in the same year. He 
was a very popular physician, and was much esteemed 
as a gentleman. 

Dk. Dayton Lummis, one of the founders of the 
Gloucester County Medical Society in 1818, was a na- 
tive of Salem, N. J. He married a Miss Cooper, who 
died before him without issue. He practiced medi- 
cine in Swedesboro for a short time, and afterwards in 
Woodbury, Gloucester Co. He is described as a 
dashing, energetic young man, very popular and effi- 
cient as a practitioner. He was stricken down by . 
disease in early manhood, which terminated his life 
in 1821. The Gloucester Herald and Farmer, in the 
number for Aug. 8, 1821, has the following notice: 

"Died, on Sunday morning last, at his late residence in Woodbury, 
Dayton Lummis, M.D., in the forty-first year of his age, of consump- 
tion, after an indisposition of eight years, which he bore with almost 
unexampled patience and resignation. He was a good neiglibor, a sin- 
cere friend and husband, and he died as be had lived, beloved and 
esteemed by all who knew him." 

His remains were buried in Christ Church buryiug- 
place, Philadelphia, where was erected a stone bearing 
a brief inscription of his age and date of his death. 

De. William Lummi.s was an elder brother of 

Dayton. He also practiced in Woodbury, and was a 

physician of great experience and intelligence. Dr. 

Rush, professor in University of Pennsylvania, in his 

writings upon yellow fever, frequently alludes to Dr. 

I Lummis. In 1798 he wrote a letter upon yellow 

! fever as occurring in Woodbury, to which allusion is 

I made in Part I., section " Pestilence." In the early 

part of this century he left New Jersey, and settled in 

Ontario, in the State of New York, when it was al- 

most a wilderness. 

Dr. Benjamin Erwin was a practitioner of medi- 
cine in Swedesboro early in this century and prob- 
I ably in the latter part of the last. His outfit was a 
poor, raw-boned, sluggish horse of the Rozinante 
make, his carriage :i rickety, one-horse vehicle called 
a sulky on two wheels, with no top. He wa.s gross 
in person, with a face rough and red, ornamented by 
a nose of the tomato pattern, full of brag, and a great 
talker. He had tlie confidence of the people and a 
very large practice, thougli it was a common saying 
in regard of him, " What a pity it is that he will 
drink!" He died aliout 1823. (From the KeooUeo- 
tions of Dr. Joseph Filiiiaii.) 

Dr. Isaac Davi.s, Jr., was one of tlie original found- 
ers of the Gloucester County District Medical Society, 
wliich he joined Doc. S, ISIS. Ho sotllod in Swedes- 




r -yoac^/t^/i- c/^2/^/^//' 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



145 



boro, and practiced there for a number of years ; was 
quite popular up to the time of Rev. Mr. Norman 
Nash, whose cause and course he very warmly sup- 
ported, and which resulted in much trouble in the 
Episcopal Church at that time. He owned a large 
farm — very valuable — in Pittsgrove, Salem Co., and 
also the place known as the Jennings farm, near 
Swedesboro. He afterward lost much of his prop- 
erty, and, I understand, removed to the western coun- 
ti-y. His wife was Miss Sarah Ivans, a very lovely 
and estimable lady, and greatly beloved by all who 
knew her. 

De. Daniel Vanneman succeeded him in prac- 
tice, but became discouraged by losing his first pa- 
tient, soon left, and settled in Salem County, N. J. 

Joseph Fithian, M.D. — Dr. Fithian was born 
June 25, 1795, in Fairton, Cumberland Co., N. J., 
and spent the early years of his life in Fairfield. 
Here he engaged in study followed by a period as 
teacher, after which he prepared for the University 
of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, where he graduated. 
Swedesboro was chosen as his earliest field of labor. 
Here he remained one year, and at the expiration of 
that time established himself at Woodbury, N. J., 
having entered into partnership with Dr. Eli Ayres, 
who soon relinquished his share of the practice, which 
was continued uninterruptedly by Dr. Fithian for a 
period of half a century. He was married, Nov. 12, 
1817, to Miss Harriet, daughter of Dr. Stratton, of 
Swedesboro, and sister of ex-Governor Stratton, who 
died May 9, 1850. He was a second time married, 
Oct. 28, 1852, to Miss Hettie G. Cattell, daughter of 
Thomas W. Cattell, and sister of ex-United States 
Senator Cattell, of Salem, N. J. To this marriage 
were born children, — Josephine, wife of Rev. E. W. 
Hitchcock, D.D., and Sallie C, who died at the age 
of twenty years. Dr. Fithian's death occurred, after 
an extended life, memorable for its usefulness, on the 
9th of January, 1881, in his eighty-sixth year. The 
following memorial prepared by an attached friend 
embodies a just estimate of his character and abilities ; 

" In the death of Dr. J. Fithian, the community in wliicli he has lived 
so long lias sustained the loss of a venerable citizen, distinguished for 
his high personal character and a long ciireer of usefulness both in his 
profession and in his private life. For full half a century he was ac- 
tively engaged in his profession, and won for himself an enviable repu- 
tation for his skill as a physician, and his untiring devotion to a large 
and widely extended practice. 

** A man of studious habits, his acute logical mind grasped the princi- 
ples upon which the science of medicine is based, and doubtless in some 
wider field than that in which he located he would have risen to dis- 
tinction among medical celebrities of his age. 

" In the earlier years of his professional life he wrote frequently for 
the medical journals, and also prepared numerous papers of value, which 
were read at the meetings of the New Jersey Medical Society, and were 
published in their annual reports. Among his brethren in New Jersey 
he was an authority in the profession, and was held in high esteem as a 
most successful practitioner by many of the eminent medical men of 
Philadelphia, both of the past and present generation. The late Dr. 
George B. Wood, in his work on the 'Practice of Medicine,' quotes him 
as high authority on some questions of practice, and that eminent 
scholar and author. Professor Gross, who knew him personally, spoke 
of him since his death to one of his nephews in the most complimentary 
terms as a man of note in the profession. After a career of fifty years 
10 



in active practice, having acquired a competency, he retired therefrom 
and gave himself up almost entirely to what was the greatest pleasure 
of his life, reading and study, and for the last fifteen years few men 
spent more hours with hooks than Dr. Fithian. His extensive read- 
ing and his retentive memory furnished bis discriminating mind with 
a rich store of knowledge, which made him one of the most interesting 
conversationalists I have ever met. To this was added a most imposing 
presence, and a genial and courteous manner, which won the respect 
and regard of all who came in contact with him. He was, moreover, 
a Christian philosopher. He brought to the examination of the 
great questions which affect our relations to things beyond the grave 
his well-balanced reasoning powers, and while recognizing in its fullest 
meaning the force of the declaration of the great apostle, that 'with- 
out controversy great is the mystery of godliness,' he accepted the 
Bible as the revealed word of God, and Christ Jesus as the saviour of 
mankinil. In this faith he lived and died, exercising for more than 
fifty years the office of elder in the Presbyterian Church. Profoundly 
convinced tlmt the Bible was the ordained means for the conversion of 
the world, he organized nearly fifty years ago the Gloucester County 
Bible Society ; was its first president, and remained at its head until his 
death. He had passed the extreme limit assigned by the Psalmist as the 
duration of human life, and in the full possession of all his faculties, 
mental and physical, in a beautiful green old age he died, full of years 
and full of honors, at his own home, in the bosom of his family, sur- 
rounded by those he most loved, and has gone to-xexip -the reward of a 
well-spent life." 

Db. Charles Garrison was born at Deerfield, 
Cumberland Co., N. J., March 17, 1800 ; studied med- 
icine with Dr. Buck, of Bridgeton ; married Hannah 
L. Fithian, sister of Dr. Joseph Fithian, before he 
was of age, and before he graduated from the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania. He entered upon the prac- 
tice of medicine in Fairton, Cumberland Co., where 
he remained only about one year, and where his sun. 
Rev. Joseph Fithian Garrison, M.D., was born. He 
removed to Clarksboro, Gloucester Co., in 1823, and 
from there to Swedesboro in 1824, where he con- 
tinued in active practice till stricken down by pa- 
ralysis in November, 1871, and died April 12, 1875, 
of abscess and softening of the brain, as a sequelae of 
his attack in 1871. 

A warmer-hearted and kindly, generous man than 
he never lived, — a true friend and brother to all in 
need of help and sympathy. His practice was very 
extensive and extended over a large space of country, 
keeping him on the road nearly all the time, his 
noble and estimable wife and students, of which he 
had many, being employed in compounding and pre- 
paring his medicines in his absence for his next day's 
necessities. For a long time he kept five horses, all 
fast drivers, and they had as much as they could do 
to carry him his rounds among his many patients. 
As a diagnostician and prognostician he was remark- 
able, seeming to see almost intuitively just what was 
the matter, and the probable results. Was an earnest 
though humble Christian, feeling himself or his 
doings to be nothing, but resting unwavering in his 
faith in Jesus Christ. 

He was a very successful practitioner, a great 
reader, a close, logical thinker, most of his reading 
being accomplished while riding over the country 
visiting his patients. He always kept himself well 
booked up in his profession as well as in general lit- 
erature and the current topics of the day. Was an 



146 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



earnest, thorough Republican, and took the deepest 
interest in everything pertaining to the late civil war. 
Was at one time in 1862 very anxious to volunteer as 
a surgeon, and drew lots with Dr. Halsey as to which 
of them should go, the lot falling on Dr. Halsey. 
Few leave this world with more warm-hearted friends 
to mourn his loss. He associated his son, 

Dr. Joseph Fithian Gaeeison, with him in 
jjractice in 1845, and they together controlled the 
pi'actice in all this part of the county. The latter 
was born in Fairton, Cumberland Co., Jan. 20, 
1823 ; was especially noted as a hard student, a 
perfect book-worm, always preferring the compan- 
ionship of his father or his books to anything else. 
His health not being good, his father bought him a 
boat, hoping he would by this be induced to take ex- 
ercise in the open air. With this he would row him- 
self to some secluded part of the mill-pond which 
skirted the town, and there spend the greater part of 
the day poring over his books, his most congenial, 
chosen companions. His health becoming more en- 
feebled he gave up practice, which he found too 
laborious and exposing for him, and commenced the 
study of divinity, and was admitted to orders early 
in 1855, and was immediately called to the rectorship 
of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, of Cam- 
den, N. J., where he has been, and still is, rector 
for the past twenty-six years. He graduated from 
Princeton College with high honors, the president 
remarking that he was fitted to take the highest posi- 
tion in any profession he might choose. He is also a 
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Medical 
Department. He is a Mason of high standing, and 
has written the most elaborate treatise on symbols 
and history of Masonry ever produced, which article 
he has delivered before many large bodies of that 
fraternity. 

Dr. Luther F. Halsey succeeded Dr. Joseph 
F. Garrison in the practice of medicine in Swedes- 
boro, in January, 1855 ; was born in Bucks County, 
Pa. ; prepared for college at Woodbridge Hall, at 
Perth Amboy, and entered Rutgers College, at New 
Brunswick ; afterwards studied medicine under the 
preceptorship of Dr. C. S. Baker, — than whom there 
does not exist a clearer-headed or more erudite physi- 
cian, — and graduated from Jefferson Medical College. 
After which he spent some time in Europe perfect- 
ing his knowledge, and upon returning home was 
urged to settle in Swedesboro, where he has lived 
ever since, except the three years he spent as surgeon 
in the army, where he occupied important positions, 
generally as one of the chief operators in his corps. 
It has been often said of him, " he is a natural-liorn 
surgeon," in which department especially he has been 
most successful. 

Dr. Francis Hoover, father of Joseph Hoover, 
the celebrated ink man, who was one of the founders 
of the Gloucester County Medical Society in Decem- 
ber, 1818, practiced in Swedesboro, anil ai'tcrwards re- 



moved to Philadelphia. At one time, while living in 
Swedesboro, some one sent for him in a great hurry to 
come and set a broken leg. He immediately attended 
the call, and found it was a turkey whose leg was 
broken. He expressed no indignation, but proceeded 
to set and splint the leg, and gave explicit directions 
how to care for the patient, and left very soon there- 
after, sending in a bill for his professional services, — 
which was contested, but which he recovered by pros- 
ecution. 

Dr. Jeremiah J. Foster settled in Woodbury, 
and practiced there extensively and very successfully, 
and was very popular with his patrons and the whole 
community ; was one of the founders of the Gloucester 
County Medical Society. 

Dr. Charles F. Clark practiced in Woodbury 
for about fifty years; graduated from the LTniversity 
of Pennsylvania; joined the County Medical Society 
May 4, 1836 ; was quite a noted surgeon, and a very 
able, successful, and popular practitioner. He was 
greatly beloved by all who knew him, and was es- 
pecially noted as a friend and helper to all young 
practitioners ; hence did probably the largest consul- 
tation practice in this part of the State. He had 
many students, some of whom became the most able 
and eminent men of the country. 

Drs. Ezra Baker, Bowman, Hendry, Samuel Har- 
ris, Lorenzo Fisler, Thomas Hendry, William Hunt, 
John G. Warner, Charles D. Hendry, I. P. Thorn- 
ton, and I. S. Mulford all lived in or practiced in 
the county, and were members of the County Med- 
ical Society, and were active and efficient practi- 
tioners of medicine. 

Dr. Thomas J. Saunders graduated from the 
University of Pennsylvania, and settled in Wood- 
bury, and was a very successful and acceptable practi- 
tioner. Joined the County Medical Society June 16, 
1846, and was a very earnest, active member. 

He removed to the western country about 1856 or 
1857, and was much missed by his many friends, and 
especiall}' his professional brethren. 

Dr. John R. Sk'kler graduated March 18, 182!>, 
from Jeft'erson Medical College. Settled in Mantua, 
formerly called Carpenter's Landing. Joined the 
County Medical Society, June 16, 1846. Was ap- 
pointed judge of the court for several terms, and his 
judgments were very seldom disputed or reversed by 
higher courts. He always leaned to mercy's side, 
feeling and knowing the imperfections of humanity. 
He always kept open house, and very often enter- 
tained his professional brethren at his truly hospitable 
house and table. Was elected president of the State 
Medical Society in 1859, which body, as well as the 
county society, he very often represented as delegate 
to national and other State societies. He was quite 
an active politician, and was elected State senator. 

Dr. Benjamin P. Howell. — Truly "a gentle- 
nnin of the old school," always dignified, courteous, 
and scru|uilously polite in all liis intercourse, and 




^M<^^ 




GENERAL HISTORY. 



147 



any one passing him on tlie street would instinctively 
turn around after passing and take a prolonged look 
at him. 

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and 
became a member of the county society, June 16, 1846. 

Dr. Benjamin F. Chatham practiced a short 
time at Mullica Hill, then removed to Delaware. 
Joined the County Medical Society in June, 1846. 
Understand he has since died. 

Dr. Elijah Wiley graduated from Jefferson 
Medical College, settled in Swedesboro, and was a 
very excellent and successful practitioner, and would 
have ranked very high in the profession had he not 
been claimed so young as a victim of consumption. 
Joined the County Medical Society, June, 1846. Died 
in February, 1847, and was succeeded by his brother 
George. He continued active practice up till within 
two days of his death, and even tried to dress and 
ride the day before he died, but was wholly unable. 
A man of great character and indomitable persever- 
ance. 

Dr. George Wiley graduated from Jeff'erson 
Medical College ; settled in Swedesboro after his 
brother Elijah's death, but in about three years there- 
after removed to Bridesburg, Pa. ; again back to 
Swedesboro in 1862, and again back to Bridesburg 
iu 1865. 

De. PuRDEE settled in Swedesboro in 1840, 

but only remained here some four months. 

Dr. John Gillman also practiced in Swedesboro 
for a short time, and boarded with Mr. and Mrs. E. 
C. Talman, as did also Drs. Elijah and George Wiley, 
Purdee, and Reeves. 

Samuel T. Miller, M.D. — The ancestors of Dr. 
Miller were of Irish birth. His grandfather was John 
Miller, who married Betsey Borough, and had chil- 
dren, — Borough, John B., James, Sarah (Mrs. Elias 
Kaign, of Camden), Abigail (Mrs. William Beck, of 
Philadelphia), and Ann (Mrs. William Henderson). 
John B. was born on May 12, 1797, in Gloucester 
County, and during his active life engaged largely in 
farming and the shipping of produce, principally in 
Greenwich township. He was early a Democrat, 
but later espoused the principles of the Republican 
party, and was honored by both parties with official 
position, having been thrice representative in the 
State Legislature and judge of the County Court, as 
also an early justice of the peace. He married Miss 
Elizabeth A., daughter of Samuel Tyler and Grace 
Ambler, of Salem, and had children, — Abigail W. 
(Mrs. A. W. H. Hall), Samuel T., Lydia A. (Mrs. 
James M. Roe), Emily (Mrs. George H. Gaunt), 
Anna (Mrs. Z. Sickler), Edward G., Lizzie (Mrs. 
Daniel V. Summerell), Charles F., and John Mason 
(deceased). Mr. Miller died April 6, 1858, in his 
sixty-first year. His widow still survives, in her 
eighty-fourth year. Their son, Samuel T., the sub- 
ject of this brief biography, was born Nov. 21, 1826, 
in Greenwich township, Gloucester Co. He enjoyed 



in youth liberal advantages of education at Penning- 
ton, N. J., where his studies were continued until his 
twenty-first year. He then decided upon a pro- 
fessional career, and choosing that of medicine, en- 
tered the office of Dr. Joseph C. Weatherby, of Clarks- 
boro, where his studies were continued for three years, 
meanwhile attending lectures at the medical depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, from which 
he graduated in 1850. The village of Harrisonville, 
in Gloucester County, first offered an inviting field, 
where he remained one year, and then became estab- 
lished as a practitioner in Paulsboro, his present 
residence. His quick intuition, discretion in prac- 
tice, and thorough knowledge of the science of medi- 
cine readily obtained for him an extended and profit- 
able practice. He has recently relinquished the 
arduous labors of his profession, and devoted his 
time to the management of his three productive 
farms, and to the interests of the Delaware River 
Railroad, of which he is secretarj' and treasurer. 
The doctor, in 1862, entered the army as assistant 
surgeon of the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, and 
served for three years, during which time he was 
delegated to hospital duty, and participated in many 
engagements, his services having ended with the close 
of the conflict. He is an active member of both State 
and County Medical Societies. Dr. Miller is in poli- 
tics a Democrat. He has been identified with his 
township as freeholder for successive terms, and was 
appointed by Governor McClellan judge of the Court 
of Common Pleas, as also a second term by Governor 
Ludlow. He has for years been actively interested 
in the cause of education, and officiated as superin- 
tendent of schools for his township. The doctor was 
married, March 4, 1856, to Miss Fannie M., daughter 
of Jacob and Mary D. Price, of Paulsboro. Their 
children are John B. and Mary E. Mrs. Miller 
having died Oct. 26, 1879, he married, Jan. 11, 1882, 
Miss Jennie L., daughter of John F. Forepaugh, of 
Philadelphia, and his wife, Jane Leaming, of Cape 
May County, N. J. 

Dr. R. S. Graham was son of Rev. • Graham, 

Presbyterian minister of Woodbury, where he settled 
in practice after graduating, but soon removed to 
Chester, where he became a very popular and highly 
respected practitioner. 

Dr. Robert S. Smallwood graduated from Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, and practiced for a short 
time in Woodbury, but was soon carried off' by that 
fell destroyer, consumption. 

Dr. Samuel F. Fisler graduated from Jefferson 
Medical College in spring of 1844; settled in Clay- 
ton, formerly called Fislerville or town ; has ever 
proved a very popular and successful physician, clear, 
close thinker, and close observer; joined the county 
society in 1851. 

Dr. Henry C. Clark graduated from the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, and joined the county so- 
ciety in 1854; settled in Woodbury in practice witli 



148 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



his father, Dr. C. F. Clark. In 1856 he wrote an elabo- 
rate essay on "Amputations," which is among the 
papers of the county society, being so requested by 
said society. In 1861 he went out as volunteer sur- 
geon in the late war of the Rebellion, in which ser- 
vice he filled many prominent positions, and both 
there and at home he has been ever held in the 
highest esteem and confidence. 

Dr. James B. Ware graduated from the University 
of Pennsylvania; settled in Mullica Hill; after a few 
years removed to Davenport, Iowa. Returned after 
some years and settled in Pedricktown, Salem Co., 
where he became quite popular, and gathered quite a 
fortune. After the death of his most estimable wife 
he removed to Bridgeton, Cumberland Co., but not 
succeeding very well he returned to Pedricktown, 
much to the satisfaction of many of his patrons. 

Dr. John H. Ashcraft graduated from Jefferson 
Medical College in 1855 ; joined the county society 
the same year; first settled in Auburn, formerly 
Sculltown, Salem Co., but soon removed to Mullica 
Hill, Gloucester Co., where he has resided ever since, 
and is a very sensible, judicious, popular, self-reliant, 
and no better man living to meet in consultation. 

De. Jacob T. Fisler graduated in 1855 from Jef- 
ferson Medical College, and settled in Harrisonville, 
Gloucester Co., where he became very popular and 
successful as a practitioner; was a great horseman, 
and always drove a magnificent team. 

Dr. Andrew J. McKblway graduated from Jef- 
ferson Medical College; became a member of the 
Gloucester County Medical Society, April, 1859. He 
first practiced in Trenton, N. J., afterwards at Black- 
woodtown, and then went out as volunteer surgeon 
of the Eighth Regiment of New Jersey -Volunteers. 
On his return from the war he settled in Williams- 
town, where he still resides, though now much broken 
in health. One of the most companionable, genial, 
and thoroughly-posted gentlemen I ever met. Has 
probably one of the most extensive libraries of any 
member of the profession in the State. 

Dr. John Shoemaker, a bright, active, energetic 
physician, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Bridge- 
port and practiced two or three years, and the war 
breaking out, he entered the army as a surgeon, and 
served with much distinction. 

A. A. Smith, M.D. — John Smith, the progenitor of 
the Smith family to which belongs Dr. A. A. Smith, 
came to America in 1772, and settled in Atlantic 
County, N. J. ; he had sixty thousand acres of land, 
which were granted to him by the English crown, in 
the counties of Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, and 
Atlantic. The title-deeds to this land are now in the 
possession of his descendants, held by them as heir- 
looms. As shown by the grant made to him, he was 
in the mother-country a man of prominence. He was 
also very wealthy, which gave him a prominent posi- 
tion in the colonies. He established on Staten Island 
and in Philadelphia silk-lace-weaving establishments. 



all of which were destroyed during the Revolutionary 
war. He espoused the cause of the colonies, and in 
connection with his family fitted out two vessels 
as privateers, which did good service on the Jersey 
coast. As soon as the English government learned 
of his disloyalty his estates in England were confis- 
cated and he was disinherited by his father, which, 
with the destruction of his property in Philadelphia 
and on Staten Island, reduced the family from wealth 
and affluence to abject poverty. He married Mary 
Ireland, also of English descent, who bore him chil- 
dren as follows, — Edward, Christiana, Margaret, Mary, 
John, Micajah, Fannie, Asa, Leah, Sarah, Ruth, and 
Daniel. 

Of the children, Asa was born in Atlantic County, 
where he grew to manhood, and in 1794 married Abi- 
gail Dennis. Their children were Absalom, Mary, 
Sarah, Martha, John, Charles, William, and Thomas. 
He became a Methodist preacher, and was one of the 
pioneer itinerant preachers of Jersey. He moved to 
Wilmington, Del., where he served as presiding elder 
of the Wilmington Conference. His son Charles was 
born in Wilmington, Del., Nov. 10, 1810. He 
(Charles) learned the trade of wheelwright in Phila- 
delphia, and became superintendent of a large manu- 
facturing establishment in that city, which position 
he held three years. He was then induced by Sur- 
geon John B. McClellan to study medicine and sur- 
gery under his instruction at the Jefferson Medical 
College in Philadelphia, after which he practiced 
medicine in that city and Wilmington until 1S36, 
when he removed to Malaga, in Gloucester County, 
N. J., where he practiced until his death, which oc- 
curred June 6, 1872. He married Miss Sarah Clark, 
of an old English family, in 1837. Their children 
were Asa, Malissa, Isaac P., Matilda, Sarah T., 
Thomas J., Martha Jane, Charles F., and Mary A. 

Asa, the subject of this sketch, was born in Malaga, 
March 20, 1838, where he grew to manhood. The 
foundation of his education was laid at the district 
school of his native town and from private teachei-s. 
His father intended he should enter the navy, but the 
opposition of his mother frustrated the plan. He 
studied engineering and architecture, but it being 
decided that he should adopt his father's profession, 
he, in October, 1861, entered the University of Penn- 
sylvania as a medical student, and in less than two 
weeks thereafter was offered a commission as acting 
assistant surgeon United States army, which ho de- 
clined. In November he was appointed acting " med- 
ical cadet," United States army, at Satterlee, United 
Slates general hospital, West Philadelphia, where he 
remained until the close of the war. After graduating, 
March, 1864, he was then appointed acting assistant 
surgeon United States army. As a token of their 
good will and ajipreciatiou of his skill and care the 
members of his ward presented him with a beautiful 
sword, which the doctor keeps as a memento of by- 
gone days. In ISlii! he came home to Malaga and 





f^^'y 





eri'ty^u 



^^Li^J^ 



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GENERAL HISTORY. 



149 



commenced the practice of medicine witli his father. 
After his father's death the entire practice fell to him, 
and he has kept it ever since. He still remains in 
Malaga, where he has a beautiful home and an ex- 
tensive and successful practice. On the 23d day of 
August, 1870, he married Miss Mary P., daughter of 
Daniel H. and Elizabeth (Hathaway) Howland. She 
was born in South Dartmouth, Mass., June 10, 1840. 
They have had one child, Sarah H., born June 6, 
1872, died April 19, 1879. 

Dk. Augustus V. Hermann, a Pennsylvania 
German, impulsive and of a very quick temper, nerv- 
ously constituted, while out gunning one day first 
discovered he was blind in one eye. He soon lost 
the sight of the other, which so depressed him that 
he is supposed to have committed suicide by poison. 
He practiced at Bridgeport, and joined the County 
Medical Society, October, 1866, aud was allowed to 
resign in 1872. 

De. Edwaed L. Eeeves settled in Paulsboro in 

1866, joined the society in October the same year, 
and was dropped from the rolls in 1874. 

De. Andrew P. Glanden settled at Mantua in 

1867, and joined the county society the same year. 
Afterwards studied divinity, and acted as a lay reader 
for two or three years. Afterwards removed to Cum- 
berland County, N. J., and resumed the practice of 
medicine. 

Dr. William H. Turner, a native of Mantua, 
Gloucester Co., when but a small boy determined to 
get a good education, aud spent all his leisure time 
fi'om farm work in study, borrowing works of the best 
authors. Graduated from the University of Penn- 
sylvania in 1867, and was admitted to membership 
in the county society same year. He did his own 
thinking, and was one of the brightest and most 
highly-esteemed physicians of the county; wrote aud 
read several very interesting and instructive essays, 
which were read before the county and State so- 
cieties, and copies requested for publication. He 
was a prominent member of several secret societies. 
Not being well, he took by mistake about 'five grains 
of sulphate of morphia instead of sulphate of quinia, 
as he supposed, aud died from its effects, in August, 
1876. 

De. Waltee M. Way settled for a few months in 
Mullica Hill, joined the society, but soon left the 
county. 

John Down Heeitage was born at Hurflfville, 
Gloucester Co., N. J., Sept. 14, 1837. He received 
a common-school education, and afterwards spent 
two years at Pennington Seminary. He was then 
employed for some time as teacher of the school at 
the place of his nativity. Upon deciding to study 
medicine, he entered the office of Charles C. Clark, 
M.D., of Woodbury, one of the most distinguished 
surgeons and skillful practitioners of medicine in 
Gloucester County, and after pursuing his studies for 
three years graduated at the University of Pennsyl- 



vania in March, 1862, having been employed during 

the last year of his studies as medical cadet at Satter- 
lee General Hospital. After practicing medicine a 
short time at his home he was commissioned assistant 
surgeon Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, joining the 
regiment at Falmouth, Va., and remaining with it 
until it was mustered out of service at the close of 
the war. He was taken prisoner at Ream's Station, 
and sent to Hill's Corps Hospital, where he was put 
in charge of three hundred Federal wounded who 
had been taken prisoners at the above battle, and 
gave them attention until they were sent to Rich- 
mond for exchange, after which he reported to Libby 
prison, and was soon after exchanged. He served 
with his regiment at Gettysburg, Manassas Gap, Wil- 
derness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and battles and 
skirmishes before Petersburg. At the close of the 
war he began the practice of medicine at Glassboro, 
N. J., where he still resides. He has performed suc- 
cessfully several amputations, one at the shoulder- 
joint, and many of the minor operations of surgery. 

He is a society man, and was elected Grand Chan- 
cellor of the State Knights of Pythias, and served 
two terms as representative of the State to the Su- 
preme Lodge; is a member of the Grand Lodge of 
Masons, Grand Lodge of Red Men, a member of the 
L O. of 0. F., American Mechanics, Heptasophs, 
State Medical Society, Gloucester County Medical 
Society, and Salem County Medical Society. 

He married. May 26, 1869, Elizabeth Fisler Shivers, 
of Swedesboro township, and has three children. 

Dr. Paul S. Heritage, brother of the above, a 
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in March, 
1872. Settled first in Huffville, but upon the death 
of Dr. Turner removed to Mantua, where he estab- 
lished himself in a good practice, and was deservedly 
popular and successful. He died in the autumn of 
1883. 

De. L. a. D. Allen, graduate of the University 
of Pennsylvania. Studied pharmacy first, and settled 
in Woodstown, Salem Co., though his practice ex- 
tended into Gloucester County, whose society he 
joined in October, 1869. Wholly and enthusiastically 
devoted to his profession. Very popular as a physi- 
cian, and as a citizen and gentleman. Has written 
several articles on professional subjects read before 
the society, which were thankfully and acceptably 
received. 

Drs. Hugh Davis, Edward Hance, Andrew J. Mc- 
Pherson, I. P. Bennett, J. E. Clawson, E. Hance, 
Jr., T. B. Castle, John M. Summerill, J. E. Garrison, 
William B. Christine all practiced in different parts 
of the county, but only for a short time, and were 
pleasant gentlemen. 

Dr. Chaeles Hitchnee practiced at Elmer, 
Salem Co. Joined county society in 1870, but soon 
gave it up and went into the drug business. 

Dr. Albert Poech practiced at Hardingville, and 
since removed to Clayton. Graduate of Jefferson 



150 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Medical College, and admitted member of society 
in October, 1871. 

Da. George C. Laws, a native of Pennsylvania, 
first studied the homoeopathic system, but seeing its 
unreliability in critical cases, gave it up and gradu- 
ated from the University of Pennsylvania, March, 
1871, and was admitted into the society, January, 1872. 
He settled in Paulsboro, and worked himself into a 
large and lucrative practice. A thoroughly conscien- 
tious Christian gentleman, strong Episcopalian, and 
was the main mover in establishing the church of 
that town. His especial forte is chemistry. A great 
reader and a thorough student, a warm-hearted and 
true friend, loving always to do some one good. 

Dr. William H. Iszaed graduated from Jefferson 
Medical College in March, 1S70, started practice in 
Elmer, Salem Co., his practice extending into Glouces- 
ter County. Admitted to membership in county so- 
ciety January, 1872. Was elected State senator from 
Salem County, where he did much good work. Several 
years since he removed to Camden, wliere he now 
resides, and is doing a good work and proHtuble busi- 
ness. 

Dr. Ch. Grant Garrison, son of Dr. Joseph F. 
Garrison, born in Swedesboro. Was educated at 
Lawrenceville and University of Pennsylvania, and 
graduated from medical department of the latter in- 
stitution, and commenced practice in Swedesboro. 
Continued there about six years, and then studied 
law and removed to Camden, where he is a rising and 
popular lawyer. As a practitioner he was very pop- 
ular and very successful. Was I'ecently appointed 
counselor for tlie Eipiscopal diocese of New Jersey. 

De. John B. Keasby graduated from University 
of Pennsylvania in 1854, was professor of obstetrics 
in medical college in Georgetown, D. C. Afterwards 
settled in Woodbury, where he still resides, much re- 
spected and deservedly popuhir with tlie people. 

Dr. Albert Trenchard graduated from Jefferson 
Medical College in February, 1875, settled in Wil- 
liamstown, and was there very popular. Afterwards 
removed to Mantua, where he now resides. 

Dr. Eugene E. De Drofft, a native of Salem 
County, N. J., studied medicine with Dr. Mayhew 
Johnson, was also in his drug-store for sevei-al years. 
Graduated from Jefferson Medical College in March, 
1875, and joined the society in April of the same year. 
Settled in Mullica Hill, and is much beloved and es- 
teemed by a large circle of friends and patrons. Re- 
signed from the society because he kee|iing a drug- 
store felt he had to keep and sell proprietary medi- 
cines. 

Dr. Henry Buckingham graduated from Co- 
lumbia College, 1874, and joined the county society 
iu April, 1875. Settled in Clayton, and is deservedly 
esteemed and popular, and a most excellent physician. 

Dit. Mosics J. Paulding, graduate of University 
of Pennsylvania, 18GC, and joined tlie county society 
in April, 187() ; settled in Daretown, Salem Co., near 



the county line. A noble man, and an excellent phy- 
sician and surgeon. 

Dr. Eugene T. Oliphant, a native of Burlington 
County, graduated from the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, and first settled along the seashore, at Manahaw- 
kin, when, finding the rides too long and the pay too 
small, he removed to Bridgeport, where he has become 
a very successful and popular practitioner. 

Dr. Thomas B. Turner, a native of Gloucester 
County, graduated from Princeton and the medical 
department of the University of Pennsylvania; first 
settled in Mount Holly, removing from thence to Har- 
risonville, where he practiced a few years, and then 
retired to a farm, preferring the latter to the practice 
of medicine. 

De. Isaiah D. Clawson graduated from the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania ; settled in Woodstown, where 
he amassed considerable property ; was a noble, big- 
hearted man, and an excellent physician ; was di- 
rector of the bank of that borough up to the time of 
his death. He died from apoplexy. A great loss. 

Dr. Uriah Gilman, a native of Salem County, 
graduated from Jefferson Medical College, and was 
admitted to membership in county society, October, 
1876. He entered the army in the Twelfth Regiment 
New Jersey Volunteers as surgeon, and upon his re- 
turn from the war in 1865 he settled in Woodstown, 
where he still resides. 

Dr. Samuel F. Stanger, a native of Gloucester 
County, and student of Dr. John Down Heritage, 
graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1875, and 
joined the society in October, 1876. He first settled 
in Williamstown, but after a year or two removed to 
Harrisonville, where he resides, and is popular and 
successful. "He loves politics better than eating," 
though he does not allow himself to be carried away 
by it from his professional duties. 

Dr. Ben.tamin F. Buzby, a native of Burlington 
County ; studied medicine with Dr. J. P. Thornton, 
of Mount Holly ; graduated from the University of 
Pennsylvania, afterwards spending some time in Vi- 
enna perfecting his professional knowledge; settled 
in Swedesboro ; joined the county society in January, 
1879; a good, safe practitioner. 

Dr. Luther M. Halsey, a native of Gloucester 
County, son of Dr. L. F. Halsey, was educated at 
Lehigh University, and graduated from Jefferson 
Medical College ; settled in practice in Williams- 
town, where he is deservedly very poi)ular, and has 
a very large practice ; was offered a responsible posi- 
tion of trust in the capacity of surgeon, but preferred 
the retirement and indepcTulonce of private practice. 

Dr. Miles SYNorr was born at Fislervillc, now 
Clayton ; studied medicine with Dr. Jacob Fisler, 
and graduated from Jefferson Medical College. He 
married Miss Harriet Wliitney, a sister of Jlessrs. 
Thomas and Samuel Whitney, the great glass men 
of Glassboro. He began practice at Chow's Land- 
ing, Camden Co., but soon removed to Glassboro, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



151 



where he did a very large business, and had an envi- 
able reputation as an obstetrician. He was peculiar 
and eccentric, and fond of a fine double-team, which 
he always drove. He died in 1866, and was succeeded 
by Dr. J. Down Heritage. 

De. Martin Synott, a brother of Dr. Miles. He 
also studied medicine with Dr. Jacob Fisler, and 
graduated from Jefferson Medical College ; settled in 
Blackwoodtown, where he did a large business, and 
was esteemed as a superior physician, and was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. Brannin. 

Dr. Jacob Fisler was among the oldest practi- 
tioners of whom we have any knowledge in the 
county. He settled in his native place, Fislerville, 
now Clayton, and did a very large and widely-ex- 
tended business, extending over a diameter of more 
than twenty miles; was a very active member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and a local preacher in 
said church. He did a very large obstetrical practice, 
in which he had a very wide reputation. 

Dr. James C. Weatherby was born in Clarks- 
boro, Gloucester Co., N. J. He received a very liberal 
education, graduating from Kenyon College, Ohio, 
and received his degree of A.M. in 1846. He was 
considered a very fine Latin scholar. 

He studied medicine with Dr. Charles F. Clark, of 
Woodbury, and attended a full curriculum of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, from which institution he 
graduated in March, 1837. In June, 1846, upon the 
reorganization of the county society after a tempo- 
rary suspension he was elected to membership and 
appointed on the board of censors by the State Med- 
ical Society, which position he held with honor to 
himself and to the societies as well as the profession 
for over thirty years. In April, 1837, he settled in 
his native town, where he still practices and is highly 
esteemed by a large circle of frieuds and patrons. He 
has filled the position of president of the county so- 
ciety many times, and treasurer and secretary of the 
same for many years, and frequently entertained the 
members of the county society at his house. He is 
the oldest active practitioner in the county, and is 
also senior warden of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal 
Church of Clarksboro. 

Dr. Thomas Eeeves was born in Gloucester 
County, near Clarksboro ; was a brother of the Hon. 
Joseph L. Reeves, of Clarksboro, who served our 
county in the State Senate with great credit to him- 
self and satisfaction to the people. 

He studied medicine with Joseph C. Weatherby, 
A.M., M.D., and graduated from the University of 
Pennsylvania, April 4, 1845, his thesis being upon 
epilepsy, which received high commendation from 
the faculty. 

He first settled in Pennsgrove, Salem Co., where 
he was a very successful practitioner, and was very 
popular. In 1854 he removed to Swedesboro, where 
he practiced about two years, still retaining many of 
his old families in Salem County. 



In February, 1857, he was attacked with malignant 
internal erysipelas, and being of a delicate constitu- 
tion he soon fell a victim to the terrible epidemic 
which prevailed that year so fatally. 

JcsEPH B. Roe, M.D. — The great-grandparents of 
Dr. Roe were Abram and Christiana Roe, whose son 
Henry, his grandfixther, was born May 20, 1754, in 
Camden (now Gloucester County), where he culti- 
vated the farm at present owned by the doctor. He 
married Ann, daughter of James and Ann Jaggard, 
whose birth occurred Oct. 4, 1760. Their children 
were Christiana, born in 1780 ; Ann, in 1782 ; Robert, 
in 1784; Christiana (2d), in 1785; William, in 1787 
Henry, in 1789 ; James, in 1792 ; Charles, in 1794 
Abraham, in 1796; Rebecca, in 1798; David, in 1800 
Susanna, in 1803. David, of this number, was born 
Feb. 4, 1800, and resided at Haddon field, Camden 
Co., N. J., where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, 
though also a successful farmer. He married Rebecca 
S., daughter of Joseph and Susan Bispham, born 
Nov. 6, 1797, in Philadelphia, whose children were 
Henry, born in 1825 ; Susan (Mrs. James Murphy), 
in 1827; Rebecca (Mrs. Charles 0. Morris), in 1830; 
David (deceased); Anna (Mrs. D. W. C. Morris), in 
1832; David (2d), in 1834; Joseph B. ; Elizabeth 
(deceased), in 1888. Joseph B., the subject of this 
biography, was born Feb. 26, 1836, at Haddonfleld, 
where his childhood was passed. His advantages of 
education were liberal, the earliest instruction being 
imparted at a select school, after which he repaired to 
Mount Holly and Princeton, and entered Princeton 
College in 1855, from which he graduated in 1858. 
He soon after became a student of the medical depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, from which 
he received his diploma in 1861. The doctor made 
Philadelphia his first field of labor, and in 1862 en- 
tered the army as assistant surgeon in connection 
with hospital work, remaining in the service until 
1866, when his practice in Philadelphia was resumed. 
In 1869, having determined to retire from professional 
labor, he purchased the homestead of his grandfather, 
which has been a family seat for one hundred and 
twenty-five years, and has found both rest and change 
in the pleasurable avocation of the farm, especially 
in the department of market gardening. He was mar- 
ried, Nov. 22, 1864, to Mary K., daughter of Thomas 
and Rachel J. Caldwell, of Philadelphia. Their chil- 
dren are Joseph B., Jr., born in 1867 ; Augusta C, in 
1870; Susan, in 1872; James M., in 1875 ; Mary K., 
in 1881, who died in 1882 ; and Howard, in 1883. 

Dr. Roe votes the Republican ticket in politics, and 
while earnest in his zeal for the success of the party, 
cares little for the honors within its gift. He is an 
elder in the Presbyterian Church of Woodbury, as 
were his father and grandfather before him. 

Homoeopaths. — Dr. William A. Gardner settled 
in Woodbury, where he did a large and profitable 
business; was professor of anatomy, and was a very 
bright man and a very fine operator. He was a stu- 



152 



HISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



dent of Professor T. D. Mutter and a graduate from 
Jefferson Medical College. He served very credita- 
bly in the army as surgeon in a Pennsylvania regi- 
ment. 

Dr. Daniel E. Gardner, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, settled in Woodbur}', N. J. ; graduated from the 
Pennsylvania Medical College. He did a very exten- 
sive practice, made considerable money, and was very 
popular. 

John Freedley Musgrave, M.D., the subject of 
this sketch, was born in Berks County, Pa., in city 
of Reading, on the 29th day of March, 1832. His 
father, Isaac Musgrave, was a civil engineer, and 
came from Baltimore ; was of Irish descent. His 
mother, Emily Prince, was of the old Freedley family 
of Montgomery County, Pa., old original German 
settlers in that county, and were prominent land- 
holders. Hon. John Freedley, a great-uncle, was 
the representative in Congress for two terms from 
that district. He was named after him, and was 
educated by him. Having received a full course at 
the JSTorristown Academy, was placed under private 
instruction in several branches, became a student of 
medicine under Samuel Freedley, and graduated from 
the Homoeopathic College of Pennsylvania in the year 
1853, and attended the University of Pennsylvania, 
and graduated in 1854. Was two years Central Dis- 
pensary physician, and one year resident physician to 
the Pennsylvania Hospital. In the year 1862 entered 
the army, and served during the war as an assistant 
surgeon of United States Volunteers. In July, 1865, 
was appointed physician to the steamship " Circas- 
sian," the first American line of steamers to Ger- 
many, which was beached during the heavy storms 
of December on Island Madam. During this dis- 
aster he received some internal injuries, and was ad- 
vised on his return to Philadelphia to go to the 
country to practice for benefit of his health, and in 
1866 he located in Swedesboro, in which place he 
met with an unusual success, and has done one of the 
largest county practices, and been universally es- 
teemed as a successful practitioner in the homoeo- 
pathic school. 

Dr. Jacob Isgard, a native of Gloucester County, 
N. J., was employed as a very popular and successful 
teacher for a number of years. In 1867 studied medi- 
cine, and graduated from Hahnemann Medical College 
in 1870, and settled in Glassboro, where he still re- 
sides and is very much respected. 

Dr. Isaac Cooper, a native of New Jersey, settled 
in Mullica Hill, where he became heavily involved 
financially, and from there removed to Trenton, where 
he still resides. 

Dr. Albert T. Beckett, a native of Gloucester 
County, N. J., graduated from the Hahnemann Med- 
ical College in 1873, and settled in Mullica Hill, 
where he remained about two years, and then removed 
to Salem, N. J., where he now resides. 

Dr. II. L. Stambach, a native of Phihidelphia, I 



Pa., graduated in 1879 from the Hahnemann Medical 
College, settled in Mullica Hill, thence to Woodbury, 
where he entered in partnership with Dr. McGeorge. 

Dr. Wallace McGeorge, a native of New Eng- 
land, graduated in 1868. He practiced a while in the 
Mohawk Valley, and settled afterward in Woodbury, 
where he threw his whole energies into practice and 
improving the city, and took a very active part in 
Sunday-schools and in temperance, and has been 
president of the Temperance Alliance for a number 
of years. 

Dr. Clarence G. Abbott, a native of Gloucester 
County, graduated 1879; settled in Salem, N. J., 
where he practiced about two years, and afterward 
removed to his native place, Woodbury, where he now 
resides and practices. 

Eclectic Practitioners. — Dr. J. Pomroy settled 
from New York in Coxe's Hill, now Jefferson, where 
he did quite a large business and was very popular. 
After residing here for several years he removed to 
St. Louis, Mo., where he died. 

Dr. Frederick Cutter came from New England, 
and settled first in Bridgeport, and afterward removed 
to Mullica Hill. He was a very plausible and popu- 
lar man, and did a large business, and though of a 
fine physique, went down in rapid consumption, and 
died at about forty-four years of age. 

Dr. Chapman settled in Harrisonville, where 

he remained but a short time, and removed to the 
West. 

Dr. LiPPlNCOTT settled in Harrisonville, but 

soon left. He afterward graduated in some Western 
school, and settled in the oil region of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Winslow Jackson came from New England 
as a school- and music-teacher, took up medicine, and 
practiced in Bridgeport, where he still resides. 



CHAPTER XXXL 

KEBELLION HISTORY OF GLOUCESTEK COUNTY. 

As early as April 23, 1861, the board of freeholders, 
inspired by the patriotism which the assault on the 
American flag in Charleston harbor aroused through- 
out the nation, adopted the following resolution : 

" Ifemlved, That ii sum uot exceeding tlireo ttiuuBiind iloltai's be ap- 
pi'oprinted liy thobniird of chosen froehohiers of the county of Gloucoa- 
tor for tlie elipport and nuuntouunco of the rttniilies of sitcli persons nd 
BhiiU vohinteor for the ilofonse of tlte conntry, and tliat file fi-eeliohien* 
of each township sliali draw on tlie county collector for such sums as 
they may deem necessary for such ntatntenance." 

On the 10th of August in the same year one dollar 
per week was ordered from the county fund to the 
wives and widowed mothers of all who were then, or 
who might thereafter become, volunteers, and twenty- 
five cents jier week to each of their ehildreii under 
the age of twelve years. On the Htli of May, 1802, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



153 



this last allowance was increased to fifty cents per 
week. 

On the 9th of August it was 

"Resolved^ That a bounty of fifty dollars be paid by the county col- 
lector to each accepted man voluuteering (not a commissioned officer), 
being a resident of the county of Gloucester, in the Twelfth Regiment, 
provided be receives no bounty from another county." 

Under the same date a loan of twelve thousand 
dollars was authorized, and on the 8th of Kovember 
authority was given for the issue of county bonds to 
the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. 

On the 14th of March, 1863, the allowance of fifty 
cents per week to the children of volunteers was 
changed to two dollars per month, and subsequently 
the word " soldiers" from this county was substituted 
for that of volunteers, and this allowance was con- 
tinued by resolutions adopted from time to time during 
the continuance of the war. 

Soldiers' Monument. — At a reception of returned 
volunteers held at Mullica Hill, Sept. 4, 1865, a reso- 
lution was adopted to erect a monument to the mem- 
ory of the volunteers from Gloucester County who 
fell in the war for the Union. A committee was ap- 
pointed to carry into effect this resolution, and this 
committee decided to pursue a plan which would give 
every citizen an opportunity to share, according to 
his ability, in this tribute of gratitude to the honored 
dead of the county. To accomplish this the com- 
mittee brought the matter before the people at the 
annual town-meetings, and with great unanimity they 
instructed their members of the board of freeholders 
to vote for an appropriation for that purpose. Ac- 
cordingly the following action was taken by the board 
March 8, 1866 : 

" It being represented to the board that at a soldiers' reception held at 
Mullica Hill iu September last, a committee was appointed for the pur- 
pose of erecting a monument to the memory of the heroic dead of 
(-■rloucester County who lost their lives in defense of their country during 
the late Rebellion, and the said committee liaving appeared before the 
board and asked that a sufEci^nt sum of money be appropriated for the 
erection of such monument, it was resolved that a sum not exceeding 
two thousand five hundred dollars be appropriated for that purpose, and 
that Messrs. Isaac Dukes, Daniel J. Packer, and Isaac H. Lippincott be 
a committee to act in connection with the said committee appointed at 
Mullica Hill." 

On the 31st of March, 1867, the insufficiency of 
this sum for the completion of the monument and 
the full compensation of the contractor was repre- 
sented. " Whereupon it was resolved that the sum 
of one thousand dollars be added to the former grant, 
and that the committee may draw on the county col- 
lector for that sum." A resolution complimenting 
the contractor and his assistant for the manner in 
which they had executed the work was also adopted. 

Many designs and proposals were received by the 
committee, and that of Michael Reilly was adopted. 
The monument was erected as it stands, and was ded- 
icated with appropriate ceremonies May 30, 1867. It 
is a marble obelisk, surmounted by the American 
eagle, and on the front of its base are carved the arms 
of the State of New Jersey. On the four panels of 



the pedestal are the names of those in whose honor 

the monument was erected. The following is a copy 
of the inscription and names: 

To the citizens 

who died in defense of the Union 

during the lato Rebellion 

Gloucester County dedicates 

This Monument. 

Brigadier- Generals. 
George Dashrill Bayard. Joshua B. Howell. 

Charles G. Harker. 

Captain. 

Edward Carlyle Norris, 



Lieulenants. 



Mark H. Roberts. 
Joseph H. Johnson. 



Non- Ckimmissioned 



Enoch Allen. 
Joeeph T. Allen. 
Samuel 0. Allen, Jr. 
Benjamin Allen. 
George W. Allen. 
John Albright. 
George C. Anthony. 
John Armstrong. 
William S. Bradford. 
Henry Bradshaw, Jr. 
Allen Black. 
Allen Baker. 
Joseph Bates. 
Edward Barney. 
Lewis Beebe. 
John B. Beetle. 
Edward G. Bendler. 
Charles K. Beatty. 
Thomas Beran. 
Jesse H. Berry. 
Isaac Bright. 
■William Brown. 
David R. Brown. 
Edward Brown. 
David Boody. 
George Bowers. 
John Boyce. 
Richard Borton. 
Benjamin Budd. 
William L. Buller. 
James Budd. 
Theodore Burrough. 
John M. Clark. 
William J. Clark. 
Henry F. Clark. 
William D. Clark. 
John Clark. 
Charles Camp. 
Lawrence E. Cake. 
Am 08 C. Carter. 
James T. Cafferey. 
Justine M. Crane. 
John R. Campbell. 
John Calhoun. 
Thomas Clevinger, 
Joseph S. Clement. 
Elwood Chew. 
Lewis W. Cox. 
Lewis C. Cox. 
James Corneal. 
Lamer M. Daniels. 
John R. Darnell. 
Charles H.Davis. 
William B. Davis. 
William S. Dawson. 
William Dermott, 



James S. Stratton. 
Joseph Pierson. 

Officers and Privates. 

Henry B. Dickinson. 
Michael Donnell. 
Richard Doughten. 
David Doughty. 
Joseph Downs. 
Denna L. Dunbar. 
Joseph T. Ewan. 
Edward Ewan, Jr. 
JessB G. E^istlack. 
Arthur P. Ellis. 
George T. Eldridge. 
Charles Farr. 
Henry Fredericks. 
William Fletcher. 
Aaron S. Featherer. 
Ezra C. French. 
George W. French, 
Charles French. 
Isaac Fisler. 
Aaron Finneman. 
Nathan Fisher. 
Elvy Foster. 
John R. Green. 
Samuel S. Greenwood. 
David S. Gibson. 
George W. Hannold. 
William P. Hallowell. 
Martin Hawnen. 
Samuel G. Headley. 
John Hewlings. 
"William Hewett. 
John Heutliorn. 
Benjamin H. Hughes. 
Samuel B. Hughes. 
William C. HufT. 
David Hutchinson. 
Theodore Hudson. 
Whitten G. Iredell. 
Charles S. Jackson. 
John C. Jackson. 
Jones F. Jackson. 
George Jones. 
Joseph Jones. 
Richard Jones. 
"William H. Johnson. 
John Kauffman. 
Lewis Kates. 
Eric Seen. 
Daniel Kierman. 
William D. Ladd. 
William Lakes. 
Charles W. Lane. 
William R. Lewis. 
Robert Lee. 
John Lindle. 
Joseph W. Lingg. 



154 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Isaac D. Lodge. 
James H. Loug. 
John Martin. 
George H. Martin. 
Samuel C. Matts. 
Adam Marshall. 
Charles Miller. 
Samuel D. Mills. 
Francis Mills. 
Edward Mills. 
Robert Morris. 
William S. Moore. 
Charles Mounce. 
George Mooney. 
Michael Mulkeu. 
James McClearnan. 
George McClearnan. 
John McCliue, Jr. 
Thomas McDowell. 
John McKeon. 
William Newborn. 
Anthony' Nemes. 
Oliver Ogden. 
George Ostertag. 
Jesse A. Osborn. 
Amos Parker. 
Charles W. Parker. 
Fithian Parker. 
J. Ale.\ander Packer. 
John H. Paul. 
John A. Peaples. 
Andrew J. Peck. 
John B. Pedrick. 
Benjaniia Pine. 
Levi Pimm. 
Charles D. Potter. 
William H. Porch. 
James L. Plummer, Jr. 
Luke Keeves. 
Joseph Rial. 
Charles W. Roy. 
Vanrooni Robbins. 
Vincent Robart. 
Dennis Ryan. 
Isaac Stratton. 
William II. H. Stratton. 
Charles C. Stratton. 



Cornelius W, Strang. 
George W. Swan. 
Samuel S. T. Sapp. 
Edwin F. Sweeton. 
Thomas Stewart. 
Christian Sterling, Jr. 
John H. Smith. 
William T. Smith. 
William Smith. 
Frank D. Smith. 
Aaron Smith. 
William Skill. 
Josiah Skill. 
Charles W. Skill. 
Leonard L. Stiles. 
James B. Stiles. 
Elvy Simkins. 
William H. H. Shivler. 
Joseph D. Scott. 
Charles Scott. 
George W. Scott. 
Henry B. Stockton. 
Alfred J. Sooiers. 
Enoch B. Souder. 
Abel K. Sliute. 
John Taylor. 
Isaac Terpine. 
Alfred C. Titus. 
Richard B. Tomlin, 
Matthew G. Tomlin. 
William H. J. Todd. 
.Tohn C. Torney. 
Benjamin P. Thompson. 
Samuel Tyler. 
Henry J. Wamsley. 
Albert J. Weatherby. 
William T. Whiley. 
Charles M. Wilson. 
Francis A. Wilson. 
Joseph C. D. Williams. 
Charles K. Wood. 
William J, Wood. 
Joseph W. Wollard. 
James Zane. 
William Zane. 
Charles G. Zane. 



Of the officers in this list it was said at the dedica- 
tion of the monument: 

" Gen. George D. Bayard, although but twenty- 
eight yeans old when he fell on the field of Freder- 
icksburg, had already shown himself a worthy in- 
heritor of a name distinguished in the annals of the 
Revolution, and made himself pre-erainentfor bravery 
and skill among the foremost generals of the Army of 
the Potomac. As leader of cavalry he had been 
marked, from the beginning of the war, for his wise 
energy and successful daring, and it was largely to 
his ability and watchful zeal the army was indebted 
for its preservation in the disastrous conflicts of the 
second campaign of Manassas, and the subsequent re- 
treat on Washington, in which he fully merited the 
honor given him by Gen. Pope in his official notice." 

''Gens. Bayard and Buford commanded the cav- 
alry belonging to the Army of Virginia. Their duties 
were peculiarly arduous and hazardous, and it is not 
too much to stiy that throughout the operations, from 
the first to the last day of the campaign, scarcely a 
day passed that these officers did not render service 



that entitled them to the gratitude of the govern- 
ment." 

Gex. Joshua B. Howell. — Although not a resi- 
dent of New Jersey when the war broke out, Gen. 
Howell was a native of Gloucester County, and here 
his remains are entombed. Said Dr. Garrison, — 

"Id almost every battle of the first campaign on the Peninsula, at 
Williamsburg, at Fair Oaks, protecting the retreat on Harrison's Land- 
ing, Gen. Howell bore a prominent and often a distinguished part. He 
was the first to land his troops on the island that gave our forces their 
firm foothold for the siege of Charleston, was commandant at Hilton 
Head, and shared with honor in the Army of the James, and every- 
where maintained a reputation high and growing for all the noble traits 
that are essential to the character of gentleman and soldier." 

Brig.- Gen. Charle.s G. Harker was born at 
Swedesboro in 1835. He became an orphan in 
early life, and at the age of twelve or thirteen en- 
gaged in the service of Hon. N. T. Stratton, of Mul- 
lica Hill, as a clerk. By Mr. Stratton he was recom- 
mended for appointment to the West Point Military 
Academy, which he entered in 1854, and from which 
he graduated in 1858. He became a second lieuten- 
ant in the United States army the same year, and in 
1861 he was made colonel of the Sixty-fifth Regiment 
of Ohio volunteers. He joined Gen. Buell's army 
of the Ohio, assisted in constructing the military road 
in Eastern Kentucky, participated in the battle of 
Shiloh and the siege of Corinth, and commanded a 
brigade of the force that chased Bragg out of Ken- 
tucky. In the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. 
Rosecrans, he distinguished himself at the battle of 
Stone River, and was recommended by his superior 
for promotion. He participated in the Tennessee 
campaign, and under Gen. Thomas, at the battle of 
Chickamauga, he was largely instrumental in saving 
the army. He was promoted to the position of briga- 
dier-general, his commission dating from that battle. 
At Mission Ridge he was wounded, and his horse was 
killed, and at Resaca he was again wounded, and had 
another horse killed under him. At the battle of 
Kenesaw Mountain he fell, mortally wounded, while 
leading an assault on the enemy. His last words 
were, " Have we taken the mountain ?" Gen. How- 
ard said of him, — • 

" I was surprised and pleased to find that so yonng a man had won 
the complete euiifidence of the commanding general of the depurtmeot. 
The only complaint that I ever heard was that if HarUcr got started 
against the enemy he could not be kept hack. Yet I never knew him 
other than cool and self-possessed. Whenever anything ditricult was 
to be done, anything that required peculiar pluck ami energy, wo called 
on Gen. Harker." 

From the address of .Tudge B. F. Carter, at the 
dedication, the following brief notices of the subor- 
dinate officers, and some of the soldiers whoso names 
appear on the nioiiument, are condensed : 

Capt. Ei)WAI(i> Carlyle Norris was the son 
of Rev. William Herbert Norris, an Episcopal clergy- 
man. He was born in Virginia in 1841, but came to 
Woodbury with his parents in 1854. He passed two 
years tit Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and early 
in 1S()2 was eoinmissioiuHl u second lieuteuanl in 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



155 



the Seventy-first Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
In April of that year he was prostrated by typhoid 
fever, from which he recovered. At the battle of Au- 
tietam he was in command of his company, and was 
one of the large number who fell under the terrific fire 
of eight minutes. He was wounded in his breast, but 
survived during eight months, in which time he was 
commissioned a captain in his regiment. He died 
May 12, 1863, nearly twenty-two years of age. 

LiEtrx. Mark H. Roberts, the son of Thomas E. 
Roberts, of Harrisonville, enlisted April 23, 1861, as 
a private in the Twentieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
He was made second lieutenant of Company K, 
Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, in August, 
1861, and was promoted to the first lieutenancy in his 
company in 1862. On the 30th of June in that year, 
at the battle of Malvern Hill, he was instantly killed 
'by a cannon-shot, which tore off his left breast and 
shoulder. He was then in the twenty-second year 
of his age, and he had passed through the battles of 
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Charles City Court- House, 
and Gaines' Mills. 

LiEDT. James S. Steatton was the son of Hon. 
Nathan T. Stratton, of Mnllica Hill, and brother of 
Capt. Edward L. Stratton, of the same place. Aug. 
14, 1862, when only eighteen years of age, he enlisted 
in Company F, Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, and 
was made a sergeant. He became second lieutenant 
in May, 1863, and early in 1864 he was promoted to 
the rank of first lieutenant, which he held at the time 
of his death. He was shot through the head in a 
charge at the battle of Ream's Station, Aug. 25, 1864, 
having then nearly completed his twenty-first year. 
He was a youug man of extraordinary promise, and it 
was said of him, at the time of his death, by a brother 
officer, " The example of loyalty, of bravery, of an in- 
telligent and dignified manhood which he has left 
will not soon be forgotten." 

Lieut. Joseph H. Johnson, the son of Jonathan 
Johnson, of Carpenter's Landing, first served three 
months in the Nineteenth Pennsylvania National 
Guards. Oct. 3, 1861, he enlisted and was made sec- 
ond lieutenant of Company H, Seventh Regiment 
New Jersey Volunteers. After achieving a most 
honorable record he was instantly killed at the bat- 
tle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, in his twenty-third 
year. 

Lieut. Joseph Pieeson, youngest son of Joseph Z. 
Pierson, of Woodbury, enlisted as a private in Com- 
pany F, Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 
He was commissioned second lieutenant in that com- 
pany Aug. 19, 1862. At the battle of Chancellors- 
ville, while in a sitting posture, firing and at the 
same time calling, " Steady, boys, steady," to his 
men, he was shot in the head and breast and in- 
stantly killed. At the time of his death he was in 
his twenty-second year. 

William Waddell Ladd was the youngest of 
those whose names are on this monument. At the 



age of sixteen he enlisted in Company D, Second New 
Jersey Cavalry. Six months afterwards he died of dis- 
ease, in a rude negro cabin on the banks of the Mis- 
sissippi River, near Columbus, Ky. Young as he 
was, there is no doubt of his patriotism. 

Jesse A. Osborn, the son of Henry Osborn, was 
killed at Martin's Ford, as he and his brother Elias 
were taking their food after the fighting was over; he 
was shot by a sharpshooter, and fell in the arms of his 
brother without uttering a word. 

Joseph W. Ling was the son of Joseph Ling. He 
served three years in the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania 
Regiment; was with it in all its battles without re- 
ceiving a wound, was discharged with it, and with it 
re enlisted for three years. He was instantly killed 
in his first battle after his re-enlistment, — that of the 
Wilderness. He was in his twenty-second year. 

Charles W. Skill, the son of Josiah Skill, was 
captured by the enemy, and died at Andersonville 
prison. 

Henry Beadshaw, Jr., was one of the few who 
volunteered at midnight in the attack on Fort Sum- 
ter. He was taken prisoner at the fort, and carried 
to Andersonville, where he died. 

John R. Pedrick volunteered in Company A, 
Third Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. He became 
color-sergeant of the regiment, and received from the 
hands of Governor Parker the regimental flag. One 
week later, at Salem Church, he was instantly killed 
while bearing the flag. He fell with it wound around 
his body. 

It is believed that no stain rests on the memory 
of any of the two hundred and thirteen whose names 
are inscribed on this monument. They sealed their 
patriotism with their lives, and their grateful coun- 
trymen have erected this monument to their memory. 



CHAPTER XXXIL 

THE PRESS IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 

From a historical address delivered by Judge B. 
F. Carter, in 1872, the following sketch of the press in 
Woodbury to that time is taken. 

Gloucester Farmer. — This, which was the first news- 
paper published in Woodbury, was established in 1816, 
by John Crane. It existed but a few months owing to 
an imprudent publication. The editor soon removed 
from the town. 

The Village Herald was the next paper published 
here, in 1819. It represented the Whig party, and 
was edited by Philip J. Gray, Esq. He published the 

; Herald for ten years, then sold it to Joseph Sailer, 
who edited it in support of Democratic measures for 

I a number of years and then sold it to William John- 
son, who continued it as a Democratic paper, and 



156 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



after a time removed it to Camden, where it passed 
into othier liands. 

The Constitution. — In 1834, this was first published 
in Woodbury by Augustus S. Barber, Esq. It started 
and continued for some years as an advocate of the 
Whig party, and since of the Republican party. This 
was some years (during Mr. Sailer's time) before the 
Herald was removed to Camden, so that at that time 
there were two papers published in Woodbury, repre- 
senting the two leading parties. The Constitution, in 
its forty-ninth year, still lives, and it is one of the 
most successful county papers in the State, and now, 
with its long experience, it appears in all the fresh- 
ness and vigor of youth. It was the first to introduce 
steam-power press in the State, below Trenton, which 
was done in 1863. It is recognized by all as a well- 
conducted journal. 

The journal is still conducted by Mr. Barber, as- 
sisted by his son, A. S. Barber, Jr., associate editor. 

The Swedesboro Times. — This, which is the only 
newspaper in Swedesboro, was established by Zenas 
Emory, the editor and proprietor, in 1871, the first 
number appearing December 14th of that year. It 
was removed to Swedesboro from Bricksburg (now 
Lakewood), in Ocean County, where it was owned 
and edited by George M. Pither, who sold it to Rev. 
Lewis Thompson, and he to Zenas Emory, who re- 
moved it to Swedesboro. Mr. Emory died in Decem- 
ber, 1872, and his wife, Mrs. Louisie Emory, suc- 
ceeded him in the publication of the paper, retaining 
it till June 12, 1882, when it passed into the hands of 
William W. Taylor, the present proprietor. 

The Times has never been the organ of any sect or 
party, but it has been independent in all things, 
fearlessly upholding the right and denouncing the 
wrong, even when to do so was money out of pocket. 
Its aim has been to promote the best interests of its 
town and neighborhood, and thus to make itself wel- 
come in the homes of its patrons. 

Weekly Item. — The Item was established at New- 
field, Oct. 14, 1873, by Albert C. Dalton, the present 
publisher and editor. It is an eight-column paper, 
and the oldest Democratic sheet in Gloucester County. 
It is devoted mainly to local and general news. The 
paper enjoys a liberal job and advertising patronage, 
and a circulation of more than six hundred copies 
weekly. 

The Liberal Press. — The publication of this jour- 
nal was commenced in August, 1877. Its avowed 
object was to supply local news and furnish such 
reading matter as would develop correct literary 
taste, promote social reform, and elevate politics to a 
higher plane. The paper has been in all respects 
independent. Its conductors appear to have recog- 
nized the fact that the true mission of independent 
journalism is not alone the denunciation of wrong, 
but also tlie commendation and encouragement of 
right, and they have sought for their paper the ful- 
fillment of this mJHsioii. 



The Liberal Press was established by W. E. Schoeh 
and F. H. Heritage, and was conducted by them till 
August, 1882, when Mr. Heritage withdrew from the 
firm, and Mr. Schoeh has since been the sole pro- 
prietor. It was first published in Woodbury Hall, 
but in 1879 was removed to its present location, 
northeast corner of Broad and German Street*, 
Woodbury. 

The Gloucester County Democrat. — This journal 
was established at Woodbury, Sept. 3, 1878, by Wil- 
liam Gibbs. In March, 1879, it was purchased by the 
present editor and proprietor, James D. Carpenter. 
It is, as its name indicates, a Democratic journal, and 
it is the organ of the Democratic party in Gloucester 
County. It has a weekly circulation of thirteen hun- 
dred, and enjoys a liberal patronage in its advertising 
and job departments. Its presses are of modern styles, 
and are driven by steam-power. 

The Enterprise and Labor Advocate. — This paper 
was established in 1880 at Clayton by D. S. May- 
uard. It was first published under the name of 
The Enterprise, and was purely a newspaper, inde- 
pendent on all subjects. Early in 1882 it assumed 
its present title, and in March of the same year it 
was removed to Glassboro, where it is now pub- 
lished. Although still independent in politics, it is 
particularly devoted, as its name implies, to the in- 
terests of the laboring classes. It is now published 
by the Enterprise Publishing Company, under the 
editorial management of D. S. Maynard. It has a 
weekly circulation of about one thousand, and it has 
a liberal job and advertising patronage. 

The Clayton Star was established Nov. 1, 1881, at 
Clayton, by G. D. Duffield & Son, with W. H. Duf- 
field, the junior partner, as editor. It is a purely 
local journal, neutral in politics. Although only a 
year old, it has established itself on a firm basis, and 
its future prosperity is assured. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

GLOUCESTER COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM.' 

The Dutch who first settled New York and the 
adjacent port of New Jersey held the church and the 
school in the same high estimation with which they 
were regarded in their own fatherland. The West 
India Company was chartered in 1029, and in that 
early document the patrons and colonists were en- 
joined in the speediest manner to endeavor to find 
out ways and means whereby they might support a 
minister and a schoolmaster. 

The first schoolmaster who taught in New Jersey 
was Englebert Steenhuysen. Ho arrived in this 

1 Uy Willinm Millinan. cniinty Miiiicrinti-uili'nt. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



157 



country in 1659, and was licensed and commenced 
his labors in 1662. At the outset but temporary 
quarters were provided ; a permanent structure, how- 
ever, was provided for him in 1664. This was lo- 
cated on the site of the school-house now known as 
School No. 11, Bergen Square, Jersey City. It was 
used both as a church and as a school-house until the 
year 1680. At this time that which is now Jersey 
City was known as " the town of Bergen." 

The first charter of Bergen, dated Sept. 22, 1668, 
granted by Philip Carteret, Governor of the then 
Province of New Jersey, stipulated " that all persons 
should contribute, according to their estates and pro- 
portions of land, for the keeping of a free school for 
the education of youth." This stipulation was com- 
plied with, and thus the Dutch, who had settled in 
this portion of the State at this early date, have the 
credit of making provisions for the education of their 
children. In 1769 the following record of a vote at 
a town-meeting held March 14, 1769 : " Caleb Camp 
bid off the poor at one hundred pounds, and is to 
keep them in clothing and victuals, and give school- 
ing to such as require it." It was also voted that 
" the poor children shall be constantly sent to school 
at the expense of the person that takes them." This 
system of " farming out the poor children," to be fed, 
clothed, and schooled by those who bid them off, con- 
tinued until 1813, when the town, by a vote, " Re- 
solved, That the sum of five hundred dollars be raised 
for the schooling of poor children." Out of this sys- 
tem of free education /o/- the poor has grown our sys- 
tem of free education for all. The pioneers in West 
New Jersey were Quakers. Education was part of 
their religion. To them school-houses were scarcely 
second in importance, and were usually placed under 
the same roof with the meeting-house. Fenwick's 
settlement at Salem opened a school soon after its es- 
tablishment, and maintained it without interruption 
to the present day. 

As early as the year 1667, George Fox advised his 
brethren in New Jersey to establish boarding-schools, 
" that young men of genius in low circumstances may 
be furnished with means to procure requisite educa- 
tion." 

The first school law of the State was enacted by 
the General Assembly of East New Jersey, at Perth 
Amboy, on the 12th of October, 1693. It read as 
follows : 

"Whereas, the cultivatiDg of learning and good manners tends 
greatly to the good and benefit of mankind, which hath hitherto been 
much neglected within this province, 

" Ba U therefore enacted by the governor, council, and deputies in gen- 
eral assembly now met and assembled, and by the authority of the same, 
that the inhabitants of any town within this province, shall and may, 
by warrant from a justice of the peace of that county, when they thlTik 
fit and convenient, meet together, and make choice of three men of said 
town, to make a rate for the salary and maintenance of a school-master 
within the said town, for so long time as they think fit; and the consent 
and agreement of the major part of the inhabitants of the said town 
shall bind and oblige the remaining part of the inhabitants of the said 
town to satisfy and pay their shares and proportion of the said rate ; and 
in case of refusal or non-payment, distress to be made upon the goods 



and chattels of such person or persons so refusing or not paying, by the 
constable of the said town, by virtue of a warrant from a justice of the 
peace of that county, and the distress to be sold at public vendue, and 
the overplus, if any, be after payment of the said rate and charges to be 
returned to the owner." 

In 1695 this act was amended, providing that three 
men should be chosen yearly in each separate town 
to have " power to appoint the most convenient place 
or places where the school shall be kept, that as near 
as may be the whole inhabitants may have the benefit 
thereof." 

Under the operation of this law schools were es- 
tablished in all parts of the province wherever a ma- 
jority of the inhabitants desired them. 

This was a complete recognition of the principle of 
taxing property for the support of public schools, 
which at that time was up to the most advanced legis- 
lation on this subject in America. The first definite 
step taken by the Legislature of the State to provide 
the means of education by creating a Xund for the 
support of free schools was in 1817. The act that was 
passed made certain appropriations for the establish- 
ment of a permanent school fund. Our present 
school fund, which now amounts to one million six 
hundred and sixty thousand five hundred and two 
dollars, had its origin in this act of 1817. 

In the year 1820 the townships of the State were 
first authorized to raise inoney for school purposes. 
The section granting this authority is found in an act 
entitled "An Act incorporating the inhabitants of 
townships, designating their powers, and regulating 
their meetings." The section reads : 

" That hereafter it shall be lawful for the inhabitants in each of the 
townships of this State, duly qualified to vote at town meetings, at their 
annual meetings to vote, grant, and raise in the same manner, other 
moneys for town purposes, as are authorized to be raised. Such sum of 
money as the majority of said meeting shall agree upon to be laid out 
and expended under the direction of the town committee in each town- 
ship, for the education of such poor children as are paupers, belonging 
to said township, and the children of such poor parents resident in said 
township, as are or shall be, in the judgment of said committee, unable 
to pay for schooling the same." 

It is interesting to observe that the money raised 
under this section was for the education of " such 
poor children as are paupers." This is the first act 
that makes reference to poor children as the only class 
that is to be educated at public expense. It was in 
consequence of this legislation that the public schools 
of the State were for so many years regarded as pau- 
per schools. This opprobrious term as applied to the 
public schools remained in all subsequent enactments 
until the year 1838. 

In 1824 the Legislature provided that one-tenth of 
all the State taxes should every year be added to the 
school fund. In 1828, in addition to the money which 
could be raised for the support of schools, authority 
was first granted the townships to raise by vote, at 
town-meeting, money for the purpose of building and 
repairing school-houses. This money was placed in 
the hands of the township committee and expended 
according to their judgment. This same year an act 



158 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



was passed whereby all the tax received from bank- 
ing, insurance, and other incorporated companies in 
the State was added to the school fund, which 
amounted in 1829 to two hundred and forty-five 
thousand two hundred and four dollars and seventeen 
cents. 

During the years 1828 and 1829 there was a general j 
movement throughout the State in favor of the en- 
actment of some liberal and comprehensive law that 
would give to the people a system of public schools. 
The townships had been authorized to raise money by 
taxation for school purposes, but there was no com- 
pulsion in the matter, and no inducements were held 
out; and a few availed themselves of the authority 
granted. 

The general state of education in the State was 
described as " deplorable." 

In 3838 there was a general movement throughout 
the State to secure the re-enactment of the prominent 
features of the law of 1829, which had been repealed 
by subsequent legislation. Public meetings were held, 
and a State convention assembled at Trenton on the 
16th day of January. This convention recommended 
the appointment of a State superintendent of common 
schools, and appointed a committee, of which Bishop 
Doane was chairman, to issue an address to the people. 
The address said to the inhabitants, " Tax yourselves 
for the support of commou schools and you will never 
be in danger of taxation from a foreign power. You 
will need less taxation for the support of pauperism 
and the punishment of crime. Look to your school- 
houses. See that they are convenient of access ; that 
they are comfortable ; that they are neat and tasteful. 
Look to the teachers. See that they are taught them- 
selves and apt to teach, — men that fear God and love 
their country. See that they are well accommodated, 
well treated, well remunerated. Eespect them and 
they will respect themselves, and your children will 
respect them. Look well to the scholars. Remember 
you are to grow old among them. Remember you are 
to die and leave your couutry in their hands." 

Provision was first made for a State superintendent 
of public schools in the act of 1845. The exercise of 
his aluthority was limited to the counties of Essex and 
Passaic, but other counties desirous of coming under 
his supervision might do so by giving notice through 
their boards of chosen freeholders to the trustees of 
the school fund if such desire. 

In 1846, T. F. King was elected State superinten- 
dent. During this year town school superintendents 
were elected. This officer was allowed one dollar 
per day for his services. The town superintendents 
were required to visit schools at least once a quarter, 
to examine and license teachers, to holdschool moneys, 
and to apportion and pay out the same, and to make 
an annual report to the State superintendent. 

In 1848 authority was first given to the townships 
to use the interest of the surplus revenue for the sup- 
port of iniblic schools. 



In 1851 an act was passed which changed the basis 
of apportionment of the State appropriation. It was 
made to the counties in the ratio of population, and 
to the townships in the ratio of the school census. 
This change was important. Prior to this time the 
I wealthy sections of the State received the greater 
j portion of the State aid, and the poorer portions were 
left with" but little assistance. 

In 1854 teachers' institutes were first established by 
law. In 1852, John H. Phillips was elected State 
superintendent of public schools. 

In 1860 the trustees of the school fund elected F. 
H. Record State superintendent of public schools, and 
in 1864 C. R. Harrison was elected to this position. 

The State Board of Education was established in 
1866. It was made the duty of this board to appoint 
the State superintendent of public instruction, to 
recommend such changes in the school law as were 
thought important, and to make to the Legislature an 
annual report of the educational work of the State. 
The board elected Ellis A. Apgar, the present State 
superintendent, March 29, 1866. 

In 1867 the board appointed county superintendents 
to take the place of the township superintendents. 
William Milligan, of Woodbury, was appointed super- 
intendent of Gloucester County in 1867. 

The county superintendent appoints a board of ex- 
aminers, who must hold first grade county certificates ; 
this board meets every three months for the purpose 
of examining candidates who wish to become teachers. 
The examiners were William Iszard, of Clayton ; B. 
F. McCoUister, of Bridgeport; and H. K. Bugbee, 
of Williamstown. The first two having resigned, 
James Gallaher, of Paulsboro, and John S. Tharp, 
of Thoroughfare, were appointed. 

Woodbury. — The first school-house built in this 
town was what is now known as the Deptford School, 
on Delaware Street. It was built in 1774. It had 
originally but one story. In 1820 the second story 
was added, James Cooper having bequeathed five 
hundred dollars for that purpose. 

In 1863 it was remodeled. The land was donated 
by Joseph Low. This school was established, and to 
be forever controlled, " by the Society of Friends." 
It was to be opened to the reception of children of 
all religious persuasions on condition of payment 
and submission to the rules. Among the "rules" is 
the following: "The teacher shall sutler no scholar 
in ye school that hath ye itch or any other infectious 
distemper." 

The minutes of the trustees are still kept in the 
original book, and each leaf bears the royal impre.'ss 
of the crown and cross. 

About the year 1812 the Friends erected the present 
two-story buiUling, which stands on the hill near the 
meeting luiuso. 

Woodbury Academy was erected in 1791. The 
money to build it was raised by lottery, which was a 
common way at that time to raise money for such 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



159 



purposes. This building was torn down in 1879, and 
the present public-school building was erected on the 
lot. There are at present two buildings in the town 
for the white, and two for the colored children, and 
also a school for the latter at Jericho, under the con- 
trol of the trustees of District No. 1. 

The late Dr. James Rush, of Philadelphia, and 
Commodore Benjamin Cooper were partially educated 
in the old academy ; also Capt. James Lawrence, 
commander of the " Chesapeake," who resided with 
his brother, John Lawrence, Esq., in the house where 
John S. Jessup, Esq., now resides. Commodore Ste- 
phen Decatur was also enrolled as a member of this 
institution, his home being with the West family, at 
what was then called the Buck Tavern (now West- 
ville). 
f'^ About the year 1790 the Chew family established a 
school, known as "Chew's School," one mile from 
Mantua, on the Mantua and Glassboro road. The 
building was twenty feet square, furnished with long 
wooden desks and a ten-plate stove. 

In 1817 a few prominent farmers organized ajoint- 
.stock company and built a union house, also known 
as Bee's, as it was situated at Bee's Corner. The 
schools were part of what now constitutes Mononga- 
hela District. 

About the year 1781, Constantine Lord and others 
built a house upon the land donated by said Lord, 
and it was known by the name of " Lord's school- 
house." It was a log structure. 

In 1842 a few inhabitants met and formed them- 
selves into an association, under the name of " Con- 
tributors to Mantua Grove school-house." One article 
of the constitution was, "That no teacherjbe allowed 
to teach more than thirty pupils without an assistant." 
The ground on which the school-house was built, and 
still remains, was given by Joseph Tatum, a member 
of the Society of Friends, a man always interested in 
the cause of education, having been a trustee for a 
term of forty years. 

A school-house was built in the year 1798 by an 
association, on the rpad leading from Paulsboro to 
Westville, about two and a half miles from the latter 
place. It was built of brick ; size, twenty-six by 
thirty feet. This is now known as Thoroughfare dis- 
trict. 

The old brick school-house that formerly stood in 
the woods on the road leading from Red Bank to 
Woodbury is said to have been built prior to the 
Revolutionary war, and to have been used as a hos- 
pital during and after the battle of Red Bank. 

The first school-house in Mantua district was built 
by Benjamin Allen on his farm, one mile southwest 
of Carpenter's Bridge. It was a plain, one-story, 
frame building. Some time about the year 1800 the 
house ceased to be used for school purposes, and was 
rented to a colored man by the name of Tony Hugg. 
The next school-house was built in 1804. The land 
was given by Martin Turner. This house was built 



by subscription. The building was built of brick, 

thirty-four by forty-eight feet, one story in height, 
with a partition similar to those in the meeting- 
houses of the Friends. In 1874 the present substan- 
tial and commodious building was erected on the same 
site. 

The first school in Paulsboro was organized about 
fifty years ago, in a large brick dwelling now owned 
by Mrs. Hedding, and that therein for the compensa- 
tion of three cents per day paid by each scholar. 
Master Joseph Hinchman furnished book-learning 
and hickory oil to the fathers and grandfathers of the 
present generation. The school was soon removed to 
the crib-house which adjoins what is now Matthew 
Gill's store. 

ibout 1831 the first house for school purposes was 
built. It was about twenty-five feet square, and cost 
two hundred dollars. It was situated a few yards to 
the right of the present building. In this house 
school was taught by Benjamin Lodge, who dressed 
in red flannel shirt and homespun pants. In 1841 
another building was erected, size thirty by forty-five 
feet. In 1861 the present brick building was erected 
on the same site. In 1883 a wing containing two 
rooms was added. There are four teachers now en- 
gaged in teaching the pupils in this building. 

One of the favorite punishments of bygone days 
was to split a large goose-quill, straddle it across a 
boy's nose, and, with the feather end extending above 
his head, oblige him to stand up and be laughed at. 

About sixty years ago a school was built, principally 
by five members of the Society of Friends, at the 
junction of the Repaupo and the new Salem roads. 
There was an old school-house prior to this, which 
had been torn down a short time before in consequence 
of the land being claimed under a deficiency in the 
title. It stood about a quarter of a mile east of the 
present building, on the old Salem road, which had 
been formerly called the King's Highway, and still 
earlier the Indian path, near a small stream of water, 
and was called the Dutch Town school-house. Dur- 
ing the excitement on the slavery question (184.5) cer- 
tain persons became unwilling that colored children 
should attend the school, and, after an unsuccessful 
attempt to elect trustees who would exclude them, 
drew ofi^ and built another house in what is now 
known as Washington District. • 

The school-house in what is known as Clem's Run 
District was built about the year 1830. In this house 
Samuel Fretich, who is a graduate of West Point, and 
rose to the position of brigadier-general in the regu- 
lar army, but, unfortunately, united himself with the 
Southern Confederacy, was both a pupil and a teacher. 

The history of Mullica Hill school may be traced 
back through a period of one hundred and fifty years. 
Five houses are known to have been built for the use 
of the children. The first of these edifices was known 
as the Spicer school-house. Its walls consisted of 
cedar logs, and its window-lights, oiled paper. It was 



160 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



located within a few rods of the spot now occupied 
by the Baptist parsonage. 

The probabilities are that this building served its 
generation from about 1720 till 1756, when a frame 
house took its place. In the new house glass was 
substituted for the oiled paper. Old horn-books were 
also discarded, and the juveniles rejoiced in beautiful 
primers with interesting pictures. 

In 1790 another house was built, twenty-five by 
thirty-five feet, upon the Friends' meeting-house lot. 
It was inclosed with cedar siding and roof, and lined 
with inch boards plowed and grooved. Hitherto 
the school-house had been heated by means of a 
large, open fireplace, but house No. 3 was warmed by 
a genuine ten-plate stove, the first luxury of the kind 
ever known. This house did double duty for the 
school and meeting. In 1824 No. 4 was built. This 
building was brick-paned instead of being lined with 
boards. The frame of No. 3 was used in building 
No. 4. In 1855 the present two-story building was 
built. The first town superintendent was Joseph A. 
Shute, of Harrison township ; he was elected in 1849. 

The first school-house in Battentown was erected 
in 1809 upon land given by Joseph Ogden. Its cost 
was $291.60, which sum was raised by subscription. 
The building was twenty by thirty feet, and one story 
in height. In 1852 a new school-house was built, at a 
cost of $530.71, and in 1873 it was enlarged. In 1881 
the building was moved nearer to the village on ac- 
count of the new railroad from Swedesboro to Salem 
taking a portion of the land. The house at the pres- 
ent time is too small to accommodate the children. 

Swedesboro. [See history of Woolwich.] 

About the year 1808 a school-house was built near 
Eepaupo, near the road leading from the river through 
the village, near the site of the present building. It 
was built of logs, one of which on each side being left 
out for the purpose of placing glass therein. This, like 
many of its companions in early days, was destitute 
of plaster; an open fireplace extended from side to 
side. 

In 1807 a new house was built, the dimensions of 
which were twenty by twenty-two feet, and one story 
high, and was used without plaster until 1833. The 
children in all the early schools were obliged to sit 
upon seats without backs. Some of the early teach- 
ers are spoken of as being great tyrants, knocking 
boys over the heads with a large bamboo cane, others 
as drunkards, one having committed suicide in a fit 
of delirium tremens, another died in the poor-house. 
A Mr. Key was the first to receive his pay from the 
State through the collector. Once when he was short 
of funds " he paid cows instead of money ;" like the 
writer of this article when out collecting his tuition 
fees, he was compelled to take chickens in lieu of 
money. In 1868 the present building was erected. 
It is a well-built and commodious house, well adapted 
to the wants of the district. 

Bkidoei'OET. — The first building used for st'hnol 



purposes was about the year 1780. It was located 
north of the present village, and was made out of 
rough boards and furnished with the rudest kind of 
furniture. Bridgeport at this time was known by the 
name of Eaccoon Lower Bridge. 

After this building became unfit for use, the schools 
were held in private houses until 1832, when a new 
house was built on land donated by Samuel W. Cooper. 
This was built of stone, and is still standing. In 1851 
one story of the present building in the village was 
erected. Both schools were under the same board of 
trustees until 1855, when the district was divided and 
took the names of Bridgeport and Cooper. In 1872 
an additional story was added, and eight feet placed 
on the front for halls and stairway. 

Unionville. — As far as we know the first school- 
house built in this neighborhood was in the year 
1812. Size twenty by eighteen feet. It stood on the 
site of the present Methodist Episcopal parsonage. 
It remained undisturbed until 1862, when it was 
moved seventy-five yards northeast, and an addition 
of ten by eighteen feet was built. It was sold in 1875 
for forty dollars. The present neat two-story building, 
thirty-seven by twenty-six feet, was built in 1873, at 
a cost of three thousand dollars. 

Cl.AYTON. — The first school established in this 
neighborhood was in the year 1800. The village at 
that time was called Fislerville, but in 1866 the name 
was changed to Clayton. The school was taught in a 
private house by one Peter De Hart. He had eigh- 
teen pupils. In 1808 a district was formed and five 
trustees were appointed. A school-house was built, 
twenty by twenty-four feet, at a cost of two hundred 
and fifty dollars. The building was erected in the 
grove where one of the present houses now stands. 
Once when there were two applicants for the situa- 
tion of teacher, the trustees decided that the appli- 
cants should toss a cent, and the one who had the 
most heads should be the teacher. The house was 
built in 1851. In 1863 a new building was erected, at 
a cost of five thousand dollars. The school having 
grown so large in 1868, the old Presbyterian Church 
was purchased, at a cost of two tiliousand five hundred 
dollars, and furnished two additional rooms. In 1883 
another building containing two rooms was erected. 
There are at the present time (1883) six departments 
in the school. 

Franklinvii.le. — The first school in this vicinity 
was known by the name of Starling Bridge School. 
Tradition speaks vaguely of an earlier school. The 
Starling Bridge house was built about the year 1790. 
It was a substantial frame house, twenty by twenty- 
four feet, and accommodated the sparse population 
for a circuit of four miles. The teachers are spoken 
of as men beyond the prime of life, and generally 
foreigners. They were paid as the earlier toachors 
all were, by subscription, and boarded around. As 
the population increased two districts, Franklinville 
and (iood Hope, were fornu^d. The old house lell to 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



161 



the share of Franklinville, known for a long time as 
Little Ease. This building is said to be now standing 
on the hotel property, having at one time been used 
since as a still-house, — " To what base uses we may 
return." In 1829 a building, twenty by twenty-four 
feet, was built near the present two-story building. It 
was destroyed by fire after having been used as a 
school fourteen years. In 1843 another house was 
erected. This was replaced by a new two-story build- 
ing in 1871 ; size, twenty-eight by forty-two feet. 
The old house was converted into a cliurch, and is 
now used by the Methodist denomination. 

Malaga. — The first school-house was built in 1788, 
at Sharp's Field, about half-way between Malaga 
and Little Ease, near the public road between these 
places. It was a small structure made of cedar logs, 
seated with hewed log benches. The present neat 
two-story building, containing four rooms, two of 
which are used for school purposes, was erected in 
1872, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. 
Cross-Keys. — The first church or school was built 
in 1788, of cedar logs, on the land of Joseph Bates, 
one mile from Cross-Keys. It was built for a meet- 
ing-house for the Society of Friends, and was used 
also as a school-house. In 1832 it was found that the 
meeting-house did not answer the requirements of the 
school, and the children were afterwards taught in a 
private house at the Keys. In 1842 a school-house 
was built, known as the Chestnut Ridge School, — a 
frame building, about twenty-sis by thirty-six feet in 
size, with two rows of desks on each side of the room, 
each desk accommodating five pupils. 

In 1842, while engaged in sinking a well, James D. 
Timberman discovered glass-sand, but the sand was 
not taken from the place until 1847. In 1859 there 
was a separation from the Chestnut Ridge School, 
and the people of Cross-Keys built the present stone 
house ; size, twenty-six by thirty-two feet. 

WiLLiAMSTOWN". — The village of Williamstown is 
located upon a tract of one thousand acres of land 
granted to John, Thomas, and Richard, sons of Wil- 
liam Penn, in June, 1742. Soon after the land was 
purchased by John Williams. The place was known 
as Squawkum until 1841, when the citizens resolved 
to change the title to Williamstown, in honor of the 
first inhabitant. There is no record of the first house, 
but it is supposed to have fallen into disuse in 1795. 
Then a log house, twenty feet square, was erected on 
the piece of land where the " Washington Hotel" is 
now located. There was a large, open fireplace, in 
which immense logs were burned. "Often," says one 
of our prominent citizens, " I have known the first 
requisite for one wishing to teach the school was to 
invite the trustees to the tavern and treat them to 
their satisfaction." With such an invitation the 
teacher could take a drunk as often as twice a week 
and be excused as a moderate drinker. 

In those times " spirits" accompanied the rod ; it 
was " whiskey, liokin', and larnin' ; " and it is no 
11 



wonder that the master's presence was dreaded. In 
1852 a new house was built, at a cost of eight hundred 
and fifty dollars. During the summer of 1872 a two- 
story building was erected, containing four recitation- 
rooms, at a cost of five thousand six hundred dollars. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 

Gloucester County Bible Society.'— The Glouces- 
ter County Bible Society was organized in the old 
academy at Woodbury, April 20, 1816, and became 
auxiliary to the New Jersey Bible Society. One 
month later the American Bible Society was insti- 
tuted in New York City, and soon afterwards the 
Gloucester County Society, with some-other county 
societies in this State, became auxiliary to it. From 
its vast resources and numerous auxiliaries the Ameri- 
can Bible Society is known as the parent society, but 
in this case the auxiliary is older than the parent. 

From a pamphlet published in Philadelphia by 
Jane Aitkin in 1816, the following information is 
taken : 

"At a meeting of a number of the inhabitants of 
Gloucester County, held at Woodbury on the 29th of 
April, A.p. 1816, for the purpose of forming a Bible 
societv for the county of Gloucester, Joseph V. Clark 
was chosen chairman, and Ellas D. Woodruff', secre- 
tary." A constitution was adopted, the second, third, 
and fourth articles of which read as follows : 

"2. The object of this Society is to co-operate with similar institutions 
in supply ing the wliole world with theScripturesof Truth, without note 
orcomuieut, l.y augmentinf: the funds of the American Bible Society. 

" 3. This Society shall be under the direction of no sect whatever, 
but shall afford all Christians the pleasing opportunity of forming a 
Bond of Union. 

"4, Any person may become a member by paying, at the time of sub- 
scribing, fifty cents, and six and a quarter cents a month, to be paid 
quarterly or annually, and the payment of ten dollars shall constitute a 
member for life." 

Twenty-four managers were elected for the first 
year, as follows : 

Kev. Simon Wilmer, Eev. William Kafferty, .Joseph Clement, Frank- 
lin Davenport, Joseph V. Clark, Cliarles Ogrten, Michael C. Fisher, Elias 
D. Woodruff, James B. Caldwell, John latum, Jr., James Matlack, 
Moreton Stille, Benjamin Cooper, John Clement, Samuel W. Harrison, - 
Joseph Chatham, David Pidgeon, Samuel C. Stratton, John Gill (Glouces- 
ter township), Nehemiali Blackman, Thomas Garwood, Elias Smith, 
Lewis M. Walker, John Sickler, and Jacob Fislar. 

The first ofiicers of the society were Rev. Simon 
Wilmer, president; Franklin Davenport, vice-presi- 
dent ; Joseph V. Clark, treasurer ; Charles Ogden, 
corresponding secretary ; and Michael C. Fisher, re- 
cording secretary. 

Gloucester County then included the territory of 
Atlantic and Camden Counties, and at this first 



1 Prepared by Wallace McGeorge, M.D., secretary. 



162 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



meeting the following agents for the whole territory 

were appointed : 

Watcrford — Joseph Champion, Esq., John Rudrow, Joseph Burrongh, 
Bichard Stafford, Joeepli C. Swett, Esij., Janlea Wood, Joseph Koberts, 
Jr., William Clement; New Town — John Baxter, Esq., Joseph Kaighn, 
Joseph Mickle, Isaac fllickle, Esq.. Edward Sharp, Esq., Thomas Red- 
man, Dr. Bowman Hendrey, Samuel Clement, Esq. ; Gloucester Toicn — 
Isaac Kay, Samuel Brick, Jesse Sparks, Samuel L. Howell, Isaac Bur- 
rough, Isaac Browning ; Gloucester To)yns//ip— Christopher Sickler, Esq., 
James Lippencott, John Hyder, John Edwards, Esq., David B. Blorgan, 
Mr. Elwell (storekeeper), John Alhertson, David S. Bassett, Esq., Josiah 
F. Clement, Thomas Thackary, Esq. ; U'eTjviouth — John Steelman, Esq., 
Thomas Doughty, Jeremiah Sniitli, Thomas Smith, Benjamin Weath- 
erby, Esq., Peter Steelman; Deptford — Julin Eambo, Dr. Eli Ayres, U. 
L. Armstrong, Esq., Isaac Ballinger, Paul Cooper, Joseph Dilks, John 
Turner, Edward Turner, James Jaggard, Esq., Samuel Pierce, Thomas 
Bee, John Swope, Thomas Clark, Dr. Thomas Hendry, Stephen Simms, 
Samuel Mickle, John Marshall, Esq., John Morrow, Isaac Collins, Bid- 
die Keeves, James Cooper, Jonathan Brown, Ephraim Miller; Green- 
wich — Gabriel Izard, Jeptha Abbott, David Wolf, Thomas Carpenter, 
Esq., Isaac Pine, Esq., John Atkinson, Moses Bradshaw, Joseph Lodge, 
Esq., James Hinchman, David Brown, Isaac Cade, William Lippincott, 
George Tatum, John Easley, Thomas Reeves, Edmond Weatherby, James 
Jessup, Matthew Gill, Jr., Esq., Jacob Hains, Robert Newell, Esq., JolinV. 
Clark, Esq., George Tonkins, David Cooper; Woolwich — Matthew Gill, 
Esq., Samuel Killee, David Hendrickson, Jr., Dr. Isaac Davis, Dr. Jo- 
seph Fithian, Joseph Ogden, Daniel England, Samuel Black, Joseph 
Batten, Benjamin Lippencott, Charles Lock, Enock Allen, Josiah 
Moore, Esq., Samuel Fislor, William Porch, Esq., William Wood, Rob- 
ert Tittermary, Philip Pew, David Owen, Nicholas Justice, Esq., Enoch 
Agins, Cal eb Ki rby, John Gill, Jesse Avis; Galloway — Richard S. Ris- 
ley, Esq., William Erwin, Matthew Collins, Esq., Sceby Stuart, Esq., 
Japbet Leeds, Samuel Sooy, Esq., Jeremiah Higbee, Richard Hig- 
bee, Esq., Dr. Ezra Baker, Jr. ; Great Eggharbor — Joseph Risley, Esq., 
Samuel Leeds, Jr., Daniel Lake, Daniel Leeds, Enoch Risley, Thomas 
Doughty, David Soniers, Isaac English ; Hamilton — John Estell, Fred- 
erick Steelman, Uriah Gaskill, Enos Veal, William Ackley, Esq., John 
Smith. Of these. Dr. Joseph Fithian was the only one living in 1870. 

Gen. Franklin Davenport was elected president of 
the society in 1827, and continued in that capacity 
till 1833, when Samuel Black was chosen. (The min- 
utes from 1827 to 1847 are missing.) 

In 1847, Dr. Joseph Fithian, who had been con- 
nected with the society from the time of its organiza- 
tion, was elected president, and continued to serve in 
that capacity till his decease in 1881. He was always 
an earnest and efficient member. 

A recent circular letter states, — ■ 

"In 1827 the Parent Society donated fifty Bibles and one hundred 
Testaments to the society in addition to the fifty Bibles and twenty-five 
Testaments that had been purchased. Liiler in the year, five hundred 
additional Bibles and Testaments were presented to this society by the 
Parent Society, in order that all the destitute in our midst might he 
supplied. 

"In 18.'j4 all the hotels in the county and the county jail were ordered 
supplied with Bibles. In 1SG3 the sociely determined to supply every 
soldier fiom this county and all who should thereafter go from the 
county to the war with a Te^Iament. 

"In 1865 the society again decided to supply the county, and Rev. E. 
Shiun was engaged to do the work. He subsequently reported having 
visited throe thousand and twenty-two families ; found one hnndreil 
and eighl.\ -two families destitulo; supplied one hundred ami seventy- 
eight families; found one hundred and forty-four individuals destitute; 
supplied one hundi(;d and lliirty-eight ; sold two hundred and twenty- 
seven Bibles and two hundred and lorty-four TestamentH ; donaleil one 
hundred and sixty Bibles and onehnndrcd and fifty-six Teslauu'nts. The 
value of books hold was live hundred and thii-ty-fivo dollars and eiglily- 
one cents; vulueof l.otdvs iloinited,one hundred and twenty-nine dollars 
and six cents. 

"In 1H71 the alnisliousn and county jail were snliplied. 

" In 1H76 the society again determined to explore the county and sujt- 



ply those destitute ; and in 1877, Judge B. P. Carter, Revs. Daniel Tliack- 
ara, J. H. O'Brien, G. R. Snyder, and J. H. Hutchinson were appointed a 
central committee to see about the resupply of the county, and this 
committee reported in 1878, stating that in Deptford, Clayton, Mantua, 
Woolwich Township, and the city of Woodbury one thousand three 
hundred and thirty-si.x families had been visited, and one hundred and 
eight families and forty-nine individuals found destitute.'' 

The following officers among others have served 
the society with zeal and fidelity : Alexander Wentz, 
Esq., seventeen years as secretary and ten years as vice- 
president ; James Moore, Esq., secretary for ten yeai's ; 
Dr. Benjamin P. Howell, manager and member of 
the executive committee many years ; and Dr. Joseph 
Fithian, agent, manager, and president from April, 
1816, till his death, in 1881. 

The present ofiicers are Judge Benjamin F. Carter, 
president ; A. S. Barber, Esq., vice-president ; Dr. 
George W. Bailey, corresponding secretary; Dr. Wal- 
lace McGeorge, recording secretary ; and Charles P. 
Abbott, Esq., treasurer and depositary. 

The executive committee consists of Rev. Daniel 
Thackara, Belmont Perry, Esq., Rev. C. F. Downs, 
John S. Jessup, Esq., Rev. J. H. O'Brien, Rev. S. M. 
Hudson, Rev. Edward Dillon, S. P. Londenslager, 
Esq., W. S. Cattell, James D. HolTman, John F. Nute, 
William H. Bodine, Thomas P. Smith, John C. Tatum, 
Jacob H. Mounce, Job S. Haines, D. Wilson Moore, 
Thomas W. Lynnott, Rev. I. Y. Burke, and Rev. W. 
H. Johns. 

Gloucester County Sunday-School Association.' 
— This association was formed several years ago, co- 
operating with the New Jersey Sunday-School Asso- 
ciation in its work, and proving to be one of its most 
valued auxiliaries. The earl)' history of the associa- 
tion has not been accessible to the writer, but among 
the early workers in the cause were William H. 
Bodine, of Williamstown ; Dr. George W. Bailey, of 
Wenonah ; Rev. C. W. Duane, of Swedesboro, Rev. 
A.Proudflt, of Clayton; John F. Nute, of Franklin- 
ville; and M. Ware Scott, of Woodbury. Previous 
to 1875 the work of the society was mainly carried 
on by these gentlemen, assisted by active workers in 
several of the townships. In July, 1875, the first 
systematic effort was made to enlist the sympathies 
and secure the co-operation of all Christian people 
throughout the county in the society's work. 

On July 14, 1875, "pursuant to public announce- 
ment, the friends of the Sunday-sdiool cause in 
Gloucester County met at Pitman Grove in mass- 
meeting, with the view of promoting the Sunday- 
school cause in the county." The society was there 
reorganized, with Dr. George W. B:iiley, president; 
Rev. C. W. Duane, vice-president; John F. Nute, 
treasurer; William H. Bodine, recording secretary; 
and Rev. A. Proudfit, corresponding secretary. The 
following township secretaries were also chosen, to 
look after the work in their respective townships 
and assist Rev. A. Proudfit in his work: Clayton, 



1 lly Dr. Wallace McGeorge. 



GENERAL HISTOllY. 



163 



C. F. Fisler; Franklin, Alexander Sloan; Monroe, I 
H. K. Bugbee; Washington, Thomas Allen; Dept- 
ford, M. Ware Scott; Greenwich, James M. Eoe; 
Woolwich, John Lecroy ; Harrison, William S. Matt- ] 
son ; Mantua, Charles F. MofFett. ! 

This meeting was largely attended, and was very 
successful in its work. 

The fruits of the labors resulting from this meeting 
were manifest during the ensuing year, and a large 
and useful meeting was again held at Pitman Grove. 
No change was made in the officers, but a determina- 
tion to redouble their labors during the year to come 
was manifest. 

In 1877 one of the most successful Sunday-school 
gatherings ever held in the State was held, under the 
auspicesof friends of the cause in Gloucester County, 
Cumberland, Salem, and Cape May Counties, at Pit- 
man Grove, and was known as the West Jersey 
Sunday-School Assembly. This lasted one week, and 
was attended by thousands of people, and great good 
resulted from it. The officers of the association con- 
tributed materially to the success of this assembly. 

In 1878 the annual meeting was held in Glassboro. 
This was a large and delightful assemblage, and 
tended much to cement the sympathies of the work- 
ers in the different townships. The removal of Rev. 
A. Proudfit, our former corresponding secretary, to 
another field of labor necessitated some changes in 
the offices, and William H. Bodine was promoted to 
the presidency, and M. Ware Scott and Dr. George 
W. Bailey elected vice-presidents, Belmont Perry, re- 
cording secretary, and Rev. C. W. Duane, correspond- 
ing secretary. Mr. Duane's appointment was subse- 
quently confirmed by the State Association, and he 
proved a worthy successor to Rev. A. Proudfit. 

In 1879 the association met in the town hall in 
Clayton. The attendance was large and enthusiastic, 
and the reports showed much good work done for the 
Master all over the county. No changes of any mo- 
ment were made in the officers. 

In 1880 the annual meeting was held in the town 
hall in Woodbury. The attendance was large, but 
not as great as at Clayton the previous year. Re- 
ports were received from all the townships, from 
which we extract the following : Total memberships 
in schools that had reported, 4929, with an average 
attendance of 3432. Sixty of the sixty-four schools 
used the International Lesson Leaves, and fifty-eight 
were evergreen schools (open all the year). Twenty 
schools have teachers' meetings and two schools train- 
ing-classes. Rev. C. W. Duane, county secretary, hav- 
ing removed from the State, some changes in the list 
of officers became necessary. Wm. H. Bodine was 
again chosen president ; Drs. George W. Bailey and 
Wallace McGeorge, vice-presidents ; M. Ware Scott, 
corresponding (county) secretary; William E. Shoch, 
recording secretary ; and John F. Nute, treasurer. 

In 1881 the association again met at Pitman Grove, 
but the weather was so intensely hot that the attend- 



ance was not as large as usual. The reports were 
good, but did not show so much activity during the 
year. 

In 1882 the association met in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church at Paulsboro, and later in the year than 
formerly. The attendance at all the meetings was 
good, the song and praise service, after Rev. J. De 
Hart Bruen's address, being very fine. The address 
was a masterly effort and practical in tendency. 

From Secretary Scott's report we extract the fol- 
lowing: Total population in county, 26,499; scholars 
in public schools, 7475; Sunday-schools, 64, of which 
60 were evergreen schools ; number of scholars, 5626; 
number of teachers and officers, 619; total member- 
ship, 6245, showing an increase of 240 during the 
yuar; average attendance of scholars during the year, 
about 4000. During the year 134 scholars were re- 
ceived into churches on profession of their faith. 
Of this number one township (Wofllwich) alone re- 
ported 80 added to its churches from the Sunday- 
schools. Nearly 12,000 library books were reported, 
of which number Woodbury had 1812. Over one 
thousand dollars were raised for missionary and be- 
nevolent purposes by the schools, and one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty-three dollars paid out for the 
current expenses of the schools reporting during the 
year. 

The officers elected at this meeting and now serving 
the association are as follows : President, M. Ware 
Scott, of Woodbury ; First Vice-President, Dr. Wal- 
lace McGeorge, of Woodbury ; Second Vice-Presi- 
dent, William H. Bodine, of Williamstown ; Corre- 
sponding (County) Secretary, John C. Tatum, Wood- 
bury ; Recording Secretary, S. H. Howitz, Paulsboro ; 
Treasurer, John F. Nute, Franklinville ; and the fol- 
lowing township secretaries : Woodbury, Robert S. 
Clymer; West Deptford, Edmund W. Packer; Dept- 
ford, William S. Cattell ; Greenwich, S. H. Miller; 
East Greenwich, Job S. Haines ; Washington, E. F. 
Watson ; Monroe, George W. Ireland ; Franklin, E. 
D. Riley ; Clayton, Dr. H. G. Buckingham ; Glass- 
boro, W. H. Zane; Mantua, Charles F. Moffett; Lo- 
gan, Isaac Dericksou ; Woolwich, Biddle R. Moffett ; 
Harrison, Rudolph Benezet. 

At this meeting important action was taken on 
proposed changes in the constitution of the State 
Sunday-School Association, looking to the establish- 
ment of a regular salaried missionary, whose time 
and efforts should be entirely devoted to visiting- 
Sunday-schools, encouraging the strong to renewed 
efforts, the weak to more persistent work, and letting 
them feel that the missionary is to work with and 
strengthen them, to organize Sunday-schools in lo- 
calities where there are none, and to reorganize or 
resuscitate drooping or suspended schools. Much 
depended on the action Gloucester County would 
take in this matter, and the unanimity with which it 
adopted or recommended the adoption of the pro- 
posed amendments, and the cheerful spirit in wiiich 



164 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



it promptly assumed to raise the sum allotted to it, 
showed that the Sunday-school workers in the county 
were not only willing, but determined to do all that 
was necessary to push along the cause. 

Another change in the constitution was to have 
annual meetings in districts, instead of comprising the 
whole State. Under this arrangement the "First 
District Convention of the New Jersey State Sunday- 
School Association was held on Thursday, May 31, 
1883." This district comprises the counties of Cape 
May, Cumberland, Salem, and Gloucester. The meet- 
ing was held in the Presbyterian Church at Clayton. 
Dr. George W. Bailey, William H. Bodiue, C. C. Phil- 
lips, J. B. Lippincott, W. L. Jones, are the executive 
committee for the First District. 

The annual meeting in 1883 was held in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, Bridgeport, on October 3d 
and 4th, and was very largely attended. The reports 
showed no diminution in the work done, but a deter- 
mination was manifested to do greater work in the 
year to come. 

The New Jersey Conference Camp-Meeting As- 
sociation, — -This was organized in June, 1871, under 
the general act for the improvement of property. 
The association at once purchased about two hun- 
dred acres of ground, on the line of the West Jersey 
Railroad, about one and a half miles from Glassboro. 
The place is known as Pitman's Grove, so called in 
honor of Rev. Dr. C. Pitman, an able clergyman and 
camp-meeting manager. The place was fitted up 
during the summer by the erection of a pavilion, an 
office, and some cottages, and by laying out and 
clearing up the ground. 

In March, 1872, a special law was enacted incor- 
porating the association. This act set forth that the 
association was incorporated " for the purpose of pro- 
viding and maintaining, for the members and friends 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church proper, desirable 
and permanent camp-meeting grounds in the town- 
ships of Mantua and Clayton, in the county of 
Gloucester." The authorized capital stock of the 
association was fixed at $25,000, with power to in- 
crease the same to 150,000, in shares of $50 each. 

The grounds have been tastefully fitted up, and 
three hundred cottages have been erected, mostly by 
individuals, on lots leased from the association. The 
pavilion has been much enlarged, a tabernacle for 
social worship has been erected, four restaurants 
have been established, under rules prescribed by the 
association, and every practicable convenience has 
been provided for those who make this a temporary 
resort or a more permanent place of sojourn. Camp- 
meetings of from ten to seventeen days' duration are 
held at this place each summer, and many make the 
cottages they have erected there their residences 
through the season. It is one of the most pleasant 
and attractive places of the kind in Southern New 
Jersey. 

The association is in a healthy financial condition. 



and its permanent success appears to be assured. 
The presidents have been Rev. William E. Perry and 
J. B. Graw, D.D. The present oSicers are Rev. A. E. 
Ballard, president; J. D. Hoffman, Esq., vice-presi- 
dent; Rev. William Walton, secretary; James M. 
Cassidy, treasurer; and Henry P.Young, superin- 
tendent. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

TEMPERANCE IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY.i 

The first voluntary or prohibitory association was 
that of the Rechabites, who pledged themselves to 
their father, Jonadab, that they would drink no wine, 
nor their sons, forever, for which they received this 
promise: "Therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts, 
the God of Israel, Jonadab, the son of Rechab, shall 
not want a man to stand before me forever." 

The first temperance speech delivered in New 
Jersey was unquestionably delivered in Gloucester 
County. 

The Indian kings made repeated complaints to the 
Proprietors of thebad effectsof rum upon theirpeople. 
The Friends also, seeing the evil etfects of liquor 
among the Indians, called a general council, there 
being eight Indian kings present. One of them stood 
and delivered the following speech, which we give in 
full: 

"The strong liquur wns first sold us by the Dutch, and they are blind ; 
they had dh eyes; they did not see that it was for our hurt. Tlie next 
people tliat came amcmg us were the Swedes, who coutiuued the sale of 
strong liquors to us. They were also hliTul ; they had no eyes ; they did 
not see it to be huitful to us to drink it, allhouyh we knew it to be 
hurtful to us; butif people will sell it tons, we are so in love with it that 
we cannot forbear it. When we drink it, it makes ns mad ; we do not 
know what wo do; we theu abuse one another; we throw each other 
into the fire. Sevenscore of our people have been killed by reason of 
driTiking it since the time it was first sold us. These people that sell it 
have no eyes. But now there is a people come to live among us that 
have eyes ; they see it be for our hurt ; they are willinc to deny them- 
selves the profit of it for our good. These people have eyes ; we are glad 
such a peoi)le are come among ns; we must put it down by mutual con- 
sent ; thy cask must be scaled up; it must be made fast; it must not 
leak by day or by night, i[i light or in the dark, and wo give you these 
four belts of wampum, which we would have you lay up safe and koep 
by you to be witnesses of tliis agreement, and we would have you tell 
your children that these four bells of wampum are given you to ho wit- 
nesses bftwixt us and you of this agreement." 

Philanthropists of all ages have made use of the 
best means within their power to counteract the in- 
fluence of intoxicating liquors. To do this they have 
formed themselves into temperance organizations as 
mutual lu-lps, and by exhortations, denunciations, and 
prohibitory laws have endeavored to save their fellow- 
men from the evils of drunkenness. 

In 1840 six men of intemperate habits assembled 
at a tavern in the city of Baltimore to partake of their 
accustomed drink. A committee of them attended a 



I liy Rev. 1>. Thai-kara. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



105 



temperance meeting that night, and, after reporting to I 
the others, they determined to form themselves into ! 
a temperance association. This they did, and called j 
themselves the " Washingtonian Temperance So- I 
ciety," and drew up a pledge by which they were 
governed. Thus was brought into existence an or- 
ganization that spread with great rapidity over the 
United States. This work, originating in a tavern by 
six men, became one of the greatest temperance 
movements in the history of that day. 

Some time prior to this a temperance society was 
formed in Gloucester County, known as "The Glouces- 
ter County Temperance Society." Meetings were 
held quarterly in the different churches throughout 
the county, at which there were speeches, resolutions, 
and the ordinary business of the society. At the di- 
vision of the county in 1844 it was called the Glouces- 
ter and Camden County Temperance Society, and 
held its meetings alternately in the two counties. In 
this movement there were man}' very earnest workers, 
among whom were Stacy Hazleton, Hon. John Hazle- 
ton. Judge Iszard, B. C. Tatem, Ira Gibson, D. 
Thackara, and Jesse Peterson. The ministers in the 
county were mutually active in the work. 

In 1842 the order of the Sons of Temperance came 
into existence. A division was organized at Wood- 
bury, called the Samaritan Division, No. 47, Sons of 
Temperance. The division increased very rapidly ; 
many were initiated, both old and young. They 
built a large hall, but by reason of a defect in the cel- 
lar-wall it fell. It was rebuilt at a considerable ex- 
pense, incurring a debt the burden of which had 
much lo do with the disbanding of the division after 
an existence of about nine years. It was the means 
of reforming many. Prominent among its members 
were Jos. Franklin, Sr., Dr. Charles F. Clark, Samuel 
Hudson, William Fisher, D. Thackara, Joseph Gar- 
wood, G. V. Garwood, John E. King, Isaac Bal- 
linger, etc. 

The Independent Order of Good Templars organ- 
ized in New York and New Jersey in 1851. Lodges 
were organized in Gloucester County as follows : 

Eureka. No. 16 Newfic-ld. 

Uuit.v, No. 20 Pennsgrove. 

Spiiriilinpr, No. 42 Franklin ville. 

JIalHixa, No. i-'i Malaga. 

Bainart, No. GO Swedesboro. 

Cr^-stal Spring, No. 71 Ul]ionviI!e. 

Hairisonville, No. 77 Harrisonville. 

Progress, No. 80 Mullira Hill. 

Florence, No. 122 Mantua. 

Go Ahead, No. 133 Clayton. 

Paulslioro, No. 138 Paulsboro. 

Concordia, No. 140 Glaa'iboru. 

Farmers', No. 144 Five Points. 

Magnolia, No. 146 Clark.sboro. 

Wiilianistown, No. 194 Willianistown. 

Duffleld, No. 200 Huffville. 

Cross Ke3's and Eu'an's Blills, name and number unknown. 

County deputies of the district lodges have been S. 
P. Haines, William McCullough, William Huffman, 
S. W. Fawcet, John S. Stanger, William B. Chris- 
tine, Rev. R. W. Barnart. It is a secret order, but 
not generally beneficiary. Both sexes are admitted to 
membership. This order has been, and it is still, the 



means of much good, especially among the young, 
by the influence of proper associations, forming tem- 
perate habits, and giving tone to public sentiment. 

The Gloucester County Temperance Alliance.— 
Pursuant to public notice, a meeting was called at 
the court-house, Woodbury, Sept. 19, 1872, at which 
it was resolved to organize a county alliance auxil- 
iary to the State Temperance Alliance. An organi- 
zation was effected by electing D. Thackara presi- 
dent; Rev. G. R. Snyder, secretary; S. P. Haines, 
treasurer; and one vice-president for each township 
or voting precinct iu the county. The following 
ofiicers have been elected annually from its organiza- 
tion until 1883: 

D. Thackara, president, each year until the present ; 
Secretaries, Rev. G. R. Snyder, W. C. Stokes, Dr. W. 
McGeorge, Dr. S. E. Newton, George H. Barker, and 
M. Ware Scott; Treasurers, S. P. Haines, M. W. 
Witcraft, J. D. Hoffman, J. C. Eastlack, Dr. W. 
McGeorge, and Joseph Morgan. Most of the vice- 
presidents have been noble, zealous, working men. 
Space, however, will not allow giving their names. 

The Alliance has had the earnest co-operation of 
the ministers in the county, most of whom are mem- 
bers. In the organization of the Alliance there are 
three elements incorporated as a working power, 
namely, — reformatory, political, and legal. 

1. The reformatory comes under the jurisdiction of 
the vice-presidents. It is their duty to see that lec- 
tures are delivered, and to arrange for the same, and 
assist the ministers in bringing the subject before the 
people, to do what they can towards reforming the 
inebriate, to see that the law is not violated in their 
districts, to report the same, if so, to the legal com- 
mittee, and make quarterly reports to the Alliance. 

2. Political. Believing that as long as the present 
license law exists, with the moneyed influence and 
interest to avert judgment and prevent the strict 
adherence to law, there are little hopes of abating the 
traffic very materially. If temperance laws are en- 
acted there must be temperance men in the Legisla- 
ture, and although it has not been the design of the 
Alliance to make a separate party or separate nomi- 
nations when it could well be avoided, they do, how- 
ever, obligate themselves to vote only for good tern 
perance men, irrespective of party. They have, in 
some instances, nominated a separate ticket when not 
satisfied with the candidates in the field, or with 
those whom they were assured would be placed in 
nomination by the old parties, claiming the right to 
vote as their consciences dictated. This duty is in the 
hands of a political committee, invested with power 
to call conventions, to make nominations, etc., if they 
think it best for the cause of temperance and the 
good of the country to do so. 

3. The legal committee, whose duty it is to see that 
no illegal license is obtained, and to oppose those 
where they are remonstrated against as not necessary 
for the public good, to prosecute all cases of violation 



166 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



of law, when properly brought before them. They 
have power to employ counsel and to pay the same 
out of the funds of the Alliance. This committee was 
appointed March 12, 1874, Dr. W. McGeorge and 
Benjamin C. Tatem constituting the committee. Dr. 
W. McGeorge has been chairman of the committee 
up to the present, and has had most of the work to 
do. There have been associated with him Benjamin 
C. Tatem, S. P. Haines, William C. Stokes, Dr. G. 
W. Bailey, George H. Barker, and M. Ware Scott. 
The duties of this committee, although not very 
pleasant, have been faithfully and energetically per- 
formed. As near as can be ascertained, there have 
been forty-two indictments for violation of law that 
have been sustained, for which fines have accrued to 
the amount of one thousand one hundred and sixty- 
three dollars, besides court charges. Most of these 
have been prosecuted by the legal committee. In 
1872, when the Alliance was organized, there were 
twenty-three licensed hotels in the county. Takiug 
the census of 1870, with a population of iwenty-one 
thousand five hundred and twenty seven, as a guide, 
there was one hotel to every nine hundred and thirty- 
six persons. In 1882 we had sixteen hotels in the 
county, and taking the census of 1880, which was 
twenty-five thousand eight hundred and eighty-six 
persons, makes one hotel to every sixteen hundred 
and eighteen persons. In addition to this there 
were, in 1872, many more illicit drinking-places than 
at present. This change in favor of temperance may 
be attributed largely to the work of the Alliance. 

There have been some local temperance organiza- 
tions worthy of note. A reform club was organized 
at Woodbury, in 1877, tlirough the efforts of Mr. Os- 
good. It is religious and social in its meetings, and 
is depending very much upon divine help for success. 
It seeks to reform the inebriate, and to interest the 
young and lead them to adopt a sober, moral, iind in- 
dustrious life. It has been successful in reclaiming a 
number of those who were addicted to strong drink, 
and who are now active members in the club-meet- 
ings. There are several hundred names on the roll 
of membership, with an increasing interest. The 
names of the difterent presidents of the club are Ca- 
leb M. Risley, Johnson, M. Ware Scott, and Dr. 

W. A. Glover. A club has been organized at Wil- 
liamstown, and it is in a flourishing condition. 

A Women's Christian Temperance Union, with Mrs. 
William C. Stokes as president, was organized in 
Woodbury, Feb. 23, 1842, and one in Glassboro, Feb- 
ruary, 1883, with Mrs. Green as president. The 
women in these organizations are manifesting a 
great deal of zeal for the cause. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

Indian, Dutch, Swedish, and Old English Names 
of the Creeks that Empty into the Delaware from 
Gloucester County.— Mickle says, " It is important, 
in order to avoid confusion in reading the ancient 
historians and geographers of the Delaware, to re- 
member that many localities have four or five differ- 
ent names, owing to the petty jealousy and bad taste 
of the Dutch, Swedes, and English, each of which 
people insisted on displacing the euphonious titles of 
the Indians, and applying its own new-fangled desig- 
nations. 

" Oldman's Cheek, the south bound of Gloucester 
County, was called by the lnd\a.iis Kag-kik siz achem- 
sippus, — sippus being in the Delaware language the 
word for river or creek. The Dutch and Swedes 
called it Alderman's kilen, kil in Dutch, and Icilen in 
Swedish, meaning the same as sippus. The early 
English settlers named it Berkley River, in honor of 
the Proprietor, Lord Berkley ; but it is often spelled 
in old laws Barklei/. Finally, the present name 
came in vogue, it being a translation of the Dutch 
name Alderman's kilen. 

" The Raccoon takes its title from the powerful 
tribe of Naraticon Indians, who once resided there, 
Naraticon being the Indian name, it seems, for the now 
canonized animal, the raccoon, which Kalm tells us 
formerly abounded in great numbers in that part of 
the country. The Indian name for this creek was 
Narat'wons-sippus, or Memirako, which neither the 
Dutch nor the Swedes seem to have altered. 

" The Repatjpg, according to Lindstrom's map, 
was called by the aborigines Wivenski Sackoey-sip- 
pus, and probably took its present title from the 
Swedish town of Repaapo. 

"Great and Little Mantua Creeks are named," 
Smith tells us, " from the native word manta, which 
signifies a frog. The Indian tribe which resided here, 
and which had a branch about Burlington, is olten 
mentioned in the old writers. De Vries calls them 
Indians of the Roodehoek, or Mantes; De Laet, the 
Mantaesy ; and Plantagenet, the Manteses. They 
were a bloody people, and doubtless had a hand 
in the Graef Ernest tragedy, inasmuch as De Vries 
tells us that some of them boarded his yacht in the 
Timmerkill with the very jackets on which the mur- 
dered Virginians had worn. The Swedish name for 
Great Mantua Creek was Mak/cs-kt/kn. The Roode- 
liiH'k mentioned by De Vries was Biu.ing.si'ort, 
/(ocX- being the Dutch for point or hook. The Swedes 
called this place Roder-udden, the latter word bear- 
ing the same signification in Swedish as hoek in 
Dutch. 

"The original name of Wooi>ui!itY Cuekk was 
Piscozackasing, upon which neither the Dutch nor 
the Swedes attempted any other iniprovoinoiit than 



GENERAL HISTOllY. 



167 



the customary addition of kyl. It received its present 
English title from the town of Woodbury. 

"Timber Creek was called indiscriminately by 
the Dutch and Swedes Telamekanchz-kil, Aarivames, 
Tekolce, and Sassackon, although in strictness each of 
these Indian names applied to a particular branch. 
The names Gloucester River, and Bkj and Little Tim- 
ber Creek came in use very soon after the permanent 
settlement of the English. Gloucester Point was 
called Tekaacho, or Hermaomissing, and was justly 
considered, when the creeks above and below it were 
open, 'un grand cap'. Howell's Cove was called 
by the first English Cork Cove, and afterwards Ladders 
Cove. 

Trial of Singleton Mercer.— In the old court- 
house at Woodbury, forty years since, occurred the 
trial of Singleton Mercer for the murder of Hutchin- 
son Heberton, who had abducted and seduced the 
sister of Mercer, then only sixteen years of age. Both 
families were residents of what was then known as 
Southwark, in Philadelphia, and both were reckoned 
among the aristocracy. Heberton was arrested, and 
the proposition was made to him to marry his victim, 
which he refused to do. Young Mercer, then not 
twenty years of age, challenged him to fight a duel, 
which he declined, and the brother, thus repulsed 
and driven to madness, threatened to take his life at 
the first opportunity. To escape his fate Heberton 
tried to fly from the city. He ordered a carriage, 
and attempted to cross the Camden ferry. Mercer, 
who was watching him, entered a cab, and ordered 
the driver to follow, and not lose sight of the car- 
riage. While crossing the ferry, and when near the 
Camden shore, Mercer fired into the carriage from a 
six-barreled Colt's revolver four shots in quick suc- 
cession, and one of these took effect in Heberton's 
heart, causing his death almost immediately. Cam- 
den County had not then been set ofi" from Glouces- 
ter, and the trial took place at Woodbury. The 
State was represented by Judge T. P. Carpenter, of 
Camden, prosecuting attorney for the county, assisted 
by Attorney-General Molleson. Eminent counsel 
from Philadelphia and New Jersey conducted the 
defense, and through their strenuous efforts Mercer 
was acquitted. The case elicited great interest 
throughout the country, and the excitement in Phil- 
adelphia and in this vicinity during the trial was 
intense. The result was generally hailed with satis- 
faction. 

A few years since Mr. Mercer, in response to an 
appeal to the North for aid, went to Norfolk, Va., as 
a volunteer nurse in the yellow fever then prevailing 
there, and fell a victim to the disease. 

Manumission of Slaves. — Among the documents 
filed away in the office of the county clerk of Glouces- 
ter County may be found the following : 

" Gloucester County, ss. 

"We do hereby Certiry that on this Tenth Day of May, Anno Domini 
One Thousand Seven Hiindred and Eighty-Eight, Josepli Hugg, of the 



Town and County of Gloucester, brought before us, two of the Overseers 
of the poor of the said Town, and two of the Justices of the Peace of 
the said county, his Slave, named Berton, who, on view and examina- 
tion, appears to us to be Sound in mind and not under any bodily in- 
capacity (if obtaining a support; and also is not under twenty-one years 
of Age, nor above thirty-five. In witness whereof we liave hereunto 
set our hands the Tenth day of May One Thousand Seven Hundred and 
Eighty-Eight (1788). 

"John GlovER, -I overseers. 
"John Heritage, J 
"John Sparks, 1 r,,,,;.,^.,, 
"John Wilkins, ^ 

Accompanying this certificate is a deed of manu- 
mission, filed with thirty or forty others. The fol- 
lowing is a copy of the one bearing the latest date: 

" To all to whom these presents shall come or may concern, I, Simon 
Wilnier, Keclor of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Swedesbiirough, in 
the County of Gloucester, and State of New Jersey, Send Greeting. 
Ktiow ye that I, the said Simon Wilmer, for divers good causes and con- 
siderations thereunto moving, have and by these jjresents do hereby 
manumit and Set free my negro Slave, Lydia Bradley, of the age of 
thirty-seven years on Christmas day next ensuing the date hereof, she 
being at this time of sound mind and under no b^dilyincapacity of ob- 
taining her support. So that neither I myself, my heirs, executors, and 
administrators can hereafter have claim or demand on the said Lydia, 
or her labour or services as a slave. In witness wliereof I have here- 
unto set my hand and seal this seventeenth day of June, in the year of 

Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty. 

" S. Wilmer. 

"Sealed and delivered in presence of Tho, WtLKixs, W. Harbison." 

The Repaupo Meadow Company was incorporated 
by an act of the Legislature passed Feb. 2, 183L This 
act repealed an act for the same purpose which was 
passed June 4, 1787, and a supplement thereto passed 
Feb. 3, 1817. The law empowered the " owners and 
possessors of the meadow, marsh, and swamp lying on 
and adjoining Repaupo Creek in the county of Glou- 
cester" to choose committee-men and managers, who 
were empowered " to erect, cast up, make, and com- 
plete good and sufficient banks, dams, flood-gates, 
sluices, and every other work necessary and proper 
to keep out the tide at all times" from such lands as 
were liable to be overflowed by the tide. It also 
authorized assessments upon the owners of lauds thus 
reclaimed of such sums as were necessary to construct 
and keep in repair these works, and prescribed the 
methods by which the objects of the corporation were 
to be accomplished. 

Under this and similar acts thousands of acres of 
tide marshes have been reclaimed and made arable. 

The Population of Gloucester County at the com- 
mencement of each decade since 1783 has been as 
follows : 



1790 13,363 

1«00 16,115 

1810 19,744 

1820 23,071 

1830 28,431 



1840 26,438 

IBfiO 14,655 

1860 18,444 

1870 21,56i 

1880 25,886 



Of these aggregates there were of slaves in 



1790.. 
1800.. 
1810.. 



191 I 
61 

74 I 



1820.. 
ISJO.. 



39 
4 



168 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

CITY OF WOODBURY.i 

[In compiling a history of Woodbury City for this 
work, we are indebted to ex- Judge Benjamin F. Car- 
ter, of this town, for the many extracts we have been 
permitted to make from his history entitled '' Wood- 
bury and Vicinity."] 

The town is located at the bead of navigation on 
Woodbury Creek, eight miles south from Camden, 
thirty-nine from Trenton, one hundred and forty-five 
from Washington, D. C, and is the county-seat of 
Gloucester County. The court-house was built here in 
1787, over one hundred years after the place was set- 
tled. The county clerk and surrogate's offices were 
built in 1820, all of which are still occupied for the 
purposes for which they were erected, and an addi- 

■ tion to the rear of the clerk's office was built in 1873. 

Woodbury was settled as early as 1681, or about 
the time of the settlement of Philadelphia, by a 
brother of Richard Wood, a native of Bury, in Lan- 
cashire, England. John C. Smallwood said that in 
looking over various surveys he could not find the 
time when " Woodbury Ci'eek" was not so called. 
The Indian name was " Piscoyaekasingz-kill," which 
Smallwood finds as far back as 1681. Such being 
the case, Woodbury must have been settled at that 
date, and in all probability some time previous. If 
such was the case, then it was not named after, or in 
honor of Jonathan, or some other Wood that came 
here in 1684, as is claimed by " Historical Collections 
of New Jersey." However this may be, it is very 
evident that Richard Wood settled about a mile far- 
ther down the creek, in the middle of the year 1681, 
and that his brother, whatever his name might have 
been, came here the same year, and located upon 
land now covered by the city of Woodbury, and from 
him, and the place whence he came, the creek and 
town were named. 

The Christian name of the brother of Richard Wood 
is not given, but Judge Carter has reason to believe it 
was either Henry or Jonathan. In 1688 four hun- 

■ dred and thirty-two acres of land on Woodbury Creek 
was surveyed to Jonathan Wood. Mr. Smallwood 
also informed Judge Carter that from a copy of 
records he learned that the " Woods" came from a 
place in England called " Bury." 

For nearly or quite a century following the settle- 
ment of the place we are left in the dark as to who 
came, and when or where they settled, if they did 
settle at Woodbury. There is no doubt, however, 
that the many attractions in this immediate locality 
induced more persons than Mr. Wood to make this 
beautiful and healthful locality their home, though 
then in the forest. 

We will, therefore, board the limited express train 



1 By W. II. Slinw, 



" Time," and quickly pass along down to the last 
quarter of the next century, when we shall find that 
Woodbury had become a place of historic interest. 
During the last hundred years many of the subjects 
of the crown had crossed the deep deep sea, and 
sniffed the fresh, invigorating air of freedom, and 
had fully decided to cast off" the yoke of British op- 
pression and unjust taxation, and become free men 
indeed. All are by this time familiar with the scenes 
that followed the declaration of independence and of 
war, and during that period Woodbury became one 
of the strategetic points or outposts of the British 
\army. 

1 Woodbury in the Wars of 1776 and 1812.— 
jDuring the Revolutionary war Brig.-Gen. Silas New- 
comb was stationed in Woodbury for a time, in 
charge of three hundred of the State militia, by 
order of Governor Livingston. He wrote from here 
to the Governor, August, 1777, asking " Whether, as 
the movements of the enemy are so precarious, the 
orders given me might not be more discretionary, as 
I am always on the spot, and the distance so great 
that the service might suffer before proper orders 
could be procured from your Excellency '?" He asks 
for directions as to the manner in which certain cases 
shall be tried. It appears that three inhabitants of 
Cumberland County had been favoring the designs of 
the British, and that they had been on board the 
enemy's ships; had met the enemy on shore, and 
treated with him ; and that they had laid a plan to 
seize upon Gen. Newcomb in the night, and take him 
on board the enemy's ships. He asks whether, if 
previous to trial they are willing to go on board the 
Continental fleet, they may be permitted to do so? 
Gen. Newcomb received a reply from Governor 
Livingston, then at Haddonfield, speaking of the 
bravery of the militia and the terror they were to 
the enemy, and thought they would "be of essential 
service in opposing the progress of the enemy to- 
wards Philadelphia, and orders those at Woodbury, 
under command of Capt. Potter, to march to help 
reinforce the army under the command of his E.\cel- 
lency George Washington." The Governor compli- 
ments Gen. Newcomb, and thinks " his presence will 
be necessary in the State, in case the enemy attempts 
to ravage our coasts." 

Oct. 22, 1777, the battle of Re<l Bank was fought, 
and many of the wounded Hessians were brouglit to 
Woodbury, and cared for in the old brick school- 
house on Delaware Street, where many of them died, 
and were buried in the northerly part of the grounds 
known as the "Strangers' Burying-Ground." 

During the winter of 1777, Lord Cornwallis was at 
Gloucester with five thousand troops collecting jiro- 
visions for the British army, and for a time in Wood- 
bury, with quite a largo body of troops. His head- 
quarters were in the dwelling now owned and occu- 
l)ied by the family of the late Amos Campbell, Esq. 
The sdUlieis pried open the doors and cupboards with 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



169 



their bayonets, marks of which still remain upon the 
furniture. 

The encampment of the British in Woodbury at 
that time was between Cooper and Bank Streets, 
about where the West Jersey Railroad is now located, 
and a battery was stationed near the Friends' meet- 
ing-house. 

Like many other towns, considered at the time of 
some military importance by each army, Woodbury 
was occupied by both alternately. 

We will now pass over another quarter of a century, 
and we find the British lion again aroused, and again 
trying to coerce his Yankee son into submission. At 
this time AVoodbury had grown to the estate of man- 
hood, and resisted his majesty's demand by raising a 
company of infantry for the war of 1812, called " The 
Blues of Gloucester County," of which Robert L. 
Armstrong, a prominent lawyer of that day, was the 
captain. He was the father of the late Robert L. 
Armstrong, of Woodbury. Samuel L. Howell was 
first lieutenant, and Randall Sparks second lieuten- 
ant; Henry Roe, Jr., was ensign, and John W. 
Mickle, of Camden, was a non-commissioned ofiicer. 

Among the enlisted men from Woodbury were 
Simon Sparks, Samuel Cole, Joseph Scott, William 
Scott, William Roe, Robert Roe, John Simmerman, 
Aaron BI. Wilkins, and Charles Wilkins. A well- 
known citizen of Woodbury, Thomas Jefferson Cade, 
was the " drummer boy." \ 

He was also with the company encamped at Bil- 
lingsport, and afterwards was with a company at 
Cape May, of which his father, John Cade, was 
captain. 

A company of cavalry was also raised at Woodbury 
during the war of 1812, of which the late Judge John 
Moore White was captain, and Isaac Browning, father 
of ex-Sheriff Joshua Browning, was first lieutenant. 

Woodbury in 1815.— At that date (1815) the sec- 
ond little misunderstanding between the mother- 
country and her independent son had just come to a 
satisfactory termination as far as the son was con- 
cerned, and Woodbury, with the rest of the nation, 
was rejoicing at the happy termination of the difii- 
culties. Bonfires were lighted, speeches were made, 
and a jubilant feeling pervaded the whole commu- 
nity. Among the prominent lawyers I'esiding here 
at that time were Gen. Frank Davenport, Robert 
Pierson, John Moore White, Elias D. Woodruff, 
Robert L. Armstrong, and Isaac W. Crane, who, with 
the community generally, took part in the jubilee. 

Woodbury at that early date had not assumed the 
dignity or proportions of a city, and all there was of 
the town lay along either side of what is now Broad 
Street, except two or three houses down what is now 
Delaware Street. The surrogate and clerk's oflices 
were then in the court-house, and the sheriff, like 
that ofiicial of old in some other counties, carried his 
office in his hat. Although the population of the 
town was small compared with the present, yet four 



taverns .seemed to be necessary to accommodate the 
traveling and local trade. These old hostelries were 
kept by Jesse Smith, Randall Sparks, John Dyer, 
and Samuel H. Runyan. 

The merchants at that time were William Sailer, 
Caldwell Fisher, Thomas Saunders, James Saunders, 
William and James Roe, and Job Brown. 

The physicians of Woodbury in 1815 were Thomas 
Hendy, and Drs. Ayres and Hopkins. Dr. Fithian, 
who was afterwards prominently identified with the 
interests of Woodbury, had not then located here. 

The carpenters were John Zane, Amos Campbell, 
Jacob Medara, and John and James Sterling. The 
blacksmiths were Isaac Ballinger, Daniel J. Packer, 
Samuel Wheaton, and David Carson. The wheel- 
wrights were William Hopper, Amos Archer, Ira 
Allen, and Joseph D. Pedrick. John Simmerman, 
Benjamin Whitaker, James Dorman, and William 
Scott were the cabinet-makers; OUver Davis and 
Simon Sparks, the shoemakers ; and WiTliam Crump, 
John Gibson, and John S. Silley were the village 
tailors. The stone- and brick-masons were Apollo 
Woodward and a man by the name of Page, while 
the saddle- and harness-makers were Martin Stille and 
Samuel Reeve. 

Charles Ogden was then the county clerk and post- 
master, and James Matlack, surrogate and justice of 
the peace. The sheriff in 1815 was Joseph V. Clark, 
of Clarksboro, a small hamlet then known by the 
name of " Death of the Fox," that being the sign on 
the village tavern. 

The quality of the religious element of the town 
in 1815 was probably as good as at present, yet the 
variety, that gives spice to many things, was not as 
great as now, there being then only the Friends and 
Presbyterians to enjoy the comforts of religion, while 
to-day there are eight or nine denominations of 
Christian worshipers. There was, however, a di- 
lapidated building standing in " Jericho Lane," 
as it was called, that had been occupied at some 
former period by the Methodists. In 1815 the Dept- 
ford free school for boys was taught by Samuel Web- 
ster, and the academy by William Rafferty, or Na- 
thaniel Green Todd, both Presbyterian clergymen. 

The taverns in those days were places of resort 
for farmers at certain seasons of the year, and for 
many of the settlers on Saturdays or Saturday after- 
noons, which were devoted to gatherings at these 
places, not for any pecuniary benefit that might arise 
therefrom, but to participate in and enjoy the " sport." 
Among the sports of the pioneer were horse-racing, 
wrestling, quoit-pitching, and occasionally a trial of 
the " manly art." Almost all kinds of liquors were 
cheap in those days, and it would take an ordinary 
man nearly all day to get in the same condition in 
which the sweet singer of Israel was often found. 
The principal beverage in those days was New Eng- 
land rum, known throughout this section as " Boston 
Particular," a beverage that was harmless, yet quite 



170 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



exhilarating in its effect. General training was the 
" big day" for Woodbury. The officers would appear 
with their gaudy uniforms and equipments, while the 
private soldiers would appear in their every-day 
clothes, some with an old " flint-lock" musket, some 
with rifles, and some with cornstalks in place of 
either; and many of the soldiers would appear in 
their bare feet, which gave the troops of that day the 
name of " barefoot militia." The wars were over, 
and they stood not upon ceremony any longer. 

In 1815 there were only seventy-one dwellings in 
Woodbury, and among them were those of James 
Eoe, John C. Smallwood, John M. Watson, John 
Mickle, Robert K. Matlack, Thomas Jefierson Cade, 
Dr. Benjamin P. Howell, and the following 

Pioneer Dwelling-Houses in Woodbury. — The 
oldest dsvelling-house now standing ia the city of 
Woodbury is the Joseph Franklin residence, on 
Broad Street. Its style belongs to the better class of 
houses built here in the early part of the last century. 

The next in order of age is the dwelling occupied 
by John M. Saunders, built in 1762. This was for- 
merly the residence of Samuel Mickle, who was, in 
his day, much esteemed for his integrity, exactness, 
and promptness as an executor, administrator, guard- 
ian, etc. 

The Joseph Paul house is next in age. This house 
was for many years the home of those much-loved 
and highly-respected citizens, Michael C. and Mary R. 
Fisher. It was built in 1763. Following this is the 
residence now occupied by John S. Jessup, Esq., 
which was built in 1765. The present residence of 
John C. Smalhvood was built in 1766. 

Balcony House. — Among the pioneer landmarks 
in Woodbury that have been removed to make room 
for something more modern, was an old brick build- 
ing known as the " Balcony" House, that stood on 
the site now occupied by the soldiers' monument. 
It was so named because of an elevated veranda in 
front of the first story, which had the appearance of 
a balcony. 

The corner of this house was the point of depart- 
ure in the description of the original county lot pur- 
chased from Bispham. The old Balcony House was 
removed when the county clerk's office was built, in 
1820. 

Woodbury Incorporated as a Boroug'h. — In 
1854 Woodbury was incorporated as a borough, and 
at the first town-meeting James L. Gibbs was elected 
mayor, and for Council, David J. Griscom, William 
E. Cooper, Thomas D. Clark, Benjamin Schroyer, 
Benjamin Lord, and Benjamin F. Carter. For clerk, 
John Starr. Of those only two are living. The 
population then was about thirteen hundred. 

Ogden Fund. — In 1863 the late venerable Joseph 
Ogden left by will to the borougii one thousand dol- 
lars, for the purpose of creating a fund for the sup- 
port of indigent women residing in tlie town. 

Woodbury Incorporated as a City. — The fol- 



lowing is a copy of the act incorporating the city of 
Woodbury : 

" 1. Be it enacted hy the Senate and General Assembly of the Stale of New 
Jersey, That all ttiat part of the township of DRptford, known as the Bor- 
oufjh of Woodbury, lying and bping in the county of Gloucester, begin- 
ning in the middle of Woodbury creek, at a station twenty-five feet 
wesU'ily (at right angles) of the course produced of the westerly line of 
Sidney Dyer's lot, on the Red Bank turnpike road, and from thence 
northeasterly, the same, course of and parallel with said line, running 
twenty-five feet westerly thereof, through lands of William R. Tatum, 
until it strikes land late Anna Howell's; thence easterly along the 
southerly line of said Howell's land and E. Mann's lot to the line of 
Samuel H. Ladd's land ; thence southerly along the line between the 
landa of said Ladd antl late E. Bnrson's to a corner between said Ladd, 
Bnrson, and John W. Cloud ; thence southwesterly along the line be- 
tween said Bnrson, Jolin W. Cloud, and Samuel P. Watkins, to the line 
of other land of Samuel P. Watkins; thence southerly along the line 
between said Watkins and L. Cloud, to a corner between them at the 
head of a branch ; thence down the main water course of said branch to 
the middle of Woodbury creek aforesaid; thence up the middle of said 
creek, crossing the.Good Intent turnpike, to the corner of Lewis Lard- 
I ner's and late Joseph Iszard's land; thence southwesterl.v along the 
I line between said Lardner and others, and continuing on (he same 
] course thereof, through lands of William Griscom and late Wm. Dicker- 
; sou, crossing the Egg Harhor road, Kester's branch and the Glassboro 
! road to the line between said Dickerson and lands of .foseph W. Reeves; 
' thence westerly along said line to the corner between Susan W, Garri- 
I gues and late D. B, Cooper; thence southerly along the line between 
I said Garrigues and Cooper, and continuing the same course through 
said Cooper's land to a point in the old northerly line of formerly Paul 
Cooper's land ; thence westerly along on said old line to a corner of Wil- 
i Ham Knight's land, standing a little westerly or southwesterly of Wil- 
i liam Atkinson's house; thence northerly and westerly along the east- 
! erly and northerly lines of said Knight's land, and along the old line 
between said Knight and late A. Woodward's lauds till it comes in range 
of a certain line between the lands of Joseph Tatum, Jeptha Abbott, 
John H. Bradway, and lands now or late J. M. White's on the one 
side, and the said Joseph Tatum, Thomas Glover, and Robert K. Neff on 
the other side; thence on the course of and along said line northeasterly 
: to Delaware Street, and continuing on tlie same course, crossing said 
street and through lauds of John S. Twells to the middle of Woodbury 
' creek aforesaid; thence up the middle of said creek to the place of he- 
j ginning; shall be and is hereby erected into a city, which shall be called 
and known by the name of 'The City of Woodbury,' and the inhabit- 
ants thereof shall be and are hereby incorporated by the mtme of 'The 
Mayor and Council of the City of Woodbury,' and by that name Iboy 
and their sncceesors forever shall and may have perpetual succession; 
shall be persons in law capable of suing and being sued, pleading and 
being impleaded, answering and being answered unto, defending and 
being defended in all manner of actions, suits, complaints, matters, and 
causes wliatever ; may have a corporate seal, and ttlter the same nt their 
pleasure, and miiy by their corporate name jiforeaaid, purchase, receive, 
hold, ami convey any estate, real or personal, for the use of said corpo- 
ration." 

Under this act, which was approved March 16, 1870, 
the Council of the city of Woodbury met at the court- 
house on the evening of March 21, 1871, at seven 
o'clock, when all the members were present, viz., 
John PI. Bradway, Benjamin W. Cloud, J. Palmer 
Fullerton, George E. Harris, John M. Henderson, 
Thomas B. Joslin, Daniel J. Packer, Cliarles W. 
Starr, and Samuel W. Stokes. 

Having subscribed to and taken the official oath 
or allirniation reiiuired by said act before .\lex;in- 
der Weiilz, mayor, they proceeded lo organize as 
the Council of the city of Woodbniy for tlie ensu- 
ing year. Thomas Brooks Joslin was unanimously 
chosen president, and, after returning thanks for the 
honor conferred, he called the Council to order and 
(Iccliired it ready for (he transaction of business. 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



171 



The following was announced as the list of officers 
elected at the first annual city election, held on 
Wednesday, the 15th day of March, 1871 : 

Mayor, Alexander Weiitz. 

Council, John H. Biadway, Benjamin W. Cloud, J. Palmer FuUerton, 

George E. Harris, John M. Henderson, Thomas B. Joslin, Diiniel J. 

Packer, Charles W. Starr, Samuel W. Stokes. 
Chosen FreelmMers, John I. Estell, John M. Saunders. 
Assessor, James H. Pierson. 
Oollector, Adon W. Cattell. 
atij Clerk, George E. Pierson. 
Judges of Election, Edward \V. Clayton, Samuel H. Kirby, M. Ware 

Scolt. 
Commissioners of Appeals, David M. Redfield, Joseph Tatum, Ira D. 

Williams. 
Jilarshal, William Watkins. 
Overseers of Poor, William Scott, John Clark. 
Pound Keeper, William H. Clark. 

The Council was divided by lot into three classes, 
as provided by law, when the following-named per- 
sons drew for the terms named : 

To serve one year, J. Palmer Fullerton, Charles W. Starr, John H. 
Bradwa.v; to serve two years, Samuel W. StoUes, Thomas B. Josliu, 
Benjamin W^ Cloud; to serve thi-ee years, .John M. Henderson, 
George E. Harris, Daniel J. Packer. 

At the meeting of the Council held April 4, 1871, 
the following appointments were made : 

City Solicitor, James Moore; City Surveyor, Samuel H. Ladd. 

The following is a complete list of mayors, Council, 
city clerks, assessors, collectors, chosen freeholders, 
and marshals from 1872 to the present time: 



1872. Alexander Wentz. 
187.3-T4. James II. Pierson. 
1875-76. William D. Scott. 



1877-78. Wallace McGeorge. 
1879-82. Lewis M. Green. 



COUNCIL. 



CITY CLERKS. 



1S72-78. George E. Pierson. 



I 1879-S2. Eobert S. Clymer. 



ASSESSORS. 
1872-74. James H Pierson. | 1875-82. Jesse C. Chew. 

COLLECTORS. 
1872-75. Adon W. Cattell. | 1876-82. Charles W. Starr. 

CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 
1872-73. John M. Saunders. i 1881-82. Charles S. Knisell. 

John I. Estell. Samuel Hopkins. 

1874-80. John M. Saunders. 
Charles S. Knisell. 

MARSHALS. 
1872-77. William Watkins. | 1878-82. Adon W. Cattell. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1881. W. Harrison Livermore. I 1882. William Watkins, Sr. 

William Watkins, Sr. I 



1872. For three years, John H. Bradway, J. Palmer Fullerton, Charles 
W. Starr; for two years, Thomas P. Slathers. 

1873. Benjamin W. Cloud, Thomas B. Joslin, Samuel W. Stokes. 

1874. John M. Henderson, Thomas P. Mathers, Henry R. Russell. 

1875. Samuel H. Ladd, Lewis M. Green, Ner Sterling. 

1876. George G. Green, George W. Cattell, Nathan Allen. 

1877. For three years, John I. Estell, Jacob B. Glover, Daniel R. Gardiner ; 
for one year, Amos Thorp. 

1878. Amos Thorp, Samuel H. Ladd, Charles Walton. 

1879. John S. Jessup, Wallace McGeorge, George G. Green. 

1880. Edwin L. Hall, W. Harrison Livermore, Edward W. Clayton. 

1881. Harry A. Flanigen, Thomas P. Smith, Charles Walton. 

1882. George G. Green, Jeptha Abbott, John S. Jessup, and Israel C. 
Voorhies, elected for two years to fill vacancy occasioned by death 
of H. A. Flanigen. 



SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS. 

Fox Hunting Club. — There was established iu 
Woodbury, in 1776, a "Fox HuntingClub" that in its 
day became quite famous. Among its members were 
some of the most prominent citizens of the county, 
I and of Philadelphia. The chase lasted from one to six 
hours, and sometimes hot pursuits were made, extend- 
ing over a vast extent of country, for eight or ten 
j hours after an old, straightforward, fleet-running fox. 
1 In 1798 one of the hunters in the chase carried the 
; pack of hounds in full cry to Salem, a distance of 
upwards of thirty miles. The farmers hailed the 
huntsman and hounds as friends, their stock suffering 
so much from these animals, and permitted the hun- 
ters to traverse their fields and woods unmolested, 
after and before the time for tilling the land. 

One of the most noted members of this club was 
Jonas Cattell. He was more than six feet in height, 
and of a very strong and vigorous constitution, the re- 
sult of a life of temperance and wholesome exercise. 
He pursued the chase on foot, and when the riders, 
horses, and hounds were tired he did not appear to 
be fatigued. He once, when fifty years of age, outran 
an Indian in a trial of speed from Mount Holly to 
Woodbury, a distance of twenty-two miles. On an- 
other occasion, for a wager, he went on foot from 
Woodbury to Cape Island, a distance of eighty miles, 
in one day, delivered a letter, and returned next day 
with an answer. 

Samuel Morris, of Philadelphia, was president of 
the club. The Eevolutionary war for a time put a 
stop to the chase, when Samuel Morris, as its captain, 
and twenty-two of its members formed the " First 
Troop of Philadelphia City Cavalry." They nearly 
all served faithfully in the troop during the campaign 
of 1776-77. After the war the club was revived, and 
had an existence, in all, of over half a century. 

Of the members from Philadelphia was the once 
efficient mayor, Gen. Robert Wharton, and from 
Woodbury were Gen. F. Davenport, John Lawrence, 
Esq., Capt. James B. Cooper, Capt. Samuel Whitall, 
Col. Heston, Col. Joshua Howell, Samuel Harrison, 
Esq., and ex-sheriff Jesse Smith, Esq. 

Woodbury Library Company.— This company 
was instituted in 1794, and incorporated in 1814. It 
was first known as the " Union Library of Woodbury." 
In 1872 it contained one thousand volumes of well- 
selected and valuable books. The original member- 
I ship embraced, as does the present, many of the lead- 
1 ing citizens of the city. Jacob Wood was the first 
j librarian, and Michael C. Fisher treasurer. 

Many of the names are still familiar; such as 
Saunders, Wood, Whitall, Wilkins, Ward, Cooper, 
I Reeves, Mickle, Tatum, Roe, Stevens, Howell, Brown, 
i Matlack, Hugg, Harkee, Davenport, West, Caldwell, 
I Rulon, Sparks, Jaggard, AVebster, and Fisher. For a 
number of years the library was kept in the court- 
house, and was afterwards removed to its j^resent 
location in the town hall. 



172 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Whirligig Society. — "At an annual Meeting of 
the Inhabitants of the Township of Deptford, held 
the 8'" day of March, 1809— Tlie following bj' Law was 
moved by Oliver Davis and seconded by Job Brown, 
and carryed. 

" Resolved that a Committee of 15 members be ap- 
pointed, under the name of the Whirligig society, with 
authority to suppress all riots, and Whirligig all 
Gamblers, Showmen and such characters as are com- 
monly styled /air jofays/ that may happen to intrude 
upon the peaceable, moral and respectable inhabit- 
ants of the town of Woodbury, as has been done here- 
tofore to their great detriment and degradation. 
And that the following persons be appointed for the 
ensuing year : 



9. Samuel Estlack. 

10. Robert Roe. 

11. William Simson. 

12. Daniel Packer. 

13. Enoch R. Allen. 

14. Samuel Wheaton. 

1.5. Job Brown, Secretary. 



" 1. Oliver Davis, Pres't. 

2. Simon Sparks. 

3. Samuel Ladd. 

4. Mark Brown. 

5. John Shivers. 

6. Joseph Hilman. 

7. David Daniels. 

8. Abel Rulon. 

'' A true Cop}' from the minutes. 

"David C. Wood, Ol'k." 

Woodbury Lodge, No. 54, L 0. of 0. F., was in- 
stituted in Woodbury, N. J., Feb. 4, 1847, with the 
following charter members, who were the first offi- 
cers, viz. : Charles Sterling, N. G. ; John G. Garwood, 
V. G. ; Joseph Franklin, Sec. ; Joseph R. Fisher, 
Rec. Sec. ; and John Eyles, Treas. 

The lodge is the owner of a valuable property on 
Delaware Street, in which the lodge-rooms are located, 
which returns an annual rent of three hundred dol- 
lars. The lodge, financially, is in a very prosperous 
condition, having a large fund at interest, also re- 
ceiving quite a revenue from four other societies for 
rent, etc. 

The regular meetings of the lodge are held on Mon- 
day evening of each week. Present membership, 
one hundred and twenty. Present officers, Septem- 
ber, 1882 : Edward C. Cattell, N. G. ; Joseph W. Mer- 
ritt, V. G. ; Nelson W. Sparks, Sec. ; Charles W. 
Sayre, Rec. Sec. ; Joseph Carter, P. G., Treas. 

Florence Lodge, No. 87, F. and A. M.— At the 
Eighty-first Annual Communication of the M. W. 
Grand Lodge of F. and A. M., held at Trenton on 
the 23d day of January, 1868, a warrant was granted 
to form a new lodge at Woodbury, Gloucester Co., 
N. J., to be called Florence Lodge, No. 87. On the 
20th of February, 1808, the lodge was set to work, 
in Odd-FcUows' Hall, Delaware Street (where it has 
since continued to meet). 

The following officers were installed, and consti- 
tuted the entire membership of the lodge at that 
time: W. M., Benjamin W. Cloud ; S. W., Tyler R. 
Blake; J. W., William N. Angle; Treas., Moses At- 
kinson; Sec, l'>lwanl H. Stokes; Chaplain, Rev. 



William H. Jeffreys ; S. D.. Samuel S. Norcross ; J. 
D., Aaron C. Johnson ; Tyler, Thomas J. Harrison. 

Since the organization of the lodge, nine members 
have become so by affiliation, and sixty-six by regular 
election by ballot and advancement in the degree.=i. Of 
these, one has been suspended for U. C, five for non- 
payment of dues, seven have withdrawn by demit, 
and tliree deceased, leaving the present membership 
sixty-eight. Communications have been held regu- 
larly, and the lodge is enjoying a good degree of 
prosperity. 

The regular communications of the lodge are held 
on the first and third Wednesday evenings of each 
month, in Odd-Fellows' Hall, Delaware Street. Past 
Masters : Benjamin W. Cloud, 1868-70 ; Frederic E. 
Knorr, 1871 ; George E. Pierson, 1872-74; Hiram B. 
Vanneman, 1875; John M. Henderson, 1876; W. 
Harrison Livermore, 1877 ; Jacob MuUer, 1878 ; 
Samuel H. Ladd, 1879 ; A. S. Barber, Jr., 1880 ; Jacob 
H. Bibo, 1881. 

Mariola Lodge, No. 43, K. of P.'— This lodge 
was instituted at Woodbury, N. .!., on the afternoon 
of April 2, 1868, by Samuel Read, Grand Chancellor, 
and afterwards the first Supreme Chancellor of the 
World, with the following-named persons as char- 
ter members : James H. Pierson, Adon W. Cat- 
tell, Branson L. Ore, T. Brooke .Joslin, George E. 
Pierson, Benjamin C. Packer, Benjamin S. Tliack- 
ara, John Barber, Samuel S. Sharp, Thomas B. 
Mathers, Michael Hartzell, William Milligan, Benja- 
min C. Tatem, John L. C. Tatem, Charles T.Molony, 
Edward Ballinger, Barclay Mankin, Ira D. Williams. 

The first officers were as follows: V. P., Benjamin 
C. Tatem; W. C, Thomas B. Joslin ; V. C, Aden W. 
Cattell ; R. S., George E. Pierson ; F. S., John L. C. 
Tatem ; Banker, Thomas R. Mathers ; Guide, James 
H. Pierson; I. S., Edward Ballinger; O. S., Ira D. 
Williams. 

From the date of the institution of the lodge it has 
received a strong and faithful membership, enrolling 
upon its roster many of the best citizens of the city 
and county. During this time it hiis received by in- 
itiation nearly or quite two hundred and fifty, and 
granted cards of dismission to members for the pur- 
pose of organizing Concordia Lodge at Mantua, Lo- 
gan Lodge at Bridgeport, Welcome Lodge at Pauls- 
boro, and Jeft'erson Lodge at Hnrffville. 

Financially, Mariola is one of the strongest lodges in 
the city, having received into her treasury nearly fif- 
teen thousand dollars since the organization in .\pril, 
1868. This sum has accrued from weekly duos, fu- 
neral assessments, profits on excursions, ami income 
arising from investments. After paying out nearly 
eleven thousand dollars for rent, salaries, due-s to 
Grand Lodge, sick benefits, funeral benefits, and in- 
cidentals, there is still in the treasury, of cash and 
securities, a little over four thdusiuul ilollars. 



' IJy Ororxt' tC. PioiBttn. 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



173 



The following deceased members of the lodge have 
been buried with the honors of the order : 

John Barber, by profession a civil engineer, died at 
Port Deposit, Md., of hemorrhage of the lungs. May 
14, 1870, aged thirty-five years. He was buried in 
the Presbyterian cemetery at Woodbury. 

Joseph D. Ogden, by occupation a coal merchant, 
died in Philadelphia, Pa., of consumption, May 12, 
1871, aged forty years. He was buried in the Episco- 
pal cemetery at Swede.'^boro. 

Edward S. Packer, auctioneer, died in Woodbury, 
N. J., of typhoid fever, Feb. 4, 1872, aged forty-three 
years. He was buried in Friends' burying-ground, 
Woodbury, N. J. 

Benjamin Cloud, Jr., farmer, died in Woodbury, 
N. J., of consumption, Nov. 21, 1872, aged forty-one 
years. He was buried in the Methodist cemetery 
near Woodbury. 

George Ward, farmer, died in Deptford township, 
N. J., of consumption, Feb. 16, 1873, aged twenty- 
nine years. He was buried in the Friends' burying- 
ground, Woodbury, N.J. 

Edward R. Snyder, wheelwright, died in Wood- 
bury, N. J., of diabetes, March 6, 1873, aged forty- 
three years. He was buried in the Presbyterian cem- 
etery at Woodbury, N. J. 

Stevenson Leslie, farmer, died suddenly of apo- 
plexy, at Blackwoodtown, N. J., June 30, 1873, aged 
thir.ty-four years. He vi'as buried in tlie Presbyte- 
rian cemetery at Blackwoodtown. 

Jared A. Parvin, pilot and hotel-keeper, died at 
Gloucester City, N. J., of consumption, Dec. 22, 1873, 
aged forty years, and was buried in Evergreen Ceme- 
tery, near Camden, N. J. 

Jonathan G. Fidler, locomotive engineer, died at 
Woodbury, N. J., of consumption and injuries re- 
ceived by the explosion of a locomotive boiler, Feb. 
12, 1874, aged thirty-seven years, and was buried at 
Dennisville, Cape May Co., N. J. 

Ner Sterling, master carpenter, died at Woodbury, 
N. J., of consumption, April 28, 1876, aged fifty years, 
and was buried in the Methodist cemetery near 
Woodbury, N. J. 

Samuel H. Ward, P. C, farmer, died at Woodbury, 
N. J., of consumption. May 15, 1880, aged thirty-nine 
years, and was buried in Egliugton Cemetery, at 
Clarksboro, N. J. 

Edward Low, hotel-keeper, died at Barnsboro, 
N. J., of a dropsical affection, July 5, 1880, aged 
fifty-two years, and was buried in the Presbyterian 
cemetery at Woodbury, N. J. 

Edward Ballinger, died June 3, 1881, of chronic 
laryngitis, at Woodbury, N. J. ; buried in the Meth- 
odist cemetery at Mantua, N. J. 

Benjamin C. Packer, died Sept. 18, 1881, in Penn- 
sylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, from injuries re- 
ceived while in the discharge of his duties as baggage- 
master on the West Jersey Railroad. He was buried 
in Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, N. J. 



Thomas A. Chambers, died in Philadelphia, Pa., 
May 8, 1882, of hemorrhage of the lungs, and was 
buried in Haddonfield, N. J. 

The lodge responded with alacrity with voluntary 
contributions in aid of the many sufferers by the 
great fire in Chicago ; also at a later period she ex- 
tended a helping hand to the yellow fever victims of 
the South, and upon other occasions Mariola has 
not been lacking in her acts of charity to suffering 
humanity when application was made in due form. 

Among the )iiembership of the lodge can be found 
men of the various trades and professions, county 
and State officials, and last, but not least, she has 
furnished officials for the Grand and Supreme Lodges 
in the persons of Thomas B. Joslin, Benjamin C. 
Tatem, and James H. Pierson. 

Past Grand Chancellors: Thomas Brooke Joslin, 
James H. Pierson. 

Past Chancellors in good standing: Benjamin C. 
Tatem, Ira D. Williams, George W. Caftell, George 
E. Pierson, Edward W. Clayton, Barclay Mankin, 
Thomas E. Clayton, Elias H. Osborn, Edward C. 
Talman, William Milligan, Samuel S. Sharp, Elijah 
A. English, Charles Owen, Joseph C. Watson, Jacob 
Muller, A. Hoodless Locke, William Augustus Glover, 
Edward C. Cattell, Charles S. Jones, Thomas Glover, 
Jr., Joseph S. Eldvidge, Thomas J. Savage, Robert 
C. Page, Eli Eldridge, William A. Cook, Charles 
Carr, Joseph A. Moore, J. Wood Hannold. 

Past Chancellors suspended : Aden W. Cattell, 
Thomas P. Mathers. 

Past Chancellors deceased: Edward Ballinger, Ben- 
jamin C. Packer, Samuel H. Ward. 

The regular meetings of the lodge are held on 
Thursday evening of each week, in Odd-Fellows' 
Hall, on Delaware Street. 

The elective ofiicers for 1882 were Robert S. Clymer, 
C. C. ; Nelson W. Sparks, V. C. ; Alfred L. Black, 
Prelate ; George E. Pierson, K. of R. and S. ; George 
W. Cattell, M. of F. ; William Milligan, M. of E. ; 
and C. Selden Johnson, M. at A. 

Woodbury Loan Association.'— At the one hun- 
dred and twenty-third regular monthly meeting of the 
board of directors of the Woodbury Real Estate and 
Mutual Loan Association, held on Wednesday even- 
ing, July 13, 1881, in Room No. 1, Green's Block, the 
stock of the first series was declared to have reached 
the matured value of two hundred dollars per share. 
This much-desired result has been accomplished by 
regular consecutive payments of one dollar per month 
on each share for a period of ten years and three 
months. By the above action, bonds and mortgages 
amounting to twenty-three thousand dollars will be 
released and canceled in favor of stockholders who 
have borrowed on their stock, and ten thousand six 
hundred dollars will be paid to other stockholders 
who have not taken loans on their shares. Of the 



1 By George E. Pierson. 



174 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



latter amount, four thousand two hundred dollars 
were paid at once at the above meeting, and the re- 
mainder will be paid promptly in the course of two 
or three months. Fifteen persons will have incum- 
brances removed from their properties, and seventeen 
others will be paid cash for their unpledged stock, 
thus adding greatly to the comfort and prosperity of 
many industrious and worthy mechanics, laborers, 
and other persons. 

The success which has attended the operations of 
this association since its organization may give inter- 
est to a brief notice of its history and business during 
the last ten years. The first meeting to consider the 
formation of the association was held April 12, 1871, 
James H. Pierson acting as chairman, and George E. 
Harris oflnciating as secretary, when sufficient encour- 
agement was given the enterprise to warrant further 
efforts towards organization. Other preliminary 
meetings were held April 22d and 29th, presided over 
by George E. Harris, with Edwin Stokes as secre- 
tary. At each of these meetings shares of stock were 
subscribed, and a constitution and by-laws were 
adopted April 29, 1871, which has since been changed 
and amended, as experience demonstrated was neces- 
sary, from time to time. A permanent organization 
was effected Blay 5, 1871, by the election of the fol- 
lowing officers : President, George E. Harris ; Vice- 
President, John H. Bradway ; Secretary, George E. 
Pierson ; Treasurer, Samuel W. Stokes ; Solicitor, 
James Moore; Directors, Stephen McHenry, Wil- 
liam Wade Griscom, James H. Pierson, Edwin 
Stokes, John M. Henderson; Auditors, John S. Jes- 
sup, Henry R. Russell, Adon W. Cattell. 

The first collection of dues was made at this meet- 
ing, and amounted to four hundred and eighteen 
dollars. The first sale of loans took place June 7, 
1871, when one thousand dollars was sold to Thomas 
R. Clayton, at a premium of twenty per cent. This 
loan was secured on a new house and lot situated im- 
mediately opposite the railroad depot, which prop- 
erty has since been sold to George C. Green, Esq., by 
Mr. Clayton, at a handsome increase over the original 
cost. This loan was allowed to remain, and is among 
those now canceled. The payments made thereon 
were six hundred and fifteen dollars for monthly dues 
and six hundred and seventy-five dollars and seventy- 
nine cents for interest, making twelve hundred and 
ninety dollars and seventy-nine cents as the total 
amount paid to liquidate the debt of one thousand 
dollars originally created by the mortgage. If eight 
hundred dollars, the amount actually received after 
the premium was deducted on the above loan, had 
been borrowed at the same time in the ordinary way 
for a period of ten yenrs and one month, the real 
length of time the money was used, the result would 
have been as follows when the time arrived to pay 
the debt: Principal, $800; seven years and one 
month's interest at seven per cent., $396.66; three 
years' interest at six per cent., $144, making a total 



of $1340.66, and .showing a difference in favor of the 
association of $49.87. This comparison will hold 
good with all other loans, the difference being against 
or in favor of the borrower, as the premium paid 
might be higher or lower than on the loan here re- 
ferred to. 

Since the organization of the association, up to and 
including the July payment of this year, the amount 
of business transacted will be shown by the following 
statement : 

Beceipti, 

For monthly dues $146,483.50 

" interest on loans 33,4S1.8o 

*' fines on arrearages 1,052.0:J 

** premiums on new shares 25;i.o9 

" loans repaid by borrowers 26,900.00 

" loans collected by foreclosure 4,6r)9.:i9 

" rent from properties 464.83 

" sale of properties 2,0O7.('O 

" tax returned 9.4G 

Total $216,311.65 

Disbursements. 

For loans to stockholders S130,232.S« 

" withdrawal of shares 70,054 80 

" expenses of all kinds 3,503.78 

" taxes on securities 3,281.13 

" return of premiums on repaid loans 1,625.03 

" interest on advance payments 186.39 

" purcliase of properties and costs 2,172.19 

'* payment of matured shares 4,200.00 

" balance in treasurer's hands 55.45 

Total 8210,31165 

As may be noticed from the above statement, the 
association has been very fortunate in its investments, 
having only been compelled to purchase three prop- 
erties to avoid lo.sses, one of which has since been 
disposed of, while the other two are yet owned by it, 
their combined value being about two thousand five 
hundred dollars. Less than one thousand dollars 
loss has been sustained during the whole time, in the 
general depreciation of real estate which prevailed 
for several years during its history, and less than 
five thousand dollars has been collected by fore- 
closures in addition to the three properties purchased 
at sheriff's sale. 

Eleven series of stock have been issued, one at the 
beginning of each year in May, the number in each 
being as follows : First series, 483 shares ; second, 
226; third, 310; fourth, 223; fifth, 276; sixth, 271; 
seventh, 350; eighth, 364; ninth, 593; tenth, 549; 
eleventh, 436; making the total issue in all series 
amount to 4081 shares. These numbers have all 
been decreased, however, by withdrawals and for- 
feitures. 

The rate of interest on loans was seven per cent, 
per annum until changed by the State law in 1878, 
since which time it has been six per cent. The 
highest premium ever paid for money was twenty-six 
and one-half per cent., and the lowest one per cent. 
The incmiums have averaged about eleven per cent, 
on the total amount of sales since organization. 

' After the first series has been fully paid and can- 
celed, the association will still contain ten series, 
comprising eighteen hundred and fifty-six shares, 
with assets amounting to over ninety thousand dol- 
lars, and u memltorship of thi-eo liuiidrod and forty- 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



1T5 



eight stockholders. Loans will be sold at each regu- 
lar monthly meeting, and a new series will probably 
be issued yearly hereafter. 

The following is a brief reference to the time of 
service of the various officers of the association, all 
of whom are still living except Messrs. Harris, Moore, 
and Ballinger : 

George E. Harris, the most active organizer of the 
association, and its first president, died Oct. 9, 1872, 
after serving faithfully one year and five months in 
the ofiice, and contributing very much from his Phil- 
adelphia experience with building associations in 
giving the enterprise a successful start. He was suc- 
ceeded by John S. Jessup, Esq., who has continued 
to serve acceptably since that time. 

John H. Bradway served three years as vice-presi- 
dent, James H. Pierson five years and six months, 
and Charles W. Starr, the present occupant, has filled 
the station with level-headed dignity and complete 
success for nine months. 

George E. Pierson has filled the ofiice of secretary 
and director without interruption the whole time, and 
has never been absent from a regular meeting of the 
association or board of directors during that period. 

Samuel W. Stokes was treasurer six years, and W. 
Harrison Livermore, the present very efficient officer, 
four years and three months. Both of these officers 
have discharged their duties faithfully and without 
any loss to the association or its members. 

James Moore, Esq., was solicitor seven years, and 
W. Harrison Livermore, who still prepares all the 
legal papers in due form, three years and six months. 
The documents drawn by these officers have always 
been models of neatness and correctness. 

Of those who have filled the very responsible office 
of director, William Wade Griscom, of the original 
board, has served continuously ten years and three 
months ; Edwin Stokes, seven years ; Charles W. 
Starr, five years and six months ; Israel C. Voorhies, 
five years and four months ; John M. Henderson, five 
years and two months ; George G. Green, four years 
and seven months; Samuel W. Stokes, four years 
and three months, in addition to six years' service as 
director ex officio while treasurer ; W. Harrison Liv- 
ermore, three years, in addition to service in other 
offices ; James H. Pierson, three years, in addition 
to other service as vice-president ; Dr. Wallace Mc- 
George, one year and five months ; Stephen McHenry, 
one year; and George H. Barker, six months. These 
directors all served without any compensation what- 
ever. They receive, as they richly deserve, the earn- 
est thanks of all the stockholders for the careful 
manner in which they have discharged their duties 
and the good judgment always manifested in invest- 
ing the funds of the association. 

The somewhat laborious office of auditor has been 
very conscientiously and faithfully filled by Henry 
E. Russell for eight years. Adon W. Cattell also 
served seven years; Edward Ballinger, five years; 



Dr. Wallace McGeorge, four years, with great care 
and thoroughness ; William Bradway, three years ; 
C. Oscar Abbott, two years ; and John S. Jessup, one 
year. These officers all rendered valuable assistance, 
and all served also without any compensation for 
their labors. 

The present officers of the association are as fol- 
lows : President, John S. Jessup ; Vice-President, 
Charles W. Starr; Secretary, George E. Pierson ; 
Treasurer, W. Harrison Livermore; Directors, Wil- 
liam Wade Griscom, Israel C. Voorhies, Samuel W. 
Stokes, George H. Barker, John M. Henderson ; So- 
licitor, W. Harrison Livermore ; Auditors, Henry 
R. Russell, Cornelius C. Voorhies, Curtis B. Angle. 

Kinder-Kamaek Tribe, No. 59, 1. 0. R. M.,' or- 
ganized Aug. 12, 1881. Charter members: Jesse C. 
Chew, Sr., Robert S. Clymer, Thomas B. Joslin, Wil- 
liam Milligan, George D. Thomson, Caleb C. Pan- 
coast, John Brant, Charles S. Fletcher, William Hens- 
man, William H. Clark, Jr., Charles D7Stanton, Hor- 
ace G. Hewlings, I. Lewis Davis, Edmund DuBois, 
Jr., George W. Hewlings, Samuel Hopkins, B. Frank 
Tatem, Joseph S. Cheeseman, Theodore Patterson, 
John A. Brown, Albertus S. Pierce, John T. Wilson, 
Elijah A. English, Benjamin R. Carpenter, Edward 
C. Cattell, Joseph A. Moore, James L. Duffield, Jesse 
C. Chew, Jr. 

Firstofficers: S., Thomas B. Joslin ; S. S., Edmund 
DuBois, Jr. ; J. S., I. Lewis Davis ; C. of R., Robert 
S. Clymer; K. of W., William Milligan. 

Present officers : S., I. Lewis Davis ; S. S., Jesse 
C. Chew, Sr. ; J. S., Burroughs Eldridge ; C. of R., 
Robert S. Clymer ; K. of W., George W. Cattell. 

The tribe meets on Friday evening of each week, 
in L. M. Green's hall, which they have furnished 
for their own use. Total membership, one hundred 
and twenty-three. It is an incorporated body. 

Provident Conclave, No. 47, I. 0. H.," organized 
Feb. 10, 1882, with the following charter members: 
Joseph Carter, Daniel R. Gardiner, M.D., Daniel J. 
Packer, Sr., John B. Keasbey, M.D., Edward A. War- 
ner, James Mickle, Joseph B. Roe, Thomas B. Joslin, 
George E. Pierson, William Milligan, Charles W. 
Starr, W. Harrison Livermore, J. Wood Hannold, 
Charles E. Von Stege, Wallace McGeorge, M.D., A, 
Hoodless Locke, Aries P. Brooke, Mahlon W. iSew- 
ton, Charles W. Sayre, David S. Pitman, Benjamin 
Thorpe, Belmont Perry, T. Earl Budd, Daniel J. 
Packer, Jr., Josiah G. Cloud, William Watkins, Jr., 
Joseph Paul. 

The names of the first officers were as follows : C, 
Thomas B. Joslin ; A., Joseph B. Roe ; P., W. Har- 
rison Livermore; Sec, George E. Pierson; Fin., 
Belmont Perry ; Treas., Charles W. Starr ; Prel., Wil- 
liam Milligan; Trustees, Joseph Carter, Daniel J. 
Packer, Sr., Dr. W. McGeorge; Inspector, A. H. 
Locke. The present officers are the same, with this 



1 Bj- Robert S. Cljmer. 



- By G. E. Pierson. 



176 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



exception, C, Joseph B. Roe; A., W. Harrison Liver- 
more; P., Daniel J. Paclcer, Jr. Meets every other 
Tuesday evening in Odd-Fellows' Hall. Number 
of members, thirty-one. The object of the order is 
to give the members of the same life insurance in 
endowments of from one thousand to five thousand 
dollars, on graded assessments, according to age. 
The names of Past Archons, Thomas B. Joslin and 
Joseph B. Roe. 

Guarantee Lodge, No. 17, A. 0. U. W.,' was or- 
ganized March 31, 1882, with the following charter 
members : Arthur L. Terry, James W. Mulford, Israel 
M. Scattergood, Wallace McGeorge, George E. Pier- 
son, Edward M. Atkinson, John H. Lupton, Theodore 
F. Burkett, Samuel B. Burkett, Henry Tatum, Joseph 
W. Merritt, M. Ware Scott, Aries P. Brooke, Emory J. 
Blatherwick, Jesse R. West, William Watkins, Jr., 
W. Harrison Livermore, Edward A. Warner, .1. Frank 
ShuU, Cornelius C. Voorhies, Simon R. Wilson, Wil- 
liam V. B. Pierce, T. Earl Budd. 

The names of the first officers were P. M. W., Arthur 
L. Terry; M. W., James W. Mulford; P., Aries P. 
Brooke ; 0., John H. Lupton ; Recorder, George E. 
Pierson ; Fin., Cornelius C. Voorhies ; Receiver, W. 
Harrison Livermore ; G., Joseph W. Merritt. Meet 
every other Tuesday evening in Odd-Fellows' Hall. 
Number of members, twenty-nine. The object of the 
order is life insurance in endowments of two thousand 
dollars, on payment of assessments of one dollar each, 
without reference to age below fifty years. The names 
of past officers are Arthur L. Terry and James W. 
Mulford. 

First National Bank of Woodbury.— This bank- 
ing institution was organized in 1855, and incor- 
porated the same year as the " Gloucester County 
Bank." Their present banking-house was also erected 
in 1855, and in January, 1856, the following-named 
persons were elected directors : William R. Tatum, 
John M. Saunders, Charles P. Stokes, Amos J. Peas- 
lee, John M. Watson, Woodward Warrick, Samuel 
Black, Joseph Jessup, and Israel Pancoast, who sub- 
sequently elected William R. Tatum president, and 
James W. Caldwell cashier. In 1865 the bank was 
converted into the First National Bank of Woodbury. 
In 1883 the directors were Joseph Jessup, J. M. 
Saunders, W. Warrick, George W. Dickensheets, 
John H. Bradway, Jonathan Colson, A. J. Peaslee, 
Thomas W. Hurff, and George G. Green. President, 
Amos J. Peaslee; Vice-President and Cashier, John 
H. Bradway. Capital, $100,000; surplus, $60,000; 
deposits, $550,000. 

Woodbury Real Estate Mutual Loan Associa- 
tion. — This association was organized May 5, 1871, 
with George E. Harrison as president; John H. Brad- 
way, vice-president; Samuel W. Stokes, treasurer; 
George E. Pierson, secretary, and five directors. 

Railroads. — In 1856, Woodbury was put in com- 



> By O. E. PiofBori. 



munication with Philadelphia by means of the then 
Camden and Woodbury Railroad, which was subse- 
quently extended to Glassboro and Bridgeton. 

In 1869 the Swedesboro and Woodbury Railroad 
was opened, and in 1874 the Delaware River Railroad 
from Woodbury to Salem. 

General HoweU Post, No. 31, G. A. R.,' De- 
partment of New Jersey, was instituted Sept. 16, 
1879, with twenty-six comrades. The following were 
the first officers of the post: C, Adon W. Cattell ; S. 
V. C, George S. Downs ; J. V. C, George G. Green ; 
Adjt., Joshua Lawson ; Sergt.-Maj., Nathan Allen; 
Q. M., Hiram B. Vanneman; Q. M.-Sergt., Edward 
C. Cattell ; O. D., George D. Troth ; Chap., William 
N. Angle. 

The post started with reasonably fair prospects, and 
has continued until the present time, September, 
1883, no deaths having occurred in our ranks. The 
present number upon the muster-roll is fifty-eight. 
The following are the officers at the present time: C, 
George D. Thomson; S. V. C, Ephraim C. Ware; 
J. V. C, George D. Troth ; Q. M., Hiram B. Van- 
neman ; Q. M.-Sergt., George W. Jennings; Chap., 
Nathan T. Allen; Adjt., Joseph L. Franklin; O. D., 
Jonathan Seeds; Surg., George W. Clark; Sergt.- 
Maj., Alonzo S. Chew. 

EDUOATIO.NAL. 

"Woodbury Academy was erected in 1791, the 
money with which to build being raised by lottery, 
which was quite a common way at that time of raising 
money for such purposes. 

The land upon which it was built was deeded the 
same year by Joseph Blonmfield, of Burlington (who 
from 1803 to 1812 was Governor of the State), to Rev. 
Andrew Hunter, Dr. Thomas Hendry, John Sparks, 
Benjamin Whitall, Franklin Davenport, John Black- 
wood, and Joseph Howell, in trust, for the sole pur- 
pose of building an academy upon. It had at first 
but one story, with the present belfry upon it. 

"Rev. Andrew Hunter, one of the trustees, and 
minister of the Presbyterian congregation atthat time, 
was the first teacher. In 1820 the second story was 
put on, and used for academic purposes, and the 
lower story, which had been used for some years by 
the Presbyterian congregation as a place of worship, 
as well as for a school, was conveyed to them, and 
fitted up for church purposes, and dedicated on the 
19th of March of the same year by Rov. .lonatlian 
Freeman, George W. Janvier, and Thomas J. Briggs, 
and continued to be used as a place of worship till 
1834. 

"The late Dr. James Rush, of Philadelphia, and 
Commodore Benjamin Cooper, son of Capt. James 
Cooper, formerly of Woodbury, were partly educated 
in this academy; also Capt. James Lawrence, who 
resided with his brother, John Lawrence, Esq., in tlie 
house where John S. Jessup, Esq., now resides. He 

* By Jnsopli L. FriuiUlin. 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



177 



will ever be remembered as a most gallant oflScer. 
He was mortally wounded while at sea, in command 
of the United States frigate ' Chesapeake,' in an en- 
gagement with the British frigate 'Shannon.' The 
last dying words of Capt. Lawrence were, ' Don't 
give up the ship.' His remains lie beside Trinity 
Church, New York, where there is a monument to 
his memory. Commodore Stephen Decatur was also 
at school here, his home being with the West family, 
at what was then called Buck Tavern, now West- 
ville. 

" The old academy bell deserves a passing notice. 
It was placed in the belfry soon after the original 
building was erected. It bears upon its exterior the 
impress of a Latin cross, at the base of which is the ■■ 
manufacturer's name and the place where it was ! 
manufactured in France, Bordeaux. This is evi- j 
dence of its traditional history, and there can be no 1 
doubt that it was originally a convent bell, brought 
from San Domingo during the insurrection in 1789 
to Philadelphia, and from there to Woodbury, and 
placed in its present position. From its appearance 
it is an old, old bell, and rang long in foreign coun- 
tries before it rang in Woodbury. It sounds as 
sweetly now as when it first to vespers called. 

" The pioneer school-house of Woodbury is what is 
now called the Deptford School, on Delaware Street. 
It was built in 1774. It was originally a one-story 
building, and in 1820 the second or upper story was 
added, James Cooper having bequeathed five hundred 
dollars for that purpose. In 1863 the building was 
remodeled and made the most pleasant and healthful 
of any in this vicinity. The land upon which the 
building stands was donated by Joseph Low, and 
school established, and to be forever under the control 
of the ' Society of Friends.' 

"The school was opened to children of all religious 
persuasions, on condition of payment and submission 
to the rules. The object, as set forth, was 'educa- 
tional, moral, and charitable.' The original trustees 
were Joseph Low, David Cooper, John Brown, Job 
Whitall, Jr. Jeremiah Paul was the pioneer teacher. 
'Precepts' were ordered read on visitation-days, some 
of them being as follows: 'God created yi u ; love 
him with all your strength ; never pronounce his 
sacred name vainly or lightly.' ' Fear nothing so 
much as to offend him.' ' To your elders and superi- 
ors show reverence and respect; to equals and in- 
feriors, civility and kindness; to all, a pleasure in 
obliging.' 

"Among the 'rules' were the following: 'The 
teacher shall suffer no scholar in ye school that hath 
the itch or any other infectious distemper.' 

" In looking over the records of the trustees of 
this school we notice that the minutes are still kept 
in the original book, and that each leaf bears the 
royal impress of the crown and cross." 

Friends' Meeting. — " The oldest place of worship 
in what is now the city of Woodbury is the ' Friends' 
12 



meeting-house.' The original building was erected 
in either 1715 or 1716. In 1715 an acre of land, 
being a part of the original purchase of two hundred 
acres by Thomas Matthews, was deeded by John 
Swanson to John Ladd, Henry Wood, and John 
Cooper, in trust, to build a ' Friends meeting- 
house.' This John Cooper built the house, and 
lived in the property now occupied by the family of 
the late Amos Campbell. He was a man of much 
influence in all this section of the State. The Henry 
Wood here mentioned was probably the brother of 
Richard Wood, and first settled and named Wood- 
bury. It has been stated, on good authority, that 
during the Revolutionary war the meeting-house was 
used as a commissary depot by tlie British army. 

" In 178.3 an addition was built to the original. 
The timbers in the original part are quite a curiosity 
at the present time, as the joists are fifty-one feet 
long, and ten by fifteen inches square. , 

"The first monthly meeting was held in 1785. 
The elders were David Cooper and James Whitall, 
Jr. ; overseers, Isaac Ballinger and James Whitall, 
Jr. The records show continued effort on the part 
of the Friends to assist the colored people in their 
spiritual and temporal concerns ; to educate their 
children ; also their efforts with the Legislature for 
the freedom of those held as slaves. The first meet- 
ing of Friends in this part of the State was held in 
1682, at Newton, in then Gloucester, now Camden 
County, at the dwelling-houses of Mark Newby and 
William Cooper. In 1690 a meeting-house was built 
about two and a half miles south of West Haddon- 
field. The Friends residing here attended that 
meeting up to 1696, when a meeting was established 
in the house of John Wood, in or near Woodbury." 
— Carter's Woodbury and Vicinity. 

Presbyterian Church. — The date of the origin of 
Presbyterianism in Woodbury is uncertain. It was 
doubtless, however, in the early jjart of the seven- 
teenth century, as their first place of worship or 
meeting-house was of logs, built in 1721, where their 
graveyard now is, on land deeded by John Tatum to 
Alexander Randell and others for a church. The 
earliest record of the congregation is in 1732. The 
first stated pastor was Rev. Benjamin Chestnut, in 
1751. Upon the authority of old Jonas Cattell, it is 
stated that in 1776 the church was occupied by the 
American army as a commissary depot, and was then 
I some time unoccupied. The first elders were Elijah 

Clark, John Sparks, and Charles Ogden. 

i Maria Ogden, daughter of Charles Ogdea, a much 

loved, highly esteemed, and useful member of this 

church, left her home and friends in 1827 to go as a 

missionary to the Sandwich Islands. This was about 

I six years after the first missionary had visited these 

islands, and great ignorance and superstition existed 

j among the natives. 

I In 1803 the old church was ordered to be sold. 
The first trustees were elected in 1819, and were 



178 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Charles Ogden, Thomas Hendry, James Jaggard, 
Ephraim Miller, Amos Campbell, William A. Tatem, 
and James Dorman, who were legally incorporated 
and qualified before James Matlack, Esq., justice of 
the peace, to support the Constitution of the United 
States, to give allegiance to the State, to execute the 
trust. 

The present church edifice was erected in 1833-34, 
and dedicated in the latter year, when Eev. Charles 
Williamson was pastor. The trustees at that time 
were Robert L. Armstrong, John Cade, William Scott, 
Ephraim Miller, William Roe, Dr. Joseph Fithian, 
and Richard Wells. Dr. Fithian was elected in 1834. 

Upon the records of this church may be found 
resolutions of respect to the memory of Rev. Samuel 
D. Blythe, a most excellent man. His warm, honest 
heart drew to him all the people, who flocked to hear 
him in matters of church or state, and to receive his 
solid advice, and catch, as they fell from his lips, the 
brilliant gems of a well-stored mind. His manner 
was full of graceful dignity, and an eloquence in the 
very lifting up of his hands in prayer. His personal 
resemblance to that distinguished statesman, the Hon. 
Henry Clay, was most marked. He died early, in his 
thirty-ninth year, and was buried in the Presbyterian 
graveyard at Woodbury. The record states — " His 
labors were greatly blessed of God." — Carter') Wood- 
bury and Vicinity. 

Of the pastors of this church we can gain but little 
information beyond the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Blythe, 
who was the shepherd of this flock for nearly five 
years, and died June 23, 1843. The pulpit was then 
supplied by Rev. Mr. Rogers for some time, when 
Rev. William Graham became pastor of the church, 
and continued in that relation for nearly nine years, 
when he was removed by death, that event occurring 
Dec. 18, 1856. Samuel J. Baird was the next pastor, 
and remained with the church ten years, and was 
succeeded by Rev. F. Davenport Harris, who re- 
mained till October, 1876, a period of ten years, when 
he was succeeded by Rev. Edward Dillon, the present 
pastor, who was called in June, 1877, and ordained 
and installed in October of the same year. 

The elders of the church in 1882 were Augustus S. 
Barber, John S. Jessup, and Joseph B. Roe. Dr. 
Joseph Fithian, a useful and honored member of this 
church, was elected a deacon in 1834, and held that 
responsible position till his decease, which occurred 
in 18—. 

The trustees of the church in 1882 were S. Mc- 
Henry, president of the board ; Augustus S. Barber, 
JohnS. Jessup, Benjamin W. Andrews, Joliii Lupton, 
Augustus S. Barber, Jr., secretary; and William A. 
Flanigen, treasurer. Present membership, 100. Value 
of church property, liflS.OOO. 

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. — For some 
time previous to 1865 the Catholics held services in 
private houses in or near Woodbury, conducted by 
Rev. Fatlier Daily. At that time this was a mission 



attended from Gloucester, the place of residence of 
Father Daily. In 1865 the mission had attained both 
numerical and financial strength sufficient to warrant 
the building of the present frame church edifice and 
parsonage, when Woodbury became self-supporting, 
and was no longer a mission field. 

Previous to 1865, or in that year, a deed of the lot 
upon which the church and parsonage stands was 
obtained by Father Daily, and in 1868 the property 
was deeded by Rev. James Daily and Right Rev. 
J. Roosevelt Bailey, Bishop of the Diocese of New 
Jersey, to St. Mary's Catholic Church, of Gloucester, 
and in 1878 St. Mary's Church deeded the property 
to St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, of Wood- 
bury. The church edifice was formally dedicated by 
Bishop Bailey, and the first pastor was Rev. James 
Daily. The pastor in 1883 was Rev. James Mc- 
Minimin. 

Christ Church (Episcopal),' located on Delaware 
Street, was established in 1854. The Rev. William 
Herbert Norris was then appointed missionary in 
charge by the Right Rev. Bishop Doane. The lot on 
which the church is located was purchased from Wil- 
liam H. Morris in 1855, and deeded in trust to Wil- 
liam H. Norris, George Manley, Benjamin F. Carter, 
John R. Wright, and Edward Pierson. The church 
building was completed in 1857, at an expenditure of 
about ten thousand dollars, and was consecrated the 
same year by the Right Rev. Bishop Doane. In the 
fall of 1873, after a long, faithful, and most self- 
sacrificing service, the Rev. Mr. Norris resigned to 
accept an appointment as missionary to travel in 
Europe. Before his departure, in October, 1873, 
Robert R. Neft; Henry C. Foote, and Samuel H. 
Ladd were elected to fill vacancies in the board of 
trustees. By appointment of Rt. Rev. Bishop Odeu- 
heimer, the Rev. William H. Lewis became the mis- 
sionary in charge after the resignation of the Rev. 
Mr. Norris. In April, 1874, the parish was regularly 
incorporated, and organized and elected the follow- 
ing officers : Robert R. Neft', senior warden ; Benja- 
min F. Carter, junior warden ; Henry C. Foote, 
Samuel H. Ladd, David Cooper, Samuel G. Twells, 
Henry C. Clark, BI.D., Frank J. Foote, and Theo- 
dore R. Glover, vestrymen. The Rev. William H. 
Lewis was then elected rector. The same year the 
parish was admitted into union with the Diocesan 
Convention. The Rev. Mr. Lewis resigned the rec- 
torship in 1878. During his time the parish was 
very prosperous, and the chapel, nearly opposite the 
church, was built, at a cost of about soventeon hun- 
dred dollars. In the same year (1878) the pre^sent 
minister, the Rev. George M. Bond, was elected by 
the vestry rector. The present number of communi- 
cants is one hundred and thirty-nine, the number of 
Sunday-school pupils one hundred and forty. The 
officers are: Senior Warden, Benjamin F. Carter; 



I By Jiidgo B. F. CiirliT. 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



179 



Junior Warden, Henry C. Foote ; Vestrymen, Henry 
C. Clark, M.D., Edwin D. Mullen, Tyler Blake, E. 
Randolph Parry, William Milligan, Samuel G. Twells, 
Belmont Perry. 

During the episcopate of Bishop Oroes, and after- 
wards, until regular services were established by the 
Rev. Mr. Norris, occasional Episcopal services had 
been held in the court-house by Bishop Doane and 
others. From 1824 to 1826 the Rev. Richard Hall 
resided in Woodbury, and had charge of the Episco- 
pal Churches at Clarksboro and Chew's Landing. 
From 1885 to 1886 the Rev. J. Glancy Jones was a 
resident of the town, and had charge of the two last 
churches referred to. He afterwards became a mem- 
ber of Congress from Pennsylvania during the ad- 
ministration of President Buchanan, and was a 
prominent leader. He was also appointed minister 
to Austria. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— The Methodist 
Episcopal Society was organized in Woodbury in 
1803, when the following-named trustees were ap- 
pointed ; David Dail, Abishai Chattin, William Wil- 
kinson, Benjamin Whitecar, Michael Griglinglon, 
James Dilks, and Samuel Scott. They purchased a 
dwelling-house on what is now called " Glover's Lane," 
of Benjamin Cloud, where they worshiped till 1817. 
From that time till 1827, meetings were held in 
private houses, and from 1827 to 1832 the Methodists 
occupied the court-house, and in the latter year 
built a church upon the site occupied by the present 
church. In 1868 the present neat and commodious 
brick edifice was erected, and dedicated by Bishop 
Matthew Simpson. The building committee were 
Rev. Joseph L. Roe, pastor, and Messrs. John I. 
Estell, Nathan S. Abbott, and William Horn. 

Among the earliest and most prominent Methodist 
preachers, who from time to time officiated at Wood- 
bury, were Revs. Joseph Eusling, Robert Garey, 
David W. Bastine, and Joseph Ashbrook. — Carter's 
Woodbury and VicinUy. 

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.— 
The African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wood- 
bury was organized in 1817 by Revs. Richard Allen 
and W. P. Quinn, in au old log cabin in which 
lived two devoted Christians, Thomas and Amelia 
Mann, in North Woodbury. 

Among the pioneer class-leaders, and probably 
the first in this church, was David Johnson. His 
class consisted of Thomas Mann, Sr., Amelia Mann, 
Thomas Mann, Jr., Henry Haines, Phebe Haines, 
Fanny Smothers, Susan Eicco, Harriet Block, Eben- 
ezer Maun. 

The society continued to worship in private 
houses, school-houses, or any place most available 
until 1840, when through the efforts of five ladies, 
Elizabeth Wright, Jane Wright, Hannah Collins, 
Susan Ricco, and Eliza Freeman, the old church, on 
the site of the present one on Otter Street, was erected. 
As neither of the ladies was educated, they called to 



their assistance John Freeman and Thomas Craig, as 
secretary and treasurer of the building fund. In that 
quaint old frame structure the colored people of Wood- 
bury worshiped until 1874, when the church was re- 
built, resulting in the present neat and commodious 
frame building, with a seating capacity of two hun- 
dred and fifty, at a cost of nine hundred dollars. 

In 1881 the society built their present parsonage, 
at a cost of eight hundred dollars, on a lot adjoining 
the church lot. About the time of building the 
church by the colored- people they commenced a 
school-house for the education of their children, and 
were greatly assisted in this enterprise, as well as 
former ones, by the Society of Friends. This con- 
tinued as a semi-private school until 1881, when it 
was changed to one of the common schools of the 
city. 

Among the preachers who have served the Wood- 
bury circuit, which includes Swedeshoxo, the follow- 
ing are remembered : Revs. Richard Allen, W. P. 
Quinn, Joseph C. Harper, John Cornish, Israel Scott, 
Jeremiah Buley, Nohr C. Cannon, Peter D. Schumen, 
John R. V. Morgan, Isaac V. Parker, Clayton Dur- 
ham. 

Since 1872 the records have been more carefully 
kept, and we find the following: William Rogers, 
1872; Asa Crippen, 1873; R. M. Turner, 1874^75; 
Asa Garrison, 1876; S. B. Williams, 1877; J. T. 
Diggs, 1878-79 ; W. M. Watson, 1880-81 ; J. H. 
Morgan, 1882-88. 

The trustees of the church in 1883 were James E. 
Groves, Morris Huffington, Charles Gibson, Charles 
Sifax, John Long, Riley Davis, and Handy Hein. 

Class-leaders, Rev. J. H. Morgan, Charles Sifax, 
James E. Groves, and Charles Gibson. 

Local preacher, L. B. Langford. Present member- 
ship of society, one hundred and one. Sunday-school 
superintendent, Henry Sharp. 

First Baptist Church of Woodbury.'— The pre- 
liminary steps towards the organization of a Baptist 
Church in Woodbury were taken in 1857, as follows : 
" A meeting of those friendly to the organization of a 
Baptist Church, and the erection of a house of wor- 
ship, was called at the house of Dr. E. J. Records, in 
North Woodbury, Thursday, May 7, 1857, of which 
due notice had been given in the village paper, the 
Constitution." 
The church was duly constituted at the house of E. 
i B. Hall, North Woodbury, Aug. 6, 1857, by repre- 
sentatives from the following-named churches : First 
and Second Baptist Churches of Camden, First Bap- 
tist Church of Salem, Blackwoodtown, Woodstown, 
Mullica Hill, Marlton, and Moorestown. The ser- 
mon was preached by the Rev. John Duncan, of the 
First Baptist Church, Camden. Text, 1 Peter, ii. 9. 
The constituent members were Rev. D. J. Freas, 
Ellis Bentley Hall, Dr. E. J. Records, Charles R. 

1 By Rev. J. Judson Pierson. 



180 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Bee, Elizabeth Dare, Susan Tatum Freas, Hannah 
Harris Hall, Mary J. Records, Mary Paine Tatum, 
and Mary A. Ballinger. 

The first few years of this church's existence were 
years of hard struggle, but under the pastorate of 
Rev. L. Kirtley a rapid growth began, which has 
continued to the present time, and from the ten con- 
stituents the church has increased to a present mem- 
bership of two hundred and forty-four, with no debt 
against the church property. Of the constituent 
members four are still living, viz.: Rev. D. J. Freas, 
C. R. Bee, Hannah Harris Hall, and Susan T. Freas. 

Tlie following is a list of the pastors of this church, 
and timeof service of each : 

Rev. D. J. Freas, Sept. 5, 1857, to April 8, 1866. 

Rev. Henry Bray, July 10, 1867, to March 15, 1868. 

Rev. William P. Maul, Aug. 9, 1868, to Feb. 6, 1870. 

Rev. Charles Kain, Sept. 1, 1871, to June 1, 1872. 

Rev. William M. Whitehead, Oct. 1, 1872, to Jan- 
uary, 1874. Mr. Whitehead was a man of eminent 
piety, zealous in the work, beloved, by all who knew 
him, and died Jan. 28, 1874, while in the service of 
this church. 

Rev. C. H. Harris, March 22, 1874, to Sept. 20, 1874. 

Rev. L. Kirtley, March 18, 1875, to June 7, 1881. 

Rev. J. Judson Pierson, the present pastor, began 
his pastorate Sept. 11, 1881. 

Of the above pastors all, except Mr. Whitehead, are 
still living, and in active service. 

The church edifice is located in North Woodbury, 
is of brick, and built in 1858, at a cost of nine thou- 
sand dollars. The basement was dedicated by the 
Rev. Dr. Perkins, Nov. 25, 1858. The parsonage was 
built in 1877. 

The oflicers of the church in 1883 were Rev. J. 
Judson Pierson, pastor; Sunday-school Superintend- 
ent, M. Ware Scott; Deacons, Arthur L. Terry, J. L. 
Morgan, C. T. Bennett, H. Hendrickson, E. J. Lloyd, 
J. F. ShuU ; Trustees, E. J. Lloyd, S. D. Dobbs, C. 
T. Bennett, J. F. Shull, E. Johnson, E. Clayton, and 
I. L. Davis ; Church Clerk and Treasurer, C. T. Ben- 
nett, D.D.S. 

The German Presbyterian Ciurch was organized 
May 5, 1882, in " Sofleiss Hall," in Woodbury, N. J., 
by Rev. John W. BischotF, with the following-named 
persons as constituent members ; Christian Sofleiss, 
William Sofleiss, Johanna Sofleiss, John Myers, Sally 
Myers, William Myers, Charles E. Von Stege, Anna 
Hochmuth, Josephine Hochmuth, Heinrioh Frass, 
Eleazer Schmidt, Gottfried Young, Charles Seeger, 
Julius Baumgarden, Louis Brandt, Gustoph Pulver, 
Magdalena Schmidt, Jacob Byerly, Mary Basling- 
hover, and Case Schaufarle. 

A building lot on Lincoln Street was purchased of 
John C. Tatem. The foundation walls of the church 
edifice were built, and the corner-stone laid in August, 
1883, by Rev. J. W. BischoflT. The church edifice, 
when completed, including lot, is estimated to cost 
two thousand five hundred dollars. 



The membership in October, 1883, was twenty. 
The elders in 1883 were Christian Sofleiss and John 
Myers. Trustees, Christian Sofleiss, John Myers, 
and Heinrich Fraas. 

North Woodbury Cemetery. — This small plot of 
ground is situated in the north part of the city, be- 
tween Broad Street and the West Jersej' Railroad. 
The following are extracts from some of the inscrip- 
tions found upon headstones and monuments there: 

Brig.-Gen. .Joshua Blackwood Howell, First Brigade, First Division, 
Tenth Arm}' Corps, born Sept. 11, 180G; died from injuries by the Call- 
ing of his horse while in temporary command of the Third Division, 
Tenth Army Corps, in front of Petersburg, Va., Sept. 14, 18(J4. 

Mary Lewis, wife of Joshua B. Howell, born Nov. 22, 1809, died Sept. 
7, 1862. 

Kachael Tliomas Lewis, born April 28, 1783, died Sept. 4, 1849. 

Henrietta Campbell Weatherby, born Jan. 7, 1815, died May 2, 1880. 

Otilla Lennipr, died March 20, 1874. 

James Koe, born Feb. 26, 1792, died Jan. 22, 1880. 

Nathan Co7;ens, died Dec. 27, 1863, aged G7. 

James L. Gibbs, dii'd July 20, 1860, aged 09. 

Eliza L. Gibbs, died Jan. 3, 18.T1, aged 53. 

Mary S. Barber, born Aug. 27, 1812, died July 3, 1854. 

Isaac L. Davenport, died May 7, 1855, aged 33. 

John M. Connelly, died March 29, 1855, aged 08. 

Samuel E. Evans, died Feb. 22, 1872, aged fi9. 

Emeline Evans, died Feb. 19, 1872, aged 63. 

Robert K. Matlock, born Jan. 22, 1804, died April 27, 1877. 

Rev. S.amuel D. Blythe, nearly five years pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church at Woodbury, N. J,, born March 27, 1804, died June 23, 184:1 

Rev. William Graham, died Dec. IS, 1S56, aged 58. He was in the 
thirty-fourth year of his ministry, aud ninth of his pastorate of Presby- 
terian Church of Woodbury. 

Peter Curts, died Oct, 24, 1864, aged 74. 

Elizabeth Curts, died Sept. 7, 1857, aged 66. 

Elizabeth Budd. 

Sophia Tomlin, wife of James B. Toroliu. 

Maria Budd, died Aug. 24, 1851, aged 45. 

David Garson, born Feb. 22, 1780, died Dec. 17, 1844. 

Siirah Garson, born .^pril 13, 1786, died Aug. 14, 1851. 

Robert Roe, died Aug. 18, 1862, aged 79. 

Elizabeth Roe, died Feb. 24, 1875, aged 81. 

Thomas Budd, died May 13, 1867, aged 59. 

Jane 0. West Eizenhower, died Jan. 26, 1852, aged 19. 

Jndith G. Smith, died Jan. 28, 1848, aged 21. 

Jacob E. Bnrkett, born Jan. 10, 1848, died Aug. 7, 1869. 

Motiitt Mount. // 

Hannah W. Cade, died Feb. 23, 1869, aged 56. (/ 

William G. Phifer, Sr., died Supt. 15, 1867, aged 78. 

Edward Low, died July 5, 1880, aged 51. 

Sarah Knight, died Sept. 22, 1864, aged 58. 

Isabella Hartley, died March 6, 1839, aged 67. 

Joseph Cults, Sr., boin J\ily 22, 1786, died Nov. 1, 1862. 

Deborah C. Curts, died March 30, 1880, aged 75. 

John M. Watson, born March 22, 1796, died July 3, 1878. 

Sarah W. Watson, born Jan. 31, 1822, died Sept. 30, 1800. 

Jano Chew, born Aug. 12, 17!M, died March 13, 1S44. 

Thomas J. Miller, drowneil Dec. 12, 1829, aged 22. 

Joshua Matlack, born April 17, 1806, died Aug. 30, 1862. 

Amy Matlack, boiii March 18, 180S, died July 6, 1860. 

Samuel Weutz, died Sept. 11, 1835, aged 63. 

Sarah Wontz, died May 2, 1845, agod 62. 

Ellzaboth Munet, born March 11, 1757, died Nov. 27, 1773. 

Mary Ovens, burn Jan. 29, 1814, riled April 3, 1834. 

Ann A. Aires, died July 3, 1828, agod 25. On her tombstone is the 
following poetic efTnsion : 

" I have left you. no more my pale face to see; 
• Prepare Yourselves To Follow me." 

Mary P. Tatem, born Nov. 10, 1793,dloil Nov. 29, 1880. 

Mary P. Ilelden, died .March I, 1844, aged 02. 

James Cruni|t, died Jan. 20, 1812, aged 56. 

Ann Crump, born April 29, O.S. 1740, illed Oct. l.">, ISU. 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



181 



Eliza1)eth Andrrsoii, born Sept. 26, 1763, died Dec. 5, 1794. 
Ann Hopkins, died Dec. 29, 1860, aged 75. 
Dr. George W. Cumpliell, died Sept 22, 1798, iiged 51. 
William Wallace Harris, died Octobei-, 1872, aged 26. 
Matilda Harris, died 7th mo, 6, 1880, aged 69. She was the wife of 
Eev. r. D. Harris. 
John Tatem, died March 18, 1812, aged 51. 
Mary Tatem, died Julj 21, 1836, aged 73. 
Ann Campbell, died Aug. 23, 1832, aged 50. 

Lydia W. Dickinson Campbell, born June 2, 1822, died March 13, 1855. 
John D. Smallwood, born Aug. 19, 1835, died Nov. 21, 1S66. 
Mary Smallwood, boin Dee. 11, 1803, died June 21, 1874. 
John C. Smallwood, born Feb. 16, 1797, died Sept. 18, 1878. 
Kobert M. Smallwood, born Aug. 20, 1827, died Feb. 8, 1856. 
William K. Anderson, born Jan. 6, 1841, died Sept. 2, 1878. 
Clara Smallwood Anderson, boin Oct. 11, 1838, died March 25, 1807. 
Joslah E. Anderson, born Oct. 18, 1836, died Dec. 3, 1868. 
Mollie S. Anderson, born Oct. 11, 1838, died Jan. 4, 1881. 
Maij' Hannold, born March 27, 1787, died Sept. 7, 1836. 
Elizabeth H. Tatem, died July 28, 1858, aged 46. 
Oliver Davis, died May S, 1833, aged 66. 
Susan Davis, died June 5, 1845, aged 73. 

INDUSTRIES OF WOODBURY. 

G. G. Green's New Factory.^ — " One of the hand- 
somest buildings in the country for the manufacture 
of proprietary medicines is that of Mr. George G. 
Green, located in our town. If among all it is not 
the handsomest, it is certainly the largest devoted ex- 
clusively to the business, and is exceeded by none in 
convenience of arrangement and adaptability. The 
exterior is attractive in its material and finish, and 
in strict harmony with the interior arrangements. 

" We have before referred to the general construction 
of the building, which is such an ornament and ad- 
dition to our town, but having accepted an invitation 
from Mr. Green to inspect the same, we saw much of 
which it is our pleasure to speak. Before it was in an 
unfinished condition, now it is so far completed that 
the entire business is done in its departments. 

" On the west side, extending along the entire front, 
are the private office of Mr. Green and the gen- 
eral office containing the desks at which the several 
clerks are engaged. The private office on the south 
end is set off from the general office, and is complete 
in its finish and appointments. Kichly carpeted and 
furnished, and brilliantly lighted, it is all that could 
be desired. The general office presents a busy ap- 
pearance with its ten or dozen clerks employed in their 
respective departments of labor, some at their ledgers, 
others in receiving and shipping orders to and from 
all parts of the world, and in attending to the import- 
ant branch of advertising. This room is large, light, 
and airy, tastily and richly finished in walnut, chest- 
nut, and oak of exceedingly neat design. It has every 
appearanceof counting- and banking-room combined. 
On the south end of the wing is built a large fire- 
proof safe, adequate to the accumulated needs of the 
business for years to come, and constructed in accord- 
ance with all the well-established scientific principles 
to secure safety and strength. Suspended from the 
ceiling are handsome gas chandeliers, the light being 
furnished by the vaporization of gasoline by means 

1 By G. E. Pierson. 



of a large machine in the cellar and outside the build- 
ing. The floor is inlaid with tile, which is partially 
covered with carpet. Mr. Green's second or general 
office is in the north end, neatly finished and fur- 
nished, and, like his private one, so constructed with 
French plate glass windows that it may be practically 
thrown into the main room. 

"On the second floor are thealmanacand printing- 
rooms. Here the almanacs of 1883 (of which five 
millions have been ordered and will be circulated 
gratuitously by the close of the present year) are pre- 
pared for distribution among dealers over the globe. 
These almanacs contain maps of each of the States 
in which they are to circulate, and as the names of 
thousands of dealers are printed on the last leaf of 
each almanac, the amount of work may easily be es- 
timated. Nine printing-presses are kept constantly 
running. After having thus passed through the press 
they are boxed, directed, and shipped^fqr distribution. 
These almanacs are printed in the English, German, 
French, and Spanish language, and go wherever the 
medicines find sale, which is everywhere. 

"The third floor on the west is divided into two 
rooms, in which the bottles are washed, cleaned, and 
made ready to be filled with medicine, and where are 
stored such articles as are needed in the present dis- 
tribution of the almanacs, — placards, pasteboard, etc. 

"The upper floor is used as a store-room. It ex- 
tends overboth the east and front wings of the building. 

"The first floor of the east wing is occupied exclu- 
sively as a packing-room. Large quantities of boxes, 
hay, and sawdust fill up all the available space, and 
the facilities are all that are needed in this depart- 
ment of the business. 

" The bottling-room is immediately above, where 
twenty-eight young ladies are engaged in filling the 
bottles with medicine. The facilities here are first- 
class. Rubber hose, fitted with nickel-plated faucets 
and connected with the reservoirs or tanks of medi- 
cine in the room above, runs to the centre and sides 
of the room, where are constructed stands or tables,, 
at which sections of hose terminate. Eows of bottles 
are ranged on these tables, and the process of filling 
thein at once becomes simple, complete, rapid, and 
cleanly, the end of the faucets being inserted in the 
neck of the bottle, and the medicine being allowed to 
flow until the phial is filled. When filled the bottles 
are sealed with corks, each containing a corkscrew, 
and afterwards put up in pasteboard boxes of a dozen 
and half-dozen each, which are subsequently packed 
in strong wooden boxes. 

" The laboratory or compounding-room is on the 
third floor, east wing, and runs its entire length. Of 
the business of this room much cannot be said. All 
the secrets of the establishment are locked up here, 
especially in one corner, where is partitioned off an 
apartment to which admission to the public is wholly 
denied. Applications are frequently made for the 
secrets contained in the composition of the medicine, 



182 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUiVTY. 



but as yet satisfactory answers have not been given. 
The apparatus iof heating the syrups is of Mr. Green's 
own design, and is perfect in its worl^ing. Steam is 
forced through a pipe into a large copper boiler, the 
pressure being regulated to suit the needs of the 
work by means of a valve and blow-ofi' gauge. Four 
immense tanks stand in the centre of the main floor, 
while on the south side are fourteen small reservoirs, 
all being connected with the room below by means 
of iron pipes. The capacity of the large tank is 
eight hundred gallons ; that of the smaller ones, ten 
hundred and fifty gallons. 

" Between the front and east wings is constructed an 
elevator, which can be communicated with from the 
several rooms of the building on the first, second, and 
third floors. Medicines, materials, etc., are thus dis- 
tributed over the whole building. At present this is 
worked by hand-power, but it is the intention of Mr. 
Green to operate it with steam. 

" A seven-hundred dollar gas-machine distributes 
gas over the whole building, giving a light whose 
brilliancy and evenness are exceeded only by the 
student lamp. 

"Located on different floors are two water-tanks 
with a capacity of fifteen hundred galloDs each. 
Connected with these on each floor are iron pipes, to 
which are attached sections of rubber hose reaching 
into the several rooms on the floors, to be used in 
case of fire or other purposes. 

" Mr. Green has also built an engine- and boiler- 
house on the north side of the factory. In it he has 
placed an engine of thirty horse-power, which he is 
using in heating the iactory, and will apply to ma- 
chinery for the operation of tbe elevator. Pipe and 
other apparatus run through and are located in every 
room for the heating of the building. The success of 
the plan will appear to every one who enters the sev- 
eral rooms, a pleasant heat being evenly distributed 
throughout. 

" To facilitate business as well as to lighten its trans- 
actions, speaking-tubes run through the first three 
stories, accessible to all the rooms and communicat- 
ing with all parts of the building. 

" Forty-four persons are engaged in the building and 
on the pay-rolls, besides fourteen traveling salesttien, 
and exclusive of twenty-eight young ladies who are 
wholly occupied in filling the bottles with medicine. 
This number does not include the workmen who are 
employed outside the building by the day. Ten 
clerks are busily engaged at the desks in the count- 
ing-room, while more than that number of employees 
are kept constantly bu-sy in the printing-room, run- 
ning presses for printing dealers' cards on almanacs, 
wrappers for bottles, directions to accompany the 
almanacs, etc. A force is engaged solely in making 
boxes, and the compounding of the medicines occu- 
pies the whole time and attention of two gentlemen. 
"The recent contract entered into with the Messrs. 
Starr, of Camden, for two miles of three-inch iron 



pipe to connect the factory with the reservoir on Dr. 
Roe's farm, was made with the view of receiving an 
inexhaustible supply of water for all purposes and at 
every section of his property. The work is finished 
(privileges having already been secured), and gives a 
flow of twenty thousand gallons per hour, sufiicient 
for every conceivable need. The elevation of the 
reservoir above the level of the ground on which the 
factory is located is ninety-eight feet, a heavy enough 
descent to give all the pressure required for distribu- 
tion. 

" The amount of business done this year will slightly 
exceed five hundred thousand dollars, and there are 
indications already which lead to the belief that the 
sales the coming year will run over six hundred thou- 
sand dollars. Mr. Green is a firm believer in adver- 
tising and a liberal use of printers' ink, and he does 
not expect to have to wait long before having his 
impresssions confirmed respecting the large benefits 
to be derived i'rom the universal and free distribution 
of his almanacs. 

"The general oversight and management of the busi- 
ness are, of course, in the hands of Mr. Green him- 
self. These require his most assiduous attention. A 
business of such magnitude, reaching into every quar- 
ter of the globe, needs his personal attention to many 
of the little details. When to this care are added the 
trouble and anxiety incident to his recent building 
operations, it is most natural that Mr. Green should 
have his time fully occupied. The making and man- 
agement of such a character of business have re- 
' quired an executive ability and tact not possessed by 
the many, and that Mr. Green has conducted, and is 
still conducting it successfully, is not among the de- 
batable questions. If, as Col. Sellers says, " there's 
millions in it," Mr. Green will do his best to get it 
out, giving that patient toil, industry, and application 
which are indispensable to success." 

Standard Window-Glass Works (Limited).— 
These works are located in that portion of the city 
known locally as North Woodbury. The company 
that built and that are now operating tlie works was 
organized April 20, 1S82, and comprise the following- 
named persons as stockholders : George G. Green, 
John I. Estell, S. Paul Loudenslager, Benjamin C. 
Brown, and H. C. Loudenslager. 

The first glass-house with the buildings attached 
for carrying on the business was built in 1882, and in 
1883 a second furnace was built a few yards from tlie 
first, the whole works costing nearly forty thousand 
dollars. 

The first oHleers of the compiuiy were George G. 
Green, chairiuMU ; S. Paul Loudenslager, vice-chair- 
man ; John I. Estell, general manager and treasurer. 

The capacity of the works is fifty-five thousand 
boxes of glass (all sizes) per annum, which gives em- 
ployment to sixty men. The officers for 1SS3 are the 
same as for 1882. 

Green's Steam Planing-Mill is located on tlio 



CITY OP WOODBURY. 



183 



north side of Woodbury Creek, below the turnpike 
bridge, and was built in 1881 by Harry Tatem, and 
purchased by George G. Green in 1882. This mill 
furnishes employment for ten men in the preparation 
of lumber for building purposes. 

The pioneer grist-mill of Woodbury was originally 
the depot of the Camden and Woodbury Railroad, 
built in 1888, and in 1856, after the railroad station 
was changed to its present location, William Johns 
converted the old depot into a steam grist-mil!, and 
built the frame part now attached to the brick. In 
rear of the station, or brick part of the present 
mill, was the round-house and blacksmith-shop, a 
part of which is now occupied by the fruit-canning 
establishment of Ralston & Busby. The mill property 
is now owned by George G. Gi'een. 

The railroad crossed the creek below the turnpike 
bridge, crossing the lot now occupied by the coal-yard 
of John I. Estell. 

Tie Woodbury Fruit-Canning' House was estab- 
lished in 1881 by Ralston & Busby, who are doing an 
extensive business in canning all kinds of fruit, em- 
ploying a large number of workmen. 

One of the pioneer industries of this town was the 
scythe- factory of James Matlack. The old shop was 
what is now the brick store occupied by I. L. Davis, 
below Paul's Hotel. In this old shop, and under the 
instruction of James Matlack, the late Daniel J. 
Packer learned the trade of scythe-maker, axe-maker, 
and blacksmith. In 1810, Mr. Packer commenced 
business on his own account in the shop now occupied 
by his son, Daniel J. Packer. Here he carried on the 
business of axe-making, which he made a specialty. 
Mr. Packer died April 30, 1851, and was succeeded in 
business by his son, who after a year or two discon- 
tinued the manufacture of axes and turned his atten- 
tion to general blacksmithing and the manufacture of 
heavy road- and farm-wagons, which he still continues. 

The Woodbury Glass-Works Company was in- 
corporated under the general law of 1881, with George 
G. Green as president, I. C. Voorhies as secretary 
and treasurer, and C. A. Madden, superintendent, 
with William Connolly, John Runge, Charles F. 
Marshall, and Belmont Perry constituting the board 
of managers. The company did well with Mr. Green 
as president, as he is indomitable in overcoming ob- 
stacles, having in his own business, started from a 
small beginning in a little western village, pushed 
his business to a colossal status equaled by few and 
reached as rapidly by none ; and who, ever on the 
alert to benefit and further the interests of this his 
adopted city, advanced largely of his means, and in 
so doing secured to the company a fine location and 
buildings of the most substantial character. 

Mr. Voorhies, for a long time superintendent of the 
West Jersey Marl Company, and widely known in 
the State, a man of qualified integrity in business 
and social relations, was chosen to have a general 
supervision of the business. 



Mr. C. A. Madden, of Clayton, N. J., a life-long 

manufacturer of glass and its adjuncts, well known in 
this the " Glass State," was called to supervise the 
construction of the works and organize the working 
force. Through his selection of none but sober and 
industrious mechanics and laborers, we have to 
chronicle that since the organization not a single day 
has been lost through drunkenness of the men, and 
not a more quiet and orderly set of men can be found ; 
instead of profanity, which is too often the case in 
factories, there is singing of hymns and innocent 
songs, with merry laughter, making it a pleasure to 
associate with or live near them. 

The architectural designs were furnished by Mr. 
Paschal Madara, and were well executed in building. 

A tank-furnace was built from the Foster patent, 
and ran well for a season, but owing to a number of 
unavoidable accidents it proved a failure. The man- 
agement studied carefully the defects and causes of 
the accidents in the tank, and having faith in the 
plan decided to try a second, which, after long and 
tedious eiforts, was got into working order, but un- 
happily lasted only a short time. This second failure 
so discouraged Mr. Madden that he resigned his po- 
sition and resumed his former occupation as a glass- 
blower. 

Through the determined efforts of Mr. Voorhies to 
overcome the many annoyances occui'ring continually 
from accidents which compelled him to exert himself 
both mentally and physically beyond what nature 
had designed for him to endure, it brought him to an 
untimely grave. He started in this enterprise full of 
vigor and animation, with bright hopes for a pros- 
perous future, but alas, all were soon blasted. 

After the resignation of Mr. Madden, in December, 
1882, Mr. Jacob Pease, originally from Glassboro, born 
and reared in the business, a blower of no mean rep- 
utation, and for the past thirteen years superintend- 
ent of Hagerty Bros, factories, Brooklyn, N. Y., was 
elected superintendent, and is now filling that posi- 
tion. In a long and varied experience, he had ac- 
quired a knowledge of the advantage of the old system 
on that of pots over the tank for a general line of 
glassware. Consequently, on Jan. 20, 1883, the tank 
was taken down to its foundation, and in thirteen 
days a new pot-furnace of an improved design built, 
pots sheared, and the blowers at work, a work that 
was never before equaled. It is due, however, to say 
that this work was accomplished through the gratui- 
tous skilled labor performed by a few of the blowers 
now employed by the company. 

After exchanging the new for the old system every- 
thing worked smoothly, and the company soon re- 
deemed their early losses, and met with such success 
that a second factory was built in the summer of 1883, 
on even later plans, and having four sets of ovens, 
thus securing for bottles four days' tempering, which 
will make them the best in use. The ventilation of 
the buildings is perfect, and all the tools and imple- 



184 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



ments of the latest improved patterns; every facility 
is oflfered for shipping to all parts of the world, and, 
with first-class goods, this new company .stand second 
to no other in this or any other country. 

Woodbury in 1883. — Two hundred years has 
made about the same impression on Woodbury that 
one decade would make upon a locality with like fa- 
cilities in a new country at the present day, for the 
reason that the pioneers were not of the aggressive 
sort of people, and the same trait of character has 
run down through the veins of several generations. 

Yet, with all the staid and quiet peculiarities of the 
pioneers and their descendants, Woodbury is second 
to none of the many county-seats in the State. What- 
ever her facilities were two hundred years ago for 
going and coming, they are to-day the best that the 
art of man, with the help of nature, can supply. 
Her railroad facilities of to-day are all that could be 
required by the most fastidious. Twenty or thirty 
minutes to Philadelphia, an hour or so to the Atlan- 
tic coast, and but a step to the capital of the Union, 
or to the great metropolis of our country. New York 
City. With the aid afforded by river and harbor ap- 
propriations, the water communication of Woodbury 
with the outer world has been made sufficient for all 
requirements by that means of transportation. Time 
and space has been almost annihilated by the tele- 
graph and the telephone, and Woodbury brought 
within the circuit of both means of communication, 
a thing neither dreamed of or imagined during the 
embryo period of this town. 

From the one broad and well-shaded street of ye 
ancient days she has spread out over a large extent of 
territory, with broad avenues, along the lines of which 
are hundreds of beautiful villas and cottages, the 
grounds of which are beautifully ornamented with 
shrubbery and flowers. 

From the one or two small and dingy stores and 
blocks of even a century ago, AVoodbury now boasts 
of elegant blocks of buildings and stores that would 
do honor to any city. 

From the five or six country taverns at the begin- 
ning of the present century, the number has been re- 
duced to two well-appointed modern hotels, Newton's, 
corner of Broad and Delaware Streets, and Paul's, on 
Broad Street, between Delaware Street and the creek ; 
and yet, with these excellent places of sojourn for the 
weary traveler, there is plenty of room for improve- 
ment. 

From no place of amusement even half a century 
ago, except that afforded by the small room in the old 
school-house or academy, Woodbury now boasts of 
her town hall, a large brick building, corner of Broad 
and German Streets, in which is astore, public library, 
and a hall of modern size and appointments ; also 
Green's block on Broad Street, one of the largest and 
best constructed of its kind in the State, in which are 
four large stores. Common Council cli;iinber, printing- 
office, Woodbury Novelty Miinuracturin};' Company's 



Works, Society Hall, offices, and one of the best ap- 
pointed opera-houses in New Jersey. The building 
is of brick, three stories high, and built by George 
G. Green in 1881. 

From no manufacturing establishments one-quarter 
of a century ago, Woodbury has at present two glass 
manufactories, "Woodbury Glass-Works," a hollow- 
ware establishment, built in 18S1, "Standard Glass- 
Works," built in 1882, each of which was enlarged in 
1883 to double their original capacity, and Green's 
August Flower Works, located on Railroad Avenue. 
These three establishments employ between five and 
six hundred persons, and it may truly be said of them 
that they are "the life of Woodbury." There are 
several other small manufacturing establishments, 
such as are usually found in a town of this size. 

From no printing-press at all at the beginning of 
this century, Woodbury has grown up to the support 
of three first-class weeklies, the Consiitution, a Re- 
publican organ, the Democrat, a Democratic organ, 
and the Liberal Press, independent in all things. 

From the one place of worship, " Friends' meeting- 
house," there has arisen six others, the Presbyterian, 
Methodist Episcopal, Protestant Episcopal, African, 
Baptist, and German Presbyterian, of all of which a 
history will be found in this work. 

The old court-house stands as a monument of the 
last century, almost as good as new, and one that 
should never feel the blighting touch of the hand of 
vandalism. 

The soldiers' monument, with its many inscriptions, 
tells of the brave deeds of Woodbury and Gloucester 
County's sons, who laid down their lives for a ]irin- 
ciple. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



LEWIS M. GREEN. 

The family are of German ancestry, the grand- 
parents of Mr. Green having been David and Eliza- 
beth Green, the former of whom was a soldier in the 
war of the Revolution. Their children were Isaac, 
Jacob, David, Joseph Daniel, .John, and Elizabeth 
(Mrs. Stout). Of this number, Joseph Daniel was 
born in Gloucester County, on the 5th of July, 1793, 
and there spent his life as a successful farmer and 
business man. He married Mary, daugliter of Gil- 
bert and Elizabeth Morris, of the same county, also 
of German descent, to whom were born cliihlron, — 
Lewis M., Charles, Senix, John, Edward, .los. .Vlbert, 
Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Gebhart), and lieuhili A. ^^^rs. 
Shute). 

Mr. Green's death occurred at Clarksboro, April 
12, 1880, in his eighty-seventh year. During a long 
and active Hl't' his character for pvobity and integrity 




^'V? 



'^^m^--" 



186 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



GEORGE G. GREEN. 

Dr. Green was born near Woodbury, in Gloucester 
County, on tbe farm of his father, present Mayor L. 
M. Green, of Woodbury, on the 16th of January, 1842. 

The family removed soon after to the adjacent vil- 
lage of Clarksboro, where, as a lad, he attended the 
public school of the place. When sixteen years of 
age, desiring more thorough scholastic training than 
could be enjoyed at home, he repaired to the Fort 
Edward Institute, in Washington County, N. Y., and 
remained for two years a pupil at this popular seat of 
learning, after which he entered Dickinson College, 
at Carlisle, Pa. This was during the period of the late 
civil war, and the college having been threatened with 
raids of the rebel army, a speedy departure of most 
of the students was deemed advisable. Dr. Green 
left, with many otliers, and entered the Pennington 
Seminary, at Pennington, N. J., where a year was 
spent in the study of the languages, and the pursuit 
of a scientific course with a view to preparation for 
the medical profession. While here he organized the 
Philomatliean Society, and was chosen its first presi- 
dent. It has since that date become the most popular 
society of the institution, and recently established a 
library known as the G. G. Green library. In the fall 
of 18G2 he entered the medical department of the 
University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and re- 
mained for two years, when impaired health caused 
his removal in 1864 to the West, Warren and Galena, 
in Illinois, having been chosen as his places of resi- 
dence! In the summer of 1864 he became a member 
of the One Hundred and Forty-second Eegiment, Illi- 
nois Volunteers, and served for seven months as assist- 
ant surgeon of the regiment, receiving his discharge 
in Chicago on account of illness. During this time 
he was detailed to service in Memphis, Tenn., and 
participated in the battle which occurred in that city. 
He returned home after his term of service, when a 
period was spent in recreation and the re-establish- 
ment of his health. Dr. Green, on his graduation and 
removal to the West, determined upon the pursuit of 
his profession. He was, however, so chagrined at the 
low standard of professional attainment consequent 
upon the reckless manner of conducting medical col- 
leges in various parts of the United States, in con- 
ferring degrees upon the illiterate and short-timed 
student, and thus filling the country with charlatans 
bearing the common appellation of M.D., that he 
abandoned his profession and engaged in commercial 
life. He consequently removed, in 1867, to Baltimore, 
and established an extensive wholesale proprietary 
medicine-house, securing several exclusive agencies, 
among which was the now world-renowned Boschee's 
German Syrup, which he controlled in the United 
States. 

After a successful career of two years he was com- 
pelled to suspend, as a result of heavy losses by fire 
and otherwise. With a view to again embarking in 
business, he accepted a position with a Philadelphia 



firm to travel in the West, and in 1869 located in 
Athens, Ohio, where he engaged in the retail drug 
business. While residing here he was married to 
Miss Angle L. Brown, daughter of Hon. Leonard 
Brown, a prominent citizen of Athens. The children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Green are Harry Brown, Lottie, 
Edith, and George G., Jr. 

Dr. Green began in Athens the manufacture of the 
August Flower and German Syrup, which have since 
by their merits and the enterprise of their proprietor 
become world-renowned, and controlled the Western 
branch of the business. At the expiration of two 
years he removed to Columbus, Ohio, and availing 
himself of increased facilities, greatly enlarged and 
extended his commercial enterprises. In 1873, having 
purchased the interest of his father in Green's August 
Flower and the German Syrup, he returned to the 
Hast and engaged in the exclusive manufacture of 
these medicines. Dr. Green has met with a phenome- 
nal success, which may be attributed to his thorough 
early education, to extensive travel, affording him 
extended experience with business men and rare 
knowledge of human nature, and to his faculty of 
business organization. He devotes his personal atten- 
tion to the various details of his large establishment, 
and, as a consequence, has little leisure for matters of 
public import. His political belief is that of a con- 
servative Democrat, though rarely participating in 
the active work of a political campaign. His ener- 
gies are devoted rather to his private business and 
the good of the general public than to the pursuit of 
honors accorded by his party. He was, however, in 
1880, chosen a Presidential elector, and has been 
frequently proffered other offices of importance but 
invariably declined them. He is largely identified 
with the development and prosperity of Woodbury, 
is president of the Standard Window Glass Company 
and of the Woodbury Hollow-Ware Glass-Works. 
He is also a director of the First National Bank of 
Woodbury. Dr. Green is a cheerful contributor to 
and supporter of all evangelical religious denomina- 
tions, but worships with the Presbyterian congrega- 
tion of the city of his residence. 



THOMAS GLOVER. 

The New Jersey branch of the Glover family is 
supposed to be descended from the Glovers of Nor- 
wood, County Kent, and Tatsfield, County Surrey, 
England. The family was an ancient and honorable 
one in the reign of the Tudors, the head of the house 
having been burned in the reign of Queen Mary. 
His successor was ambassador to the Porte in the 
reign of Queen Elizabeth. 

The New Jersey family were first represented by 
Richard, who came to America early in the eigh- 
teenth century and settled in Bristol, Pa. From his 
son John, born at Bristol, Feb. 8, 1729, 0. S., the 
family in New Jersey are descended. He settled in 



I 




&^^ 



^^in<UJC^ 






I>^i (^e4«A^ 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



187 



Gloucester County, F. J., on land purchased of the 
proprietors of West Jersey, married Mary, daugliter 
of John Thome, Esq., and had among hi.s children 
Thomas, who married a Miss Olden. He resided 
near Mount Ephraim, in Gloucester County, N. J., 
and had one son, William, horn on the homestead, 
the family having at that time been owners of an 
extensive property. After a period spent at home 
he learned the trade of a weaver, which was later 
abandoned for the occupation of a farmer. He mar 
ried Mary, daughter of Samuel Mickle, of Greenwich 
township, Gloucester Co., and had children, — George 
M., Sarah M., Ann (Mrs. Thomas Hudson), Thomas, 
Hannah (Mrs. Charles Jennings), Eliza (Mrs. James 
Embre), Sophia (Mrs. Joshua Embre), Adeline, 
Samuel, Uli Elmer, of whom but four survive. Mr. 
Glover for a brief period continued his trade of 
weaver; but having been attracted by the rich lands 
of Pennsylvania, became a farmer in that State, and 
afterwards engaged in similar labor in Maryland. 
His last years were spent in Woodbury, at the house 
of his son Thomas, where his death occurred about 
the year 1852, in his seventy-fourth year. Thomas 
Glover was born Sept. 15, 1806, near Mount Ephraim, 
frequently known as Gloverstown. After enjoying 
such advantages as the country school offered, he at 
the age of fifteen removed to Burlington County and 
served an apprenticeship as blacksmith with Abra- 
ham Lippincott. Two years were then spent as a 
journeyman, after which he removed to Woodbury, 
having purchased the shop and business of .Joseph 
Bellinger. Here he applied himself with vigor and 
industry to his vocation, and speedily established a 
large and successful patronage. He purchased, in 
1842, a tract of land, a portion of which was within 
the limits of the city of Woodbury, and to his other 
pursuits added those of a farmer. This land, which 
originally cost twenty-five dollars per acre, has so 
greatly increased in value as now to be worth three 
hundred dollars per acre. Other property which he 
owns has arisen proportionably, and is now being 
devoted to purposes of building. Mr. Glover retired 
from business in 1879, his health having precluded 
active labor. He was married in 1839 to Miss Eliz- 
abeth, only daughter of Jacob Baker, whose family 
were of German descent, and on their emigration 
settled in Gloucester County, N. J. Mrs. Baker was 
the daughter of John Budd, who emigrated from 
Germany and settled in the West, leaving their chil- 
dren, Catherine and Casper, with a Mr. Je.ssup, of 
Gloucester County, where the former remained until 
eighteen years of age. She then made her home with 
Joseph Low, and married Edward Andrews, who 
died five years later, when she became Mrs. Baker. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Glover are Jacob B., 
of Woodbury, married to Julia H. Lee, who has had 
three children, of whom AV alter and Lillian survive; 
Thomas, married to Anna L. Dickinsheet; and Wil- 
liam Augustus, a practicing physician in Woodbury. 



Mr. Glover is in politics independent, choosing for 
office men of worth irrespective of party. He has 
served as member of the City Council, and held less 
important offices, but cares little for such distinctions. 
In religion he is an Orthodox Friend, and a wor- 
shiper at the church in Woodbury, of which he is a 
member. 

DANIEL J. PACKEK. 
Daniel and Keturah Packer, the grandparents of 
the subject of this biography, resided in Gloucester 
County. Their children were Samuel, John, Daniel 
J., Susan (Mrs. Cox), and Elizabeth. Their son Dan- 
iel J. was born April 9, 1789, in Gloucester County, 
and became an inmate of his brother Samuel's home 
during his boyhood. "Very limited advantages of 
education were enjoyed at this period, and the lad 
became accustomed in early life to habits of industry. 
At the age of sixteen he was appreuj;iced to James 
Matlack, who was engaged in the manufacture of 
edge tools. After four years of service his emph)yer 
sold the business and also the time of his young ap- 
prentice, who served the remaining year with John 
Shivers. In 1810 he settled in Woodbury, and soon 
acquired a reputation as a manufacturer of axes. The 
same year he married Miss Hannah, daughter of 
Samuel and Hope Jaggard, whose children were 
Eleanor H., born in 1811 ; Susan, born in 1818 ; James 
M., in 1815; Mary Ann, in 1817; Isaac J., in 1818; 
Samuel, in 1820 ; and Daniel, in 1828. Mrs. Packer 
died Feb. 3, 1826, and he married, the following year, 
Mrs. Eliza E., daughter of Kindle and Keziah Cole. 
Their children were Daniel J., born Feb. 26, 1829 ; 
Edward S., born in 1831; Charles C, in 1884; Col- 
lins L., in 1888; and Benjamin C, in 1840. Mr. 
Packer's death occurred April 80, 1851, in his sixty- 
third year. He acquired a reputation during his life- 
time, not less for his integrity and moral character 
than for his industry and business thrift. His son, 
Daniel J., still occupies the home which was the scene 
of his birth and which was erected by his fiither. 
The latter, having been called to active exertion in 
the maintenance of a large family, could do little else 
than afford his children a plain English education, 
which his son received, after which, at the age of six- 
teen, he was placed in the shop, and there learned 
with his father the trade of a blacksmith. He con- 
tinued with the latter until his death, when the shop 
became his by inheritance, since which time he has 
successfully conducted the branch of the business 
pertaining to blacksmithing and wagon-making. He 
has manifested the same industry and activity that 
signalized his father's career, and achieved an equal 
degree of prosperity. Mr. Packer was married Feb. 
22, 1855, to Miss Martha H., daughter of William 
and Sarah Wheaton, of Woodbury. Their children 
are Ella (Mrs. Albert Hoffman), Daniel J., Lizzie 
(Mrs. C. S. Johnson), and Mary (deceased). Mr. 
Packer was formerly a Democrat, but has since 1856 




QoiA^i fieco^-^^^ 



CITY OF WOODBURY. 



187 



Gloucester County, N. J., on land purchased of the 
proprietors of West Jersey, married Mary, dauijliter 
of John Thome, Esq., and had among his children 
Thomas, who married a Miss Olden. He resided 
near Mount Ephraim, in Ghmcester County, N. J., 
and had one son, William, born on the homestead, 
the family having at that time been owners of an 
extensive property. After a period spent at home 
he learned the trade of a weaver, which was later 
abandoned for the occupation of a farmer. He mar 
ried Mary, daughter of Samuel Mickle, of Greenwicli 
township, Gloucester Co., and had children, — George 
M., Sarah M., Ann (Mrs. Thomas Hudson), Thomas, 
Hannah (Mrs. Charles Jennings), Eliza (Mrs. James 
Embre), Sophia (Mrs. Joshua Embre), Adeline, 
Samuel, Uli Elmer, of whom but four survive. Mr. 
Glover for a brief period continued his trade of 
weaver; but having been attracted by the rich lands 
of Pennsylvania, became a farmer in that State, and 
afterwards engaged in similar labor in Maryland. 
His last years were spent in Woodbury, at the house 
of his son Thomas, where his death occurred about 
the year 1852, in his seventy-fourth year. Thomas 
Glover was born Sept. 15, 1806, near Mount Ephraim, 
frequently known as Gloverstown. After enjoying 
such advantages as the country school offered, he at 
the age of fifteen removed to Burlington County and 
served an apprenticeship as blacksmith with Abra- 
ham Lippincott. Two years were then spent as a 
journeyman, after which he removed to Woodbury, 
having purchased the shop and business of Joseph 
Bellinger. Here he applied himself with vigor and 
industry to his vocation, and speedily established a 
large and successful patronage. He purchased, in 
1842, a tract of land, a portion of which was within 
the limits of the city of Woodbury, and to his other 
pursuits added those of a farmer. This land, which 
originally cost twenty-five dollars per acre, has so 
greatly increased in value as now to be worth three 
hundred dollars per acre. Other property which he 
owns has arisen proportionably, and is now being 
devoted to purposes of building. Mr. Glover retired 
from business in 1879, his health having precluded 
active labor. He was married in 1839 to Miss Eliz- 
abeth, only daughter of Jacob Baker, whose famiily 
were of German descent, and on their emigration 
settled in Gloucester County, N. J. Mrs. Baker was 
the daughter of John Budd, who emigrated from 
Germany and settled in the West, leaving their chil- 
dren, Catherine and Casper, with a Mr. Jessup, of 
Gloucester County, where the former remained until 
eighteen years of age. She then made her home with 
Joseph Low, and married Edward Andrews, who 
died five years later, when she became Mrs. Baker. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Glover are Jacob B., 
of Woodbury, married to Julia H. Lee, who has had 
three children, of whom Walter and Lillian survive; 
Thomas, married to Anna L. Dickinsheet; and Wil- 
liam Augustus, a practicing physician in Woodbury. 



Mr. Glover is in politics independent, choosing for 
office men of worth irrespective of party. He has 
served as member of the City Council, and held less 
important offices, but cares little for such distinctions. 
In religion he is an Orthodox Friend, and a wor- 
shiper at the church in Woodbury, of which he is a 
member. 

DANIEL J. PACKER. 
Daniel and Keturah Packer, the grandparents of 
the subject of this biography, resided in Gloucester 
County. Their children were Samuel, John, Daniel 
J., Susan (Mrs. Cox), and Elizabeth. Their son Dan- 
iel J. was born April 9, 1789, in Gloucester County, 
and became an inmate of his brother Samuel's home 
during his boyhood. Very limited advantages of 
education were enjoyed at this period, and the lad 
became accustomed in early life to habits of industry. 
At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to James 
Matlack, who was engaged in the manufacture of 
edge tools. After four years of service his employer 
sold the business and also the time of his young ap- 
prentice, who served the remaining year with John 
Shivers. In 1810 he settled in Woodbury, and soon 
acquired a reputation as a manufacturer of axes. The 
same year he married Miss Hannah, daughter of 
Samuel and Hope Jaggard, whose children were 
Eleanor H., born in 1811 ; Susan, born in 1818 ; James 
M., in 1815; Mary Ann, in 1817 ; Isaac J., in 1818; 
Samuel, in 1820 ; and Daniel, in 1823. Mrs. Packer 
died Feb. 3, 1826, and he married, the following year, 
Mrs. Eliza E., daughter of Kindle and Keziah Cole. 
Their children were Daniel J., born Feb. 26, 1829 ; 
Edward S., born in 1831; Charles C, in 1834; Col- 
lins L., in 1838; and Benjamin C, in 1840. Mr. 
Packer's death occurred April 80, 1851, in his sixty- 
third year. He acquired a reputation during his life- 
time, not less for his integrity and moral character 
than for his industry and business thrift. His son, 
Daniel J., still occupies the home which was the scene 
of his birth and which was erected by his father. 
The latter, having been called to active exertion in 
the maintenance of a large family, could do little else 
than afford his children a plain English education, 
which his son received, after which, at the age of six- 
teen, he was placed in the shop, and there learned 
with his father the trade of a blacksmith. He con- 
tinued with the latter until his death, when the shop 
became his by inheritance, since which time he has 
successfully conducted the branch of the business 
I)ertaining to blacksmithing and wagon-making. He 
has manifested the same industry and activity that 
signalized his father's career, and achieved an equal 
degree of prosperity. Mr. Packer was married Feb. 
22, 1855, to Miss Martha H., daughter of William 
and Sarah Wheaton, of Woodbury. Their children 
are Ella (Mrs. Albert Hoffman), Daniel J., Lizzie 
(Mrs. C. S. Johnson), and Mary (deceased). Mr. 
Packer was formerly a Democrat, but has since 1856 



188 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



affiliated with the Republican party, which he for six 
years represented as freeholder of Deptford township. 
He is a member of Woodbury Lodge, No. 54, of In- 
dependent Order of Odd-Fellows, and of Provident 
Conclave, No. 47, of Independent Order of Hepta- 
sophs. He has in religion maintained tlie Quaker 
faith of his parents. 



WEST JESSUP. 
John Jessup was a farmer in Deptford township, 
and the grandfather of the subject of this biographi- 
cal sketch. He was married, and had children, — ■ 
James, John, and Sarah (Mrs. Joshua Lord). His 
son James was born in Deptford, at the house of 
his father, and later followed farming occupations in 
Greenwich township. He possessed fine business 
qualifications, engaged largely in lumbering, and was 
an extensive holder of real estate. His political affil- 
iations were early with the Old-Line Whig party, 
after which he became a Republican, and filled the 
offices of freeholder, assessor, etc., in his township. 
He married Sarah, daughter of John West, of Green- 
wich, and had sons, — John and James (deceased) ; 
George, who died iu infancy; Joseph; West; and 
one daughter, Mary (deceased). All these children 
were residents of Gloucester County. Mr. Jessup 
paid little heed to matters apart from the private 
business which absorbed his closest attention. His 
death occurred at the homestead, June 7, 1852, in 
his eighty-third year; and that of his wife, Sarah, 
Feb. 7, 1865, aged eighty-eight years. His son West 
was born Dec. 1, 1806, at the paternal home, where 
he remained during his youth, and in the spring of 
1837 settled upon a farm belonging to his father in 
Deptford township. He, however, soon returned to 
the homestead, and for a number of years superin- 
tended its cultivation. This property eventually be- 
came his by inheritance and purchase, and continued 
to be the family home until his removal to Woodbury 
in 1869, his present residence. He also embarked in ; 
the lumber business, and engaged largely in the pur- | 
chase of real estate, holding at the present time three 
thousand acres in Salem and Gloucester Counties. 
Mr. Jessup was, March 3, 1837, united in marriage to 
Miss Martha, daughter of David Cooper, of Deptford 
township. Their children are John W., who resides 
on the homestead; Cooper, of Mantua township; 
Sally (Mrs. Thomas M. Pancoast, deceased) ; Han- 
nah C. (Mrs. George W. Brick) ; David C, of East 
Deptford; James (deceased) ; James (2d) ; and Lewis 
R., both of Mantua township. Mr. Jessup, on his 
removal to Woodbury, retired from active business, 
though still supervising his various landed interests. 
He is not actively interested in the ])olitical arena, 
but adheres to the principles of the Republican party. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Jessup were educated in the Quaker 
faith, and worship with tlie Hicksite Quakers of Wood- 
bury. 



CHAPTER XXXVIIL 

TOWNSHIP OF DEPTrORD.i 

Geographical and Descriptive. — This is one of 
the northeast border townships of this county, and 
is bounded on the northeast by Camden County, on 
the southeast by Washington township, on the south- 
west by Mantua, and northwest by West Deptford 
township. 

The old township of Deptford (including what is 
now West Deptford, Washington, and Monroe town- 
ships, and Woodbury City) was among the original 
municipal districts of New Jersey. It was first 
named Bethlehem, and received its present appella- 
tion from the old English seaport town of Deptford, 
made famous in history as the place where Peter 
the Great served an apprenticeship at ship-building. 
After several alterations of the original lines of the 
township, made by the organization of new town- 
ships, a division of the remaining portion was effected 
March 1, 1871, when the township of West Deptford 
was organized, leaving an area of twelve thousand 
six hundred and sixty-five acres to Deptford. 

The surface of the township is generally level or 
slightly undulating. In the northern portion, which 
is a sandy-loam soil, the cultivation for many years 
has been such that at present large crops of grass, 
vegetables, and fruit are raised. The southern ])(>r- 
tion was covered, until within a few years, with a 
heavy growth of pine timber, of which the land has 
been cleared, and is now occupied by successful " track 
farmers." 

The township is drained on the northeast by Tim- 
ber Creek and its tributaries, of which Alnionesson is 
the largest, rising in the southeast quarter of the 
township, running northerly through the hamlet of 
Clements' Bridge, or Almonesson post-office. The 
southwest portion of the township is drained by 
Mantua Creek and tributaries. 

Another Change of Boundary Line. — In 1878 the 
boundary line of this township was changed by act of 
the State Legislature as follows : 

" Section 1. Bf it eitacUd htj the Senate utid (ienrral Amcmblii of the Stat» 
of New Jerseijy Tlint tile present western houndar.v lino of the township 
of Deptford, in tlio county of Gloucester, lie, and tlie &mie is lu»rol».v, 
changed, so iis to niiilce the line of the West Jersey Raili'OAd the western 
houndary line of said township, from Big Timher Ci'eek at Wcstville to 
the junction of the Gloucester ami Woodbury turnpike and West.Iei-sey 
Bailroad at North Woodbury." 

Approved Feb. 20, 1878. 

Pioneer Settlers. — Just who the iiionoer of what is 
now Deptford township was, or the exact farm upon 
which he located, is a dilficult matter to determiiu- at 
this date, as more than two cenluriess have passed into 
eternity since the advent of the first adventurer into 
this then wilderness. Therefore we can only give the 
names of those found in did records covering all the 



1 li.v \V. II. Shaw. 



TOWNSHIP OF DEPTFORD. 



189 



territory embraced in the old township, as originally 
bounded, and leave the locating of the pioneers by 
their descendants, whose family names still cover the 
same territory. Many will be found in the lists of 
township officers from 1733, the earliest list we could 
obtain, to 1782, the latest we could find in the last 
century. Among others found in the few imperfect 
leaves of records are tlie following, which will no 
doubt be looked upon with interest: 

John Jasop, John Sanders, William Sharp, George 
Morgan. Acquilla Downs, Joseph Langler, Levi Peaze, 
John Brown, John Carter, David Ward, Phebe Ward, 
John Whittle, James Cooper, John Downs, Joseph 
Tatum, Habacuk Ward, John Sparks, Jonathan 
Morgan, John Fish, Henry Treadway, Andrew Jones, 
Jonathan Reeves, David Cooper, Constantine Jeflferis, 
James Dilks, John Jones, Arthur Reeves, Israel Wil- 
liams, Allen Sharp, William Chirk, John Watson, 
James Budd, Lucas Gibbs, Samuel Shreve, Cornelius 
Dewall, Samuel Ladd, John Ervvine, Samuel Brown, 
Samuel Moffett, Moses Cos, Thomas West. He 
West, owned a large portion of the land upon which 
the village of Westville is located, and from him the 
village took its name. He lived there in 1758. 
Jonathan Carter, Edward Andrews, John Pidgeon, 
Constantine Lord, Levi Pierce, William Hooten, 
Thomas Denny, Joseph Eastlack, Jonathan Brown, 
Phineas Lord, Thomas Wilson, William Bates, Israel 
Williams, Arthur Hamilton, Levi Hopper, John 
Rodes, Michael Engletou, Isaiah Stratton, Joseph 
Cowgill, Walter Swob, Thomas Barker, John Watson, 
Paul Cooper, Edvvard Andrews, AaronHewes, Isaac 
Diiks, Caleb Gibson, Reuben Smith, Joshua Ward, 
Levi Clork. 

The above list of persons were land-owners or land- 
holders between 1733 and 1782, and reported estrays 
in their possession. There were many more that 
made similar reports, but their names appear else- 
where between the dates named. 

Pioneer Records, 1733/4. — The earliest records 
that have, by courtesy or otherwise, fallen into our 
hands relating to the early business interests of this 
township bear the above date, and read as follows : 

at meeting of the InhabitaDts of the Town Ship of Dopford the 12 
da.v March aiiod 1733/4 the following officers were choson viz 

Thomas Williins, Town Clark; John Brown, mantus creek, George 
"Wood, Senor, freeholders; Con Stantine Wood, John Wood, Jolin Ladd, 
iunor, Josepli Gibson, Surveyors of y Roads ; Con Stantine Wood, As- 
sessor; Thomas Wilkins, Collector ; RichiirjjLfiickhaui, Robert Downs, 
overseirs of y poor; Moses Word, michel flaliar, overseirs of y high- 
ways; William Herrill, Edward Uichason, constjibles. 

OJBoers /or 1736/6. 
Thomas Wilkins, Town Clerk ; Abraham Cbattin, George "Wood, Senor, 
Freeholders; George \frood, iunor, Benjamin Waitt, Robert Bowns, Ed- 
ward Richaaon, Surveyors of y Roads ; Michael Fisher, Assessor; Mos- 
ses Wood, (Collector ; ObadiaU Gibson, William Wilkins, ouer Seers of 
ye poor ; Gabriel Rambo, William Jagord, Senor, ouer Seers of ye Roads ; 
George Eaves, John Jones, constables. 

Q^icers /or 1736/7. 
Thomas Wilkins, Town Clerk; George Wood, John Wood, Free- 
holders; Abraham Chattin, Edward Richardson, Luke Gibson, William 



Wilkins, Surveyor of j" Roads; Michael Fisher, Assessor; Thomas Wil- 
kins, Collector ; John Snowdon, Robert Downs, Overseers of y poor; 
John Wilkins, Michael Chew, Overseers of y-' Roads; John Dicker- 
manor, Richard Clark, Con Stables. 

OjKoers /or 1737/S. 
Thomas Wilkins, Town Clerk ; John Wood, George Wood, Freeholders; 
Abraham Chattin, George Wood, iunor, Peter Rambo, William Wilkins, 
Surveyors of ye Roads; Michael Fisher, Assessor ; William Tatim, Col- 
lector; John Snowdon, Robert Downs, over Seers of ye poor; Mosses 
Wood, Loni Pers, overseers of ye Roads ; William Howe, John Dicker- 
manor, con Stables. 

Prior to 1751 some adhered to what was known as 
" old style," according to which March was the first 
month, and some adopted the "new style," which 
made the year to commence January 1st. To avoid 
ambiguity, the years were frequently written as here, 
17f|, 1745-, or 1741/2. The new style was adopted 
by an act of Parliament in 1751. 

Offmrs for 1739/40. 
Abraham Chattin, Town Clark; John Wood, Obadiah Gibson, free- 
holders; George Ward, Peter Rambo, John ^illjins, Robert Down, 
Surveyors of the Roads; William Wood, Assessor; Benjamin Wait, Col- 
lector; Luke Gibson, Isaac Stephens, Overeeers of the roads; John 
Dukamines or George Evis, thought iitt for Constables. 

Officers for 1740/1. 
Abraham Chattin, Town Clark; George Ward, William Wood, fvee- 
holders; michael iisher, Assessor; Henry Sparks, Collectorj amaria 
Ballings, John Wilkins, Michael Chew, Peter Rambo, Surveyors of ye 
Roads; Richard Clark, James Wliital, Overseers of ye Roads; George 
Evis, Moses Ward, for Constables. 

Oncers for 1741/2. 
Michael Fisher, Town Clark ; John Wood, George Ward, Jnn'., Free- 
holders ; Michael Fisher, Assessor; Abraham Chattin, Collector; Wil- 
liam Wood, Michael Chew, Henry Sparks, Edward Richardson, Surveyors 
of ye Roads ; Robert Downs, John Chew, Overseers of ye Roads ; John 
Dilks, John Jessup, Constables. 

The above mentioned was chosed by Majority of the Voters which was 
Present. 

Michael Fisher, Glk. 
OJIicers for 1744/5. 

At a meeting for Choosing officers for ye year 1745 the following per- 
sons by Major of votes was chosed, viz. . 

Michael Fisher, Town Clark; Edward Richardson, George Ward, 
Jun'., Freeholders; Robert Downs, James Whital, William Wood, 
Peter Kambo, Surveyors of ye Roads; Michael Fisher, Assessor; James 
Lord, Constable; Aniariah Ballinger, James Wood, Overseers of ye 
Roads; John Wilkins, Richard Clark, Overseers of ye poor. 

By ye count Peter Mattson was chusfd Constable. 

Michael Fisher, Clk. 
Officertfor 1756. 

At a Town-meeting of thee Inhabitants of the Township of Deptford 
met at James Woods in Woodbury the Sth Day of the 3^ mo: called 
March To Chuse Officers for the Tear following 1756: 

Thomas Kiinsoy chose Town-Clark ; Free Holders, John Brown, Josha 
Lord ; Surveyors of the Roads, William Wood, Abraham Chattin, Jun', 
Samuel Ladd, David Cooper; Over Seers of ye Roads, John Carpenter, 
Joseph Low ; Assessor for the County & the Poor, James Cooper; Collec- 
tor, Savil Willson ; Constables, Joseph Seed, John Gagard ; Overseers of 
ye Poor, Thomas Rambo, Jne Wilkins. 

Money to be raised for the poor is the Sum of .i35. 

The Young men that Works for Hire is to pay poor Tax the Sum of 
Five Shillings Each. 

The abovesaid Money to be raised upon the Residental Inhabitants 
upon the pound Value according to ye former Act (Including the Resi- 
dental Young Men) And the Assessor to Return his List to the Over 
Seers of the Poor By the first Day of May ne.vt Ensuing. 

Jne Whital ia to have 7S 6D for Warning in the Town. 

Officers for mb. 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Township of Deptford the 4* 



190 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Day of March 1775 The following Persona were Chosen OfBcers for the 
Tnsuins Tear, viz.: 

Town Clark, laaac Stephens; Free Holdei-s, James Whitall, David 
Cooper; Surveyors of Roads, James Whitall, Jur., Joseph Gibbson, Jur.; 
Over Seers of Eoad, John Wilkins, Jur,, Conard Andrew, & Randle Mor- 
gan ; Assessor, Isanc Ballenger; Collector, Charles Fisher; Over Seers 
of Poor, Isaac Inskeep, Joseph Clements. 

After which David Cooper James Wilkins Samuel Ladd & Joseph Low 
were Chosen a Committee to Assist the overseers of Poor and Surveyors 
of Roads and Such otlier Services as are Mentioned in a Minuit made in 
this Book in the Year one Thousand Seven hundred and Sixty Nine. 

The Town Orders the Sum of Thirty Pounds to be Raised for the Use 
of the Roads this Present Year. To be Sessd according to Law and his 
Duplicate to he Delivered to the Collector within Ten days from the Date 
hereof who Shall Collect the Same and pay it to the Overseers of the 
Highways on Order within Six weeks after Receiving s"! Duplicate and 
the Clttrk is Directed to Serve the Assessor with a Copy of this order. 

March y« 14th 1775. 

Pr Isaac Stephens, 
OlarJc. 

Voted at the 3^ Town Meeting, that one Constable be Sufficient to 
Serve for the Township of Deptford. 

Pr Isaac Stephens, 
Clari. 

This Town Meeting is Adjourned to the School Housein Woodberry 
to be held the Inauing Year the Day the Law Directs, it is further 
agreed By this Town Meeting that if it Should be fouud Inconvenient 
to be Continued at s"" School house then the s'* Meeting to be Adjourned 
to the Present House of Jehu Wood. 

Pr Isaac Stephens, 
• aarh. 

Notice of GUizenshipy 1775. 
I have thought Proper According to an Act of Assembly of this Prov- 
ince of New Jersey to give Thee Notice, Lucas Gibba as one of the Over- 
seers of the Poor of the Township of Depford in the County of Glouces- 
tei', that I, Henry Williams Came to, Reside in s* Township the 3'' day of 
January iu the Year 1775 in the family of Joseph Low. 

his 
Henry X Williams 
mark 
Witness Present 

Joseph Low Juu"" — A True Copy. 

I Received this Notice Witness my Hand the 9*^ day of February 
1775. 

Lucas Gibbs. 
Officers for 1760. 

At a Town Meeting of the Inhabetance of the Township of Depford 
held at the House of Joseph Tatum In the S-i Township the Eleventh 
day of third Month ad 1760 for the Chusing and Recommending Pereons 
fit for ofises for the s'' Township for the iusuing Year the following Per- 
sons was cViose and Nominated viz. : 

Nixon Chattin,Town Clark ; James Whitall, Joshua Lord, Jun"", Free- 
holders ; Juhu Brown, Isaac Balinge, James Hinchman, Joseph Low, 
Sirvayers of the Rods ; Thomas Ramho, Henry Wetherby, Oversers of 
the Rods; Jonas Cattle, Asesaor ; Thomas Kimsey, Collector; David 
Coopper, Save) Wilson, Overseers of the Poor ; William Leonard, Ha- 
hacuck Ward, Recommended for Coustables as thought to come to their 
turn to serve. 

" Ordered at the above meeting that Abra Chattin Repair the fence of 
the Public Burying Ground Near Woodbury and return his accoumpt to 
the then Overseers of the l^oor. 

Oj/icers /or 1772, 

Town Clark, Mark Miller ; Freoholders, David Cooper A Joshua Lord ; 
Surveyors of tlie Roads, John Es^ Hopkins & James Wliitall, Ju*" ; Over- 
sears of the Roads, Isaac Dilks, William Leuuord, Joseph Gibson, & 
Isaac Hopper; Assessor, Isaac Ballinjyr; CoUpcifijCj^Aaron Hewes ; Ovor- 
sears of tlie poor, Benj". Rumbo & Aaron llewea. 

The town Orders the Sum of Sixty pounds to be Raised for the use of 
the poor, and tho farther sum of fifty pounds to be Raised for the use of 
the Roads the ensuing year. 

The Town appoints, John Brown David Cooper Joshua Lord Isaac 
Ballinjir James Wliitnll Jut". Sanui'i. Ladd, John Tatem, Isiuic Inskip 
Benj'^ Uerritage, Chiirlos Fisher Randol Martial and Joseph Low, as a 
Committee, to Inspect Griut Timber (.li-ook (Jausway and in Conjunction 
with tho OvorHeerH of the RdihIk make, nr eauHo such rciiarua to bo 



made as they may think necessary and Report to Nex annuel Meeting; 
— The Towu appniuts David Cooper Jn*> Brown Joshua Lord and Benj*. 
Herritage a Committee to Represent the Town. 

Q^ccrA- /or 1773. 

Town Clark, Isaac Stephens; Freholders, David Cooper A: Jamea 
Whitall; Surveyers of y* Road, Ja^. Whital, Jun', Joseph Gibson, Juu^ ; 
Ovei-seers of the Road, Isaac Inskip, Arthur Reves, Charles Fisher ; As- 
sessor, J n° Wilkins. Jun""; Collector, James Wood; Overseers of the 
poor, MarkMiller, Job Whital. 

The Town Orders the sum of one Hundred pound for the use of the 
poor to be Raised the present Year And the sum of Forty pounds for the 
use of the Roads. 

Oncers /or 1776. 

Town Clark, Jeremiah Paul ; Free Holders, David Cooper & Joshua 
Lord; Surveyors of Roads, James Whitall, Jur., & James Wilkins; 
Overseers of the Roads, Samuel Ladd, Josiah Clerk, John Wood, Farmer ; 
Assessor, Isaac Ballinger ; Collector, Aar gn H ews; Overseers of tlie 
Poor, Joseph Clement-s, Job Whitall. 

After which David Cooper, Samuel Ladd, Joseph Low and Joshua 
Lord, were chosen a Committee to Assist the Overseers of the Poor, and 
Surveyors of the Roads ; & such other Services as are mentioned in a 
Minute made in this Book in the year one Thousand seven Hundred 
and sixty nine. 1769. 

The Town orders Joseph Gibson and Aaron Reeves to inspect the 
Stranger's Burying Ground Fence, and order Isaac Stephens to repair 
the same, & Draw an order on the Overseers of the Poor for the same. 

. . . Orders that the Overseers of the Poor allow John Bachel seven 
Pounds, to be paid weekly for the maintenance and of his Mother Sarah 
Bachel, as a present of the Town, to commence from John's next Tura 
in keeping liissaid Mother, with thia exception that Alexander Hamil- 
ton be paid fifteen shillings out of the Seven Pounds for her keeping two 
weeks. 

The Town meeting is adjourned by Vote to tliis House to he held the 
ensuing year on the Day the Law directs, to meet at the 10th hour. 

Jeremiah Paul, 

Officers for 1777. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of ye Township of Deptford, held at 
Woodbury, in Deptford Free School House the 11th Day of the 3 Mouth, 
1777, the following Persons were chosen officei-s for the year present, 
viz.: Town Clerk, Jeremiah Paul; Free Holders, David Cooper, .Tames 
WhittiiU, Jr. ; Surveyors of the Roads, James Wilkins, AaroiL Hewes ; 
Overseers of the Roads, John Turner, Isaac Hopper, Zephaniah Brown ; 
Assessor, Abel Clement; Collector, Joseph Reeves; Overseers of the 
Poor, Isaac Inskip, Samuel Nicholson ; Constable, John Porch ; Com- 
mittee for hearing Appeals, Surveyors, and Overseers of the Poor, As- 
sistants, &c., Samuel Ludd, Joseph Low, James Wilkins. 

The Towu Orders Oue hundred &. twenty Pounds to be raised for the 
use of the Poor this Present Year. 

Ordered, that Samuel Thompson have the Care of the public Burying 
Ground. 

This Meeting is adjourned to the usual Timo next year, to he held at 
this Place. 

1777, 4 Mo. 24. — Abel Clement, Joseph Reeves, & Saln^ Nicholson, ro- 
fusiug to act in their respective ottices, John Fishor, Assessor ; Stivil 
Wilson, Collector; & Jonathan Morgan, Ovei"seer of the Poor, wei*o this 
Day chosen in their Placi's, by the Freeholders of this Town, assemblod 
at Richard Bitkham's, by an order of the Justices, agreeable to an act of 
General Assembly in Such Case provided. 

OJicersfor 1778. 

Town Cleik, Jeroniiuh Paul; Freeholders, Chnrlos Fisher, Josopli 
Low; Surveyors of tlio Roads, James Wilkins, Benjamin Clark; Over- 
seers of the Koiids, ^Vartuj Hewes, Joslnm Hopper, Josiah Clark ; As- 
sessor, John Fisher; Collector, Randal Morgan ; Overseers of the Poor, 
Jonathiin Morgan, Richard Johns; Coumiittoo of .\ssis!onct',A'c., Joseph 
Low, Jumes Whitall, dnnr., .lanios Wilkins, Bonjuniiu Herilago. 

The Town orders, tluU the sum of fifty Pounds for pn>curlng Necos- 
sarioH for JU'pairing lloadH bo niiei'd for that Vt<t>; The Assessor to Assess 
it (HI till' Ponmt Vnlui' as the Provincial Tax is Assosscd; and to lielivor 
a Duplicate to the Collector by tho Ist of tho Ti Month, who is oiMt-rtnl to 
Collect it iu one Month after for the Use of tho Ovoi-seers of tho KoiidB» 
tis they may have Occasion fiu- that Purpose. 

Ordcri'il, that tho sum of £1-0, which was onlcrod to he raim-d at liwl 



TOWNSHIP OF DEPTFORD. 



191 



Meeting for the Use of the Poor, but was not, be raised this Tear for 
tiiat Purpose. 

The Meeting is adjuurned to the usual Time next year, to be hold at 
this Place, 

OjVcers for 1119. 

Town Clerk, Jeremiah Paul; Freeholders, Charles Fisher, Savil Will- 
sou; Surveyors of the Koads, Joseph Low, James Wilkins; Overseers of 
the Koads, David Wood, James GibsoD, Artlmr Hamilton; Assessor, 
Isaac Stephens ; Collector, David Morgan ; Overseers of the Poor, Jona- 
than Morgan, James Wood; Constable, Benjamin Ward; Commission- 
ers of Appeal, James Wilkins, Joseph Low, Randle Morgan. 

Tlie Town Orders, That tlio Strangers Buryal Ground be enclos'd with 
Oak Posts and Ceder Rails. Samuel Thompson is appointed to that Ser- 
vice, & to draw upon the Overseers of the Poor for Defraying the Ex- 
pense thereof. Also to have the Care of it. 

Ordered, That the £120, which was ordered at Last Year, together 
with £380 this Year, amounting to £500, be Raised this Tear, for the 
Use of tlie Poor immediately. 

Ordered, That the £50, which was to have been Raised at last Year, 
together with £100, in the whole making £150, be raised this Year for 
the Repairing of Roads and Bridges, the Assessor to Assess it on the 
Pound Value as the Provincial Tax. 

The Meeting is adjour'd to the usual Time next Year, to be held at 
this House. 

Officers for nSQ. 

Town Clerk, Jeremiah Paul; Freeholders, Randal Morgan, James 
Wilkins; Surveyors of the Roads, John Ladd Howel, Benjamin Whitall; 
Overseers of the Roads, Caleb Bickham, Josiah Clark, Pbinehas Lord ; 
Assessor, Isaac Stephens; Collector, Isaac Inskip; Overseers of the 
Poor, Richard Johns, Thomas Wilson ; Assessors' Assistants, David Mor- 
gan, John Stephens, James Wilkins ; Judges of Appeal, Rob*. Fr-i. Price, 
John Wilkins, Randal Morgan ; Constable, Isaac Ballinger. 

The town orders, that the Sum of £1000 to be raised for the Repairing 
of tlie Roads &c. to be collected with the Ensuing General Tax. 

The Town orders also, that the Overseers of the Poor provide Cedar 
Rails and oak Posts, in order to Enclose the Strangers' Burial Ground, 
and that they get it done as Soon as convenient may be. Also that Job 
KJDisey have the Care thereof wheu completed. 

The Meeting adjourns to meet at this house next Year. 

Special Town-MeHing. 
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Deptford Township, Convened the 
7th Day of the 2 Mo. 1780, agreeable to an Act of General Assembly, the 
following persons were chosen Assistants to the Assessors, viz., John 
Wood, David Morgan, and John Stephens. 

Special Town-Meetings^ 1780. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Township of Deptford held 
the 22nd Day of the fourth Month, Isaac Ward and Joshua Hopper were 
chosen Overseers ot the Poor, in the Stead of Richard Jolms and Thomas 
Wilson, who refused to serve. 

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Township of Deptford, held 
the 1st Day of the 9 Mo. 1700, pursuant to Public Notice given for that 
Purpose, Ordered, That the Sum of three thousand five Hundred Pounds 
be immediately raised for the Relief and Benefit of the poor. Also, 

Ordered, That the Sum of three thousand Pounds be raised for Re- 
pairing the Roads. 

Oiicers /or 1781. 

Town Clerk, Jeremiah Paul; Freeholdera, Joseph Low, John Ladd 
Howel; Surveyors of the Roads, Richard Johns, Samuel Flauingam ; 
Overseers of the Roads, Benjamin Clark, Samuel Mickle, William Car- 
son; Assessor, James Wilkins; Collector, Biddle Reeves ; Overseera of 
the Poor, Joshua Hopper, Isaac Ballinger; Assessors' Assistants, David 
Morgan, John Stephens, Isaac Inskip; Judges of Appeals, Robert 
Friend Price, Joseph Low, James Whitall, Jun"-; Constable, George 
Morgan. 

Q/?icers /or 1782. 

Town Clerk, Job Kimsey; Freeholders, Joseph Low, John Ladd 
Howel; Surveyors of the Roads, Samuel Fl an nengem, Richard Johns; 
Overseers of the Roads, Jonathan Brown, Edward Andrews, John Dorch ; 
Assessor, James Wilkins; Collector, John Stevens; Overseers of the 
Poor, Isaac Ballenger, Joseph Gibson; Assessors' Assistants, Biddle 
Reves, James Wood, David Morgan ; Judges of Appeals, Joseph Low, 
John Woodfarmer, Aaron Hews; Conslables, George Morgan, Aaron 
Dilks. '— ~-^ 

Ordered that Joseph Lowand John Wilkins Esquires be appointed as 



Commissioners on the part of the Town to agee for and purchace a Con- 
venient House for the ejise Reception and Accommodation of the Poor 
of the Township of Debtford, Vesting tlitmi with full and ample power 
for that Purpose provided always that the Said Joseph Low and John 
Wilkins give or allow no gi-eater Sum for the Said House than tliey iu 
their Discretion Shall think proper. 

Pioneer Eoads^ 1739—1743. 
Gloucester, ss. Whereas application hath been Made to us Whose Names 
are hereunto Subscribed, Surveyors Clioyen and appointed for the town- 
ship of Depford and Grenwich, Within the County afore Sd & province 
of New Jersey according to the dorrection of the act of Genorall assem- 
bly of the province aforesd as in such Causes is made and provided by 
divers of the inhabatances of the town Ship of Depford a for Sd. for 3 
two Rod Koads to be Laid out from a Road Laid out from the Kings 
Road to a Scool hous Standing on Wm. Woods Land begin ing by y Sd 
Scool hous So a Long the Line betw Win, Woods and tradways Land to 
the first Corner thence a Streight Corse to a thourafair where the Road 
now goath. thence a Stright Corse avoiding the Swampts to John Mad 
Sons orchard and So End; y Second Road begining att peter Mad Sons 
Lino att y Side of his feeld ; thence a Long the Cooting Road avoiding 
the brooks to y first Run att the head of John Madsons Land; thence 
a Long tlie Said Road avoiding the brooks and Swamps to yo Soond 
Run; tlience a direct coi-s to the Corner of the widow Browns fence 
avoiding ye Swamps & gnlles, So down the sd Widow Browns Line to 
Gabriel Rambos corner: thence to the Kings Road'a bove Gabrol Ram- 
bos home place, avoiding the Swamps and So ends ; y^ third begining 
att y^ upor corner of y^ widow browns line. So down the old Botton 
Road to the Line of John Rambo and al ford, & So ends. In consider- 
ation of the application we have there by Laid out y° Roads a bove men- 
tioned, as witness our hands this twenty-first day of May one thousand 
Seven hundred thirty and nine 1739. 

Robert Zane. 

Rlt-HARD BiCKHASI. 

Michael Chew. 
Moses Ward. _ 
Entred by my 

Thobias Wii.kins, Town Clerk. 
Persevent to an act of asemly made for the purposing of these things 
we the Subscribers hearof, being the Snrveyors of the Roads for ye town- 
ship of Deptford, Gloucester, and Greenwich, auswarable to an appli- 
cation made to us by part of ye inhabitance of the Township of Deep- 
ford have laid out a Roade fouar Rod broad from the Kings Roade unto 
Luke Gibsons Mill, begining about one mile from Manto Creek Bridge, 
at a Hickry saplen Marked With fouar notches on two sides from the sd 
Hickery afterward by trees Marked in ye like Mauer to a Run called 
Cricke Run, from ye sd Run Along by ye sd Markd trees to ye head of A 
branch that putteth into Manto Creek ; from thence across ye barens to a 
ruuCaled BrekbackRun ; from thence A Strait Coars to ye afore sd Luke 
Gibsons Mill, as Witness our hands this Twenty-fifth Day of yeTwelvth 
Month, caled Feberery, 1743/4. 

MosES Ward. 
James Cooper. 
Joseph Tomunson. 
RoBARD Zan. 
Hauncb Steelman. 
Deptford Township, March y 12"!, 1744/5. 

At a Meeting for Choosing Ofticers for y^^ Year 1745, the following 
persons by a Majority of Votes was Chose, viz., Micliaell Fisher, Town 
Clerk ; Freeholders, Edward Richardson & George Ward, Jr. ; Surveyors of 
y*; Roads, Robert Down, James Wliiteal, William Wood, & Peter Rambo; 
Assessor and CoUecto'', Michael Fisher, Assessor, and James Lord, Col- 
lector ; Overseers of y" Roads, Amariah Ballenger & James Wood ; Over- 
seers of y" Poor, John Wilkins &■ Richard Clarke. 
Constable by y^' Court, Peter Matlson was Chose. 

Michael Fisher. 

n-il!2.—Moneif for Public Bunjing Ground. 

By order of a Town Meeting Met at yo House of Henry Sparks, this 
1U<1» day of y^ 12'h Mo., 1741/2, George Ward, Juii^., is Appointed to Call 
on Thomas Wilkins for the Subscription for the money for purchasing 
a public Burying Ground in the Township of Depford, and also the 
Money already paid to the s<i Thomas Wiltins, and att the paymUhereof 
this to be a suflBcient Discharge for the same from the township of Dep- 
ford afores^. 

By order afores'i 

Meeting. Signed by Abraham Chattin, Clarh. 



19-2 



HISTORY OF GLOUCP]STER COUNTY. 



Ordered at the s^ Town Meeting that Isaac Steplieus ShiiU Have tlie 
Care of the Publick Burying Ground, and That he Sufficiently Repair 
the fence Round the same and Carry bis Bill of Costs for the same to 
the Overseers of the poor of the b*i Township, who is Hereby directed to 
Discharge the same out of tlip publick Stock. 

The Town Appoints David Cooper and James White for a Committee to 
Draw a Petition to Next General Assembly of this Province for the re- 
newal of the Late Road Law, 

The town meeting is adjourned to the house of Joseph Tatem, to meet 
at Ten o'clock the Day the Law Directs. 

Isaac Stephens, Clei-Jc. 

John Tatum Reports their is on his Plantation one Estray yearling 
Bull of a Dark Brown Colour, with a Black Streak along his Back and 
no other Mark, Either Natural or Artificial Discovered. Sup. To be a 
Last Spring Calf. Entered March y>^ 23^, 1774. 

Dr. Thomas Bend/f vs. Deptford Township, 179S 

Gloucester Cotjntt, ss. To Any Constable in said county Greeting : 

I Summon the Inhabitants of the Township of Debtford to be & Ap- 
pear before me the Subscriber, Oneof the Justices of the Peace in & for 
said County, on Wednesday, the 24 day of October Next, at two O'Clock 
in the Afternoon of said day, at my Office in Haddonfield, To Answer 
Thomas Henry in an Action of Debt not exceeding Sixty Dollars, as tis 
said. Given Under ray hand and Seal the IS"* day of September, 1798. 

Samuel Kenaed, J. P. 

Whereas Dr. Thomas Hendry has obtained a Judgment against the 
Inhabitants of the Township of Deptford for a Considerable Sum of \ 



Money, We believe it necessary to call a Town-Meeting, to take into 
consideration the aforesaid business, and adopt Such Measures as may 
appear needful. We therefore request the Town clerk to call a Town- 
Meeting agreeably to Law, as early as possible. Dated at Woodbury 
this Twenty-fifth Day of October, 1798. 

John S. Whiteall, 
James M. Whiteall, 
David Wakd, 

Ibiwn Committee. 
Notice. 
Whereas Doc* Thomas Hendry has obtained a Judgment against the 
Inhabitants of the Township of Deptford, for a sum of Money exceeding 
forty Dollars ; therefore by an Order from the Committee of the Town- 
ship afs^, I hereby inform the Inhabitants thereof, that there will be 
a Town meeting held at the Court House in Woodbury on sixth day 
next, at two o'clock on s^ day, in order to take into consideration the 
afsii business, and adopt such measures as may appear needfull. 
Dated at Woodbury lO'i^ mo 25'h 1798. 

Benjamin Rulon, T. Clk. 

Feb'y 19, 1796. 
This is to certify that I have settled with Thomas Hendry this day, 
and thier is a balance due to him of fourteen pounds, eight shillings, 
and two pence, exclusive of a Note of hand for 20/ which he holds 
against me. 

Jonathan Ward. 
Witness 
Elizabeth Cooper. 
The above is a Copy. 



Overseers of Highways'' Account, 1797. 

Dr.— Samuel Bennett one of the Overseers of Highways In Account Current with the Town Ship of Deptford.— Ca. 

1798 



1797 
March 21. To Casli received of James Davie late Overseer 

of the Highways £ 43 10 

1798 
March 9. To ditto of James B. Cooper CoUectorof Deptford 

Township 75 



March 14. By Cash expended on the Roads £ 42 12 4 

By balance remaining in Samuel Bennett's hands 
"due to the Township 76 18 5 



£118 10 9 
Dr. — Biddle Reeves one of the Overseers of the Highways 
1798 

March W^ To Cash received of Sundries £157 3 10 

To this sum to Collect from Jonathan Barker 45 3 4 



£118 10 9 
In Account Current with the Township of Deptford. — Cr. 
1798 

March 14. By Sundry expenditures on the Highways £145 4 Uj.^ 

By balance remaining in Biddle Reeves' hands 
due theTowuship 57 3 1]4 



£202 7 2 
Dr. — Isaac Collins one of the Overseers of Highways In Account Current with the Township of Deptford. — C] 
1797 
March 7. To balance remaining on account settled this 

day £ IS S 2 

To this sum received of Jona Harker Collector 

for 1796, overplus money... 15 19 11 

1798 
March 13. To Cash received of James B. Cooper Township 

Collector 75 



£202 



1798 

March 14. By sundry expenditures on Roads £ 53 18 2 

By balance remaining in the hands of Isaac 
Collins 55 9 11 



£109 8 1 



£109 8 1 
Dr. — James Jaggai'd one of the Overseera of the Highways In Account Current with the Township of Deptford. — £. 

1797 1798 

March 7. To balance of account settled this day £32 6 Qy.t March 14. By Sundry expenditures ou the High Ways 

1798 " amounting to £ 43 10 IJ^ 

March 14. To Cash received of James B. Cooper Collector By balance remaining in the hands of James 

one fourth of 600 Doll« 75 Jaggard 63 7 6 



£107 6 6}4 



£107 6 6J4 



We the subscribers having examined the Accounts of the several Overseers of the Public Highways — report that there remains the following 
balances of money unexpended — viz' in the hands of Samuel Bennett Seventy five pountls eighteen shillings and five ponce ; in the hands of 
Biddle Reeves Fifty seven pounds three shillings and one penny; in the hauds of Iswic Collins Fifty five pounds nine shillings and eU'von ponco; 
and in the hands of James Jaggard Sixty three pounds seven shillings and five pence; — making altogether the sum of Two hundred and flfly onP 
pounds eighteen sliillings and tenpence agreeable to the above Statements. Dated at Woodbury the 14'!' March, 1798. 



£ s d 
WHiole money E.vpended in this Year 285 13 8 



Samuel Bennott...£ 75 18 5 , 

Biddle Reeves 57 3 ly^ 

Isaac Collins 65 9 11 

James Juggard 63 7 6 



Amos CoorKii. 
John S. Whitau., 

MlCllAKL C. KlSUKR. 



Whole balance £261 18 Hi]4 



TOWNSHIP OF DEPTFORD. 



193 



Election Be^rn, 1797. 

■\Ve, the Judge of Elections, Assessor &, Collector of the Township of 
Deptford, in the County of Gloucester, do hereLpy certify, that having 
proceeded to receive the Votes of the Electors of s"" Township of Dept- 
ford ; tlie following is a list of ail the Persons Voted for, to serve in the 
fifth Congress of the United States from the fourth of March, 1797, & 
the number of votes received for each: 

Jonathan Dayton, Sixty-three votes. 

Aaron Ketchel, thirty-two votes. 

James Schnurman, Thirty-seven votes. 

Thomas Sinnickson, forty votes. 

Josepli Bloomfield, Thirty-seven Votes. 

Joseph Cooper, forty votes. 

Ebenezer Elnier, Thiity-two votes. 

Jonathan Elmer, Three votes. 

James H. Imley, Tliirty-Niue votes. 

Mark Tomson, Thirty-eight votes. 

William Crane, Two votes. 

In Testimony whereof we have hereunto Subscribed our Names and 
Affixed our Seals the Eleventh Day of January Domn : One Thousand 
Seven Hundred and Ninety-Seven. 

John Wtlkins, Judge. [l. s.] 

Isaac Wilkins, Assessor. [r,, s.] 

Jonathan Barker, CoPr. [l. s.] 

ComtahWs Oath of Office, 179S. 

I, John Johnson, do Solemnly and Sincerely promise and Swear — that 
I will well and truly Serve the State of New Jersey in the office of Con- 
stable for the township of deptford in the County of Gloucester, that I 
will lionestly and impartially Summon, Impanel and return good and 
lawful men for Juries, able and Sufficient, and not Suspected or pro- 
cured, as is or Shall be directed by law; that I will to the utmost of my 
power, faithfully and without delay, Execute all writs, precepts, process, 
warrants and Executions to me directed, and which Shall Come to my 
hands, and truly return the Same; that, in the Exercise of my office, I 
will do no wrong to any, but will do right to all, and take none but law- 
ful fees; that I will truly, diligently and honestly, without fraud, de- 
ceit, oppression, favour or partiallity, do. Execute and perform all Ser- 
vices, acts and duties of my Said office, to the best of my knowledge, 
Judgment and ability. 

John Johnson. 

I do hereby Certify that the above oath was taken the V7^^ day of 
April. 1798, before me. 

WiL". Tatem, 
Justice of the Peace. 



Special ElectiQn^ 1798. 
"Whereas the Inhabitants of the Township of Deptford at their An- 
nual Meeting lield on the 14'^ of last month did choose two Constables 
to serve the said Townahip for tlie present year — viz', John Jessup and 
Benjamin Clark — who have neglected or refused to qualify accoi-ding to 
Law — thereby leaving the said Township of Deptford without a con- 
stable — and being an Officer that is much wanted, — We the Townshiii 
Committee request the Town Clerk to advertise the Electors of the Town- 
ship of Deptford to assemble in Town meeting on Seventh day the four- 
teenth inst. (April) ut One oClock for the purpose of choosing one or 
more Constables. Alsu to Authorize the Town Clerk (or some other 
person) to receive the fines tliat delinquent Officers forfeit to the benefit 
of the Township — agreeable to Law. 
Dated at Woodbury the 5"i April 1798. 

John S. Whitall. 

James M. Whiteall. 

Joshua L. Howell. 
To Benjamin Kulon, Clerk of Deptford Township. 

Oath of Office of Surveyor of Highway-i, 1798. 

I, Araus Cooper, do Solemnly and Sincerely promise & and affirm that 
I will in all things to the best of my knowledge and understanding, 
well. Justly & faithfully execute the Office of a Surveyor of the High- 
ways without favour or Partiality. 

-^ .•- Abios Cooper. 

I Certify that on the Twenty-second day of March, 1798, appeared be- 
fore me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for the County 
of Gloucester Amos Cooper and was duly qualified to serve as one of the 
Surveyor of the Highways for the Township of Deptford for the year 
ensuing according to Law. 

Jn. Blackwood. 

Oath of Commissioner of Appmls, 1798. 
I, Henry Koe, do Solemnly and Sincerely prorais and Swear, that I 
will well, truly, and faithfully Execute the trust reposed in me, and 
perform my duty as a Commissioner of appeals in Cases of taxation for 
the township of deptford, in the County of Gloucester, according to the 
best of my knowledge and understanding, without favour or partiality. 

Henry Roe. 

I do hereby Certify that this day, the above oath was taken by the 
Said Henry Koe, before me, one of the Justices of the peace in and for 
the County of Gloucester. Given under my hand this 29th day of Oc- 
tober, 1798. 

WiL™ Tatem. 



Township Collector's Account, 1798. 

Woodburi/y lith March, 1798. 

D"-. The Collector (James B. Cooper) of the Township of Deptford In Account Current with said Towns^ijhs..,,.,^^ Cr. 

To . . the amount of Assessed Tax as per Duplicate £880 2 5 By . . this sum paid the County Collector (Joel West- 
ditto Dog Tax . . . ^. d° 23 15 cott), per Receipt for State and County Tax, including 

his Conpa £326 7 2 

By . . this sum the Commissioners of Appeal deducted 
from the undermentioned assessed Taxes: 

Samuel Pearce £0 4 6 

Mark Brown 9 ^% 

Thomas Wilson 2 6 16 4^ 

By . , tiiis sum paid the Overseei-s of the Publick High- 
ways : 

Isaac Collins £75 

James Jaggard 75 

Biddle Reeves 75 

Samuel Bennett 7S 300 

By . . thissum paid the Townshipasse8sor(IsaacWilkins} 

his fees as per accountand Receipt 28 3 3 

By . . ditto Township Collector his fees 28 3 3 

By . . this sum for Losses on the warrant wliich the Con- 
stable (Henry Tredway), could not recover agreeable to 

his deposition 11 10 4 

By . . this sum allowed the freeholders 15 

By . . the balance remaining in the hands of the Town- 
ship Collector 208 2 ^A 

Deducted £12 6 and there remains £200 19 G}4 

£903 17 5 £903 17 5 

We, the undersigned, choaen Freeholders for the Township of Deptford, having examined the Duplicate and accounts of James B. Cooper, Collector 
for said township, report that there remains in the hands of the said James B. Cooper the balance of Two hundred and eight pounds Two shillings, 
agreeable to the above statement, for the account and at the disposal of said Township. 
Dated at Woodbury, the 14th March, 1798. 

Phineus Lord. 
Joshua L. Howell. 
13 



194 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Towtiskip Clerk's Oath of Office, 1798. 
I, Botijnmin RuKm, Clork of tho Township of Deptford, in tho County 
of GIoiiCPStLM', lio Soloninly nml siiicorely tifilrm, lliat I will faitlifnlly 
and lioncstly koop all the papers, writings, Books &. roconls, by virtue 
of my ollico comuiittoii, and wbieli fioni time to time shall he com- 
mitted to me; and that I will in all things, to tlio host of my knowledge 
and niidorstanding, perform the duties of my s'l olllce of Clerk, without 
favour or partiality, 

Allirmod tho 14th of March, 170S, before mo. Justice of tho peacy in 
and for tlio County o( Gloucester. 

Wii.'" Tatem. 



Toumfhip Collector's Oath of Office, 1798. 

I, Jnmes .Tnggard, do Solemnly and sincerely promis and Swear, that 
I will in nil things to the best of my knowledge and umlerstanding, 
well. Justly andfaithlnlly Kxecuto the office of Collector of the pnbllcfc 
taxe.s. for the township of doptford, in the County of Gloucester, for the 
year 179S. 

Jasiks Jaoqard. 

Swuru and Subscribed tlie ll"" day of September, 179S, before me. 

WiL". Tateh, 
Oiie of the Justices of Uu- Peace in and for the County of Qlouce^er. 



County Collector'.^ Bond, 1798. 

Know alt Ulcn by tho.se presents, that we, Joel Westcott, James Stnit- 
ton, ^t Sauiutd 1'. Tiiul, of the County of Glouce.ster and State of New 
Jersey, are Iielil and tirmly bound unto the Board of chosen Freehold- 
ers of the County of Glo\ieester, in the sum of five hundred I'onnds in 
Gold and Silver money, to be paid to the s"i Board of Chosen Freehold- 
ers of the County of Gloucester, their certain Attorney, or Successors in 
office; for whitdi payment well and truly to be made, we bind our selves, 
and each of us by himself, for & in the whole, our lleii-s. Executors and 
Administnitors, and each of us, tirmly by these presents; Sealed with 
ourSeals; Bated the eleventh day of May, in tho yearof our Lord one 
thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight (1708). 

Tho Condition of tliis obligation is such, that if the above bound Joel 
Westcott, Collector for the County of Gloucester, shall well and truly 
perform all the duties of his s'l office as County Collector for the County 
afs'i agreeably to Law, then this obligation to he void; otherwise to bo 
and remain iii full loreo A virtue. 

JOKL WkSTCOTT. [L. S.] 

James Stratton. [l. a.] 
Sami.. L. Paul. [r..s.j 
Sealed and done in the presence of 

F. B.VVKKPORT, 

IsiiAKL Look. 



/Issossoi's OtUh of Qffice, 1799. 

I, Blicliael C. Fisher, Assessor of the Township of Deptford, do Sol- 
emnly and Sincerely promise and affirm, that I will truly, faithfully, 
honestly, and impartially value and assess tho ratable estates in the 
Township of Deptford, in the County of Gloucester, and thiit, in nutking 
such valuations and Assessments, I will, to thi- best of my knowledge 
and Judgment, observe the directions of the Law respecting tho same. 

MiCHARI. C. FiSHEU. 

Affirmed before me, Jlarch i:jit', 1799. 

John Sparks. 



Assessor's OiUh of OJIk\\ 1812. 

T, Thomas Boo, do Solemnly and Sincerely promise and affirm, that I 
wili truly, faithfully, honestly, and impartially value and assess the 
rateable Estates in the township of Deptford, in the County of Glouces- 
ter; and that, in making Such valuations and assessments, I will, to the 
best of my knowledge and Judgment, observe the directions of the Law 
Kespecting the Same. 

Thomas Bkb. 



March 16th, ISli'. Alli'i A Subs 



•ribed befi.re me, 
Ja" 



Mati.ack, J. Pc.ic*. 



i8o;i, 








ISM, 


Miuch 12. 


To Balnnce reuiainiug in hi8 Hiind, as "iB"" 






March 




Settlement made tliis Diiy 


S138.77 


S13S.T7 






*' Ciish rec'i of Blark Brown, lute Collector. 


200.0U 


200.00 






" ft fine rec'i 


2.00 


2.00 








2.77 


2.77 






" Cash rec' of Isaiah Ward, Lydia Ward's 










third 


6.67 


6.07 






" Cash rec'i, Thomas Cox's Dividoud 


0.62 


0.52 






" Cash rou'l of Richard Clark, Hannah Gib- 












23.11 


2:1.11 











Overseer of Poor's Account, \BOX 
DK,_Xhe Ovoi-seer of tho Poor, Biddle Keeves, In Account Current with the Township of Deptford.— Cr. 

By the following Suma expended for the use of the Poor: 

" Thomas Seeds SH.W 

" Peter Osback 18.07 

" Thomas Cox H.nii 

" Margaret Tate U.lH) 

*' Hannah Gibson UUW 

" Mary Hendrickson 28, Oi) 

" Joseph Gibson 'iti.OO 

" Joanna Seere 26,(Hi 

" Mary MicUlebury 7m 

*' Julian Jackson S.(K1 

'• Margaret Birch U.tXi 

" Ann Langley H.tHi 

" Lydia Wan! 8.67 

" I^iarj-art't Hall 18.(i7 

•' Martha I'lirk 2S.0li 

" Doer \ViUiam N. Lumuis l.'iCt 

'* Doc' Thomas Hendry 1!^ 

** Mary Leamau 16,IH) 

** Moving Poor, Ac 5.tHt 

'* Clothing A nu'dicine 20.57 

" WW Carl's Infant Child lO.W 

" Klizabeth Carathers iOO 

" Compensation for his Services 5 IH> 

$-U>y.97 

Balance remaining in Biddle Ueeves' llandti 69.87 

$i7S».S4 



S379.S4 S379.S4 



M'e, ilie undei-signed (Township Committee), having oxaniiueil and settle 
nine Dollars and KIghty eeven Cents remaining hi his Hands unexpended. 
Done at Woodherry, 12H> March, ISOi. 



il the .\ecounl of the Overseer of the Poi>r, Fiml a Balance of Sixty 



Daviu \Vaui>. 

Jons TaTI M, Jv'N', 
WlUMAM CoOi'KR, 

Hknry UiaON. JON', 
Jkkkmiau Wood, 



TOWNSHIP OF DEPTFORD. 



1U5 



Election lietitrn, 1801. I 

We, tlie Judge nml InsppctorB of Election of the Towiisliiii of Dopt- 
ford, ill tlie County ol Gloucestet- and State of Now .7orBi\y, do hercli.v 
certify, Hint litiving jnoL-eftded to receive the VoteB of the VotoiH of tin- 
8(iid Townsliip, the following is u Liyt of nil the CiindidiiteB Voted for, | 
for KIcctorH, of President and Vice-President of the united Statoe, and i 
of the number of Votes fur eucli. 

Solomon Freleigli, One Hundred and forty-three Votes. \ 

Alexander Carmiclniel, One Hundred & forty-three Votea. j 

PhineHS Manning, One Hundred and forty-two Votes. 

William Roesell, One Hundred and forty-two Votes. 

Thomas Nowhold, One Hundred and forty-three Votea. 

More Fiinnun, One Hundred and forty-throe Votes. 

Jacob Hufly, One Hundred and forty-tw^) Votea. 

Abijtih Smith, One Hundred and forty-two Votew. 

The whole mini her of Votes receiv'd one Hundred A. forty-throe. 

In Teatimony whereuf, we have hereunto Subscribnii onr Namca and 
affixed oiir Seiils, this Seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand Eight Hundred and four [ISU'I). 

Joel W kstvott, Jwhje. [l. s.] 
jAMKti; BIatlack, AsHr. [t. S.J 

Epuraim Millku, Collecr. 1 1,. s.] 

Ordinance Relating fo Swine in Woodburi/, ISO't. 

At an Annual Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Townabip of Uept- 
fonl held at Woodbury the Ut^ day of the ii'-J ui" (March), 1804. Suld 
meeting taking into consideiution tlie damage ilono by Swine in the 
Streets of Woodbury, by their rooting therein, and on unimproved Lois, 
and particularly, their distruction of ornimental trees in tearing up the 
roots thereof, Do llesolve, 

That lifter the first day of April next, every Swine of six months old 
vfe upwards, found in the street, without two twisted wire rings in his 
Snout, may be taken up by any person living in aaid Town &. impounded, 
and the owner be subject to a penalty of twenty-five Cents, and every 
I*ig of three niuutha old, or younger, if weaned from itn mother, without 
one twisted ring, may be impounded, and the owner be aiibject to the 
penalty of twelve and a lialf centfn,and if no owner appears within three 
days after impounding, the person who has impounded said swino shall 
put rings in his, or their noses, for which lie aliall receive twelve and a 
half cents for each ring, to be paid for by the owner of mini swino ; hut 
if no owner appears within aaid time, the person who has impounded 
said swine may, with the approbation in writing of any two Freoholdei's 
in the town of Woodbury, sell said swine, and the money arising there- 
from to be appropriated to the payment of damages dono by swine in 
the town of Woodbury aforesaid. 

Benjamin Rur.oN, Clh. 

Election Return, 180G. j 

A true List of the Names of all the Candidates nominated in the 
County of Gloucester in the State of New Jersey to be Voted for at the | 
annual Election in October next, with the Offices proposed for each of \ 
them respectively: 

For members of the Legialative Councill : Joseph Kogers, Samuel W. ■ 
Harrison, Joseph Cooper, John Brick. 

For members of the General Assembly: Robert Newell, Benjamin 
Rulon, Japhet Ireland, Ju', John Brick, John Gill, Reuben Clark, 
Enoch Risley, Thomas Clark, Jun"", Abraham Inskeep, Amos Cooper, 
Richard Higbee, Matthew Gill, Seni"", Samuel Clement, Michael 0. 
Kisher, Samuel W. Harrison, Jos. C. Swett, Samuel French (farmer), 
Richard M. Cooper, Abel Clement. 

For Sheriff; Richard Matlack,Ephraim Miller, Micajah Clement, Jo- 
siah Eldrcdge, Joseph V. Clark, Isaac Pine. 

For Coroners: Joseph Sloan, James Miller, Daniel Lake, Enoch Ris- 
ley, John Clark, Jacob Stokes, John Pissant, Daniel Carroll, Jonathan 
Steelman. Mark Brown, Isaac Hughs, Aaron Wood, Joseph Collins, 
Cooper Paul. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set n)y hand this first Day of 
September, A.D. One Thousand eight Hundred and Six. 

C. OUDEN, Cllc. 

For Amos Cami-keli,, Ch"rk of the. TownHhip of lJ<ptfin-d. 

Election Uelarn, 1808. 
We, the Judge and inspectors of Election of the Townshii* of Deptford 
in the County of Gloucester do hereby certify, that having proceeded to 
receive the votes of the voters of the said Township the following is a 
list of all the candidates voteil fur, of the offices proposed for them, and 
of the number of votea of each. 



For members of the tenth congress of the United States : 

Adam Boyd hath Ninety votes 90 

Kbenezor Elmer hath Fifty two votes 52 

U'l 
Tbc whole number of votes rocoived is one hundred and forty-two 
votes. 

In testimony whereof, wo have hereunto subscribed our names and 
affixed iiur seals this ninth day of Jlarch in the year of our LORD one 
thousand eight hundreii and eight (1808). 

James B. Cai.uwei,!,, Jadyc of Election, [l. s.] 
Aaron Wood, A»nefisor. [t. s.] 

Thomas Wood, Collector. [L.8.] 

Accotrnta for Cojinn Furiiixhed. 

1809, August 22th. Dr. to John Simmorman. 

To Making a Ridg Lin Collin for Benj'" Smalwood Son ot James 

Smulwood 89.00 

1810, Jaiuiary 15th. Dr. to John Simmorman. 

To Making a Ridge Lin Coffin for Mothoriulaw of Bonjaniin Hains. 3'9.00 

1811, March 3th. Dr. to John Simmorman. 

To Making Coffin for CUtura Stewart Died at Margaret Fitapnt- 

rick's S9.00 



Natnes of Votei-a at fecial Election for (Jongrefin, 



1810. 



A pole list of the Votes taken in the Township of Deptford in One 
Thousand Eight Hundi'ed and Ten at the Election for a Congreas Man 
t") Sui)ly the Place of Gen' James Cox (who baa deceased) in the Eleventh 
Corigre>(8 of the United States aa p'' the Govehiora Proclamation, 1810, 
held on the Thertyeth day of October at the Honae of Ebeneazer Witney 
Inkeepor and on the Therly first day of the aforesaid Month at the 
Court House in Woodbury. 



14, John Cade. 

15. Josiah Clark, J'"'. 
IC. Hesakiah Heppard. 

17. Abel Rulon. 

18. Richard French. 

19. Peter Wheaton, J"^ 

20. John M. Gibson. 

21. John Woodard. 
"Z'i. Arnrin Unwn. 
2:j. wni. Lawrence. 

24. Wm. Brick. 

25. Mark Brown. 

26. Cpt. John Zano, Esqr. 

27. William Hopper, 

28. Job Brown. 

20. Samuol C. Wood. 

30. William Bennet. 

31. Cpt. Randall Sparks. 

32. Thomas Sandrews. 

33. Thomas Scott, J"". 

34. CalobSlister, 



1. Henry Rulon, 

2. William Talnm, J't, 

3. Ephraim Miller, 

4. Isaac Collins, Sen''. 

5. Steaven Simofi, 
Fifteen minutes Past three Oclock 

P. M. then the Pole ajornd to the 
CorL House in Woodbury unto 
Eleven Oclock A. M., and there 
apoars to he five Votes Taken. 
0. William Tatum, Eaqr. 

7. Samuel Ladd. 

8. Henry Roe, Sen''. 

9. Toctor Thomas Hendry. 

10. Charls Ogden, Esqr. 

11. Amos Cooper, Esqr. 
Twenty minutes paatl2 oclock the 

Polenjornd untill Twooclo A.M. 
and there apears Next Day to be 
Eleven Votes taken. 

12. Samuel Clark. 

13. Isaac Wilkins. 

At seven oclock the pole then closed after takiiig thirty four votes. 
Woodbury October 31st 1880. 

William Tatkm, Jnr., Judge. 
Ephraim Mili.er, Asseesor. 
JosiAEi Clark, T Cllc. 
Abel Rulon, Cllc P Tern. 

Ye Old Time Account againnt the TownBhip. 

1812. Deptford Township Dr. to Jesse Smith. 

March 12. 

To V.^ Gill Gin 50.6 

To Pointof Lisbon Wine 50 

To% Point Gin 25 

To 1 Ditto, Ditto 25 

To 1/, Gill Ditto, Ditto 06^ 

To 6~Diner8 3.00 

To J^ Point Brandy at Diner 25 

To 2 Mugs Beer at Ditto 25 

To y, Pnint Spirit at Ditto 25 

To y. Point Gin 25 

T(p Segars WA 

To % ^omi Gin ,. 25 

To 1 Ditto, Ditto j- 

Tu 8 Suppers a 37^ Cents '.'< mi 

S8.81 



19(3 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



The following indorsement was written on the back 
of the above bill of liquid items : 

"At an Annual Town meeting of the Inhabitants of the TownshiiJ of 
Deplford Held at the Court-Hoiise the IV't' day of March, 1SI2, 

" It was agieed that the Committee nominally appointed to Count the 
Votes for oflficeis of &^ Township should have their expenses paid by 8*^ 
Township while engaged therein. And the within being the bill of 
said expenses — The Collector is hereby authorized to discharge the same, 
it being eight dollars and 81 cents. 

"Saml. Webster, Junr. CW-.'' 

Transfer of Tommhip BooJcs, 1812. 
I Henry Rulon do Solemnly Sincerly and Truley declare and affirme 
that 1 have Given up all the Books and Papers with the Election Box, 
that belongs to the Township of Deptfor in the County of Gloucester 
unto Samuel Webster jr my Successor in office. 

Henkt Rulon late Tomn Clk. 
Woodbury 3 mo 14'ii 1812, AflF*^ »S: subscribed Before me 

Jas Matlack. 

Suppression of Vice and ImmoralUi/. 
At a town-meeting of the citizens of Deptford, iield at the Court- 
House, March 3, 1813, the following resolution was adopted: 

As vice and immorality prevail at the present day to a considerable 
degree among us — when the appearances of Divine judgement are 
marked by recent cahimitous events — the pestilence which walketh in 
darkness in our vicinity are indications of guilt and danger too visible 
to be mistaken, and too alarming not to be felt. The portentious and 
diverse vit*itations of the Justice of the Supreme being, together with 
state of Religion, and the prevalence of iniquity in various forms and 
degrees, give us great reason to use our best endeavors for the promo- 
tion of Morality and Virtue. 

Wherefore, Resolved by the inhabitants of the township of Deptford 
in Town Meeting legally assembled, that a committee of the said town- 
ship be and is hereby appointed, consisting of the following persons : 

John Reeves. Levi Hopper. 

Joseph Clement. James Davis. 

James B. Caldwell. John G. Whitall. 

Richard Snowdon. Paul Cooper, 

James Matlack, Esq. Isiuic Collins. 

James Saundei's. James Cooper. 

Amos Cooper, Esq. Andrew Dilks. 

Nathaniel Todd, Joseph Dilks, Esq 

John Tatum, Jr. Edward Turner. 

Franklin Davenport. John Tice, Esq. 

Chai'les Ogden. James Hopkins, Esq. 

Phineas Lord. James Jaggard, Esq. 

Jonathan Brown. John Rambo. 

Edmund Brewer. Moreton Stille. 

Henry Roe. John S. Whitall. 

Biddle Reeves. Peter String. 

Joseph Reeves. J. B. Smallwood. 

Aaron Wood. William Nicholdson, 

Joshua Lord. John Manshall, Esq. 

Williiiiu Cooper. John Swope. 

Marniaduko Wood. George Ward. 

William Tatem, Jr, Thomas Beo. 

Samuel Whitall. Benjamin W. Wilkins.-' 

William Horvey. William Jones. 

And that this Committee be requested to present and bring forward 
agreeably to Law, before any Justice of the Peiice in the aforesaid town- 
ship, all and every person whom they may find guilty of vice and im- 
morality, and that we, the inhabitants abuve mentioned, will defend 
all persons who shtiU convict the guilty within the limits of the said 
township. 

Resolved, That copies of the above preamble and resolution, signed 
liy the presiding officer and clerk of this meeting, be sent to each town- 
ship in Gloucester County. 

James Matlack, 

P)rsiding OJJicer. 

Samuei. Wkiistkh, Junh., Olerh. 

TaxvH Ke»u'«('rf, IHIG. 
The following is a Statonienl of All the taxes Uemltod by its, tho Sub- 
scrlbors, ComniJHsionerH of Appeal lor thn Township of Deptford In tho 
your 1810 



Josiah Heritage S(>.50 

John G.Williams 3.82 

Samuel Porch 7..5U 

John Watson (weelright) 4.7n •- $34.47 

Appolo Wuodard 30 

Heirs of Isaac Wilkins 9.00- 

Jacob Park Jnn"- 2.00 

Mark Clement 4.50 Dog tax 1 

William Gardiner 50 Dog tux 

David Pigion 5.U0 Do>; tax | 

John Down 4.50 Dog tax [- 16.00 

Andrew Ware 50 Dog tax 

William Crump 50 Dog lax 

Thomas Rulings ,. .50 Dog tax I 

.Tames Jaggard Jr 6.00 Exempt tine 1 lorui 

Moses Wilson C.OO Do Do / ' 

Total SC2.47 



Woodbury, Kov™ 12th, 1816. 



Thomas Bek. 
James Jaggaru. 



Stephen Clark's 
Return of Loss on Sheep 



Bin for Sheep Kilkd, 1820. 
Gloucester, ss. 

"1 on application to receive 

I a Compensation for dani- 

1 ages done by Dogs to 

J Sheep. 

Whereupon Thomas I. Sparks and W™ C. Dilkes Viewers called upon 
by Stephen Olark to view Sheep killed by Dogs ; having made out a 
return duly executed and affirmed to pursuant to an Act in such case 
made & provided. 

Which return returns of record and Sets forth the damage to be 

Cts. 

''two deadvaluedat 175 each, S3i50 

three mortally wounded 200 Do 6.00 

two badly wounded lOO Do 2.00 

eight Slightly wounded 50 Do 400 

Fees for Appi-aisera 75 Do 1.50 

Do for Justice of the peace 50 Do .50 

?17.50 
Thomas I. Sparks, app'' aff^ 
Stephen Clark owner aff* 
May 3d 1820 before me 

James Matlack, J Peace. 
' In Testimony that the above is truly transacted from my Docket I 
have set my liand & seal this 3d day of May a.d. 1820. 

[Seal] James Matlack, 

Juslice of the Peace. 



1809. David C. Wood. 
1810-11. Henry Rulon. 

1812. Samuel Webster, Jr. 

1813. William Roe, 

1814. William Sailer. 

1815. Thomas Saunders. 

1816. James Roe. 
1817-10. Jacob Glover. 
1820. Joseph Saunders. 
1821-25. John C. Smallwood. 
1826-29, 1832. Chalkley Glover. 
1830-31. Josiah S. Franklin. 
1833-38. John B. Harrison. -^^ 
1839-40. George M. Paul. 



TOWN CLERKS, 1809-83. 

; 1841-45. William D. Scott. 
1840-17. Samuel E. Tatem. 
1848-49. William K. H. Sailer. 
1850,1852-53. Benjamin F. Carter 
1851. William R. Maukiu. 
1854-60. Henry C. Clark. 
ISOl, Josiah S. Franklin. 
1862-63. James Moore. 
1864-70. George E. IMeraon. 
1S71-77, 1879. Geo. W. Gatdiuer. 
1878. James M. Sailer. 
1880-81. C. Sehloi. Johnson. 
1882-83. John T. Pierson. 



1809. Joseph Hinchmnn. 
1810-11. Ephraim Miller. 
1812-14,1818-21. Thomas Bee. 

1815. Elijah Porvh. 

1816. Aaron Wood. 

1817. Henry Rue, Jr. 
1822-31,1839-43. Joseph Saundere. 
1832-38. Josiah S. Fiankliu, 
1844-45,1865-07. David B. Loslie. 
1846-47. William D, Scott. 



tVSSKSSORS, 1809-83. 

j 1848-50. Samuel E. Tatem. 
I 1851-53. William Rambo. 

1854-56. Jusepli Carter. 

1857-58. Charles C. Ford. 

1859-61. James H. Pierson. 

1862-64. Thonuis V. ^yiathprs. 

18C8-70. Aduu W. Catiell. 

1871-73. Kdwnrd P. S>lewiiiil. 

1874. Siimucl Tatem. 

1875-83. Chalkley Duoll. 



1800, 1815-18. John llambow 
1810. Josinh Clark, Jr. 
181). liandol Sharks. 
1812. Je.-'so Smith. 



COLLECTORS, 1809-83. 

1813. Josiah Clark. 

1814. Junit'H llinchnnin. 

1816. Ik'iijiimin Wtlkin!«^ 

1817. J.ihn D. Scolt. 



TOWNSHIP OF DEPTPORD. 



197 



1819. Ephraim Miller. 

1820. Amos Oinipbell. 

1821. Joseph Siiuiulers. 
l.'<22-31. Joseph Curts. 
1S32-37, lS42-t6. Joseph Franklin 
1838-39. Samuel E. Tatum. 
ISiO. flioses W. iUckle. 

1841, 18-16-49. George M.Paul. 
1850-.'>2. Edwin Stokes. 



1853. Robert Brewer. 

1854-56. William E. Hopkins. 
1857. Clement Whitall, 
1858-60. John I. Estell. 
1861-69. John Clark. 
1870. Joseph Paul. 
1871-77. William S. Cattell. 
1878. Ezekiel C. Mount. 
1879-83. Michael Hays Perry, 



FEEEHOLDEKS, 1809-1883. 
1809. — Joshua L. Howell and Amos Cooper. 
1810. — Amos Ciiopcr and Benjamin Rulon. 
1811. — James Hopkins, Esq., and Randel Sharks. 
1812.— James Blatlack and .Tames Sanuders. 
1813. — Job Brown and William Tatem, Jr. 
1814. — Job Brown and Savil Wilson. 
1815.— James Matlack, Esq., and Biddle Keovcs. 
1816-18. — Biddle Reeves and James Matlack. 
1S19. — James Matlack and Job Brown. 
1S2M-21. — James Matlack and Henry Osborn. 
* 1822. — Benjamin Wilkins and Ephraim Miller. 

■ 1823. — Jacob Ogden and Benjamin Wilkins. 

■ 1824-27, 1833-37. — Jacob Glover and Benjamin Wilkins. 
1828. — James Matlack and Jacob Glover. 

1829-30, 1832. — Jacob Glover and Joseph Dilks. 
1831.- Joseph Dilks and Josiah Tatum. 
1838-39.— John B. Jessup and James Matlack. 
1840-41, 1843-45.— Michael 0. Fisher and John B. Jessup. 
1842. — M. C. Fisher and Joshua Matlack. 
1846-50. — Joseph Saunders and Benjamin C. Tatum. 
1851, 1853-54.— William R. Tatum and Joseph Franklin. 
1862.— William R. Tatum and William E. Clark. 
1855-57.— Josejjh Tatum and Joseph Clement. 
1858-60.— William C. Sparks and Carlton P. Stokes. 
1861-63.— Samuel Hopkins and Nathan S. Abbott. 
1864.— Samuel Hopkins and Daniel J. Packer. 
1805-67.- Daniel J. Packer and Ezekiel C. Mount. 
1868.— E. C. Mount and John L. C. Tatem. 
1869-70.— J. L. C. Tatem and William Knight. 
1871-73.— George B. Ward and Caleb C. Pancoast. 
1874.- C. C. Pancoast and Edward P. Stewart. 
1875-76.— Edward P. Stewart and Henry M. Leap. 
1877. — Henry M. Leap and Isaac Jaggard. 
1878-79. — Isaac F. Jaggard and D. Cooper Cattell. 
1880.— D. C, Cattell and James A. Porch. 
1881-82.— James A. Porch and Randall M. Stevenson. 
1SS3. — R. M. Stevenson and Philip A. Mason. 

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE, 1809-1883. 
1809. — Thomas Bee, James Saunders, Savil Wilson, Samuel Ladd, and 

Biddle Reeves. 
1810.— James Sannders, Thomas Bee, Randal Sparks, Samuel Ladd, and 

William Cooper. 
1811.- James Saunders, Samuel Wood, Esq., James Matlack, Esq., James 

Stephens, and John Tatum, Jr. 
1812.— William Cooper, Joshua Lord, Henry Rulon, Jonathan Brown, 

and James Saunders. 
1813.— Jonathan Brown, James Matlack, Esq., John Marshall, John 

Cooper, and Josiah Tattim. 
1814.— Job Brown, James Stephens, James Saunders, Ward Wilkins, and 

Joseph B. Smanhvood. 
1815. — John Tatem, Jr., William Cooper, Aaron Wood, Marmaduke 

Wood, and John Morrow. 
181G. — John Morrow, Jonathan Brown, William Cooper, Marmaduke 

Wood, and Josiah Tatum. 
1817. — Samuel Wood, Marmaduke Wood, Jacob Glover, Thomas Bee, and 

Josiah Tatum. 
1818. — Paul Sears, Mark Brown, Josiah Heritage, Josiah Tatum, and 

Ephraim Miller. 
1819. — Joseph Wilson, Benajah Audrus, Moreton Stille, Job Brown, and 

Josiah Heritage. 
1820. — James Davis, Jesse Smith, William Sailer, John D. Scott, and 

Joseph Wilson. 
1821. — Paul Sears, John Downe, Jesse Smith, Charles Wilkins, and 

James Davis. 



1822.— Paul Sears, Joseph Dilkes, Jesse Smith, Jeremiah J. Fisher, and 

Josiah Stokes. 
1823.— Amos Claik, Paul Sears, Charles Wilkins, Jesse Smith, and 

Josiah Heritage. 
1824.- Paul Sears, Jesse Smith, J. J. Foster, Charles Wilkins, and Amos 

Cattell. 
1825-26.— Jesse Smith, Charles Wilkins, Paul Sears, Randall W. M..v- 

gan, and Sanniel M. Reeves. 
1827.— James Matlack, Esq., R. W. Morgan, C. Wilkins, P. Sears, and 

Jesse Smith. 
1828.— J. J. Foster, Josiah Tatem, John Wilkins, Jr., Jesse Smith, and 

Peter Kambo. 
1829.— J. Smith, Paul Sears, Chai'les Wilkins, and Josiah Heritage. 
1830.— J. J. Foster, Charles F. Wilkins, James L. Gibbs, Panl Sears, and 

John Downe. 
1831.— Randall W. Morgan, P. Sears, J. L. Gibbs, 0. F. Wilkins, and J. 

J. Foster. 
1832.— R. W. Morgan, Thomas Bee, Paul Sears, C. F. W,ilkins, and J. J. 

Foster. Michael 0. Fisher, appointed. 
1833.— J. J. Foster, James Matlack, Josiah Heritage, Paul Sears, and 

Jesse Smith. 
1834.— Joseph Saunders, Josiah Heritage, P. Sears, Jesse Smith, and 

Charles Knight. 
1835.— E. W. Morgan, Charles Knight, Paul Sears, James Matlack, and 

Joseph Saunders. .- 

1836-37.— Joseph Saunders, James Matlack, James Davis, Charles 

Knight, and Joseph Stokes. 
1838.- J. Sanuders, Ephraim Miller, J. Davis, Charles Knight, and J. 

Matlack. 
1839.— J. Saunders, 0. Knight, George M. Paul, James Matlack, and J. 

Davis. 
1840.— Charles Knight, J. Saundere, Peter Snyder, James Davis, and 

Daniel Lamb. 
1841.— Daniel Lamb, David B. Leslie, Joseph Saunders, Charles Hopkins, 

and Charles Knight. 
1842.— C. Hopkins, Joseph Saunders, Daniel Lamb, Daniel J. Packer, 

and James Davis. 
1843.— Joseph Saunders, John Cattell, J. Davis, Griffith M. Hopkins, and 

D. J. Packer. 

1844.— Josiah S. Franklin, James Davis, D. J. Packer, G. M. Hopkins, 

and John Cattell. 
1845-46.— Edward H. Saunders, S. M. Hopkins, J. S. Franlslin, J. Cat- 
tell, and D. J. Packer. 
1847.— James L. Gibbs, G. M. Hopkins, E. H. Saunders, J. S. Franklin, 

and D. J. Packer. 
1848.- D. J. Packer, J. S. Franklin, Henry Bradshaw, James L. Gibbs, 

and Joseph W. Reeves. 
1849.— William R. Tatum, Joseph Clement, Jr., John M. Sannders, D. J. 

Packer, and Isaac Lodge. 
1850.— Joseph Clement, Jr., William C. Sparks, William R. Tatum, John 

M. Saunders, and D. J. Packer. 
1851.— George M. Paul, James Cooper, Charles Sterling, Benjamin L. 

Gibbs, and Joseph Clement, Jr. 
1852.— Robert Brewer, B. L. Gibbs, Joseph Clement, J. Cooper, and G. 

M. Paul. 
1853.— G. M. Paul, James Cooper, Richard M. Wilkins, Harper Davis, 

and Samuel H. Kirby. 
1854.- James Cooper, Harper Davis, S. H. Kirby, Edwin Stokes, and 

Isaac Lodge. 
1865.- Edwin Stokes, Benjamin P. Howell, Harper Davis, S. H. Kirby, 

and Josiah Budd. 
1856.— William C. Sparks, George B. Ward, J. Budd, B. F. Howell, and 

E. Stokes. 

I 1857.— B. P. Howell, J. Bndd, W. C. Sparks, George B. Ward, and Joseph 
' Z. Pierson. 

1858.— George B. Ward, Benjamin C. Tatem, David Fletcher, D. J. 

Packer, and Samuel Hopkins. 
1859.— Ezekiel 0. Mount, B. C. Tatem, D, Fletcher, D. J. Packer, and 

Samuel Hopkins. 
1860.— E. 0. Mount, D. Fletcher, B. C. Tatem, D. J. Packer, and Samuel 

Hopkins. 
1861-62.— Alfred C. Githens, William Eambo, B. C. Tatem, D. J. Packer, 

and E. C. Mount. 
1863.— E. C. Mount, D. J. Packer, Benjamin S. Thackara, W. Rambo, 

and A. T. Githens. 
1864.— Isaac C. Stevenson, B. S. Thackara, A. T. Githens, W. Rambo, 

and E. C. Mount. 



198 



HISTOEY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1865.— W. Eambo, A. T. Githens, B. S. Thackara, Isaac C. Stevenson, and 
Bdward P. Stewart. 

1866.— .Tames Moore, E. P. Stewart, I. C. Stevenson, B. S. Tliackara, and 
W. Kambo. 

1867.— Branson L. Ore, William A. Mullen, E. P. Stewart, I. C. Steven- 
son, and B. S. Thackara. 

1868.— John C. Bndd, Henry M. Leap, Branson L. Ore, Williiim .\. Mul- 
len, and E. P. Stewart. 

1869-70.— William B. Hopkins, J. C. Bndd, H. M, Leap, W. A. Mnllen, 
and E. P. Stewart. 

1871.— E. P. Stewart, H. M. Leap, John C. Turner, Benjamin T. Haines, 
and Charles T. Malony. 

1872.— John Stewart, H. M. Leap, John C. Turner, B. T. Haines, and C. 
T. Malony. 

1873-74.- Robert S. MuUer, John Stewart, C. T. Malony, B. T. Haines, 
and J. C. Turner. 

1876.— J. C. Turner, George M. Eastlack, C. T. Malony, John G. Stew- 
art, and Robert Muller. 

1876-77.— J. 0. Turner, I, C. Stevenson, Isaac Carson, G. M. Eastlack, 
and Robert S. Muller. 

1878. — Ellison K. Turner, Isaac Carson, I. C. Stevenson, G. M. Eastlack, 
and J. C. Turner. 

1879.— E K. Turner, Isaac Carson, and E. P. Stewart. 

1880-82.— E. K. Turner, Edward P. Stewart, and C. T. Malony. 

1883. — Edward P. Stewart, Allison K. Turner, and Benjamin T. Haines. 



CONSTABLES, 1809-1883. 



1809-13. Andrew Ware. 

John Cade. 
1814. John Cade. 

Thomas Whitecar.* 
1816. John Cade. 

Job Jennings. 
1816. John Cade. 

Jacob Dehart. 
1817-18. Andrew Ware. 

Ward Wilson. 

1819. Andrew Ware. 
Chester Ditkes. 

1820. Andrew Ware. 
Jacob Dehart. 

1821. Andrew Warp. 
William Turner. 

1822. William Turner. 
Thomas Scott. 

1823. John Smallwood. 
John Cade. 

1824-27. John Cade. 

William Turner. 
1828. Jolin Cade. 
1829-30. Richard H. Tice. 

Jolin Cade. 



1831-33. John Cade. 

Isaiah Dill. 
1834-35. Isaiah Dill. 

Samuel Kemblo. 
1836. Samuel Kemble. 
1837-38. Samuel Coles. 

Samuel Kemble. 

1839. Josiali Build. 
Samuel Coles. 

1840. John Cade. 
Samuel Coles. 

1841. Samuel Coles. 
1842-44. Samuel Coles. 

Satnuel Kemble. 
184.1-46. Samuel Coles. 
1847. Warner Cooper. 
1848-52. John W. Chew. 

1853. Josiah Bud.!. 

1854. Samuel Kemble. 
1865-06. John Clark. 
1867-70. Edward S. Packer. 
1S71. George C. Cattell. 
1872-76. Edward S. Stewart. 
1877-83. Jonathan D. Cunard. 



VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Almonesson is a small hamlet situated on the 
eastern border of the township, near the Camden 
County line. The hamlet derives its name from 
Almonesson Creek, on which the town is built. Just 
who the pioneer settler was is unknown to any one 
now living in this vicinity, but it is positively known 
that there was a grist-mill here as early as 1800, and 
that soon thereafter the property was purchased by 
Daniel Lamb, who, in 1830, removed the grist-mill, 
and built in its place a cotton-factory, also built 
several of the dwellings that are now standing in the 
hamlet for the accommodation of the factory opera- 
tives. As soon as this was accomplished the place 
became known as Lamhtoion, and is so spoken of at 



1 Job Jennings and James Hlnchman wore elected Doc. 26, 1814, to 
All vacancy. 



the present time by many of the middle-aged and 
older inhabitants, and the present name of Almones- 
son was given to the village in 1872 or 1873, when a 
post-office was established at this place. 

The factory was destroyed by water in 1842, when 
the property was purchased by Joseph Conrow, who, 
in 1854 or 1855, built a brick grist mill, and in 1873 
a Mr. Carman had become owner of the property, 
when he removed the brick mill, and erected in its 
place the present frame grist-mill, now owned by 
Joseph Eawl, or Roll, and operated by Nathan Jen- 
nings, miller. 

The pioneer store at this place was kept by Daniel 
Lamb, who commenced the mercantile business here 
when he built the cotton-factory. Mr. Lamb has 
been succeeded in the mercantile business by Samuel 
Kirby, Joseph Conrow, James A. Porch, John Stew- 
art, Frutli Wood, and George C. Cattell, the present 
merchant. The store property is owned by Joshua 
Cunard. 

Among the blacksmiths that have worked at this 
place we find the names of Jonathan Heulings, 
William H. Carter, George C. Cattell, and Joseph 
North, the present blacksmith. The wheelwrights 
have been John Heulings, Robert Morgan, and John 
Simmerman, who is now the village wheelwright, 
and William G. Estlack is the village shoemaker. 
The first postmaster at Almonesson was Fruth Wood, 
and the present one is George C. Cattell, appointed 
in 1882. Among the oldest male inhabitants of this 
vicinity are Amos Cattell and Isaac F. Jaggard, each 
of whom has known Lambtown and Almonesson 
since the building of the first house in the place. 

Methodist Episcopal Church of Almonesson,— 
Methodism at Lambtown, or Almonesson, owes its ex- 
istence, no doubt, to Rev. Henry F. Cattell, who was 
a resident of this vicinity and a local preacher in the 
Methodist Church. He was in the habit of holding 
meetings wherever there was an opportunity, and in 
18.39 or 1840 a new school-house was built at Almo- 
nesson, and the deed specified " for school purposes, 
and meetings occasionally," whereupon Mr. Cattell 
took every occasion to comply with the terms of the 
deed, and the school-house was occupied by the 
Methodists till 1868, when their present neat ;iiid 
commodious little house of worship was erected. 

Mr. Cattell not only filled the position of local 
preacher, but acted as class-leader until after the 
organization of the society, and among his members 
wc find the following names: H. F. Caltell and wife, 
Samuel Morgan, James A. Porch and wife, James 
Springer and wife, Edward Barber, Ocean Westcott 
and wife, Joseph Estlack and wife, Isaac F. Jaggard, 
Mary Jaggard, Susan Lord. John P. Curtis was also 
a local preacher at this place, and had been sueii for 
some time previous to the organization of the society. 

In the spring of 18118 the question of a new church 
building, separate from the school building, was dis- 
cussed, and it was decided to bniUl, when the follow- 



TOWNSHIP OP DBPTFORD. 



199 



ing building committee was appointed : Samuel Pea- 
cock, Isaac F. Jaggard, and James A. Porch. 

During the summer of 1868 the present frame 
meeting-house was built, at a cost of fifteen hundred 
dollars, the lot upon which the church stands being 
donated by Mr. John Stewart. The corner-stone was 
laid in August by Rev. Samuel Vanzant, the pre- 
siding elder of the district, according to the formula 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in October 
of the same year the church was dedicated by Rev. 
Mr. Whitecar, with the services usual upon such 
occasions. 

This society was placed on the circuit or charge 
with Blackwoodtown, and its first regular preacher 
was Rev. Joseph Stout. Among the ministers upon 
this charge we find the names of Revs. J. J. Sleeper, 
William Brooks, Woolston, Edwards, Sam- 
uel Parker, • White, John Stockton. This church 

was subsequently placed on the Hedding Circuit, 
where there appears to have been Revs. Johnson, 

Thompson, ■ Lysel, D. Waters, P. Y. Calder, 

Edwards, J. P. Conley, and Henry Zeller, the 

present pastor. 

The first trustees of the church were Henry F. 
Cattell, Jacob F. Davis, James W. Pierce, and James 
Porch. The present class-leaders are Isaac F. Jag- 
gard; Amos Cattell, and Edward Howey ; Stewards, 
I. F. Jaggard, E. Howey, and George C. Estlack ; 
Trustees, I. F. Jaggard, Amos Cattell, G. C. Est- 
lack, E. Howey, Peter Budd, James A. Porch, and 
George W. Estlack. Mr. Jaggard is also super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school, with an average 
attendance of fifty pupils and ten teachers. 

Westville is located in the extreme northwest point 
of the tbwnship, as well as that of the county, and 
on the line of the Woodbury and Camden turnpike, 
as well as on the line of the West Jersey Railroad ; 
also on the left bank of Big Timber Creek. 

The little old town takes its name from Thomas 
West, who lived here as early as 1755, and at the be- 
ginning of the present century, and owned the land 
upon which the town is built. A tavern was kept 
here during the Revolutionary war, but attained no 
distinction as the headquarters of either American or 
British officers; neither was this place a strategic 
point worth striving for by either of the contending 
forces. In the early part of the present century Mr. 
West died, and his large plantation was divided and 
sold to parties not akin to the West family. That 
portion of the land lying west or southwest from the 
turnpike was purchased by Michael Newbold, and 
that portion now lying west of the railroad is still in 
possession of the Newbold heirs or descendants. 

The old tavern was kept in 1828 by Thomas Knight, 
an uncle of the senior Thomas Knight, now a wheel- 
wright in the village. As late as 1836 there were but 
seven houses in what is now the town of Westville. 

In 1836 the old tavern was kept by Thomas Wil- 
liams. Since then the house has been rebuilt, and 



is now owned by the Kendrick estate ; also thirty- 
three acres of land on the east side of the turnpike, 
and the wheelwright- and blacksmith-shops on the 
west side of the turnpike, now occupied by Henry 
Stanley. The Kendrick estate also own a large num- 
ber of the houses and lots in the village. 

The pioneer store at this place was kept by Isaac 
Doughten, in 1820, in the building now occupied by 
H. Stanley as a wheelwright-shop. At that time Mr. 
Doughten owned the land on both sides of the turn- 
pike, and built the old store building. He was suc- 
ceeded in the mercantile business by Benjamin 
Brown, and Brown by Joseph Conrow, both in the 
old Doughten store, the latter being the last merchant 
in the old store, about 1858. 

The next merchant in Westville was E. C. Mount, 
a carpenter by trade. He built the store house in 
which his son, Clement C. Mount, is now doing busi- 
ness. Here he continued in trade until his decease. 
The third store building in this town was that of 
Charles Redfield, just south of what is now Pratt's 
store. Joseph W. Pratt's store, between the turnpike 
and railroad, was built in 1879, and is now kept by Mr. 
Pratt. 

The pioneer wheelwright in this place was John 
Chapman, who commenced business here in 1836. 
David Bowers was also one of the early wheelwrights 
in this town, as was also a man named Ellis. Thomas 
Knight commenced the wheelwright business here in 
1843, in Doughten's old shop, and subsequently pur- 
chased the property he now owns, where he is still 
carrying on the wheelwright and blacksmith business. 
Mr. Knight was born in Woodbury in 1820. His 
father, John Knight, was also a native of this county. 

The pioneer postmaster at Westville was Isaac 
Doughten, who kept the office in his store. He was 
succeeded by Benjamin Brown, and Brown by Con- 
row, and Conrow by Mr. Mount. The office is now 
kept in Mount's store, with Elwood C. Mount as post- 
master. 

The pioneer blacksmith at this place was Hartley 
Brick, whose shop was down near the creek, at the 
old crossing. He commenced business here as early 
as 1825. Isaac Doughten was the next blacksmith, in 
his old shop, and was succeeded by Thomas Knight. 

In 1883 there was in the village one tavern, kept 
by R. Dillmore ; two stores, C. C. Mount and J. W. 
Pratt; two wheelwrights, two blacksmith-shops, 
Methodist Episcopal Church, school-house, post- 
ofiice, railroad station, and a population of nearly 
two hundred and fifty. 

Methodist Protestant Churoli.— The church edi- 
fice, a small frame building, was built by the Presby- 
terians in 1860, and in 1868 it was purchased by Mr. 
Thackara, of Woodbury, for the Methodists of West- 
ville, since which time it has been occupied by that 
denomination. This society is connected with Barns- 
boro, with Rev. R. B. Waples the present pastor, and 
has a membership of forty-five, with Barclay Small 



200 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



and William Patterson as class-leaders. The trustees 
in 1883 were William Patterson, Alexander Cobden, 
Zachariah Patterson, David Thompson, and Thomas 
Knight, Jr. 

The Sunday-school connected with this society 
was organized in 1860, with Josiah Barber as super- 
intendent. The present superintendent is Alexander 
Cobden, with a school of fifty pupils and teachers. 

Wenonah is situated on the main line of the West 
Jersey Railroad, llynn miles from Camden ferry, six 
miles in an air-line from the Delaware Eiver, three 
miles from Woodbury, the county -seat of Gloucester 
County, and one mile from the flourishing village of 
Mantua; It is in the midst of a beautifully rolling 
country, surrounded on all sides by some of the most 
highly cultivated and most valuable farm lands, in a 
State where the average value of land per acre is 
greater than in any other State in the Union. 

The charter of the company, upon whose lands the 
town is situated, reads as follows : 

" An Act to Incorporate the ]\Xantua Land and Improvement tjompamj, ap- 
proved Fell. 21, 1871. 

" Whehf.as, Hortitio J. Mulford, Samuel A. Whitney, George Wood, 
John M. Moore, and others, their associates, own and have contracted 
to purchase certain tracts of laud situate in the county of Gloucester, on 
and near tlie route of tlie West Jersey Railroad, which, with other land 
on and near said railroad, they intend to divide into lots and tracts, with 
the object, as well of laying out a town, as also of improving tlie country 
through which said railroad passes; and it is necessary, for the success 
of the undertaking, that they shall possess corporate powers, and shall 
be able to convoy from time to tinre to purchasers, and to do all acts 
expedient or necessary, notwithstanding the death of any of said asso- 
ciates; therefore, 

"1. Be it enacted bij the Senate and General Ast^embhj of the State of Neio 
Jersey, That William J. Sewell, Thomas P. Carpenter, George Wood, 
Samuel A. Whitney, Samuel Hopkins, Horatio J. Mulford, George S. 
Harris, John F. Starr, John M. Moore, Benjamin F. Lee, and William 
F. Allen, and their associates, and all other persons who shall become 
subscribers to the capital stock hereby created, and their successors) 
shall be, and they hereby are, created a body politic and corporate by 
•he name of *Tho Mantua Land and Improvement Company,' 

"2. And be it enacted, That the capitiil stock of the said company shall 
be $150,000, with the liberty to increase the same to $300,000, to he di- 
vided into shares of 50 each." 

The above-named incorporators were made the first 
board of directors of the company. 

The tract of land is bounded on the south and west 
by Mantua Creek (a navigable stream to within half 
a mile of the property), and has an average elevation 
of more than fifty feet above its waters, rising to a 
summit of about one hundred feet, giving a surface 
of ground than which nothing more desirable for 
facility of drainage could be required. 

The town plot, as now laid out, is about half a mile 
in length, extending north and south on each side of 
the railroad, and about one-third of a mile in width, 
and embraces fourteen squares or blocks of twelve 
building lots each, not including the hotel square nor 
those occupied by the parks. All lots are seventy-five 
feet front by one hundred and fifty feet deep from the 
side of the street, and selected by purchasers so as to 
front in any direction desired. All the streets are 
sixty-six feet in width, except Mantua Avenue, 



which is one hundred feet, and West Jersey Avenue, 
one hundred and fifty feet (or seventy-five feet on 
each side of the railroad), exclusive of one hundred 
feet occupied by the track. 

The whole tract owned by the company comprises 
between five hundred and six hundred acres, and ex- 
tends for a mile along the railroad, the station, con- 
sisting of a handsome passenger depot and freight- 
house, and convenient turnout and wagon-sheds, being 
nearly in the centre. 

The hotel and four cottages were erected in 1872. 
T. W. Synnott and George W. Bailey were the first 
to erect cottages for the purpose of occupying them. 
Mr. Synnott built upon the northeast corner of Clin- 
ton and Mantua Avenues, and Mr. Bailey erected his 
house on the southeast corner of Clinton and Mantua 
Avenues. There were in 1883 about fifty cottages on 
the tract, and a population of three hundred. Present 
ofiicers of the Mantua Land and Improvement Com- 
pany are : President, H. J. Mulford ; Secretary and 
Treasurer, George W. Bailey ; Agent, E. J. Lloyd ; 
Directors, Hon. W. J. Sewell, Hon. Jared Hopkins, 
T. W. Synnott, George S. Harris, Stephen Greene, 
W. F. Allen, I. C. Stevenson, Woodward Warwick, 
Hon. John F. Starr, and John P. Whitney. 

The public school-house was built in 1873. 

Borough of Wenonah, — The village was incor- 
porated under what is known as the " Borough Com- 
mission Act," in April, 1883. 

Civil List. — President, George W. Bailey ; Mem- 
bers of Council, T. W. Synnott, A. W. Carey, I. C. 
Stevenson, J. F. Shull, C. J. Johnston, and M. H. 
Perry. 

The town plot was surveyed in the spring of 1871, 
and the first building erected thereon was thfe present 
hotel, and the first residents as above stated. 

The pioneer store was opened in 1872 by B. Packer, 

who was succeeded by Perry. This store was on 

the corner of Mantua Avenue, below the railroad 

station, and in this building Bateman opened a 

grocery- and feed-store in the spring of 1883. 

The store house now occupied by Benjamin F.Cole 
as a store and post-office was built in 1880. 

The pioneer post-oflice in this place was kept in the 
railroad depot, with Sail}' Ballinger as postmistress. 
She was succeeded in 1881 by 1!. F. Cole, who now 
keeps the oflice in his store, on Mantua Avenue, 
above the railroad station. 

The pioneer resident physician was Dr. Fimh. who 
located here in the spring of 1882. 

The hotel property was purchased in tlie spring of 
1883 by Mrs. Lynch, the present manager, wlio lias 
made this a favorite resort for summer boarders. 

Presbyterian Church.— Tlie Presbyterian Church 
edifice is a frame structure, built in 1873, at n cost of 
abput four thousand dollars, and dedicated by lie v. 
Dr. Reed, of Camden. There were but seventeen 
members at that time, with Rev. .John Howani 
O'Brian as pastor, who roniaiiioil till the spring of 




^M^.^.^-^-- 



TOWNSHIP OF EAST GREENWICH. 



201 



1883. The first and only elder for several years was 
Isaac C. Stevenson, who, with George L. McGill, are 
the present elders. The church in 1883 numbered fifty 
members. 

The trustees in 1883 were George W. Bailey, T. W. 
Synnott, Dr. Gilman, G. Green, and I. C. Stevenson. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— The Methodist 
Episcopal Church at this place was built in 1883. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ELLISON K. TURNER. 
John Turner, the grandfather of Ellison K., who 
came of sturdy English stock, was born in Washing- 
ton township, Gloucester Co., and was reared in 
childhood to follow the occupations of his after life, 
those of a carpenter and farmer. He married Miss 
Elizabeth Carter, and had children fourteen in num- 
ber, among whom was Joseph, born on the homestead, 
which is his present residence. His life has been 
devoted to farming pursuits, in which success has 
crowned liis many years of industry. Mr. Turner 
married Miss Achsah, daughter of Samuel Kirby, of 
Camden Co., N. J., whose children are Mary Ann 
(deceased), Martha (Mrs. Leap), Sarah (Mrs. Stanger), 
Robert, Elizabeth (Mrs. B. H. Leap), Burroughs, 
Anne (Mrs. Wilkins), Abigail (Mrs. Williams), and 
Ellison K. The latter was born March 26, 1833, on 
the homestead, and spent his early life in the im- 
mediate vicinity. At the age of nine years he re- 
moved with his parents to the farm at present owned 
by him, which was purchased from his father. Lim- 
ited opportunities of education were offered at this 
time, the boys of the family having been early re- 
quired to take a hand in the labor of the farm. Elli- 
son K. remained thus employed until twenty-nine 
years of age. In 1864 he became owner of his present 
home, which under his skillful managment has in- 
creased greatly in value and been rendered very pro- 
ductive, a spacious and attractive residence having 
taken the place of the former dwelling. He is princi- 
pally engaged in market gardening, in which success 
has attended his labors. He was married March 14, 
1862, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Joseph Leap, of 
Deptford township, Gloucester Co., and has children, 
— Josephine, Ellison, and Mary Achsah. 

Mr. Turner votes tlie Republican ticket in politics, 
and h.as held one or more township offices, but cares 
little for such distinctions. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church of Blackwoodtown, and one of 
its trustees. 



had children, among whom was John, born in the same 
county, who spent his boyhood with his stepfather, An- 
drew bilks. On reaching the years of manhood he 
chose the trade of carpenter, and pursued it success- 
fully for many years, but later engaged extensively in 
farming and lumbering. He exhibited in all his busi- 
ness enterprises a clear head and much financial abil- 
ity, Iiis energies being devoted entirely to the manage- 
ment of his own interests, with neither leisure nor taste 
for public life. He resided at Turnerville, Washing- 
ton, then Deptford, township, Gloucester Co., and 
married Miss Elizabeth Carter, to whom were born 
children,— Mary, Joanna, Robert, Abigail, Joseph, 
John C, Daniel, Jesse, Andrew, Elizabeth, Martha, 
Martha (2d), Anna, and Elizabeth (2d). John C. was 
born Feb. 15, 1815, at the family home in Turnerville, 
where the demands of the farm and the instruction 
imparted at the neighboring public school alternately 
claimed his attention. At the age of twenty-one years 
he engaged in the trade of carpenter.^having previously 
learned it with his father. He, in 1844, rented the farm 
he now occupies, and two years later purchased the 
property. Later he became owner of two adjoining 
farms, and began the business on an extensive scale, 
making the raising of garden produce a specialty, 
though also engaged in general farming. This was 
continued until 1879, when he retired from active 
labor. He was married on the 11th of January, 1838, 
to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Ephraim Bee, of (tIou- 
cester County, whose children were Sarah, Mary, 
Rebecca, and Sina Ann. The children of Mr. and 
Mrs. Turner are Anna (deceased), Catherine (de- 
ceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Loren, Jr.), John 
(deceased), and Charles, married to Miss Elizabeth 
Doren, of Cumberland County. Mr. Turner cares lit- 
tle for the honors of office, though he has served the 
township in various capacities. In politics he is a 
Democrat and a strong partisan. He is a member of 
the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he 
is steward and, president of the board of trustees. 
Mrs. Turner is also a member of the same church. 



JOHN C. TURNER. 
Robert Turner, the grandfather of the subject of this 
biography, resided in Gloucester County, where he fol- 
lowed agricultural employments. He married and 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

TOWNSHIP OF EAST GREENWICH.! 

Geography and Topography. — This is one of the 
interior townships of the county, and was erected by 
I an act of the Legislature, approved Feb. 10, 1881, 
from the eastern part of old Greenwich and the west- 
ern part of Mantua townships, and is bounded on 
the northeast and east by Mantua, on the southeast 
and south by Harrison and Woolwich townships, on 
the west by Greenwich, and on the north by West 
Deptford and Mantua townships. 

I 1 By W. H. Shaw. 



202 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



{ 



The surface is quite level, yet sufficiently undu- 
lating to admit of good drainage. The soil is of a 
rich sandy loam, and produces abundant crops when 
properly cultivated, which is the case with most of 
the farmers and truckers within its borders. | 

The township is drained by the Mantua Creek, 
which forms its northern boundary line, the Re- 
paupo, which forms a part of its southern boundary 
line, the Still Run, Repaupo, Nehansey Branch, and 
Clonniill Creek, the three latter taking their rise in 
or near the central part of the township, running in 
a southwesterly direction, emptying into the Dela- 
ware River. 

The township is well supplied with ordinary high- 
ways and turnpikes; also by the Svvedesboro and 
AVoodbury Railroad, running nearly north and south 
through the township, and having five stations within 
its borders. 

The following is a portion of the act of the State 
Legislature erecting the township of East Green- 
wich : 

"Section 1. Be it enacted bi/ tk'j Senaie and General Assejnbli/ of the State 
of New Jei-!^ey, That all those partH of the townsliips of Greenwich and 
Mantuii, in the county of Gloucester, contained within the following 
houndfi, to wit: 

"Beginning in the middle of Great Mantua Creek, opposite the west- 
erly line of John A. Loudenslager's farm; thence following said line a 
westerly course to tiie middle of the piililic road leading; from Berkeley 
to Gibhstown ; thetjCH by a straight line to the westeiu edge of the 
public road from Paulsboro to Swedeslioro, at the run near William E. 
Gaunt's dwelling-house; thence down the westerly edge of said road lo 
the middle of Purgy Creek, in the line of Logan township; thence by 
the easterly line of Logan, Woolwich, andiLixrison townships to a large 
cherry slump near Joseph Stewart's dwelling-house, where said Harri- 
son township line intersects the westerly edge of the Union road; 
thence from said point bearing about north forty-four degrees east to 
the middle of Great Mantua Creek aforesaid, said line passing a stone 
set in the westerly edge of said creek, sixty-three feet eastwariUy from 
an ancient white-oak stnmp on the westerly bank thereof, northeast 
from Charles Shoemaker's dwelling-house; thence down the middle of 
said creek to the place of beginning, shall be and are hereby set otf from 
said township of Greenwich and Mantna, in the county of Gloucester, 
and mado a separate township, to be known by the name of the town- 
ship of East Greenwich. 

"Section 2. And he it enact'jd, That the inhabitants of the township of 
East Greenwich shall be and are hereby cimstituted a body politic and 
corporate in law, by the name of 'The Inhabitants of the Township of 
East Greenwich, in the County of Gloucester,' and shall be entitled to 
all the riglitri, powers, authority, privileges, and advantages, and shall 
be subject to all regulations, government, and liabilities that other town- 
ships of said county of Gloncester aj-e or may be entitled or stibjcct to by 
the f.xistiiig laws of the State. 

" Section ;i. And he it enacted. That the inhabitants of the township of 
East Greenwich aforesaid shall hold the first annual town-meeting at 
* Wai'uer's Hall,' in ClarUsboro, in said township, at the time fixed by 
law for hidiling annual town-meetings in the several townships of the 
county of Gloucester." 

Section 4 authorizes the township committees to meet for the settle- 
ment of township property. 

Section 5 constitutes J. Albert Wolf township clerk until after the 
first annual town-meeting. 

Section Gallows officers in cominiesion to remain in office until the 
expiration of the term for which they were elected. 

Section 7 assigns East Gi'oenvvich to the First Assembly District of 
Gloucester County. 

Pioneer Settlers and Roads. — We have been per- 
mitted, tlirough the courtesy of Hon. Job S. Haines, 
to make a few extracts from the writings of his father, 



the late William Haines, for many years the vener- 
able surveyor of what is now East Greenwich township, 
and for the most part copy verbatim from his writings. 

We will now proceed to notice some of the public 
roads, commencing at the lower end of the township 
line road. This was formerly a somewhat crooked 
by-road, leading from the Sand Hills to Cook's mill. . 
An application was made for a public road about the I 
year 1832 or 1833, but it failed. Another application 
was made, and a public road from the Sand Hills to 
the Union road laid, in 1884, two rods wide. The 
other end of the road, though not regularly laid out, 
has become established by the lapse of time, and is 
maintained, with the bridges, as other roads are. John 
Haines, who lived on this road, had a well-improved 
farm, which, before the erection of East Greenwich, 
lay partly in Mantua and partly in Greenwich town- 
ships. At the lower end of this farm is "Rattling 
Run." This stream rises a little west of what is now 
Jefferson, and, flowing westwardly, supplies the mill- 
pond of Judge Warrington, after which it takes the 
name of Purgy Creek, thence emptying into the 
Repaupo Creek. 

The first farm over what was the line of Mantua 
township was Thomas Hunter's, formerly owned by 
Jonathan Carter, Sr. Then there is the large man- 
sion of Richard Black, whose farm also lay partly in 
both of the old townships. This plantation, with 
that of John Haines, before noticed, and the two 
next on the road, were owned by William H. Brown 
and Conrad Poole, and were formerly owned by John 
Tatum, Sr., on which he kept a large flock of merino 
sheep in the days of their popularity. 

Near the mansion of Richard Black a road puts 
off southwardly, laid in 1854, two rods wide, and 
passing through the farms of the late Zebedee Tomlin, 
Samuel Kessler, and Jacob G. Tomlin, enters the 
turnpike near the latter place. After passing the 
land of Richard Black we cross the Union road laid 
out in 1807, three rods wide beginning at the Woodbury 
and MuUica Hill road, thence running by Solomon's 
graveyard and by Judge Warrington's mill to 
Bridgeport. The late residence of Thomas Allen, 
deceased, and the little mansion of John F. Hughes 
are on this road. The stone house farm formerly 
owned by the Gloucester County Bank comes next 
on what was the old township line road, and is nt)w 
owned by Conrad Poole. Next we cross the Cedar 
road, which runs from Glassboro, by Five Points, to 
Greenwich meeting-house, at which place it connects 
with the Democrat road, and passes on to Gihbstown. 
This road was laid in 1800, and was two rods wide. 
On the Cedar road was the residence of William 
Haines, deceased, and now occupied by Hon. Job S- 
Haines. This was known as "Cedar Lawn Farm," 
so named from the amount of cedars planted there 
many years ago by the then proprietor, ilere is a 
beautiful grove and miniature lake, a place that has 
of late become famous as a picnic ground. This 



TOWNSHIP OF EAST GREENWICH. 



203 



property formerly belonged to the late Joseph Wolf, 
who carried on the cider making and distilling busi- 
ness in ye ancient days, and belonged to the Wolf 
family for many generations. Its chain of title can 
be distinctly traced back to 1663. 

Just a little southeast of the William Haines place 
a public road, laid out in 1855, two rods wide, 
branches off and runs through the lands and by the 
residences of Silas Richards, Elwood Gorden, Mark 
Heritage, and Matthew Allen, to the turnpike at 
Richards' Hill. The next fiirm on the Cedar road 
was ownedby Lewis V. Atkinson, the buildings being 
located back from the road on the creek. This farm 
was formerly owned by the late Isaac Hendrickson. 
The farm of the late Jonathan Force, and then the 
farm of Henry Weatherby are at the junction of the 
old Cohocking road. On the old township line road 
stands the mansion of William A. Dawson, built 
according to his own plan. The road, after passing 
the back part of the farm of Thomas R. Adams and 
lands of John Green, on the Greenwich side of the 
old township line road, enters the old Cohocking road 
at John Green's residence, on an elevated spot known 
a-s the Sand Hill. 

The Lawrenceville (Jefferson) and Berkeley turn- 
pike passing through this township was the old Co- 
hocking road, an Indian name, and was laid out about 
1855, at the time when the Red Bank ferry to Phila- 
delphia was in full operation. The dwelling of Senex 
Green is first on the road abovfe the old toll-house. A 
tenant-house of T. R. Adams, and the small farm of 
Sarah Carter are next, and just beyond a road south- 
east to what was Daniels', afterwards Pines', and now 
Daniel L. Packer's grist-mill. This road was laid 
out in 1816, three rods wide, but not laid across the 
mill-dam. 

A little below this mill there are parts of an old 
dam across the valley, with sundry piling and other 
relics of " Room's Mill," built on this stream about 
1690. Farther up the Cohocking road is the farm of 
T. R. Adams, having on it a remarkable hill of conical 
shape just back of his barn. From the top of this 
hill can be seen Girard College, and other points of 
interest. The next farm was that of E. A. Holmes, 
formerly owned by the late Jonathan Carter, Sr. 
Then comes the second farm of T. R. Adams, formerly 
owned by Hon. Job S. Haines. Silas Richards occu- 
pied the corner at the cross-roads with his neat little 
shoemaker-shop, long since abandoned for that pur- 
pose. 

We will now make a few observations along the 
road leading from the old Cohocking road by Leppee's, 
or Jessup's mill. There had been a by-road running 
through this section of country from an early period, 
a part of which was laid out as a public road in 1784, 
two rods wide. The present road was applied for soon 
after the building of the mill, or about 1821 ; was laid 
through, and not being satisfactory to some of the 
parties, was caveated and a portion thereof set aside, 



after which this part was again applied for and laid 
in 1822. The proceedings are only found on the min- 
utes of the court. Three rods appears to have been 
the width of the road, commencing at the Cohocking 
road (or turnpike, near the toll-gate) ; thence, having 
Greenwich township, as it was then, on the north side, 
down to a little stream of water on the outbounds of 
Mantua as it was then. Near this place the first marl 
used as a fertilizer in this vicinity was dug. This place 
is now owned by Jeremiah Haines. Over at the left, 
on top of the hill, is the Cozzens family burying-ground, 
no longer used as such. A few marble slabs mark the 
last resting-place of some of the pioneers of this sec- 
tion. Several of the adjoining farms belonged to the 
Cozzens family, that of William G. Haines, a short 
distance from the road on the south side, and that of 
Samuel G. Haines, a little farther on upon the north 
side. 

We now turn our attention to the public road from 
Barnesboro to Berkeley, laid out in 179% and begi nning 
at a ford a little below Hannold's, now Boody's mill ; 
thence to Barnesboro, there omitting the main street, 
commencing again at the lower end of the town, and 
running through Berkeley, Clonmel, and Gibbstown 
to the old Seven Stars Tavern, three rods wide to 
Gibbstown, and four rods wide across the Repaupo 
meadows. Edward's Creek, at Gerrard's dam, being 
the line between Mantua and Greenwich before the 
erection of East Greenwich, where we commence, and 
find first the farms of James Beckett and Oliver, both 
of whom are deceased. The J. S. Somers mansion 
comes next. Next comes the farm of the late James 
B. Albertson; the old mansion house, of brick, stands 
back from the road, was built in 1744, and set due 
north and south. Just back from the house is a good 
landing on Mantua Creek. A little farther up the 
road is the entrance to the mansion of the late Joseph 
W. Pratt, the farm now owned by Jacob Packer. The 
John Haines farm, extending from Mantua to Edward's 
Creek, comes next. The old molasses house, with its 
mill and boiling pans, have gone out of use. There is 
a remarkable spring of cold water on the hills of the 
Mantua Creek on this farm, that oozes out of a rock 
and flows into the creek. There was formerly a fishing- 
ground where shad were caught, and a good landing 
on the creek on this farm. The Samuel Haines farm 
is next on the south side of the road, extending back 
to Edward's Creek, on which there is a fine marl bed. 
This was the residence of the late William Haines, 
Sr., grandfather of Hon. Job S. Haines. There is a 
hired man now (1883) on this farm that has been con- 
tinuously employed here for nearly forty years. The 
next and last we shall speak of in this connection 
is the Charles Shoemaker farm, the dwelling standing 
near Mantua Creek, and within a few feet of the 
southeast boundary line of what is now East Green- 
wich township. This farm was formerly owned by 
Jeffrey Clark, the pioneer of Glarksboro, after whom 
the place was named. 



204 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTEE COUNTY. 



The following chain of title covers not only the 
alrasliouse farm but many of the adjoining farms or 
plantations, and was prepared with the utmost care 
by the late William Haines, and read before the West 
Jersey Surveyors' Association, in August, 1870 : 

"Charles the Second, King of Great Britain, Ire- 
land, etc., granted by letters patent in the year a.d. 
1663, to his brother James, Duke of York, all lands 
from the west side of Connecticut River to the east 
side of Delaware Bay. 

" The following year, 1664, the said Duke of York, 
in consideration of the sum of ten shillings lawful 
English money to him in hand paid, did grant and 
convey to John Lord Berkeley and Sir George Car- 
teret all that tract of land adjacent to New England 
and lying to the westward of Long Island, to be called 
New Csesarea, or New Jersey. 

" Soon after this purchase a division of the territory 
appears to have been made by the parties, which line, 
so established, constitutes the division or boundary 
between East and West Jersey ; Lord Berkeley taking 
the western portion and Carteret the eastern. Nothing 
worthy of notice appears to have transpired in the 
western section for a period of eleven years from the 
aforesaid date. 

" After which, in the year 1675, John Fenwick, a 
member of the Society of Friends, acting as trustee 
or agent for one Edward Byllings, purchased the 
whole of West Jersey from Lord Berkeley. The 
price paid for the same does not appear. 

" Soon after this purchase Fenwick, with a com- 
pany of his friends, sailed from London, and in due 
time arrived safely at the lower part of his new colony, 
at a place which he named Salem, being the same as 
at the present time in the county of Salem, the princi- 
pal street of which still bears the name of Fenwick. 

"Some time subsequently a dispute arose between 
Byllings and his trustee, Fenwick, which they them- 
selves not being able to settle, resulted in the appoint- 
ment of three arbitrators or commissioners on the 
part of Byllings to negotiate with Fenwick, and the 
difficulty was finally adjusted. One of the arbitrators 
was the worthy William Penn, just then in the bloom 
of life and vigor of manhood (whose name and charac- 
ter will go down to posterity gathering blessings with 
the increase of time), who while engaged in settling this 
dispute first conceived the idea of founding the prov- 
ince of Pennsylvania. Fenwick appears to have re- 
ceived for his services as trustee or agent for Byllings 
a certain portion of the lands of the new colony, viz., 
lying below Oldman's Creek, which creek the Indians 
called Mosacca, but Fenwick called it Berkeley River. 

"The fact of the Fenwick title to lands below Old- 
man's Creek is apparent from an old warrant now in 
my possession, in good keeping, having the seal of 
FuNwrcK attached, and dated at tiie Fenwick govern- 
ment tlie 26th day of the 6th month, a.d. 1682, 
granting one thousand acres of land to Rodger Pedrick, 
and lying on the west side of said creek, or Berkeley 



River, which embraces the site where Pedricktown 
now stands. The grants or title to tlie lands above 
Oldman's Creek all appear to have been given by 
Byllings and his last appointed commissioners or 
trustees. This is the case with the lands in question, 
for we find by deed dated the 26th and 27th days of 
the 7th month (July), A.D. 1681, Edward Byllings and 
trustees convey to John Clark, of London (brewer), 
a whole share of proprietary land in the western divi- 
sion of the Province of New Jersey. The number of 
acres does not appear on the face of this deed, but we 
find by reference thereto in after deeds that the 
quantity was one thousand acres, more or less, with 
the usual allowance, etc., five hundred acres of which 
were located on the northwest side of Edward's Creek, 
a branch of Mantoes Creek, and five hundred on the 
southeast side of said creek, in the township of Green- 
wich, in the county of Gloucester. John Clark dying 
intestate, the whole of said lands descended to his 
eldest son, John Clark, Jr., of Hackney, in the county 
of Middlesex, England, gentleman, who by deed 
dated the 26th and 27th days of July, 1702, conveys 
his whole right in said lands to Benjamin Alford, of 
New England, in America. This appears to be the 
first time the name of America is mentioned in any of 
the grants. Benjamin Alvord dying without a will, 
his whole estate descended to his son, John Alvord, 
who by deed dated the 20th and 21st days of June, 
1720, conveys five hundred and fifty acres of said 
lands to Robert Gerrard. Here appears to be the 
date of the first survey made after the gpneral loca- 
tion, and begins at a stake standing on the westerly 
side of Great Mantoes Creek, and runs a southwesterly 
course sixty-nine chains to John Eglington's line; 
thence with said line southeastward, sixty-seven 
chains ; and thence eastwardly to Edward's Creek, 
and thence down the same to Mantoes Creek afore- 
said, and thence down said creek to the place of be- 
ginning. It may here be observed that Edward's 
Creek (whick took its name from Edward Byllings) 
emptied into Mantoes Creek at that time near where 
the Swedesboro Railroad now crosses the same, which 
is some three-fourths of a mile from its present jnnc- 
tion, the cause of which will be hereafter noticed in 
its proper place. The said John Gerrard, by deed 
dated June 22, 1727, purchased of John Eglington 
one hundred acres adjacent to the aforesaid tract. 

"Note. — These two surveys must have embraced 
the lands on which now stand the village of Berkeley, 
most of the town of Clarksboro, Clark's Landings, 
the railroad depot at Clarksboro, Thomas D. Brown's 
nursery, the almshouse farm, etc. We will here just 
notice that John Alford albresaid, by deed dated 
Nov. 1, 1740, conveys his otiier half of the one thou- 
sand acres before mentioned, and lying on tlie-<outli- 
east side of Edward's Creek, to John Haines, of 
Goshen, neither place or kingdom mentioned. This 
must have included the lands in the townsliip of 
Mantua now owned bv Samuel flainos. Charles 



TOWNSHIP OF EAST GEEENWICH. 



205 



Shoemaker, John Haines, James B. Albertson, James ! 
Beckett, and others. Four years after this purchase 
the f^aid John Haines built the larger part of the 
present brick mansion house now owned b^' James B. 
Albertson, which is in good keeping after the lapse \ 
of near one hundred and thirty years. A consider- 
able portion of said lands continues in the Haines 
family to the sixth generation. 

" We will now return to the almshouse property. 
Robert Gerrard aforesaid, by his last will and testa- 
ment, dated the 20th day of the 6th month, 1748, 
directed that his real estate in general should be sold 
by his executors, viz; : his wife Margaret, son William, 
and Joshua Lord, who by their deed bearing date the 
1st day of the 10th month, 1752, convey the whole 
six liundred and fifty acres to Thomas Gerrard, who, 
by deed dated the 13th day of November, 1752, con- 
veys two hundred and fifty-three acres, being a part 
of said tract, to Sarah Bickham, who married James 
Wood, and they by deed, dated Aug. 6, 1756, convey j 
the same to William Gerrard, and he by deed of the ! 
same date sells the same to Daniel Lippincott and 
wife, who, by deed dated April 1, 1757, convey the 
same to Thomas Coles. Thomas Gerrard aforesaid, 
by deed of conveyance dated Nov. 11, 1752, sells four 
hundred and twenty acres of the land bought of the ' 
executors of Robert Gerrard to William Gerrard 
aforesaid, who, by his deed dated the 26th day of the 
12th month, 1755, conveys the same to Restore Lip- : 
pincott, who and wife, by their deed bearing date the i 
15th day of July, 1759, sell to Thomas Coles afore- 
said sixty -sis and one-half acres, and to John Ches- i 
ter at the same time six acres three roods and fifteen j 
perches of meadow; and the said John Chester, by 
deed dated Dec. 15, 1759, conveys the same to Thomas ' 
Coles, who, by deed dated May 21, 1762, conveys 
sixty-four and three-quarter acres of the seventy- 
three and one-half acres in the two last pieces men- 
tioned to James Hinchman, who and wife, by their 
deed dated Jan. 15, 1765, conveys the same to Restore , 
Lippincott aforesaid. The said Restore Lippincott 
now owns of the original Clark tract four hundred 
and eleven acres, and the said Thomas Coles two hun- 
dred and sixteen and one-half acres. Thomas Denny, 
high sheriff of the county of Gloucester, by deed 
dated the 25th day of June, in the third year of the 
reign of George III., king of Great Britain, France, 
and Ireland, d efender of the Faith, etc., a.d. 1763, 
sells all the lands of Thomas Coles in the county 
aforesaid, by virtue of a writ issued out of the Su- : 
preme Court, principally in favor of Samuel Hogg, a ' 
blacksmith, to the aforesaid Restore Lippincott, who 
has now become the owner of the whole half of the 
original proprietary right of the said John Clark 
lying.on the northwest side of Edward's Creek, with 
one hundred acres additional bought from the Egling- 
ton tract, amounting to six hundred and seventy-two 
and one-half acres, with the usual allowance, etc. 
From corroborating circumstances, it appears that 



Restore Lippincott, during the next fifteen years, ac- 
complished the great task of straightening Edward's 
Creek by cutting thoroughfares across several of the 
bends thereof, and, with the assistance of William 
Haines, dug an entire new watercourse or canal from 
Gerrard's Dam to Great Mantua Creek (here we 
first discover the name of Mantua for the creek in- 
stead of Mantoes, as heretofore), a distance of some 
one hundred rods, at a width of about thirty feet, 
and four in depth. This accounts for the entrance 
of Edward's Creek into Mantua Creek at the present 
time being very different than formerly, as before 
alluded to. At the mouth of this canal flood-gates 
were laid, which effectually kept the tide from flowing 
up the same. At some considerable distance up said 
creek, and nearly on the lower bounds of the present 
almshouse farm, thesaid Restore Lippincott conceived 
the idea of building a grist-mill, preparatory to which 
he purchased of John Haines, by deed dated the 14th 
day of the 5th month, 1777, fifty-thfeeracres of land 
and marsh, lying on the southeast side of said Edward's 
Creek, for the purposes of a mill-pond. The project 
of the mill, after much labor and expense, was aban- 
doned on account of the flatness of the stream and 
valley, and consequent difficulty in obtaining a sufli- 
cient fall of water. There had been two grist-mills in 
early times further up said stream, above the tide, one 
of which was called Room's mill, and upon its going 
down, another, known as Cozzens' mill (near where 
Leppee's mill now stands), was erected, which also 
going down about the date last mentioned, perhaps 
led to the idea of the new mill, in our narrative, to 
supply their place. Elijah Cozzens, one of the owners 
of the mill above noticed bearing his name, was a dep- 
uty surveyor and scrivener, many of whose maps and 
writings have frequently come into my hands. The 
said Restore Lippincott, by deed dated the 3d day ot 
the 7th month, 1778, conveys the whole of his lands 
to his son, William Lippincott, which, by a survey 
now taken, is found to contain eight hundred acres. 
About this time we find a sweeping warrant issued by 
the Council of Proprietors to one John Hind (gold- 
smith), of London, Great Britain, bearing date the 
4th day of August, 1755, recorded in the surveyor- 
general's office, at Burlington, for forty thousand 
acres of land unappropriated in West New Jersey, 
and that the sheriff of Burlington County, by deed 
dated Sept. 29, 1787, sells to one John Lee three 
thousand eight hundred and fifty acres of said land : 
and the said John Lee, by deed dated the 1st day of 
2d month, 1789, conveys fifty-three and one-half acres 
thereof to the said William Lippincott. 

" William Lippincott, during the next twenty years 
from the date of his father's deed, sells off to sundry 
persons various parts and parcels of his lands, which, 
with sundry parts belbre conveyed from time to time, 
and excepted in the several deeds, without giving par- 
ticulars, thereby reducing the quantity retained by 
him to two hundred and fifty acres, and builds the 



206 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



stone mansion house which was standing on the 
premises when conveyed to the county of Gloucester. 
On the 29th day of 1st month, 1798, William Lippin- 
cott and wife (whose maiden name was Beckett, and 
one of the original owners of a part of the lands of 
Elmer AV. Cooper, near Bridgeport) convey all their 
lands to William White. He was a deputy surveyor 
and an excellent scrivener, and who, upon being 
called on by the Society of Friends of Upper Green- 
wich to assist them in making choice of a new site 
for their meeting-house, in the place of the old one 
known as ' Solomon's,' after viewing a number of 
places, coming to the spot where the present Green- 
wich meeting-house now stands, stuck down his com- 
pass staff, saying, ' Here is the right place.' 

" In the following spring William Lippincott re- 
moves with his family to Canada, purchasing lands 
about twelve miles westward from Niagara Falls, and 
settles thereon. In the year 1800, William White 
builds the stone barn, with his name and date en- 
graven upon a large stone, and placed in the west 
end thereof, which was standing when the farm was 
conveyed to the county, and taken down a few years 
thereafter. William Lippincott, after spending five 
"years in Canada, returned with his family to New 
Jersey, and purchases of William White, by deed 
dated the 7th day of the 2d month, 1803, all and the 
same lands which he had before conveyed. The dif- 
ference in price as per deeds was eight hundred and 
thirty-three dollars and twenty-five cents in favor of 
the last sale. The said William Lippincott, by his 
last will and testament, bearing date 18th day of the 
5th month, 1824, bequeathed the homestead farm to 
his son. Restore Lippincott, who, by deed of assign- 
ment dated the 7th day of the 4th month, 1841, con- 
veys the same to William Mickle and George Craft, 
assignees, for the benefit of his creditors, and the said 
assignees, by deed dated the 20th day of the 10th 
month, A.D. 1841, convey the homestead farm, contain- 
ing one hundred and eighty acres, to Elizabeth Lip- 
pincott, who, by deed dated the 14th day of the 6th 
month, June, A.D. 1860, conveys one hundred and 
seven acres thereof to the county of Gloucester, on 
which the present almshouse buildings were soon 
after erected, the boundaries of which are as follows : 
Beginning at a stone in the middle of the Lawrence- 
ville and Red Bank turnpike 1.54 chains from 
the centre of the culvert over a small stream, and 
thence running eastwardly to Edward's Creek, and 
thence up the same by low-water mark, southwardly 
to a station in a general bend in said creek, and cor- 
ner to the said Elizabeth Lippincott's other lands, 
and thence by a direct line southwestwardly to a 
stone standing some distance southward from a fa- 
mous spring of water, known as Rattlesnake Spring 
(but how it obtained the name the writer cannot tell). 
It is nevertheless a fountain of most pure water, is- 
suing from a rock, and supplies the whole wants of 
the almshouse. From the stone last moMtioneil the 



boundary line is northwestward to a stone lettered 
'G. C, I860,' in the middle of the turnpike road 
above mentioned, and thence along the same a north- 
easterly course to the place of beginning, containing, 
by actual survey taken at the time, the number of 
acres before mentioned. On the 2d day of the 6th 
month, June, A.D. 1864, the said Elizabeth Lippin- 
cott conveys to the county another small piece of 
marsh for mud to mend the meadow banks, adjoining 
said farm on the south, at the general bend in the 
creek before noticed, containing ninety-hundredths 
of an acre. 

"William Gerrard in his deed to Restore Lippin- 
cott dated the 26th of 12th month, 1755, as noticed 
in its place, reserves one-half acre of land for a family 
burying-ground forever, but where it is located, or 
whether it ever was used as a burial-place none can 
tell, as no traces thereof appear. The Lippincott 
family, however, instituted a small burial-ground 
across a valley and on a rising hill in front, and at 
some distance from the mansion-house, soon after it 
came into their possession, in which the interments 
of the family from time to time were made; and the 
said William Lippincott before mentioned in his last 
will directed the inclosure of the ground by a good 
stone wall, which was carried out by the aforesaid 
Elizabeth Lippincott, under the immediate sujier- 
vision of the writer, and when the deed was made to 
the county for the farm this venerable little spot was 
reserved. The said Elizabeth Lippincott in her last 
will (though not interred in said burying-ground) be- 
queathed a legacy sufficient to keep the same forever 
in repair. The almshouse graveyard has been laid 
out right alongside of the foregoing, on a sandy hill 
amid the shady pines, where one after another of the 
inmates of the institution, as they pass off the stage 
of action, are quietly laid away." 

Chain of Title of the Samuel Eeed (late Jo- 
seph H. Moore's) Farm, East Greenwich Town- 
ship. — Samuel Reed purchased 109xto acres of Jo- 
seph A. Moore and David S. Adams, executors of 
Joseph H. Moore (deceased), by deed dated Jan. 27, 
1883. 

Joseph H. Moore purchased 202 acres of Joseph 
V. Clark and Joseph Allen, administrators of Wil- 
liam Allen (deceased), Jan. 19, 1819. 

Joseph H. Moore purchased 12 acres of Isaac Pine, 
Oct. 19, 1843. 

Isaac Pine purchased 12 acres of Samuel Sailer, 
administrator of George Allen, Oct. 2, 1843. 

George Allen purchased 12 acres of William Slickle, 
executor of Rachel Allen, 3d mo. 15, 1828. 

Rachel Allen purchased 12 acres of Joseph V. Clark 
and Joseph Allen (above), 5th mo. 10, 1822. 

Joseph H. Moore purchased ^'^'j, acre (Mary Ann 
Duncan) of Joseph Jessup, sheriff, Jan. 5, 1850. 

William Allen purchased 183 acres, 2 rods, 20 
perches, being a part of the original 225 acres of John 
OrolV and wife, Nov. 14, 1800. 



TOWNSHIP OF EAST GREENWICH. 



207 



William Allen purchased 1 rod, 36 perches of James 
Reeves and wife, Sept. 25, 1808. . 

William Allen purchased 18 acres of William Jones 
and wife, Aug. 10, 1816. 

John Groff purchased 184 acres of Nathan Paul 
and wife (Tamsen), Oct. 29, 1789. This land de- 
scended to Nathan Paul by will from his father, 
Nathan Paul, who purchased the same of David 
Long and wife (Lucy), March 20, 1761. David Long 
inherited this land by will from his father, Peter 
Long. 

John Grofl' purchased 351 acres of John Sparks, 
Esq. (Ruth, his wife), April 1, 1791, being part of a 
large tract which John Sparks purchased of Francis 
Robinson, Dec. 19, 1779. 

John Groff purchased 5 acres of meadow, adjoining 
on Repaupo Creek, of Isaac Steelman, Deo. 14, 1787. 
It is a part of the real estate devised to said Isaac 
Steelman by his father, James Steelman. 

The small lot of 1 rod, 36 perches aforesaid, which 
William Allen purchased of James Reeves, is a part 
of 100 acres which James Reeves purchased of John 
Sparks, March 9, 1798, and John Sparks purchased 
of Francis Robinson (both aforesaid), March 13, 
1781. 

James Reeves sold i-rfis acres, part of the above 
100 acres, to Samuel Bowers, May 20, 1828, and, 
from the best information at hand, the George and 
Margaret R. Mullen farm was originally part of James 
Reeves' land. 

The 18 acres aforesaid, purchased by William Allen 
of William Jones, Aug. 10, 1816, was a part of 190 
acres which Solomon Lippincott (of the western di- 
vision of the State of New Jersey) and wife (Mary) 
conveyed to Jacob Lippincott, May 13, 1795, and 
Jacob Lippincott and wife (Mary) sold said 18 acres 
to William Jones, June 16, 1814. 

We are informed that the farms of Benjamin Her- 
itage and Davis S. Adams were both formerly the 
property of Joseph Harrison in 1773. 

The farm of Edwin A. Holmes was owned by Isaac 
Pedrick in 1818. 

Jessup's mill, called Daniels' mill, and the land ad- 
joining, was owned by Elijah Cozens in 1805. 

William A. Dawson's farm was owned by William 
Sweeten in 1809. The boundary line between this 
property and that of the late William Haines was a 
noted boundary line between the Sweeten lands and 
another large tract originally belonging to the Rich- 
ards survey. 

Part of the latter appears to have been owned by 
Joseph P. Hillman in 1790, who sold about 130 acres 
to Michael Wolf, and it afterwards descended to his 
son, David Wolf, who subsequently sold to .Toseph 
Wolf, from the heirs of whom the late William 
Haines purchased the same, and at his death 85 
acres thereof descended by will to his son. Job S. 
Haines, the present occupant, one of the heirs of 
said William Haines. This property is known as 



" Cedar Lawn Farm." It has an extensive grove on 
a natural inclined slope, with a beautiful fresh-water 
lake, being a pleasant summer resort for the friends 
of the family and neighborhood. 

The Charles Heritage farm appears to have be- 
longed originally to Solomon Lippincott, who, by his 
will, devised lands to his grandson, John Lippincott, 
who in 1814 sold to Enos Gibbs. He sold to Joseph 
D. Green, from whom the title passed to Isaac Green 
in 1819; thence, at subsequent dates, to Cornelius 
Johnson, to Isaac Johnson, to William White, to 
John Watson, to Amos Hendrickson, to William 
Shute, to Jonathan Heritage, and then to his son, 
Charles Heritage. This is a valuable farm, and of 
such there are many in the township of which we 
are writing. 

Civil List. — The following is a list of the first offi- 
cers elected in this township, together with the prin- 
cipal officers for 1882 and 1883. 

1881. — Township Clerk. — J. Albert was appointed town clerk, when the 
act erecting the township was passed, anJ at the annual town-meet- 
ing held in the spring of 1S81, William H. Brown was elected ; As- 
sessor, J. A. Wolf; Collector, William P. Haines; Chosen Treehold- 
ers, Joseph L. Reeves, Benjamin Heritage; Township Committee, 
David B. Gill, John Lomlenslager, and Job S. Haines ; Surveyors of 
Highways, David S. Adams, George H. Gaunt ; Overseers of High- 
ways, Jeffrey C. Batten, David S. Adams; Overseer of Poor, Isaac 
C.Warner; Pound Keeper, Joseph Guest ; Judge of Election, Isaac 
N. Hughes ; Inspectors of Election, John Haines, William H. Wolf. 

1882.— Town Clerk, Henry L. Haines; Assessor, J. A. Wolf; Collector, 
William P. Haines ; Chosen Freeholders, Joseph L. Reeves, Benja- 
min Heritage; Township Committee, David B. Gill, John Loudeu- 
slager, and Job S. Haines. 

1883.— Town Clerk, Henry L. Haines; Assessor, J. Albert Wolf: Collec- 
tor, William P. Haines; Chosen Freeholders, Benjamin Heritage, 
Joseph L. Reeves; Township Committee, John A, Loudenslager, 
David B. Gill, Walter Heritage; Surveyors of Highways, David S. 
Adams, George H. Gaunt ; Overseers of Roads. First District, Jeffrey 
C. Batten ; Second District, William Dawson; Overseer of the Poor, 
Isaac C. Warner; Commissioners of Appeal, WiJiiani G. Haines, 
David Owen, Charles Shoemaker; Judge of Election, Isaac N. 
Hughes; Inspectors of Election, William H. Wolf, John Haines; 
Pound Keeper, Joseph Guest. 

TILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Clarksboro. — This quiet old town is situated in the 
northeast part of the township, at the crossing of old 
Salem pike and the Paulsboro and MuUica Hill 
roads. Previous to, and in the early part of the 
present century, the land on the northeast side of the 
Mullica Hill road was owned by Jeffrey Clark, from 
whom the town takes its name. He was a large land- 
owner, his plantation including all that portion of the 
town and running well up towards the old ''Death of 
the Fox" Inn. He caused the farm on that portion 
nearest the crossing to be laid out in building-lots, 
somewhat larger than is the custom at the present day. 
The town soon began to grow, and in about 1825 it 
had become the great trading-point for some miles 
around, although there were yet but few houses on the 
Clark tract. 

The southwest side of the Mullica Hill and Pauls- 
boro road was owned by different parties, among 
whom was John Eglington (after whom the beautiful 



208 



HISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



cemetery just out of the town was named), the Gill 
family, the Sailers, and others. 

The pioneer merchant at this place was Matthew 
Gill. He kept store here probably as early as 1775, 
on the corner where the brick store now stands. Here 
in the old building, and for some years in the brick 
store which he built, he dispensed the necessaries of life 
usually kept in a country store at that time, such as 
codfish, molasses, nails, calico, brown linen sheeting, 
tea, sugar, crockery, and last, but not least, good old 
rum — rum that didn't kill. For many years Mr. Gill's 
store was the great centre. He was the Wanamaker 
of eighty years ago. 

The pioneer tavern was kept in that ancient-look- 
ing stone building near the railroad crossing, towards 
Berkeley. This was built previous to the Revolution- 
ary war, and has lived through four wars, and to all 
appearances is good for several centuries more. It 
was known all through this section of country as the 
" Death of the Fox Inn." Tradition says, and every 
one knows that tradition never lies, that it was the 
custom in ye ancient days to capture a live fox, no- 
tify all sporting men within a hundred miles to meet 
at a certain inn, bring with them their dogs, and at a 
certain hour, after dinner, of course, let the fox loose, 
give him a fair start, and then let the hounds follosv 
in the chase and kill the fox if they could. This was 
one of the principal sports among the pioneers of this 
section, and for this reason the old hostelry attained 
the name even prior to the Revolution. 

Among the pioneer landlords was William Sailer, 
who for many years ministered to the wants of both 
man and beast, and always gave his guests such a 
welcome that they at once felt themselves at home. 
In after-years, and early in the present century, Mr. 
Sailer left the old stone bouse, and opened a hotel up 
in the village, in the house now owned by Edward 
Stewart, where he remained a few years, and retired, 
leaving Clarksboro without a tavern, and the weary 
traveler, even to this day, without a place in the town 
to i-est and refresh himself. 

While Matthew Gill was in the mercantile business 
he was also engaged in distilling spirits. His old 
distillery stood nearly in rear of the brick store in the 
back part of the yard, or on what is now the next lot. 
Here the old pioneer farmers could exchange their 
com, rye, and wheat for something more exhilarating, 
which many of them did. The old distillery subse- 
quently came under the ban of public opinion, and 
gave place to something better. 

For many years Clarksiboro has moved along in the 
even tenor of its way, neither adding or diminishing 
perceptibly. The solid old residences that were there 
at the beginning of this century are still occupied by 
descendants of tlie builders, and for half a century in 
souie cases by the builders. Occasionally a new house 
has been built, or one modernized, but no spontaneous 
uprising of new residences or tenements. The old 
Salem turnpike, the mile-stones of which were set 



up in 1772 or 1773, is the principal street, beautifully 
shaded as far as the. town extends each way from " the 
corners" as it used to be called. 

The railroad station is at the crossing of the Pauls- 
boro road, and on that street a few houses and a Ger- 
man church have been built since the advent of the rail- 
road. Taken altogether, it is a quiet town, with three 
churches, Protestant Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal, 
and German Evangelical, two stores, George S. Dil- 
more in the old Gill store, and J. C. Davis & Bro. on 
the opposite side of the pike, where the village post- 
office is located. The principal attraction of the town 
is the graveyard, or, as it is better known, "Eglington 
Cemetery," a beautifully laid out and ornamented city 

I of the dead, whose slumbers will never be disturbed 
by mirthful demonstrations of the denizens of what 

■ is now Clarksboro. 

t Pioneer Land-Owners in and around Clarksboro. 

j — Besides those already mentioned, the following may 

! be of interest. March 9, 1715, the proprietors of the 
Western Division of New Jersey deeded to Francis 
Austin a tract of land containing one thousand eight 
hundred and sixty-five acres. Seven hundred acres 
of the above was assigned to Jonathan Haines the 
3d day of January, 1719. 

One hundred of the 1865-acre tract was assigned 
by Nehemiah Haines, son and heir of the said Jona- 
than Haines, to John Eglington, and recorded in 
liber M, folio 218, in surveyor-general's office, Bur- 
lington, N. J. 

John Eglington, by his last will and testament, 
dated May '22, 1776, gave part of his lands to his 
nephew, John Lord. John Lord died intestate and 
without issue, and the land went to his brother, Asa 
Lord. Asa Lord died, leaving a widow and one 
daughter. The widow married John Richards, and 
he, by an Orphans' Court sale, sold to Matty Coats 
by deed dated July 19, 1799. 

Matty Coats married Ann Lord, only daughter and 
heir of Asa Lord. Matty Coats and his wife, Annie, 
sold thirty-two acres and two roods of the above land 
to James Cattle Wood, by deed dated July 20, 1799. 
This thirty-two acres, says James Taggart, now living 
near Clarksboro, is now owned by Edward Steward. 
It is described in the old deed as follows: 

"Bflginning in middle of tlie Salem Uoiid ; thence tUong the middht 
thereof So 49° W. ch 10 1; thence No :I7'„'^ W. 35 Oh unit 80 1 to 
James C. Woods other land as he lionj^ht of Geofgc t^izxens; thence liy 
same No 62° E. cli '20 1 ; thence hy John Boyer and Stewftrd's iHud and 
by other Lotts, So 37Vo° E. 35 ch GO 1. to plnce of beginning, coutainiug 
tliirty-two acres and two Kooda " 

This deed was signed in presence of Matthew Gill 
and George Brown. The price paid for tlie land was 
nine hundred dollars. 

Dec. 24, 1802, Samuel Davenport, and .Vnn, his wife, 
deeded to William Thompson fifty acres of land, on 
which stood the " Death of the Fox Inn,'.' The deed 
was recorded May 23, 1803, in liber G, folio 31, of 
deeds. This (iroperty is now owned by J, D. Hoft- 
nuiii and Isaac Davidson. 



TOWNSHIP OF EAST GREENWICH. 



209 



Mr. David B. Gill, of Clarksboro, says that in the 
middle of the old turnpike road, in front of the old 
" Death of the Fox," is a deep well, and that four or 
five feet below the surface of- the road is a large flat 
stone covering the mouth of the well. The well was 
made many years prior to the establishment of the 
turnpike (1772), and from the well water was taken 
for use in the old tavern, and the building of the turn- 
pike necessitated the covering of the well. 

Mickleton is a small hamlet nearly one mile west 
from Clarksboro, on the old Salem turnpike, and 
named from William and Samuel Mickle, who owned 
the land upon which the hamlet is located. The place 
was known for many years as "Upper Greenwich." 

William Mickle built the first store at this place in 
1862 or 1863. It stood on the opposite side of the 
Jefferson road from the present store, and opposite 
the Friends' meeting-house, and was destroyed by fire 
in 1875. 

Greenwich Hall, a large two-story frame building, 
was built in August, 1874, by a stock company. 

S. Mickle Ogden, the present merchant at Mickle- 
ton, commenced business in the old store in 1859, and 
moved his stock of goods into the Greenwich Hall 
store in the fall of 1874. 

The pioneer wheelwright at this place was Joseph 
Allen, who located here in 1876, and the first black- 
smith was Joseph Kircher, who also came in 1876. 
The present blacksmith is Joseph Ley, and the 
wheelwright is Alexander Dean. William P. Haines 
is the carpenter and builder, while George Irvin, 
who located here in 1880, is the village shoemaker. 

A large portion of the land around the village of 
Mickleton is now owned by Job Carter, George Craft, 
and heirs of William Mickle. The Mickles came 
from Clonmell Creek, near the Delaware River. 
William was a great-grandfather of S. Mickle Ogden, 
and Samuel Mickle was Ogden's grandfather. There 
is none of the Mickle family at present in or around 
Mickleton. S. Mickle Ogden is the present post- 
master. 

Berkeley, a small and ancient hamlet, situate about 
one mile from Clarksboro, on the turnpike to Wood- 
bury, and on the line of the Woodbury and Svvedes- 
boro Eailroad. It is also on the northeast border of 
the township, and left bank of the Mantua Creek, and 
four miles from Woodbury, the county-seat. 

The town was named in honor of Lord John Berke- 
ley, one of the proprietors of West New Jersey. 
Just who the pioneer farmer, merchant, or mechanic 
was at this place seems to be a mystery to any now 
living. No doubt it was settled long prior to the be- 
ginning of the present century, but by whom, echo 
answers, Who? 

There is at this place an old Baptist meeting-house 
of small dimensions, a school-house, store by David 
Owen, Jr., hotel by William Kean, harness-shop by 
Charles Test, blacksmith-shop by Robert Eldridge, 
wheelwright-shop by Charles G. Higgins, and coal- 
14 



and lumber-yard by George Parker, who is doing 
quite an extensive business. The nearest post-office 
is Clarksboro. 

EELIGIOUS. 

Upper Greenwich Preparative Meeting of 
Friends. — The rise of the Society of Friends is 
regarded by an eminent historian as " one of the 
memorable events in the history of man." ' This 
conclusion, founded upon the love of civil and re- 
ligious liberty manifested by the early Friends, is 
abundantly confirmed when we consider the excel- 
lence of their principles, the purity of their lives, 
and the patient endurance of severe persecution. 

The doctrines and testimonies of the religious So- 
ciety of Friends, when faithfully maintained, con- 
stitute, in their view, a revival of primitive Chris- 
tianity.'^ 

Many of the Friends who came with John Fenwick 
from England located a colony and early established 
a meeting at Salem, N. J., in the year 1675, and about 
1681, Friends settled at and near what is now Wood- 
bury City, where a meeting was established, and sub- 
sequently a branch of the Woodbury Meeting was 
established at Upper Greenwich, and in 1740 a small 
frame meeting-house was built on a lot of land granted 
for that purpose by Solomon Lippincott, and in 1798 
the present large, two-story brick building at Mickle- 
ton was erected for meeting purposes, on lands do- 
nated by Samuel Tonkin and Samuel Mickle. This 
house is located one and a half miles east of the 
former one, and the first meeting-house lot is still 
held by the meeting and occupied as a burying- 
ground. Among the early or pioneer Friends ap- 
pear the names of Lippincott, Fisher, Hooten, 
Cozzens, Zane, Mickle, Wood, Bates, Haines, and 
others, whose descendants still occupy the pioneer 
possessions and form the better portion of the com- 
munity in which they live. 

There is one peculiarity about the Friends' dis- 
cipline, viz., it enjoins upon the members of the 
Society to provide for their own poor, consequently 
no Friend is found as a subject of charity within the 
walls of any charitable institution. 

Another peculiarity of the Friends is their care for 
the youth and their educational advantages. Some- 
where in the vicinity of a Friends' meeting-house 
will be found a school-house, or a place provided for 
the education of the children. Expense is not taken 
into the account, for education they must have, and 
they esteem it one of the essentials of life. Would that 
all others felt the same interest in the youth of our 
land. 

In 1808 the Friends erected a brick school-house 
on land donated for that purpose, adjoining the meet- 
ing property at Mickleton, for the use of members 
and the neighborhood. Suitable apparatus was sub- 

1 Bancroft's United States, ii. 337. 

2 Janney'a History of Friends. 



210 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



sequently provided for illustrating the higher branches 
of science, and an extensive and well-selected library 
was established. 

In conneci;ion with Upper Greenwich is the Wood- 
bury Monthly Meeting, held alternately at that place 
and at Upper Greenwich, with Job S. Haines as clerk. 

For the Upper Greenwich Preparative Meeting 
Kachel Haines and Joseph B. Livezey are the min- 
isters, with Edwin A. Holmes and Job S. Haines ap- 
pearing occasionally in that service. Of this meet- 
ing Benjamin Heritage is clerk. 

The trustees of the meeting property in 1883 were 
Charles Heritage, Amos J. Peaslee, Samuel Haines, 
John Owen, and Job S. Haines. 

With this meeting is a flourishing First-day school, 
with Job S. Haines as superintendent, and Mary L. 
Haines, Debbie G. Haines, Rebecca V. Ogden, Han- 
nah Chatham, Ellen B. Haines, William M. Carter, 
Hannah A. Heritage, Joseph B. Livezey, and Edwin 
A. Holmes as teachers. The librarians are William 
H. Borden and Mary Owen; Secretaries, Hannah 
Peaslee and Lizzie Borden. 

St. Peter's Cliiirch, Berkeley, at Clarksboro.'— 
The corporate name of this church is derived from 
its original location in Berkelej', a mile above Clarks- 
boro, on the Swedesboro turnpike. Ic was founded 
in the former place in 1771. When the building of a 
church was tirst proposed it was evidently entered 
upon without any distinct understanding as to the 
particular form of worship which was to be held in 
it. At that time it was no easy thing to secure a 
settled minister of any denomination, and when a 
rural church was built it was for the general purpose 
of preaching by whoever could from time to time be 
obtained. At that time, too, the Methodist preachers 
who traveled through the country were quite gener- 
ally men ordained in the Church of England, and in 
no way formally separated from that communion by 
their connection with the Methodist society. But 
soon after the erection of the church the question of 
distinct ownership arose, and the first minute on the 
church records is of a congregational meeting, atwhich 
it was declared that the intention of the founders was 
to erect a building for the Church of England, and a 
resolution passed authorizing Dr. Bodo Otto, after- 
wards conspicuous in the Revolutionary war, to re- 
turn their subscrijitious to any who had contributed 
under a misapprehension on this point. Soon after- 
ward another resolution was adopted prohibiting the 
use of the building to any clergyman who had not Epis- 
copal ordination. The first rector was Robert Black- 
well, D.D., a man of great energy and diligence, who 
faithfully served this and other missions in Gloucester 
County for about six years. He afterwards removed 
to Philadelphia, as assistant minister to the united 
parishes of Christ Church and St. Peter's, and fulfilled 
a long career of usefulness in that city. He became 



' By Ilov. JoHse V. Biirk. 



one of the trustees of the University of Pennsylva- 
nia, of which the present rector of the same village 
church became secretary just one hundred years 
later. For many years after the Revolution this and 
all its sister churches were in a most unsettled con- 
dition. There were seldom stated services. No ac- 
curate records were kept of the occasional ministra- 
tions, and there is great diiBculty in securing even 
the outlines of parochial history. Not until 1824 do 
we find a regular minister in charge, the Rev. Richard 
D. Hall, who served this and St. Mary's, Colestown, 
formed a mission at Mullica Hill, now St. Stephen's, 
and even added to his charge St. John's, at Chew's 
Landing. Mr. Hall was not only an indefatigable 
worker, but in his prime a most attractive preacher. 
He lived to a very advanced age, greatly respected by 
the whole community, after service in many and 
varied fields. After a short vacancy the Rev. Wil- 
liam Bryant became rector, but served only for one 
year. In the following year the Rev. Simon Wilmer, 
of Pennsylvania, was chosen. Some difficulty, the 
details of which are not now known, led to his being 
silenced in 1834 by Bishop Doane, an action in which 
the vestry seem to have acquiesced, and his connec- 
tion with the parish terminated. The next rector 
was the Rev. John Jones, of whom great things 
were expected, but to the great regret of the parish 
he was removed by the bishop's influence to what 
seemed to be a more important field. But what 
seemed a misfortune proved to be most providential. 
The Rev. Hiram Harrold had been a Methodist 
minister stationed in the vicinity, but having become 
an Episcopalian he was ordained to the ministry and 
became the rector of the parish in 1836. His minis- 
try was productive of most excellent and permanent 
results. His wife was a most earnest and faithful 
helper in his work. Through her energy the parson- 
age in Clarksboro was secured, in which it was her 
delight to exercise the widest and most generous hos- 
pitality. This important acquisition was made in the 
year 1838, and led finally to the erection of the pres- 
ent church building on the opposite side of the road. 
This was done in 1845, to meet the demand for a 
more central location as to the congregation, and 
while the old church was torn down the surrounding 
graveyard was carefully walled in, and has ever been 
guarded as a trust of the parish. Dec. 17, 1846, the 
new church was solemnly dedicated by Bishop Doauo. 
After a rectorship of nearly fourteen years, Mr. 
Harrold resigned (December, 1849), to the great re- 
gret of his parishioners. To this day tlie memory of 
this excellent couple is preserved, both in their 
bishop's recorded words and in the hearts of sur- 
viving friends, as a most |nvcious legacy of Christian 
zeal and Christian IViendsliip. In 1860 the Rev. 
Samuel C. Stratton became rector. He, too, wiis a 
good man and an effective minister. After six years' 
service failing health compelled his resignation, and 
he removed to Pl\iliuU'l|>lu:i, whore he died in a few 



TOWNSHIP OF EAST GREENWICH. 



211 



years. In October, 1856, the Rev. Archibald Beatty 
tame. His rectorship lasted only about three years, 
but they were fruitful in good work, and a goodly num- 
ber of useful members were gathered into the church. 
He afterwards became a very prominent clergyman in 
Kansas, growing in usefulness and distinction with j 
the growth of the young diocese. He was succeeded ' 
in 1S59 by the Kev. Henry B. Barton, with whose ad- 
vent there seemed to come a revival of religious 
interest. In the first year of his incumbency there { 
were more baptisms and confirmations than in any 
other year of the history of the parish, but he re- 
mained only about a year. In 1860 the Bev. Isaac 
W. Hallam, who had organized the first Episcopal 
Church in Chicago, assumed the rectorship, which he 
ably filled for nine years, removing then to his native 
New England, where he still lives, though unable to 
engage actively in church work. He was succeeded 
by the Eev. Francis E. R. Chubbuck. Mr. Chub- 
buck was in feeble health when he took charge of the 
parish, and so endeared himself to the people that 
every indulgence was shown him, in the hope of a 
long and useful life among them. But this hope was 
disappointed, and he died, after a brief term of ser- 
vice, deeply regretted by the people of his charge. 
In 1872 the Rev. James Hart Lamb assumed this as 
his first parish. Winning at once the affection and 
esteem of his people, he made excellent proof of his 
ministry, and in every department of church work 
awakened a new interest. Both in temporal and 
spiritual things the parish prospered greatly under 
his ministrations. In addition to the work at home 
he inaugurated a mission atPaulsboro, and soon built 
there the present St. James' Church, which, when 
fully organized, he transferred to other hands. But 
the qualities which endeared him to his people and 
secured the regard of his neighbors of all denomina- 
tions marked him as the man for larger spheres of 
usefulness, and to the deep regret of his flock he re- 
signed the parish in 1878, to take charge of Trinity 
Church, Moorestown, of which he is still the efficient 
rector. 

He was succeeded, in the fall of the same year, by 
the Rev. Jesse Y. Burk, the present rector. The 
parish is in a fairly prosperous condition. It has a 
communicant membership of about fifty. The church 
edifice is plain, but comely and comfortable. It owns 
also a rectory and the old burial-ground at Berkeley, 
and is not only free from debt, but possesses a moderate 
invested fund from bequests made at different times 
by faithful parishioners. The last and largest of these 
(one thousand dollars) was recently left by Mrs. Mary 
Jessup, whose ancestors were among the founders of 
the church, and whose descendants are yet among its 
members and supporters. Its roll of membership ex- 
hibits the names of many of the old families of the 
county, and attests to the happiness of its situation in 
a region which retains through so many generations 
the attractions of home. It has before it the prospect 



of continued and increasing prosperity and useful- 
ness, and of a future not unworthy of its venerable 
past. 

Mettodist Episcopal.— Clarksboro was at an early 
day included in a large circuit, and enjoyed only 
occasional preaching by the faithful old itinerants 
who reached their appointments on a four or six 
weeks' circuit. 

The pioneer class was formed at this place in 1825, 
with Job Lawrence as leader. Among his members 
were Kesiah Lawrence, Daniel Green, Mary Green, 
Nathaniel P. Turner, and Mary Turner. 

In 1831 the little band of worshipers had so in- 
creased in numbers that a meeting-house was built 
on the site occupied by the present one. For half 
a century the little old frame building served the 
purpose of the Christian fold, where the little flock 
of faithful ones went in and out, and where they 
worshiped God without any to molest or make them 
afraid. For fifty years they were fed with the heavenly 
manna in the old church, and had grown, not as numer- 
ous as the children of Israel, but so numerous that a 
more commodious place of worship seemed to be a ne- 
cessity. Accordingly, early in the summer of 1883 a 
building committee was appointed, consisting of Rev. 
H. J. Zelly, David Owen, Jr., Capt. James D. Hoff- 
man, Isaac C. Warner, and Fillmore Hughes, who 
took the work in hand and built a church edifice, 
with stone basement and superstructure of frame 
work. At the time of the publication o.f this work 
(November, 1883) the church is not completed. Esti- 
mated cost, four thousand dollars. 

The pastors since 1863 have been as follows : Rev. 
Dr. George K. Morris, 1863; Jesse Stiles, J. H. 
Hutchinson, Dickinson Moore, 1870 ; W. P. C. Strick- 
land, 1872 ; J. B. Westcott, 1875 ; E. J. Lippincott, 
1878 ; J. R. Thompson, 1880 ; E. Messier, 1881, died 
in Clarksboro, Jan. 15, 1882 ; E. K. Brown, appointed 
to fill vacancy until Conference; T. C. Parker, 1882; 
H. J. Zelly, 1883. Membership in 1883 was one hun- 
dred and ten. 

The official board for 1883 was as follows : Stewards, 
J. D. Hoffman, Nathan P. Hoffman, James L. Camp, 
Fillmore Hughes, John Green, Charles Hughes, 
Samuel Shute, and George Owen ; Trustees, James 
L. Camp, Thomas Adams, John Green, J. D. HoflT- 
man, George Owen, Samuel Shute, and Joshua Cor- 
son ; Leaders, J. D. Hoff"man and Thomas Adams; 
Sunday-school Superintendent, Joseph H. Smith. 

The German Evangelical Church, located on 
Railroad Avenue, was built in 1880. Upon its front 
may be seen the following inscription : 

*' Zions Kirche 

Der 

Evangelisclie 

Germanschaft." 

On the corner-stone is the following inscription : 

" G M & J B 
April 1880" 



212 



ElISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



CEMETERIES. 

Eglington Cemetery, located on the southeast 
side of the village of Clarksboro, has become the 
most popular and best-arranged burial-place in Glou- 
cester County. A small portion of what is now 
the cemetery grounds was a burying-ground in the 
very early part of this century, and was set apart 
as such by John Eglington, in his last will and tes- 
tament, in 1776. When the little original plat of 
ground had become filled with the remains of the 
departed pioneers of Clarksboro, an effort was made, 
more land secured, a company formed, a charter 
granted by the State Jjegislature, and the present 
beautiful cemetery grounds the result of efforts put 
forth by David B. Gill, Esq., who is the secretary 
and treasurer of the association. The association 
was chartered in 1869, and the cemetery laid out in 
1872. 

In this beautiful city of the dead may be found the 
following inscriptions : 

Samuel Davis, died Jan. 30,1883, aged 78 years. 
Samuel Coles, died May 26, 1879, aged 73. 
Jobn Lippincott, died July 22, 1866, aged 61. 
Williiim Steward, born Dec. 28, 1820, died June 7, 1881. 
Ann Ladd, died Feb. 5, 1857, aged 50. 
Samuel H. Ladd, died March 6, 1866, aged 41. 

William Waddell Ladd (soldier), born July 20,1847, died Dec. 16, 1863. 
Lawrence Packer, born Nov. 30, 1799, died July 19, 1879. 
Alice F. Packer, born July lo, 1800, died Oct. 22, 1877. 
Isabella M. Packer, died Feb. 18, 1874, aged 62. 
Edward Duffleld, born May 18, 1773, died Dec. 2, 1855. 
Sarah Olark, born Nov. 24, 1783, died July 23, 1865. 
Sarah Cavis, died Feb. 7, 1860, aged 78. 
John V. Clark, born April 3, 1779, died Oct. 22,1827. 
Ruth D McHam, born Aug. 21, 1794, died Aug. 26, 1866. 
Mary Zane, wife of J. Y. Clark, born Oct. 6, 1778, died Dec. 21, 1808. 
Jeffrey Clark, Esq., died April 2, 1821, aged 76. 
Zilla Clark, died Nov. 10, 1795, aged 48. 
Mary Clark, died Nov. 26, 1785, aged 30. 
Elizabeth Clark, died Sept. 6, 1798. 
Matthew Gill, Jr., Esq., died Aug. 11, 1822, aged 48. 
Phebe Gill, born Aug. 23, 1777, died Dec. 11, 1864. 
Joseph C. Gill, born Sept. 9, 1800, died Jan. 20, 1869. 
Desire Gill, died April 20, 1837, aged 32. 
Maria Paul, died Oct. 18, 1846, aged 50. 
Thomas Clark, Esq., died Oct. 29, 1809, aged 72. 
Christian Clark, died Jan. 17, 1817, aged 75. 
Nancy Paul, died Oct. 3, 1845. aged 82. 
Christian Gill, born July 12, 1774, died Jan. 15, 1846. 
Mary Batten, born Dec. 12, 1808, died Feb. 11, 1879. 
Moses Batten, born March 22, 1802, died May 1, 1868. 
Rebecca Weatherby, died Feb. 17, 1841, aged 61. 
Edmund Weatherby, died Si-pt. 25, 1826, aged 62. 
.Toseph W. Piatt, Idied June 8, 1868, aged 58. 

Adalaide B. Heyll wife of Capt. A. T. Baton, born Nov. 15, 1845, died 
Jan. 8, 1880. I 

Elizabeth C. Clenlent, born 9th mo. 25, 1811, died 11th mo. 10, 1881. 

Christiana StrinJ, born March 25, 1820, died Aug. 10, 1882. 

Samuel String, died Fob. II, 1863, aged 86. 

Ezekiel C. Moui t, born Aug. 12, 1821, died .Tan. 21, 1879. 

Deland P. AtkinWn, died Oct. 21, 1881, aged 63. 

Snmuel G. Haints, ilied 3d mo. 12, 1881, aged 64. 

David Owen, iliel 9tli mo. 9, 1879, aged 64. 

Michael Allen, born Nov. 12, 1813, died Feb. 6, 1873. 

Sariih D. Osgood, born May 25, 1808, died Sept. 11, 1872. 

ThomiiB L. Ogden, 1834-1880. 

Joseph E, Erwln, born May fi, 171)1, (iiod Aug. 20, 1868. 

Honora Erwin, died .Inly 28, 18.50, aged US. 

Deborah Iloldcrart, lioru Feb. 2, 1814, died Juno 24, 1873. 

Oram Adanison, died April 16, 1H75, ligod 40. 



Andrew V. Locke, died Dec. 4, 1870, aged 70. 
Lewis Curts, born Feb. 6,- 1810, died Feb. 21, 1874. 
Dr.. Charles F. Clark, died Oct. 16, 1875, aged 76. 
Zebulon Locke, born April 10, 1808, died Aug. 1, 1876. 
Harriet Locke, born Feb. U, 1809, died Oct. 12, 1876. 
James Jessup, died Feb. 23, 1850, aged 52. 

William G. Murray, born Feb. 17, 1848, died Oct. 6, 1882. (Soldier.) 
Thomas Schumo, born Feb. 6, 1803, died Nov. 9, 1869. 
Selby Murray, born May 29, 1807, died Feb. 16, 1883. 
Sarah Stetzer, born Nov. 19, 1796, died July 2, 1882. 
Hiram Abbott, died May 12, 1880, aged 51. 
Joseph Dayton, died May 27, 1880, aged 80. 
Sarah Dayton, died Feb. 20, 1878, aged 78. 
John Simmermon, died Jan. 20, 1850, aged 72. 
Kesiah Simmermon, died March 24, 1857, aged 76. 
John Estell, Esq., died Oct. 10, 1839, aged 59. 
Naoma Estell, died March 31, 1862, aged 64. 
Benjamin C. Packer, born Sept. 13,1840, died Sept. 18, 1881. 
James Bradahaw, died Jan. 18, 1878, aged 63. 
Rebecca French, bom Jan. 1, 1790, died July 19, 1879. 
Lydia R. Gibbs,born March 28, 1822, died Dec. 16, 1879. ' 
Christopher Morgan, died May 2, 1881, aged 62. 
James Garrison, died Aug. 21, 1872, aged 89. 
William Harvey, died Nov. 30, 1861, aged 22. (Co. B, 63d P. V.) 
Edward W. Harvey, Co. K, 198th P. V.; killed at battle of Louisa 
Court-House, Va., March 20, 1866, aged 17 years. 
Sarah McGhan, died Oct. 26, 1880, aged 48. 
Mary Longstreth, born May 24, 1820, died July 18, 1881. 
Rebecca Beal, liorn July 8, 1833, died Sept. 7, 1881. 
Catharine Blin5inger,born May 5, 1831, died April 22, 1882. 
Joseph M. Paul, died Aug. 13, 1878, aged 61. 
Joseph M. Stout, born Feb. 12, 1818, died Nov. 7, 1879. 
Samuel E. Newton, died Dec. 5, 1882, aged 79. 
Elizabeth Newton, died Sept. 5, 1879, aged 69. 
William G. Fletcher, died Feb. 26, 1882, aged 71. 
Eliza Ann Fletcher, died March 10, 1S82, aged 64. 
Charles Small, born March 2, 1806, died Jan. 3, 1S74. 
Samuel Hudson, died Oct. 9, 1866, aged 70. 
Joseph D. Green, born July 5, 1793, died April 12, 1880. 
William Bailey, died March 26, 1865, aged 68. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM H.^IXES. 
John, the grandfather of William Haines, was born 
Sept. 22, 1753, and married Hepsekiah, daughter of 
James H. Hinchman. Among their children was a 
son William, whose birth occurred Dec. 7, 1779, and 
who married Ann White, to whom were born children, 
— Joshua, Ann, William, Sarah, and Samuel. All of 
these children resided in Gloucester County, where 
the sons were farmers. William was born March 8, 
1810, in the above county, and spent his youth at his 
father's home in Greenwich township. Having em- 
braced such opportunities of education as the neigh- 
borhood afforded, he bore a leading jiart in school 
exercises and debates, and eagerly sought such ad- 
vantages as were altainablc. Mr. Haines was, how- 
ever, a man of self-culture, ami owed less to instruc- 
tion than to hi.-i own perseverance and zeal in the 
pursuit of knowledge. At an early day he fitted 
himself as a teacher, and taught at Swedesboro, Hat- 
tintown, Kldridge Hill, and Upi>or (ireonwich, and 
at nineteen had lilted himself for surveying and con- 
veyancing, and very speedily estalilislied a lucrative 



V 




/^iJlcat^yy^ 



^3t''2<?<7 e^/ 



TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN. 



213 



business. He frequently engiiged in the settlement 
of estates and served as the guardirin of important 
trusts. His judgment was sound, his mind logical, 
and his abilities exceptional. His business rela- 
tions were marked by the strictest integrity and ex- 
actness. These qualities made his services eagerly 
sought, and afforded him little leisure from his daily 
avocations. 

Mr. Haines possessed a scientific mind, and attained 
some reputation as an investigator of facts pertaining 
to the magnetic needle. 

He was, in religion, a member of the Society of 
Friends, and connected with the Upper Greenwich 
Meeting, of which he was a minister. In politics he 
was a Whig, and joined the ranks of the Republi- 
can party on its organization. He was, as a member 
of the Board of Freeholders, especially zealous for 
the interests of the county, and as township superin- 
tendent of schools for several years greatly promoted 
the cause of education. 

Mr. Haines possessed strong convictions, and 
wielded a decided influence in the county, though of 
unobtrusive manners and of simple tastes. His hab- 
its were frugal, though liberal and charitable where 
such qualities could be properly exercised, and ever 
mindful of the interests of the poor. He was married 
March 6, 1834, to Rachel, daughter of John and Han- 
nah Lippincott, of Salem County. Their children are 
Job S., Elma (Mrs. Joseph B. Livezy), William Penn, 
and Hannah A. (Mrs. John Heritage). After his 
marriage Mr. Haines purchased " Cedar Lawn Farm," 
now the residence of his son Job S., and continued 
both professional and farming employments until his 
death, which occurred April 23, 1876, in his sixty- 
seventh year. Job S. married Miss Ellen B., daughter 
of Samuel and Anna Holmes, of Salem County. Their 
children are Jacob C. and William C. (deceased), 
Stacy L., Idella, and Jesse B. Mr. Haines succeeded 
to his father's profession and business, and also vindi- 
cates the principles of the Republican party in poli- 
tics. He in 1882 represented his constituents in the 
State Legislature, and served on committees on Elec- 
tions, Bribery, Federal Relations, Deaf and Dumb 
Asylums, etc. Both he and Mrs. Haines are mem- 
bers of the Society of Friends. 

William Haines was one of the first members of 
the " Association of Practical Surveyors of West 
Jersey." He took an active interest in the affairs 
thereof, and encouraged its success by personal atten- 
tion and by contributions from his pen relative to his 
researches as to real estate titles, and his practical 
experiments with the magnetic needle, showing its 
variations and disturbing causes. 



CHAPTER XL. 

TOWNSHIP OF FRANKI.IN.1 

Geographical and Descriptive.— This township 
was formed in 1820 from Greenwich and WooUvicli. 
At the time of its organization it was fifteen miles 
long, six and a half miles wide, and contained sev- 
enty-two thousand acres. The township has been 
reduced by the formation of others, till at present it 
contains only thirty-one thousand three hundred and 
eighty-eight acres. 

Its surface is generally level, with a light, sandy 
soil, susceptible of a high state of cultivation, as evi- 
denced by the large crops of vegetables and small 
fruits. But a few years since Franklin was a dense 
forest of small pines, but, by industry and frugality, 
it has become of immense value as a truck-farming 
township. 

It is the southeast corner township of the county, 
and is bounded on the southeast by Atlantic County, 
on the southwest by Cumberland and Salem Counties, 
on the northeast by Clayton, and on the northwest by 
Monroe township. 

The township is watered by Marsh Lake Branch 
and tributaries in the easterly part of the township, 
and by the head-waters of Scorland Run in the west 
part of the township. 

The following is the act of incorporation : 

"Act of iNCOEPoaATioN. 
"An Act (o Incorporate part of the Townthipa of Woolwich and Greimwivh, 
in the Comity of Gloucetler, into a separate lowitthip, to he called the Town- 
ship of ' FranMln.^ 

"Ist. Be it enacted by the OouacU and General AsHembly of tide State, and 
U is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, Tliut an that part of the 
townships of Woolwich and Grecjiship, in the county of Gloucester, 
lying within the following boundaries, to wit: B.-|-!nning at the head 
of Old Man's Creek, in the line between tlio counties of Gloucester and 
Salem, and also the line of the south side of Woolwich township; thence 
running a straight line to Mantua Creek, to intersect said creek below 
James Jessup's mill, opposite the dwelling-house of Andrew Dilks, dis- 
tance about seven miles; thence up said creek, the several courses 
thereof, being the boundary line between Greenwich and Deptford 
townships, to the head thereof; thence still along the said Ijoundary 
line to the line of Hamilton township, distance al^out twelve miles; 
thence along the line of the west side of Hamilton township to the line 
between the counties of Gloucester and Cumberland, distance about six 
miles; thenco along the said county liue westwardly to the piKce of 
beginning, shall be, and the same is hereby set off from the townships 
of Woolwich and Greenwich ; and the same is hereby estahlistied a sep- 
arate township, to be called by the name of the township of Frajiklin. 

"2d. Andbe i( eiiticied, That the inhahitants of the township of Frank- 
lin shall be, and they are hereby vested with and entitled unto, all the 
powers, privileges, and authorities, and shall be, and are hereby made, 
siiliject to the like regulations and government which the iiihaidtants 
of the aforesaid townships of Woolwich and Greenwich are subject and 
entitled to; and the inhabitants of the said township of Franklin be, 
and they are hereby incorpoiated, styled, and known by the name of 
•the inhabitants of the township of Franklin, in the county of Glouces- 
ter,' and entitled to all the privileges, advantages, and antlr titles that 
the other townships in the said county are entitled unto by virtue of an 
act, entitled 'An act incorporating the inhabitants of townships, desig- 
nating their powers and regulatir)g their meetings, passed the twenty- 
first day of February, in the year of our Lord one tlunjsand seven hun- 
dred and ninety-eight. 

> By W. H. Shaw 



214 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



"3d. And be it enacted. That the first town-meeting of the inhabitants 
after the passing of this act aliall be on the second Wednesday in Marcli 
next, at the house now occnpied by George Cake in the village of Little 
Ease ; and that all town-mcetiiigs thereafter shall be held on the second 
Wednesday in March annually, at such place as the electors of said 
township shall from time to time direct and appoint. 

"4th. Andhe itmncted, That on the second Thursday after the first 
town-meeting in said township, the township committees of the said 
townships of Woolwich, Greenwich, and Franklin shall meet at the 
place aforesaid, at two o'clock in the afternoon of said day, and then and 
there proceed to the settlement of such business as is or may be neces- 
sary to be settled between the said townships : Provided, that if either 
of the committees as aforesaid shall neglect or refuse to meet as afore- 
said, it shall be lawful for such committees as do meet to proceed to 
such settlement." 

EEPOKT OF COMMITTEE ON TOWNSHIP LINE. 
"We, the subscribers, being a committee appointed by the commit- 
tees of the townships of Woolwich, Greenwich, and Frankliu, to super- 
intend the running of the line between the townships of Woolwich and 
Greenwich on the one side, and Franklin on the other side, do report to 
committees of each respective township that we have caused said line to 
be run and marked ; Beginning at the head of Oldman's Creek in the 
line between the counties of Gloucester and Salem, and from thence 
north forty degrees and thirty minutes east. Five hundred and thirty- 
five chains to Mantua Creek, opposite Andrew Dilks' dwelling House, 
agreeably to the act of the Legislature in the above case made and pro- 
vided. 

■ " JosiAH Moore, Woolwich. 
" MloHAEI. Al.i.EN, Greenwich. 
"Gabriel Isz ird, Franklin. 
"April 3,1820." 

Pioneer Settlements. — For all the information in 
relation to pioneers of what is now Franklin township 
we are indebted to Mr. William Porch, whose vener- 
able years and bright memories of the past carries us 
back among the settlers of this then forest of pines 
and oaks, and, with but a slight draft upon the im- 
agination, we can see the brave pioneer wending his 
way into the wilderness, marking here and there 
a tree as a guide to his future operations or necessi- 
ties. It wa-s the custom of the pioneers of this town- 
ship to take up or warrant a sufficient number of 
acres of land for each of their children a good-sized 
farm, that when the original should pass away he 
might leave to each of his numerous family a planta- 
tion for their future support. 

Among this class of pioneers was John Porch, who 
located at what is now known as Porchtown. His 
purchase embraced an area of two thousand five hun- 
dred acres in that immediate vicinity. Having a 
foresight of the necessities of himself and others, he 
built a grist mill on the stream running through his 
plantation. He also built a saw-mill at that point, 
and since that time, about 1780, Porchtown has not 
been without both saw- and grist-mills, until within 
a few years the saw-mill has been abandoned and is 
fast going to decay. 

The property passed into the hands of William 
Porch, and from him to his children, among whom 
the two thousand five hundred acres of land was 
divided, a part of which went to Stephen Porch. 
Samuel Freese married a daughter of William Porch, 
and their share, six hundred acres, was subsequently 
sold to the Camden Fire Insurance Company, and 
nearly or quite all of the original tract is now owned 



by parties other than the Porch family. The mill- 
property and one hundred acres is owned by Robert 
Butler, and Mr. Porch says that James L. Wickham 
owns " quite a clever bunch of the laud" once owned 
by his grandfather, John Porch. 

In the early part of this century Joseph Porch kept 
a store at Porchtown, and at that time there was a 
large ttmount of business transacted at that place. 
Joseph Smith, son of Thomas Smith, who was born 
about ]7oO, owned quite an extensive tract of land 
adjoining the Porch tract. 

That part of the township in which the hamlet and 
railroad station of lona is situated was settled by 
Moses Crane. He took up something over a thousand 
acres in and around this locality, became a prominent 
man in the affairs of the township, and was the father 
of a large family, to whom his property descended. 
That locality was known for many years as Cranetown, 
but when the family, to a large extent, had ceased to 
be possessors of the original tract, and the railroad 
had been built, the name of the place was changed to 
lona, and at present but very little of the original 
tract is owned by the Crane family. 

As will be seen by reference to the history of the 
village of Malaga, Daniel H. Miller was a large land- 
owner around that locality in the early part of the 
present century. Another of the pioneers of that 
locality was Joshua Richman, who came here as early 
as 1815, and located a large tract of land, upon which 
he lived for nearly sixty years. Mr. Richman was 
one of those honest, industrious pioneers, whose 
unassuming manner, sound judgment, and rectitude 
of life made him a suitable person to be trusted with 
the financial affairs of the township, and the settle- 
ment of differences of opinion between his neighbors. 
He lived to a good old age, departing this life in 
1882, honored and respected by his townsmen, leaving 
a good name for his numerous descendants to honor 
and perpetuate. — - — 

Among the pioneers near the centre of the township 
was Robert Chew, who located a large tract of land, 
where he livecl and died. Of his family there were 
twelve children, who, with their descendants, are j 
scattered over this and adjoining townships.', Samuel 
Sharp was also an old settler in this locality, whose 
first purchase was a tract of one hundred and fifty 
acres. He was the father of a large family, all of 
whom have left this locality. 

Philip Woolford was another pioneer of this part 
of the township, which was sometimes called Hope- 
ville, Woolfordtown, and Plainville. He was the 
owner of quite a large tract here, the most of which 
passed into the possession of his descendants. John 
Trimnel was also one of the pioneers of Woolfordtown, 
and was a millwright by trade, and is said to have 
been one of the best mechanics in this section of 
country. Some of his descendants are still residents 
of Franklin township. 

William Chew and William Surran were the prom- 



TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN. 



215 



iiient pioneers of that quarter of the township known 
as Pine Hollow, or Chewville, near Dutch mill. Both 
of these pioneers were Large land-owners, and assi.sted 
largely in clearing oft' the timber and improving the 
land in that locality. Each of these men were the 
progenitors of large families, none of whom are owners 
of any portion of the original tracts. 

That portion of the township in and around what 
is known as Downstown was settled by Aquilla Downs, 
who was the father of a numerous family. Mr. Downs 
was not only one of the pioneer farmers of this section, 
but was also a local preacher in the Methodist denom- 
ination, and employed his talents in that direction by 
preaching to the inhabitants of the different settle- 
ments. Two of his sons, Osborn and Jesse, were very 
acceptable preachers on the old-fashioned Methodist 
circuits. At the death of Rev. Aquilla Downs bis 
large estate passed into the possession of his children, 
and has passed from one generation to another, and is 
still nearly all owned by his descendants. Samuel 
Downs was also one of the pioneers in this part of the 
township and owned a large tract of land ; also John 
Downs was one of the pioneer purchasers of a large 
tract of land in this vicinity, most of which is now 
owned by his son, George Downs, who is now one of 
the old men of the township. Benjamin Downs was 
a surveyor, and subsequently located at Glassboro. 

In that part of the township now known as Forest 
Grove the pioneer settler was William Wilson, who 
built a mill which subsequently went to decay. 
Robert Parvin located here soon after Wilson, when 
the two commenced the blacksmith and wheelwright 
business. Wilson soon engaged in the mercantile bus- 
iness, when the little hamlet soon began to put on a 
business-like appearance, and the whole property was 
then purchased by Richard Wood. Like many other 
young and promising towns, the wealth, or rather pov- 
erty, of the surrounding country did not warrant the 
expenditures, and the little town has not enlarged to 
any extent beyond its youthful dimensions. 

In the early part of this century ihere stood an old 
house, a short distance below the mill, known as the 
" Refugee house." It was a double log building, i.e., 
one building inclosed within another, and so arranged 
that a person acquainted with its construction could 
easily secrete himself from one not acquainted with 
its peculiar construction. It is said that this building 
was used as a place of refuge by certain parties who 
were supposed to flee from the iron grasp of the law, 
and that under or around it large sums of money 
were buried. Tradition says that George Cake secured 
quite a sum from the old house, which enabled him to 
start in business. The old house long since went to 
decay. 

Civil Organization. 

PEOCEEDINGS OF THE PIONEEK TOWN-MEETING. 

*' At a town-Dieeting of the inhabitants of the township of Franklin, 
held at George Cake's Inn at Little Ease, on the 8th day of March, a.d. 
1820, pursuant to an act of the Legislature of New Jersey, passed the 



! 27th day of January, a.d. 1820, Jeptha Abbott was chosen Moderator 
' and Isaac Thorn Town Clerk. Town Clerk being duly affirmed that ho 
would faithfully and honestly keep all the pupera and writings, books 
and aixounts committed to his care, and tliat he would in all things to 
the best of my knowledge and understanding proforni the Duties of my 
siiid ulVice of Clerk without favour or partiality. 

"The Clerk being sworn, proceeded to nomination, and the following 
pei-sons was chosen for the different Town Slii[) officers, viz.: Assessor, 
Levi L. Campbell; Collector, Jeptlia Abliott; Commissioners of Appeal, 
Samuel Fisher, William Porch, and Jacob Stauger ; Freeholders, Daniel 
Focor, Jacob Fisher; Surveyors of Highways, Moses Crane, Francis 
Stauger; Overseers of the Poor, Levi L. Campbell, Jeptha Abbott; 
Constables, Abraham Leddon, Nathaniel Salmon ; Overseers of High- 
ways, Jacob Swope, David Sceraii, Samuel Sharp; Pound Keepers, Eb' 
Whitney, Nathaniel Salmon; Judge of Election, George Anderson; 
Town Committee, George Anderson, Gabriel Iszard, William Porch, 
Samuel Fisher, Samuel Downs. 

"The different officers for the Township being chosen, proceeded to 
vote how much money should be raised for the use of the Township, and 
it was carried by a large majority that the sum of -Four Hundred should 
be raised — SWO.OO; it was moved and carried that the Election for 
Council and General Assembly for the present year should be opened 
the first day at Malaga and the Last day at Glassboro. 

*' It was also moved and carried that the ne.xt annual Town-meeting 
shall be held at Little Ease." ~ 

The following lists of officers are given as found 
upon the township records : 



TOWN CLERKS. 



1821-22, 1824, 1826-28. Daniel Fo- 
cer. 

1823. Isaac Thorn. 

1825. Thomas B. Wood. 

1829-32, 1836-36. James C. True- 
land. 

1833. Eli B. Budd. 

1834. Benjamin Harding. 
1837-38. Samuel Peacock. 
1839^0," 1851. John 0. Sheets. 
1841. Samuel Porch. 



1842-43. John R. Graham. 

1844. John H. Medlam. 

1845. Samuel G. Fisler. 
1846.^7. George B. Cake. 
1848. Joseph F. Porch. 
1849-50. Benjamin Beckett. 
1852-59. Enos Veal. 
1860-62. Edmund Jones. 
1863. Ferdinand Kosenbaum. 
1864-65. Robert A. Rosenbaum. 
1866-82. William H, Todd. 



ASSESSORS. 



1821-23. Levi L. Campbell. 
1824-25. Isaac Thorn. 
1826-29, Benjamin C. Down. 
1830. Joseph Iszard. 
1831-32, 1835-38. Benj. Harding 
1833. Daniel Focer. 
1S34. Samuel Porch. 
1839-41. Matthias R. Crane. 
1842-43. John V. Porch. 

1844. Benjamin T. Crane. 

1845. Charles Smith. 



1816-48. Benjamin Beckett. 
1849-51. Joseph F. Porch. 

1852. William F. Beckett. 

1853. Isaac S. Peacock. 

1854. William Porch, Jr. 
1855-57, 1861-63,.1866-67. William 

Porch. 
1858-59. Joseph L. Veal. 
1860. Thomas Everinghani. 
1864-65. Enos Veal. 
1868-1882. J. C. Richmau. 



1821. Jeptha Abbott. 
1822-23. Jacob Stauger. 
1824-20. Samuel Fisler. 
1827-28. Joseph Albertson. 
1829-30. John V. Porch. 
1831-34, 1837-38, 1846-47. 

tian L. Stanger. 
1835-36. Daniel Focer. 
1839^1. Johnson Beckett. 
1842^3. Samuel D. Fisler. 

1844. John R. Graham. 

1845. Jacob Fisler. 



COLLECTORS. 

1848-50. William Nelson. 

1851-53. John S. Stanger. 

1854. Joshua Tomblin. 

1855-57. Richard G. Stanger. 

1858-59. William P. Crane. 
Chris- 1860. Elijah Porch. 

1861-63. George Leshley. 

1864. John C. Vanzant. 

1865-66. Joseph M. Iredell. 

1867-69. Edmund Jones. 

1870-82. William Porch. 



1821. William Porch. 

Jacob Stang. 
1822-23. William Porch. 

Samuel Fisher. 

1824. George Cake. 
Levi L. Campbell. 

1825. Gabriel Iszard. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 

1825. William Porch, Esq. 

1826. William Porch, Esq. 
William Wood, Esq. 

1827. William Porch, Esq. 
Joseph Iszard. 

1828-38. William Porch, Esq. 
Levi L. Campbell. 



216 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1839-42. William Porch. 

Josiah Beckett. 
1843. Williiim Porch. 

John G. Rosenbaum, 
1844-45. Lawrence Cake. 

John G. Rosenbaum. 

1846. Lawrence Cake. 
William Porch. 

1847. Matthias R. Crane. 
Thomas H. Paul. 

1848-50. Matthias R. Crane. 

Benjamin H. Fisler, 
1851-52. M. R. Crane. 

Woodward Warrick. 
1853-54. Woodward Warrick. 

Benjamin Beckett. 
1855-56. M. R. Crane. 

Christopher Sickler. 

1857. Woodward Warrick. 
Joshua Ricbman. 

1858. Joshua Ricbman. 
Jesse Downs. 

1859. J. Richman. 
Stephen G. Porch. 

1860. Stephen G. Porch. 
Osborn Downs. 



1861. Joshua Richman. 

Stephen G. Porch. 
1862-63. J. Richman. 

M. R. Crane. 
1864. Matthias R. Crane. 

George Lasbley. 
1865-66. William Porch. 

George Lasbley. 
1867-G8. John C. Van Zant. 

William B. Rosenbaum. 
1869. John C. Van Zant. 

Benjamin Crane. 
1870-72. Edmund Jones. 

Joseph Lashley, Esq. 

1873. Edmund Jones. 
Joseph M. Iredell. 

1874. Edmund Jones. 
Alfred B. Richman. 

1875. Jonathan H. Smith. 
A. B. Richman. 

1876-77. J. H. Smith. 

William P. Crane, Esq. 
1878-79. William P. Crane. 

Joseph M. Iredell. 
1880-82. Joseph M. Iredell. 

Jonathan H. Smith. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEES. 

1821. — George Audereon, Gabriel Iszard, William Porch, Thomas B. 

Wood, Samuel Downs. 
1822. — Jolinson Beckett, William Porch, Gabriel Iszard, George Ander- 
son, Jeptha Abbott. 
1823. — William Porch, Gabriel Iszard, George Anderson, Daniol Focer, 

Thomas B. Wood. 
1824. — William Pickles, Levi L. Campbell, George Cake, Gabriel Iszard, 

Samuel Downs. 
1825. — Levi L. Campbell, Daniel Focer, John Jackson, Charles Davie, 

Benjamin H. Fisler. 
1826. — L. L. Campbell, Benjauiin Harding, William Pickles, Samuel 

Downs, Samuel Porch. 
1827. — Lewis Stanger, Benjamin Harding, Charles Davis, Samuel Porch, 

Abraham Leddon. 
1828. — Abraham Leddon, Lewis Stanger, Lawrence Cake, Joseph Iszard, 

Samuel Porch. 
1829. — Daniel Focer, Joseph Albertson, Samuel Porch, Charles Davis, 

Robert Chew. 
1830. — Benjamin 0. Down, Charles Davis, Joseph Albertson, Robert 

Chew, Samuel Porch, Esq. 
1831.— Josiah Beckett, Charles Davis, Robert Chew, David Carney, John 

Harding. 
1832. — Charles Davis, Joel Steelman, John Harding, Joseph Iszard, 

David Carney. 
1833. — John G. Rosenbaum, Samuel Porch, Samuel Sharp, Matthias R. 

Crane, Samuel Fisler. 
1834. — John G. Rosenbaum, Samuel Fisler, M. R. Crane, Charles Davie, 

Jacob Stanger. 
1835-36. — J. G. Rosenbaum, Samuel Fisler, Sr., Jacob Stanger, M. R. 

Crane, Charles Davis. 
1837-38.— J. G. Rosenbaum, Thomas H. Whitney, Johnson Beckett, 

Robert Chew, M. R. Crane. 
1839. — J. G. Rosenbaum, Walter H. Dunlevy, James Downs, Samuel D. 

Fisler, David Veal. 
1840. — J. G. Rosenbaum, David Veal, Walter H. Dunlevy, James Downs, 

Wesley Beckett. 
1841. — J. G. Rosenbaum, James Downs, Wesley Beckett, David Veal, 

George Craver. 
1842. — Matthias R. Crane, James Downs, Wesley Beckett, David Veal, 

George Craver. 
1843.— Robert Chew, Jacob Porch, Henry S. Brown, M. R. Crane, Wes- 
ley Beckett. 
1844^6.— Benjamin H. Fisler, J. G. Rosenbaum, Thomas H. Whitney, 

Joshua Richman, Wesley Beckett. 
1847-48. — J. G. Rosenbaum, Jacob Porch, Joshua Richman, Jacob Fisler, 

Wesley Beckett. 
1849. — J. G. Rosenbaum, Joshua Richman, Jacob Porch, Joseph Fisler, 

Woodward Warrick. 



1850. — William S. Scott, Wesley Beckett, Osborn Downs, Woodward 

Warrick, John V. Porch. 
1851. — Benjamin Beckett, John G. Rosenbaum, Charles Davis, Wesley 

Beckett, Gabriel Abbott. 
1852. — J. G. Rosenbaum, Benjamin Beckett, Charles Davis, Jacob Porch, 

Gabriel Abbott. 
1853. — Jacob Porch, Matthias R. Crane, Christopher Sickler, Joseph T. 

Pauliu, Wade Fisler. 
1854, — Christopher Sickler, Wade Fisler, John Saul, James Cassady, 

William P. Crane. 
1855. — C. Sickler, Charles Davis, James Cassady, Wade Fisler, William 

P. Crane. 
1856.— C. Sickler, Martin Madden, Charles Davis, WaSe Fisler, William 

P. Crane. 
1857.— C. Sickler, Gabriel I. Abbott, Stephen G. Porch, Nathaniel C. 

Fisler, Edward Lashley. 
1858.— J. G. Rosenbaum, Osborn Downs, S. G. Porch, Nathaniel C. Fisler, 

Samuel D. Chew. 
1859.— Jacob Porch, John G. Van Zant, John S. Veal, Samuel D. Chew, 

Natlianiel C. Fisler. 
1860. — William B. Rosenbaum, C. L. Stanger, John Saul, William Scott, 

Jacob Porch. 
1861.— W. B. Rosenbaum, C. L. Stanger, James Cassady, William Nelson, 

William H. Marshall. 
1862. —W. B. Rosenbaum, W. H. Marshall, James Cassady, Christian L. 

Stanger, William Nelson. 
1863.— W. B. Rosenbaum, W. H. Marshall, John Van Zant, William 

Nelson, Frank Hooke. 
1864.— N. C. Fisler, Osborn Down, Frank Hooke, W. H. Marshall, Wil- 
liam Nelson. 
1865. — W. H. Marshall, Osborn Down, Joshua Richman, Matthias R. 

Crane, William H. Todd. 
1866. — W. H. Marshall, Osborn Down, Joshua Richman, Thomas Wilson, 

William B. Rosenbaum. 
1867-68.— W. H. Marshall, J. Richman, Osborn Down, Richard C. Sou- 

ders, Jacob Porch. 
1869-70.— W. H. Marshall, Osborn Down, J. Richman, R. C. Souder, 

Moses Crane. 
1871-72. — Joshua Richman, R. C. Soudera, Moaes Crane, Joseph Irish 

John W. Down. 
1873.— J. Richman, R. C. Senders, John W. Down, Thadeua C. Throup, 

Jonathan H. Smith. 
1874. — J. Richman, B. C. Souder, J. W. Down, J. H. Smith, Moses Crane. 
1875.— J. AV. Down, M. Crane, Isaac S. Sharp, Joseph Irish, Charles P. 

Crane. 
1876.— J. W. Down, M. Crane, Joseph Irish, C. P. Crane, Adam K. Rich- 
man, 
1877. — M. Crane, J. W. Down, C. P. Crane, Adam K. Richman, Blichael 

Fair. 
1878.— M. Grane, C. P. Crane, A. K. Richman, M. Fair, John Trinmel, Sr. 
1879. — A. K. Richman, Moses Crarte, James Maltman. 
1880.— A. K. Richman, James Maltman, Thomas S. Down. 
1881. — A. K. Richman, T. S. Down, Moses Crane. 
1882.— Charles S. Clark, Charles D. Smith, A. K. Richman. 



CONSTABLES. 



1821. John Jackson. 

Benjamin Downs. 
1822-23, 1826-30. David Carney. 

1824. Benjamin C. Down. 

1825. Robert Chew. 
1831-43. Benjamin T. Crane. 

1844. Samuel D. Fisler. 

1845. William Nelson. 
1846-47. Jacob M. Nelson. 
1848-51. Joseph T. Paulin. 
1852-58. William Porch, Jr. 

1859. William Porch. 
Benijah Down. 

1860. William Porch. 
Jesse Down. 

1861-62. William Porch. 

Jonah B. Colmer. 
1863-67. William Porch. 
1868. William Porch. 

Steplieu G. Call. 



1869. William Porch. 

Richard W. Odium. 
1870-73. William Porch. 

Charles P. Holstou. 

1874. William Porch. 
Albeit Wells. 
Alfred Howes. 

1875. W. Porch. 
Henry Leddon. 
Oscar B. Smith. 

1876. W. Porch. 

WilUitm A. Hagarman. 
0. B. Smith. 

1877. W. Porch. 
James 0. Jones. 
William E. Hagarman. 

1878. W. Porch. 

W. E. Hagarman. 
0. B. Smith. 

1879. W. E. Hagarman. 



TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN. 



217 



1880. ■William Porch. 

W. E. Hagarman. 
M. D. L. Qhew. 
Oscar B. Smith. 



1879. 0. B. Smith. 
M. D. L. Chew. 
■\V. Porch. 
Harry L. Shaw. 

W. Porch elected in 1881 for three years, Edwin Chance for two years, 
and M. D. L. Chew for one year. 

Tn 1882, David Hendon was elected for three years, and M. D. L. Chew 
for one year. 

The following is a list of officers for 1883 : 

Town Clerk, William H. Todd ; Assessor, Joshua C. llichraan ; Collector, 
William Porch; Chosen Freeholders, Jonathan H. Smith, Joseph 
M. Iredell; Township Committee, Adam K. Richman, Charles S. 
Clark, James Maltman ; Surveyors of Highways, Harry W. Jones, 
Cornelius Trimnell ; Ovei-seer of Poor, Thomas H. Iredell; Con- 
stable, M. D. Ii. Chew ; Commissioners of Appeal, Charles Trimnell, 
Stephen P. Crane, George Robinson; Judge of flection, Andrew 
Buckingham; Inspectors of Election, Miller Van Note, David Vim 
Hook ; Justices of the Peace, William A. Warriner, Thomas N. At- 
kinson, Samuel McCurdy; Pound Keepers, Leonard McGee, Joseph 
A. Kandle, Henry J. Iredell, Ashton W. Thomas, Isaac S. Sharp, 
Joseph R. Chew. Incidentals, @500. 

Extracts from Records. — The following are copies 
of an affirmation and oath taken by two of the pio- 
neer officers of this township, and were, no doubt, as 
scrupulously lived up to as are the legal forms of the 
present day : 

I, Levi L. Campbell, do solemnly and sincerely declare and aflRrm, 
that I will truly, faithfully, honestly, and impartially value and assess 
the ratable estates in tlie township of Franklin, in the County of Glouces- 
ter, and that in making such valuation and assessment, I will, to the 
best of my Knowledge and Judgement, observe the directions of the 
Laws respecting the same. 

(Signed) Levi L. Campbell. 

Taken before Isaac Thorn, Esq., on tlie 13th day of March, a.d. 1820, 
and received the same day. 

I do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will in all things, 
to the best of my knowledge and understanding, justlj' and faithfully 
Execute the office of Surveyor of the highways, without favour or 
Partiality. 

(Signed) Moses Crane. 

Taken before \yilUam Porch, Eaqr., on the 13th day of March, a.d, 
1820, and received the same day. 

Estrar/s for the year 1820. 

At George Cake's. A steer, past two years old, with a wite Back, Brin- 
dle sides, with a number of wite spots on and is wite spots in the flanks. 

A large wite ewe. 

At Noah Park's. A Brindle Cow with a crop otf the near ear and half 
crop off the upper side tho oft ear, with only thi ee Tits. Booked Dec. 
29, 1820. 

At Nathaniel Salmon's. A Small Black Heiflfer (2 year old), with som 
small wite spots, marked a crop off the oft ear and half crop off the near 
ear. 

At Ah™ Leaddon's. A small wite ewe, with a half crop and a slit in 
the oft ear and a slope half-penny in the near ear. A small wite Ewe, 
part Marino, with a crop in the near ear & a slope half-penny in the oft 
ear. 

At Jacob Stanger, Jun^. A wite ewe, with a crop off the near ear and 
a slit and a hulf-penny in the under side the olt ear. A small wite Ewe, 
part Murino, with a crop of the near ear and a hole and a half-penny tlie 
under side the oft ear. 

At Charles Davis'. A wite Ram, Marked a Swallow-fork in the near 
ear and a half-penny under the same ear. A ewe (wite) Marked a crop 
off the near ear and a hole in the same ear. A wite Weather, marked a 
crop off each ear and a half-penny under each ear, and two slits in the 
oft ear and one in the near ear. 

At Jacob Fisler's. A wite Weither, Marked a crop off each ear and a 
hole in the near ear. 

A Wite Ewe, Marked a crop off the near ear and a half-penny on each 
side both ears and a slit in the oft ear. 

Pioneer Election. 
We, the jndges and inspectors of election of the Township of Frank- 



lin, in the connty of Gloucester, do hereby certify that having pro- 
ceeded to receive the votes of the voters of said Township, the following 
is a list of all the candidates voted for, of the officers proposed for them, 
arnl the number of votes for each. 

For Members of the Legislative Council : John Baxter, sixty-seven ; 
Joseph Lodge, seven. 

For Members of the General Assembly: William Talirn, nine ; John 
Wilson, eleven; Thomas Garwood, thirty-five ; John Moore Wite, four- 
teen ; Joseph \. Clark, fourteen ; William Watson, forty; Jeremiah J. 
Foster, forty-two; Samuel Kille, thirty-five. 

For Sheriff: Benjamin Wilkins, seventy-five. 

For Coroners : Isaac Mickle, Jr., thirty-six ; John Zierns, forty-four ; 
Nehemiah Blackman, seventy-two ; John Pissaut, twenty-nine ; Freedom 
L. Shinn, thirty-eight. 

The whole number of votes taken, seventy-six. 

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names and 
affixed our seals, the 11th day of October, in the year of our Lord 
Eighteen hundred and twenty. 

A true coppy. 

(Signed) George Anderson, Judge. [l. b.] 

Levi L. Campbell, Assessor, [l. s.] 
Jeptha Abbott, Collector. [l. e.] 
Isaac Thorn, T. Clh. [l. s.] 

At the Presidential election held Nov. 8, 1820, the 
whole number of votes cast was thirty-eight, as 
follows : 

For Members of Congress : Joseph Mcllvane, nine ; 
James Matlack, twenty-nine. 

For Electors: KichardM. Cooper, nineteen; Robert 
L. Armstrong, sixteen. 

The certificate is signed by the same township 
officers as that for county offices in October. 

At the township-meeting held in March, 1821, the 
following resolutions were offered and adopted by the 
voters : 

*' Resolved, That one hundred dollars be raised for the use of the 
township. 

" Resolved, That the annual election for the Council and General As- 
sembly of this State open at Malaga and close at Glassborough. 

'^Resolved, That the next annual Town-Meeting be held at George 
Cake's, Little Ease." 

1822: 

" Resolved, That the Overseers of Highways' wages be seventy-five 
cents per day. 

"Resolved, That four hundred dollars hs raised for the use of the 
township. 

"Resolved, That the Annual Town-meeting shall be held at Little 
Ease, when the votes shall be taken by Ballot." 

This appears to be the first time the ballot was 
made use of at town-meetings. At this time Glass- 
boro and Clayton were included in Franklin town- 
ship. 

At the Presidential election in 1824 the number of 
votes had increased to fifty-six, when John Buck, 
Joseph Kille, Isaac Wilson, James Parker, and Daniel 
Vleit each are credited with that number for electors, 
Joseph W. Scott and John Beatty, Jr., with thirty- 
seven votes each, and Joseph Kline and James Cook, 
nineteen each. 

At this election George Casaday, Samuel Swan, 
George Holcomb, Lewis Coudiet, Daniel Garrison, 
received for Congress fifty-six votes each, and Eben- 
ezer Tucker thirty-two, and James Matlack thirty- 
three votes. 

In February, 1825, when the vote was taken in re- 



218 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



lation to location of court-house, jail, and other 
county buildings, the whole number of votes cast by 
Franklin township was two hundred and twelve, of 
which Woodbury received one hundred and eighty- 
seven, and Camden, or within one mile thereof, re- 
ceived twenty-five votes, — quite an increase in num- 
ber of votes from November, 1824, to February, 1825. 

The certificate was signed by Jacob Stanger, judge 
of election ; Isaac Thorn, assessor ; Samuel Fisler, 
collector ; and Daniel Focer, town clerk. 

Pioneer School CommMtee. — At the annual town- 
meeting in March, 1826, the following-named per- 
sons were elected a " committee for the education of 
poor children in this township:" Walter Donlevy, 
Thomas B. Wood, Laurence Cake, Jacob Fisler, Jr., 
William Porch, John Jackson, and Aquilhi Down. 

" Ordn\'d, That the township committee pay to the school committee 
the money raised Inst year (I8"25} for the use of said school. 

" Ordered, Tliat the school committee shall proportion the money re- 
ceived by them for the use afoi-esaid to tlie best of their ability." 

At the town-meeting in March, 1828, the following 
resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

*' Mesohed, That the voting of this townsliip shall be by marking. 

" R'Soliied, That no person shall liold more than one township office. 

^^ Resolved, Tliat there be but one constable to serve the townsliip. 

" Jtc£olvrd, That there shall be three districts for overseers of the 
roads, namely, 1st, 2d, 3d, and one overseer to each district. 

" Resolved, That the money in the .school fund shall go into the liands 
of the township committee." 

At the annual town-meeting in March, 1830, the 
following-named persons were elected a " school com- 
mittee:" Robert Chew, Benjamin Harding, William 
Porch, Esq., Dr. Jacob Fisler, Levi L. Campbell. 
These gentlemen held the position of "school com- 
mittee" till the spring of 1837, when the records tell 
us that " the town committee to act in place of the 
school committee," yet at the annual town-meeting 
in March, 1838, Jacob Stanger, John V. Porch, and 
James Down were elected a "school committee," 
neither of whom are members of the town com- 
mittee. 

The inhabitants continued to elect three persons 
annually as a school committee till the spring of 1847, 
when Miles Synott was elected "school superintend- 
ent," which oflSce was continued till the law was 
changed creating a county superintendent of schools. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Malaga is a small hamlet, situated on the southwest 
side of the township, near the line of Cumberland 
County. The land upon which the village is located 
was owned, previous to 1813 or 1814, by Daniel H. 
Miller, who owned a tract of several thousand acres 
in this vicinity. Upon this large tract was nothing 
more than the farm-house and several tenements till 
1814, when the entire tract was purchased by Chris- 
tian L. Stanger, who, in 1813 probably, built a saw- 
mill just below where the present bridge crosses the 
stream. This was the pioneer improvement of what 
is now the village of Malaga. At this mill was manu- 



factured the lumber for building the pioneer glass- 
works of what now is Franklin township. 

The pioneer store was the one connected with the 
glass-works, and owned by Stanger & Co. Soon there 
were other stores at this place, all of which soon 
served their time and were abandoned. 

The pioneer blacksmith and wheelwright were also 
connected with the glass-works. 

The pioneer tavern was kept by Ferguson McGon- 
igal. The old building stood in front of the site oc- 
cupied by the present hotel. There was a large lot in 
rear, or along the road leading to the railroad depot, 
and the space between the tavern and glass- factory, 
now occupied by buildings, was then vacant. 

A saw-mill, on the site of the present one, was built 
by Jacob Stanger, during the ownership of the prop- 
erty by C. L. Stanger & Co., and the present grist- 
mill was built by John G. Rosenbaum in 1830. He 
intended the mill originally for his own use exclu- 
sively; but as soon as it was in operation the people 
of the surrounding country, who had been in the 
habit, from necessity, of pounding their corn and 
wheat in the old-fashioned mortar, began to patronize 
the new mill, and Mr. Rosenbaum was therefore under 
the necessity of enlarging his private mill to the 
capacity of the present mill. 

For several years Malaga was, to all appearances, 
a thriving town ; but, like all such towns with a float- 
ing population, it soon ceased to be anything more 
than whatever the glass-factory happened, with its 
good or ill fortune, to make it, as the village is not sur- 
rounded with a rich farming community, upon which 
merchants and mechanics mostly depend for support. 

There are at present in the village the Malaga Glass- 
Works, two general stores, one owned by the glass 
company and the other by R. C. Souders ; one tavern, 
by Joseph M. Iredell ; saw- and grist-mills, one black- 
smith, one large two-story school-house, the old town 
hall, now owned and occupied by the Methodist Epis- 
copal Society as a place of worship ; three secret soci- 
eties, — Knights of Pythias, Knights of Labor, and 
Junior American Mechanics. The village contains a 
population of about two hundred and fifty. The rail- 
road station is about half a mile northeast from the 
main street of the town. 

The postmasters of Malaga have been J. G. Rosen- 
baum, CheWj McClure, Down, and the present post- 
master, Ferdinand Rosenbaum. 

lona. — This is a small hamlet, situated on the line 
of the West Jersey Railroad, about one and a half 
miles from Franklinville, and was made a railroad 
station in 1860 or 1861. The place was settled by 
Moses Crane, the father of a large family, and known 
for many years as " Cranetown." Mr. Crane built a 
saw-mill here, which was in operation till about 1875, 
when it was abandoned. There is at present at lona 
a railroad station, store, steam saw-mill, owned by 
sons of W. P. Crane, and town hall. Population 
about seventy-five. 



TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN. 



219 



Porchtown, a smatl hamlet on the southwest line 
of the township, adjoining Cumberland County, 
where there is a grist-mill, blacksmith-sbop, shoe- 
shop, and Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, and about 
seventy in habitants. 

New Denmark is a small collection of farm-houses, 
about two miles southeast from Franklinville, without 
store or mechanic of any kind, and has a population 
of thirty or forty. 

Franklinville, located in the northwest part of the 
township, was one of the earliest settled localities in 
what is now Franklin. The land upon which the 
village is located was owned, at the beginning of the 
present century, by William Fisher, who located a 
tract of over one thousand acres, and for many years 
the hamlet was called LUtle Ease, and so designated 
in the early records of the township. 

During the ownership by Mr. Fisher, and some time 
previous to 1800, he built a saw-mill at this place, 
and upon the same site two mills have succeeded the 
first one, and the third one was in operation till 1867, 
when the milling business at this point was aban- 
doned. Previous to the building of a saw-mill there 
was a turning-mill at Little Ease. Myers Wilson 
owned the property subsequent to the ownership by 
Fisher. Mr. Wilson was a millwright and wheel- 
wright combined, and carried on both branches of 
the trade. Samuel Porch purchased of Myers Wilson 
the thousand-acre tract, including the mill property, 
and owned the whole for many years. 

The pioneer tavern at Little Ease was kept by 
George Cake, he having purchased of Myers Wilson 
a small lot of land, upon which he built a house on 
or near the site of the present tavern-house. Here 
Mr. Cake kept the pioneer tavern for many years, 
and at his death the business was continued by his 
son, Lawrence Cake, who became prominently iden- 
tified with the business interests of the township, 
holding prominent township offices at various dates. 
Lawrence Cake kept the old hostlery for about twenty 
years, when he sold to Leonard Larkins, who con- 
tinued the business till his death, which occurred in 
1879 or 1880, since which time Franklinville has been 
without a tavern. The property, however, has been 
purchased by a party in Philadelphia. 

In connection with the tavern George Cake kept 
a store, and at his death was succeeded in that, as 
well as the tavern, by his son Lawrence. 

The second store at what is now Franklinville 
was kept by Samuel Porch, grandfather of the pres- 
ent venerable William Porch, who is now and has for 
nearly thirty years been township collector. Mr. 
Porch was succeeded at the yardstick and old beam- 
scales by Joseph Medara, who was followed by James 
Welch, John McClintock, John Graham, and he by 
Edmund Jones, the present principal merchant of 
the village. Mr. Jones commenced the mercantile 
business here about 1858, and in the mean time has 
filled the oflSce of sheriff of Gloucester County one 



term, and is at present one of the lay judges of the 
County Court. 

The earliest blacksmith at this place within the 
recollection of the oldest' inhabitant was William 
Davis, who was here in the early part of the present 
century, and the pioneer shoemaker wns honest old 
John Phillips. Paul Early was the wheelwright at 
Little Ease as early as 1820. 

The third store at Franklinville was kept by John 
F. Nute, in connection with the railroad station. 
When the station-house was built, in 1867, Mr. Nute 
was made station agent, and in one part of the build- 
ing he opened a general store. June 30, 1880, the 
station, store, and stock of goods was destroyed by 
fire, caused by a spark from a passing engine. Mr. 
Nute soon erected the store building now standing on 
the opposite side of the railroad track, where he is 
still engaged in the mercantile business, and is also 
the present postmaster at Franklinville. The next 
store was that of Thomas Wilson, in his dwelling, a 
short distance from the railroad station. His store 
is more especially for the accommodation of his 
family and his numerous employes than for the 
public generally. 

There are at Franklinville three stores, by Edmund 
Jones, John F. Nute & Son, and Thomas Wilson ; 
two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian ; 
one school-house, railroa3 station, and post-office. 
There is no mill, blacksmith, wheelwright, doctor, 
lawyer, or tavern, and population only about seventy- 
five. 

Plainville, situated near the centre of the town- 
ship, where there is a Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and about a dozen dwellings in the neighbor- 
hood. 

Chewville, situated in the southeast corner of the 
township, where there is a Methodist Episcopal 
Church, steam saw-mill, cemetery, and ten or twelve 
dwellings. 

Downstown is a small collection of houses at the 
intersection of six roads on the Atlantic County line, 
where there is also a store, blacksmith-shop, and 
about forty inhabitants. 

Forest Grove is another of those mythical towns, 
containing about thirty dwellings, steam saw-mill, 
blacksmith and wheelwright shop, by Oscar Smith, 
post-office and store, by William Ellis, a brick Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and brick school-house. 

Newfield. — This is comparatively a new town, sit- 
uate in the south part of the township, at the junction 
of the Atlantic and West Jersey Railroad with the 
main line of the West Jersey Road, and is on the old 
Rosenbaum tract. In 1863, Allen Heminway, father 
of Amenzo B. Heminway, purchased a tract of one 
hundred and forty -four acres of land on the west side 
of the railroad, and Capt. Ely, of Philadelphia, pur- 
chased one hundred and eleven acres on the east side 
of the railroad ; and soon after that, Morris & Co. 
purchased large tracts around the two former, and 



J 



220 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



the whole of the three tracts was surveyed into streets 
and building lots and offered for sale. 

The railroad station was built, quite a number of 
lots sold, houses built, stores and shops built, mechan- 
ics busy, and the banner of prosperity seemed to 
wave over the embryo town for a short time, when 
the tide of immigration ceased or diverted to other 
points, and the prestige once lost has never been re- 
gained. 

The pioneer store was opened by Charles Pitt 
Lashley, who was succeeded by different merchants, 
and finally by J. J. Sturnier, the present merchant, in 
the old store. The next store was that of Mrs. Har- 
riet A. Evans, in the building where she is now 
located. 

The building known as the " Newfield House" was 
built by a Mr. Knowles, of Philadelphia, and sold to 
H. A. Pelton, who kept the hotel till 1881, when he 
died. Since then the house has been kept by Mrs. 
Pelton, the present proprietress. The pioneer shoe- 
maker was William Summervill, who has increased 
his business to the dignity of a boot and shoe store. 
John B. Carman commenced the boot and shoe trade 
here in the spring of 1882. 

The pioneer blacksmith at Newfield was William 
Grant, who located here about the year 1868 or 1869, 
and was soon succeeded by Thomas Bateman, who 
remained till 1872, when he was succeeded by Pier- 
son & Garvin, who built the present wheelwright- 
shop. They sold the property to Joseph James, the 
present blacksmith at Newfield. The present wheel- 
wright is Langdon W. Harris. The Newfield stove 
and tin store is kept by a Mr. Wakeman. There is 
also at this place a small rattan basket and chair 
works, of which E. J. Morell is superintendent. 

The pioneer postmaster at this place was Allen 
Heminway, who was succeeded by his son, De Witt C, 
and he by his wife, Mrs. M. J. Heminway, the pres- 
ent postmistress. The West Jersey Eailroad was 
built to this place in 1864, and the Atlantic Junction 
in 1880. De Witt C. Heminway was the first station 
agent, and Allen C. Becket is the present one. 

The Weekly Item, an eight-column newspaper, was 
established here in October, 1873, by Albert C. Dalton, 
the present publisher and editor. There is also a 
small Baptist Church at this place, of which we could 
gain no reliable information. 

SOCIETIES. 

Malaga Lodge, No, 43, K. of P.— This lodge was 
instituted at Malaga, N. J., April 5, 1880, by Eugene 
V. Lorton, G. K. R. S. of Howard Lodge, No. 53, 
assisted by representatives from several other lodges. 
The following-named persons were the charter mem- 
bers : 

George Davis, Isaac P. Smith, Joseph Akert, Joseph 
M. Iredell, Ebert B. Clouse, Isaac A. Hues, William 
Kealy, John Vanzant, Moses D. Atkinson, Leander 
Zanes, Charles Bittle, Jesse Atkinson, John Loid, 



Isaac S. Stewart, William W. Richman, James Malt- 
man, Philip W. Carter, Ferdinand Rosenbaum, Adam 
Smith, John S. Down, Ferdinand M. Lashley, Thomas 
Evans, and Joseph Kinsel. 

The first oflScers of the lodge were John Vanzant, 
P. C. ; Ebert B. Clouse, C. C. ; Isaac A. Hues, V. C. ; 
Isaac P. Smith, P. ; Ferdinand Rosenbaum, K. of R. S. 
and M. of F. ; Joseph Akert, M. of E. ; Philip W. 
Carter, M. at A. ; Charles Bittle, I. G. ; John Loid, 
O. G. 

The regular meetings of the lodge are held on Mon- 
day evening of each week in their hall in public 
school building. Present membership, fifty-eight. 

The present officers (August, 1882) are George W. 
Robinson, P. C. ; George O. Mahr, C. C. ; P. W. Car- 
ter, V. C, ; Rev. John B. Whitton, Prel. ; Thomas 
Calverly, M. at A. ; John Vanzant, M. of F. ; F. 
Rosenbaum, K. of R. S. ; Isaac P. Smith, I. G. ; John 
G. Stadler, O. G. 

Forest Grove Lodge, No. 91, F. and A. M.— This 
lodge was instituted at Franklinville, N. J., in 1867. 
The records of the lodge were destroyed by fire in 
June, 1880, therefore we are unable to give the names 
of charter members or list of first officers. The regu- 
lar communications of the lodge are held in Masonic 
Hall, over J. F. Nute & Sons' store, on the Tuesday 
evening before the full of the moon in each month, 
with a membership at present (1882) of twenty-three. 

The officers for 1882 were as follows: Christian A. 
Madden, W. M. ; Willie F. Lovejoy, S. W. ; Thomas 
C. Hampton, J. W. ; John M. Moore, Treas. ; Martin 
Madden, Sec. ; John F. Nute, Act. Sec. ; Andrew Buck- 
ingham, S. D. ; Robert J. Wilson, J. D. 

CHDRCHES. 

Franklinville Methodist Episcopal Church.— 

This society was formerly connected with Zion Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, two miles distant, and in 1840- 
42 the school district and church united in building 
a house for the accommodation of both church and 
school. This building was destroyed by fire in 1848, 
and in 1849 or 1850 another building was erected on 
the site of the first one. This house remained on the 
old site till 1873, when the school district decided to 
build a large two-story school-house upon the site of 
the old church and school building, also decided to 
donate to the church their share of the old school 
and church, provided the Methodists would move 
the building off from the site it occupied. This was 
accordingly done, and the building was removed to 
its present site, a short distance from the old one, 
enlarged and repaired, and converted into a neat and 
commodious house of worship. 

The first class-leader at Franklinville was Nathan 
Nelson, and among the pioneer members we find the 
names of Eli Wilson, Ann Wilson, William Atkin- 
son, David Veal, Samuel Nelson, Patience Nelson, 
Rebecca Atkinson, James Atkinson, Mary Atkinson, 
Samuel Porch, and James Porch. 



TOWNSHIP OF FEANKLIN. 



221 



Tlio first trustees of the church property were Wil- 
liam Atkinson, Samuel Porch, David Veal, and Nathan 
Nelson. 

The present class-leaders are Henry C. Atkinson 
and Thomas Parks. Present trustees, William Porch, 
Joseph Matlock, Nathan D. Walton, James Atkinson, 
George Atkinson, and Abbott Atkinson. Present 
membership, sixty. Value of church property, 
twelve hundred dollars. Henry S. Spalding is super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school, with an average at- 
tendance of thirty scholars. 

Among the preachers who have served this people 
we find the names of Revs. Stout, Noah Ed- 
wards, Levi D. Rhodes, Morrell, Estlack, 

Corson, and Huard, the present pastor. 

Lake M. E. Church was erected by S. M. Hudson 
in 18(J5. The Downs and Lashley families were promi- 
nent at the time of the organization of the society. 
By reason of the sparseness of the population and the 
poverty of the inhabitants in the vicinity of this 
church, its prosperity has not equaled the expecta- 
tions of its founders. Many of the original members 
have died, but the few that are left are faithful and 
diligent workers in the cause of Christianity. 

Zion M. E. Church, at Porchtown. — The people in 
this neighborhood at an early time determined to erect 
a house of worship, and accordingly, in 1828, they set 
about the work. With their own hands they felled 
and hewed the timber, and in due time the structure 
was completed. Among the prominent founders of 
this church were the families of Porch, David Veasy, 
Reuben Langley, and Matthias Crane, all noble and 
earnest workers. 

The church was flourishing at the commencement 
of its career. It had two important elements of pros- 
perity, — laithfulness and zeal among its members, and 
during many years it was the principal place of wor- 
ship in the vicinity. The house was rebuilt in 1860, 
but since that time the number of members in the so- 
ciety has diminished, and although services are held 
more frequently than in former times, attendance on 
these services is not as large as then. 

Presbyterian Church.— This an auxiliary or out- 
station of the Williamstown Presbyterian Church. 
Previous to 1850, Rev. Mr. Ford established a preach- 
ing station at this point, and in that year a branch 
organization was effected and the present house of 
worship built. There being but few persons at this 
place of the pure Calvinistic faith and doctrine, 
preaching was not kept regularly, or not oftener than 
once a month. After Mr. Ford left the Williamstown 
congregation preaching was neglected at this point, 
until that part of the exercises was abandoned entirely. 

The Sunday-school connected with this branch is 
under the superintendence of Mrs. Ellen J. Wilson, 
who meets her school in the little meeting-house 
every Sabbath, where she has an average attendance 
of twenty pupils. 

Methodist Episcopal Church at Malaga was or- 



ganized, as near as can be remembered by the oldest 
inhabitant, in 1860. 

The old school-house lot, where the church now 
stands, had, in the early part of this century, been 
donated for school, church, and burial purposes by 
the elder Rosenbaum. 

About the time of the organization of the church 
society, the Sons of Temperance, who were then 
flourishing in Malaga, built a hall, and soon after 
building their hall dissolved. The Methodists had 
no house of worship of their own, and the Sons of 
Temperance had no use for their hall, therefore gave 
the building to the Methodists, provided they would 
move it away from its then location'. Arrangements 
were made accordingly, and it was moved on the 
old school-house lot and converted into a church, 
where it still serves as such. The old school-house 
succumbed to the work of time, and a new one was 
built on another lot. 

The church is supplied with preaching, — Willow 
Grove charge, Bridgeton District. J. G. Edwards 
was preacher in charge in 1883. The class-leaders 
were Richard Smith and Isaac Westcoat, Jr. ; Trus- 
tees, Richard Smith, George W. Robinson, Isaac P. 
Smith, Isaac Westcoat, Jr., E. D. Riley, Joseph Kyte, 
and Theodore Laughrer. Membership in 1883, forty. 
Value of church property, one thousand dollars. 

Malaga Cemetery, located in rear of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, in the village of Malaga, 
was the place of interment of the pioneers who died 
in this vicinity, the following-named persons being 
among the number : 

Christian I. Stanger, died Aug. 4, 1867, aged 60 years. 

Jane Hartman, died March 11, 1877, aged 63 years. 

Rebecca Sailer, died Dec. 16, 1876, aged 61 years. 

William Sailer, died Oct. 24, 1871, aged 60 years. 

J. J. Daniels, Co. G, Eighth New Jersey Infantry. 

Catharine Trapper, died Fob. 27, 1861, aged 66 years. 

Daniel F. P. Sauerbrey, born June 22, 1798, in the dukedom of Saxe- 
Meiniogen, Germany ; died July 2, 1848. - 

Johanna E. Saurbrey, born Dec. 28, 1797 ; died Feb. 11, 1872. 

John G. Kosenbauni, born in the dukedom of Sa.xe-Meiningen, Ger- 
many, 1794 ; died Jan. 19, 1S60. 

Sidney, wife of J. G. Kosenbaum, born Aug. 1, 1806; died May 6, 1852. 

Cordelia Zihn, died March 26, 1855, aged 05 years. 

Siibah Souders, died Oct. 6, 1846, aged 62 years. 

Levi Sharp, Sr., died May 15, 1807, aged 74 years. 

Mai-y Sharp, died March 17, 1863, aged 67 years. 

Stephen S. Vanzaut, died Feb. 6, 1830, aged 52 years. 

Phebe H. Vanzant, died May 24, 1862, aged 68 years. 

John G. Vanzant, born May 13, 1S16 ; died Sept. 2, 1879. 

Samantha Vanzant, died Feb. 21, 1876, aged 64 years. 

Elizabeth Vanzant, died Dec. 18, 1877, aged 54. 

Ferguson McGonigal, died Feb. 17, 1840, aged 61 years. 

Mrs. ISIary Willis, born Jan. S, 1780 ; died Oct. 10, 185.1. 

Jacob Sailer, died Feb. 14, 1831, aged 58 years. 

Abigail Sailer, died March 23, 1846, aged 73 years. 

Charles Worcester, born Sept. 22, 1811 ; died Oct. 27, 1851. 

INDUSTKIES. 

Malaga Glass and Manufacturing Company. — 

The pioneer glass-works of Franklin township were 
built at Malaga in 1814, by Christian L. Stanger and 
others. He, with others, purchased of D. H. Miller 
a large tract of land in 1813, or early in 1814, 



222 



HISTOEY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



and built a saw-mill just below where the present 
bridge spans the stream at this place. Here the 
lumber was manufactured for building the factory, 
and Gideon Matthews, then a laborer for Stanger & 
Co., carted the lumber from the mill to the lot upon 
which the first glass-works were built. The frame of 
the first building was erected July 4, 1814. In 1829 
the property, including the large tract of land, was 
purchased by John G. Eosenbaum, who, in 1840 or 
1841, added another factory to the one already in 
operation. He continued the manufacture of glass- 
ware till about 1857, when the property changed 
hands, and the glass-works were operated by Whit- 
ney Brothers until 1861, when the heirs of John G. 
Eosenbaum, the former operator of the works, as- 
sumed control of the business, and in 1862 erected 
what is known as the new factory. For a few years 
subsequent to 1863 the works were operated by differ- 
ent firms, and in 187- the property was purchased by 
the "Malaga Glass and Manufacturing Company," 
who are the present owners and operators, with E. 
E. Wood, of Philadelphia, as president of the com- 
pany. The average number of persons employed in 
and around the works is eighty. The property of the 
company at this place includes the larger portion of 
the dwellings in the village of Malaga. 



CHAPTER XLI. 

TOWNSHIP OF GLASSBORO.i 

Geographical and Descriptive.— This township 

was formed from Clayton, in 1878, by act of Assem- 
bly as follows : 

" Section 1. BeUmacled,etc., That all that part of the township of Clay- 
ton contained within the following bounds, that is to say: Beginning 
at a point where the pnblic road from Fries' Mills to Blackwoodtown 
and tlie line between the townships of Monroe and Clayton intersects; 
thence westerly along the line of said Monroe township and Washing- 
ton township until it strikes the township of Mantua; thence westerly 
along said last- mentioned township and the township of Harrison to a 
stone in the middle of the public road leading from Union to Simpkins' 
Mill ; thence south eastwardly in a direct course to the place of beginning, 
be and the same is hereby set off in a new township, to be called the 
township of Glassboro. 

"Section 2, And be it enacted, That the inhabitants of the town- 
ship of Glassboro are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate in 
law, and shall be styled and known by the name of 'The inhabitants 
of the township of Glassboro, in the county of Gloucester,' and shall 
be entitled to all the rights, powers, authority, privileges, and advantages, 
and subject to the same regulations, government, and liabilities as the 
inhabitants of the other townships in said county of Gloucester are or 
may be entitled or subjected to liy existing laws of this State. 

" Section 3. Aiid be it enacted. That the inhabitants of the township 
of Glassboro shall hold their first township meeting at the Temperance 
House at Glassboro, in the said township of Glassboro, on the second 
Tuesday in March next," etc. 

Section i provides for the meeting of the township committees to allot 
and divide properties, moneys, etc. 

Section 5 defines the riglits of each township to surplus revenue. 

Section 6 relates to justices of the peace holding over until the ex- 
piration of their term. 

Section 7 provides that the act shall take effect immediately. 

Act approved March 11, 1878. 

1 By W. H. Shaw. 



The township is bounded on the northeast by 
Monroe and Washington townships, on the north- 
west by Mantua and Harrison townships, and on 
the south by Clayton township, thus making the 
form of the township very nearly a pei'fect triangle. 
The surface is gently undulating, the soil sandy and 
in a good state of cultivation for vegetables and small 
fruits. 

Pioneer Settlement of Glassboro.— Previous to 
the advent of the Stanger brothers, in 177.5, there 
miglit have been one or two inhabitants in this im- 
mediate vicinity, but it is quite doubtful, for it was 
a dense forest of sickly-looking, dwarfy trees, and as 
for the soil, well, there wasn't much. 

The Stangers cleared enough of the land to serve 
their purpose and no more. Their old glass-works 
were built on quite an extensive scale for those days, 
but as extensive as they were the whole establish- 
ment would probably make fuel for the present 
works for about one day. They located near where 
the present hotel stands, just over on the other 
corner, on the site now occupied by the drug-store. 
The pot-house stood a little back of where the drug- 
store now stands, and the well out in front of the 
drug-store, was under the glass-house shed. This well 
furnished good water for the whole establishment. 

All there was of Glassboro in 1800 was comprised 
in the small area covered by the glass-works and the 
tenements of owners and blowers, which were but 
very few. In the early part of 1811, Col. Thomas 
Heston and Thomas Carpenter came, and the place 
was called Hestonville. During the ownership of 
Heston and Carpenter the name of the locality was 
changed to that of " Glassboro," which was thought 
to be more in keeping with the industry of the then 
new town. 

The glass-works company also monopolized all the 
store trade, as theirs was for a long time the only 
store in the place, theirs the only blacksmith, 
wheelwright, carpenter, shoemaker, and stone- or 
brick-mason in town. The old glass-works store 
stood nearly opposite the hotel, and was subsequently 
abandoned, and a new store-house built where the 
drug-store now stands. The glass-works, or rather 
the manufacture of glass, had then been transferred 
to the new works, now the old works. Eben Whit- 
ney at one time had a store back of where the barber- 
shop is located. 

Daniel R. Stanger, now nearly eighty years of age, 
remembers when Col. Heston built aud kept the pio- 
neer tavern, on the site, or rather a little in front of 
the present hotel. This was in 1811. The present 
hotel was built by Thomas Paul. Paul's mother was 
a daughter of Mrs. Heston by a former husband. 

The pioneer physician was Dr. Synott, who lived a , 
short distance from and in front of the hotel. Dr. 
Hance was the next resident physician. Previous to 
the location of Dr. Synott the nearest doctor was at 
Clayton, or in that vicinity. 



TOWNSHIP OF GLASSBORO. 



223 



As late as 1815 but little of the land in and around 
Glassboro had been cleared, all the dwellings were 
of logs, and were occupied by the following-named 
families: Jacob Swope, Valentine Pfotzer (now 
spelled Focer), Daniel Stanger, John Shaftar, Jacob 
Stanger, Solomon Stanger, John Simmerman, Mat- 
thias Simmerman, John Lutz, Francis Stanger, Philip 
Stanger, and Samuel Ledden. Mr. Stanger says that, 
aside from the dwellings of Col. Heston, the above 
were all the houses in what is now Glassboro at the 
above-named date. At that time the town was nearly 
all woods, and the roads were laid out as irregular as 
the streets are at present. 

The pioneer roads leading to and from Glassboro 
were as follows : March 16, 1796, the road leading to 
Little Ease (now Franklinville) was laid out; the 
Barnsboro road was laid out Oct. 29, 1792; Union 
Meeting-House (now Unionville) road, April 24, 
1811; the road to Cross Keys, Nov. 7, 1814; April 
19, 1827, the road leading from the hotel down past 
the glass-works was laid out, and the Mullica Hill 
road was laid out about 1800. Mr. Stanger had no 
date for the Squankum (now Williamstown) road. 

Civil List. — The following is a complete list of 
township officers elected at the first annual town- 
meeting, held in the spring of 1878, also a list of the 
town clerks, assessors, collectors, chosen freeholders, 
township committees, and constables down to and 
including 1883 : 

1878. — Town Clerk, William H. Sturgess ; Assessor, John E. Pierce; 
Collector, Walter H. Zane ; Township Committee, Thomas H.Whit- 
ney, Woodward Warrick, Charles Berry, Thomas Stanger, Thomas 
Annadowo ; Chosen Freeholders, Joseph T. Paulin, Hiram Stanger; 
Surveyors, Joseph H. DufBeld, Ira Iszard ; Overseer of Highways, 
Christopher Westcoat; Overseer of Poor and Constable, George 
Harhert; Judge of Election. Samuel D. Becket; Inspectors of Elec- 
tion, Thomas Stanger, -Toseph F. Asay; Commissioners of Appeal, 
Thonms Stanger, Kichard G. Stanger, Jacob Iszard; Pound-keeper, 
Thomas D. Cunningham. 

C7eri.— Mizael 0. Parker, 1879-83. 

Assessor, — John E. Pierce, 1879-83. 

ColUctor. — Benjamin F. Sweeten, 1879-83. 

CJwseii Frecholdcr.i.— Joseph Higgins, Sr., Jesse A. Johnson, 1879-83. 

TownsJiip Omnii«e''.— Charles Berry, Thomas Reeve, Richard Skinner, 
Jr., 1879; Thomas Reeve, Frank T. Homan, John T. Sickler, 1880- 
81 ; Frank T, Homan, Tliomas Reeve, Ira Iszard, 1882-83. 

Cmistail'i.—Gmrge W. Harhert, 1879-82 ; Ely Braddock, 1883. 

SOCIETIES. 

Glassboro Lodge, No. 85, F. and A. M.— A dis- 
pensation was granted this lodge June 6, 1867 ; charter 
granted Jan. 23, 1868, and on the 31st day of the 
same month the lodge was duly instituted. 

The petitioners for the lodge were B. C. Lippin- 
cott, M. C. Green, Dr. E. Hance, AVilliam H. Bodine, 
Francis Focer, Henry W. Zane, S. Luffberry, T. W. 
Synott, and Edwin V. Brown. 

The first officers of the lodge were as follows : B. C. 
Lippincott, W. M.; M. C. Green, S. W.; Dr. E. 
Hance, J. W. ; S. Luffberry, Treas. ; T. W. Synott, 
Sec. ; E. T. Lutz, Chap. ; W. H. Zane, S. D. ; W. H. 
Bodine, J. D. ; F. Focer and J. D. Heritage, M. of 
C. ; John Campbell, Tyler. 



The Masters of the lodge since 1868 have been as 
follows : M. C. Green, 1869 ; Edward V. Brown, 1870, 
1874, 1877 ; W. H. Zane, 1871 ; Dr. J. Down Heri- 
tage, 1872; John Campbell, 1873; Christian A. Mad- 
den, 1875; George S. Moffett, 1876; Benjamin T. 
Ferrell, 1878; Thomas M. Ferrell, 1879; John T. 
Whitney, 1880; James A. Haight, 1881; Simon S. 
Dnffield, 1882-83. 

The regular meetings of the lodge are held on the 
Friday evening on or before the full of the moon in 
each month in Odd-Fellows' Hall. The membership 
in September, 1883, numbered forty-three. 

The following were the officers for 1883: Simon S. 
Duffield, W. M.; M. Clifft Green, S. W. ; Andrew J. 
Proud, J. W. ; Samuel Lufberry, Treas. ; J. Down 
Heritage, Sec. ; Benjamin T. Ferrell, S. D. ; Thomas 
D. Cunningham, J. D. ; James A. Haight, M. of C. ; 
George S. Moffett, M. of C. ; Isaac Moffett, Steward ; 
Thomas M. Ferrell, Steward; FrancisTocer, Tyler. 

Lincoln Council, Wo. 100, 0. of U. A. M.'— This 
Council was instituted May 15, 1873, witli the foUnw- 
ing-named charter members: George D. Brittain, M. 
C. Greene, Lewis Stanger, J. A. Johnson, Samuel 
Clift', Joseph H. Ellis, Charles P. Cossaboon, George 
Strang, Samuel D. Beckett, Benjamin C. Smith, John 
Moore, George W. Beebe, Joseph Biggs, William 
L. Minks, Thomas Brown, John Westcott, Charles 
Brown, Jacob Westcott, James A. Haight, M. G. 
Earling, J. Down Heritage. 

The first officers of the council were as follows : 

C. George D. Brittian; V. C, M. C. Green ; Rec. Sec, 
Lewis Stanger; Asst. Eec. Sec, Jesse A. Johnson; 
Fin. Sec, Samuel H. Cliff; Treas., Joseph H. Ellis ; 
I., George Strang; E., Charles P. Cossaboon ; I. P., 
Samuel D. Beckett; 0. P., B. C. Smith; Trustees, 
George D. Brittain, M. Clifft Green, and Jesse A. 
Johnson. 

The Past Councilors of this council have been M. 
Clifft Green, Jesse A. Johnson, Lewis Stanger, Samuel 

D. Beckett, James A. Haight, B. C. Smith, Joseph 
Biggs, F. S. Turner, B. F. Sweeten, M. C. Parker, 
M. C. Earling, John Westcott, S. H. Garton, F. F. 
Thorn, T. P. Chew, M. C. Parker, John Westcott, 
S. H. Garton, John Z. Stanger, and Frank P. Crane. 

The officers October, 1883, were as follows : C, 

E. F. Hann ; V. C, C. W. Chew ; Eec Sec, M. C. 
Parker; Asst. Eec. Sec, F. P. Chew; Fin. Sec, 
Jesse A. Johnson ; Treas., J. H. Ellis ; I., George 
W. Gardner ; E., F. F. Thorn ; I. P., Elijah Ledden ; 
O. P., Charles P. Angelo ; Jun. Ex-C, F. P. Chew ; 
Sen. Ex-C, John Z. Stanger; Trustees, M. C. Parker, 

F. F. Thorn, John Z. Stanger. 

Howard Lodge, No. 53, K. of P.,' was instituted 
on Thursday evening, the 7th day of July, a.d. 1870, 
at eight o'clock, at Glassboro, N. J. The charter 
members were George S. Moffett, Horatio G. Zane, 
John C. Sweeten, Joshua B. Sickler, M. Clift Green, 



1 By M. C, Parker. 



« By G. W. Newborn. 



224 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Joseph H. Duffield, Jacob Iszard, Felix F. Turner, 
and Jesse A. Johnson. Dr. John Down Heritage 
entered on withdrawal card from Concordia Lodge, 
No. 39, and was the first presiding ofBcer. The names 
of first ofiicers were J. Down Heritage, C. 0. ; M. 
Clifft Green, V. C. ; Joseph H. Duffield, P.; Jacob 
Iszard, K. of R. and S. ; John C. Sweeten, M. of E. ; 
Horatio G. Zane, M. at A. ; Joshua B. Sickler, I. G. ; 
the ofiice of O. G. unknown. Names of past officers, 
Josiah D. Lutz, J. F. Asay, F. F. Turner, Jacob S. 
Campbell, Hiram Stanger, George W. Beebe, Henry 
Iceley, George Brittain, John H. Lamar, Enoch 
Younson, F. W. Coull, B. F. Doughty, Jesse A. John- 
son, B. F. Sweeten, R. F. Y. Pierce, George W. New- 
bern, John S. Parker, Charles H. Locke, F. P. Chew, 
Joseph Higgins, Sr., Albert C. Stanger, James D, 
Price, A. J. Albertson, Thomas G. Smith, and J. C. 
Appel. 

Names of present officers (October, 1883), Charles 
D. Fisher, C. C. ; Gurden R. Levake, V. C. ; George 
W. Newbern, K. of R. and S. ; Hiram Stanger, M. of 
E. ; A. J. Albertson, P. ; C. J. Flohr, M. at A. ; 
Charles Brown, I. G. ; John Kirkpatrick, 0. G. ; J. 
C. Appel, Jr., P. C. 

Meet Tuesday evenings in Odd - Fellows' Hall. 
Present number of members, eighty-seven. 

There is also in Glassboro a tribe of Red Men, a 
German Beneficial Society, a lodge of Odd-Fellows, 
a Junior O. U. A. M. council, Heptasophs, Glass- 
Blowers' League, and a lodge of Lad}' Masons. 

CHnKCHES. 

St. Thomas' Protestant Episcopal Churcli. — Just 
when this parish was organized no one now living can 
tell ; however, there must have been Episcopal ser- 
vice here prior to 1790, and probably as early as 1775 
or 1880. 

It is found by the records that baptismal service 
was performed in the following cases, Nov. 29, 1790 : 
Francis Stanger, son of Daniel and Eve Stanger ; 
Daniel Pfotzer, son of Valentine and Sophia Pfotzer ; 
Lewis Stinger, son of Philip and Dorothy Stinger ; 
Jacob Stinger, son of Peter and Elizabeth. 

May 4, 1791, Sarah Stinger, daughter of Christian 
and Mary Stinger. 

August 15, 1791, Mary Zimmerman, daughter of 
John and Catharine Zimmerman. 

April 7, 1793, Thomas Parks, son of Paul and Jane 
Parks ; Christian Swope, son of Jacob and Nancy 
Swope. 

March 28, 1795, John Swope, son of the above. 

Oct. 16, 1796, Elizabeth Zimmerman, daughter of 
Matthias and Hannah Zimmerman; Solomon Stinger, 
son of Philip and Dorothea Stinger. 

Nov. 7, 1796, Jacob Swope, son of Jacob and Nancy 
Swope. 

June 24, 1798, Frederick Lutz, son of Philip and 
Elizabeth Lutz. 

In the same record the following marriage is re- 



corded : " Jacob Swope and Nancy Duffield, married 
Oct. 25, 1791." 

Just after the above the following appears : " Church 
built in summer of this year, 1791." 

The church here spoken of was built in what is 
now the old graveyard, up at the junction of Pitman 
Avenue and Woodbury road, and in 1846 or 1847 the 
present stone church standing on Main Street was 
built, at a cost of sis thousand dollars, on a lot do- 
nated by Mrs. Bathsheba T. Whitney. During the 
war of the Rebellion the chancel was built and the 
church otherwise enlarged and improved, at a cost of 
five thousand dollars. 

Who the pioneer rector was, or who his successors 
for many years were, is not shown by present records, 
and tradition in this instance fails to supply the 
vacancy. 

July 22, 1848, Rev. Andrew Maekie appears as the 
rector ; June 24, 1855, Rev. Joseph P. Myers ; July 
6, 1856, Rev. William Herbert Norris ; Feb. 22, 1874, 
Rev. Edwin G. Nock; July 8, 1883, Rev. Joseph 
Taylor ; and the present rector, October, 1883, is Rev. 
Thomas Milby. 

Value of church property, ten thousand dollars ; 
communicants, thirty. Woodward Warrick and Eben 
Whitney are the two elder and more prominent mem- 
bers and managers of the parish. Thomas H. Whit- 
ney, a prominent member of this church, died May 
5, 1882, and as a tribute of respect, and to more fully 
perpetuate his memory as a man of worth, a beau- 
tiful and costly memorial window has been placed in 
the church opposite the .seat occupied by him when 
living. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— As early as 1820 
the old itinerant found his way to this then barren 
waste, and here planted the standard of the church 
he loved, holding meetings in the old school-house 
and in the Episcopal Church, then standing in the 
old graveyard, up at the forks of the Woodbury and 
Pitman Grove roads. Here the old pioneers of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church labored, but not in vain, 
for in 1823 a class was formed, with Joseph Albertson 
as leader. Among the early members still remem- 
bered by the venerable Daniel R. Stanger were Jacob 
Swope and wife, Thomas R. Hewit and wife, Catha- 
rine De Hart (who afterwards married a Mi-. Camp- 
bell), Peggy De Hart, Mary Albertson, Hannah Sim- 
merman, and a Miss Carty. At that time Glassboro 
was on a four weeks' circuit, of which Swedesboro 
was one of the appointments, and was where the 
preacher resided while on the circuit. 

In 1833 the little class had grown into a society, 
and a one and a half story frame church was built, in 
what is now known as the Methodist Episcopal bury- 
ing-ground. At that time there were nearly forty 
members, among whom was Daniel R. Stanger and 
wife and Mary Dunlavy, with Revs. Price and Brown 
as local preachers, who did very efficient service. 
Mr. Stanger was born Jan. 14, 1803, in Glassboro, 



TOWNSHIP OF GLASSBORO. 



225 



and has always lived in this town. He united with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1S33, and for half 
a century has continued one of the faithful pillars of 
the church. He is a grandson of one of the original 
Stangers of Glassboro. 

The old church building was subsequently removed 
and converted into a foundry by William Cornell, 
and afterwards destroyed by fire. 

The present church is a large frame structure, 
located at the intersection of Academy, New, and 
two other streets, and was built in 1854. 

Among the preachers who have labored with and 
for this people was a good, old-fashioned, eccentric 
Methodist, known locally as " Daddy Price." He 
was a most excellent man, and faithful iu the cause 
of his Master, and he died in 1882. John Spencer 
was another pioneer who labored in the local ranks, 
and passed away to reap the reward of the just. Jacob 
Fisler was both a soul and body physician. He was a 
local preacher, and lived at Clayton, and he will be 
mentioned in connection with the church at that place. 

Among the circuit riders, as they were called, 
was Jacob Gruber, whose powerful sermons and ex- 
treme oddities gave him a reputation such as few 

preachers possess. One of his co-laborers was 

Walker, a man of worth, and George Somers, a man 

of excellent ability and sterling worth. Rev. 

Burroughs was also one of the pioneer preachers, 
and was loved by all who knew him. 

From 1844 to the present time we have the follow- 
ing list of preachers, which is believed to be com- 
plete : 1844-15, William Hanley ; 1846, J. McDougal ; 
1847, S. Townsend and J. F. Crouch ; 1848, J. F. 
Crouch and C. R. Fleming ; 1849, J. Long and C. 
Polly; 1850, J. C. Somerill and B. Andrews; 1851, 
J. C. Somerill and J. F. Crouch ; 1852-53, J. Loudens- 
lager; 1854-55, G. Hitchins ; 1856, J. S. Swaim ; 
1857-58, T. Robbins; 1859-60, J. S. Heisler; 1861, 
J. I. Corson ; 1862-63, E. Hance ; 1864-65, R. J. An- 
drews ; 1866, G. Hughes and E. Hance; 1867-68, 
B. C. Lippincott (supply); 1869-70, W. L. Perry; 
1871, J. Lewis ; 1872-74, J. B. Turpin ; 1875-76, W. E. 
Perry; 1877-79, E. H. Dunn; 1880-81, W. S. Barn- 
hart ; 1882-83, S. S. Weatherby. 

The class-leaders for 1883 were Charles Berry, 
Samuel Luf berry, James D. Clement, John S. Beck- 
ett, and Michael Siramerman. 

Stewards, James A. Haight, Thomas C. Allen, 
Solomon H. Stanger, Jr., Ira Iszard, David Paulin, 
Charles Fisher, Charles T. Stanger, Andrew J. Prowd, 
and John C. Strong. 

Trustees, Thomas Adamson, Jacob Iszard, Benja- 
min Dilks, John Repp, Richard Skinner, and John 
Stanger. The membership in October, 1883, was two 
hundred and fifty. Value of church, $10,000; par- 
sonage, !:)2500. 

The Sunday-school superintendent is Samuel Luf- 
berry, and the school has two hundred and sixteen 
scholars and thirty-four teachers. 
1-5 



Ebenezer Methodist Protestant Church.'— In the 

latter part of the year 1829 the principles of " Mutual 
Rights" of ministers and laymen, as set forth in the 
discipline of the Methodist Protestant Church, were 
advocated in Glassboro by the late Rev. Thomas 
Pierson. Meetings were first held in the old school- 
house, then standing iu what is now an old grave- 
yard. Here for a number of years Rev. Thomas Dunn, 
of Philadelphia, alternated with Rev. Peirson, and 
they were assisted by James Chester, Esq. The ser- 
vices were somewhat irregular, yet a nucleus was 
formed, around which has grown one of the most 
flourishing and prosperous branches of the great 
Methodist family to be found anywhere in South 
i Jersey. Services were continued in the school- 
; house until the Reformers, as they were sometimes 
! called, were denied further admission. This was 
during the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Wesley AVallace 
(in 1834), who transferred the religious services 
to the well-worn steps of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church standing near by. 

Rev. Mr. Wallace was succeeded by Rev. Thomas 
Cheasman, of whom but little is known; a plain mar- 
ble slab, a decrepit fence, and twin oaks are all that 
guard his dust. Upon the slab is engraved, " Thomas 
Cheasman, Died August 25th, 1834, 53d year." 

After closing the school-house against the little 
band of Christian worshipers, the old pot-house, 
formerly occupied by the old glass-works company, 
was fitted up by Mr. and Mrs. Duulevy, and in this 
rude, unplastered, undedicated workshop Rev. James 
Connelly, a young man, full of warm, rich Irish blood 
and brogue, served the barley-loaves and few fishes. 

Mr. Connelly was succeeded by Rev. Edward 
Schock, a young minister, and during his pastorate 
the free use of the Protestant Episcopal Church was 
granted by its vestry for afternoon services, which 
were held there for a few years by Revs. Thomas 
Dunn, Wesley Wallace, Anthony McRunnels, Lit- 
tleton Crowper, Hiram Harrold, Samuel Budd, and 
Alexander Lane. Here the pioneers of the " new 
departure" continued to blow the gospel trumpet 
until the early summer of 1840, when they occupied 
their own church edifice, which had been built on a 
lot of ground containing one and thirty-four hun- 
dredths acres of land, purchased Oct. 8, 1839, from 
Messrs. Whitney & Warrick, for the sum of one hun- 
dred and forty dollars, the deed being given to Rev. 
James Abbott, the then pastor in charge, and Abram 
Simmerman, John Simmerman, S. H. Stanger, and 
Isaac Sharp, trustees. The lot and church complete 
cost eight hundred and forty-six dollars and forty- 
three cents, and the church was dedicated in the sum- 
mer of 1840 by Rev. Thomas H. Stockton. At this 
time the pastor in charge was Rev. J. S. Christine, 
under whose ministry the church was built, and who 
assisted in the dedicatory services. 

i Compiled from a voluminous history of this cliurcli by Key. S. G. 
Appleget. 



226 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



In 1862, during the pastorate of Rev. E. D. Stultz, 
a new church was built, with basement and lecture- 
room, at a cost of five thousand dollars. 

In 1882, under the pastorate of Rev. Louis D. 
Stultz, the church edifice was enlarged and modern- 
ized, inside and out, a steeple and bell added, and 
now (1883) it contains a beautifully frescoed audience- 
room, with a seating capacity of six hundred, a neat 
and tasty lecture-room, and class-rooms, with all the 
modern appliances of a first-class church edifice. 

Pastors. — As has been stated, Rev. Thomas Pierson 
was the pioneer of Methodist Protestantism in Glass- 
boro. Notliing more than this is known of him. He 
was assisted at times by Rev. Thomas Dunn, who or- 
ganized the First Associate Methodist Church of 
Philadelphia March 12, 1829. He was "a man of 
deep piety, and as a preacher he was excelled by 
few." 

They were succeeded by the mild-mannered Rev. 
Dr. Wesley Wallace, the quiet charm of whose minis- 
try captivated his audiences in the still shadows of 
the then wilderness waste. Rev. James Abbott came 
next, and in due time was succeeded by Rev. Thomas 
Cheasman. He was succeeded by Rev. James Con- 
nelly, the young Irish orator, and he by Rev. Edward 
Schock, the pledged friend and protector of the " Re- 
formers," who served this people in 1831-32, and again 
in 1841-42, during which period he built a home 
across the road from the church, where he died in 
July, 1855, and was buried where the gentle Heiss 
said was the " best place to sleep I ever knew," on 
the hill of Glassboro. He was written of as " brimful 
of a good, happy disposition, and exceedingly, and 
yet Christianly, social. His genial nature made his 
Master and himself many friends." The best work 
was his singing ministry, which stole everywhere like 
the charm of sunlight. 

Rev. " Sammy" Budd, as he was familiarly called, 
was an enthusiastic temperance advocate, and his 
body sleeps in the old graveyard at Pemberton, K. J. 

Rev. Alexander Lane, Yankee born, and as modest 
as a Quaker, was calm in council, and for a year faith- 
ful in office. 

Rev. J. S. Christine, under whose ministry the first 
house of worship was built in 1840, was a man of good 
executive ability, and as a preacher was above the 
average. 

Rev. Henry D. Moore, who joined Rev. E. Schock 
in the then sandy wilds of South Jersey, gave evi- 
dence of much promise, was well received, and his 
ministry well attended. His personal influence was 
for good and gave tone to the church. He went 
from here to Cincinnati, Ohio, and soon became pastor 
of the Vine Street Congregational Church, and his 
intense individuality ever held him as such. He was 
with this church (Glassboro) in 1843. 

In 1845, Rev. Bartine Twyford served this people. 
If he was not all head, he was all heart and a hard 
worker. In 1877 he was at Keyport, among his kin- 



dred, at the advanced age of fourscore years, waiting 
the summons of his Master. 

In 1849 the church and congregation was served 
by Rev. William Smith, of whom nothing more is 
known. 

Rev. Jacob Timberman took charge of this congre- 
gation in 1850, and he soon asked for a release, when 
the vacancy was supplied to the close of the year by 
the president of the Conference. 

Rev. William B. Vanleer was pastor in charge from 
1851 to 1853, and with great profit to the church. 
During the last year he was assisted by Rev. E. 
Schock. He was returned to this charge in 1859-60. 
His biographer attributed to him "a logical mind, 
a ready delivery, an earnest manner, and a strong 
faith. His ability in council, his decision in impor- 
tant emergencies, the tenderness with which he wel- 
comed, and the charitable encouragement he always 
extended to his younger associates, together with his 
strongand unwavering faith in the power of the. gospel 
and the superiority of his ecclesiastical principles" 
remain in memory. 

Rev. T. Taylor Heiss united with the Conference 
in 1851, and was assigned to Glassboro for 1854-55. 
The softness and melody of music seemed to be in all 
that he did. He continued busy in the Conference 
field until within a few years of his death. His heart 
gathered in all possible hope for a happy life, and 
surely held enough to brighten and beautify all the 
to-morrows of the future. He died in 1876 at Bridge- 
port, In the very Indian summer of his age. 

Rev. I. K. Witsil, under whose pastorate the church 
advanced in 1856-58, had freshly graduated from a 
twenty-six years' travel among the mountains of New 
York. He had organized the Attorney Street Metho- 
dist Protestant Church, New York, and at intervals 
had been Conference president, covering a period of 
ten years. During his first year at Glassboro it was 
resolved into a station. He found here twenty active 
members, and in two years one hundred more were 
added, some of wliom are yet foremost in duty and 
usefulness. He was a man of strong qualities and 
force, with manners that always spoke the calm com- 
mon sense within. He was a champion in debate, 
able in the exposition of church principles and gov- 
ernment, stern in his consistency, unbending in his 
conscientious purpose, and without compromise for 
most intimate friends. 

Rev. E. D. Stultz was the pastor of Ebenezer from 
1861-64. He was a man of great excellence, abun- 
dant in labors, strong as the sunrise, and as hopeful. 
His influence and usefulness had all the interest 
and character of a sustained revival in many re- 
spects, and success paid every undertaking. Gifted 
as a rare tactician, he was the church's old and new 
guardian, leaving an impression distinctly his own 
wherever he wrought. His life has been an evangel 
of kind affection, and he still continues to honor the 
church in efficient service. 



TOWNSHIP OF GLASSBORO. 



Rev. Joseph P. Wilson, the faithful pastor, was 
here in 1865-67. He joined the Conference in 1864, 
and in 1868 crossed the Delaware and took the 
chances of labor in Maryland. He lived in the hearts 
of the people, was impulsive, full of energy, and sen- 
sitive to a fault. 

Rev. T. B. Appleget served this circuit during the 
year 1868, and its thrift showed his earnest work. 
He entered the Conference in 1861, and was obedient I 
to its demands, but the pleading voice of a dark race, 
choked with the sobs of years, spoke louder and 
aroused the young itinerant. It asked him to be 
brave, benevolent, consistent, and true to the nation's 
history. His musket and .sword nerved the hand 
which held the pen of Abraham Lincoln until there 
was not a slave to curse American soil. He was fa- 
miliarly greeted as the " major." But loyal as he 
always has been, his failing health unfitted him for 
continuous pulpit labor, and he was obliged to retire, 
loved and popular with all classes. 

Rev. O. Ellerson succeeded to this station in 1870 
-71. During 1868-69 he served the Attorney Street 
Methodist Protestant Church, New York. While in 
Glassboro he was attacked with a throat affection, 
which led him to locate. He was more than an aver- 
age pulpit orator, and enjoyed the firm friendship of 
many of the young men in the community where he 
lived. 

Rev. F. Stringer was the next pastor, and remained 
during 1872-73 and eight months of 1874. 

Rev. H. Watson, the calm and honest preacher, 
began his labors in the fall of 1874, closed them in the 
beginning of 1875, and died April 2d of that year. 
He was tried and true, and "with no advantages of 
early education he fought his way, not only into the 
ranks, but 'to the very front.'" After twelve years 
of steady toil, his life became the price and penalty 
of his devotion. 

Rev. A. F. Pierce served out his vocation in the 
summer of 1875 with great acceptance, and for the 
intervals miscellaneous supplies were engaged. 

Rev. S. G. Appleget was assigned to Glassboro in 
1876, and remained till 1878. During his pastorate 
several improvements were made in the internal 
workings of the society, and the fact of his remaining 
three years in one place is evidence of a satisfactory 
administration. 

Rev. Charles E. Wilbur was pastor for three months, 
and then returned to Yale College, and after gradua- 
ting became an efficient pastor of the Pittsburgh Con- 
ference, and is now professor of Adrian College, 
Michigan. 

Rev. Louis D. Stultz was sent to Glassboro by the 
Annual Conference, sitting at Hopeville, in October, 
1880, and is the present pastor (September, 1888). 

Of the pioneer lay members of this church who 
deserve more than a mere mention, and who should 
have been biographically noticed by the church his- 
torian, are the Stanger, Siramerman, Zane, Sheets, 



Sharp, Pierce, Asay, Turner, Morgan, Duffield, and 
many other families, who toiled, struggled, and suf- 
fered that the present generation might enjoy the 
comforts of the outgrowth of the church they planted. 

The Sunday-school connected with this church was 
organized as early as 1841, under the superintendence 
of J. C. Sheets, and in 1855 it numbered but forty 
members. 

Since that time the Sunday-school has made equal 
progress with the church, and has grown away from 
the days when a small book-case, two feet square, held 
all its literature and accompaniments. Mr. Sheets was 
succeeded by S. H. Pierce until 1860, when S. W. 
Stanger was elected, and continued until 1875, when 
he was succeeded by W. H. Zane, the present super- 
intendent. 

German Reformed Church,— This church was 
organized about the year 1860, and_among its pioneer 
members we find the following names : William Dish- 
art, Justus Dishart, Nicholas Wagner, August Flohr, 
David Abner, Christian Myers, Eustis Witzal, Gottleib 
Houck, William Houck, Charles Houck, Carl Coupp, 
John Martin, John Maester, Henry Finger, and 
Henry Monk. 

The church edifice and parsonage are located at 
the intersection of Main and Union Streets, and are 
frame buildings, built and dedicated the same year 
the church was organized, and they cost, including lot, 
three thousand five hundred dollars. 

The present pastor is George Seible, with forty 
members of the church. Among the pastors who 
have served this people were Revs. George Beyer, 
Carl Baker, Dahlman, and Neubar. 

The trustees for 1883 were Christian Myers, Wil- 
liam Dishart, Gottleib Houck, August Witzal, Henry 
Monk, and Carl Schmidt. 

The elders were Christian Myers, William Dishart, 
and Gottleib Houck. 

The Sunday-school connected with this church was 
organized in 1868, with William Dishart as superin- 
tendent, who still holds the same relation to the school, 
which at present numbers twenty-five pupils. 

German Evangelical Association. — As near as 
can be ascertained, this society or church was organ- 
ized in 1863 by Rev. Zentling. Among the 

pioneer members were Michael Kubler, John Lutz, 
George Warner, Martin Brill, Jacob Long, George 
Emerick, John Kugler, Philip Frederick. 

The church edifice is a small frame structure, built in 
1863, dedicated the same year, and it cost six hundred 
dollars. Since the organization of this church it 
has met with many reverses, besides the difficulty of 
holding the young portion of the membership, who 
have outgrown and are still outgrowing their native 
tongue, and they attend the church and Sunday- 
schools where the English language is spoken exclu- 
sively, and where the Sunday-school presents more 
attractions than are usually found in the German 
schools. The membership in 1883 was thirty-five. 



228 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY.. 



The trustees for 1883 were Jacob Long, John Lutz, 
and George Emerick. Class-leader, Martin Brill; 
assistant class-leader, Michael Kubler. 

The present pastor is Rev. John F. Yeakle. The 
pastorate in this church is limited to three years. 

The Roman Catholic Church at Glassboro was 
built but a few years since, and stood about one 
quarter of a mile southwest from the railroad station. 
In 1882 it was moved to its present location, op- 
posite the village lock-up, on Church Street. The 
building is a frame structure, about thirty by forty 
feet. This parish is a mission, attended from Wood- 
bury by Bev. Father Minimin. 

CEMETERIES. 

The Old Graveyard, located at the intersection of 
Broad and Main Streets and Pitman Avenue, was oc- 
cupied as a burial-place during the latter part of the 
last century. As in many old and much-neglected 
burying-grouuds, many of the first interments are 
marked only by rude field-stones, without name or 
date. On the marble slabs are the following inscrip- 
tions that are still legible : 

Joel Bodine, died Apiil 20, 1859, aged 69 years. 
Jacob B. Stanger, died Oct. 2G, 1823, aged 60 years. 
Elizabeth Stanger, died May 13, 1856, aged 74 years. 
Hier 
Rubet in Gott 
Solomon Stenger 
War gebobren den 

28 Martz 1743 

und veslies diefe 

Jammer Voile Welt 

den 19t^'n Julius 

1794 

und brochte Also 

Sim Alter 

auf 51 Jahr 3 Waetaen 

und 6 Tage 

Catharine Stanger, died April 2o, 1800, aged 85 years. 
Rebecca Shaffer, died June 23, 1859, aged 54 years. 
Mary Shaffer, died June 27, 1870, aged 88 years. 
John Shaffer, aged 67 years. 
Darity Stinger, aged 94 years. 

Frederick Stanger, born June 12, 1786, died May 14, 1831. 
Mary Swope, died Oct. 16, 1823, aged 87 years. 
Philip Stanger, died Dec. 29, 1813, aged 57 years. 
Nicholas Griner, died March 15, 1833, aged 44 years. 
Thomas Oouary, died Feb. 25, 1831, aged 32 years. 
Michael Simmerman, died June 16, 1S30, aged 35 years. 
Teresa Simmerman, died Jan. 13, 1834, aged 45 years. 
Thomas Cheasman, died Aug. 25, 1831, aged 53 years. 
Mary Donlevy, died Oct. 24, 1845, aged 66 years. 
Walter H. Donlevy, died Jan. 9, 1849, aged 90 years. 
Isaac Thorn, died July 7, 1834, aged 43 years. 
Elizabeth Thorn, died Jan. 11, 1831, aged 46 year-s. 
John Lutz, died Dec. 28, 1817, aged 53 years. 
Sarah Lutz, died Sept. 16, 1850, aged 83 years. 
Daniel C. Lutz, died Aug. 6, 1838, aged 39 years. 
Ann C. Lutz, died Jan. 27, 1842, aged 44 years. 

St. Thomas' Cemetery, located in the church lot 
on Main Street, contains but few interments, from 
which we glean the following: 

Bathsheba Heston Wliitney, wife of Ebenezer "Whitney, born Dec. 30, 
1787, died Oct. 20, 1864. 

Thomas H. Whitney, born Jan. 4, 1813, died May 6, 1882. 

Abigail Whitney, wife of Woodward Warrick, born June 4, 1810, died 
Oct. 30, 1854. 



Tcmp'y Johnstone, wife of Hon Charles J. Abbott, born May 26, 
1809, died May 31,1876. 

Myles Synnott, M.D., died Feb. 9, 1867, aged 61 years. 

Harriet Whitney, wife of Myles Synott, died Fob. 21, 1864, aged 50 
years. 

Rachel 0. Heston, died Oct. 24, 1866, aged 70 years. 

Thomas H. Paul, died April 10, 1872, aged 58 years. 

Mary W. Paul, die.l Oct. 27, 1859, aged 68 years. 

Joshua Paul, died Dec. 4, 1831, aged 46 years. 

James Price, died Jan. 18, 1863, aged 54 years. 

Methodist Episcopal Cemetery. — Some of the 
inscriptions are as follows : 

Joseph Iszard, died Nov. 15, 1865, aged 67. 

Edward T. Lutz, died Dec. 29, 1876, aged 68. 

Samuel H. Lutz, died May 0, 1863, aged 63. 

Elizabeth Dufiield, died Nov. 3, 1858, aged 49, 

Henry Kackelcom, died April 12, 1862, aged 64. 

Richard Stanger, died Feb. 24, 1879, aged 59. 

Leonard Abbott, died Jan. 17, 1870, aged 50. 

George S. Focer, died Dec. 20, 1856, aged 40. 

Rev. Thomas Christopher, died Jan. 31, 1860, aged 45. 

Rev. John F. Crouch, died Sept. 23, 1852, aged 48. 

Margaret Crouch, died Aug. 4, 1866, aged 58. 

Daniel Neveling, born Jan. 7, 1786, died April 7, 1866. 

Mary Neveling, born March 16, 1806, died May 18, 1866. 

Rev. Christian Stanger, born Nov. 9, 1S14, died July 5, 1873. 

Daniel Focer, died April 13, 1845, aged 55. 

Ann Focer, died June 2, 1872, aged 77. 

George W. Pyle, born July 18, 1802, died June 7, 1872. 

Elizabeth Pyle, born Feb. 22, 1806, died Sept. 24, 1846. 

Letitla Clement, died May 14,1882, aged 73. 

Josiah Dufiield, died Felp. 13, 1856, aged 79. 

Letitia DufBeld, died Aug. 28, 1860, aged 84. 

Thomas Smith, died July 25, 1849, aged 64. 

Hannah G. Smith, born April 15, 1808, died Feb. 21, 1874. 

Chester Dilks, born Oct. 13, 1813, died Oct. 9, 1876. 

Robert Blackburn, Co. C, 12th N. J. Inf. 

Caroline Miller, died Sept. 9, 1877, aged 49. 

Christian Hesley, died Aug. 13, 1874, aged 80. 

John M. Stanger,, born March 5, 1819, died Feb. 6, 1862. 

Sarah Ledden, died April 26, 1875, aged 63. 

Benjamin Pennypacker, born Nov. 26, 1818, died March 30, 1871. 

Elijah J. Berry, died Oct. 10, 1881, aged 68. 

Margaret Small, died March 19, 1869, aged 81. 

Hannah Swope, horn Sept. 16, 1797, died Feb. 10, 1874. 

John Swope, died April 12, 1847, aged 52. 

Joseph Corson, died Jan. 29, 1879, aged 66. 

Mary Ann Corson, died Oct. 21, 1870, aged 62. 

Charles D. F. Wilke, died Feb. 14, 1862, aged 67. 

Maria Wilke, died Oct. 15, 1866, aged 72. 

John H. Smith, Co. D, 241h N. J. Vols., died June 2, 1863, aged 33. 

Ann Gi£ford,died March 7, 1878, aged 73. 

Josiah D. Lutz, died Jan. 24, 1874, aged 59. 

Mary Skinner, died Oct. 2, 1844, aged 46. 

Rev. Richard Skinner, died March 12, 1882, aged 84. 

Mary Skinner, died Oct. S, 1882, aged 73. 

William H. Newburn,Co. A,9th N. J. Vols., died June 8, 1865, aged 27. 

James Tyler, died Jan. 20, 1865, aged 51. 

Andrew S. Long, died Sept. 14, 1865, aged 72. 

Lettuce Long, died March 17, 1861, aged 64. 

Rebecca Mills, died April 2(1, lS4i, aged 44. 

Maria Airord,died May 8,1883, aged 66. 

William F. Beckett, died Nov. 7, 1852, aged 43. 

Johnson Beckett, died Sept. 14, 1859, aged 72. 

Louisa BecUctt, died Oct. 30, 1857, aged 69. 

Simon S. Dufiield, born Aug. 15, 1808, died March 25, 1874. 

Lewis Stanger, died Dec. 2, 1864, aged 67. 

Elizabeth Stanger, died July 31, 1843, aged 60. 

Christopher F. Gleisner, born Feb. 14, 1817, died May 21, 1869. 

William Brown, died Dec. 1, 1868, aged 60. 

Daniel Sinmierinon, died Sept. 9, 1858, aged 66. 

Hannah Cox, died Nov. 23, 1860, aged 45. 

Joseph Alberlson, died Nov. 13, 1860, aged 71. 

Mary Alberlson, died Doc. 30, 1866, aged 76. 

Abigail Stout, died Jan. 1, 1864, aged 72. 



TOWNSHIP OF GLASSBORO. 



229 



Cbristiau Armstrong, died Jan. 31, IS81, aged 65. 
Allen Corey, Lorn June 16,1798, died July 2G, 1876. 
Susan Corey, bom Jan. 28, 1804, died March 1, 1881. 

Methodist Protestant Cemetery.— Among tlie in- 
scriptions in tliis cemetery are tlie following : 

Henrietta M. Brown, born May 23, 1831, died Jan. 15, 1882. 
John G. Watson, died July 9, 1862, aged 79. 
Hannah Stanger, born Nov. 10, 1798, died Dec. 2, 1878. 
Gwinncth A. Sheets, died March 18. 1873, aged 60. 
DiiTid I. Frederick, born Feb. 16, 1831, died Sept. 30, 1881 ; soldier. 
Jacob S. Shaffar, died March 6, 1870, aged 62. 
Rebecca I'edricU, died Jlay 17, 1867, aged 71. 
Malichia Simberman, N. J. Vols., died July 26, 1862, aged 33. 
William Pierce, died March 15, 1860, aged 65; soldier. 
Amy Pierce, died Feb. 27, 1877, aged 82. 
David Stanger, died May U, 1865, aged 60. 
Jane Stanger, born Dec. 28, 1812, died Aug. 16, 1878. 
William Stanger, died Marcli 14, 1878, aged 54, 
Abraham Siniraermau, died July 2, 1875, aged 67. 
Elizabeth Stanger, born Oct. 20, 1796, died Jan. 23, 1877. 
John English, died April 27, 1855, aged 67. 
Mary English, died Fob. 10, 1878, aged 84. 
Samuel H. Pierce, died Aug. 7, 1876, aged 56. 
A. L. Sharp, Co. D, 24th N. J. Inf. 

Joseph S. Duffleld, born May 14,1824, died March 1, 1872. 
Rev. Edward Shoch, born Juno 1, 1811, died July 2, 1854. 
Lucy L. Campbell, died Aug. 2, 1864, aged 63. 
Kachel Simmerman, died April 10, 1871, aged 71. 
William Press, Co. F, 12th N. J. Inf. 
Justus Disebert, died Sept. 6, 1881, aged 64. 
David Ford, born Sept. 19, 1807, died Nov. 5, 1882. 
Frederick D. Radingor, born March 17, 1811, died Aug. 1, 1871. 
Henry Frederick, Co. A, 9th N. J. Vols., died at Greensboro, N. C, 
June 20, 1865, aged 25. 
Sarah Lloyd, died Feb, 22, 1869, aged 53. 
Teamans Paul, born Nov. 20, 1792, died Jan. 7, 1869. 
Elizabeth Paul, died Aug. 7, 1870, aged 76. 
Maiy Albright, born March 15, 1787, died Aug. 17, 1871. 
Charles Berry, Sr., died Jan. 11, 1867, aged 84. 
Mary Berry, died June 16, 1852, aged 66. 
Eev. Henry Watson, born June 15, 1835, died April 2, 1875. 
Samuel Smith, died May 23, 1872, aged 46. 
John Krautz, died Jan. 16, 1870. aged 66. 
Catharine Krantz, died April 30, 1872, aged 02. 
David Iszard, died July 6, 1869, aged 79. 
Mary Walp, died April 23, 1869, aged 72. 
Frederick Lutz, born May 20, 1307, died July 23, 1868. 
Casper Yeager, died Nov. 4, 187^, aged 71. 
John M. Collins, died March 6, 1879. 
James McFadden, died May 4, 1876, aged 73. 
Philip Runge, born Sept. 12, 1821, died Aug. 6, 1877. 
■ Charles F. Grammel, died .Jan. 16, 1879, aged 43. 

INDUSTRIES. 

Whitney Glass-Works.— The pioneer glass-works 
at what is now Glassboro were erected in 1775 by- 
Jacob, Solomon, John, Christian, Adam, Francis, and 
Philip Stanger, seven brothers, who had been work- 
ing at Wistar's glass-works, on Alloways Creek, in 
Salem County. They brought with them an only 
sister, Sophia. A piece of land was purchased by the 
Stangers from Archibald Moffitt, the timber was taken 
off, the necessary buildings were erected, and in the 
fall of the same year they made their first melt. A 
bottle now in po.ssession of a descendant of Philip is 
said to be the first bottle blown. Wistar's works were 
abandoned about this time, and a number of the em- 
ployes found work at the new factory in Gloucester 
County. 

The Stangers continued the business for about five 



years, when they were compelled to make an assign- 
ment on account of the depreciation in the value of 
Continental money, which they had received in pay- 
ment for large quantities of glass sold. Congress, in 
session at Philadelphia, by resolution passed March 
20, 1780, made one dollar, gold or silver, to be equal 
to forty dollars of Continental money. The unfortu- 
nate originators of the glass-works were sent to a 
debtor's prison at Gloucester, the then seat of justice 
of Gloucester County. In 1781 the property was sold 
under the sheriff's hammer to satisfy their creditors, 
and purchased by Thomas Heston, who was just from 
campaign duty, and then residing at Cooper's Point, 
opposite Philadelphia, and Thomas Carpenter, of Car- 
penter's Landing, now Mantua. Heston made his 
residence at the works and personally superintended 
them. The former proprietors were released from 
prison, and, with others, employed at the new works. 
Carpenter remained at the Landing; receiving the 
products of the factories sent down by teams, and 
forwarding the goods to Philadelphia by small sloops, 
or flats, as they were then called. He also attended 
to the purchasing of material for the factories and 
supplies for the workmen. After Heston removed to 
and took charge of the works they were known as 
Heston's glass-works, until at the suggestion of a 
member of the celebrated Gloucester Fox-Hunting 
Club, of which Col. Heston was a member, the place 
received its present name at a banquet at his house 
after a hard day's ride and the capture of Reynard. 
It was suggested to the host that as the place had 
grown into a respectable-sized village, it ought to 
have some other name than that which only desig- 
nated a single industry in it. Glassboro was proposed 
as its future name, and approved by the colonel and 
those present f it was accordingly so named, with ap- 
propriate ceremony for the occasion. 

During the proprietorship of Heston & Carpenter 
the works were enlarged and their capacity increased. 
Flint glassware and window-glass manufactures were 
added to that of bottles, with very successful results. 
Col. Thomas Heston died in 1802, and his widow 
and Edward, son of Thomas Carpenter, carried on 
the business under the firm-name of Edward Carpen- 
ter & Co. After three or four years Mrs. Heston 
was succeeded by Peter Wycoflf. March 22, 1816, 
Peter Wycoff" conveyed his one-half, and July 25, 
1817, Thomas Carpenter, administrator to the estate 
of Edward Carpenter, deceased, conveyed the other 
half to David Wolf, of Woolwich township. Joshua 
Paul and wife (Mrs. Paul was the third daughter of 
j Thomas and Hannah Heston), about the same time, 
i conveyed to Wolf a lot of ground on which he 
I erected a new store-house, which is now occupied by 
a descendant on his mother's side of Sophia, the 
sister of the original settlers. Wolf conveyed to 
Daniel Focer (originally written Pfotzer), a son of 
Sophia Stanger, who married Valentine Pfotzer, the 
' one-fourth part of the Olive Glass -Works, at that 



330 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



time so called, with one-fourth part of the new store- 
house and the lot whereon it stands." Aug. 21, 1818, 
Wolf conveyed a one-fourth part of the above-named 
property to Isaac Thorn, of Glassboro. About the 
same time, or soon after, Focer conveyed to Thorn his 
one-fourth interest. Sept. 12, 1821, Wolf conveyed 
to Thorn his remaining half. March 10, 1824, Isaac 
Thorn conveyed to J. J. Foster the store-house lot 
with other lands. This transaction completes the 
history of the glass-works upon the original site. 

The workmen had been gradually transferred to 
and the business merged in the works owned and 
carried on by Thomas H. and Samuel A. Whitney, 
under the firm-name of Whitney Brothers. Thomas 
H. and Samuel A. Whitney were the grandsons of 
Col. Thomas Heston and Hannah, his wife, who was 
a descendant of an old Bucks County, Pa., family, 
whose name was given to Hestonville, now within 
the limits of Philadelphia, his wife having been a 
Clayton, whose ancestors, the Tonkins, came over in 
the first ship that sailed up the Delaware as far as 
Burlington, N. J. Capt. Eben Whitney, of Castine, 
Me., father of Thomas H. and Samuel A. Whitney, 
was a descendant of John and Elina Whitney, who 
embarked at Ltmdon in April, 1685, and settled at 
Watertown, Mass., the following June. On his voy- 
age from the island of Madeira to Philadelphia, in 
1806, he was wrecked off Cape May, losing his ves- 
sel and cargo. On his way between the wreck and 
Philadelphia he became acquainted with Bathsheba 
T., second daughter of Thomas and Hannah Hestou, 
at her mother's house in Glassboro, and afterwards 
married her, and, with the exception of five or six 
years, resided in Glassboro till his death, Feb. 3, 
1823. 

The works of Whitney Brothers are located about 
four hundred yards south of the original site. The 
first furnace was put in blast in 1813. It was erected, 
together with the necessary buildings, by the sons of 
the original settlers, and others who had been in the 
employ of Heston & Carpenter and their successor.s, 
and John Rink, of Philadelphia. According to a 
record of a meeting of the shareholders, held Aug. 9, 
1813, the following persons were elected to serve for 
one year, viz. : Daniel Focer, manager ; Levi L. Camp- 
bell, cashier and clerk; John Eink, agent. 

The firm-name was Rink, Stanger & Co., and the 
works were named " Harmony Glass- Works." 

Focer was a practical glass-blower; Campbell had 
been store- and book-keeper for Heston & Carpen- 
ter and Edward Carpenter & Co. at the old works; 
Eink resided in Philadelphia, and had charge of the 
sales, the purchasing of supplies, and the financial 
part of the business generally; Stanger, whose name 
appears in the firm, was Lewis Stanger. 

Eink died in 1822, and was succeeded by Daniel 
H. Miller, of Philadelphia, proprietor of the Frank- 
lin Window-Glass Works at Malaga, N. J., ten miles 
south of Glassboro, which were erected in 1814. 



After the death of Mr. Miller, in 1831, his son, Jacob 
S. Miller, succeeded to his interest. In 1834, Lewis 
Stanger retired from the firm, and, with his brother 
Jacob and his son George, erected and started new 
works, about five hundred yards south of the " Har- 
monj' Glass- Works." 

In 1835, Thomas H. Whitney, then the senior 
partner in the firm of Whitney Brothers, purchased 
a third interest in the business, and two years later 
purchased the entire works, since which period they 
have been owned and carried on by the brothers, 
who, in 1842, changed the name to the Whitney 
Glass- Works. 

Since 1835 the furnaces have been enlarged to 
three or four times their original capacity, and the 
number of them doubled, so that the present produc- 
tions are eight times greater than in 1835, and are 
now the most extensive, best equipped, and produce 
the greatest variety of styles and colors of any works 
of their class in the country. 

The furnaces are constructed of Pennsylvania sand- 
stone, and fire-clay dug in this State. The works are 
in everj' particular of a very superior order, and bear 
the unmistakable evidence of having been erected 
under the supervision of practical glass manufactu- 
rers. A very interesting fact is that one of the oldest 
and most reputable houses in Philadelphia, that han- 
dles a large amount of glassware, commenced the pur- 
chase of hollow-ware made at these glass-works in 
1781 (as the books of that date, still in their possession, 
show), and the proprietors have continued, from father 
to son to the third generation, to give all their orders, 
without exception, to the successors of those from 
whom the founder of their house purchased his first 
supply in this country. The grandfathers in the two 
houses dealt together over one hundred years ago; the 
grandsons, their successors, are still dealing with each 
other, and in the same line of goods. 

The monthly consumption of materials used in the 
manufacture of glass is about as follows : 300 tons 
sand ; 100 tons English soda ash ; 2000 bushels oyster- 
shell lime ; 75 bushels salt ; 700 tons of coal ; 300 
cords of wood; 80,000 feet of boards, for packing- 
boxes ; 400 tons of hay ; 15 tons of German clay 
for pots ; 500 tons glass packed for shipment. 

Connected with the glass-works is a flour- and feed- 
mill, steam saw-mill, planing-mill, with all the neces- 
sary machinery for cutting lumber for packing-boxes, 
for building, and other purposes ; the blacksmith-shop 
has three forges for the manufacture and repair of 
tools, etc. A number of farms, aggregating one thou- 
sand acres, are cultivated, the products of which are 
consumed by the employes of the works. A ready 
market is found there, at the window-glass works, and 
in the village for all farm products for miles around. 

The employes of the Whitney Brothers number 
about four hundred, and occupy one hundred dwell- 
ings belonging to the works. Many of the workmen, 
however, own the houses which they occupy. 



TOWNSHIP OF GLASSBORO. 



231 



Thomas H. Whitney, of Whitney Brothers, died 
May 5, 1882, since the foregoing sl^etch was written. 

Temperanceville Glass-Works.— This glass-fac- 
tory is located in the south part of the village of 
Glassboro, situated on Grove, between Main and 
Academy Streets, and was built in 1834 by Lewis 
Stanger, who had in that year retired from the old 
firm and took in as partners his brother Jacob and 
son George. The locality was named " Lewisville," 
but the proprietors, being ultra temperance men, 
would employ none but those who belonged to the 
Temperance Society, and a wag of a clerk in the em- 
ploy of the old firm dubbed the place " Temperance- 
ville," which name that portion of Glassboro still re- 
tains, and probably always will. 

In J841 the Stangers, after a number of changes in 
partners, failed in business, when the property was 
sold to satisfy mortgage-holders, and purchased in 
1842 by Whitney & Warrick, of the old glass-works, 
and Temperanceville became a part of the Whitney 
Glass-Works. The business was carried on by the 
old firm until 1849, when Whitney & Warrick di- 
vided property, or dissolved partnership, Mr. War- 
rick taking the Temperanceville property for his 
share. Mr. Warrick then sold the property to Eben 
Whitney, who conducted the business till 1856, when 
Mr. Warrick purchased Mr. Whitney's interest, and 
took in as a partner Thomas Stanger, when the firm- 
name became Warrick & Stanger. Up to that time 
the Temperanceville factory made hollow-ware ex- 
clusively, and was then changed to a window-glass 
factory, and in 1860 another glass-house was built, 
which doubled the former capacity of these works. 

The firm-name continued Warrick & Stanger until 
July, 1883, when Mr. Stanger died, since which time 
Mr. Woodward Warrick has conducted the entire 
business. 

The present capacity of the works is two hundred 
boxes of glass per day, and consumption of material 
six tons of sand and twelve tons of coal per day, 
thirty-five tons of soda ash per month, besides large 
quantities of wood for fuel and lumber for boxes. 
The saw-mill for the manufacture of lumber for 
boxes is connected with the glass-works, and is oper- 
ated by steam-power. Mr. Warrick employs in and 
around these works one hundred and twenty-five 
men, and owns a large store well stocked with goods 
for the accommodation of his men and the public 
generally. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SAMUEL A. WHITNEY. 
John and Elinor Whitney with five sons embarked 
from London for America on board the ship " Eliza- 
beth and Ann" in April, 1635, and settled at Water- 
town, Mass. Here they dwelt for the remainder of 



their lives, three other sons having been born to 
them. John Whitney was a citizen of prominence, 
and filled many positions of distinction and trust. 
He died on the 1st of June, 1673, aged eighty-four 
years. In the direct line of descent was Samuel, the 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who resided 
in Castine, Me., where he married a Miss Cutler, 
and had children, — Samuel A., Henry, Eben, and 
Abigail, who became Mrs. Howe. Eben, of these 
sons, was born in Boston, Mass., March 17, 1780, 
and married in Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 1807, Miss 
Bathsheba, daughter of Col. Thomas Heston, of Eevo- 
lutionary fame. Their children were Abigail (Mrs. 
Woodward Warrick), Thomas Heston, Harriet (Mrs. 
Myles Synnott), Eben, Samuel A. The death of Mr. 
Eben Whitney occurred in Glassboro, February, 1823, 
aged forty-three years, and his burial in the church- 
yard at Swedesboro, N. J. Samuel A., his son, a 
sketch of whose life is here briefly~given, was born 
July 7, 1819, in Gloucester County, and devoted his 
youth to study at a private school of the place. At 
the age of fifteen he removed to Haddonfield, N. J., 
and having determined upon a mercantile career he 
entered the store of Samuel Eeeves. After a period 
thus spent he returned to Gloucester County and re- 
sumed his studies. His brother, Thomas H. Whitney, 
had meanwhile succeeded to the extensive glass 
manufacturing interests which were begun by his 
grandfather, Thomas Heston, in 1781 and 1782, and 
under his immediate eye he entered the works as an 
apprentice. After a period thus spent in labor he 
became assistant in the store connected with the 
establishment. His abilities caused bis promotion to 
the position of general manager of the business, and 
occasioned his presence in Philadelphia indispen- 
sable in connection with the warerooms of the factory 
located in that city. Here he remained five years, 
and on his return to Glassboro became a partner in 
the enterprise, under the firm-name of Whitney & 
Brothers. The business was at this date materially 
increased, extensive additions having been made in 
its various departments. During the year 1856, Mr. 
Whitney and his brother, Thomas H., became exclu- 
sive proprietors of the Glassboro works, though the 
latter for awhile retired from the firm and left his 
brother sole owner, his interest having been at a later 
period resumed. Mr. Whitney's tastes led him in 
1856-56 to devote some time to foreign travel. In 
connection with the distinguished author and anti- 
quarian, W. C. Prime, he made the tour of Egypt, the 
Holy Land, and the East, deriving both relaxation 
and pleasure from the journey. His life and energies 
have been chiefly devoted to the conducting and pro- 
moting of his extensive business interests, which have 
left little leisure for affairs of a public character. 
Formerly a Whig, and later a Republican in his 
political proclivities, he has neither sought nor de- 
sired ofiice, and invariably declined such honors. 
Having been educated in the faith of the Protestant 



232 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Episcopal Church, Mr. Whitney has ever been one 
of its most earnest supporters. In connection with 
his brother, he erected the attractive stone edifice 
belonging to that denomination in Gl.assboro, and 
contributes largely to the maintenance and growth of 
the organization. 



HON. THOMAS M. FERRELL. 

The family of Ferrells are of Scotch-Irish ancestry, 
the orthography of the name having originally been 
Ferral. James, the earliest representative in America, 
and the great-grandfather of Hon. Thomas M. Fer- 
rell, became on his arrival a resident of Monmouth 
County, where he engaged in mercantile enterprises. 
He was closely identified with the struggle of the 
colonies for independence, and participated in many 
Revolutionary engagements, having at the close of 
the confiict attained the rank of captain. Among his 
children was William, born in Monmoutli County, 
where he was both a merchant and an enterprising 
farmer. He married Miss Suran, and had children, 
— Steward, Perry, William, Sarah, and James. The 
last named was born July 4, 1819, in Port Elizabeth, 
Cumberland Co., N. J., and early removed to Glouces- 
ter County, where he has since resided. Mr. Ferrell's 
tastes led to farming employments, though at a later 
period he became interested in the mechanical de- 
partment of glass-blowing. lie was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Emeline, daughter of Alexander Durr, 
of Philadelphia, and became the parent of seven 
children, of whom Joseph D., Thomas M., and Benja- 
min T. survive. Thomas M., of this number, was 
born in Glassboro on the 20th of June, 1844, his 
father's house having been during youth and early 
manhood his home. His educational advantages 
were confined to the common and high schools of his 
native borough, supplemented by careful study and 
judicious reading at home. At the age of sixteen he 
began the active duties of life as an apprentice to a 
firm of glass manufacturers, and having served for 
five years in that capacity, followed his trade assidu- 
ously in Glassboro. While thus occupied he was, in 
1878, elected president of the Hollow- Ware Glass- 
Workei's' Association of the United States, and held 
the position until January, 1883. This appointment 
resulted in the severance of his relations with the 
firm by whom he was employed, and opened a new 
and enlarged field of activity in a more public career. 

His first official position was as a member of the 
committee of his township, to which some prestige 
attached from the fact of its former exclusive control 
by representative citizens. 

In 1879 he became, at the urgent entreaty of friends, 
a candidate for the State Legislature, and was, in a 
district and county strongly Republican, elected as a 
Democrat by an overwhelming majority. He was 
re-elected in 1880, and in 1881 chosen to represent his 
constituents in the State Senate. During these terms 



he served on the committees on State Prisons, Banks 
and Insurance, Agriculture, Federal Relations, Elec- 
tions, Public Grounds and Buildings, etc. Mr. Ferrell 
was the champion of many important measures in 
both the upper and lower house, chief of which 
was the introduction of the bill abolishing the store- 
order and shinplaster system in connection with the ', 
glass-workers' interests. He also introduced and suc- 
cessfully carried through a bill which attacked and] 
ultimately overruled the pass-book system, main- 
tained in the intei'est of the same industry. He was 
during the session of 1881 the author of the bill in- 
troducing the election blanks as a means of facilitating 
election returns from the various districts. Mr. Fer- 
rell's abilities as a legislator caused him to be nomi- 
nated and elected to Congress in 1882, which honorable 
position he at present fills. 

He is an active and enthusiastic Odd-Fellow, a 
member of Glassboro Lodge, No. 58, and Past Grand 
Master of the State. He is a member of Glassboro 
Lodge, No. 85, of Free and Accepted Masons, of 
which he is Past Master. The local assembly of 
Knights of Labor, No. 799, also claims him as a 
member. The latter organization he represented at 
their General Assembly, held at Detroit, Midi., in 
1881. He has ever manifested a deep intei-est in the 
cause of education, and served as president of the 
Board of Education of his borough. Since the age 
of fourteen Mr. Ferrell has been a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Glassboro, and for 
many years held official connection with it as class- 
leader, steward, and trustee. He is also greatly in- 
terested in Sunday-school work, and has at various 
times held the position of Sunday-school superin- 
tendent. Mr. Ferrell was married on the 23d of 
August, 1871, to Miss Emma T., daughter of Richard 
G. and Sophia Stanger. 



JOHN REPP. 
John Repp, the pioneer fruit farmer of Gloucester 
County, N. J., was born near Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 26, 
1836. His family .are, as the name indicates, of Ger- 
man origin, the great-great-grandfather of our sub- 
ject having emigrated from there prior to the Revo- 
lutionary war and settled near Reading, Pa., where 
he located land and devoted his time to farming. Of 
his children, John Repp was born on the old home- 
stead, where he grew to manhood and followed farm- 
ing. He moved to Frederick, Md., where he spent 
the remainder of his days. One of his sons (Daniel) 
married, in 1800, a Miss Elizabeth Reddick, and two 
years after emigrated to the wilderness of Ohio, and 
near where Dayton now stands located a farm. Not 
a tree had been cut, and with his own hands he cut 
away the trees where he built his home. His journey 
thither was by wagon and \uostly through the forests. 
He located a large tract of land, and at his death, 
which occurred alter he was ninetv vears old, left 



i1 



TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 



233 



each of his children a nice farm. They had seven 
girls and three boys, of whom David was born in 
1812, and grew to man's estate near Dayton. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Lesley, of Pennsylvania 
Dutch parentage, by whom he had seven children, 
namely, Daniel, John, Joseph, William, Christopher, 
Mary Ann, and Samantha, all of whom are alive but 
Christopher, who died in the Union army. Joseph 
also served in the Union army, and was discharged 
after four years' service. David married for his sec- 
ond wife Mrs. Barbara Terhune, who bore him three 
sons and three daughters. John Repp, our subject, 
moved in 1846, with his father's family, to Miami 
County, Ind., which was then an almost unbroken 
wilderness. Here he was put to work as soon as old 
enough, and had but little chance to acquire an edu- 
cation. He remained near his father's home, work- 
ing at whatever he could get to do, until he was 
twenty-seven years old, when, with a thousand dollars 
which he had accumulated, he came to Malaga, N. J., 
and bought fifty-four acres of land, with the intention 
of carrying out the ambition of his life, that of mak- 
ing a model fruit farm. This had been his aim from 
boyhood, and he felt that he was in'the way to its ac- 
complishment. He put out an orchard of apple- and 
peach-trees, but everything he bought was so dear 
that, before he could realize anything from his or- 
chard, his debts became so great that he was forced 
to sell out, and he found himself without a dollar. 
He had been drafted during this time and had paid 
the three hundred dollars commutation money. In 
the spring of 1865 he engaged with Mr. Thomas 
Whitney as manager of his large farm near Glass- 
boro, which position he filled for eight years to the 
satisfaction of his employer. In 1872 he bought en- 
tirely on credit, mostly of Mr. Whitney, the farm 
he now owns, and which was then covered with stumps 
and brush and only old buildings. He had saved 
enough to buy the stock necessary to carry on dairy 
farming, which he has since successfully done in con- 
nection with his fruit farming. He was more than 
ever convinced that the soil of this part of Jersey was 
adapted to the successful growing of small fruits, and, 
against the advice of friends, in the face of ridi- 
cule and prophecies of failure and poverty, he again 
set out apples, pears, and peaches, in all ten acres the 
first year. While putting in trees men in passing were 
heard to laugh at him and say he was a fool. But a 
farm, one hundred acres of which is covered with every 
variety of fruit produced in this climate, a farm which, 
at some seasons of the year, gives employment to one 
hundred and twenty-five people, and from which he 
has this season sold eight thousand dollars' worth of 
fruit, is the result of his foresight and perseverance. 
And to-day sees the men who laughed at his seeming 
folly following in his footsteps, or trying to. He again 
became deeply involved, and would never have reached 
the coveted end but for the support of Thomas Whit- 
ney, to whom he owes a deep debt of gratitude. When 



everything else was turned out as security, he insured 
his life for many thousands of dollars, and in that 
way obtained credit with which to carry on his work. 
He has had an able assistant in his labor in his wife, 
who was Mrs. Sarah Jane Smith, daughter of Thomas 
Giflford, born at Malaga, Feb. 10, 1833, widow of John 
Smith, who was a gallant soldier, and fell mortally 
wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. Mr. and 
Mrs. Eepp were married Jan. 6, 1869. Their children 
are Joseph, born Oct. 13, 1869 ; Albert, born April 
28, 1872; and Charles, born March 1, 1874. Mrs. 
Repp had by her first husband the following children : 
Thomas, born Nov. 23, 1855 ; Ann Elizabeth, born 
Oct. 3, 1858 ; and John F., born Aug. 2, 1862. 



CHAPTER XLXI- 

TOWNSHIP OF 6RBENWICH.1 

Geographical and Descriptive.— This was one of 

the original townships, and was formed soon after the 
erection of the county in 1686. As first set off, the 
township contained an area of about one-third of the 
county as now constituted, but at present it contains 
only fourteen thousand acres of land. 

The surface of the township is what might be 
termed level, yet some portions of it are gently un- 
dulating. The soil is a light sandy loam, underlaid 
with marl, and quite fertile when properly culti- 
vated. The products of the township are disposed 
of in the Philadelphia market. 

The township is bounded on the east by West 
Deptford; on the southeast and south by Eiist 
Greenwich ; on the southwest by Logan township ; 
and on the north by the Delaware River. 

The township is watered on the northeast by the 
Mantua, which forms the boundary line between this 
and West Deptford ; Clonmel, Nehansey, Still Run, 
and London Branch Creeks, all rise in the southeast 
part of the township, and flow northwesterly into the 
Delaware, which washes the north border of Green- 
wich. Repaupo Creek also forms the dividing line 
between this and Woolwich township. Rattling Run 
is a small stream crossing the southwest corner of the 
township. 

Isaac Mickle, in his " Reminiscences of Old Glouces- 
ter," says, " The township of Greenwich is by some 
months the most ancient township in Gloucester 
County ; for we find upon the minutes of the Count)' 
Court, under date of the 1st of March, 1694, the fol- 
lowing note : ' The inhabitants between Great Man- 
toes Creek and Barclay River request yt ye same di- 
vision be made and laid into a township, henceforth 
to be called by ye name of ye Township of Green- 
wich ; and yt ye same be so recorded. To which ye 
Bench assents, and order ye same to be done.' 



I By W". H. Shaw. 



234 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



" The country about the Raccoon and the Repaupo 
having been settled by the Swedes, hundreds of whom 
still resided there when the English arrived, the town- 
ship of Greenwich was for some years by far the most 
populous of the six into which the county was in 
1694 divided. In the seventeenth century most of 
the magnates of this part of old Gloucester bore such 
titles as Erick Cock, Hermanns Helm, John Rambo, 
and Mons Lock. The Swedish language, religion, 
and customs were rigidly conserved for a long time, 
and even to this day many traces of the Swedish 
origin of the people of Greenwich are observable." 

Pioneer Diseases and Remedial Agents.— Of the 
sassafras, which grew everywhere in great abundance, 
the aborigines, he tells us, used to make bowls ; the 
Swedes used its root in brewing, applied its pieces as 
a cure for dropsy, used it in decoction as a rinse for 
vessels in which they kept brandy and cider, and 
made their bed-posts of it to keep out the bugs. 
The bark of the chestnut-oak was used by the Indians, 
as a Swede told Kalm, for dying leather red, and the 
Swedes probably used it for the same purpose. The 
fruit of the persimmon-tree gave to the first inhabi- 
tants of Greenwich a very curious and palatable 
liquor, which is now, we believe, not made. They 
also distilled brandy from it by a very simple pro- 
cess. Pompions or crocknalks, as the Swedes called 
them, squashes and calabashes, are also mentioned by 
our traveler as having been procured from the Indians 
and cultivated by the Swedes for household purposes. 

The pompions and squashes they ate, the latter 
being served up on the edge of the dish, around the 
meat. Of the calabashes, they made in those days 
not only ladles and bowls, but plates for the table. 
In holly-leaves, dried and bruised in a mortar, they 
found a cure for pleurisy, which terrible disease, in 
1728, swept away nearly all the Swedes in the numer- 
ous settlements at Penn's Neck, where it broke out 
again just before Kalm's visit. The ague, too, in 
olden time was a much more dangerous enemy than 
now. Against this the Swedes employed, with vari- 
ous success, the Jesuit's bark, the root of the tulip- 
tree and of the dogwood, the yellow bark of the 
peach-tree, the leaves of the potentilla reptans, and 
several other indigenous preparations which they 
adopted from the Indians. As an antifebrile, they 
sometimes tied wisps of mullein or Indian tobacco 
around their arms and feet. The root of the bay- 
tree they used as a remedy for the toothache, which 
"hell of a' diseases," as Burns calls it, the Swedes 
brought upon themselves in consequence of the belief 
that nothing was good unless eaten as fast as it came 
from the fire.' 

Pioneer Manner of Living, Dress, etc.— The 
earliest inhabitants of old Greenwich lived in a very 



1 See Profeasor Kalm's grave dissertation on the loss of teeth which 
the Raccoonites and other Europeans on the banks of the Delaware suf- 
fered, vol. i, p. 360. 



humble and frugal manner. They had neither tea, 
coffee, chocolate, or sugar, and were too poor to buy 
I any intoxicating drinks, or vessels to distill them in. 
The first settlers drank at table as a substitute for tea 
a decoction of sassafras ; and even in 1748 they 
' mixed the tea they then used " with all sorts of herbs," 
I says Kalm, "so that it no longer deserves the name 
I of tea." ^ For a long time they continued to make 
their candles and soap from bayberry-bushes. Their 
buckwheat cakes, which were a standard dish, were 
baked in a frying-pan or on a stone. The men wore 
caps, breeches, and vests of the skins of various ani- 
mals. The women wore jackets and petticoats of the 
same material. Their beds, except the sheets, were 
composed of the skins of wolves, bears, panthers, 
and other beasts with which the forests then abounded. 
They made their own leather for shoes and other 
articles, dyeing it red with chestnut-bark or the moss 
of a certain tree not now known, or black with a 
preparation of the common field sorrel. 

Poor as were the Swedish pioneers, far worse was 
the condition of pioneer Finlanders. Instead of 
shoes these poor wretches were content with mocca- 
sins of skins rudely sewed together, and for dishes 
for their tables they scooped out the knobs of the 
ash-tree, as the Siberians now do. 

Pioneer Wedding Customs. — Among the customs 
mentioned by Kalm as peculiar to the pioneer Swedes 
of what is now Greenwich, Logan, Woolwich, and 
East Greenwich townships there was one which we 
trust we will be pardoned for adverting to. When a 
man died in such circumstances that his widow could 
not pay his debts, if she had an offer of a second 
husband, she was obliged to marry him en chemise. 
In this plight, on her wedding-day, she went out 
from her former house to that of her new spouse, who 
met her half-way with a new suit of clothes, which 
he presented to her, saying he only leut them, " lest," 
says Kalm, "if he had said he gave them, the cred- 
itors of the first husband should come and take them 
from her." If this be a fair sample of the civilization 
of the pioneer Swedes we can readily believe what 
the professor says, that the Swedes were already half- 
Indian when the English arrived. 

Pioneer Stock, Grain, and Fruit.— In March, 
1749, Professor Kalm paid a visit to Nils Gustafson, 
who lived near Raccoon. Gustafson had seen nearly 
a hundred years, had taken much timber to Philadel- 
phia when that city was in its infancy, yet, with his 
venerable locks and nearly fivescore of years, he re- 
tained a vigorous frame and a bright memory. Kalm 
questioned him particularly as to the origin of the 
domestic animals then in West Jersey, and was told 
that the English procured their horses, cows, oxen, 
sheep, hogs, geese, and ducks from the Swedes, who 
had brought them over from Sweden. He also said 
they owed to the Swedes the first seed of many of the 

2Ibid., p. 370. 



TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 



235 



most valuable fruits and herbs, and of wheat, rye, 
barley, and oats. Peach-trees were in the pioneer 
days very numerous, but where the Swedes got them 
Gustafson could not tell. In his infancy the Indians 
had many little maize plantations, but did not take 
much care of them, preferring to live upon the fruits 
of the chase, or upon different roots and whortle- 
berries. 

Other Interesting^ Notes of Pioneer Life.— Pre- 
vious to the arrival of the Swedes the Indians had no 
agricultural implements save the historic old stone 
hatchet. With this they peeled the large trees when 
they had lost their sap, so they would die, and the 
small trees they pulled up by the roots. The field 
thus opened to the rays of the sun was dug up with 
sharp branches or pickets, and the maize was then 
sown. In the winter the Indians kept their corn in 
holes under ground. 

After the Swedes came and began to cultivate 
apple- and peach-trees, the Indians, true to their na- 
ture, often stole the fruit. Sometimes, too, the In- 
dians would steal from the Swedes their hogs as they 
ran wild in the woods, and these they taught to follow 
them familiarly. The only domestic animals the In- 
dians had on the arrival of the Europeans were a 
species of little dogs. Being very fond of milk, for 
which they were dependent upon the Swedes, the 
savages made an artificial liquor very like it by 
pounding the dried kernels of walnuts and hickorj'- 
nuts, and mixing the flour thus made with water. In 
hue and sweetness this liquid much resembled milk. 

According to Gustafson, the Indians in old Green- 
wich used to worship a certain red-spotted snake as a 
deity. Walking once with one of the red men, he 
says they met one of these snakes, and he took a 
stick to kill it; but the Indian begged him not to 
touch it, as he adored it. This only confirmed the 
pious Gustafson's resolution, and he killed the snake 
at the risk of being himself scalped. 

During the youth of Gustafson the Indians at times 
very much annoyed th6 Swedish colonists. They 
killed several of the men and stole some of the chil- 
dren. On one occasion they scalped a little girl, who 
survived, and afterwards was married and had many 
children. Upon one occasion some strange savages 
attempted the life of Mr. Gustafson's mother, but 
she, being a powerful woman, succeeded in saving her 
own life. 

Previous to the arrival of the English the Swedes 
had a custom of bathing every Saturday. Christmas- 
time was celebrated with various games and by serving 
up peculiar dishes at table, as was usual in old Sweden. 
When Gustafson was a boy there were two black- 
smiths at Raccoon, now Swedesboro, who made ex- 
cellent knives, scythes, and hatchets, like the Swedish 
ones. They then made their cart- and wagon-wheels 
by sawing thick horizontal sections out of liquid- 
ambar trees, but when the English came they began 
to use spokes and felloes in their wheels, the first 



made of white-oak and the latter of the Spanish oak. 
Gustafson remembered when the horses ran wild in 
the woods, and in his boyhood days one cow gave 
as much milk as four did in later times, owing to 
the great abundance of good grass which they at first 
had. 

All this and much more did Gustafson tell Pro- 
fessor Kalm, but space forbids further details as to 
the customs and manners of the pioneers of old Green- 
wich township. 

Civil List. — For want of records we can give only 
the official list of this township from 1831 to 1883 in- 
clusive. The minute-books prior to 1831 could not 
be obtained, and probably are not in existence. The 
town-meeting in 1831 was held in the old Greenwich 
Academy, at Clarksboro. 

TOWN CLERKS. 



1831-33, 1837-44. Samuel Sailor. 
1834-36. John C. Gill. 
1845-46. David B. Gill. 
1847-50. Edmund Wetherby. 
1851. John H. Bradway. 
1852-55. Charles Green. 
1859-61, 1871-72. James A. Wolf. 



1856-58, 1867-71J. John A. Louden- 



1862-64. I. N. Hughes. 
1865-66. J. H. Preston. 
1873-74. Charles Davall. 
1875. H. C. Loudenslager. 
1876-83. W. G. Cowgill. 



ASSESSORS. 



1831. Burr Miller. 

1832. John Driver. 

18:;3, 1835-36, 1841-43. Bowman 

Sailor. 
1834. Joseph Bowman. 
1837. H. Bradshaw. 
1838-10. Benjamin Allen. 
1844-47. William Haines. 
1848-50. Jeptha Abbott. 



1851-52. 
1853-55. 
1856-58. 
1859-61, 
1862-61, 
1865-67. 
1873-79. 
1880-83. 



J. B. AlbertsoD. 

Jonathan Egee. 
Edwin Craft. 
1868-70. David B. Gill. 
1871-72. J. C. Dawson. 
C. K. Wolf. 
C. E. Murphy. 
John Stetser. 



1831-32. 
1833-36. 
1837-39. 
1840-43. 
1844-45. 
1846-^8. 
1849-51. 
1852-54. 
1866-57. 
1858-69. 



William Haines. 
John B, Miller. 
Samuel Pedrick. 
Edmund Weatherby. 
Andrew H. Weatherby. 
James M. Wolf. 
John Stetser. 
James Thompson. 
Samuel B. Warner. 
George T. Ford. 



COLLECTORS. 

1860-62. S. H. Miller. 
1863. T. Hughes. 
1864-66, 1881-82. J. J. Cowgill. 
1867-68. E. L. Reeves. 
1869-70. A. Lawrence. 
1871-76. M. H. Tanner. 
1877-80. C. K. Wolf. 
1881-82. I, J. Cowgill. 
1883. J. M. Kowe. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 



1831-32. Samuel Sailor. 

Charles French. 
1833. William Haines. 

Samuel Sailor. 
1834-35. Charles Reeves. 

William Haines. 
1836-38. Joseph Lodge, Jr. 

Charles Reeves. 
1839. Charles Reeves. 

Charles French. 
1840-42. Charles French. 

Joseph Gill. 
1843. Samuel Sailor. 

J. C. Gill. 
1844-47. John Gauntt. 

Samuel Sailor. 
1848-51. Jesse Miller. 

William Haines. 
1852. David B. Gill. 

John Daniels. 
1853-54. James M. Rowe. 

David B. Gill. 



1855. John H. Bradway. 
J. M. Rowe. 

1856. S. H. Miller. 

J. H. Bradway. 
1867-58. Matthew Gill. 

S. H. Miller. 
1859. A. J. Peaslee. 

M. Gill. 
1860-61. Henry Allen. 

A. J. Peaslee. 
1862. J. L. Reeves. 

Henry Allen. 
1863-64. J. R. Paul. 

J. L. Reeves. 

1865. D. S. Adams. 
J. K. Paul. 

1866. Josepli Warrington. 

D. S. Adams. 

1867. D. S. Adams. 

E. G. Miller. 
1868-69. E. G. Miller. 

I. N. Hughes. 



236 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1870. I. N. Hughea. 

John H. Locke. 
1871-72. J. H. Locke. 

G. H. Gauntt. 
1873. G. H. Gauntt. 

L. T. Miller. 
1874-78. L. T. Millei\ 

C. K. Wolf. 
1.S70. C. K. Wolf. 

I. J. Cowgill. 



1877-78. I. J. Cowgill. 
George Craft. 

1879. G. Craft. 

S. M. Sboemaker. 

1880. S. M. Slioemaker. 
B. Heritage. 

1881. E. B. Allen. 

S. M. Shoemaker. 
1882-83. D. L. Davall. 
E. B. Allen. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 

1831. — John Driver, Joseph C. Gill, Henry Bradshaw, John C. Gill, and 

Joseph Chatham. 
1832-33. — Joseph Lodge, Jr., J. 0. Gill, J. Chatham, Henry Bradshaw, 

and J. C. Gill. 
1834.— Charles French, Jr., J. Chatham, Solomon W. Lewis, Charles F. 

Clark, and Joseph C. Gill. 
1835. — Charles French, J. Chatham, S. W. Lewis, Joseph Lawrence, Jr , 

and J. C. Gill. 
1836. — Charles Frencli, S. W. Lewis, Joseph C. Gill, Joseph Chathajn, 

and Ale.xander B. Long. 
1837.— J. B. Miller, J. C. Gill, William Haines, Charles French, .lohn 

Gauntt. 
1838.— J. C. Gill, W. Hainos, John I!. Miller, C. French, J. Gauntt. 
1839.— J. 0. Gill, William Haines, J. Chatham, William Bicket, J. B. 

Miller. 
1840-41. — J. B. ftliller, .1. Chatham, Jacob Swope, Joseph Lippincott, 

Joseph H. Moore. 
1842-43. — Joseph Moore, J. Chatham, J. Lippincott, Jacob Swope, Jr., 

Amos J. Peaslee. 
1844-45.— J. Swope, Jr., A. J. Peaslee, J. H. Moore, Isaac C. Dilks, 

Charles Beeves. 
1846.— C. Reeves, J. H. Moore, J. C. Dilks, J. Swope, Jr., David B. Gill. 
1847. — Joseph M. Stout, William Brown, Elijah Chew, Joseph Lodge, 

iFoseph Haines. 
1846-61.— Joseph E. Haines, J. M. Stout, John Haines, E. Chew, J. B. 

Miller. 
1852.— John Haines, E. Chew, J. B. Miller, J, E. Haines, J. M. Wolf. 
1853-64.— J. B. Miller, J. M. Wolf, J. E. Thomas, Stephen H. Miller, 

Charles K. Wolf. 
1865.— S. H. Miller, J. F. Thomas, 0. K. Wolf, Anson S. Cade, Seoby 

Murray. 
1866.— A. J. Peaslee, J. F. Thomas, Thompson Huff, S. Murray, C. K. 

Wolf 
1867.— J. M. Wolf.S. Murray, P. L. Kerns, J. B. Shoemaker, T. Huff. 
1868.— J. M. Wolf, P. L. Kerns, J. B. Shoemaker, T. Huff, David S. 

Adams. 
1859.— J. M. Wolf, J. B. Shoemaker, D. S. Adams, S. Paul Loudenslager, 

Jacob Titus. 
1800.- S. P. Loudensl.ager, P. D. Hughes, W. A. Miller, J. Titus, D. S. 

Adams. 
ISCl.— S. P. Loudenslager, P. D. Hughes, J. Titus, G. T. Ford. 
186i.— P. D. Hughes, J. M. Wolf, Charles Parker, G. A. Ridgeway, S. R. 

Dewalt. 
1S63.— J. M. Wolf, Charles Parker, G. A. Ridgeway, G. H. Gauntt, Wil- 
liam Burrough. 
1864.— .1. M. Wolf, C. Parker, G. A. Ridgeway, G. H. Gauntt, S. R. Dewalt. 
1865.— J. M. Wolf, C. Parker, S. K. Dewalt, G. H. Gauntt, S. P. Eastbick. 
1866.— C. Parker, S. R. Dewalt, J. D. Hoffman, J. R. Paul, S. P. East- 
lack. 
1867.— J. K. Paul, A. J. Peaslee, J. S. Miller, J. S. Warner, J. M. Royal. 
1868.— J. R. Paul, A. J. Peaslee, J. S. Warner, J. M. Royal, B. Heritage. 
1869.— A. J. Peaslee, B. Heritage, J. M. Royal, A. P. Hannold, J. M. 

Rowe. 
1870.- A. J, Peaslee, B. Heritage, A. P. Hauuold, J. M. Royal, Francis 

Tracy. 
1871.— J. M. Rowe, A. P. Hannold, F. Tracy, J. Haines, J. D. Hoffman. 
1872.— F. Tracy, John Haines. J. D. Hoffman, I. J. Cowgill, John Stetser. 
1873.— William Stewart, F. Tracy, J. Sinclair, John Stetser, J. D Hoff- 
man. 
1874.— W, Stewart, J. Sinclair, T. J. Cowgill, John Stetser, J. C. Haines. 
1876.— W. Stewart, J. C. Haines, I. J. Cowgill, J. Stetser, J. Sinclair. 
1876-78.- W. Stewart, John Rambo, J. C. Haines, J. Stetser, J. Thomp- 
son. 
1879.— John Stetser, F. Tracy, William Stewart. 



1880.— W. Stewart, F. Tracy, I. G. Coxo. 
1881-82.— F. Tracy, I. G. Coxe, J. S. Miller. 
1883.— F. Tracy, J. S. Miller, J. H. Locke. 

As this township originally extended from Mantua 
to Oldman's Creek, it was, after about a century, felt 
by the inhabitants of the lower part (now Woolwich 
and Logan townships) to be advisable to set up for 
themselves. Their spontaneous election of overseers 
and nomination perhaps of a constable, ratified at first 
by the County Court and afterwards by the Colonial 
Legislature, gave rise, about 1750, to the township of 
Woolwich. This latter took its name from a town on 
the Thames, famous for its naval school, while Green- 
wich township derives its name from the English 
Naval Asylum, from the observatory of which all 
Christendom reckons the meridian of longitude. The 
termination wich is from the Saxon two, signifying a 
certain extent of territory over which an officer of 
the law had jurisdiction, such as bailwic, constable- 
wic, or wick, or wich; or, in case of a manorial terri- 
tory, where a person holds lands by questionable 
titles from some foreign king, prince, or potentate 
covering one, two, or more counties, as, for instance, 
Bensselaerwic, or wick, or wyoh, a name given the terri- 
tory covering the counties of Albany, Rensselaer, 
Columbia, and a part of Schoharie, in the State of 
New York, claimed to have been owned by Stephen 
Van Rensselaer, who for many generations received 
rents of all the occupants of these lands. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Paulsboro, the principal village in the township, 
is located on the northeast border of the township, on 
the left bank of Mantua Creek, and on the line of the 
Delaware River Railroad, five miles from Woodbury, 
the county-seat. It is a thriving little town, that has 
been many years attaining its present jiopulation. 
Previous to the advent of the iron horse its growth 
was quite slow, but since that time its population has 
more than doubled, and its business interests are quite 
abreast of those of her more pretentious neighboring 
towns. 

The land lying between the creek and Delaware 
Street, upon which a portion of the town is built, was 
owned, previous to 1798, by Samuel P. Paul, from 
whom the town derives its name. From Delaware 
Street as far south as the village extends the land 
was owned by Henry Myers. Thus two men owned 
the large and beautiful plateau upon which Paulsboro 
is built. 

The pioneer of what is now the town proper was 
Samuel P. Paul, who built the pioneer house, where 
Joseph R. Paul now lives, near the creek. In 1798, 
Mr. Paul sold two acres of land to Michael Lauden- 
slager, who, in 1804, built a tavern-house on the site 
of the present hotel. That was the second house in 
what is now Paulsboro. At that time there was no 
road along what is now Main Street, though one had 
been surveyed; but for some unknown reason the road 



TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 



237 



was not laid out, therefore Mr. Laudenslager closed his 
would-be hotel until 1809, when the present turnpike, 
of which Main Street was a part, was built and a 
tavern opened. This old hostlery has never since 
ceased to be a haven of rest for man and beast. Mr. 
Laudenslager was succeeded in the tavern business 
by his son George. The property is now owned and 
tavern kept by Jonathan Crammer. The third house 
in this town was built in 1811 by John Bowers, and it 
is now owned by John Stetser. The same year Fred- 
erick Hannold built a house, now owned by Matthew 
Gill. The next was built by John E. Clark in 1811, 
now owned by M. Gill. The sixth house in this town 
was built by Frederick Hannold, and is now owned by 
Cox & Brother, and the seventh was the brick store- 
house on east side of Main Street, built by D. Hen- 
drickson, and now owned by the Hayden heirs. As 
late as 1825 there were no houses on the east side of 
Main Street except Paul's and Hendrickson's. The 
house in which William Huff lives was built in 1830, 
by Joseph Henry. 

Pioneer Business Interests. — The pioneer store 
was built by Samuel P. Paul, where Joseph R. Paul 
now lives, during the war of 1812. 

The stone store-house, now occupied as a dwelling 
by Matthew Gill, was built in 1816 by John E. Clark. 
The Clark family lived on the high point of laud on 
Mantua Creek, below Paulsboro. 

David Hendrickson built the little old brick store 
standing on the east side of Main Street in 1825. 
Peter Kambo succeeded Hendrickson in the brick 

store. He was followed by Price, then came 

• ■ Lawrence, who was succeeded by Eogers, 

and he by Hayden, who was the last merchant 

in the old brick store. 

In 1827, Joseph Baker built where Cox's blacksmith- 
and wheelwright-shops now stand. 

In 1816 or 1817, George Clark commenced the 
blacksmith business in Paulsboro, his shop standing 
near the turnpike bridge. 

The pioneer shoemakers of Paulsboro were John 
CoUis and John Bowers, each locating here as early 
as 1811 or 1812, and the pioneer stone-mason was 
Joseph Henry, who was here as early as 1815. 

The pioneer physician was Dr. Charles Clark, who 
located here in 1825. 

The pioneer postmaster was Matthew Gill, who 
kept the office in bis store. 

As late as 1820 Paulsboro, or what there was of it, 
was almost on an island, as the creek was on one side 
and swampy timber land was around the other sides. 
Soon after that date clearings and patches of im- 
proved land began to appear, until, in 1883, Paulsboro 
was surrounded by a very fertile farming district. In 
1826 or 1827, when William Huflf was yet in his teens, 
he assisted in reaping a good piece of rye in a field 
now covered by a heavy growth of pine timber, just 
south of the Methodist cemetery. 

In the latter part of 1681, a large stone was planted 



a few yards south from where the brick school-house 
now stands in the village. This is the southeastern 
terminus of what is known locally as the Penn line, 
running from the river to this point. The survey was 
made with the view of making what is now Pauls- 
boro the great commercial centre instead of Phila- 
delphia. The latter place was selected nearly a year 
later, on account of its being upon higher ground. 

The Paul property, upon which Joseph E. Paul re- 
sides, has been in possession of the Paul family for 
nearly or quite one hundred and fifty years. The 
Myers property was in the family name for about one 
hundred and twenty-five years when, but a few years 
ago, it passed out of the family. 

Some of the Old Men of Paulsboro. — John 
Stetser was born near Paulsboro, in Deptford town- 
ship, April 6, 1808, and has lived in and near the 
town all his life, and for many years has been one 
of the officials of the township, ami'at present is its 
assessor. He has been twice married, the last time to 
Rachel Ann Simmons, of Wilmington, Del. He has 
four children, — Wilson, William, Matilda, and Robert, 
all living. 

Capt. William Huff was born in Camden, N. J., 
Dec. 7, 1808, and remembers well when there were 
but twenty houses in the place. He came to Pauls- 
boro in 1832, and located where he now resides, 
having lived in the one house for fifty-one years. 
He is a seafaring man, and followed sailing until 
1872. He was married in 1832 to Miss Harriet Mc- 
Elwaine, of Paulsboro. He has four children, — 
Amanda, Louisa, Harriet, and Lydia, all living. 

The Paul family are of English descent. Philip 
Paul, father of Samuel Paul, left England Sept. 5, 
1685, and landed in "Virginy" on the 5th of, No- 
vember of the same year. 

Samuel Paul was born Dec. 25, 1783, and was mar- 
ried Oct. 6, 1758, to Miss Rebecca Delavoe, who was 
born Dec. 23, 1739. Mr. Paul died April 21, 1772. 

Samuel Philip Paul was born Sept. 17, 1763; mar- 
ried Miss Nancy Clark, Feb. 10, 1786. Mr. Paul died 
July 11, 1831, and Mrs. Paul, Oct. 3, 1845. Their 
children were Joshua, Anne, Martha, Samuel, Eliza- 
beth, Adrian C, and Ann C. 

Adrian C. Paul was born July 24, 1800, and married 
Maria Ford, who was born March 22, 1796. Mr. Paul 
died Aug. 31, 1826. Their children were Anna Maria, 
Joseph R., and Adrian C. Joseph R. lives in Pauls- 
boro, on the homestead of his grandfather, Samuel P. 
Paul, and Adrian C. lives in Haddonfield. Joseph 
R. Paul married Elizabeth Eggman, of Haddonfield. 
Their children are Adrian, born Feb. 28, 1856, and 
Charles E., born Jan. 18, 1859. 

George Hannold, the oldest man in Paulsboro, was 
born in Barnsboro, N. J., in February, 1798. He came 
to this town in 1810, and was married Oct. 24, 1822, 
to Miss Ann Holmes, who died Jan. 1, 1857. Their 
children were Elizabeth, married Samuel Huft'; Wil- 
liam, an undertaker at Swedesboro ; Keziah, married 



238 



HISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Joseph Huff, a farmer in Greenwich township ; 
Maria, married Samuel Salisbury ; Charles H., a 
wheelwright in Paulsboro ; George, died in the 
army; Mary, died in 1881. 

Nehemiah Cowgill was born Oct. 19, 1781, and in 
1810 married Elizabeth Jones, who was born Jan. 20, 
1792. The oldest of their twelve children now living 
is Abram Cowgill, of Paulsboro, who was born Jan. 
5, 1813. In 1837, Abram married Miss Keturah, 
daughter of Stephen Miller. Mr. Cowgill is the 
father of a large and enterprising family, one of 
whom, W. G. Cowgill, born Nov. 9, 1852, is engaged 
in general merchandise business in Paulsboro. 

Thomson Huff was born in Gibbstown in 1828, and 
died in Paulsboro in 1875, having lived all his life- 
time in what is now Greenwich township. He was 
married in 1840 to Miss Sarah A. Galley, of Philadel- 
phia, who still survives him. Their children are 
Maria G. ; James C, married a Miss Crammer ; 
Henric M. G., now an Episcopal clergyman at Potts- 
town, Pa.; Mary, married to Richard I. Wilson, of 
Bordentown, N. J. ; and John T. Huff, now of Phila- 
delphia. 

Paulsboro in 1883.— The Paulsboro of to-day is 
one of the wide-awake industrious towns upon the 
line of the Delaware River Railroad, and contains 
two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Protestant 
Episcopal; one hotel, by Jonathan Crammer; four 
general stores, viz., W. G. Cowgill's, built in 1869 by 
George Manlove; Matthew Gill, frame building op- 
posite the hotel ; George Manlove, whose present 
storehouse was built in 1881 ; John A. Wilson, on 
Delaware Street, in store built in 1870 by James 
Thomson. The lumber dealers are E. G. & S. H. 
Miller, on the dock below the turnpike bridge. The 
coal merchants are Joseph R. Paul, who has been 
in the business several years, and T. C. Hannold, 
who commenced in 1883. Charles H. Hannold, a 
wheelwright and blacksmith, who learned his trade 
of E. Warner several years ago, in his present shop 
on Main Street. I. G. Cox & Brother carry on the 
wheelwright and blacksmith business, also manufac- 
ture harrows and heavy wagons. Edward Hannold 
and Charles E. Paul are the boat-builders. The phy- 
sicians are G. C. Laws, S. T. Miller, E. L. and R. H. 
Reeve, who also keep a drug-store. There are also 
the usual number of small shops usually found in a 
town of the size of Paulsboro. 

Gibbstown is a small hamlet in the west part 
of the township, and on the line of the Delaware 
River Railroad. The land upon which it is lo- 
cated was owned in the early part of this century by 
E. Gibbs, who was a large land-owner, and also a 
blacksmith by trade, and carried on the business at 
the old homestead, a short distance southwest from 
the present railroad station, and from him the locality 
derived its name. Whether Mr. Gibbs ever had a 
store at or near his house is not known; but in 1835 
William Beck had become possessed of a farm, and 



in that year opened a small country store for the ac- 
commodation of his neighbors. This had a tendency 
to draw other settlers to that locality, yet the place 
never attained to anything more than a school-house, 
three or four dwellings, and a store until the advent 
of the railroad and the building and operating of the 
powder-works near by, when new life seemed to be 
infused into Gibbstown, and it is now a place of con- 
siderable business. Here is a new Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, school-house, powder- works, two good 
stores, several new dwellings, built in 1881-83, and a 
railroad station, from which is shipped large quan- 
tities of vegetables in their season. 

Billing'sport.' — The chief poifat of interest in what 
can properly be termed the early history of Green- 
wich township is the town of Billingsport, which was 
the Roder Udden of the Swedes, or the "Mantua's 
Hook opposite Tinicum," where Broen wished to set 
up the arms of the States-General, adversely to the 
Swedish empire. There is strong suspicion, not- 
withstanding the respectable authority of Barker, 
that the " Manteses Plain," whereon Earl Ployden 
projected the Manor of Watcessit for his own august 
residence, was no other than this same Billingsport. 
Be this as it may, the place was marked out in the 
time of Edward Billinge as the site of a future town, 
and received the name of the Proprietor. 

The striking advantage of this point as a militarj' 
post was not overlooked by either Americans or Brit- 
ish during the Revolutionary war. June 12, 1777, 
John Hancock, then president of the Continental 
Congress, sitting in Philadelphia, wrote to Governor 
Livingston, of New Jersey, to order five hundred 
militia to assist in completing the works theu erect- 
ing at Billingsport for the defense of the river Del- 
aware. Late in the fall of that year the British got 
possession of Philadelphia, and it became a matter 
of great importance to them that the English fleet, 
commanded by Capt. Hammond, should communi- 
cate with the city. Gen, Howe sent two regiments, 
under Col. Sterling, to attack the fort. Crossing the 
river from Chester, they marched with speed to attack 
the fort in the rear, and were successful. The Amer- 
icans were surprised, and not thinking themselves 
able to resist the assault of the enemy, they spiked 
their artillery, set fire to the barracks, and abandoned 
the place. 

In the war of 1812 the importance of this point as 
a military position was not lost sight of, and it again 
bristled with bayonets, an encampment of the South 
Jersey troops having been made there, under the 
direction of Gens. Gaines and Elmer. From this 
point an expedition was fitted out against a British 
tender which had frequently been seen in the bay 
and river, as related elsewhere. 

After peace had been declared, and all the imple- 
ments of war had been turned into articles of hus- 

' From " Reminisconces of Olfl Gloucestei-," by lenac Mickle. 



TOWNSHIP OP GREENWICH. 



239 



bandry, Billingsport became almost entirely deserted 
and forgotten, save to a few who happened to see its 
name in history. 

Thus it lay for nearly three-quarters of a century, 
when the fact was discovered by the government, as 
well as by a few enterprising individuals, that Bil- 
lingsport and vicinity was an excellent point for a 
government light-house, and for large manufacturing 
interests. Accordingly, in 1880, the United States 
built a light-house upon an elevated point a short 
distance from the old fort and camping-grounds, with 
Benjamin Hannold as keeper. This had a tendency 
to bring the long-neglected and almost forgotten lo- 
cality into public notice, and the same year Messrs. 
Coe & Richmond built their very extensive phosphate- 
works a short distance east of the light-house, at the 
mouth of Mantua Creek, on a farm of one hundred 
and thirty acres, purchased from Samuel Davis. 

This is one of the most extensive phosphate-works 
in the United States, employing annually a force of 
from fifty to eighty men. The sales from these works 
amounted to over thirty-five thousand tons in 1882. 

The pioneer merchant at this place was Peter F. 
Verga, who built the store on the corner of the street 
between the light-house and phosphate-works in Sep- 
tember, 1881, and is the present proprietor. 

The next store at Billingsport was built in the fall 
of 1881, by William Flower, near the old camp- 
ground, where he is still engaged in business. 

The hotel at Billingsport was kept in 1883 by John 
Kerns. 

During the summer season this town is well sup- 
plied with facilities for reaching Philadelphia by 
steamer, and in winter as well as summer by railroad, 
though the station is one mile away, at Paulsboro. 

During the Revolutionary war the American forces 
placed a chevaux-de-frise in the river to prevent vessels 
from landing. This chevaux-de-frise was made of poles 
from thirty to forty feet in length, and upon the 
point or upper end of each stick was fastened a long, 
sharp piece of iron, for the purpose of piercing the 
bottom of any vessel that might come in contact with 
the obstruction. One of these poles was taken from 
its original po-sition but a few years ago by Peter F. 
Verga, who owns a farm on the bank of the river 
opposite to which was the chevaux-de-frise. Mr. 
Verga has the old relic now in his possession. 

SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS. 

Greenwich Lodge, No. 5, 1. 0. 0. F.'— This lodge 
was instituted at Carpenter's Landing (now Mantua 
village), March 26, 1834, with the following officers: 
N. G., W. B. Gendell; V. G., John C. Sparks ; Sec, 
Thomas P. Parke ; Asst. Sec, David D. Cade ; Treas., 
Bowman Sailer. The lodge continued working at 
Carpenter's Landing until Aug. 26, 1839, when work 
was suspended till Dec. 15, 1847, when, by authority 

1 By W. G, Cowgill. 



of the District Deputy Grand Master, the lodge re- 
sumed labor at Clarksboro, where the mysteries of 
the mystic links were explained till November, 1859, 
when lodge-work was transferred to the hall of John 
G. Myers, in the third story of the hotel at Pauls- 
boro, where work has been performed until the 
present time. 

At the time the lodge commenced work at Pauls- 
; boro Isaac Warner was the N. G. ; Daniel Morse, 
j V. G. ; J. H. Wood, Sec. ; David B. Gill, Asst. Sec. ; 
and J. R. Hinchman, Treas. 

The following are the Past Grands, as far as can 
be ascertained : Daniel Morse, Isaac Warner, Au- 
gustus Sailer, J. T. Batten, Thomas Huff, G. W. 
Plannold, J. F. Thomson, C. AV. Wilkins, C. H. Han- 
nold, W. Hannold, A. P. Hannold, J. Warner, Jr., 
T. Hannold, C. Piatt, John Brown, J. S. Nolen, Oram 
Adamson, J. Vaneman, John W. Wai;_d, 1875 ; B. W. 
Low, J. S. Shuster, T. F. Williains, J. L. Read, 
Charles Cowgill, C. R. Tomlin, S. E. Gaunt, C. P. 
Snyder, H. S. Adamson, J. H. Hewitt, Dauiel Laugh- 
lin, Charles Converse, J. W.Davenport, Jesse Miller, 
W. J. Adamson. 

In 1876 the lodge built a three-story frame build- 
ing, thirty by sixty feet, the first and second floors of 
which it rents for stores and dwellings, and the upper 
floor is occupied as a lodge-room. 

The elective ofiicers in October, 1883, were Thomas 
Young, N. G.; George P. Devault, V. G. ; J. H. 
Hewitt, Rec. Sec. ; C. R. Tomlin, Treas. 

Welcome Lodge, No. 37, K. of P.,^ was instituted 
in Paulsboro, N. J., June 11, 1872, with forty-two 
members. The officers were as follows : H. T. Adams, 
W. C. ; T. C. Hannold, V. C. ; J. Ridgeway, P. ; D. 
Moose, B. ; J. R. Middleton, R. S. ; J. C. Hufi", F. S. ; 
J. M. Derrickson, B. G. ; Oram Adamson, I. G. ; Ed- 
ward Wilkinson, O. G. 

The Past Chancellors have been T. C. Hannold, 
J. M. Derrickson, Oram Adamson, W. H. Lloyd, Ed- 
ward Wilkinson, W. S. Thomson, Mark Clement, W. 
G. Cowgill, C. C. Hannold, Joseph M. Hunter, Joseph 
S. Shuster, W. B. Hartman, E. K. Williams, B. S. 
Hewitt, C. H. Hannold, W. E. Wallace, B. G. Paul, 
C. F. Miller, Thomas Wright, W. Aikley, W. English. 

The officers in October, 1883, were as follows : Sam- 
uel Genly, C. C. ; H. C. Nonemaker, V. C. ; Clayton 
Carson, P. ; W. B. Hartman, M. of F. ; Charles E. 
Paul, K. of R. and S. ; A. Paul, M. of E. ; George F. 
Green, M. at A. ; C. P. Myers, I. G. ; John Hewitt, 
O. G. 

The membership at that time was eighty. The 
regular meetings are held on Wednesday evening of 
each week. Cash in banker's hands, $1500. Trus- 
tees for 1883, W. G. Cowgill, B. G. Paul, and C. L. 
Sey. 

Paulsboro Building and Loan Association.* — 
This association was organized in 1872, and has con- 

2 By W. G. Cowgill. 



240 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



tinned uninterruptedly until the present time. The 
first officers were as follows : President, William E. 
Gaunt; Vice-President, A. Cowgill; Secretary, Ste- 
phen H. Miller; Treasurer, I. J. Cowgill. 

The financial condition of the association is shown 
in the following report, made Oct. 1, 1883 : 

Receijits. 

Cash received for monthly iDstallments S6,778.40 

Interest on loans 1,858.01 

Fines on arrearages 28.60 

Premium on new shares 5-00 

Initiation fee 100.00 

Sale of hojises and lots 1,445.00 

Cash on hand last report 197.50 

W,412.B1 
Disbursements. 

Loans to stockholders S6,799.91 

Paid matured stock and interest 1,208.50 

Pavnients on withdrawals 169.83 

Taies 274.26 

Secrerary's and treasurer's salary 100.00 

Withdrawals 13.50 

Incidentals 89.81 

Cash on hand 766.70 

$9,412.81 



Bonds and mortgages, 



1874.. 
1875.. 
1876.. 
1877.. 
1878.. 
1879.. 
1880.. 
1881.. 
1882.. 
18S3.. 



,000.00 
,800.00 
,200.00 
GOO.OO 
800.00 
,845.35 
,400.00 
,100.00 
,100.00 
,200 00 
756.70 



Cash on hand 

$23,802,05 
Less an amount due first series 4,647.37 



519,154.6 



Value of Shari^s. 



46 sh.ires, 2d series, $183.79 per share $8,270.65 



14 


' 3d 


4 


' 4th 


5 


' 6th 


20 


' 6th 


69 


■■ 7tll 


11 


' 8th 


82 


' Pth 



159.16 
135.87 
113.09 
71.39 
26.17 
14.61 
6.03 



2,228.24 

643.48 

665.46 

1.427 .SO 

4,002.03 

1,621.71 

494.46 



Balance gain undivided.. 



Total 819,164.68 

Pledged and Unpledged Shares. 

Pledged. Unpledged. Total. 

2d series 29% 

3d " 

4th " 

6th " 

6th " 

7th " 

8th " 

9th " , 



29i4 


15M 


45 


13 


1 


14 


4 




4 


3'/„ 


IM 


6 


4 


16 


20 


24 


136 


169 


13 


98 


HI 


8 


74 


82 



98M 3401^ 440 

The directors for 1883 were S. H. Howitz, George 
C. Laws, H. C. Loudenslager, Hiram Cowgill, James 
Hewitt, Edward Bates, Jr., J. M. Casperson ; Audi- 
tors, S. H. Howitz, J. M. Casperson, H. S. Adamson ; 
President, W. G. Cowgill ; Vice-President, Abraham 
Cowgill ; Secretary, W. J. Adamson ; Treasurer, E. 
G. Miller. 

Delaware Tribe, No. 44, 1. 0. of R. M.,' was in- 
stituted Dec. 8, 1873, in Paulsboro, N. J., with the 
following- named ofiicers : P., H. C. Loudenslager; 
S., T. C. Hannold ; S. S., J. Ridgeway ; J. S., E. Wil- 

1 By W. G. OowgiU. 



liamson; K. of R., Wilson Gill; K. of W., David 
Devault ; Asst. K. of R., James Dooley ; G. of F., 
Charles Salisbury ; G. of W., J. Hunter. 

The Past Sachems have been J. Ridgeway, E. Wil- 
liamson, C. Gill, S. Davis, D. L. Devault, J. H. 
Moore, Joseph Hunter, C. M. Davis, C. S. Hewitt, 
G. C. Thompson, W. Mills, G. H. Parker, W. Hunter, 
C. Brown, and Joseph Myers. 

The present officers, October, 1883, are as follows : 
P., C. Brown ; S., Joseph Myers ; S. S., S. Hewitt ; 
J. S., G. W. Armstrong; K. of R., J. Gallaher; K. 
of W., S. H. Howitz; G. of W., R. Madkiflf. 

The tribe numbers eighty-one members, and have 
eleven hundred dollars in the wampum belt. 

CHURCHES. 

St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church.''— The 
first Methodist sermon preached in Paulsboro was in 
1820, by Rev. Thomas Ware, in the old school-house, 
then standing on what is now Buck Street. 

Meetings continued to be held in the old school- 
house, as a week-day or evening appointment, until 
1825, when Solomon Sharp established Sunday preach- 
ing, which has been continued till the present time. 

When the pioneer class was formed it was composed 
of twelve persons, and as no leader had yet been ap- 
pointed, the services of class-leader were performed by 
the preacher in charge. 

A short time after this, Malica Horner, a prominent 
citizen and Methodist, moved into the neighborhood, 
and was assigned that position, being the first class- 
leader in, what is now the Paulsboro Church. The 
growth of the society was slow for several years, there 
being no general revival so long as they worshiped 
in the school-house. There were a few accessions now 
and then, but not enough to add to their material 
strength. In 1827 the society became incorporated, 
and steps were taken to build a church. A lot was 
purchased of Charles H. and Rachel Fish, and a deed 
given to the trustees, bearing date May 2, 1827. The 
names of the trustees are not given in the deed, but 
three of them were Joseph Lodge, Jacob Louden- 
slager, and Charles Reeves. The church was built of 
stone, and in size was thirty by forty feet, without 
galleries, and finished in plain style. The first sermon 
preached in the stone church was on a Saturday 
afternoon in September, 1827, by Rev. Joseph Osborn, 
then on the supernumerary list, and a resident of 
Woodbury. 

The church was dedicated the next day by Rev. 
Charles Pitman, in one of his great efforts of two 
hours' devotion, and this effort produced a lasting 
impression upon the audience. 

Until 1833 Paulsboro Church was on the Salem 
i Circuit, but it then became a part of the newly-formed 
! Swedesboro Circuit. 

Among the preachers that labored on the old charge 



2 Compiled from church records liy Kev. J. II. Itlickle. 



TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 



241 



were Thomas Ware, Solomon Sharp, A. Atwood, T. 
Sovereign, J. Ashbrook, S. Rusling, and William 
Stevens. Those who served on the latter were Josiah 
Canfield, J. K. Shaw, A. I. J. Truitt, J. W. McDou- 
gall, N. Edwards, Thomas Stewart, S. Y. Monroe, 
Joseph Atwood, J. S. Beegle, James Long, A. K. 
Street, S. E. Post, Mulford Day, Edward Stout. 

In 1851, Clarksboro and Paulsboro were set off from 
the circuit, and Zerubbabel Gaskill was appointed 
preacher. In 1852, Bridgeport Circuit was formed 
and Paulsboro placed on it, with J. B. Mathis and B. 
Andrews as the preachers, who were followed the next 
two years by William A. Brooks and John I. Corson. 

The church was destroyed in 1853 by fire, which 
was a severe loss to the society, yet many considered 
it a providential blessing, in preparing the way for a 
more commodious house of worship, and steps were 
immediately taken in that direction. After the de- 
struction of the old stone church services were again 
held in the school-house and in the hotel, then kept 
as a temperance house, and during the summer-time 
under a large tent erected for that purpose. 

The new (present) church was built in 1853, of brick, 
and in size it is forty by sixty feet, with a basement 
containing a Sunday-school and two class-rooms, and 
galleries in the main audience-room. The basement 
was occupied during the winter, but the building was 
not completed during the next year. At the Confer- 
ence of 1855 Paulsboro was made a station, with S. 
Vansant as pastor. The church was then pushed to 
completion, and dedicated June 21, 1855, by Rev. W. 
Kenney. The contributions were made so briskly 
that, after the cost of the church was provided for, 
a subscription was opened towards building a par- 
sonage. A substantial and commodious house was 
erected and occupied the next winter. The cost 
of the church was about four thousand one hundred 
dollars, and of the parsonage two thousand one hun- 
dred dollars. The trustees at that time were Stephen 
Miller, Philip S. Baker, Robert C. Middleton, Jo- 
seph B. Shoemaker, Abraham Cowgill, and John 
B. Miller. Philip S. Baker, Robert C. Middleton, 
and Joseph B. Shoemaker were the building com- 
mittee. Since the charge has been a station the fol- 
lowing ministers have served as pastors: In 1855-56, 
S. Vansant; 1857-58, A. E. Ballard; 1859-60, David 
Duffell; 1861-62, J. Fort; 1863-64, Thomas S.Wil- 
son; 1865, G. Hitchens; 1866, S. Parker; 1867-68, 
J. G. Crate; 1869-70, F. Robbins ; 1871-73, R. S. 
Harris; 1874-76, W. W. Christine; 1877-79, George 
R. Snyder; 1880-81, Dickinson Moore; 1881-83, J. 
H. Mickle. 

In 1883 the church numbered two hundred and 
twenty-five members, and the Sunday-school num- 
bered one hundred and eighty-five scholars. The fol- 
lowing-named persons composed the official board for 
that year: William A. Mullen, C. N. Shuster, G. 
Clark, F. Tracy, G. H. Gaunt, J. Rambo, S. Huff, C. 
R. Tomlin, S. H. Howitz, A. Middleton, S. H. Miller, 
16 



A. Cowgill, W. H. Lloyd, C. Hannold, C. Wiley, and 
A. Lodge. 

St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church.— 

This was originally a mission, or branch from St. 
Peter's Church at Clarksboro, then under the rector- 
ship of Rev. James Lamb, who saw in Paulsboro an 
opening for the extension of his labors, and the 
result was the organization of St. James' Church, 
in the house of the late Thomson Huff, in 1871 or 
1872. Among the original members were William 
Rambo (who was made senior warden), Matthew Gill 
(junior warden), Oram Adamson, George Adamson, 
Miss Eliza Gibbs, Louisa Gibbs, Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. 0. 
Adamson, Lydia Rambo, Susanna Rambo, Louis 
Rambo, Mrs. Matthew Gill, Mrs. Jessup, Sarah A. 
Huff, Maria Huff, Mary Huff, and Mrs. Gallagher. 

During the first year after its organization the society 
worshiped in the little old brick store^house standing 
on the south side of Main Street, now owned by the 
Hayden estate, and during that year built their pres- 
ent frame church edifice, located on the corner of 
Commerce and Jefferson Streets, at a cost of four 
thousand five hundred dollars, the church lot being 
presented by Mr. M. Gill. The corner-stone of the 
church edifice was laid by Rev. Mr. Lamb. 

The first vestrymen were William Rambo, Matthew 
Gill, Dr. George Laws, 0. Adamson, George Adam- 
son, George Gallagher, E. Gibbs, and Thomson Huff. 
Two of the above have since deceased, viz., O. Adam- 
son and T. Huff. 

The rectors of the church have been, since Mr. 

Lamb, Baumes for two years; then came Dr. 

Speer. For a time the church was then supplied by 
different ones, until Rev. Mr. Lewis took charge of this 
church, in connection with his own at Woodbury. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Bond, also of Woodbury. 
The present communicants number about forty-five. 

The Sunday-school connected with this church was 
organized a short time previous to the organization of 
the church, with Dr. George Laws as superintendent, 
who still holds the same relation to the school. 

The wardens in 1883 were William Rambo, senior 
warden ; Dr. George Laws, junior warden. Vestry- 
men, William Rambo, George Adamson, William 
Adamson, Henry Tanner, Dr. George Laws, and 
Alonzo Rambo. 

The Clonmel Methodist Episcopal Church, lo- 
cated at Gibbstown, was built in 1879. This society 
is a branch or part of Paulsboro charge, and for sev- 
eral years held its meetings in the old stone school- 
house, but finding that inadequate for religious pur- 
poses, a preliminary meeting was held April 1, 1879, 
at which it was decided to build a house of wor- 
ship. May 13th of the same year Joseph L. Reed, 
Eli Allen, Elwood K. Williams, Enos W. Bates, 
and Joseph L. Shuster were elected trustees, and at 
once proceeded to the erection of the present frame 
church edifice, twenty-eight by forty-six feet, award- 
ing the contract to Charles Von Stege, of Woodbury. 



242 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



The church was dedicated Nov. 19, 1879. Its total 
cost was nine liundred dollars. There are at this 
place two classes of about thirty members, with John 
Williams and Samuel E. Gaunt as leaders. There is 
also a prosperous Sunday-school connected with this 
society. Preaching services are held every two weeks 
by the pastor in charge of the Paulsboro Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

CEMETEKIES. 

The Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, located in 
rear of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the village 
of Paulsboro, was first occupied as such in 1831, by the 
interment of the remains of Samuel P. Paul, who lies 
buried in the northwest corner of the inclosure, known 
as " Paul's Reserve." 

The following are among the many interments in 
these grounds : 

Samuel P. Paul, died July 11, 1S31, aged G7 years. 
Martha W. Paul, liorn April 1, 1791, died Jan. 10, 1856. 
Elizabeth Loudeiislager, born Nov. 9, 1790, died Marcli 24, 1873. 
Rev. Jacob Loudenslager, died Oct, 24, 1871, aged 79 years. 
Elizabeth C. Loudenslager, died July 26, 1874, aged 77 years. 
Philip S. Baker, born Feb. 24, 1800, died May 8, 1875. 
Anna G. Baker, died Aug. 4, 1867, aged 63 years. 

The above are nearly all the interments in "Paul's 
Reserve." 

John B. Miller, born Slay 12, 1797, died April 0, 1858. 

Rev. William H.Stephens, died Dec. 14, 1833, aged 28 years. 

John F. Thomas, born Oct. 22, 1822, died Jan. 29, 1867. 

Mary N.Thomas, born April 7, 1826, died Feb, 4, 1867. 

Ann B, Henderson, born April 3, 18U6, died Sept, 4, 1845, 

William Cowgill, died June 8, 1846, aged 34 years, 

Elizabeth B.,wireof W, Cowgill, born Feb, 9, 1819, died April 23, 1859, 

Kittura Cowgill, died Nov, 17, 1841, aged 26 years, 

Anna H. Gibbs, died April 2, 1875, aged 85 years. 

EnoB Gibbs, died Jipril 30, 1852, aged 62 years, 

Edward H, Gibbs, died June 8, 1833, aged 20 years. 

Joseph Mcllvaine, died Sept, 24, 1833, aged 26 years, 

George Steelman, died Feb, 5, 1874, aged 65 years, 

Sarah E. Steelman, died Nov, 20, 1863, aged 45 years, 

Stephen Miller, born Jan. 16, 1789, died June 3, 1862, 

Rachel Miller, died Nov. 7, 1875, aged 83 years, 

Rebecca Dilks, born Aug, 16, 1804, died May 16, 1880. 

Frederick Hannold, born March 1, 1817, died Dec. 7, 1882, 

Nehemiah Cowgill, born Oct. 19, 1781, died Oct. 6, 1867, 

Elizabeth Cowgill, died Feb, 7, 1858, aged 66 years. 

Jesse Mullen, died Sept, 16, 1853, aged 52 years, 

Mary Mullen, born Feb, 5, 1800, died Feb. 14, 1878. 

Joseph Carter, died Jan. 15, 1842, aged 55 j^ears. 

Letitia Carter, born July 22, 1787, died Sept. 24, 1874. 

Isaac Lodge, born Aug, 5, 1792, died May 12, 1874, 

Mary B. Lodge, boru March 10, 1788, died Sept, 10, 1858, 

Job Key, died May 25, 1846, aged 59 years, 

Ann Key, died Aug. 10, 1868, aged 60 years. 

Isaiic Derrickson, died Oct, 5, 1847, aged 65 years. 

Mary Derrickson, died Aug, 21, 1855, aged 48 years. 

Samuel L, Devault, died M.ay 22, 1874, aged 63 years. 

Thomas Derrickson, died Nov, 28, 1877, aged 69 years. 

William Miller, died Dec. 16, 1872, aged 59 years, 

Emmor Hall, died March 1, 1851, aged 44 years. 

Barzillai R, West, died Jan. 28, 1862, aged 68 years. 

Mary West, died Feb. 28, 1866, aged 39 years. 

Charles Stroop, died Oct. 4, 1864, aged 70 years. 

Rachel Stroop, died July 16, 1863, aged'66 years. 

Rev. Henry Stroop, died July 19, 1853, aged 25 years. 

Elizabeth Stroop, died March 17, 1866, aged 70 years, 

Mary Wollord, died March 1, 1846, aged 01 years. 

Charles Hall, died Dec. 18, 1878, aged 64 years. 

Isaac L. Thomson, born May 23,1819, died Jan. 7, 1866. 



Isaac Thomson, died Oct, 17, 1855, aged 69 years, 

Margaret Thomsou, died Oct, 27, 1849, aged 62 years. 

Isaac Hughes, born April 20, 1804, died Jan, 8, 1878. -^ 

Benjamin Lord, born Nov, 23, 1761, died Aug, 21, 1846, 

Anna Lord, born July 17, 1787, died Nov, 6, 1854, 

Mark Low, died March 31, 1874, aged 54 years, 

Peter L, Kerus, died Dec, 1, 1869, aged 61 years, 

Joseph Myers, born May 8, 1788, died April 15, 1861, 

Rachel Myers, died May 7, 1869, aged 84 years, 

Henry S. Miller, born Oct. 16, 1803, died March 12, 1870. 

Elizabeth Miller, died April 24, 1881, aged 80 years, 

Rebecca Thompson, died Feb, 23, 1872, aged 62 years. 

Rachel S. Nolen, born Feb. 8, 1791, died Feb. 2, 1862. 

Mary Ann Paul, born March 12, 1792, died Jan. 16, 1863. 

John Huff, died Nov. 3, 187G, aged 67 years. 

Sarah Repperd, died July 17, 1851, aged 78 years, 

Thomas Parker, died April 12, 1848, aged 61 years. 

Elizabeth Parker, died June 22, 1843, aged 48 years, 

Maria Dupree, born April 10, 1800, died Jan. 26,1881, 

Margaret Repherd Gaboon, died Dec. 12, 1860, aged 48 years, 

Thomson Huff, died March 4, 1876, aged 57 .veara. 

Charles VV, Paul, died July 13, 1839, aged 43 years, 

Jane Paul, died June 28, 1842, aged 46 years, 

Benjamin B, Shuster, died June 20, 1872, aged 82 years, 

Sarah Shuster, died Jan, 11, 1869, aged 77 years, 

Henry Allen, died Aug, 19, 1879, aged 59 years. 

Catharine A. Allen, died Feb. 8, 1869, aged 44 years, 

Beulah Ann Davis, died Oct, 14, 1860, aged 53 years. 

John Kerns, died Aug. 10, 1875, aged 70 years, 

Mary Ann Kerns, died Nov. 11, 1877, aged 62 years, 

Ann M, Wilkins, died June 11, 1858, aged 68 years, 

Eliza Wilkins, died July 25, 1870, aged 67 years, 

Lydia Ann Jaggard, born May 27, 1809, died Feb. 8, 1873. 

Kesiah Wallin, born May 9, 1792, died Feb, 3, 1872. 

William C, Kennard.boru June 2, 1792, died Jan, 5, 1879, 
I James Kennard, born Dec. 22, 1800, died Jan, 8, 1879, 

Esther A. Wilkins, died Jan. 1, 1376, aged 78 years. 

Charles Wilkins, died July 26, 1833, aged 45 years.' 

Leven Denster, died Oct, 10, 1872, aged 90 years, 

Zebnlon Ayars, born May 12, 1786, died July 1, 1862. 

Rhoda Ayars, born July 28, 1792, died Feb, 7, 1872. 

John Hcwlings, Co. H, 12th N, J, Vols,, died at Washington, D, 0., 
Dec, 22, 1863, aged 37 years. 

Mary \. Hillman, born Nov. 5, 1761, died Dec. 31, 1866. » 

George W, Hannold, Co, E, 24th N, J, Vols,, wounded at Fredericks- 
burg, Va., Dec, 13, and died Dec, 26, 1862. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SAMUEL SALISBURY. 

The grandfather of Mr. Salisbury emigrated from 
England to the United States, and settled in Woods- 
town, Salem Co., N. J. His two children were Jo- 
seph and Samuel, the former of whom was born near 
Woodstown, and at an early period removed to Wool- 
wich township, Gloucester Co., where his life was 
spent, and where his death occurred. He was united 
in marriage to Miss Hannah, daughter of William 
Noble, whose ancestors were of Irish extraction. 
Their children were Benjamin, Joseph, Samuel, 
Charles, Noble, John, Sarah (Mrs. Samuel Leap), 
Hannah (Mrs. John G. Smith), Caroline (Mrs. Jo- 
seph Gamble). Samuel, of this number, was born 
Dec. 8, 1811, in Woolwich township, and at an early 
age was rendered an orphan and homeless by the 
death of his parents. This fiict made him early de- 
pendent upon the kindness of strangers, and devel- 



TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON. 



243 



oped the self-reliant character which has since con- 
tributed largely to bis success. He found a home 
with Joseph Stretch, where meagre advantages of 
education were enjoyed, and remained until his thir- 
teenth year, when Robert Cooper tendered him pro- 
tection. After five years of service in the family of 
the latter, he engaged in various profitable pursuits 
until his twenty-fourth year, when a more independ- 
ent career opened in the raising of produce and in 
general farming. He was married, March, 1838, to 
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James and Sarah Stans- 
bury, to whom were born children, — Hannah, de- 
ceased ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Samuel ; Benjamin, 
deceased ; Charles ; Kate (Mrs. Loudenslager) ; and 
Melissa, deceased. Mrs. Salisbury died in 1862, and 
he was married a second time, in 1865, to Miss 
Susanna W. Egee, who died in 1876, when he was 
united in marriage, in 1883, to his present wife, who 
was Mrs. Maria Nolan. Mr. Salisbury, in 1856, pur- 
chased a farm, and has since been extensively en- 
gaged in the raising of produce. In 1880 he retired 
from the active management of his farming interests 
and removed to Paulsboro, his present home. He 
is in politics a Democrat, and has filled various 
township offices, though not an aspirant for ofiicial 
place. Both he and Mrs. Salisbury are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Paulsboro. 



JOHN RAMBO. 
Mr. Rambo's ancestors were Swedes, and emigrated 
at an early date to America. His great-grandfather 
was John, who had among his sons a son John, born 
in 1776. He cultivated a farm in Gloucester County, 
and married Patience Crim, whose children were five 
in number, while by a second marriage, to Lydia 
Key, were eight children. Peter C, a son by the first 
marriage, was born in 1801, in Woolwich township, 
Gloucester Co., and later removed to Deptford town- 
ship, where he followed farming employments. An 
interval was spent as a resident of Pennsylvania, 
after which he returned again to New Jersey, and 
settled in Trenton. He married Margaret, daughter 
of Richard Stockton, of Burlington County, and bad 
children, — Benjamin, Elizabeth, Emeline, Samuel, 
John, Mary Jane, Thomas, Edith, and one who died 
in infancy. Mr. Rambo still survives, and enjoys 
'robust health, in his eighty-third year. John, his 
son, was born in Paulsboro, Greenwich township, on 
the 22d of August, 1833, and remained during his 
early youth an inmate of his father's house, where 
he enjoyed ordinary advantages of education. At 
sixteen he began a career of independence, and con- 
tinued actively employed until 1859, when he leased 
his present farm, and subsequently purchased the 
property, which has since that time been greatly im- 
proved and rendered unusually productive. The spot 
is, among other advantages, remarkable for its facili- 
ties of shipment, both by railroad and water. Mr. 



Rambo was married Dec. 3, 1856, to Miss Adalisa, 
daughter of Jesse Mallen, of Greenwich township. 
Their children are Emma C. (Mrs. Joseph Locke), 
Margaret S. (Mrs. Howard G. Cooper), Mary Eliza- 
beth, Henry M., John, and Adalisa, who died in in- 
fancy. Mr. Rambo has ever been an active business 
man and a public-spirited citizen. He assisted in or- 
ganizing and was one of the directors of the Delaware 
Shore Railroad, now known as the Delaware River 
Railroad. He is a member of Greenwich Lodge, No. 
10, of Patrons of Husbandry. His politics are Re- 
publican, various township oflBces having been ten- 
dered him, which were filled with fidelity and judg- 
ment. Both he and Mrs. Rambo are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Paulsboro. 



CHAPTER XLIIL 
TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON.i 

Geographical and Descriptive.— This township 
was taken from Greenwich and Woolwich townships 
in 1844 and named Spicer, in honor of one of the early 
settlers of Mullica Hill, but only retained the name 
for about a year, when it was changed to Harrison, in 
honor of Gen. William Henry Harrison, tenth Presi- 
dent of the United States. Ex-Judge Jacob Harvey 
and William Haines, both practical surveyors, ran 
the division line, assisted by the township committees. 

The northeastern portion of the township is a little 
hilly, while the rest is level or gently undulating. 
There is in this township a variety of soil, all of which 
is susceptible of a high state of cultivation, and is 
very productive of vegetables and garden truck. The 
township contains, including South Harrison town- 
ship, an area of twenty-four thousand and seventy- 
two acres of land. It is one of the most extensive and 
populous townships of the county, peopled by an 
industrious and thrifty class of farmers. Its farms 
and residences are among the neatest in Southern 
New Jersey. 

The township is bounded on the northeast by 
Mantua, and southeast by Clayton township, on the 
south by Salem County, on the southwest by Wool- 
wich, and northwest by Greenwich township. 

Harrison is watered along its southerly border by 
Oldman's Creek and its tributaries. The north and 
south branches of Raccoon Creek and their numerous 
tributaries water the northern half of the township. 

Early Settlers. — In all probability the pioneer 
land-owner and settler of what is now Mullica Hill 
was Eric Mullica, from whom the town derives its 
name. He located on the north side of the creek. 
(For further notice, see villages and hamlets.) Another 
and probably more prominent pioneer settler at Mul- 

1 By W. H. Shaw. 



244 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



lica Hill was Jacob Spicer. It was he after whom 
the township was first named. His tract lay nearly or 
quite all on the south side of the creek, and covered 
a large extent of territory. The next tract south of 
Spicer's was the Isaac Browning tract. He married 
into the family who previously owned the tract, and 
in this way came in possession, after which it was 
known as the Browning tract. Browning's daughter 
married a Hatch, and the old plantation is still known 
as the Hatch place. Benjamin Moore was owner of a 
large tract of land south of the Spicer and Browning 
tracts, which was subsequently divided among his 
heirs. The Gorsline or Goshorn tract was still farther 
south, and it is now entirely out of possession of the 
family. 

The Zane tract lay southwest from the village of Mul- 
lica Hill. The senior Zane took a propi'ietary right to 
seven hundred acres, which, at liis death, was left to 
his two sons. Like many others, the old Abel Nich- 
olson farm was a part of the Spicer tract, and lay west 
of Mullica Hill. About the year 1800, Joseph 
Gibson and Enoch Allen purchased the old Spicer 
homestead, and afterwards made an equitable division 
of the property, and the Joseph Gibson share was 
purchased by William Hazleton. Fox was one of the 
early settlers in this vicinity, locating where Joseph 
Jessup now lives. James Cassady also purchased 
that portion of the Spicer tract where William Howey 
now lives. Gabriel Davis was a large land-owner in 
this township, and died about 1835, also Isaac B. 
Snowden, who lived to the advanced age of over eighty 
years. George Horner, father-in-law of Hon. N. T. 
Stratton, owned a large property, and died in 1840. 
The father of Joshua Moore was one of the pioneers 
of this township, and died in 1835, aged eighty-flve. 
Mr. Moore was the father of a large family of sons 
and daughters, most of whom lived to the ages of 
eighty or eighty-five years. Christopher Kinsel, one 
of the prominent old settlers of the township, died in 
1822, at the advanced age of seventy years. 

Isaac Murphy and Josiah Albertson were also 
among the old settlers in the latter part of the last 
century, and died in 1832 or '33, each aged over 
eighty years. Jonathan Colson was one of the pio- 
neer merchants of Mullica Hill, and one of the largest 
land-owners in this township. He died in 1850, 
aged seventy-one years. Stacy Hazleton, an old res- 
ident of Harrison township, died at the age of eighty- 
five years, and Enoch Egans, who lived till 1876, was j 
ninety-three years old when he died. Hugh Egan, j 
another of the pioneers of Harrison, lived to the 
age of eighty-eight years, and died in 1832. Jacob 
Stratton, one of the old and influential citizens of 
the township, died in 1856, at the age of eighty-one. 
Joseph Doran came on the stage of action a little 
later, and died in 1846, at the age of sixty-eight. 
Isaac Pine and Michael Allen, both large land- 
owners, each lived to be over eighty years of age, and 
died in 1841. William Hollinshead lived till 1830, 



and died at the age of eighty-sis. Benjamin C. and 
Jethro Lippincott each lived to reach their eighty- 
first year, and died in 1879 or '80. William Cassady, 
Charles String, Peter String, and Daniel Curran were 
among the pioneers of Harrison, and each lived be- 
yond his fourscore years and ten. Nathan Pine lived 
to be eighty-four, and Joseph Gruff died in 1830, at 
the advanced age of eighty years. Hon. Elijah 
Bower, one of Harrison's pioneer representatives in 
the legislative halls, and prominently identified with 
every progressive movement, died at the age of ninety 
years. David Hurley, one of the pioneers, prominent 
as a school-teacher, died at an advanced age. Robert 
Newell was another of the old settlers, and lived long 
in the township. John Atkinson lived to be eighty- 
eight years of age, and died in 1834. Joseph Chat- 
ham, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens 
in township affairs, died in 1834, at the age of ninety 
years. George Sherwin was an early settler and pio- 
neer farmer, who lived to the age of eighty-two years. 
William Allen, Enoch Allen, and Matthew Allen were 
all pioneer farmers, all of whom died in 1834, each 
one aged between eighty-two and eighty-six years. 
Enoch Allen was the ancestor of a numerous progeny, 
and his oldest son was drowned in the Delaware River 
in 1832. Jedediah Dawson, another old pioneer of 
this township, lived to be eighty years of age, and 
died in 1834. Nathan Folwell was one of the old 
farmers of this township, who died in 1834. 

The above list of pioneers of what is now Harrison 
township was furnished by Hon. N. T. Stratton, and 
embraces nearly or quite all sections of the township. 
Mr. Stratton has been a resident of the township since 
1829, first as clerk and then a merchant since 1835, 
and he has also represented his district in the national 
as well as State Legislature, and remembers well the 
time when half an acre of potatoes was a large patch 
for a farmer to plant, the majority of farmers plant- 
ing less than that amount. The time, however, has 
come, even in his day, when potato-fields are counted 
by tens of acres on almost every farm, and when, in 
fact. South Jersey has become to a large extent the 
garden patch from which Philadelphia obtains her 
vegetables. 

Among the older citizens now living in this township 
are N. T. Stratton, Joseph Engle, now living in Mul- 
lica, aged seventy-nine; Samuel Atkinson, aged 
ninety; Thomas Stratton, living at the north end of 
the town, aged seventy-nine; and James Gibson, who 
was born in this township Feb. 3, 1806, and was 
appointed postmaster at Mullica Hill March 7, 
1871, and is still actively engaged in the duties of 
his office. John Pancoast is another old citizen of 
the town now living at the advanced age of eighty- 
four years. One of the old citizens and largest land- 
owner in the township is Joseph Jessup. One of his 
first purchases was a tract of four hundred and fifty 
acres, at Lincoln, in 1833, of which he is still the 
owner. In his home-farm, about one mile west from 



TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON. 



245 



Mulliea Hill, he has one thousand acres of as good 
farming land as there is in Harrison. Altogether he 
is the owner of over three thousand acres of fanning 
land in Gloucester County. When thirteen years of 
age he was the engineer of a five-horse team, at no 
salary beyond his board and clothes, and when he 
was turned out into the world he had a capital of 
twenty dollars. Around this small nucleus he has 
gathered nearly or quite half a million dollars, which 
is the result of an honest, industrious life. 

Civil Organization.— The following is a copy of 
the proceedings of the first annual town-meeting of 
Harrison township, held March 13, 1844: 

'* At a meeting of the iiibal'itants of the township of Spicer, held at 
tile liouse of Mary Wood, in MuIlica Hill, the following persons were 
chosen to serve in said township for the ensning year: 
"Town Clerk, Asa Oolson ; Assessor, Benjamin P. Lippincott; Assistant 
Assessors, Henry Jackson, Jonathan Colson, Jr. ; Collector, Abel 
Knight; Overseers of Poor, Benjamin P. Lippincott, Abel Knight; 
Overseers of Roads, Thomas llmsback, Elijah Horner, Malachi 
Horner ; Chosen Freeholdei-s, Charles French, Joseph Jessup ; Con- 
stable, Isaac Ridgway ; Commissioners of Appeals, Charles Batten , 
Ira Gibson, Benjamin Colson ; Township Committee, James Lippin- 
cott, Joseph A. Chatham, John W. Hazloton, Chalkley Lippincott, 
JohnDuell; School Oommittpe, Joshua Engle, William Hazleton, 
Samuel Pimm; Surveyors of Highw.\vs, Asa Moore, William W. 
Dunn; Judge of Election, Samuel U. Weatherby; Pound-Keepers, 
Edward B. Kuiglit, Andrew Knisel." 

The following are among the resolutions adopted 
at the same meeting : 

'^Resolved, That tlie next election for county officers shall be opened 
the first day at the School-House at Harrisonville, and to be continued 
the day after at the house of William W. Tomlin (Blue Ball), MuUica 
Hill. 

" Resolved, That the next annual township-meeting shall be held at 
the house of Mary Wood, MuUica Hill. 

'^ Besolved, That at the next annual town-meeting the vote shall be 
taken by Ballott. 

''Resolved, That the township shall raise as much money as shall be 
necessary to improvf any certain piece of road, as shall be raised by sub- 
scription from llie inhaliitants of the township, the amount to be left to 
the committee." 

The committee of the township convened in the 
afternoon, and the officers all having been sworn, 
and other business having been attended to, they ad- 
journed. 

The minutes are signed by Stacy Hazleton, mod- 
erator ; Asa Colson, town clerk. 

The following is a complete list of clerks, assessors, 
collectors, chosen freeholders, township committee, 
constables, and justices of the peace for Harrison 
from 1845 to 1882, inclusive: 



COLLECTORS. 



OLEEKS. 
1845-47. Asa Colson. 
1848-49. Andrew H. Weathei-by, 
1860. Edward B. Knight. 



1851-68. Alexander A. Pine. 
1869-71, 1881-82. Wm. Bunning 
1872-80. Charles E. Elkintou. 



ASSESSORS. 
1845, 1850, 1865. Joseph Chattin. 1859-61. Lewis I. Zane. 



184ii. Charles H. Aggins. 
1847-40, 1854. Joseph A. Shute. 
1851. Joseph C. Chattin. 
1S52. Benjamin P. Lippincott. 
1863. Asa Colson. 
1856-68, 1S72. John I. Dnnlap. 



1802-64. Samuel H. Weatherby. 
, 1865-67. Benjamin G. Pancoast. 
1868-70, 1879-82. Thomas Borton. 
1871. James Chattin. 
1872-78. John J. Dunlap. 



1845. Abel Knight. 

1846. Samuel Gaunt, Jr. 
1847-49. Benjamin Colson. 
1850-52. Jacob G. Turner. 
1853-64.1 Stjicy L. Pancoast. 
1855-56. Samuel Ashcroft. 
1867, 1859-6(1. James Benezet. 

CHOSEN 
1345-46. Joseph Jessup. 

Charles Batten. 
1847-50. Malachi Horner. 

William W. Dunn. 
1851. Benjamin Colson. 

Jacob G. Tonilln. 
1852-53. Jacob G. Tomlin. 

Stacy Lippincott. 
1854. Thomas L. Sharp. 

Stacy Lippincott. 
1866-57. Abel Knight. 

Asa Cole. 
1858. Abel Knight. 

Thomas E. Roberts. 
1859-61. James Chattin. 

Paul Avis. 
1862-63. Isaac H. Lippincott. 

James Chattin. 
1864-65. Jonathan Colson. 

I. H. Lippincott. 



: 1858, 1861. Thomas G. Batten. 
] 1862-64. George W. Hilyard. 
I 1805-06. George H. Dnell. 
I 1867-69. I. E. Lippincott. 
' 1870. Charles W. Knight. 
1871. Edward B. Knight. 

FREEHOLDERS. 

1866-68. I. H. Lippincott. 

John S. Rulon. 
1869. Asa Coles. 

John S. Rulon. 
I 1870. Edward B. Knight. 
Asa Coles. 
1871. Asa Coles. 

George C. Allen. 
1872-74. George C. Allen. 
Charles String. 
I 1876-77. William M. Colson. 
I George Horner. 

! 1878. Samuel _6annt. 
George Horner. 

1879. Samuel Gaunt, Jr. 
William S. Matson. 

1880. Samuel Gaunt. 
William Matson. 

i 1881-82. Samuel Gaunt. 
•- William S. Matson. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 

1845.— Chalkley Lippincott, John W. Hazelton, Jolin Duell. 

1S46-47.— James Lippincott, 0. Lippincott, John Duell, John W. Hazel- 
ton, Joseph A. Chattain. 

1848-49.— J. Lippincott, C. Lippincott, Joseph H. French, Charles Batten, 
Jacob G. Tomlin. 

1850-51.- John W. Hazelton, Samuel E. Moore, Joseph Chattin, Chalk- 
ley Lippincott. J. H. French. 

1852.— J. Chattin, S. B. Moore, J. W. Hazelton, C. Lippincott, James 
Lippincott. 

1853-54.— J. Chattin, J. W. Hazelton, Abel Knight, Chalkley Lippincott, 
James Lippincott. 

1S56-66.— J. Chattin, C. Lippincott, Joseph Ashbrook, Samuel Gaunt, 
Francis A. Campbell, Jr. 

1857.— J. Ch.attin, F. A. Campbell, Jr., Edward B. Kn'ight, Samuel H. 
Weatherby, William H. Batten. 

1858. — J. Chattin, E. B. Knifiht, William B. Peterson, James Sherwin, 
Isaiah Carter. 

1859. — J. Chattin, E. B. Knight, Ezekiel C. Moore, James Sherwin, Amos 
String. 

I860.— J. Chattin, E. B. Knight, E. 0. Moore, J. Sherwin, Charles 
String, Jr. 

1861.— J. Chattin, B. B. Knight, E. C. Moore, C. String, Jr., James Pen- 
nington. 

1862-64. — Jacob G. Turner, E. 0. Moore, E. B. Knight, C. String, Jr., 
Bonj.amin F. Cole. 

1805.— Nathan T. Stratton, Israel C. Ewan, Elisha C. Heritage, B. F. Cole, 
Thomas L. Sharp. 

1866.— I. C. Ewan, James Chattin, E. 0. Heritage, B. F. Cole, T. L. 
Sharp. 

1807.— I. C. Ewan, James Chattin, E. C. Heritage, B. F. Cole, Chalkley 
Duell. 

1868.— E. C. Heritage, James Chattin, C. Duell, Asa Engle, Samuel 
Moore. 

1869. — Asa Engle, Satmiel Moore, Charles B. Senders, Charles D. Lip- 
pincott, George W. Hilyard. 

1870.— A. Engle, S. Moore, C. C. Souders, G. W. Hilyard, John Shute. 

1871-72.— Benjamin G. Pancoast, S. Moore, A. Engle, J. Shute. C. C. Sou- 
ders. 

1873. — A. Engle, S. Moore, C. G. Souders, J. Shute, Jacob H. Mounce. 

1874.— A. Engle; C. C. Souders, S. Moore, J. H. Mounce, George Walter. 

1875. — A. Engle, S. Moore, C. C. Souders, J. H. Mounce, Thomas Borton. 

1876.— A. Engle, J. H. Mounce, T. Bortou, Jonathan G. Foster, Paul 
Avis. 

1 Samuel Ashcroft elected Aug. 16, 1854, to fill vacancy. 



246 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



18T7.— A. Engle, T. Borton, J. G. Foster, Paul Avis, Joseph Kirkbride. 
1S78.— A. Engle, T. Borton, J. G. Foster, J. Kirkbride, James Benezet. 
1879. — A. Engle, George Horner, Jonathan Colson. 
1880. — A. Engle, G. Horner, James Benezet. 
1881.— A. Engle, G. Horner, Charles 0. Souder. 
1882, — A. Engle, G. Horner, Joseph H. Knight. 



1845. Isaac Kidgway. 
1846-54, 1868-63. Joseph A. Shuts. 
1S55, 1867. William Waters. 
1856-57. Kesmud D. Parks. 
1864. Edward S. Stratton. 
1865-66. William S. Hatson. 
1868-69. John H. Coles. 
1870-77. Samuel H. Knight. 



CONSTABLES. 

1878-79. Clarkson Lippincott. 
S. H. Knight. 

1880. Samuel L. G. Murphy. 
John W. Messick, 

1881. H. Lippincott (three years). 
C. Lippincott (two years). 
Edward Lacy (one year). 

1882. Henry Lippincott. 



SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 
1849, 1851-53. Joseph A. Shute. 1857-59. Benjamin G. Pancoast. 



1850. Benjamin P. Lippincott. 
1854. Michael C. Jennings. 
1856-56. William A. Snowden. 



1860-61. J. P. Dunlap. 
1862-67. John W. Hazleton. 





JUSTICES OF 


THE 


PEACE. 


1850. 


James Lippincott. 


1867. 


Samuel P. Haines. 




Samuel Pimm. 




Charles C. Souders.l 


1855. 


James Lippincott. 


1870. 


Nathan F. Iredell. 




Samuel Pimm. 




Joshua Lippincott." 


1856 


James Gibson. 


1872. 


George Walter. 




Jacob L. Stratton. 




John S. Union. 


1857 


Malaclu C. Horner. 


1873 


Francis B. Kidgway 


1859. 


Nathan F. Iredell. 


1875. 


George C. Sitliens. 


1860 


Samuel Pimm. 




Nathan F. Iredell. 




Natlian F. Iredell. 


1877 


John S. Rnlon. 


1861. 


Israel C. Ewan. 




Asa Koberts. 


1862 


Levi B. Bavis. 


1878. 


Johu P. Keece. 


1865 


Nathan F. Iredell. 


1880 


Nathan F. Iredell. 




Samuel Pimm. 




George C. Sithens. 


1866 


James S. Hannah. 


1882. 


Nicholas J. Justice. 



ELECTION OF DELEGATES. 
" At an election held March 18, 1844, for the purpose of electing dele- 
gates to meet in Trenton for the purpose of framing a new Constitution 
for the State of New Jei-sey, at the house of Mary Wood, at Mnllica 
Hill, Spicer township, Gloucester Co., Charles C. Stratton received thirty- 
nine votes ; John'R. Scikley, forty-two votes ; John C. Smallwood, four- 
teen votes." 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Mullica Hill, the principal village of the township, 
is situated in the northern portion of Harrison, on 
the main branch of the Raccoon Creek, and at the 
southern terminus of the Woodbury and Mullica Hill 
turnpike. 

Settlements were made here prior to the Revolu- 
tionary war, and during that long and eventful 
struggle it is said that a battle was fought between 
the British and American troops at what is now 
Mullica Hill, at which only one man was killed. He 
was buried near where the grist-mill now stands. 

The village of Mullica Hill takes its name from 
Eric Molica, by birth a Swede, who came here when 
a young man, and purchased a large tract of land 
about the site of the town.'* His house stood on 
the north side of the creek, in or near the orchard 
of the late Joseph Doran. He lived to the age of 
one hundred years, and had a family of eight in 
1693 when the census of New Sweden was taken. 



1 To fill vacancy caused by resignation of J. S. Hannah. 

2 Elected for five years. 

» Watson's Annals, vol. il. p. 231, and Hist. Coll. of New Jersey. 



The name of Mullica Hill was at first given only to 
that portion of the village north of the Raccoon 
Creek, the southern part having been named Spicer- 
ville, from .Jacob Spicer (one of the compilers of the 
valuable book of Provincial laws), who came from 
East Jersey early in the eighteenth century and set- 
tled just south of the creek, where Samuel Hazleton 
now lives. In the olden time Mullica Hill, like all 
other towns of a Swedish derivation, was merely a 
settlement of farmers. The origin of these farm vil- 
lages was a fear of the Indians ; but they were prob- 
ably held together long after Indians ceased to be 
a cause of alarm by the gossiping propensities of 
the Swedish matrons. Being removed from the seat 
of war Mullica Hill has few Revolutionary reminis- 
cences of interest, yet there is an abundance of curious 
traditions connected with the place.* 

Previous to the Revolutionary war a tavern was 
kept on the north side of the creek, where Widow 
Pancoast now lives. It is believed that a tavern was 
also kept on the site of the present one as early as 
1780, and probably prior to that date, but whether in 
the present house is not known, though from the gen- 
eral appearance of the building it must be at least a 
centenarian. 

Among the numerous landlords that have minis- 
tered to the necessities of the traveling public at this 
old and ancient hostlery we learn the following- 
named persons : James Wood was the landlord here 
as early as 1808, and kept the tavern till the close of 
the war of 1812, when he died, and the tavern was 
kept by his widow a few years, when she was suc- 
ceeded by John Becket, James Tomlin, Andrew Kni- 
sel, John Speer, and Abel Knight in 1833 to 1835. 
Among those who have kept the old tavern since 
that time are Mrs. Mary Wood, Harry Paul, Howell 
Mulford, John Vaneman, George Gale, Charles East- 
lack, Albert Parker, and Frye Hopkins, the present 
popular landlord, who purchased the property and 
took possession in March, 1881. 

Tavern-keeping on the north side of the creek seems 
to have been a failure, as the business of the town 
naturally settled down upon the south bank, or hill 
side of the creek, where is now located the principal 
business of the town. 

Among the pioneer merchants of Mullica Hill may 
be mentioned the names of Joseph and James Lippin- 
cott, whose store stood a little north of the present 
hotel, or on the site occupied by John Reidon's dwell- 
ing. Josiah Moore occupied the same building, and 
kept a store there from about 1810 to 1814, and as late 
as 1825. Among the first stores was that of Jonathan 
Colson, who occupied the brick building nearly oppo- 
site the store of Hon. N. T. Stratton. Christopher 
(Stoffle) Knisel kept a store in what is now the Mounce 
building. Another store was kept by John Hazleton, 
in a building then standing on the site now occupied 

i " Keminiscences of Old Gloucester,'' by Isaac Mickle, 





^^^^^J'U^.C^ 





/ -/V"^^^ / l5/2/'>w.^^«^ 



TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON. 



247 



by the town hall. The Christopher Knisel spoken 
of was the grandfather of ex-Sheriff Knisel, of Wood- 
bury. Hon. N. T. Stratton was for several years a 
clerk for Jonathan Colson, and Jan. 25, 183-5, Mr. 
Stratton was admitted as a partner, and the firm re- 
mained Colson & Stratton till 1840, when it dissolved, 
each one then operating a store on his own account. 
In 1842, Mr. Stratton admitted a partner in business, 
who remained till 1852, when Mr. Stratton was elected 
to Congress, and his two sons took charge of the store, 
since which the firm-name has been " Stratton Broth- 
ers." 

MuLLiCA Hill in 1822.— As late as 1822 the town, 
though nearly a mile in length, had not assumed much 
of its present appearance, as there were but few build- 
ings in the now beautiful, populous, and well-shaded 
place. There were the two taverns, one at each end 
of the town, the two stores of Moore and Colson, 
a log house on the site of the present town hall, 
the brick house now owned by Batten & Iredell, a 
house where James Benezet's house now stands, one 
where Iredell's harness-shop is located, and an old 
store-house, moved from some other place to where 
Esquire Reece's residence now stands. There was 
a house where Widow Stratton lives, and another 
on the site now occupied by Mrs. FuUerton's resi- 
dence. There was a house on the site now occupied 
by the Baptist parsonage, and one where Ketura 
French's house now stands. There was the mill- 
house down under the hill, and a Mr. Fullerton lived 
where is now located the tin-shop of Mr. Schweble. 
Another house stood on the site now occupied by 
Parker Steward's residence, and another where Capt. 
Stratton lives, and Egan, the village tailor, lived 
where John Reidon now lives. There was a house 
where Harry Norman lives, another on the site now 
occupied by the Methodist parsonage, and Lydia 
Gibson lived on the opposite side of the road. 

Of the industrial pursuits at that time there was 
the old grist-mill. It then stood over in the meadow 
across the road from where it is now located. The 
present mill is supposed to have been built by Chris- 
topher Knisel. There was also a carding-mill here, 
but by whom built is not known. "An attempt was 
made at this mill to manufacture cloth from cotton 
and wool, which for a time succeeded, until the East- 
ern manufacturers came into market ; they, having 
better facilities for manufacture and transportation, 
soon compelled the Mullica Hill establishment to sus- 
pend operations. 

A post-office was established at Mullica Hill in the 
early part of the present century, and the first post- 
master, as remembered by the oldest inhabitant, was 
Willett Smith, better known as "Captain" Smith. 
This was as early as 1810 or 1812. 

Pioneer and Later Trades. — The pioneer black- 
smith, as best can be remembered, was Samuel 
Weatherby, who, in 1825, had a shop near where the 
Baptist parsonage now stan'ds. The same shop was 



subsequently occupied by Samuel Gaunt, and in 1834, 
Mr. James Gibson, now the venerable village post- 
master, having learned the blacksmith trade over in 
the Keystone State, purchased the shop and moved 
it over where the foundry and machine-shop is now 
located, where he carried on the blacksmith business 
till 1850, when he rented the shop to Jacob L. Strat- 
ton, who carried on the business for five or six years, 
and in the mean time, 1850 or 1851, built the foundry. 
William Waters was the next owner of the shop and 
foundry, he having purchased the property of James 
Gibson. Jan. 1, 1868, the foundry property was sold 
by Waters to Hoffmann & Reese, the present owners 
and operators. Messrs. Hoffmann & Reese manufac- 
ture all kinds of small castings, as well as small 
farming tools, such as plows, cultivators, harrows, 
rakes, and both rod and cast railing for ornamental 
fencing. ^ 

In the early party of this century there was a black- 
smith-shop standing opposite the present tavern. This 
shop was destroyed by fire. Benjamin Gibson had a 
shop just back of the restaurant, or rather the rear 
end of the restaurant building was the shop, and the 
front part was built for a shop and subsequently con- 
verted into a saloon. Amasa Garwood was one of the 
pioneer blacksmiths in this shop, and built the front 
part. The Benezet brothers worked in this shop for 
some time, then came Frank Cole, and after him 
Elijah English. 

Among the pioneer wood-working mechanics were 
Jesse Rice and Jacob Kler, who were here as early as 
1810 or 1812. Rice was a wheelwright, and Kier a 
cabinet-maker. They were brothers-in-law, and had 
their shop on the site now occupied by the residence 
of John Garwood. 

The pioneer school-house stood, in 1811 or 1813, in 
what is now the Friends' burying-ground. It had been 
occupied as a meeting-house, and it was removed in 
1822, and another built on the site of the present one. 
Archibald Silvas was the teacher in 1812. 

The pioneer store on the north side of the creek, as 
nearly as can be ascertained, was kept by Enoch Egen.?, 
in a building then standing on the site now occupied 
by Parker's tin-shop, south of the Union store. There 
were at times other parties engaged in the mercantile 
business on the north side of the creek. Whoever 
they were, they occupied a building between the 
Egens store and present site of the Union store. In 
the early part of 1866 the " Union Store Company" 
was organized, commencing business in the building 
now occupied by Albert Parker as a stove- and tin- 
ware-store, and in May of that year moved into their 
present large and commodious store-house, which is 
the only one north of the creek. Mr. Parker com- 
menced the stove and tin business here in 1880, suc- 
ceeding Sampson and others who had been engaged in 
the business at this place. 

The pioneer tavern on this side of the creek was 
known as the " Blue Ball" tavern, having a blue 



248 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



globe for a sign. The lot occupied by Erick Mollica, 
after whom the town was named, is now owned by 
Jacob H. Mounce. The pioneer lawyer of Mullica 
Hill is R. M. Ware, who came here in 1842, and in 
1850 built his present beautiful residence and cosy 
office, just south of the Episcopal Church. This 
church is said to be the oldest house of worship in the 
village or township, having been built in 1805, and 
the Friends' meeting-house, south of the creek, in 
1806. 

Mullica Hill in 1882.— The last sixty years has 
wrought many changes at this place. The veteran 
merchants and tavern-keepers have all passed away. 
The dwellings in which they lived have nearly all 
disappeared. The forests that surrounded the town 
have given place to broad fields heavily laden with 
the golden harvests. The old "water-mill," that 
stood over in the meadow, has been succeeded by a 
modern flouring-mill. Enterprises and improvements 
in the mechanic arts have crowded out the old slow 
process of hand-work. The faithful old mail-carrier 
has retired from his arduous and responsible duties, 
and he is no doubt tooting his " mail-horn" among 
the stars, while his place here is filled by a " coach 
and four," bringing in its well-filled mail-pouches 
twelve times per week. The business of the town 
may not have increased to any considerable extent, 
as far as dollars and cents are concerned, but the 
population and residences have increased in a tenfold 
ratio. Although the town is not blessed with railroad 
facilities, yet a well-graded turnpike, leading to the 
county-seat, is a great advance and improvement over 
the old mud-roads of pioneer days. 

At present there are four churches, — Episcopal, 
Friends', Methodist, and Baptist ; one tavern, by 
Frye Hopkins ; three general stores, by Strattou 
Brothers, James Benezet & Son, and Union store ; 
two tin-stores, by Albert Parker and L. T. Schweble ; 
notion-store, by M. F. Parker; drug-store, by Wil- 
liam Hassinger; harness-shop, by W. F. Iredell; 
foundry and machine-shop, by Hoffman & Eeece; 
grist-mill, by J. H. Mounce; wheelwright and black- 
smithing, by Phineas Ledden and Edwin Kane, at 
north end of town, and Hoffman & Reece, in the 
centre of town ; one tailor, two shoemakers, and one 
cigar-shop. Population of the town, about four 
hundred. 

The old grist-mill at Mullica Hill was built as early 
as 1785, and stood on the opposite side of the creek 
from the present mill. Christopher Knisel is sup- 
posed to have built the old mill, and about the year 
1800 sold it to Joseph Doran, who, about 1807, 
built the original part of the present mill, thirty- 
eight by forty feet, and in 1840 an addition, twenty- 
four by thirty-eight feet, was built, and in 1850 an ad- 
dition was built to the south end, making the mill 
thirty-eight by eighty-two feet, its size in 1882. At 
the death of Mr. Doran the property was sold by 
commissioners to Malachi C. Horner, in 1851 or 1852. 



Mr. Horner operated the mill till 1862, when he sold 
it to Samuel Coles, who sold a half-interest in it 
to John Duell, and in 1866, Mr. Duell sold his half- 
interest to J. H. Mounce, and in 1870, Mr. Mounce 
purchased the half-interest of Samuel Coles. During 
the different ownerships the mill has been improved 
by the addition of new and modern machinery, and 
it is one of the several first-class mills in that part 
of Gloucester County. 

Jefferson is a small hamlet on the north border of 
the township, about two miles distant from Mullica 
Hill. It was known for many years as " Cox's Hill," 
also " Alleuboro," then Lawrenceville, and lastly by 
its present name. Previous to 1800 Abraham Cox 
owned a portion of the land at this place, and lived 
in the house now owned by Charles Jenkins. The 
place naturally took the name of the owner of the 
land. 

The land upon which the village is located was 
next owned by Thomas Allen, when the name was 
changed to Allenboro. By that time there had been 
built a few dwellings near the house in which Allen 
lived, now owned by George AVaters. The inhabi- 
tants at that period had not the best reputation for 
hard labor, or, in other words, hard work didn't agree 
with their frail constitutions, and the name " Lazy 
Lawrence," or "Lawrenceville," was given to the 
locality, and remained till 1872, or thereabouts, when 
the post-office at this place was established, with 
Thomas P. Darlington as postmaster, who was also 
the merchant at that time. 

The pioneer store at this place was kept by John I. 
Sitley, who came here in 1855 or 1856, and commenced 
the mercantile business in the store-house now occu- 
pied by John Riggins. The next merchant here was 
Jesse Chew. He was succeeded by John Riggins, 
the present merchant, who is also the present post- 
master. 

The pioneer blacksmith was John Jenkins, who was 
succeeded by his son, William Jenkins, who occupies 
the same shop in which his father worked. The pio- 
neer wheelwright was a man by the name of Frazer, 
who worked in the shop now occupied by James Pen- 
nington. 

The extensive wagon- and carriage-works of Ed- 
ward E, Lewis were established at this place in 1874. 
Mr. Lewis employs several of the best mechanics in 
this section, and manufactures all kinds of heavy and 
light farm- and truck-wagons, carriages, and sleighs. 

Among the old settlers in this immediate vicinity 
were Reuben Haines, Thomas Cole, and James Toni- 
lin. Mr. Tomlin owned a large tract of land, and 
Andrew Sweeten owned " quite a good bit." In or 
about 1780, Peter Sitley owned the place on which 
Joseph Orens now lives. Mr. Sitley was a sheep- 
shearer. He was a humorous old gentleman, and 
enjoyed the pleasure of frightening the youngsters 
with his sheep-shears, telling them that they were the 
instruments of torture used in the infernal regions by 



TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON. 



249 



the gentleman dressed in black, and that he had come 
to execute judgment upon their ears. Jacob Tomlin 
is the son of the pioneer James Tomlin, and owns a 
farm near the village of Jefferson. Joseph Orens, 
one of the oldest settlers in this place, was born in 
Greenwich township, near Paulsboro, May 28, 1800. 

Ewansville. — Previous to 1861 there was not much 
beyond the grist-mill, saw-mill, a small grocery, and 
two or three dwellings at this place. The village 
was named in honor of Israel Ewan, who built the 
large wheelwright- and blacksmith-shop now stand- 
ing near the mills. The first shops that Mr. Ewan 
built were destroyed by fire, when he immediately 
erected the present buildings. The shops and mill 
property are now owned by Daniel Brown. Mr. Ewan 
died in 1876. 

The pioneer blacksmith at this place was Elijah 
English, whose shop was at the bend of the road, near 
the centre of the town, on the site now occupied by 
the residence of William French. The pioneer wheel- 
wright-shop stood on the corner opposite Robert 
Ewan's place of business, and was occupied by Wil- 
liam Stanton. The building was subsequently re- 
moved, and converted to other uses. 

The building now occupied by Robert Ewan as a 
store and tavern was originally built for and occupied 
as a wheelwright-shop. It was built by John Meiser, 
in 1870, and occupied by Ewan in the spring of 1882. 

The first general store at this place was opened by 
Henry Swigert, in 1862 or 1863. He was succeeded by 
Thomas Darlington, who was succeeded in 1879 by 
Allen Clark, the present merchant. The old brick 
house near the mill was built, in 1793, by Jonathan 
Iredell, who, it is supposed, built the mills. 

There are at this place two general stores, two black- 
smith-shops and one wheelwright-shop, grist-mills and 
saw-mills, school-house, Methodist Church, and about 
twenty-five dwellings. 

Five Points. — This is a small hamlet in the eastern 
part of the township, so named from the number of 
roads concentrating and forming the points or cor- 
ners. There is another locality of the same name 
about half a mile farther east, both on the Mullica 
Hill and Glassboro road. 

At the eastern points John Heritage built a black- 
smith shop in 1858. He was succeeded by the present 
blacksmith, Charles Jenkins, in 1863, and in 1879 
Mr. Jenkins built his present wheelwright-shop. 
The district school-house is near Mr. Jenkins' shop. 
At the western, or Five Points proper, there is a store 
by Frank Senders, who succeeded F. A. Campbell in 
the mercantile business, and also keeps the post-office. 
Mr. Campbell was the pioneer merchant at this place. 
Here is also the blacksmith-shop of Robert Mc- 
Keighan, who located here in 1874. Leonard S. 
Pancoast is the Five Points wheelivright. Rulon 
Hall, a small hall for public meetings, was built, in 
1877, by Esquire Rulon. Here is located also the 
Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church. 



This locality was formerly known as Hell Town, 
from the tact of the once celebrated " White Horse 
Tavern" being located here, and nearly on the site 
now occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

In the old " White Horse" days it was rather an 
isolated locality, just suited for the gathering of a 
class of persons whose appetites would naturally 
lead them to congregate at such a place for seasons 
of conviviality, — hence the name Hell Town. 

Harrison in the War of 1861-65.— No sooner 
had the first rebel shot been fired than the patriotism 
of Harrison township was aroused, a,nd as the great 
conflict waxed hotter, so were the patriotic hearts of 
Harrison aroused to meet the emergency of the hour. 
At the first call for troops some of the best blood of this 
township answered to the call, and sprinkled itself upon 
the altar of the common country. As the war pro- 
gressed, and troops were needed, Harrison responded 
nobly. At a special meeting held-at^the Blue Ball 
Tavern, at Mullica Hill, July 30, 1864, resolutions 
were adopted authorizing the township committee 
to issue bonds in sums of twenty-five dollars each for 
the purpose of paying volunteers and substitutes. 
The following committee of one in each school 
district was appointed for war purposes : Clem's 
Run District, John P. Rulon ; Pineville, C. P. Whita- 
ker ; Oak Grove, Joseph Applegate ; Cloverdale, B. 
H. Lippincott ; Harrisonville, Amos T. Eastlack ; 
Cedar Grove, J. D. Kier ; Union, John Benezet ; Co- 
lumbia, Joseph Jones ; Harmony, William Gordon ; 
Paul's, Jacob G. Tomlin ; Chestnut Grove, B. G. Pan- 
coast; Mount Pleasant, Jacob I. Heritage; Union- 
ville, Richard S. Stratton ; Washington, J. Chapman. 

A like committee was also appointed in each school 
district to collect money on behalf of the township 
and give receipts for the same. The following were 
the committee appointed, corresponding to the fore- 
going districts : John S. Rulon, C. P. Whitaker, 
.Charles String, Jr., Isaac H. Lippincott, Samuel H. 
Weatherby, John D. Kier, John Benezet, Atley Shute, 
George Walter, Samuel L. West, Jonathan G. Foster, 
William E. Heritage, R. S. Stratton, and Jeremiah 
Chapman. 

For further military history, see chapters on that 
subject in general history of county. 

SOCIETIES. 

French. Lodge, No. 89, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted 
at Mullica Hill, March 15, 1849, by District Deputy 
Grand Master David B. Gill, assisted by Past Grand 
James W. Shofi", acting as Grand Master ; Bowman 
Sailer, acting Grand Secretary ; Charles Sterling, 
Joseph J. Moore, and Hiram R. Herald, with the 
following charter members, who were also the first 
officers of the lodge: Joseph A. Shute, N. G. ; John 
M. Kitchen, V. G. ; E. B. Knight, Sec. ; John Rider, 
Asst. Sec. ; and William F. Martin, Treas. Of this 
number, only one, E. B. Night, was living in 1882. 

On the evening of institution the membership was 



250 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



increased by the initiation of Benjamin C. Rulon, 
Jolin J. Diinlap, William Foster, Daniel Benezet, 
Alexander H. Pine, Job Ballinger, and Samuel Asb- 
craft. In 1882 four of that number were still mem- 
bers of the lodge. 

From 1850 to 1865 there were received by initiation 
and by card forty-iive members, and in 1866 forty 
were added to the lodge, and from 1867 to 1882 sixty 
more were added. 

In 1882 (July) the assets of the lodge amounted to 
four thousand five hundred dollars; paid for benefits 
since institution, three thousand dollars ; paid for 
funeral benefits, six hundred dollars. 

Presentmembership (1882), sixty-five. Past Grands, 
forty-four. 

The officers of the lodge in August, 1882, were as 
follows : 

N. G., Collins A. Hazleton ; V. G., John C. Rulon ; 
Sec, John P. Reece; Treas., Samuel Ashcraft; War- 
den, George Walter ; O. G., Franklin E. Lloyd ; I. G., 
Christian Morgan ; R. S. to N. G., Jacob M. Hoff- 
man ; L. S. to N. G., William F. Turner ; Con., 
George R. Hazleton ; R. S. S., Andrew Nichols ; 
L. S. S., Markell Dubois ; R. S. to V. G., Thomas 
Running; L. S. to V. G., William C. Gardner. 

There was also at this place in September, 1882, a 
lodge of Knights of Pythias, data for which were 
promised by the secretary, but never furnished the 
historian. 

R15LIGI0US. 

There seems to be no doubt that the religious de- 
nomination at Mullica Hill known as Quakers, or 
Friends, is by several years, and perhaps a cen- 
tury, the senior of any other, though the Protestant 
Episcopal may date back nearly as far. Just when 
the pioneer organization was effected is difficult to 
learn, but it is positively known that the old men 
and women in the early part of this century were 
members of the Friends' Society as far back as the 
middle of the last century, or 1750. The old meet- 
ing-house stood in what is now the Friends' burying- 
ground, and was occupied as a school- and meeting- 
house in the hitter part of the last century. The 
present brick meeting-house was built in 1806. This 
and the lot on which the old house stood were 
purchased of Jacob Spicer, the original settler on 
the south side of the creek. 

Among the early members of this meeting may be 
mentioned the following names who were promi- 
nently identified with this people : Joseph Allen, one 
of the elders; Benjamin Heritage, a minister ; James 
Gardner, Charles French, Joseph Gruft', Nathan Fol- 
well, Joshua Moore, Silas Moore, Chalkley Moore, 

Benjamin Moore, Engle, fatlier of the present 

venerable Joseph Engle; Joshua Engle, Elijah Bower, 
Abel Robbins, Isaac Snowden, Jonathan Iredell, 
Thomas Iredell, Nathan Iredell, Charles French, 
Abraham Iredell, John Pancoast, father of the pres- 
ent John Pancoast, who is ninety years of age ; Sam- 



uel Allen, Enoch Allen, Joseph Allen, Mathew Allen, 
George Tatum, and many others whom Mr. Pancoast 
could not name. Besides those above named were 
their families, which in many cases were numerous, 
most of whom wei'e members of the Society or 
Meeting. 

The present elders of the Mullica Hill Meeting are 
John Pancoast, Joshua Engle, George T. Atkinson, 
Samuel Gaunt, Richard S. Ridgway, Elizabeth B. 
Atkinson, Caroline Gaunt, Mary Engle, and Sarah 
Ann Ridgway. 

Overseers, Asa Engle and Joseph T. Fogg. Present 
value of church property, ten thousand dollars. 

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.' — About the be- 
ginning of the present century the services of the 
Episcopal Church were read, in the grist-mill at Mul- 
lica Hill, by Joseph Chatham, Esq., there being but 
few persons of that denomination in the vicinity. In 
the year 1813 a small frame church was erected on 
the south side of the village, and named St. Stephen's 
Episcopal Church, and the pulpit was at first sup- 
plied by the respective rectors presiding over the 
Episcopal Church at Swedesboro, as they succeeded 
each other. In a few years the congregation and 
membership had rapidly increased, the Sabbath- 
school was large and flourishing, and it was consid- 
ered expedient to have a resident rector. In succeed- 
ing years several rectors at different periods held the 
church in charge ; prominent among them was the 
Rev. Thomas Tanser, an English gentleman of much 
Christian merit; but death suddenly removed him 
from a devoted congregation and from a community 
which entertained for him the most profound respect. 
In 1851 a new church edifice, built of stone, was 
erected in the north part of the village, in the Gothic 
style of architecture, and was dedicated by the Right 
Rev. George W. Doane, bishop of the diocese. 

Of late years the church has met with many re- 
verses, liaving had no resident rector for several 
years, and her membership having greatly dimin- 
ished. However, the spirit of Episcopacy still exists 
in the hearts of the little band assembled each Sab- 
bath, summoned to the house of God by the sonorous 
tones of the fine-toned bell that crowns the church 
edifice, a recent acquisition, secured for the church 
through the noble efforts of R. M. Ware, Esq. 

The old village of Mullica Hill can boast of no 
greater attraction than the little Gothic, ivy-clothed 
church, free from debt. The building committee for 
the present church edifice were Alexander H. Weath- 
erby, Enoch Aggings, R. M. Ware, and Thomas G. 
Batten. 

It is probable that Enoch Aggings and Joseph 
Chatham were most prominent in the establishment 
of the Episcopal Church at Mullica Hill. They con- 
tinued to be fearless workers up to the time of their 
decease. Mr. Aggings lived to be past ninety years of 

1 By E. M. Ware, Esq. 



TOWxNSHIP OF HARRISON. 



251 



age, and Joseph Chatham died in . They were 

undoubtedly the first wardens of the cliurch. 

At the decase of Joseph Chatham, his son, Joseph 
A. Chatham, a most excellent and useful man, seemed 
to take the lead in church matters, and during his 
life the church prospered very much. 

Among the resident clergymen were the Revs. 
Thomas Tanser, Ernest De Wolf, William Bryant, 
Richardson Graham, and Samuel Rose Mead. 

Revs. Edwin Nock, James Lamb, Charles Duane, 
Jesse Y. 15urk, and a Mr. Hoskins have presided at 
different times, Mr. Hoskins being the present rector. 

The wardens now in office are Dr. D. P. Pancoast 
and Henry C. Chatham. The vestrymen are S. L. 
Pancoast, R. M. Ware, Jonathan Tomlin, Edward E. 
Lewis, E. M. Chadwick, and Albert Parker. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.'— Previous to 1827, 
probably as early as 1800, the old itinerant found his 
way to Mullica Hill, for here was a settlement long 
before the latter date, and where there was a settle- 
ment there was Methodist preaching, especially in 
South Jersey. Services were held in private houses, 
school-houses, barns, groves, and, in fact, anywhere 
that the people would gather themselves together 
there was found the old veteran of the cross. The 
Methodists at Mullica Hill became so numerous in 
1827 that they built a house of worship that year on 
what is known as High Street. In this old meeting- 
house they worshiped until 1848, when the present 
church edifice was built. 

The following are the names of some of the preach- 
ers who served this people in the old church and pre- 
vious to its building: Revs. Thackara Morton, T. 
Sovereign, S. Riisling, William Williams, J. Grover, 
W. Burroughs, William Stevens, J. Walker, S. Town- 
send, J. Thompson, William Vansant, W. Fong, Wil- 
liam Morrison, William Stewart, William Garmon, 
J. Canfield, E. Stout, and others. The following is a 
partial list of the preachers .since 1848: Revs. S. 

Parker, Reed, Joseph Ashbrook, D. Duffield, 

Pierson, Gearhart, -Williams, Car- 
man, G. H. Tullis, L. (). Manchester, G. T. Bishop, 
and, in 1882, Rev. S. S. Belleville. 

This church, like many others, has had its lights 
and shadows. It was in 1882 in a flourishing con- 
dition. 

The Mullica Hill Baptist Church,'^ Gloucester 
County, N. J., adopted. May 19, 1845, as their rule 
of faith, the articles published by the New Hamp- 
shire Baptist State Convention. Two deacons were 
then appointed. Those composing the membership of 
church were John Mulford and wife, Enoch Ashton 
and wife, Josiah S. Rowand and wife, Benjamin 
Lloyd and wife, Amos Lloyd, John B. Chattin and 
wife, John Dubois and wife, Benjamin Gibson and 
wife, Ann Peterson, Deborah Lacey, and Abigail 
Cooper (eighteen). 



1 Data furnished bv J. H. Mounce. 



= By E. L. Stratton. 



Recognition services took place June 5, 1845, in 
the grove at the south end of the town. Sermon by 
Rev. J. M. Challis, from the words, " Thou art Peter, 
upon this rock I will found my church." Services 
were participated in by Rev. Charles Kain, pastor of 
Pittsgrove Church, Salem County, N. J. On the 30th 
day of June, 1845, Rev. Charles Kain was called as 
pastor, and continued as such till November, 1864, 
when he resigned. 

Rev. William B. Tolan succeeded him, and labored 
with the church till October, 1871, when he was suc- 
ceeded by the said Rev. Charles Kain, who continued 
as pastor till November, 1879, when he was succeeded 
by Rev. William Wavlow, who remained as pastor till 
May 16, 1883. Mr. Kain's last pastorate was seven 
years; total, twenty-seven years. 

Membership in 1883, one hundred and sixty-one. 
Trustees, Richard Black, John B. Chattin, Aaron M. 
Ridgway, and Edward L. Strattoir;T)eacons, Edwin 
Kain, Thomas Bunning, Sr., Jos. Neal, I. S. Stratton, 
Amos Lloyd; Treasurer, William Bunning; Clerk, 
Isaac H. Lloyd. 

Jefferson Methodist Episcopal Church.— This 
society is located in and around the village of Jeffer- 
son, in the north part of the township. Just when 
the first class was formed is not positively known by 
any one now living. The first class-leader that is re- 
membered was David B. Shute, in 1845. Previous to 
this, however, preaching services were held in the 
Paul school-house, then standing about a mile north 
of the present church. Here, in the old school-house, 
for many years the old pioneer preachers held forth 
to such audiences as could be congregated in such 
small quarters. The little old school-house served 
the purpose well, and the neat and commodious church 
edifice that now adorns the sprightly village of Jeffer- 
son has been erected. 

Among the early members of Mr. Shute's class 
were William D. Richards, Silas Richards, John Jen- 
kins. Charles .Jenkins, Richard Steward, Nathaniel 
Weldy, Eliza Jenkins, Jesse Chew, who is now one 
of New Jersey's ablest preachers, Mark Heritage and 
wife, and Nathan Chew and wife. Nathan Chew was 
one of the pioneer local preachers, and preached oc- 
casionally in the old Paul school-house. 

The present church edifice was built in about 1868, 
at a cost of three thousand dollars, of which sum 
John W. Richards gave five hundred dollars, and the 
services at the laying of the corner-stone and dedi- 
cation of the superstructure were conducted by Rev. 
Jesse Stiles. 

The first trustees were William D. Richards, John 
Kitchen, David Shute, Harmon Abbott, Silas Rich- 
ards, and Henry Tomlin. 

The following are among the preachers who have 
served this people: Revs. Jesse Stiles, Dickinson 
Moore, James Myers, Hutchinson, Strick- 
land, J. R. Thompson (two terms), Westcott, 

Richard Clark, Lewis N. Clark, • Lippincott, and 



252 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



William Clark, the present preacher in charge. Jef- 
ferson is now connected with Ewansville. 

The stewards for 1882 were George Walter, James 
Pennington, Jasper Scott. Trustees, Henry H. Tom- 
lin, George Walter, Jasper Scott, William Jenkins, 
George Batten, Jeremiah C. Sweeten, William Dolan. 
Sunday-school Superintendent, Jasper Scott. As- 
sistant Superintendent, Henry H. Tomlin. 

Membership of church, thirty. Value of church 
property, two thousand dollars. 

Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church.' 
— The preliminary meetings that led to the organiza- 
tion of this society were held in the school-house, 
about a mile west from what was then known as the 
old White Horse Tavern, prior to 18-18, by the 
Methodist preachers who were then on the circuit that 
embraced this locality. 

The first class-leader was William Mounce, in 
whose class were the following members : Mary Ann 
Mounce, Abigail Fisler, Frances A. Campbell, Abigail 
Campbell, Sophia Bartholomew, George Groff, Susan 
Groff, Abigail Simpkins, Elizabeth Simpkins, Thomas 
Jagard, Ann Jagard, Robert Carr, Francis A. Camp- 
bell, Jr., Sarah Jagard, Martha Ann Mounce, Levi 
Adkinson, Keziah Adkinson, Keziah Eastlack, Mary 
Eastlack, Ann Skinner, Sarah Skinner, Samuel Ches- 
ter, Mary Chester, and Martha Abbott. 

Soon after the class was formed the tavern-keeper 
at the " White Horse Tavern" became one of the ad- 
vocates of religion, joined the class, gave up the tav- 
ern business, and became leader of the class. In a 
few years another school-house was built, for the 
better accommodation of the increased population. 
The new school-house stood on the site now occupied 
by the Mount Pleasant Academy, and in it another 
class was formed, with Richard Skinner, Sr., as leader. 
This was made a Sunday afternoon appointment, and 
in fair weather the services were held in the beautiful 
grove surrounding the school-house. 

In 1860 a new Methodist Church edifice was built, 
on a site midway between the two school-houses, and 
near the site of the old White Horse Tavern, the 
corner-stone being laid by Rev. S. Y. Monroe, in 1860, 
and the church dedicated by Bishop Scott, in Feb- 
ruary, 1861. His text was the 137th Psalm, fifth and 
sixth verses. 

The preachers who have served this people while 
occupying the school-houses were as follows: 1848- 
49, N. Edwards and B. Andrews ; 1850, N. Edwards 
and A. Gearhart; 1851, A. Gearhart and D. Reed; 
1852, James White and Levi Rhodes; 1853, C. W. 
Heisley and J. C. Summerill ; 1858-59, H. S. Norris 
and J. P. Connelly ; 1860, E. Waters and A. Atwood. 

Since the building of the church the following have 
been pastors at this, in connection with other places : 
1863, Samuel F. Wheeler; 1865, James Vansant; 
1867, N. Edwards, James F. Morrell, Thomas Wilson, 

1 By William E. Hoiitage. 



Calvin Eastlack, Samuel Hudson, J. B. Stewart. For 
1883 the society is supplied by Rev. William Tomlin, 
a local preacher. Membership in 1882, forty-one. 
Value of church property, three thousand dollars. 
Ofiiciary for 1882: Local Preacher, C. C. Souder; 
Exhorter, Charles Jenkins ; Class-Leaders, William 
E. Heritage, Henry Jackson, and Charles Jenkins; 
Stewards, C. C. Souder, H. L. Jackson, and E. C. 
Heritage ; Trustees, E. C. Heritage, Joseph D. Carr, 
N. J. Justice, Robert McKeighan, and William E. 
Heritage. 

Ewansville Methodist Episcopal Church.^— The 
Methodists occupied this field as early as 1825 as one 
of their outposts, and held the position as such until 
1865, when a society was formed. At that time Josiah 
and Israel Ewan were the class-leaders, and soon after 
Jacob Dehart was appointed a class-leader. 

The subject of a house of -worship was discussed, 
which resulted, in 1866, in building the present meet- 
ing-house, a frame. building, thirty by forty-two feet, 
which was dedicated the same year by Rev. John W. 
Hickman. The lot, building, sheds, and fence cost 
nearly four thousand dollars, and the property is at 
present valued at three thousand five hundred dollars. 

In 1866 the pi'eacher in charge of the circuit was 
Rev. Gardner H. Tullis. He was succeeded by Rev. 
Henry Belton, who was followed by Rev. Joseph 

Summerill, Rev. Pierson, Rev. Joseph Ashbrook. 

In 1880, Ewansville was made a station, and in 1881, 
Rev. Lewis Clark was the pastor, and 1882, Rev. Wil- 
liam P. Clark. For 1883 the society was supplied by 
Rev. William Tomlin, a local preacher. 

The officers of the church for 1883 were as follows : 
Stewards, Thomas I. French, Henry Lacey, Israel 
Ewan, John Tozer, and Peter Scott; Trustees, Peter 
Scott, Israel Ewan, Samuel Moore, George Butter- 
worth, and Peter Strang ; Class-Leaders, Peter Scott 
and Thomas I. French. 

The Sunday-school connected with this society was 
organized in 1866, and is at present under the super- 
vision of Israel Ewan, with a school of eighty 
scholars. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

TOWNSHIP OF LOGAN.-* 

Geography and Topography.— This is the north- 
west corner township of the county, and is bounded 
on the northeast by Greenwich township, on the 
southeast by Woolwich township, on the southwest 
by Salem County, and on the northwest by the Dela- 
ware River. 

The surface is slightly undulating, sufficiently so 
to admit of good drainage in most parts of the town- 
ship. 



2 Data furnished by Peter Scott. 



■J By W. H. Sliaw. 



TOWNSHIP OF LOGAN. 



253 



The soil is mostly a dark sandy loam, susceptible of 
a very liigli state of cultivation, and most of the till- 
able land iu the township is successfully occupied by 
truck-farmers. Repaupo Cedar Swamp occupies a 
small tract in the northeastern portion of the town- 
ship. 

The township is well supplied with public high- 
ways, also the Delaware River Railroad crosses length- 
wise through the township from northeast to south- 
west, affording farmers and others ample railroad 
■facilities, bringing the people in any part of the town- 
ship within an hour's ride of Philadelphia. 

The streams, aside from the Delaware River, are 
Oldman's Creek, forming the border adjoining Salem 
County ; Raccoon Creek, running in a northerly di- 
rection across the centre of the township; Little Tim- 
ber Creek, running northerly across the northeastern I 
half of the township; and Repaupo, or, as it is some- j 
times called, Purgey Creek, forming the northeast 
border, adjoining Greenwich township. 

The two first-named streams, Oldman's and Rac- 
coon, are navigable for sloops and steam-tugs, and 
are made available for the transportation of farm 
produce to the Philadelphia markets. 

Landing-Plaee of the Swedish Pilgrims.— To 
what is now the township of Logan must be ac- 
credited the honor of having within its borders the 
spot upon which the first permanent settlers of West 
Jersey landed, at the mouth of Raccoon Creek. 
Mickle, in his " Reminiscences of Old Gloucester," 
says, " The exact spot of their debarkation might, we 
imagine, be determined upon an examination of the 
place, and if so, it would possess to us quite as much 
interest as any point in our country." " This spot," 
it has been well said, "will ever be connected with 
recollections the most interesting to us, and which it 
becomes us to cherish. We labor with patient perse- 
verance to trace the streams of the ancient world, 
and become familiar with every torrent and brook. 
We visit in fancy the borders of the Euphrates, and 
linger by the side of the golden Hermus. All this is 
well ; but we must not suffer the scenes in our own 
story to be forgotten. Let every spot be noted, that 
it may not be said in aftertimes, ' An ungrateful gen- 
eration permitted the memory of their fathers to perish.' 
Or, if we are prompted by no filial feelings towards 
the actors, we cannot be insensible of the movement 
here made. 

" The advent of these pilgrims, small as was their 
number, was of more consequence to the interests of 
humanity than most of the brilliant achievements of 
martial hosts. Of the many battles that have been 
fought, of the many warriors who have figured upon 
the field of conquest, how few have left a lasting in- 
fluence for good. The victory of to-day is lost on the 
morrow, and both victors and vanquished sink to- 
gether into utter forgetfulness. But here a feeble 
band, without art or arms, with no standard but the 
olive branch, laid the foundation of a work which 



we trust will stand forever; and not only ourselves, 
but our descendants through all generations shall look 
back to that spot and that hour with increasing 
feelings of gratitude and affection.' As yet no 
sculptured marble adorns our Delaware Plymouth, 
but to the source every true friend of man can exclaim, 
' Oircumspice !' " 

Revolutionary War Incident.— James Talman 
came from Sweden previous to the Revolutionary 
war, and settled at the mouth of Oldman's Creek, 
where the brick house which he erected still stands. 
During the war Mr. Talman, who was a firm patriot, 
had his property destroyed by a party of British 
soldiers, who burned his hay and killed his stock. 
Among the animals killed were two valuable im- 
ported mares, named "Swallow" and " Lady of the 
Lake." These Mr. Talman sewed up in white blankets 
and carefully buried. At the time of this raid Mrs. 
Talman, who had just been confined7was lifted by the 
British officers from her bed, that they might search 
it for plunder. 

Joseph Talman, the son, who was then an infant, 
died at Clarksboro in 1846. His son, Edward C. 
Talman, is now (1882) a resident of Swedesboro. 

Early Settlers and Pioneer Incidents.— Among 
the pioneers seeking a better home in the then new 
and undeveloped country, where religious freedom 
would be tolerated to the furthest and fullest extent, 
were those brave men who faced the dangers of the 
storm-tossed ocean, and risked themselves in the then 
wilds of the miasmatic swamps in South Jersey, and 
finally made their homes along the tide-water creeks 
of Oldman and Raccoon. 

In what is now Logan, formerly a part of old Wool- 
wich township, quite a number of the sturdy pioneers 
from Sweden and Germany pitched their tents, and 
made old Gloucester County their homes. 

Among the number of tbose who selected this local- 
ity we find the name of James Talman, who located 
at the mouth of Oldman's Creek some time previous 
to the Revolutionary war ; also the names of Kelly, 
Black, Hurff, Thomas Ayres, Homan, Norton, and 
Dawson. Among the number who came previous to 
the war was Coonradt Shoemaker, who, like many 
others, sold himself for his passage, — that is, he bound 
himself to a Mr. Kelley to work a certain number of 
years after his arrival in this country if Kelley would 
pay the passage-money. After Mr. Shoemaker had 
served his time and earned his freedom, he located 
between the creeks named, about two miles from what 
is now Bridgeport. Here he became possessed of two 
hundred acres of land, and at his death, in 1790, he 
left his property to his five children, four sons and 
one daughter. Thej' all lived to quite respectable 
ages. The first death among the children was that 
of his son, Samuel, who attained the age of eighty 
years, dying in 1838 ; Coonradt died in 1845, aged 

1 Mulford'8 Lectures, MS. 



254 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



sixty-three; Jacob in 1858, aged eighty-two years; 
and George in 1863, at the advanced age of ninety- 
one years. Sarah, the daughter, was the mother of 
the venerable Nicholas Justus, of Bridgeport. George 
Shoemaker, a grandson of Coonradt, Sr., now a resi- 
dent of Bridgeport, was born on the old homestead, 
July 22, 1811. 

One of the peculiarities of the senior Shoemaker 
was his manner of dress. Not only the old leather 
breeches, but a leather jacket or vest was a part of 
his attire. The vest was cut quite long, with a large 
deep pocket in each side, and in one of these pockets 
he invariably carried a bottle of his favorite old 
" schnapps," and in the other a bottle of water. 

Although Mr. Shoemaker was a man of ordinary 
size, yet the weight of none of his children was less 
than three hundred pounds when they arrived at the 
age of manhood and womanhood. 

The grandfather of Nicholas Justus located be- 
tween the two creeks named as early as 1700. His 
son, Isaac, father of the present Nicholas, died in 
1834, on the old homestead, between the creeks. 

Among the pioneers who located around what is 
now the town of Bridgeport, and on the same side of 
the creek, we find the name of John Woodoth, who 
migrated to this locality in the early part of the 
last century, and settled between "Raccoon Lower 
Bridge" and Swedesboro, where was born unto him 
his son, David Woodoth, also where his grandson, 
Oliver H. Woodoth, now a resident of Bridgeport, 
was also born, Oct. 1, 1817. 

The Thomas family were also among the pioneers 
of that neighborhood. There was also Thomas Bal- 
linger, the Clayton family, and Samuel Cooper, who 
owned a large tract, at one time a part of what is 
now Bridgeport. Jacob Makin was another pioneer, 
and also Thomas Gaskill, up at what is known as Oak 
Grove. He was here prior to the advent of the pres- 
ent century, and owned a large plantation at that 
place. 

The Clayton farm, previously mentioned, was sub- 
sequently purchased by Richard Springer, who be- 
came one of the several successful " truckers" of this 
township. John Kelly was also at one time an ex- 
tensive land-owner at and near Bridgeport; and Jo- 
seph Clark owned a plantation that has since passed 
to the ownership of others not akin to the original 
proprietor. 

The pioneer blacksmith of this section of the old 
township of Woolwich was Thomas Whitecar. His 
shop stood at the lower end of what is now known as 
Main Street, near the creek. With the well-known 
frugal habits of the pioneer farmers and truckers, 
and the nature of the soil, but little of his skilled 
labor was required, and between shoe settings his 
leisure hours were employed in farming on a small 
scale. 

Pioneer Sports.— Whoever imagines that the old 
pioneers of this low, level, sandy country led a dull 



and monotonous life, and spent their leisure hours in 
solitude, are letting their imaginations lead them in 
the wrong direction. Although they were the labori- 
ous Swede and sturdy German, with their well-known 
love for the home circle, yet they had their seasons 
of recreation and out-of-door sports. Horse-racing, 
wrestling, quoit-pitching, and occasionally a social 
game at cards were enjoyed by the pioneers. At those 
seasons of the year when their work was not pressing 
them, and upon rainy Saturday afternoons, they 
would congregate at the old hostlery of George 
Sheets, and after a few social salutations in liquid 
form the conversation would naturally point to some 
of their accustomed sports, of which horse-racing 
was the most exciting, as each owned, of course, the 
fastest horse. Fast trotting at that period was a gait 
unknown to horsemen or horse-owners, and running 
was all the fashion. Fortunes did not change hands 
in a day, as at present. The wagers were small, usu- 
ally half a dollar or grog for the crowd, and in ex- 
treme cases a dollar and a few plugs of tobacco. 
When everything was ready, the scorer and judges 
appointed, the horses were put upon the track, now 
Main Street in Bridgeport. The scoring-point was a 
mark made across the road from in front of the gate 
of the house where Nicholas Justus now lives, and 
the other end of the course at another mark drawn 
across the road opposite the tavern, down by the 
creek. The now venerable George Shoemaker was 
sometimes scorer and sometimes rider. The riders 
were not the jockeys of the present day, for each boy 
was honest and rode his horse to win, whether it 
was his father's or a neighbor's. Each boy had an 
honest pride in winning the race, and did his best. 
The winning rider usually received a " fip" or two, 
which, with the honor of riding the fleetest horse, 
was glory enough for one day. " Uncle George" 
says that when he won a race, which was often, he 
felt, to use a modern phrase, as though he was a 
" bigger man than old Grant." 

In their games of quoits or " keerds," as the name 
of the pasteboards was then pronounced, the wager 
was also small, consisting of two or four drinks of 
grog, as most kinds of liquors were then called. 
When four were engaged in a game of quoits, one of 
each of the opposing parties would stand at each hub 
and pitch back and forth. Sometimes an umpire, or 
judge, as he was then called, woilld keep tally, and 
the wager in such cases would be five drinks of grog. 
The same rule applied to cards, where the fifth man 
was required to " keep game." 

Cadwalader's Island. — When this island was 
owned by Thomas Key, some time during the last 
century, there was a channel between it and the main- 
land of sufficient depth to admit the passage of a 
small steamer or sail-vessel. A man by the name of 
Shivas or Shover became possessed of one-half inter- 
est in the island, then known as Raccoon Island, as 
it is at the mouth of Raccoon Creek. They banked 



TOWNSHIP OF LOGAN. 



255 



or dyked around the island, cleared it of everything 
standing in the way of crops, and brought it to a 
state of cultivation. Key sold his interest to his 
partner, who subsequently sold to other parties, and 
it is now owned by the heirs of George Cadwalader. 
The channel between the island and mainland has 
been filled up by the action of the tide-waters. 

Pioneer Trade and Commerce.— During the pio- 
neer period of this township the early settlers had 
no way of conveying their surplus produce to market 
except by wagons or carts to the ferry, and so on up 
to Philadelphia, for the city had not then enlarged its 
borders to a point nearly or quite opposite this town- 
ship. 

After a few years small flat-bottomed boats, with a 
pole stuck up in the middle of each and a sheet fas- 
tened upon them, which served as sails, were brought 
into requisition, and produce, iu very small quantities, 
was taken up to the then village of Philadelphia in 
that kind of craft. 

New York market was out of the question till 1835, 
when George Shoemaker, now living at Bridgeport, 
embarked in his first potato speculation. He en- 
gaged a sloop, put on board one thousand bushels 
of potatoes, and set sail for New York by way of 
Cape May, reaching New York in three and a half 
days, where he disposed of his cargo. This was the 
first sloop-load of potatoes ever taken from Eaccoon 
Creek to New York, and Uncle George is almost sea- 
sick yet whenever he tells the story of his first voyage 
to sea. • 

Pioneer Prison. — In ye olden time, when courts of j 
justice were not as plenty as at the present day, and 
officers of the law were not often called upon to I 
quell riots or preserve the peace, there would occa- 
sionally arise a case in which the peaceable, law- ' 
abiding citizens would be under the necessity of 
performing the duties of prosecutor, court, and jury. 
In pioneer days Raccoon Lower Bridge had no lock-up, 
as Bridgeport of the present day has. 

There stood on Main Street an old buttonwood-tree, 
■whose proportions were akin to the giant trees of 
California, and by some means the old buttonwood 
had become hollow near the ground. The tree being 
large, a hole or door was made in one side of the 
mammoth trunk and the inside cleaned out, leaving 
a cavity of sufficient dimensions to hold three or four 
persons, and for a time it was looked upon as a curi- 
osity, and soon became of practical use. Upon a 
certain occasion a pair of social spirits found their 
way to Raccoon Lower Bridge, became hilarious 
under the influence of apple-jack, and for want of a 
better place were confined in the trunk of the old 
buttonwood. After this the old tree served as jail for 
several years. 

Pioneer Weddings. — We were permitted by Mr. 
O. H. Woodoth, since deceased, to copy the follow- 
ing marriage certificates from the originals in his pos- 
session : 



" March 2, 1815. Then married Samuel Creaghead and Sarah Howey. 
By me, Daniel England, J. P." 

"May 18, 1815. Then married David Woodoth and Elizabetli Faw- 
cett. By me, Daniel England, J. P." 

"June 29, 1815. Then married James Ilarria and Mary Wallas, 
daughter of William Wallas. By me, Daniel England, J. P." 

" May 2, 1816. Then married Jonas Matteon and Margrit Brance, 
both of Woolwich township. By me, Daniel England, J. P." 

" April 24, 1817. Then married Isaac Davis, Jr., and Sarah Ivins, both 
of Woolwich township, county of Gloucester. Daniel England, J. P." 

Sexagenarians. — The following-named persons 
now residents of the village of Bridgeport, are over 
sixty years of age : John P. Sheats, 75 ; Edith Me- 
dara, 65; Ann Smith, 80; Mrs. Murphy, 65; Casper 
Schlagg, 65 ; James Piatt, Mary White, John GraflT, 
Maria Richards, Samuel Richards, Philip Bundance, 
68 each; Susannah Bundance, 70; George Becket, 
80 ; Nicholas Justus, 75 ; Henry Norcross, Margaret 
Sayres, Robert Simpkins, George Shoemaker, 72 
each ; Oliver H. Woodoth, 65 ; Andrew Heinsen- 
snith, Capt. H. S. Wright, WinslowTfackson, M.D., 
Martha Jackson, Robert Becket, Ann Lawrence, Wil- 
liam Atkinson, 80; Elizabeth Atkinson, 80; Andrew 
Stineman, Maria Thompson, James Hunt, John 
Horner, 80 ; Elizabeth Morris, Martha Gaskill, 80 ; 
Capt. George Cooper, 80 ; Mary A. Tomlin, Samuel 
Stillman, George Sane, William Sane, James C. 
Kirby, and Ethan Middleton. 

Civil Organization. — The township was organized 
in 1877 by a division of Woolwich, and named " West 
Woolwich," and in 1878 the name was changed to 
" Logan," as will be seen by the two following acts 
of the Legislature of New Jersey, defining the bound- 
ary lines : 

"Beit enacted by tite Senate and General Aseembli/ of the State of Ni'W Jer- 
sey, That all that portion of the township of Woolwich, in the county of 
Gloucester, lying and being within the following boundaries, to wit: 
Beginning in the centre of the road leading from Paulsboro to 
Swedesboro, at Purgy bridge ; thence along said road to the direct road 
leading past the stone meeting-house, to its terminus in the Bridgeport 
road; thence across, in a direct line, to the High Hills, on the west side 
of Raccoon Creek; thence along the Avis new road to an angle in the 
old Ferry road; thence along the Homan road to the road leading from 
HarrisonviUe to Pedricktown; thence in a straight Hue to Oldman'a 
Creek; thence along Oldman's Creek to the mouth thereof at Delaware 
River; thence at right angles with the shore, in a straight line, until it 
intersects the boundary line of New Jersey and the State of Pennsylva- 
nia; thence up said Delaware River to a point opposite the mouth of 
Purgy Creek; thence in a straight line to the mouth of said Purgy 
Creek; thence along the said creek, the several courses thereof, to the 
place of beginning, shall be, and hereby is, set off from the township of 
Woolwich, in the county of Gloucester, and made a separate township, 
to be known by the name of the township of West Woolwich." 

Approved. 

By the following act of the Legislature, approved 
March 6, 1878, the name of the township was changed 
from West Woolwich to that of Logan : 

" Be it enacted by tlie Senate and General Assembly of the State of Neiv Jer- 
sey, That the name of the township of West Woolwich, in the county 
of Gloucester, be, and the same hereby is, changed to the name of 
'Logan;' and that hereafter the township now called and known as 
the township of West Woolwich, in the county of Gloucester, shall be 
called the township of Logan." 

First Annual Town-Meeting. — In pursuance to 
public notice, the first annual town-meeting of the 



256 



HISTORr OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



township of West Woolwich (now Logan) was held 
at the hotel of John P. Sheets, Jr., in Bridgeport, 
March 13, 1S77. Peter F. Lock w:is chosen moderator, 
and Samuel B. Piatt clerk. 

The following appropriations were then ordered: 
For repairs of roads. $600; for overseers of poor, 
SlOO ; for Charles Feather, for support of poor. $50 ; 
for pay of township officers. $400 ; for Cooper road in 
the village to railroad station, $700; for B. F. McAl- 
lister, collector for 1S75, $oO ; for Peter Carey, con- 
stable (extra), $50; for gravel on roads where private 
parties furnish the same. $175. 

The meeting then proceeded to the election of the 
following officers for the ensuing year : 

Town Clerk, F. D. Springsr; Assessor, B. F. MctSJUster; Collector, 
John F. Triiitt; Chosen FrwhoUiers, Benjiunin Shoemaker, Peter' 
F. Lock I Township Committee, James C. Kirby, Caleb Kirbv, 
Josi.Hli B. Beckel, William H. Feather, Samuel E. Gaskill ; Surveyors 
of Highways, J. H. Becket, John B. Gray ; Overseers of Highways, 
Joseph Capaley, Conrad Sht^emaker : Constable. Peter t>rey ; Over- 
seers of Poor, Ji.seph K, Sorton, John F. Truitt : Commissioners of 
Appeals, Peter Totbert, Charles C, IVavLs Peter C. Kille; Justice of 
the Pe,^ce, .Tohn F. Truitt; Jud^of Election, S, L, KlUe; Inspec- 
tors of Election. Caleb Kirby, B. F. McCallister; Pound-Keepers, 
AarvHi Hewes, I»avis B, Warrington, Freedom Hnrff. 

The following is a list of town clerks, assessors, 
collectors, chosen freeholders, township committee, 
constables, and justices of the peace elected since 
1S77: 

darts.— F. D. Springer, lSTS-79, 1SS3 ; C. VT. Barker, ISSO-Si. 

Jswssvrs.— B. F. McCallister, 1STS-S2 : Ssuuuel a PUtt, ISSS. . 

C>>H«.-<ors--^ohn F. Truitt, ISTS; Michael U. Feitherer, IST9-T2 ; H.S. 
Bright, ISSS. 

Ciewa lW<*ol.'<r!i— Peter F. Lock, Benjamin Shoemaker, 1S7S ; Peter 
F. Lock. J. B, Beckett. 1ST9-S1; Peter F. Lock, W. H. Featheier, 
lSS3-Si 

IWxsA^ Comtmitm. — James C. Kirby, Caleb Kirby, J. B. Beckett, W. 
H. Featherer, S. B, Gaskill, 1S7S ; S. B. Gaskill, Cileb Kirby, Wil- 
liam H. Featherer, ISTS-SS; t^Ueb Kilby. Jacob T. Holdcnft, S. 
a Gaskill, ISSS. 

0)«F(i»6i«s.— Peter l>o»y, ISTS; HwoodCsinger,lS7»-SO; JohnRCai^y, 
ISSl. 

,>>!t>.YS o/ tik« fta«.-J. P. Sheets, Sr- 1S7S ; Philip Schlag, 1S79-S2 ; 
Charles H, Featherer, ISSS, 

TILLAGE ASD HAMLETS, 

Bridgeport. — This town was originally, and for 
manv vears. known as "" Racct.X)n Lower Bridge," from 
the fact of the bridge crossing the creek at this point 
was the lower one on the stream. When it was 
deemed necessary, for the better accommodation of 
the public, that a post-office should be established at 
this point, a vote of the people was taken, which re- 
sulted in the choice of the name Bridgeport, and John 
Sweeten was appointed postmaster, with Oliver H. 
Wixidoth as assistant, who subsequently became post- 
master. This was in 1S4-1, and the mail was received 
tri-weekly. and subsequently changed to on<^ a week, 
by way of Swedesboro. The mail is now received 
and dispatched twi<» a day by F. D. Springer, post- 
master. 

The land upon which Bridgeport is situated was 
owned by John Pisant, who afterwards sold to Joseph 
Richards. Mr. Richards died at the ripe old age of 



ninety-nine years. It is believed that Mr. Pisant lo- 
cated on this tract as early as 1700, and in 1S33 it was 
still owned by the Pisant heirs. The property subse- 
quently passed to the ownership of William R. Cooper 
and George Sheats. 

Maj. John Pisant built the long stone house near 
the creek. He was an old German, and was engaged 
in butchering for the Philadelphia niarket. This 
stone house was built in the early part of the last 
century, probably about 1725. It was subsequently 
owned by Joseph Richards. 

The old brick house standing a little back from 

Main Street was built by a Mr. Becket, who sold to 

Cooper. The Cooper plantation extended nearly a 

mile from the centre of the town up beyond the old 

* stone school-house and graveyard. 

The pioneer store in Bridgeport was kept in the old 
stone house next to the creek, by John Sweeten. His 
stock of goods was as primitive as could well be im- 
agined, as five dollars would purchase all the goods 
he had to commence with. His business, however, 
was extensive enough to employ a clerk, and Oliver 
H. Woodoth. then a mere boy, was employed in the 
store. Mr. Woodoth remained in the employ of Mr. 
Sweeten for forty-five years, and had the pleasure of 
seeing the business grow from a few plugs of tobacco 
to an immense trade. 

Lawrence Henholm also had a small store here as 

early as 1S33. 

j The pioneer tavern at Lower Raccoon Bridge was 

' kept by George Sheats. father of John Sheats, better 

known by the older inhabitants than by the present 

generation. 

The enterprising man of the town, in the early part 
of this century, was William Sweeten. He was one 
of those men who rejoiced in the prosperity of the 
town, which in turn would bring prosperity to his 
door. He owned quite a tract of land, upon which 
he built several houses, and sold them to parties 
who wished to locate in the then young village, 
thus increasing the population, and taming ac honest 
penny at the same time. 

The Lawrence farm, now owned by Mr. Middleton, 
of Philadelphia, was originally the Tonkin planta- 
tion. 

In 1S^3 there was within the limits of the village 
of Bridgeport two churches i Methodist Episcopal and 
Methodist Protestant), one two-story s<;hool-house, 
four stores Charles G. Holdcraft, Dr. J. W. Jackson. 
Seigmond Schotten, and Elson T. Sweeten), two 
blacksmith-shops (C. Sterser and Samuel Gill', two 
wheelwrights (William Stanton and James Hewes, 
two physicians (E. Oliphant and J. W. Jackson . 
railroad station, and steamboat landing. The Bridge- 
port Hotel is kept by E. Usinger. F. D. Springer is 
the postmaster, with the office in the store of E. T. 
Sweeten. There was also the usual number of smalt 
shops found in a town of this size. 

Bepaupo is a small village in the eastern part of 



TOWNSHIP OF LOGAN. 



257 



the township, one and one-eighth miles south from 
Repjiupo Station, on tlie Dehuvare Eiver Railroad. 
Settlements were made in the immediate vicinity of 
what is now the village by the Lock family as early 
as 1748, the descendants of whom are still some of 
the prominent citizens in and near the town. The 
Locks owned all the land along the north side of the 
road running from Purgy Bridge, through the village 
of Asbury, to Little Timber Creek, and nearly as fiir 
north as the present line of the railroad. Peter F. 
Lock is the owner and occupant of the first brick 
house built in what is now Logan township, and the 
first house built in the immediate vicinity of Repaupo. 
It is on the road from Repaupo post-ofiice to the rail- 
road station, and was built by Charles Lock in or as 
early as 1740. A pear-tree set out near the house the 
year that it was built is still standing, and in 1883 
it bore an abundance of fruit. 

The farm adjoining that of P. F. Lock was war- 
ranted by Peter H. Lock, and another farm adjacent 
was warranted by John Lock as early as 1740. Others 
of the liOck family warranted all the land above men- 
tioned except that of Charles, Peter H., and John 
Lock. 

As soon as the roads were laid out, forming a cross- 
ing at what is now Asbury, that point very naturally 
became the centre of settlement, and as the pioneer 
plantations were divided and subdivided, the settle- 
ment began to centre nearer the crossing, forming the 
nucleus around which has grown a town of thirty- 
five dwellings, two stores, a church, and a school- 
house. 

The pioneer meixhant at this place was Michael C. 
Grant, who in 1841 built the house now owned and 
occupied by William B. Gleason. Here Mr. Grant 
kept store for several years. 

The next store at this place was that of Daniel F. 
GrofT, who in 1855 built the store-house now occupied 
by G. H. Wharton. Mr. Groif was succeeded by 
Aquilla Riggins, and he by several others, and in the 
spring of 1877 the property was purchased by George 
H. Wharton, the present merchant, on the corner. 
The store of Joseph and Lewis Myers was built by 
that firm in 1869, and they have been in business 
since that time. 

The pioneer postmaster at this place was Joel Lock, 
who kept the office in the old Grant store. He was 
succeeded by Ann Cooper, when the oflSce was re- 
moved to the old "Seven Stars Hotel," at the railroad 
station. In 1880, G. H. Wharton was appointed 
postmaster, when the office was returned to the village, 
■ where it is now kept. 

There never has been a tavern within the limits of 
the village. The nearest was the old Seven Stars, at 
the railroad station. This is a frame house, and it was 
built prior to the Revolutionary war, and kept as a 
tavern during that eventful period, and for nearly a 
century subsequently. The last of the long Hue of 
"Bonifaces" that ministered to the wants of "man 
17 



and beast" at this old hostlery was Zachariah Coz- 
zens, who abandoned the business several years ago. 
The property is now owned by Samuel D. Cooper. 
The stone house across the way was built in 1807, by 
Lawrence Enholm. Here a store was kept for many 
years, and finally abandoned as a trading-point. The 
property is now owned by Mary Hendrickson. 

There was in 1883 in the village of Repaupo two 
stores, — G. H. Wharton and J. & L. Myers ; one 
general carriage-making and blacksmithing estab- 
lishment, by George Mcllvaine; the post-office, a 
school-house, and one Methodist Episcopal Church, 
built in 1849. 

IJHUROHES. 

Methodist Episcopal Churcli of Bridgeport.— 

The pioneer class, around which has grown the pres- 
ent large and prosperous society, was formed in the 
old Cooper school-house, a stone building still stand- 
ing nearly half a mile northeast from the village of 
Bridgeport. The school-house was built in 1832, and 
no sooner was the building under roof than the eagle 
eye of the ever-alert itinerant caught a glimpse of it, 
and saw at once a good position for a gospel battery, 
and immediately occupied it, and soon gathered 
enough recruits to hold the position, and appointed 
as leader of the little band Mr. Jacob Carson. Among 
the pioneer members of this class are found the names 
of Rebecca A. Cooper, Mrs. J. C. Sheets, Mary Jones, 
Samuel Creghead and wife, and several others. A 
society was formed in 1838 by Rev. E. Stoud. 

Ten years later, or when the society was yet in its 
infancy, differences of opinion arose as to church 
polity, which for a time seemed to overwhelm the 
few faithful soldiers of the cross, and the meetings 
were but slimly attended. During this time Rev. 
James Long was the pastor, and to his energy, perse- 
verance, and faithfulness, no doubt, the society owes 
its life. At one time he came to the school-house to 
hold services and found the building closed, and 
found also two of his members standing guard at the 
door, awaiting the coming of the sexton to admit 
them ; but he came not, and the trio knelt down in 
front of the house, while Mr. Long offered up a fer- 
vent prayer to Almighty God for the preservation 
and life of the little society, and dismissed his small 
congregation. Here was the beginning of a new era. 
People began to feel anxious about Sunday preaching, 
and as the work on this their new charge would not 
admit of a circuit preacher devoting any portion of 
his labor to this field on Sunday, the society made 
arrangements with Jonas Chew to preach for them 
every alternate Sunday morning for six months. 

In 1849 this society agreed with the Methodist 
Protestant society to hold a series of meetings jointly, 
and to allow the converts, if any, to join whichever 
society they preferred, without solicitation on the 
part of the old members. This relation, like most 
others of the same nature, did not terminate as hap- 
pily as desired by some, and the Methodist Episcopal 



258 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



branch rented Clark's Hall for six months, and sub- 
sequently rented a hall of Gideon Beeson, on Main 
Street, where they worshiped about four years, during 
which time the little society prospered, and in 1854 
commenced building a house of worship, and com- 
pleted it in June, 1855. At this time Eevs. William 
I. Brooks and J. I. Carson were the preachers on this 
charge, and a few extra meetings added quite a 
number of substantial members to the church. This 
circuit or charge then embraced Paulsboro, Asbury, 
Bridgeport, Centre Square, Purkintown, ScuUtown, 
Hans' Neck, and Wright's School-House, the circuit 
preachers supplied the pulpits every alternate Sunday, 
and the other Sabbaths they were supplied by local 
talent. In 1856 Paulsboro was made a station, the 
balance of the circuit remaining intact till 1859 or 1860. 

In 1865, Bridgeport and Asbury became a separate 
charge, with Rev. Levi Larew as pastor, wlio re- 
mained two years, and under whose labors the work 
prospered and the society increased in numbers. 

From 1867 to 1869, Rev. John I. Carson was the 
pastor in charge, and during his pastorate the church 
was repaired and the parsonage built, and at the close 
of the Conference year, 1869, there were one hundred 
and one members in full connection, thirteen on pro- 
bation, and a Sunday-school numbering ninety-seven 
scholars. 

In 1882, under the administration of Rev. Mr. 
Diverty, a debt of sixteen hundred dollars remain- 
ing on the parsonage was paid by the society, and 
in 1883 the church and grounds were beautified 
at an expense of over two hundred dollars, without 
any debt remaining upon the church property. The 
membership of this society in 1883 was one hundred 
and seventy-five. 

The following is a complete list of pastors from 
1850 to the present time : 1850, A. K. Sheets and S. 
S. Post ; 1851, A. K. Sheets and J. S. Heisler; 1852- 

58, Mathis and Andrews ; 1854-55, William 

A. Brooks and J. I. Carson ; 1856, Pearson and 

Walters ; 1857, Pearson and Wheeler ; 

1858, Laudenslager and Wheeler; 1859, 

D. McKerdy and J. Vansant ; 1860, D. McKerdy and 
Wilcox ; 1861-62, Hudson and ■ Chat- 
tin ; 1863, Someral and • Tullis ; 1864, 

Someral and Moore ; 1865-66, Levi Larew ; 1867 

-69, John I. Carson ; 1870-71, Joseph Ashbrook ; 1872, 
J. H. Stockton; 1873-75, E. C. Hancock; 1876-78, 
George C. Stanger; 1879-81, L. O. Manchester ; 1882 
-83, James E. Diverty. 

The present value of church property is five thou- 
sand five hundred dollars. Local Preacher, Jacob 
Holdcraft ; Stewards, Jacob Holdcraft, William 
Kelly, Freedom Hurfi', and Peter Torbert. The 
present class-leaders, aside from the pastor and local 
preachers, are James Sparks and Henry Lamb. 

The Sunday-school connected with the church is 
under the superintendence of Lewis Kille, with forty 
teachers and two hundred and fifty pupils. 



Methodist Protestant Church.'— Meetings from 
' which originated the Methodist Protestant Church at 
, Bridgeport were held in the old stone school-house, 
: just out of the village, in 1836, '37, '38, and '39, by 
Rev. John S. Christine, who was assigned to this 
charge. In 1840 the society formed by the Rev. 
I Christine had become strong and enthusiastic, and in 
J that year built a frame meeting-house in front of what 
is now, and was then, the old graveyard. The ground 
on which the church stood is now included in the cem- 
etery lot. The meeting-house was a frame structure, 
j costing one thousand and fifty dollars, and was dedi- 
cated by Rev. Thomas H. Stockton, Dec. 29, 1840. 
The old stone school-house above mentioned was built 
in 1832, and the first teacher in it was David Holton, 
and James Clark, of Bridgeport, was one of the pupils. 
Original Members. — The following were the mem- 
bers of the class and society up to and including the 
year 1,842 : Delilah Cooper, Achsa English, James 
Clark, Edward Foster, Joseph Richards, Mary Rich- 
ards, Isaac Richards, Benjamin Salisbury, Ziba Steel- 
man, William Strimple, Emeline Thompson, Eliza 
Reed, William B. Reed, Charles Wilkinson, Eliza- 
beth Wilkinson, Mary Wilkinson, Hiram Wilkinson, 
Rebecca GrifBs, John Jordan, Isaac Dilks, Elizabeth 
Dilks, Sarah Walton, John Headley, Hannah Head- 
ley, Sarah K. Stanton, John Steelman, Sarah E. Fox, 
Ellen B. Walton, Theresa Steelman, Eleanor Hen- 
drickson, George Shields, Maria Murphy, Elijah Ma- 
caffrey, John P. Sheets, Sr., Catherine Gray, Maria 
H. Thompson, Winslow Jackson, Benjamin D. Ayres, 
Emeline Caskey, James W. Piatt, Eliza Elkinton, 
Charles Elkinton, Eliza Davenport, William Daven- 
port, Elizabeth Sheets, Henry Dunk, Aaron Verbe- 
leer, Ann M. Hendrickson, Margaret Sayres, Marga- 
ret J. Ayres, Henry Smith, Martha J. Ewing, Joseph 
Ewing, John R. Sparks, Mary A. Sparks, Elizabeth 
Richards, Isaac Fox, Leonard Streeter, W. Timmer- 
man, Allen C. Clark, Amos E. Ayres, Amos Sack, 
Ella Smith, Alvah B. Timmerman, Aaron Pierson, A. 
F. Burnette, Ann E. Burke, Anna M. Mitchell, Ada 
Reed, Anna E. Steelman, Anna S. Justus, Ann E. 
Lamb, Anna J. Ewan, Ann Smith, William Tread- 
way, John B. Gray, William Gray, Charles Steel- 
man, Martha Steelman, Oliver H. Woodoth, John 
Sweeten, John Jones, John A. English, and Samuel 
Black. 

The first trustees of this society were elected Dec. 
1, 1842, and subscribed to an oath before John B. 
Hilyard, a justice of the peace, that they would bear 
true allegiance to the United States, the State of New 
Jersey, and perform the duties of their office to the best 
of their ability. 

In 1853 the society moved their meeting-house 
from the old graveyard to its present location on 
Main Street, in the village of Bridgeport, and now it 
forms the rear of the present church edifice. In 1868 

1 From data furnished by James Clark. 




"^sSi^*-* 



(tP^CC^'^'Z,^ ^ (L/toiy^ 



TOWNSHIP OF LOGAN. 



259 



the front of the church, twelve by thirty-four feet, 
as it now appears, with a steeple niiicty-lbur feet 
high, was built, and the whole house thoroughly ren- 
ovated and repaired at a cost of three thousand two 
hundred dollars, and rededicated Oct. 21, 1868, by 
Rev. T. G. Appleget, assisted by Revs. E. D. Stultz 
and Joseph Wilson, the pastor in charge. 

The pastors have been Rev. Henry Bruce and J. S. 
Christine, previous to building the church ; Rev. E. D. 
Schoeh, 1842; James Moore, 1844; Edwin Herey, 
1845; Jacob H. Nichols, 1846; Henry D. Moore, 
Whitman R. Herey, S. K. Fox, Bartine Twyford, 
1847-48; J. Tiraberman, 1849 ; Samuel Budd, 1850; 
T. T. Hei.ss, 1851; E. D. Schoeh, 1852; Thomas W. 
Smith, John J. Gray, 1853-54; T. K. Witzel, 1855; 
J. N. Timberman, 1856; Abraham Truitt, 1858 ; John 
R. Beck, 1859 ; T. T. Heiss, 1861 ; Jacob D. Wilson, 
1862; T. K. Witzel,, 1865; Ezra B. Lake, 1866-67; 
Joseph Wilson, 1868-69 ; William Stokes, William 
M. H. Smith, Lewis Neal, Thomas Clark, W. B. Van- 
leer, T. T. Heiss, 1875; Shugard, 1876; 

Sanson, Barker, Isaac McDowel, 1877-78; Jo- 
seph Breckbank, 1879; James W. Laughlin, from 
1880 to June, 1882, since which time the society has 
been supplied occasionally by preachers from other 
places. 

The trustees in 1883 were James Clark, Peter 
Carey, Charles Jones, and Ethau Middleton ; Stew- 
ards, James Clark, P. Carey, and E. Middleton. 
Value of church property, three thousand six hun- 
dred dollars. Present membership, thirty. 

The Sunday-school connected with this society was 
organized in 1841, with Isaac Dilks as superintendent, 
and it is now under the supervision of James Clark, 
with thirty pupils and teachers. 

Asbury Methodist Episcopal Chureli of Re- 
paupo.' — The origin of this society was the outgrowth 
of a great revival at the old stone meeting-house, 
under the ministrations of Rev. John Walker and 

Rev. Stephens, in 1833. Previous to this there 

had been meetings held occasionally under a big oak- 
tree near the school-house, by John Code and Felix 
Fisler, but up to this time no society was formed. 
" Father Walker," as he was called, organized a class 
at the school-house with the members of the neighbor- 
hood, consisting of Nathan Fawcett (leader), Lydia 
Fawcett, Thomas Derrickson, Louisa Derricksou, 
David Blizzard, Catharine Blizzard, Job Key, Ann 
Key, Ann Homan, Sarah Key, Sarah Helms, John 
Lock, Mary Lock. Soon after the class was formed, 
a number of persons who had neglected to seek par- 
don at the stone meeling-house expressed a desire to 
have another opportunity to do so, when the local 
preachers, Thomas Davidson, Jesse Mullen, and Sam- 
uel B. Derrickson, came over from Paulsboro and 
Clarksboro and started a meeting. There was a large 
increase in the membership as the result of the meet- 

' By Isaac DerrickBon. 



ing, and this place then became a preaching appoint- 
ment, the services of circuit ministers being bad on 
Wednesday evening every two weeks, and local 
preachers every Sunday morning. 

In 1842 a Sunday-school was organized, with Nathan 
Fawcett, superintendent. 

In the spring of 1843 a great revival broke out, 
when the power of God was overwhelming, and some 
lay for days, at intervals praising Him. 

In 1849 a church was built, during the pastorate of 
A. K. Street. It is a frame building, and it was dedi- 
cated by Rev. David W. Bartine. The money was all 
secured by previous subscriptions and subscriptions 
on dedication-day. There was preaching then at the 
church every alternate Sunday afternoon by circuit 
preachers, local preachers every other alternate Sun- 
day. The circuit was broken up, and Asbury became 
a charge with Bridgeport, and preaching service was 
held every Sunday afternoon, and has remained so, 
with the exception of two years, 1873-74, when As- 
bury was supplied by the elder E. H. Stokes. 

The membership is now sixty, with a Sunday-school 
of ninety scholars, teachers, and officers. James E. 
Diverty is the present pastor; Wm. Helms, superin- 
tendent. The church property is valued at two thou- 
sand dollars. 

The society has had for preachers since it was or- 
ganized John Walker, Thomas G. Stewart, J. K. 
Shaw, Robert Lutton, Edward Stout, Jos. Atwood, 
Noah Edwards, S. Y. Monroe, Mulford Day, James 
Long, Henry B. Beegle, Rev. Gaskill, Andrew Mat- 
thews, John I. Carson (two periods), Jacob Loudens- 
lager, Samuel Wheeler, Jos. Chattin, Julius Wilcox, 
Dickerson Moore, Levi Larue, David McCurdy, James 
Vansant, Samuel Hudson, Rev. Pierson, Wm. Lillie, 
Wm. Barlow, Enoch Shinn, E. C. Hancock, George 
C. Stanger, Enoch Green, L. O. Manchester, and 
others. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JAMES C. KIRBY. 
Caleb Kirby, the grandfather of James C, was a 
native of Salem County, and from thence removed to 
Gloucester County, where he purchased a farm in 
Woolwich (now Logan) township. His children 
were John, Martha, Meribee, Abigail, and Beulah. 
His only son, John, adopted the pursuits of his 
father, and, having located in Logan township, mar- 
ried Miss Beulah, daughter of James Clark, of Wool- 
wich township, to whom were born children, — Caleb, 
I John, Joseph, Loring, Elizabeth (Mrs. Richards), 
Beulah (Mrs. Ford), and two who are deceased, 
Charles and Sarah. The death of Mr. Kirby occurred 
in 1881, in his eighty-ninth year. His son, James C, 
was born Dec. 6, 1815, in Logan township. Such 
advantages as the common school of the neighbor- 



260 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



hood afforded were supplemented by more thorough 
instruction at Swedesboro, after which a year or more 
was spent in teaching. He then turned his attention 
to farming, having for a period of years rented a farm. 
He was married in 1841 to Miss Sarah, daughter of 
John Pierson, of Battentown, in the same county. 
Their children are Anna Margaret, wife of Samuel 
B. Gaskell, of Logan township, and a son, John, who 
is associated with his fatlier in the cultivation of his 
land. In 1868, Mr. Kirby purchased his present pro- 
ductive farm, and is principally engaged in the raising 
of produce for the Philadel))hia market, his facilities 
of shipment being exceptionally convenient. His 
political principles were formerly in harmony with 
the platform of the Whig party, but a change of 
views later made him a pronounced Democrat. 
Though the recipient of one or more minor offices, 
he has invariably been indifferent to such honors. 
He is a director of the Swedesboro National Bank, 
and otherwise identified with the active business in- 
terests of the township. Mr. Kirby is a member of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, and one of the ves- 
trymen of the church of that denomination at Swedes- 
boro. 



engaged in teaching), Katie H., Howard R., and one, 
Franklin B., who died in infancy. During the year 
1867, Mr. Sharp purchased his present home in Logan 
township, and has since been actively interested in 
the raising of general produce and other farm labor. 
By discretion and close application to business he 
has in a comparatively few years acquired a compe- 
tency, and enjoys a deservedly high reputation as a 
successful grower of sweet potatoes, which he makes 
a specialty. The market for his produce is princi- 
pally found in Philadelphia. In local politics Mr. 
Sharp has been somewhat active as a Republican, 
but has invariably refused to accept office. He is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bridge- 
port, as is also Mrs. Sharp. 



(iEORGE S. SHARP. 

The Sharp family from which George S. traces 
his descent are of English extraction. His grand- 
father was a successful landlord in Salem County, 
N. J. He was united in marriage to a Miss Christ- 
man, and had children, — Jacob, James, Thomas, 
Joseph, Sarah, and Mary Ann (Mrs. James Thomp- 
son). Jacob was born in Salem County, and mar- 
ried Rosanna, daughter of George Sheets, of Bridge- 
port, Gloucester Co. Their children were ten in 
number, as follows : Amanda (Mrs. Joseph Kidd), 
John, Eliza (Mrs. Samuel Stanger), Sarah (Mrs. 
Charles E. Lodge). Charles, George S., Hugh C, 
Thompson, Hannah Frances (Mrs. Charles Hendrick- 
son), and Henry. Mr. Sharp during his active life- 
time was both a carpenter and a farmer, but, having 
retired from these avocations, now resides in Bridge- 
port. His son, George S., was born March 6, 1836, 
in AVest Philadelphia, Pa., and when two years of 
age removed to Logan township, Gloucester Co., 
where he has since resided. He early engaged in active 
labor, meanwhile improving such opportunities for 
education as occurred during the winter months until 
his majority was attained, when he embarked in the 
raising of produce on shares, and continued thus 
employed for seven years. He was in the fall of 1860 
married to Miss Beulah L., daughter of Jonathan 
Bennett and Hannah Lippincott, of Asbury, N. J. 
Mr. Bennett had been previously married to Miss 
Mary Davis, and was the parent of fourteen children, 
three of whom were by the first marriage. The chil- 
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Sharp are Charles Edward, 
Ellen B. (who has been since her eighteenth year 



CHAPTER XLV. 
TOWNSHIP OP MANTUA.' 

Geographical and Descriptive. — Mantua was 
taken from Greenwich and organized into a separate 
township in 1853, and took its name from the creek 
which forms its northeastern boundary. It contains 
an area of ten thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven 
acres, among which is some of the best land in the 
county. It is very productive in market garden-truck, 
and being centrally located on the West Jersey Rail- 
road, enjoys good facilities for shipping vegetables and 
small fruits. 

The township is bounded on the northeast by West 
Deptford, Deptford, and Washington townships, on 
the southeast by Clayton township, on the south and 
southeast by Harrison township, and on the north- 
west by East Greenwich township. 

Mantua is watered by the numerous branches and 
small lakes of the head-waters of Mantua Creek. 
The West Jersey Railroad crosses the east part of the 
township, running near Barnsboro and near the 
grounds of the " Pitman Grove Camp-Meeting Asso- 
ciation." 

Pioneer Settlers. — Just who was the pioneer settler 
of what is now Mantua township is not definitely 
known. However, the territory embraced quite a 
number of settlers previous to the middle of the last 
century, among whom was John Driver, who took 
up what was for a long time known as the " Driver 
tract," and which is still spoken of as such. 

This tract was taken up in 1740, and lies on the 
northeast side of the village of Barnsboro. After 
Driver's death the plantation was sold to Samuel P. 
Tice. Tice sold a portiou of the plantation to West 
Jessup, reserving the Driver homestead for himself. 
At the death of Tice his property was left to his 
widow, his son, and John T. Ogden, an adopted son, 



1 By W. H. Shaw. 





)M^^l^/<^ 




TOWNSHIP OF MANTUA. 



261 



tlie latter of whom now owns the old Samuel P. Tice 
homestead, and is one of Mantua's honored citizens. 

Josiah Heritage was another of the pioneers of 
this township. In the early part of the last century 
he located a tract of several hundred acres along 
Mantua Creek, east of what is now Barnsboro vilhiire. 

Timothy Young was a part owner with Heritage, 
and in time became possessed of most of the tract. 
Sharp's daughter married William Sharp, who in 
turn became the owner of what was for many years 
known as the Young tract. 

The Y'oung tract lay along the road from what is 
now Barnsboro to the railroad station, and it is owned 
by West Jessup. 

The Israel Heritage tract lay a little northwest from 
Barnsboro, and was subsequently sold to William 
Early, who sold to Allen Moore, and it is now owned 
by Samuel Pierson. 

Elisha Chew was one of the pioneers of Mantua, 
and owned a large tract, extending along the road 
from Mantua to Bee's Corners. The Chews, like the 
Heritages, were as numerous in pioneer days as at the 
present day, and probably more so, according to the 
population of the two periods. 

David Eldridge was the owner of a large planta- 
tion, which was subsequently owned by Nathaniel 
Chew. This included that valuable piece of land 
known as the Marl Hole property. 

The John Conley tract lay between the old Chew 
tract and what is now Pitman Grove, and included 
that property, or a portion of it. It was afterwards 
owned by James Matlack, who, by the way, became 
a large land-holder in this township. A portion of 

this large tract is now owned by Kerns, Dr. 

Clai'k, of Woodbury, and George C. Allen. 

Adjoining the Matlack, McElwaine, and Skinner 
tract was the tract of Presmul Dilks' property, now 
owned by John Lamb. 

Adjoining the above is the Skinner tract, .surrounded 
by the McElwaine, Matlack or Conley, Carpenter, 
Skinner, and Becket farms, and now owned by Ferry 
Wood and Thomas Lavin. 

The old homestead, or first portion of the old Conley 
tract, is now owned by Nathaniel Chew Turner. 

The old John Jessup tract was subsequently divided 
into several farms, and bounded on the south by the 
Jeft'erson road, then by Gooding Somers' farm, the 
lands of John Gaunt, John Sharp, Josiah Allen, Ben- 
jamin H. Lodge, Aaron Paul, Henry C. Bendler, 
.Joseph Sweeten, Isaac F. Dilks. and Pancoast Roberts. 
It is now owned by West Jessup. He also owns a 
tract of land running from Barnsboro to Brady's 
mill-pond, along the Mullica Hill turnpike. 

The William Skinner tract joins Samuel Lodge, 
David Eldridge, Thomas Bee, John Driver, and 
others, and is now owned by Aaron Paul, son-in-law 
of John Crane. 

The old William Stewart tract joins the property of 
Aaron Paul, Thomas Bee, W. Jessup, and property of 



the Dilks heirs, and it is now owned by Henry C. 
Bendler. 

The old Dilks tract joins the lands of H. C. Bend- 
ler, Tomas Bee, and the Joseph Hannold tract. 

The Joseph Hannold tract lay on the northeast side 
of what is now the Mantua and Barnsboro turnpike, 
and joined the Dilks, Job K. Chew, and Driver tracts. 

In the west part of what is now Mantua township 
was Amos Eastlack, one of the pioneers. His plan- 
tation lay along the northwest side of the Mullica 
Hill turnpike, from the Mantua Creek southwest for 
half a mile. 

Thomas Carpenter was another pioneer of this local- 
ity. His tract lay on the south side of the village of 
Mantua, on the east side of the turnpike. 

Archibald Moffett located about six hundred acres 
of land on the east side of Mantua village as early 
as 1750, and built the stone house now. standing on 
northeast side of the Barnsboro turnpike. 

Joshua Cozzens' tract, adjoining Amos Eastlack 
tract, and farther down the Mantua Creek, is now 
owned by James Gardner. 

The James Jessup tract, southwest of Mantua vil- 
lage, containing two hundred acres, is now owned by 
Joseph Jessup. On this tract is the Jessup grist-mill, 
built in 1818 by James Jessup, and owned by his son 
Joseph, who is now eighty-one years of age. 

The John C. Eastlack ' farm comes next, and con- 
tains ninety-five acres. This joins the Amos Eastlack 
and Joseph Jessup tracts, southwest from the village 
of Mantua. 

The next two farms are those of Girard Wood, one 
hundred and thirty-five acres, and Josiah C. Allen, 
one hundred and fifty acres. 

West Jessup is the largest land-owner in this town- 
ship. Besides those already named are the follow- 
ing: The old Moffett plantation, the John W. Jessup, 
Cooper Jessup, Lewis Jessup, and several others, each 
containing from forty to two hundred acres. 

CIVIL ORGANIZATION. 

First Town-Meeting. — Minutes and proceedings 
of the first annual town-meeting of the inhabitants 
of the township of Mantua, in the county of Glou- 
cester, held at the Union school-house. Carpenter's 
Landing, March 9, 18.53. Dr. John M. Sickler was 
chosen moderator, and Hugh A. Long, clerk for the 
day. The following is a list of the names of per- 
sons elected to ofiice for the ensuing year : 

Town Clerk, Hugh A.Long; Assessor, J.imes B. Albertson ; Collector, 
William Beckett; Commissioners of Appeal, Anrirew S. Chew, Al- 
exander U. Long, Lewis V. Atkinson ; Chosen Freeholders, John 
Daniels, John Gaunt ; Surveyors of Highways, Ale.xander K. Long, 
Isaac C. Dilks; Overseer of Poor and Conslalile, .loseph R. Norris; 
Township Committee, John Haines, Elijah Chew, Allen Moore, 
Isaac C. Dilks, John Crane; Judge of Election, Charles Ballinger; 
School Superintendent, John Daniels; Ovei-soers of Hisihways, 
Asher Turner, Jacob Batten; Pound-Keepers, John T. Madara, 
Daten L. Chew ; Pound-Keeper for the Village, Franklin Denn. 

'^ Reso!ri:d, That the township of Mantua raise One hundred dollars 
for Schooling purposes, and the System of maintaining our roads lu be 



262 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



done by labour. The Committee are authorized to borrow any Bum of 
money not exceeding One hundred and fifty dollars for immediate 
township purposes. The Committee are also authorized to impower the 
Assessor how much tax are to be raised for township pnrposes, and he 
to raise it by aasessraent. The next general election will be held at the 
Union School-house, at Carpenter's Landing, and the next annual town- 
meeting will be held at the School-IIouse in Barnsboro. 

" A true Copy. Hdqii A. Long, Clerk:' 

The following is a complete list of township clerks, 
assessors, collectors, chosen freeholders, and township 
committee men from 1854 to 1883, inclusive: 



1854. Hugh A. Long. 
1856-57. Samuel D. Lodge. 
1858-59. William S. Danford. 
lSfiO-62. William C. LoTig. 
1863-65. Benjamin F. Sweeten. 
1860-70. Benjamin H. Lodge. 

ASSESSORS, 
1854-56, 1860-68. John Haines. 
1857-59. Jesse C. Chew. 
18611-62. Cimrles Ballinger. 
1863-05. William C. Long. 
1869-71. Jacob S. Bendler. 



TOWN CLEKKS. 

1871. Joseph A. Daniels. 
1872-74. William A. Morgan. 
1875-77. Benjamin A. Carson. 
1878-82. Thomas C. Dilks, Jr. 
1883. Charles H. Ferris. 



1872-74. Hugh A. Long. 
1876-79, 1883. John Daniels, 
1880-82. Benjamin A. Carson. 
1883. John Daniels. 



1S64. W'illiam Beciictt. 
1855. George C. Clark. 
1866-58, 1863-04, 1866. K. C. Pan- 
coast. 
1869-01. Allen S. Morgan. 
1862. Johns. Somors. 



COLLECTOES. 

1865. Amos Gaunt. 
1867-69. F. Smith Parker. 
187(1-72. Lewis V. Atkinson. 
1873. Samuel T Sooy. 
1870-78. George C. Dilks. 
1879-83. Samuel D. Lodge. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDEKS. 



1854. John Daniels. 

John Gaunt. 
1855-56. John Gaunt. 

Allen Moore. 

1857. Jeptha .\bbolt. 
Allen Moore. 

1858. Samuel P. Tice. 
John Haines. 

1869-60. John Haines. 

John R. Sickler. 
1861-62. John R. Sickler. 

John T. Madara. 
1863. John T. Madara. 

Thomas Reeve. 
1864-65. Thomas Reeve. 

I. C. Dilks. 
1866. 1. 0. Dilks. 

William C. Long. 
1867-68. W. C. Long. 

Lewis V. Atkinson. 

1869. L. Y. Atkinson. 
John R. Sickler. 

1870. John E. Sickler. 



1870. Amos Gaunt. 

1871. John E. Sickler. 
LC. Dilks. 

1872-73. I. C. Dilks. 
Allen S. Morgan. 

1874. Oliver C. Boody. 
A. S. Morgan. 

1875. 0. 0. Body. 
Ninirod Woolsey, Sr. 

1876. 0. C. Boody. 
Franklin Denn. 

1877. K. J. Hurff. 
Franklin Denn. 

1878. F. Denn. 
John T. Ogden. 

1879. Isaac Newton. 
Jacob Ballinger. 

1880. George W. Grier. 
Jacob Ballinger. 

1881-82. G. W. Grier. 
I . Cooper Dilks. 
Paechal M. Hewlings. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 

1854.— William Haines, Isaac C. Dilks, John Moore, John Crane, Isaac 

J. Newkirk. 
1856.— John Gaunt, Joseph Sweeten, Daniel E. Ackley, John T. Bower, 

Allen S. Morgan. 
1856-57.— William D. Richards, Joseph Sweeten, Daniel E. Ackley, 

Allen S. Morgan, J. T. Bower. 
1858.— Mark Heritage, A. S. Morgan, Samuel D. Lodge, W. D. Eichards, 

John S. Somers. 
1869-61.— Elijah Chew, William Haines, Aaron M. Wilkins, John S. 

Somers, Mark Heritage. 
1862.— A. M. Wilkins, Franklin Denn, Thomas Eeeve, Josiah 0. Allen, 

Elijah Chew. 
1863-04.— Elijah Chew, John Crane, John Haines, Samuel F. Madara, 

Franklin Denn. 



1805. — John Haines, Allen Moore, A. S. Morgan, Lewis V. Atkinson, 

Samuel D. Lodge. 
1S06.— John Haines, Nathaniel W. Chew, L. V. Atkinson, S. D. Lodge, 

Allen Moore. 
1867-08.— S. D. Lodge, N. W. Chew, B. C. Pancoast, Andrew P. Glandon, 

Benjamin Vanderslice. 
1809.- W. C. Long, S. D. Lodge, N. W. Chew, E. C. Pancoast, B. Vander- 
slice. 
1870.— W. C. Long, B. Vanderslice, F. Smith Parker, John D. Shute, 

John D. Turner. 
1871.— John Haines, F. S. Parker, W. 0. Long, J. D. Turner, J. D. Shute. 
1873-74. — George W. Grier, Benjamin H. Lodge, L. V. Atkinson, Eustice 

Eggie, Leonard Chew. 
1875. — L. V. Atkinson, L. Cliew, Samuel D. Lodge, Jesse L. Eldridge, 

George C. Dilks. 
1S70.— J. L. Eldridge, Samuel D. Lodge, William C. Long, John D. 

Price, Randall J, HurfT. 
1877.— F. S. Parker, S. D. Lodge, W. C. Long, J. D. Price, Henry C. 

Bendler. 
1878.— F. S. Parker, J. Leo Eldridge, J. D. Price, H. C. Bendler, Jacob 

Ballinger. 
1879.- F. S. Parker, H. C, Bendler, William A. Allen. 
1880.— W. A. Allen, John Colbert, William Middleton. 
1881-82.— W. Middleton Samuel T. Sooy, Daniel C.Chew. 
1883.— S. T. Sooy, B. H. Lodge, John H. Sharp. 

Settlement of Township Accounts.— In February, 
1881, a portion of the west end of the township was 
detached for the purpose of forming the township of 
East Greenwich, which necessitated a settlement of 
accounts between this and the new township. The 
township committees of the two townships, Mantua 
and East Greenwich, met April 11, 1881, at the hotel 
of Isaac Newton, in the village of Mantua, for settle- 
ment, — S. T. Sooy, William Middleton, and Daniel 
C. Chew for Mantua, and David B. Gill, John A. 
Loudenslager, and Job S. Haines for East Green- 
wich. The meeting was organized by electing Wil- 
liam Middleton as chairman of the joint commit- 
tee, and the appointment of T. C. Dilks and W. H. 
Brown, clerks of their respective townships, secre- 
taries of the meeting. The act of division of the 
township and organization of East Greenwich was 
read. 

" On motion of David B. Gill, the figures $838,415, for Mantua, and 
S130,426, for East Greenwich, for our basis of settlement, making a total 
of $968,841. 

"On motion of S. T. Sooy, that Mantua township's percentage be 
eighty-six and one-half per cent., and the percentage of East Greenwich 
be thirteen and one-half per cent. 

"On motion of S. T. Sooy, that we take town-meeting as our time 
of division (being the 8th day of March, A.n. 1881) of all liabilities and 
resources. 

" On motion of Job S. Haines, that Mantua township shall have 
$1041.22 as their portion of tax warrant, and East Greenwich shall have 
$102 50. 

"On motion of D. B. Gill, that $611.50, the cash in hand, shall remain 
in Mantua township, and $95.45 shall be paid to treasurer of East 
Greenwich. 

"On motion of D. B. Gill, that the report be signed and filed by the 
clerks of each township. 

" On motion of D. B. Gill, we adjourn. 

" Thomas C. Dilks, 
"William H.Brown, 

"iSecretories." 

VILLAGES. 

Mantua. — This thriving little town is situated on 
the northeast border of the township, on an elevated 
bluflF overlooking the Mantua Creek, from which the 



TOWNSHIP OF MANTUA. 



263 



r 



town derives its name, and is also at the head of navi- 
gation on the Mantua Creek. The town is also on 
the line of Woodbury and MuUica Hill turnpike, 
and is also the northwestern terminus of the Mantua 
and Glassboro turnpike. 

The town stands upon the Thomas Campbell, Ben- 
jamin Allen, Martin Turner, Amos Eastlack, jnd 
Archibald Moffett tracts. Morgan's carriage manu- 
factory is on the northwest side of the Moffett tract, 
and the Methodist Episcopal Church and district 
school-house stand on what was the Martin Turner 
tract, while the balance of the village is on the 
other tracts named. 

As late as 1812 there were but sixteen dwellings in 
what is now Mantua village, owned by the following- 
named persons : John Heritage, Samuel Barber, 
George Cozzens, Samuel Van Leer, Robert Wallace, 
Gilbert Ashcroft, Andrew Winsey, Isaac Collins, Rev. 
Moses Crane, Abram Park, John Ashcroft, Amos 
Eastlack, John Tonkin, William C. Tonkin. 

In 1812 the Tonkin brothers, John and William, 
owned the large frame house now standing in the 
forks of the turnpikes, fronting the toll-house. It 
was then kept as a tavern by Mrs. Taylor, a widow 
woman and housekeeper for the Tonkin brothers. 
Although she was their housekeeper, she was also 
the landlady, as the house was kept in her name for 
several years. William C. Tonkin married the 
daughter of Mrs. Taylor, and after Mrs. Taylor's 
death William kept the tavern for many years. He 
was also the pioneer postmaster at Mantua. As was 
the custom in pioneer days, the post-office was kept 
in the old tavern. It was no doubt quite a conveni- 
ence for those in the habit of taking their " grog," 
as spirituous liquors were then called, as they could 
obtain both mail matter and grog at the same time. 
After the Tonkin brothers, a Mr. Allen kept the old 
tavern for a few years, when the building was con- 
verted into a private dwelling. 

The Tonkin brothers were also among the early 
merchants of Mantua. The old frame store-house 
stood in front of the tavern, down nearer the forks 
of the turnpike. The old building was subsequently 
moved across the MuUica Hill road and converted 
into a dwelling. 

Previous to the opening of a store by the Tonkin 
brothers, there was a store kept by Richard Clark as 
early as 1825, on the site now occupied by the store 
of Harry Bradshaw. Joseph C. Gill and a Mr. Lodge 
had a store in 1830 where now stands the store of 
John Trunear. 

The pioneer blacksmith of Mantua was Samuel 
Archer, who located here in 1815. His shop stood 
between what is now corner of Main and Union 
Streets and the Tonkin tavern. John Curry and Ed- 
ward Pancoast were successors of Archer and of 
each other in the blacksmith business. 

Robert Wallace was the pioneer wheelwright. His 
shop was near Archer's blacksmith-shop. Others in 



the same line, but later in years, were Benjamin Wood 
and Casamajor Pancoast. 

John Ashcroft was the village shoemaker in 1820, 
and Thomas West was the knight of the " goose and 
shears." James S. Porch also made " fits" for the 
outer man in later years. 

The pioneer carriage-maker at this place was J. C. 
Sparks, whose shop stood on the site now occupied by 
the residence of James Gardner. He subsequently 
built the shop now occupied by John Pinskey. 

After the death of Mr. Sparks his son, Thomas T. 
Sparks, carried on the carriage-making business for a 
few years, when he sold out to Pinskey. 

Allen S. Morgan commenced a general blacksmith 
and wheelwright business in 1848, in the shop now 
occupied by Franklin Denn, corner of Glassboro 
pike and Morgan Avenue. He carried on the busi- 
ness there till 1877, when he built his.present car- 
riage manufactory, corner of Morgan Avenue, Union 
Street, and Mantua Avenue, where he manufactures 
all kinds of light carriages and sleighs, employing ten 
men. His shop is the largest building in Mantua, and 
is one of the most thoroughly equipped for the busi- 
ness of any in the county. It is in size thirty-six by 
eighty feet, three stories high, with basement thirty- 
six by eighty feet. When he removed to his new place 
of business, in 1877, he sold his old shop to Franklin 
Denn, who still carries on general blacksmithing at 
that place. 

Mr. Morgan was born in Barnsboro, N. J., Feb. 14, 
1824, and at seventeen years of age was bound to the 
service of Josiah C. Sparks, of whom he learned the 
trade of carriage-making. After serving his time as 
an apprentice, he worked two years as a journeyman, 
and then commenced business for himself, and now en- 
joys a State reputation as a flrst-class carriage-maker. 

The steam planing-mill near the creek was built 
by Samuel T. Sooy, and it is now owned by George 
Dickinson. 

Jacob L. Stratton established the foundry business 
at Mantua in 1860, when he built the blacksmith- 
shop now occupied by Charles H. Ferris, where he 
remained until May, 1881, when he removed to his 
present place of business, corner of Broadway and 
Union Street, where he makes all kinds of small cast- 
ings. In connection with the foundry is a small 
machine-shop, in which all kinds of farm machinery 
are repaired. The firm-name of the concern is Jacob 
L. Stratton & Son, who make a specialty in the man- 
ufacture of the celebrated " Cast-iron Diamond Steel- 
Pointed Mill-Picks." 

The Mantua canning establishment was built in 
1880, by John Colbert, on Centre Street, where he is 
packing hundreds of thousands of cans of fruit each 
season. 

The Mantua Steam Grist-Mill, located on Broad- 
way, was built in 1881, by Henry Lippee, the present 
proprietor. The extensive coal- and lumber-yards at 
Mantua are owned and conducted by Job Scott. 



264 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



There is probably a greater number of sexagena- 
rians in Mantua village than in any other town of 
the same population in Gloucester County. Of such 
we give the names of a few, as follows : Ann Hen- 
drickson, aged 88; Dr. John R. Sickler, 83; Mary 
Dilks, 79 ; Amanda Lodge, 78 ; John C. Eastlack, 75 ; 
Thomas C. Dilks, 64; Sarah Long, 90 ; Rebecca Brad- 
shaw, 73; Keziah Turner, 74; Mrs. Lydia Bower, 76; 
Mrs. John C. Eastlack, 72; George Kugler, 65; Mrs. 
George Kugler, 65; Joseph Cooper, 73; Mr. Carry, 
70; Mrs. Carry, 65; George W. Brown, 63; Mrs. G. 
W. Brown, 63 ; Andrew Sweeten, 63 ; Elizabeth Bar- 
nard, 75 ; Mr. A. Dilks, 60 yeans. 

In 1883 there were in the village four general 
stores, one hotel, one canning- factory, one harness- 
shop, one light-carriage factory, one wheelwright- 
shop, four general blacksmith-shops, foundry and 
machine-shop, planing-mill, coal- and lumber-yard, 
and the usual number of small shops in a town of 
this size. There is also one Methodist Episcopal 
Church and one school-house. 

SOPIETIES. 

Concordia Lodge, No. 39, K. of P.,' was insti- 
tuted Feb. 1, 1870, in the Masonic Hall at Mantua, 
N. J., by Grand Chancellor James H. Pierson, as- 
sisted by members of Mariola Lodge, No. 9, of 
Woodbury. The charter members were J. Cooper 
Dilks, Merriel T. Park, Samuel P. Ferris, Charles 
Keen, John R. Sickler, Thomas J. Heritage, Wil- 
liam C. Long, Asher Turner, Allen S. Morgan, and 
Eustace Eggie. The first officers of the lodge were ; 
V. P., John R. Sickler ; W. C, Thomas J. Heritage; 
V. C, Merril T. Parks ; R. S., William C. Long ; F. S., 
Asher Turner; W. B., Allen S. Morgan; W. G., J. 
Cooper Dilks ; I. S., Samuel P. Ferris ; O. S., Eustace 
Eggie. 

Since the organization of the lodge the title name 
of the ofiicers has been changed, as will appear in the 
following list of ofiicers for September, 1883 : P. C, 
Paul S. Heritage ; C. C, J. Cooper Dilks ; V. C, J. 
Leo Eldridge ; P., Joseph T. Sickler; M. of E., Eus- 
tace Eggie ; M. of F., Merrill T. Parks ; K. of R. and 
S., William C. Long; M. at A., John Matson ; I. G., 
Louis Boettcher; O. G., Jacob F. Beckett. 

Barnsboro is a small village, located near the 
centre of the township, on a gravelly ridge of land 
sufficiently elevated to give one an extended view in 
almost every direction. It is also on the line of the 
Mantua and Glassboro turnpike, and at the intersec- 
tion of four other roads. It is one mile distant from 
Barnsboro Station, on the West Jersey Railroad, 
and is surrounded by a productive agricultural dis- 
trict. 

The town derived its name from John Barnes, who 
built the middle or original part of the present tavern, 
and probably one of the additions, as early as 1767. 

1 By William C. Long. 



This quaint old tavern has been occupied as a place 
of entertainment for at least one hundred and sixteen 
years continuously. The original or middle part was 
built of cedar logs, about twelve by sixteen inches 
square, and they are in as good a state of preservation 
as when first laid up. The original old fireplace and 
jambs are intact, and as ready to receive eight-feet 
wood as when first built. Which of the additions 
was built first no one now living can tell, as either 
antedates the birth of the oldest inhabitant of Barns- 
boro. The present proprietor and genial landlord is 
J. F. Talman. 

The pioneer store-keeper in Barnsboro was Swayne 
Blundridge. The store building stood on the site now 
occupied by Kirkbride's store, and the present store 
building stood in rear of it, and was for many years ' 
occupied as a place for storing heavy groceries. The 
old store building was subsequently removed, and it is 
now occupied as a wheelwright-shop. 

The pioneer blacksmith at this place was Allen 
Sharp. His shop stood on the site of the present 
residence of Mary Ann Chew, on the corner opposite 
the hotel. 

The pioneer postmaster at this place was Charles 
Ballinger, who was appointed in 1852. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1860 by John Crane, who was succeeded in 
1866 by Charles F. Moff'ett, and in 1870 the present 
postmaster, David Kirkbride, was appointed. He is 
also one of the village merchants. 

The store now occupied by Clement A. Ware was 
built in 1839 by James Jessup for Andrew Weather- 
bee. 

The pioneer shoemaker was Mark Murphy, who 
located here in 1843, in a large house below the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. The present shoe- 
maker is John Crane, whose shop is on the Elmer 
road. Mr. Crane was born in this township May 19, 
1819, and when seventeen years of age went to learn 
the tradeof a shoemaker with Samuel Lock, of Mantua 
village, and graduated in 1840. He then worked at 
his trade in Mantua for nine years, when he moved 
to Creesville, where he was engaged in the mercantile 
business for four years, and in 1853 moved to Barns- 
boro, where he has since resided. His first five years 
at this place were occupied in merchandising, when 
he sold his store property and engaged again in the 
manufacture of boots and shoes, in which business he 
still continues. He was married, March 25, 1841, to 
Elizabeth A. T. Allen, of Mantua, who has borne him 
nine children, six of whom are living. He has been 
honored many times by his townsmen, as can be seen 
by reference to the civil list. 

There is at present in the village one church, one 
school-house, two stores, one hotel, one blacksmith 
(Clement Tomlin), one wheelwright (Isaac Bowen), 
one shoe-shop (John Crane). 

The town of Barnsboro is surrounded by the farms 
of Joseph Hannold, Henry C. Bendler, West Jessup, 
Pancoast Roberts, and James A. Clark. 



TOWNSHIP OF MANTUA. 



265 



CHURCHES. 

Methodist Episcopal, of Mantua Village.— Re- 
ligious services were at what is uow Mantua village as 
early as 1800, and the first class was formed in 1805. 
Just who the leader or leaders were at that time is 
not positively known, but probably Abram Park and 
Nathan Chew, as these two veterans of Methodism 
were the class-leaders in 1815. Among the pioneer 
members of the class are found the names of Nathaniel 
Chew, Sarah Chew, Nathaniel Chew, Jr., Andrew S. 
Chew and wife, Elijah Chew, Elisha Chew, Nathan 
Chew, Abram Park, John Heritage, Amos Eastlack, 
Rachel Eastlack, Keziah Ashcroft, Richard Richards, 
Mary Richards, Cyrus Richards, Anna Richards, 
James Dilks, Martha Dilks, William C. Dilks and 
wife, and since 1828, Johu C. Eastlack, Thomas Da- 
vidson and wife, and David Chew. The Chews were 
quite an extensive family, living and owning lands 
for miles along the banks of Mantua Creek. David 
Clicw, above named, was one of those good Christian 
pioneers who became widely known for his eccen- 
tricities, and of whom many laughable anecdotes 
might be told did time and space permit. 

The pioneer meetings were held first in private 
houses, barns, and groves. Amos Eastlack's house 
was the " Methodist tavern," as it was sometimes 
called on account of his house being headquarters for 
Methodist preachers and laymen. In 1804 the old 
school-house at Mantua was built, when that became 
the preaching-place. William C. Dilks was the local 
preacher, and well did he fill the office assigned hira, 
ever alert, watching opportunities where he might 
sow the good seed, and filling the gaps between 
circuit preachers. 

Meetings were continued in the school-house until 
the building of the first church edifice at Mantua, in 
1815 or 181ti, when the following-named persons were 
elected trustees : Amos Eastlack, John Heritage, 
.James Dilks, Abram Park, William Tatum, Thomas 
Carpenter. What is now Mantua was at that time, 
and for many years 'prior and subsequent, known as 
Carpenter's Landing, named in honor of Mr. Car- 
penter, who owned the dock at that place. The first 
three named were the pioneer stewards of the Mantua 
Church. 

The present church was built in 1839 or 1840, and 
cost three thousand dollars. The lot was purchased 

from Tonkin and John Room. The old house 

that stood on the church lot was moved across the 
road and occupied for several years by Rev. Moses 
Crane, a local preacher, who for many years did 
efficient service for his Master, and finally received 
the reward of the faithful. 

Among the preachers who have served these people 
the following are remembered by John C. Eastlack, 
of Mantua, from whom we obtained the notes for 
this brief sketch, he having been connected with this 
society for over sixty years, and one of the official 
board for three-quarters of that time : 



Revs. John Walker, Thomas Fidler, Peter Van 
Nest, David Bartine, Sr., William Loomis, and, in 
1829, Jacob Gruber, and Joseph Iliff, Thomas G. 
Steward, William Williams, Richard Petherbridge, 
George F. Brown, Edward Stout, Benjamin Reed, 
George Jennings, Johu Fort, Walter Burroughs, 
James Long (two terms), James Tucker, Daniel 

Adams, Hamilton Norris, Herr, Dickinson 

Moore, William W. Christine, and Lewis M. Atkin- 
son, the present pastor. 

The present membership is one hundred and sev- 
enty, and value of church property, four thousand 
dollars. The trustees for 1883 were Eustice Eggie, 
A. G. Holdcraft, Thomas C. Dilks, Jr., D. Cooper 

Cattell, Charles Ferris, Pigeon, and William C. 

Long; Stewards, D. C. Cattell, T. C. Dilks, Jr., John 
Shute, A. G. Holdcraft, Henry Leppee, Charles Mof- 
fitt, and Pancoast Roberts. Barnsboro^ is connected 
with the Mantua charge. 

The present Sunday-school superintendent is T. C. 
Dilks, Jr., with eighty-five pupils. 

Barnsboro Methodist Episcopal Church.— Barns- 
boro was one of the appointments of the pioneer 
itinerants. They held their meetings in the school- 
house on the Elmer road, and from there transferred 
their appointment to the school-house in the village, 
when that institution was erected. The pioneer class- 
leader at this place was Samuel P. Tice, who was 
appointed in 1851. Among the members at that 
time are remembered by John Crane, from whom 
data for this sketch was obtained: Isaac Moffit, Mary 
A. Moffit, Matilda Forcer, William Moffit, Nathan 
W. Chew, Louisa Moffitt, Lizzie Moffitt, John D. 
Price, George C. Clark, Hope Price, Elijah Chew and 
wife, Charles Shreve, Sarah Ann Shreve, Isaac 
Bowers and wife, Henry Savage and wife, John Crane, 
and Elizabeth A. T. Crane. The preacher at that 
time was Rev. John Loudenslager. 

The present church edifice was built in 1869, and 
dedicated September 6th of that year by Rev. Charles 
Whitecar, and cost two thousand five hundred dollars. 

Among the preachers who have served this society 
since the building of the church, the following are 
remembered : Revs. Durell, Hitchins, Tucker, Wil- 
liams, Adams, Snyder, Durell, Herr, Norris, Hudson, 
Christian, Moore, and L. M. Atkinson, the present 
pastor. 

The present membership is forty-five. Value of 
church property, two thousand five hundred dollars. 

The trustees in 1883 were John Crane, George K. 
Chew, P. Roberts, Benjamin Allen, and Paschal M. 
Hewlings; Stewards, Charles F. Moffiitt and P. M. 
Hewlings ; Local Preachers, Arthur Downer and 
John Hand. 

The Sunday-school connected with this church was 
organized in 1851, with John Crane as superintendent. 
The present superintendent is William C. Stewart, 
with sixty pupils. 

In the Driver burying-ground, near the village of 



266 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Barnsboro, may be found the following inscrip- 
tions : 

John Driver, died May 28, 1851, aged 73 yeare. 
Sarah Driver, died Sept. 3, 1824, aged 43 years. 
Samuel Driver, died March 17, 1806, aged 49 years. 
Ke'^iah Driver, died Jan. 11, 1825, ageii 65 years. 
Thomas English, died in 1836, aged 78 years. 
John Driver, died March 14, 1798, aged 75 years. 
Moses Wells, died June 16, 1840, aged 67 years. 

Methodist Protestant Church at Barnsboro. — 

The Methodist Protestant society at Barnsboro and 
vicinity was organized in 1829, with the following- 
named members : Kebecca Danford, David B. Schoch, 
Ann Schoch, Hannah Ackley, Rachel Hutchinson, 
James H. Hutchinson, Sr., Samuel F. Madara, Abi- 
gail Chew, Rachel Kates, Marj' Brown, Sarah 
Schoch, Thomas D. Clark, Harriet Shreeve, Elias 
Brown, Ellen Brown, Jesse S. Chew, William S. 
Danford, Sarah J. Sharp, Elisha Pancoast, Mary 
Hurff, Daniel Ackley, and Patience Madara. 

From 1829 to 1852 meetings were held in private 
houses, school-houses, and barns. In the latter year 
the society built a house of worship on the Elmer 
road, nearly half a mile south from the village of 
Barnsboro, and in 1877 the church was rebuilt. In 
1863, Westville, in the northwest corner of Dept- 
ford township, where a small frame church had been 
built by the Presbyterians, and subsequently pur- 
chased by Mr. Thackara for the Methodist Protestant 
society, was added to the Barnsboro charge. The 
Methodist Protestant society also own a parsonage on 
the lot west of and adjoining the toll-house at Barns- 
boro. The whole property, two churches and par- 
sonage, is valued at four thousand dollars. The 
present membership (September, 1883) is seventy. 

The Sunday-school connected with this society is 
under the supervision of George W. Moray, and has 
enrolled sixty-five pupils. 

The preachers that have served this society are 

Revs. Stevens, James Connelly, James Brindel, 

McDonald F. Peirson, T. Clieasman, H. R. Harrold, 

Higgins, W. Wallace, H. Bruce, A. McCall, Ed. 

Schoch, J. Timberman, J. A. Nichols, N. Stokely, T. 
T. Heiss (three terms), S. Budd, J. J. Gray, T. H. 
Colhouer, John Clark, J. R. Beck, William Sharp, 
E. D. Stultz, William Van Lear, John M. Watson, 
J. Shepherd, George S. Robinsou, and R. M. Waples, 
the present pastor. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SAMUEL T. SOOT. 

The Sooy family trace their descent from English 
ancestry, though the traditions of the family have 
not been preserved. John, the father of the subject 
of this sketch, was born in Tuckerton, Burlington Co., 
N. J., where during his early life he resided. He 



then removed to Pedricktown, Salem Co., N. J., where 
he was a sailor and, at a later period, a farmer. He 
married Mi.ss Ann Tomlin, of Harrison township, 
Gloucester Co., to whom were born children, James 
and Samuel T., the first having died in infancy. 
Samuel T. was born Dec. 11, 1819, in Pedricktown, 
Upper Penn's Neck township, Salem Co., where the 
years of his childhood were passed. At the age of 
ten years he removed to Harrison township, and be 
came a member of the family of his maternal grand- 
father. The labors of the farm engaged his early 
attention, and later his trade of carpenter and builder 
was followed both at Mullica Hill and at Mantua. 
He married in 1870, Miss Harriet Hall, of Mantua, 
who is the mother of two children, Hattie (deceased) 
and Florence P. Mr. Sooy has retired from the 
active pursuit of his trade, and now resides at Mantua. 
He adheres in politics to the principles of the De- 
mocracy, and has filled the ofiices of collector and 
township committeeman in his township. He is in 
religion a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Mantua. 



WILLIAM SHUTE. 

The grandfather of Mr. Shute was Henry Shute, 
who lived in Gloucester County, where he was an 
industrious and successful farmer. The land he cul- 
tivated has been owned for successive generations, 
and is still in the family. Among his children were 
sons, Isaac, Samuel, Henry, Nathan, and also daugh- 
ters. His son Isaac was born July 23, 1773, and re- 
sided below Mullica Hill. He was married to Miss 
Ruhamah Atkinson, whose birth occurred Nov. 6, 
1778, and had children, — Henry, born in 1799 ; 
James, in 1801 ; Isaac, in 1803 ; William ; David B., 
in 1808; Clarison, in 1810; Atlee, in 1812; Joseph 
A., in 1815 ; and Samuel C, in 1823. Their son Wil- 
liam was born Oct. 11, 1805, upon the homestead, and 
enjoyed in youth such advantages of education as the 
neighboring schools afforded, after which the labors 
of the farm interested him until his thirty-first year, 
when he sought and purchased a tract of land, and 
continued farming employments. He later became 
owner of two farms, of which he made his sons 
owners. Mr. Shute was married, Feb. 11, 1835, to 
Sibillah, daughter of John and Grace Daniels, born 
Nov. 23, 1805. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Shute 
were, — Hiram, born 1837 ; John D., in 1839 ; Mary 
Ann (Mrs. John Shoemaker), in 1840; and William 
Cooper, in 1844. The death of Mrs. Shute occurred 
in September, 1881, in her seventy-sixth year. Mr. 
Shute, having led a life of activity and hard labor, re- 
tired some years since to Mantua, and there enjoys 
the rest and quiet which are the grateful reward of an 
industrious and useful career. In politics he was 
formerly a Whig, but entered the Republican party 
on its formation, and still subscribes to the articles 




'x^'^^O-o^y^^^ »/ ^yi-TTL^^ 



%. 



■I 



i 




''i^^l:..yyn. M-cU^ 





■(^^Pi^ny^, 





TOWNSHIP OF MANTUA. 



267 



of ils platform. He cares little for office, but has 
filled minor positions in the township. Mr. Shute is 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of | 
Mantua, as was also his wife. I 



JOHN C. EASTLACK. 
The family of Eastlack are probably of English 
descent. The grandfather of John C, Samuel by 
name, was a resident of Mantua, formerly Greenwich 
township, of Gloucester County, and cultivated a 
farm within its limits. He married a Mi.ss Turner, 
and had children,— Amos, t^amuel, Martha, Mary, 
and Elizabeth. Amos was born Sept. 1, 1768, and 
died Dec. 23, 1833, in his sixty-fifth year, having 
been during his whole lifetime a successful farmer in 
Mantua township. He was united in marriage to 
Sarah Scott, to whom were born children,— James, 
Samuel, Amos, George, Kebecca (Mrs. Joseph Paul), 
and Maria (Mrs. Thomas West). Mrs. Eastlack hav- 
ing died, he married again Rachel Cawman, whose 
eliildren were John C, Richard W., William P., and 
Andrew W. John C. was born Aug. 5, 1808, at the 
paternal home in Mantua township, where his youth 
was spent. At the age of twenty-one years, after ac- 
quiring a thorough knowledge of the farm, and also 
enjoying such advantages as the district school offered, 
he made an engagement of two years with a ship car- 
penter. For twenty years after he constructed ves- 
sels by contract, and, finding a still wider field in the 
manufacture of pumps, became one of the most pop- 
ular pump makers in the State, and conducted a 
large and lucrative business. He has now retired 
from active labor, and in his comfortable home in 
Mantua enjoys the results of his years of application 
to business. He married, Jan. 1, 1829, Miss Sarah 
D., daughter of Nathaniel and Keziah Chew, whose 
children are Nathaniel, born in 1829; Calvin, in 1830; 
Amos, in 1832; and John, in 1834. Mrs. Eastlack 
having died in May, 1834, he married again, July 23, 
1835, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Hannah 
Fletcher, of Woodbury. Their children are Sarah 
Elizabeth, born in 1836; Hannah Rebecca, in 1838; 
Rachel Ann, in 1840; John F., in 1842; Mary Emma, 
inl844; Charles F., in 1846; Francis A., in 1849; Rob- 
ert Emery, in 1851; William Ashbrook, in 1853; and 
James R., in 1855. Calvin C. was a useful minister of 
the New Jersey Conference; John F., Charles F., 
and James R. are grocers in Camden, and Amos is a 
wheelwright and pump-manufacturer in Gloucester 
County. 

Mr. Eastlack's politics are Republican. Though for 
seven years justice of the peace, he does not seek 
office, and values but little distinctions of this char- 
acter. He has been for more than half a century a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Man- 
tua, and at various times one of its officers. His wife 
is also a member of the same church. 



SAMUEL A. EASTLACK. 
Mr. Eastlack is the great-grandson of Samuel East- 
lack, of Mantua township, and a grandson of Amos 
Eastlack, who had children ten in number, among 
whom was James S., born Dec. 21, 1794, in Mantua 
township. He devoted his early years to the trans- 
portation of wood and lumber to Philadelphia, but, 
becoming weary of this business, he retired to a farm, 
which was subsequently purchased and is now the 
property of his son, the subject of this sketch. He 
married Sarah Ashcraft, daughter of Samuel and 
Keziah Ashcraft. Their children are Keziah (Mrs. 
Asa Gardner), Mary R. (Mrs. Jacob G. Tomblin), 
Elijah S., and Samuel A. The death of Mr. East- 
lack occurred June 24, 1873, in his seventy-ninth 
year. His sou, Samuel A., was born Feb. 21, 1833, in 
Mantua township, and removed when ten years of 
age to the farm now owned by him. ,Such advan- 
tages as the district school offered were enjoyed, after 
which he rendered his father valuable assistance in 
the cultivation of the farm. This was continued 
during the lifetime of the latter, after which Sam- 
uel A. became owner of the property, the share he 
inherited having been supplemented by subsequent 
purchase of the remainder. He married, Dec. 9, 
1861, Miss Hannah R., daughter of Francis A. Camp- 
bell, of Harrison township, whose children were 
Viola A., Abigail R., and four who died in infancy. 
Mrs. Eastlack having died, he was married again to 
Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of John D. and Keziah 
Turner, of Mantua. Mr. Eastlack's daily duties have 
left no leisure for participation in the excitements 
attending political life, though a Republican in his 
political creed, and interested in the success of his 
party. He is a contributor to the support of the 
Blount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church, where 
the family worship. 



.lOHN D. TURNER. 

John Turner, the grandfather of John D., resided 
near Bethel, in Gloucester County, where he engaged 
both in farming and lumbering. He was united in 
marriage to a Miss Leonard, and had children, — 
Jane, Abby, Mary, John, and Edward. The last 
named married Sarah Daniels, and had children, — 
John, Edward, Harvey, Jane, Mary, Rebecca (Mrs. 
Dilks), Sarah (Mrs. Pierce), and three who died in 
childhood. Mr. Turner was actively interested in 
business as farmer, lumberman, and coal dealer. His 
son, John D., was born Nov. 29, 1802, near Bethel. 
The first twenty-six years of his life were spent at 
home, where the routine of duties incident to a 
farmer's life engaged his attention, large responsibili- 
ties having been inciirred by hira as a consequence 
of the early death of his father. He was married 
Dec. 11, 1828, to Miss Keziah S. Chew, daughter of 
Jesse and Keziah Chew, of Gloucester County, whose 



268 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



birth occurred Nov. 22, 1808. Their children are 
Amanda E., born Oct. 30, 1829 (Mrs. William 
Becket) ; Sarah Jane, whose birth occurred April 8, 
1832 (Mrs.. Samuel Eslick) ; Elizabeth, born July 28, 
1834 (Mrs. Harrison Heritage); Edward Eufus and 
Albert, deceased. Mr. Turner subsequent to his mar- 
riage purchased a farm near Barnsboro, in Gloucester 
County, where he resided during the remainder of his 
life and followed successfully the occupation of a 
farmer. He affiliated at an early day with the Whig 
party in politics, but later became a Democrat, and 
held the offices of freeholder and commissioner of ap- 
peals. Both he and Mrs. Turner were active mem- 
bers of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
which Mr. Turner was steward. His death occurred 
July 8, 1877, in his seventy-fifth year. His widow 
still survives and resides with her daughter, Mrs. 
Heritage, in Mantua. 



CHAPTER XL VI. 
TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.! 

Geographical and Descriptive.— This is the 
northeast corner township of Gloucester County, and 
was formed in 1859, when it was a part of Camden 
County, and was annexed to Gloucester County in 
1871 with Washington township, which see. This 
was, and is yet, known as one of the pine townships. 
However, a large share of the pine timber has disap- 
peared, and in its place are the cleared fields of the 
husbandman, whose thorough cultivation of the light 
sandy soil brings forth adequate returns for his labor. 
The township is drained on the east by Great Egg 
Harbor River and Squankum Branch, south by 
White Oak Branch, centrally by White Hall and 
Hospitality Branches, and northward by Scotland 
Run. 

Monroe is bounded northeast and east by Camden 
County, southeast by Atlantic County, on the south- 
west by Franklin and Clayton townships, and on the 
north and northwest by Washington township. 

Early Settlers and Pioneer Incidents.— The pi- 
oneers of what is now Monroe township settled in 
and around what is now the village of Williams- 
town, then known by the name of Squankum. Hon. 
John F. Bodine wrote for and had published in the 
minutes of the "Surveyors' Association of West Jer- 
sey," also in The Constitution of Woodbury of July 
24, 1878, a full and complete pioneer " History of 
Squankum," which we are permitted to reproduce 
in this work, feeling satisfied that no one but Mr. 
Bodine could do half as well, as he is a practical sur- 
veyor, and knows whereof he speaks : 

"The first location or survey I find on record that 



By W. H. Shaw. 



was made in the vicinity of Williamstovvn, or, as it 
was first called, Squankum, is one made by Henry 
Roe, Oct. 13, 1726, recorded in the surveyor-general's 
office at Burlington, in Book M, page 76, for 121 
acres. This was upon Cedar Swamp, and covered 
what used to be considered the most valuable to 
farmers living in the neighborhood of water-courses. 
I suppose, by information gathered, that this man 
Roe lived near or at Woodbury. 

" The next location was made by Charles Brock- 
den, May 10, 1737, recorded at Burlington, in Book 
M, Part II., page 207, for 1200 acres. The descrip- 
tion of the location thereof will give the i-esidents of 
Williamstown a name I suppose they are not familiar 
with. It commences as follows: 'Situate in the county 
of Gloucester, at a place called " Hospitality Ponds." ' 
This tract is the location of what is known as Egypt 
place, the Levering and Whitehead, Babcock, both 
the Sykes places, the place that Jacob IvohofF lives 
on, and a part of the William Stellman place. I will 
give more details of this location further on. 

" The next location I find was made by John Al- 
ford, May 13, 1737, recorded in Book M, page 339, in 
surveyor-general's office at Burlington, for 1442 acres, 
and covered the land of Peter Scott, Graham Hankin, 
the old Steelman place, Gottlieb Pheiffer, William B. 
Ireland, and several other settlements. When John 
Alford made this location he no doubt- lived in 
Gloucester County, near the river, for I find his 
father's name connected with lands lying in the river 
townships ; but after locating this tract Alford re- 
moved to Boston, and there became a merchant, and 
there died. I have one of the best-preserved parch- 
ment deeds for this land that was made by his heirs 
to Savil Wilson, a prominent citizen of Deptford 
township, near Woodbury, dated Aug. 30, 1774, in the 
fourteenth year of his Majesty's reign. The deed has 
the large seal of the province of Massachusetts Bay, 
and on it the name of Thomas Gage, Governor. The 
second course of said deed reads as follows : ' Thence 
north thirty-two degrees, westerly one hundred and 
sixty-five chains by Squankum settlement.' This is 
evidence of there being somebody living in this county 
at that time, which I hope to show by evidence 
further on. 

" The next location I find is one made by Jolm, 
Thomas, and Richard Penn, June 1 and 2, 1742, re- 
corded in Book A, at Burlington, page 230, for one 
thousand acres, and took in the head of Squankum 
Branch, and is popularly known as the Williams 
survey, because Williams bought it, and sold it out 
in subdivisions. 

" The next location is by the same parties, recorded 
in the same book. A, page 234, dated April 8, 1743, 
for eleven hundred and thirty-six acres. Rabb's 
place, the ' County Timber,' Samuel Bateman's place, 
R. Miller, and considerable of woodland west of the 
Tuckahoe road was in this survey. 
. "The next location I find is one made by Samuel 




^^Jt^f^^f'y'*^ c^cJ2'*'y'^-i^e^>^ 



TOWNSHIP OF MONROE. 



269 



McCollick, March, 1749, recorded in Book E, Bur- 
lington, page 221. This survey is known as the 
Baynes, or Church property. 

" The next location, as to date, is the Richard Allen 
survey, made Nov. 26, 1751, recorded in Book S, No. 6, 
page 12, at Burlington, for four hundred and twenty- 
six acres. This survey reads as follows : 'Beginning 
at a pine standing on the southwest side of White 
Hall Branch, near the swamp side.' This shows it 
was the tract White Hall Mill was built on. 

" The next location I find near this place, according 
to date, is one made by Richard Cheesman, Nov. 11, 
1758, recorded in Book L, page 59, which commences 
as follows : ' Beginning at a W. oak marked 4 blazes, 
also R. C, near the road that leads to White Hall 
Mill.' This shows that at this early date there was a 
mill at Wliite Hall. This road runs on the northeast 
side of the Thomas Crover (formerly Daniel Crover) 
farm, and thence out somewhere through by where 
Thomas S. Bateman's farm is, and so on out by 
what is called the Hoffsey place, or Hospitality Set- 
tlement, and so on out to the old Cape road, which 
was a beaten track from Cape May or the ocean to 
the Delaware River at Camden and Gloucester. 

"The next survey for this neighborhood found 
upon record at Burlington is one made by Joseph 
Hollingshead, Feb. 9, 1759, recorded in Book H, 
page 429. This is only of special use to us in this 
paper, as we find one hundred acres thereof were 
sold July 9, 1783, to Thomas Stiles, and this was set- 
tled and known as Stiles' field down to Squankum 
Branch, on the north side thereof, about four miles 
below this place, in Squankum Neck. There is evi- 
dence of the old settlement thereupon, as an old road 
leading thereto. I find several surveys located around 
about this place, as follows: S. Powell, 1739; Rod- 
man, 1740 ; John Owen, two surveys, in 1740 to 1742. 
These four surveys were afterwards resurveyed by 
Philip Freeze. In 1829 the Penns, in addition to the 
two foregoing mentioned surveys, located nine hun- 
dred and forty, two hundred, nineteen hundred, and 
one thousand acres respectively, and one to Rich- 
ard Arrel, 1748, for three hundred and sixty acres; 
two surveys to Isaac Kay, in 1755, for about three 
hundred and thirty-three acres. 

" I find a survey made by John McCarty. Dec. 8, 
1757, for one hundred and ninety acres, and one 
made to Joseph Harrison, May 6, 1760, called twenty- 
four acres ; these two tracts are what Coles' saw-mill 
was established upon, but I have not been able to fix 
the time definitely when Coles' saw-mill was built. 
I find a survey located by Thomas Coles, March 16, 
1787, that adjoins the McCarty tract. I also find that 
the description locating the beginning corner says, 
' Standing twenty-eight links northerly of the road 
from Canada to Coles' mill.' This would show that 
there was a mill at this date. 

" I find a deed recorded in which reference is made 
to a survey made to Joseph Harrison on the south 



side of Four-Mile Branch; also one made by .lohu 
Bispham, which I should think was located previous 
to 1775, although this I cannot say, as they have 
lately come to my knowledge by searching the deed- 
books. I do not find records of any locations from 
1775 until the Solomon Haines location, made April 
19, 1781, recorded in Book R, page 144, surveyor-gen- 
eral's ofiice, Burlington. This began on the northeast 
side of Williamstown, and will be referred to here- 
after. 

" The next is a resurvey, made by Thomas Tabor, 
May 27, 1782, recorded at Burlington, in Book R, page 
225. This was made upon a David Roe survey, be- 
cause the Roe interferes with Brockden's survey. 

'■ The next survey of importance was one made to 
Isaac Parker, April 15, 1786, recorded in Book U, page 
40, at Burlington, and is at the upper end of Wil- 
liamstown. I find a survey made to William Smith, 
March 23, 1787, for one hundred and sixty-seven and 
one-quarter acres lying near this place; also one made 
to John Williams, June 2, 1787; one to Daniel Ellis, 
made July 7, 1792, for nine hundred acres ; this sur- 
vey lies near this place, to the east, and takes in 
where James Elison and Henry Smith live. There 
were some smaller surveys made after this date, — one 
to Jonathan Collins, one to John Tice, — but the last 
century appears to have closed up the larger surveys 
about here. It shows that the active times of the 
Revolution were fully occupied without making sur- 
vey of lands, at least in this place." 

In, Out, and In Gloucester County.—" When 
Squankum was first settled it was in Deptford town- 
ship, and remained so till 1836, when Washington 
township was formed, and up to the session of the 
State Legislature of 1844 remained in old Gloucester 
County. That winter, however, application was made 
by residents of Camden City to set off Camden, Wa- 
terford, Newton, Union, Delaware, and Gloucester 
townships into a new county to be called Camden. 
At that time one of the members of the Legislature 
lived in Williamstown, and strenuously opposed the 
movement until the bill included Washington town- 
ship, when his vote was changed and the bill passed. 
In the struggle which ensued for the location of the 
court-house and other county buildings Camden was 
again victorious. While the people of Williamstown 
and New Brooklyn remained in Washington town- 
ship, the voters were obliged to go to Cross-Keys to 
attend elections and town-meetings, and when the 
voting population had increased to four hundred and 
fifty it was thought that there were too few oflices to 
be divided among so many voters, so it was decided 
to divide the township ; accordingly application was 
made to the Legislature in 1859, when the township 
of Monroe was created, and Williamstown designated 
as the place for holding elections and town-meetings. 
Monroe township remained in Camden County till 
1871, when it was found that Gloucester County 
would lose one member of the Legislature, and Hud- 



270 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



son County gain one. Upon inve.stigating the sub- 
ject it was found tliat to talce tlie two townsiiips of 
Wasliington and Monroe from Camden and annex 
tliem to Gloucester would save her the member and 
not injure Ciimden County. A bill was accordinp;ly 
passed and approved making the necessary transfer, 
whereat the people of the townships of Washington 
and Monroe rejoiced to find themselves again in old 
Gloucester County." 

Settlement of Squankum (Williamstown). — " I 
now come to the selllcnicnt of this place, which was 
first called Scpiankum, as will be recollected is men- 
tioned in the deed of Alford's heirs to Savil Wilson. 
The first evidence of .settlement near Si|uankum was 
the Richard Cheesman location, made 17r>8, giving the 
beginning corner near the road leading to White Hall 
Mill. This, I think, clearly evidences a settlement. 
This corner is just out the settled part of the village. 
Thesecond location, being the Brockden.made in 1737, 
as I said before, was the first one I find of what was 
properly Squankum, and ajipwirs to bear an imi)ortant 
part, for it is upon this tract that I find the first settle- 
ment. 

" As will be surmised by the name, Brockden must 
have been a German. 

" I find, by referring to the first deeds upon record 
at Woodbury for any part of this land, the citation of 
title which used to be quite common in the body of 
deeds giving the previous transfers. I find as follows : 
Charles Brockden conveyed the twelve hundred acres 
as located to his daughter, Mary Patterson, and her 
husband, Thomas Patterson, by two deeds, dated :i4th 
and 2oth of February, 17G!>. Said Mary and Thomas 
mortgaged the same to John Reynolds, March, 1771 ; 
this mortgage is recorded iu our ofiice at Woodbury, 
in Book A of mortgages. In the copy of the mort- 
gages, fourth course says, 'Then by lands of Johannes 
HoH'sey,' etc. I could not find the deed from Brock- 
den to Patterson, recorded in Trenton, but I find iu 
Book A, G, page 57, a deed from Thomas and Mary 
Patterson to the said Johannes Hoft'sey, dated Dec. 
14, 1773, for one hundred acres, more or less. I think 
there is no doubt of the said Hoflsey being located 
there previous to 1771, for the mortgage gives the 
boundaries of the Brockden tract, independent of the 
piece afterwards sold to the said Holfsey (now called 
Hulfsey) in 1774. Patterson mortgaged the same to 
one Ellis, aud in the description in that mortgage it 
says that Thomas and Mary Pattereon, of Plospital- 
ity, Gloucester Co., which would indicate that they 
lived on this tract at that date. In fact, when the 
writer first came to Squankum, thirty-nine years ago, 
there was an old cedar-log house standing upon what 
is known as the Sykes place, from being owned for 
nearly as many years as I have lived here by a father 
and son named Sykes. This house in its earlier days 
must have been quite a palatial residence ; it was built 
of cedar logs, hewn square, aud dovetailed together ! 
at the coruevs, and was two stories high ; it was wain- 



scoted inside with planed cedar boards, one edge 
beaded ; in it was a wide, open entry, about eight feet 
wide, with an open stairway. This no doubt was the 
residence of the ' Patroon,' as the old German land- 
owners were called, for by the old records I find that 
Charles Brockden, to whom it was located, was quoted 
as of the city of Philadelphia, and after he got too old 
to live out there, I think his daughter and her husband 
and family occupied the house. I find the same house 
was occupied by an old German family named Craver, 
some of whose descendants live in our place, and form 
part of our best citizens. In fact, I find one of the 
sons of this original Craver that, I am told by one of 
the descendants, was born iu that old house, and now 
lies buried iu the village graveyard ; from the tomb- 
stone I find he was born in 1777. Another evidence 
of the early settlement of this tract I think is that to 
this day, near where the old log house stood, there is 
a beaver dam, and it is well known that beavers will 
not stay whore people live, and when settlers came the 
beavers left, aud that the dams go down and the lands 
become more dry. 

" The afore-mentioned Hoflsey appears to have been 
a man of some note and perseverance, as I find he 
made two surveys in 1789, one for eighty-six acres, 
and the other for thirty and three-quarter acres. The 
eighty-six-acre tract was a narrow strip between the 
Brockden survey and the eleven hundred and thirty- 
six acres Penn survey, and was nearly two miles long 
and quite narrow. The thirty and three-quarter acres 
tract was a triangular piece that lay between the 
Brockden, Peun's one thousand acres, and the Taber 
survey, one line being a trifle over a mile long. It 
happened that I bought a portion of this tract, and 
mapped the whole tract, as it was divided mutually 
between John and Samuel Hoffsey, sons of the said 
old Johannes Hofl^sey. It made the most singular- 
looking map I ever saw. and until I got these surveys 
and placed them to the map of the original deed to 
Hoflsey, I had often wondered how he ever got such 
a shaped piece of land. 

" I find in connection with the subdivision of the 
tract into plantations or smaller lots the names of 
Hazlett, Hart, Vandegrift, Van Sciver, Butler, and 
Young, one of the settlers on the Penn location of 
eleven hundred and thirty-six acres that nearly joined 
this tract, and the name of George Sennor, which 
by the names would indicate a German settlement. 
This location lies to the south and west of what is 
called the Penu's or Williams' Settlement. This 
Hoflsey place was where the first Methodist preach- 
ing was held iu this vicinity. (See history of Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church of Williamstown.) 

" This Brockden tract seems to have been divided 
as follows: First, Patterson to Hoflsey; then Mary 
Howell, who was a Patterson, deeded the land to 
John Hart in 1780, for eleven hundred acres, and 
Hart to Timothy Young, by the sherifl", two hundred 
and eighty-three and three-quarter acres, uow known 



TOWNSHIP OF MONROK. 



271 



an tho Whitoliciid, Levering, Taggiirt, iuid llic place 
wliere C. I'lulil lives; tlieii Hart deodcil tlic liaiame 
of the eleven hundred acres to Samuel llazU'tt, who 
sold ono hundred and twenty-three and one-quarter 
acres to VandergriCt (this is now in tlienabcock place), 
fifty acres to liutler (this is also part of Mr. liahcock's), 
four hundred and forty-seven and one-half acres 
to Jesse Van Sciver (this covers the Sykes, Iniholl', 
part of Williiiin Steelnian, and others). He also sold 
lots to parties named Sharp. At this point it is proper 
to name a very prominent man, William Nicholson, 
who bought the Vandcrgrift and Hutler tracts in 
September, 17'.t.'!. Ho bought these two tracts and 
8ettled here, and for upwards of forty years was a 
prominent man here, and became an extensive land- 
owner. His numerous family of sons and daughters 
settled in the surrounding country, where there are at 
present several generations descended from the pio- 
neer Nicholson. He wa.s also connected with tho 
pioneer glassworks of this section. 

"The eleven and thirtysi.x acres I'cnn tract ap- 
pears to bo next in order, as from this tract arc found 
some of the earliest sales or subdivisions. One fea- 
ture in this location is the seventh course, which says, 
' To a black oak standing by the old Cape road.' 
This would show there was a main road leading 
through the neighborhood at that time (1743), and 
the mention of a road leading to White Hall Mill has 
led some of the older inhabitants to recollect the old 
road leading by the old cedar-log house and by the 
old HolPsey place and the Sennor place to the old 
(^ape road. The first sale of this tract was from Penn 
to liichard Cheesman the dilcr, .June, 1772. Chees- 
man deeded a piece to George Sennor in 1777; then, 
April 25, 1782, Cheesman deeded to his daughter, 
Maria Jackson, four hundred acres, and she, in 1804, 
deeded one hundred and four acres to Timothy 
Young; April, 1808, she deeded three hundred and 
twenty-eight acres — the balance of the four hun- 
dred acres — to .Jacob Jennings. It afterwards jiassed 
through the hands of several owners, until now it is 
owned and occupied by James Robb. The piece of 
Young's, in connection with George Sennor, was 
deeded to the county of Gloucester, June G, 1812, and 
it is now partly owned by the county of Camden, for 
the use of wood for her county house. A large part 
of the farms of Carvin, David C. Tweed, Samuel Bate- 
man, and Robert Miller are a part of this tract. 

" The next in order is the Solomon Haines, Joseph 
Harrison, and IJispham surveys ; they lay to the 
north and east of Williamstown. Andrew Pearce 
bought fifty-one and three-quarter acres of the Har- 
rison location, June 7, 1790, and three an<I one-half 
acres of Solomon Haines, and eighty-one and one- 
fourth acres of John Marshall. These pieces make 
up what is known as the Ayres place. Obadiah VA- 
dridge, the grandfather of our respected citizens, 
Joshua, Job, and Obadiah Eldridge, moved upon the 
place where Washington A. Sickler now lives in 1770 ; 



then .Joshua, the father of the jirescnt Joshua and 
brothers, was ten years old. Obadiah the older 
bought eighty and three-<)uarter acres of Solomon 
Haines, June 6, 1792, and he sold tho same to his son 
Joshua the next year. Josiah Albcrtson, the grand- 
father of Thomas C, Ann, Gideon, and David Al- 
bcrtson, who are now living, middle-aged men, lived 
just beyond the Four-Mile iiratich, at what is known 
as the Hobby lot, now lying on the railroad. While 
living there, in April, 1779, Thomas, tho father of the 
above-mentioned men, was born ; how long before 
that the father had lived there is not known. This 
gives us settlements to the north and cast as well as 
the south and west of Williamstown for over one hun- 
dred years. 

" Next in order is the Thomas Taber survey, that 
lies southeast, which was deeded to Jacob iJrick, 
May 10, 1784. Brick, no doubt, lived ujjon the land, 
and the settlement was near where L(tvi I'ricdiitt now 
lives. Brick having died about 1800, tin; tract was 
divided into four shares and allotted to his daughters. 
The farm owned by Thomas (,'rover was one share; 
one share is still woodland; William H. Bodine and 
Savjl Porch own some of the tract, and a family by 
the name of Sharp owned and lived upon one of the 
shares, and was«iuite iirominenl in the neighborhood. 
" We now come to the Alford tract, covering Ihi' 
farms where Gottlieb I'heill'er and Williiim II. Jn^land 
now live, and where JOdward Wilson, grandfather of 
Jacob Wilson and Savil Wilson, lived, the tract 
having been bought by Samuel Wilson, Sr., in 1774, 
and his sons, as mentioned, settling thereon, had 
much to do with the settlement in its early history. 
Jonathan Collins lived near the Wilsons. He made 
two locations early in this century, and in March, 
1820, sold out and went west. In the same neighbor- 
hood lived Joel Westcott and Job Eldridge, that 
formed a settlement of five families within half a 
mile of each other. It is believed that none of the 
immediate descendants of these families are living 
here at [)resent." 

Civil Organization.— Under the date of "Wil- 
liamstown, Monroe townsliip, Camden Co., March 
9, 1859," we find the following minutes of the first 
town-meeting: 

" In pursuance of an a(^l of the General Assembly 

of the State of New Jersey, |>;Lssed the — day of , 

1859, to make a new township, to be called the town- 
ship of Monroe, from a part of the township of Wash- 
ington, in the county of Camden, and State of New 
.Jersey, the taxable inhabitants of said township of 
Monroe convened at the house of Charles W. Husted, 
; in Williamstown, for the jjurpose of electing odiccrs 
for the said township of Monroe, and other bu.sine.ss 
! for said township. 

"The reading of said act was performed by John 
! F. Bodine, when Abijah Hewitt was chosen moder- 
I ator of said meeting, and the meeting was duly or- 
I ganized by appointing George W. Allen secretary; 



272 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



and each one being sworn into office, the preliminary 
business of the township was performed, such as re- 
ports of former officers of the township of Washing- 
ton, when the meeting proceeded to the election of 
officers for the ensuing year, which resulted as follows : 

"Town Clerk, Josiiih Ireland; Assessor, Joshua Eldridgo; Collector, 
Samuol Remmel ; Cbosen Freeholdere, Clayton B. Tice, Edward S. 
Ireland ; Commissioners of Appeal, Obadinh Eldridge, Abijah S. 
Hewitt, Hosea Hustcd ; Constable, Joshua Eldridge; Overseers of 
the Poor, Thomas D. Sparks, Tliomua W. Stanger; Judge of Elec- 
tion, Joshua Nicholson ; Surveyor of Highways, Andrew W. Ire- 
land ; Township Comniittoe, Abijah S. Hewitt, Thomas W. Stanger, 
Elins Campholl, Kichard Stevenson, Peter Scott; Town Superin- 
tendent, George W. Allen." 

The following is a list of town clerks, assessors, 
collectors, chosen freeholders, constables, and town- 
ship committee, from 1860 to 1883, inclusive: 



TOWN CLERKS. 



1800-61. Charles W. Sailer. 
1862-05. Thomas W. Stanger. 
1866. Joel A. Bodine. 
1607-09. Inilay Gifford. 
1870-71. Kem C. Tice. 



1872-77. Garrett Tilton, Jr. 
1878-79. Edgar C. Green. 
1880-81. Joseph N. Tomhleson. 
1882-83. William F. Tweed. 



1800-61. Joshua Eldridge. 
1802-63, 186ri. Thomas C. Willotts 
1804, 1800-07. M. S. Simmerman. 
1868-69. Abijnh S. Hewitt. 
1870-73. Matthias M. Chew. 



ASSESSORS. 

1874-77. John E. Tice. 



1878-80. Imlay Gifford. 
1881. Daniel Dawson. 
1882-83. John W. McClure. 



1860-61. Simon Rummel. 
1862-63. Daniel Stoelman. 
1864-66. Joshua Eldridge. 



COLLECTORS. 

1867. J. Alfred Bodine. 
1868-83. Elmer Hurff. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 



1860-01, 1870. Clayton B. Tice. 
1862-0.1. Charles Wilson. 
1860-69. William H. Bodine. 
1871-72. C. B. Tice. 

Samuel Tomhleson. 
1873-75. C. B. Tice. 

J. A. Bodine. 
1876-7S. Paul L. Richmond. 

0. B. Tice. 



1879. Paul L. Richmond. 
M. M. Chew. 

1880. Abijah S. Hewitt. 
M. M. Chew. 

i 1881. M. M. Chew. 

[ . William Trout. 

1 1882-83. M. M. Chew. 

• Joseph C. Nicholson, 



1860-01. Joshua Eldridge. 
1862-03. T. C. Willetts. 
1804-67. Matthias S. Simmerman. 
1868-69, 1879, 1882-83. G. B. Gaunt. 
1870-78. Joshua Bittle. 



CONSTABLES. 

1880. J. Bittle. 
G.B. Gaunt. 

1881. G. B. Gaunt. 
Thomas Stanger. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 
180U-61.— Abijah T. Hewitt, Thomas W. Stanger, Elias Campbell, Charles 

W. nusted, Peter Scott. 
1862. — Clayton B. Tice, Daniel Ireland, Samuel Tomhleson, Jr., Samuel 

D. Sparks, Peter Scott. 
1803.— T. W. Stanger, C. W. Husted, P. Scott, S. Tomhleson, Jr., S. D. 

Sparks. 
1804.— Peter Scott, Thomas W. Stanger, Daniel Ireland, Charles W. 

Husted, S. Tumbleson, Jr. 
1805.— Daniel Ireland, Obadiah Eldridge, John W. Middleton, John R. 

Tice, Charles Wilson. 
1860—0. Eldridge, Clayton B. Tice, John R. Tice, J. W. Middleton, 

Daniel Ireland. 
1867. — Thomas E. Graver, John R. Tice, James Carvin, John W. Middle- 
ton, 0. Eldridge. 
1868.-0. Eldridge, William Corkney, Charles K. Lewis, James Carvin, 

Richard F. Tice. 
1809. — Benjamin Simmerman, John R. Tice, Clayton B. Tice, 0. Eldridge, 

Thomas A. Chew. 



1870-71.— Henry T. Morgan, Richard F. Tice, 0. Eldridge, Gottlieb. 

Pfieffer, B. Simmerman. 
1872. — R. F. Tice, 0. Eldridge, G. Pfieffer, B. Simmerman, .Tames 

Carvin. 
1873.— B. Simmerman, James D. Souders, E. F. Tice, James Carvin, G. 

Pfieffer. 
1874-76.— Richard F. Tice, B. Simmerman, James Carvin, James D. 

Bonders, Samuel P. Dehart. 
1877.— S. P. Dehart, James Carvin, John McClure, G. Pfieffer, Joseph 

D. Ayare. 
1878.— G. Pfieffer, J. J. Ayars, J. McClure, James Carvin, Charles S. 

Clark. 
1879.— Charles S. Clark, J. W. McClure, Samuel Garwood. 
1880.-0. S. Clark, S. Garwood, John M. Taggart. 
1881-82,— Samuel Garwood, John M. Taggart, James D. Souders. 
1883.— Samuel Garwood, C. B. Tice, J. B, Sickler. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

WiUiamstown. — " I have gone over what would 
properly be called the outside locations and settle- 
ments, and will now come to the Penn location of 
one thousand acres, or, as it is usually called, ' Wil- 
liams' Survey.' This is the tract upon which the 
village of Sguankum is built. This tract was one 
hundred and twenty chains long from north to south, 
and ninety chains from east to west, and lies about 
equally on both sides of the Squankum Branch, the 
head of the Branch being on the northern end of the 
tract. The north end crosses the turnpike where 
the division line between Jacob, Joseph, and James 
Leigh's places run, and, crossing the pike, runs 
through the fields to the Huflfsey line, and crosses 
the road on the southern end between Thomas 
Hewitt and John Dehart's places, and follows the 
Huffsey and Tabor line on the west and the Ayres 
line on the east, and follows to near the sand-hole. 

" The Penns deeded the tract to Israel Williams, 
but in what year is not definitely known, but supposed 
to be 1772, as other tracts were deeded by the Penns in 
that year, and Israel Williams deeded to his son, 
John Williams, in 1783. After that date the tract 
was divided up into lots and farms ; and through 
neglect to record deeds difficulty has been found in 
naming parties whom Williams sold to, yet the lots 
and parties to whom sold have been ascertained, ex- 
cept in one case. The first lot was five and a half 
acres, sold to Jeremiah Dilks in July, 1789 ; the next 
was eleven acres, sold April 1, 1793, to William 
Strong. The original church lot was from this piece. 
The next was ninety-eight acres, sold to Joseph 
Smallwood, Dec. 12, 1799. This takes the lot upon 
which John Hutchinson is, and where Henry Tice 
and wife lived for many years, and where they died. 
The next was seventy-one acres, sold to Isaac Hooper, 
April 9, 1796, and covers the Paul Sears farm, and 
where Joseph Leigh lives. The next was a deed to 
John Swope for one hundred and fifty acres, made 
April 9, 1796. This covers part of what is known as 
the Swope farm, and part of it is now owned by 
James D. Souders, with the old mansion of Mr. 
Swope. Mark Brown, B. Simmerman, the Eames 
house, Mrs. S. Cordery's store, J. V. Sharp, and the 
Rickey place, and the Methodist Episcopal Church, 



TOWJSrSHIP OF MONROE. 



273 



with those houses up the Porch Mill road are upon 

tliis tract. The next sale was to Thomas English, 
Apiil 6, 1797, for one hundred and fifty-four acres 
at the southeastern end, on the south side of the 
Branch, and now occupied by Samuel P. Dehart, 
Tlionias B. Hewitt, Simeon Rammel, Thomas Hays, 
and i)art of Samuel C. Dehart's heirs. The next was 
a deed to John Spencer, made July 3, 1797, for fifty- 
four acres, and known as the Thomas Bateman farm. 
The next was sixty acres, deeded to Timothy Young, 
June 20, 1798, and afterwards sold to Maj. Johu Tice. 
" Isaac Parker sold one hundred acres to David 
Evans, Dec. 24, 1791. This adjoined the Penns or 
Williams tract. Evans afterwards sold to William 
Peas in 1801, and Peas sold to Stephen Rhoads and 
Cornelius Tice, and in 1812 or 1815 this one hundred 
acres was sold to Jacob Swope, and it is now partly 
owned by Jacob, Joseph, and Levi Prickitt, James D. 
Souders, Timothy Reed, and those tenant-houses of 
R. Wilson's. July 23, 1795, Parker deeded to George 
Stiles one hundred and twenty and a half acres. 
Stiles sold to Jacob Spencer, and he to Thomas 
Whitacar ; thence through several parties till it 
reached the Bodine family in 1815. Since then fifty 
acres has been sold to Job D. Eldridge, and twenty- 
five acres to R. Wilson and Mr. Bugbee. The balance 
of the Parker tract is owned by Joshua and Job D. 
Eldridge, where they live, and the places where John 
|T*C. Atkinson and John M. Lutze live. The residence 
f of Isaac Parker was up what is known as Eldridge's 
t^Lane, nearly half-way between the turnpike and the 
Glassboro road. Here Mr. Parker died, and left six 
sons, among whom his property was divided in 1811." 
PiONEKii Tavern.— Maj. John Tice filled quite 
an important position in the early settlement of what 
is now Williamstown. He moved here from Tans- 
boro in 1798 or 1799, and built the pioneer two-story 
frame house in Squankum. It stood just where the 
railroad crosses the main road or street. The old 
house, having served its time antl purpose as the 
pioneer hostelry, has been removed to another loca- 
tion, and converted into a barn. In this building, 
when new, in 1800, Franklin Davenport was born. 
This house was kept as a tavern for many years, and 
was the place where the old pioneers did most congre- 
gate and relate their many hairbreadth escapes, and 
picture to others the many hunting scenes in which 
they had been engaged, the hundreds and thousands 
of bears and wolves they had killed, and occasionally 
how they had missed a nice buck ; and how much each 
had done, politically, either as Federal or Democrat, 
towards saving the country ; and how much more my 
land was worth than any other ; and how much 
larger load one man's team could haul than another. 
Then sometimes followed the wrestling-match, the 
scrub-race between the best colts or old horses, then 
the quoit-pitching, and other innocent amusements. 
Truly, the old pioneer tavern did gain some notoriety 
before its conversion to more useful purposes. 
18 



Pioneer Roads. — "The Tuckahoe road was laid 

out the 23d and 24th days of February, 1784 ; partly 
on the old beaten road. 

" The road from May's Landing to Woodbury was 
laid April 20, 1793, and to and from this road many 
of the original pieces of land were described and 
bounded. 

" In 1849 a charter was obtained for a turnpike 
road to Camden, but this was too long a road for 
one company, and was not built in 1852. A charter 
was obtained for a road from Williamstown to Good 
Intent, and the road was built and opened in 1853, that 
gave us connection with the Woodbury and Good 
Intent and Red Bank road, a good road to Philadel- 
phia. This road satisfied the people till railroads 
came into South Jersey, when we again became rest- 
less, and obtained a charter in 1861 for the Williams- 
town Railroad Company, which road was. not built till 
the fall of 1872." 

Pioneer Post-Office and naming the Town. 
— "Previous to 1842, Squankum had no post-office. 
The mail matter of the citizens, small though it was, 
came tri-weekly by way of Cross- Keys. In this year 
it was thought best by the people to make application 
for an office, but, as there was a place in Monmouth 
County called Squankum, another name necessarily 
had to be adopted for this place. Accordingly a 
public meeting of the citizens of Squankum was 
called, and organized by the appointment of Paul 
Sears chairman. Mr. Sears proposed the name of 
Williamstown, in honor of Mr. Williams, who owned 
the thousand acres upon which the town was situated, 
and who, it is believed by all or nearly all the inhab- 
itants, was the first settler. The name of Williams- 
town was adopted by a unanimous vote, and under 
that name the office was established." 

Williamstown (Squ.\nkum) in 1883.— Besides 
the large glass-manufactory, there were, in 1883, in 
the village of Williamstown, two canning- factories, 
two lime-kilns, two churches (Methodist Episcopal 
and Presbyterian), the glassworks stoi'e, with George 
W. Ireland as superintendent, the stores of W. H. 
Bodine & Co., Josiah Ireland, and James S. Cordery, 
one drug-store, by Dr. Halsey, one school-house, with 
three schools, three physicians, A. J. McKelway, L. 
M. Halsey, and J. Gaunt Edwards, one hotel, Wash- 
ington House, by E. Elliott, library and free reading- 
room, built in 1878, and the new town hall, located 
on Main Street. This is an imposing frame struc- 
ture, built in 1882, at a cost of four thousand five huu; 
dred dollars. The building committee, appointed by 
town-meeting to confer and consult with the township 
committee in relation to the hall, were as follows : 
Brooklyn, Abijah S. Hewitt, Charles K. Lewis; Cole's 
Mill, Robert Chew ; Williamstown, William H. Bo- 
dine. The hall is one of the best in the county, and 
is well adapted for all purposes for which such build- 
ings are used. The lower story is well arranged for 
township business and election purposes. 



274 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



The present postmaster is Samuel Garwood, with 
George W. Ireland as deputy, and the office is kept 
in the glass-works' store. 

Cross-Keys. — This hamlet is located in the north 
corner of the township, and a part of it situate on 
the northwest side of the road, in Washington town- 
ship. The place was thus named from the fact of the 
roads crossing each other at an angle of nearly or 
quite forty-five degrees, and from the fact that six 
roads centre at this point. 

There has been a tavern kept at what is now Cross- 
Keys for nearly or quite one hundred years. Among 
the genial old landlords who dispensed " Provender 
and Jersey Lightning" at this old hostelry may be 

mentioned the names of Whitney, William 

Nicholson, William Lashley, Joseph Nicholson, 

Kirby, and lastly Eli Gauntt, who closed up the busi- 
ness at this place in 1876. 

The pioneer store at Cross-Keys was opened for the 
transaction of business by Thomas Parks, in 1840, in 
the building now occupied by Hiram Hurlf. In 1860, 
John Jones commenced the mercantile business in 
the store now occupied by Joseph C. Nicholson. 

The business of the hamlet is now conducted by 
J. C. Nicholson and Hiram Hurft', merchants; Charles 
K. Lewis, blacksmith; Jacob Burrows, wheelwright; 
Nathaniel Foster, tinsmith. A steam saw-mill was 
built in 1870 by Samuel Tombleson, and it is now 
owned by Charles Simmerman. 

Brooklyn is a small hamlet on the northeast border 
of the township, where were once the glass-works of 
Thomas W. Stanger, and at one time it promised to be 
a place of considerable importance. The first store 
at this place was opened by Mr. Stanger, in 1850, 
where he has continued in the mercantile business 
for one-third of a century. There is also at this place 
a saw-mill, school-house, small Methodist Church, 
blacksmith-shop, and ten or twelve dwellings. The 
town lying as it does, two miles from the line of rail- 
road, will probably never be any larger than at 
present. 

ECCLESIASTICAL. 

Methodism in Squankum.— The old Hoffsey place, 
spoken of in the early history of the township, has 
further claim to notice as being the birthplace and 
cradle in which Methodism in Williamstown was 
rocked. It was here that the pioneer Methodist 
meetings were held in this vicinity. The Hoftsey 
house, or an old house standing on the Hoffsey tract, 
.was one of the preaching-places in the old Gloucester 
Circuit, and the history of that aggressive denomina- 
tion in this vicinity runs back to 1796 or 1797. 
Hutchinson, Cawn, Turk, and others of the pioneer 
preachers are among the names of the old veterans 
of the cross who dispensed the word of God in the 
then wilderness of old Gloucester. 

John Williams, the owner of the tract upon which 
Williamstown is situated, set apart two and seven- 
eighths acres of land, just where the present tavern 



! and barn-yard are located, for school and meeting- 
house purposes, but he never deeded it as such, con- 
sequently when he deeded the residue of the one 
i thousand acres as unsold by his deed of 1805 it took 
the said lot with that deed. In connection with this 
lot we quote from the church records : " They did not, 
liowever, continue to hold their meetings here (Hoff- 
sey house), but in 1800 transferred the preaching to 
j Squankum, and the first society organized, consisting 
I of about twelve members, who were formed into a 
' class, with Joseph B. Smallwood leader. Thomas 
j Everhardt was the preacher at the time." The house 
' used for holding the meetings was a log school-house, 
that was built upon the lot above referred to on the 
two and seven-eighths acres. The small and young 
society was not long left to peaceable worship in this 
humble place ; they encountered the opposition of 
the owner or would-be owner of the log building, 
who was not of the same household of faith. Through 
this opposition they were compelled to change their 
quarters, and again occupied a part of a building that 
has since been occupied as a hotel, which was the 
one known as the "Sears" tavern. Here they were 
not long left in peace and quietness, but, as were 
many others in the early days of Methodism called 
to suffer, so were they called to endure opposition and 
persecution. They were beset by a mob, though hap- 
pily no force was used, and reproached with being 
false prophets and preaching the false Christ. This 
drove them to buy a lot and build a church. The 
lot was bought from William Strong, by deed dated 
Sept. 25, 1804, and contained one acre of land. The 
first trustees were John Sickler, Joseph B. Small- 
wood, Joel Westcott, Henry Crover, and Israel Lash- 
ley. They soon after built a meeting-house, which 
1 was considered • very large for that time. In this 
meeting-house quarterly meetings were held for 
Gloucester Circuit, which took in a large territory. 
I In fact, the family of John Swope say that they en- 
tertained in the old-fashioned hospitable way visitors 
and attendants upon these meetings in such numbers 
j that the whole floors of the house would be filled 
with " shake-downs," as they were called, who came 
long distances to attend these meetings. This old 
church was the one in use in 1839. It had a gallery 
I around three sides, and the high pulpit, the old style 
I movable seats, with one and two bars across the backs, 
and everything as clean and neat as soap and water 
I could make it, but no paint had been applied to the 
I inside of the building. This building was occupied 
as a church till 1844, when the congregation decided 
to build a more commodious structure. The old 
church building was moved from the lot, loaned to 
! the public for school purposes, and occupied as such 
} for five years, when a new and commodious school- 
house was built. 

The second Methodist Church was dedicated in the 

fall of 1844, and occupied for church purposes till 

'' 1860, when the congregation had outgrown this build- 



TOWNSHIP OF MONROE. 



275 



ing also, when the trustees decided to build a new j 
cliurcii, provided they could raise five thousand del- | 
lars. Two of the trustees were walking through a 
piece of woods, looking at some timber, when the | 
conversation turned upon the new church project; 
taking pencil and paper from their pockets, they 
wrote the names of the members of the congregation, 
and marked at the end of each name the sum they 
thought each should give to make the amount re- 
quired. When they got through they found their 
figures amounted to nearly the required sum. They 
had some blanks printed, and one of the trustees took 
upon liimself the task of calling upon each individual, 
and received notes for three, six, nine, and twelve 
months for the sum fixed, all of which, except one, 
were paid as agreed, and the present Methodist Epis- 
copal Church was built, and in the tower of it was 
placed the town clock. 

The old church, built in 1844, was sold to the town- 
ship for a town hall, and used for that purpose until 
1882, when the present beautiful and commodious 
two-story hall was built. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, Cross-Keys.— The 
Methodist Society at what is now Cross-Keys is the 
outgrowth or result of a small class formed at Chest- 
nut Ridge, in Washington township, in 1780, as near 
as can be ascertained. The place of meeting was in 
the old cedar-log school-house built by the Friends, 
which was occupied both as school- and meeting- 
house. This log school-house served the double pur- 
pose till 1835, when a frame building was erected 
on the site of the old log building, and this served 
as sanctuary and school-room till 1875, when the 
present neat and commodious frame meeting-house 
was built in the village of Cross-Keys, at a cost of 
three thousand six hundred dollars. The new church 
edifice was dedicated in 1875 by the late Bishop Scott, 

assisted by Revs. Hartranft and Jesse Thompson, 

then preacher in charge. 

The pioneer class-leader at Chestnut Ridge school- 
house was John Pease, with the following-named 
persons as members of his class : Richard Gauntt, 
Margaret Gauntt, Anna Pease, Hannah Young, John 
Pease, Abijah Collins, Patience Collins, Martha Col- 
lins, William Corkrey, Ellen Corkrey, George W. 
Williams, Patience Williams, Marian Nicholson, 
Rev. William V. Darrow, David Hutchinson, Pris- 
cilla Hutchinson, Isaac Champion, Ann Champion, 
Mrs. George Bakely, Moses Pease, Priscilla Pease. 

In 1835, Cornelius Pease was the class-leader, and 
another of the pioneer class-leaders for a long term 
was Richard Gauntt. 

The following are among the many preachers who 
have served this people for the last century : Revs. 
David Duffield, R. V. Lawrence, James White, 
Thomas Wilson, Joseph Atwood, Abraham Isaac 

Jacob Truatt, William Margerum, Andrews, 

Jesse Thompson, John P. Connolly, Gilden Alviue, 
John Oakes, and John Seacrist, present pastor. 



The present membership of the society is fifty, and 
the value of church property four thousand dollars. 

The present stewards are Moses Pease, Abijah 
Collins, Richard Evans, and J. C. Nicholson ; Trus- 
tees, John Pease, Moses Pease, Charles Stewart, David 
Bates, Joseph N. Tombleson, Samuel Gaskill, and 
Joseph C. Nicholson. 

The Sunday-school connected with this church was 
organized in 1850, with Joseph Nicholson as superin- 
tendent. The present superintendent is Richard 
Evans, with an average attendance of seventy pupils. 

The Williamstown Presbyterian Church.'— The 
Williamstown Presbyterian Church was organized 
Sept. 9, 1840. Previous to 1840 there had been no 
Presbyterian preaching in the place, but about that 
time several Presbyterian families having moved into 
the neighborhood, a request for the organization of a 
church was sent to the Presbytery of ^est Jersey, 
and a committee was sent from that body to organize 
the church. The use of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church having been kindly granted for the time to 
the Presbyterians, several services were held there, 
which resulted in the organization of a church of five 
members. The original members were John McClure, 
Mrs. John McClure, William Tweed, James Tweed, 
and Benjamin Harding. Benjamin Harding and 
John McClure were the first ruling elders. 

The church struggled forward through many dis- 
couragements, being for months at a time without 
preaching. Rev. Messrs. Peck and Smythe served 
the church for a few Sabbaths each at different times, 
but it was nearly three years before a settled pastor 
was secured. Meanwhile, however, good progress had 
been made. The corner-stone of a church building 
was laid in July, 1841, and the church was dedicated 
in May of the following year. The cost of this church 
with its lot was two thousand four hundred dollars, 
of which sum one thousand dollars was raised at the 
time of dedication. Thomas B. Wood, Abel Bab- 
cock, Richard H. Tice, James McClure, Thomas 
Black, and Thomas Marshall were the trustees under 
whose care the church was built. 

In April, 1843, the first pastor of the church. Rev. 
Charles E. Ford, assumed charge and served for twenty- 
five years. Under his earnest efforts the church en- 
tered on a career of steady growth. The debt of 
fourteen hundred dollars was cleared within a few 
years, and year after year new members were gathered 
into the church. Through this constant increase the 
original building became too small for the congrega- 
tions, and in 1859 the church was enlarged by an out- 
lay of three thousand dollars to its present size. 
Throughout all his pastorate Mr. Ford preached the 
gospel in outlying stations around Williamstown, 
reaching in all ten different points, so that the influ- 
ence of the church has been felt over a wide region 
I round about. Three Presbyterian Churches, at Ber- 



1 By Rev. H. L. Janeway. 



276 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



lin, Waterford, and Clayton, were once preaching 
stations of this church. After twenty-five years of 
untiring service Mr. Ford resigned tlie pastorate in 

1868, having received two hundred and fifteen persons 
into the church during that time, and leaving ninety- 
three active members in place of the handful that he 
found when he came. 

Rev. Chester Bridgman succeeded Mr. Ford as 
pastor, and had charge of the church from Oct. 18, 

1869, until July 11, 1871, when the pastoral relation 
was dissolved by the Presbytery of West Jersey, under 
whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction the church, as well as 
the Rev. Mr. Bridgman, was placed. 

On Sept. 6, 1871, a unanimous call was extended to 
the Rev. George H. Stuart Campbell, of Philadel- 
phia, Pa., to take charge of the church as pastor. 
Mr. Campbell accepted the call at the fall meeting of 
the Presbytery of West Jersey, which met at the Pres- 
byterian Church, Salem, N. J., and on the 7th of No- 
vember, 1871, he was regularly ordained and installed 
pastor of the church. The Rev. Caspar R. Gregory, 
D.D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at 
Bridgeton, N. J., presided as moderator, and pro- 
posed the constitutional questions; the Rev. Alex- 
ander Proudfit, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 
Clayton, N. J., preached the sermon ; the Rev. T. W. 
J. Wylie, D.D., pastor of the First Reformed Pres- 
byterian Church, Philadelphia, Pa., delivered the 
charge to the pastor ; and the Rev. Charles E. Ford 
(being invited) delivered the charge to the people. 
The pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Campbell extended to 
Dec. 4, 1876. During that time fifty-one persons 
were added to the church. A debt of sixteen hundred 
dollars on the parsonage of the church was entirely 
liquidated, largely through the efforts of the pastor. 
Rev. Mr. Campbell preached from Jan. 1, 1872, until 
Oct. 1, 1872, at the Presbyterian Church of Bunker 
Hill, seven miles distant from Williamstown, N. J., 
on every Sabbath afternoon, and he officiated at the 
Presbyterian Church, Williamstown, N. J., every 
morning and evening. After October, 1872, until 
December, 1876, Rev. Mr. Campbell preached at the 
Presbyterian Chapel at Franklinville, N. J., on alter- 
nate Sabbath afternoons. A debt of four hundred 
dollars on the Bunker Hill Presbyterian Church was 
also canceled through Mr. Campbell's exertions. 
During the year Mr. Campbell preached at Franklin- 
ville, N. J., he had the chapel entirely remodeled, 
both inside and out, at a cost of one hundred and 
fifty dollars. The number of the active membership 
of the Williamstown Presbyterian Church (including 
the chapel at Franklinville, which has never been a 
regularly organized church, but for some years under 
the charge of the Presbyterian Church at Williams- 
town) was one hundred and ten. The condition of 
the church, both spiritually and temporally, was ex- 
cellent. About that time (1876) Rev. Mr. Campbell 
received and accepted a call to the First Presbyterian 
Church, Phoenixville, Pa., which he accepted. Ac- 



companied by the good wishes of the people of his 
charge, he went there. After Mr. Campbell's depart- 
ure the church was vacant until October, 1877, when 
a call was presented to Rev. Alexander Scotland, 
of Yonkers, N. Y., which he accepted. Mr. Scot- 
land continued the pastor of the church for nearly 
two years, and then went to labor in the West. Rev. 
H. L. Mayers, formerly pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church, Millville, N. J., supplied the pulpit for 
nearly a year, and then accepted a call to Kittanning, 
Pa. 

The present membership of the church numbers 
eighty-eight. This is less than the number several 
years ago, but the church has lost heaivily by removals 
and deaths, overbalancing the gain by new members. 
The field has also been narrowed by the organization 
of neighboring Presbyterian Churches. But through 
all its years the church has held to what it believed 
to be sound gospel truth, and the seed sown has not 
been lost. The present pastor is Rev. H. L. Janeway, 
who has been in charge since September, 1881. The 
church holds property valued at about eight thousand 
dollars. 

CEMETEKIES. 

There are in Williamstown village three ceme- 
teries, — the old Methodist, on Main Street, and the 
Williamstown Cemetery, in rear of the Methodist 
Church, containing five acres of land, beautifully 
platted in driveways, walks, and bui-ial lots. These 
are both owned by the Methodist Episcopal Society 
of Williamstown. The Presbyterian burial-ground 
lies in rear of the Presbyterian Church, on Main 
Street. In the two former may be found the follow- 
ing, among the many inscriptions, on tombstones 
therein contained. 

In the old cemetery: 

Hugh Ayais, liorn 1800, died 1877. 
Randel Nicholson, died March 7, 1879, ap^ed 80 years. 
Drusilla Nicholson, died July 11, 1871, aged 61 years. 
John Toung, died Aug. 31, 1873, aged 87 years. 
Hannah Young, died Nov. 26, 1868, aged 76 years. 
John Strang, born Aug. 19, 1788, died Oct. 10, 1865. 
Milligent Strang, born April 4, 1792, died Jan. 14, 1871. 
Hannah Albertson, died April 9, 1878, aged 77 years. 
Tliomas Ware, died June 20, 1868, aged 47 years. 
John Ware, died Nov, 16, 1810, aged 41 years. 
George Ware, died Sept. 8, 1S28, aged 57 years. 
William Ireland, died April 18, 1868, aged 75 years. 
Sarah Ireland, died Oct. 1, 1856, aged 61 years. 
Kachel Whitecar, died Sept. 16, 1849, aged 63 years. 
Paul Sears, died April 18, 1848, aged 78 years. 
Patience Sears, died July 2, 1843, aged 68 years. 
Eeziah Sears, born 1800, died 1879. 
John Swope, died May 1, 1855, aged 86 years. 
Rosanna Swope, died Sept. 25, 1845, aged 66 years. 
Martha Bodine, died Aug. 25, 1850, aged 37 years. 
William Steelman, died Oct. 18, 1865, aged 82 years. 
Elizabeth Steelman, died Dec. 4, 1875, aged 73 years. 
Joseph A. Steelman, Co. C, 6th Pa, Cav., died at Annapolis, Md., Dec. 
13, 1864, aged 26 years. 
Thomas Whitecar, died Feb. 7, 1848, aged 63 years, 
Margaret Eldridge, died Nov, 1, 1866, aged 47 years, 
Cornelius Pease, died Sept, 18, 1850, aged 58 years, 
David H, Haloomb, died Feb, 28, 1855, aged 47 years. 
Peterson Flowers, died Nov. 16, 1876, aged 79 years. 



TOWNSHIP OF MONROE. 



277 



Isiuic Allieitson, ilied March 9, 1873, aRcd 60 years. 

Ksthur C'aniplmll, rliod May 4, 1837, agud li'2 yuare. 

Houry Gravoi-, C\>. D, 'if.th N. J. Vols., died at Falmouth, Va., Jan. 22, 
1803, aged M yeara. 

Georgs II. Collott, died April 4, 1851, agod 43 years. 

.Vlexander Scott, died Fob. 14, 1849, agod 75 years. 

Alice Scott, died Marcll 25, 18U6, aged 86 years. 

Williain Nicliolson, bom April 8. 1709, died May 20, 1839. 

Sarali Nicholson, died Oct. 1, 1837, aged 65 years. 

Jo'ieph NicholHoii, dio<i Jan. 26, 1873, aged 78 years. 

Miriam Kiciiolson, died .Ian. 18, 1S70, aged79 years. 

Jacob Dehart. died .\ngn3t 25, 1806, aged 87 ycaiu. 

Cornoliua Uohart, died Jan. 13, 1867, aged 59 years. 

Kdith Dehart, died Jan. la, 1870, aged 80 years. 

Joseph Sykes, ilied March 13, 1808, aged 76 years. 

Sarah Sykes, died April 18, 1S74, agod SO years. 

FMward Barber (soldier). 

Samuel G. De Hart, died Doc. 29, ISOO, aged 61 yeare. 

Charles Wilson, died May 30, 1878, aged 68 years. 

Levi v. Wilson, Co. A, lOtli N. J. Vols., died at Washington, D. C, 
May 21, 1862, aged 17 years. 

Daniel Graver, died Feb. 26, 1872, aged 87 years. 

Thomas E. Graver, burn April 4,1838 ; died Sept. 24, 1878. 

William Kirby, died Dec. 21, 1862, ageil 68 years. Here lies an honest 
lii'tn. 

[n the.Williamstown Cemetery : 

.loseph Tidmarsh, died March 13, 1875, aged 69 years. 

Jacob Leigh, died Nov. 19, 1881, aged 68 years. 

Rebecca Doughty, died Oct. 2.'i, 1879, aged 56 yeai-s. 

Hannah Simmermun, died Oct. 17, 1881, aged 85 years. 

Jolin G. Adkisson, born Nov. 2(), 1820 ; died Oct. 31, 1877. 

rhilip Rouce, died Jan. 6, 1874, aged 60 years. 

John W. Ireland, born April 25, 1816; died Aug. 28, 1862. 

Amelia Smith, died Oct. 19, 1881, aged 40 years. 

Joe! Bodine, born in Burlington County, N. J., Dec. 4, 1794; died in 
Camden, N. J., May 19, 1879. 

Leali, wife of Joel Bodine, liorD in Burlington County, N. J., Feb. 21, 
1809 ; died in Camden, N. J., May 2, 1879. 

Phebe, wife of Joel Bodine, died Sept. 11, 1854, aged 55 years. 

Horatio W. Simmermon ; born Sept. 16, 1805, died Nov. 4, 1872. 

•Tacob Ililyard, died Aug. 20, 1803. aged 58 years. 

Ann Eldridge, born Jan. 26, 1815; died Sept. 6, 1870. 

Henry Tice, born Aug. 20, 1790; died Aug. 7, 1860. 

Elizabeth H. Tice, born Doc. 25, 1803; died Aug. 25,1870. 

John Lutz, born Feb. 28, 1800; died June 21, 1881. 

George C. Hunter, died Aug. 31, 1882, aged 66 years. 

Christiana Uuuter, died April 27, 1852, aged 66 years. 

Amy Ireland, born Oct. 8, 1836 ; died Oct. i, 1866. 

In the Presbyterian Cemetery : 

Kobert Sterling, died March 23, 1869, aged 49. 
Susauna Lutz, born Dec. 29, 1838 ; died Sept. 12, 1S72. 
John Carvin, Jr., died Jan. 9, 1874, aged 39. 
Louisa Melrose, died May 19, 1871, aged 80. 
John Crist, died April 20, 1851, aged 41. 
Kuth D. Sheppard, died Doc. 1, 1878, aged 56. 
Elizu J. Malir, died Aug. 8, 1879, aged 30. 
Elizabeth Wilsou, died Sept. 17, 1872, agod 51. 
Kobert Wilson, died Sept. 12, 1881, aged 72. 
Abel Babcock, born June 13, 1789; died June 24, 1879. 
Hannah Robb, died Jan. 12, 1878, aged 73. 

William S. Elwell, born May 1, 1821 ; died Oct. 28, 1879 (a soldier of 
I'o. E, 150th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers). 
Jane Gaston, born June 9, 1792 ; died Nov. 9, 1864. 
Samuel Bateman, born April 1, ISIO; died Jan. 14, 1879. 
Betsey Scott Bateman, born Jan. 16, 1819; died Jan. 28, 1873. 
Richard H. Tice, died Oct. 3, 1864, aged 65. 
Hannah Tice, died May 16, 1875, aged 71. 
Mary W. Buck, died Jan 23, 1880, aged 20. 
James McClure, died Oct. 28, 1805, aged 59. 
Eliza McClui e, died July 24, 1854, aged 36. 
James McClure, died March 4, 1853, aged 45. 
Miiry McCluro, died Aug. 11, 1846, aged 29. 
Martha Richardson, died March 8, 1850, aged 30. 
Sarah Ann Tice, died Sept. 19, 1846, agod 43. 



Isaac K. Tice, died Doc. 13, 1874, aged 67. 

Thonnis Black, died Nov. 2, 184.1, agod 41. 

Ann Maria Black, died Nov. 25, 1840, aged 32. 

Jane Tweed, died Nov. 19, 1867, agod 61. 

William Tweed, died Nov. 8, 1859, aged 43. 

Rachel Tweed Wilson, died Oct. 25, 1846, a^ed 28. 

John Richards, died April 21, 1874, agod 65. 

John Mallett, born Juno 11, 1830, died April 24, 1870. 

Ann C. Mallott, died Juno 26, 1872, agod 45. 

James McQuigg, died March 17, 1870, aged 50. 

Martha McQuigg, died Jan. 23, 1876, aged 50. 

Margaret Hemphill, died July 10, 1805, aged 63. 

Catharine Weuban, died Juno 19, 1864, aged .57. 

Rachel McHenry,died Jan. 7, 1807, aged 55. 

James McLaughlin, died May 10, 1869, agod 08. 

Elizabeth Rodgers McLaughlin, died July 25, 1871, aged 05. 

Jans Findley, died July 9, 1872. 

E. Armstrong, died Oct. 1, 1802, agod 38. 

Amirow Todd, died Nov. 11, 1870, aged 80. 

Ann Cliarlos, died Feb. 17, 1850, aged 69. 

Thomas Charles, died May 3, 1850, agod 70. 

J. McKeiglian, died Jan. 17, 1861, agod 40. 

Thomas Ronuy, born March 6,1777, died June 20, 186.6.. 

James Whitehead, born Dec. IS, 1800, died Nov. 23, 1864. 

Moore Tweed, born Aug. 7, 1823, died June 28, 1803. 

Mary Ann Pfeiffer, died Oct. 13, 1874, agod 43. 

George.Pfeiffer, Sr., died Sept. 1, 1866, aged 79. 

Rosina Pfeilfer, died Doc. 17, 1867, agod 78. 

James Moore Blair, died July 7, 1853, agod 23. 

Thomas Glonagin, born May 3, 1833, died May 23, 1863. 

SOCIETIES. 

■WiUiamstowii Lodge, No. 27, A. 0. U. W.— 

This lodge was instituted at WilHamstown, N. J., 
Aug. 23, 1883, by Deputy Grand Master Workman, 
C. H. Wilson, of Atco, assisted by a deputation from. 
Reliance Lodge, No. 20, of Atco. 

The following officers were installed: P. M. W., 
L. M. Halsey ; M. W., George W. Ireland ; F., James 
Trout ; O., Elmer HurfF; G., E. S. Ireland, Jr. ; Re- 
corder, Eli Marsh ; Fin., George W. Janvier ; Re- 
ceiver, William Trout; I. W., William F. Tweed; 
0. W., George W. Mcllvane; M. E., L. M. Halsey, 
M.D. ; Trustees, J. H. Sickler, Lewis Westcott, and 
J. Mossbrook. The institution and installation ex- 
ercises took place in Twilight Hall, the place of 
meeting of the Knights of Pythias and Odd- Fellows. 
The new lodge is mainly due to the exertions of the 
Deputy Grand Master of the district, Mr. C. H. 
Wilson, who was also one of the most active projec- 
tors of Reliance Lodge. 

The charter members of this lodge were Elmer 
Hurff, Jacob Wilson, W. F. Tweed, George W. Ire- 
land, Eli Marsh, James Trout, William Trout, George 
W. Janvier, Joshua B. Sickler, Dr. L. M. Halsey, C. 
Rouse, L. Weseott, M. Huntsinger, George Mcll- 
vaine, J. Mossbrooks, M. S. Tice, J. Hilyard, C. H. 
N. Bodine, Ed. Brown, Dr. L. T. Halsey, E. S. Ire- 
land, Jr., T. B. Hewitt. 

The regular meetings of the lodge are held on the 
first and third Friday evenings of each month. 

INDUSTRIES. 

The Williamstown Glass-Works. — Williamstown 
is located on the Squankum Branch of Great Egg 
Harbor River, and was for a number of years known 
by the name of Squankum. In 1800 there were but 



278 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



four houses in the village and they widely separated. 
The town progressed slowly until the glass-works 
were established and the railroad constructed, since 
which it has advanced rapidly in population and im- 
portance, until now it contains about eleven hundred 
inhabitants. A railroad nine miles in length, built 
in 1872, connects Williamstown with Atco, on the 
Camden and Atlantic Railroad. 

In the year 1835, Israel Ewing, Richard H. Tice, 
and J. De Hart selected the locality of Squankum for 
a glass-works, and in that year erected one furnace. 
Benjamin Smith, Jr., of Philadelphia, and Wood- 
ward Warrick, now of Glassboro, subsequently 
became associated with William Nicholson in the 
ownership of the works, the firm being Nicholson, 
Warrick & Co. About this time Williamstown was 
substituted for that of Squankum as the name of the 
village. In 1839, Mr. Joel Bodine purchased the 
interest of Mr. Smith, and associated with him 
Gabriel Iszard, the two gentlemen assuming the 
interests of all previous owners. After one or two 
intermediate change.^, Mr. William Coffin, Jr., then 
of Winslow, purchased an interest in the concern, 
and the business was conducted for a year or two 
under the firm-style of William Coffin, Jr., & Co., 
when Mr. Joel Bodine became possessed of Mr. Cof- 
fin's interest, and from 1842 to 1846, Mr. Bodine was 
the sole owner of the works. In the latter year Mr. 
Bodine admitted his three sons, John F., William H., 
and Joel A. Bodine, to an interest in the business, 
and the firm-style became Joel Bodine & Sons. In 
1855, Mr. Joel Bodine withdrew, and the sons contin- 
ued the business as Bodine Brothers. In 1866 and 
1867, Joel A. and William H. Bodine withdrew, and 
the firm of Bodine, Th(mias & Co. was organized, 
under which the business is carried on at the present 
time. 

The Williamstown Glass-Works cover six acres, 
comprising three large furnaces,— the second of which 
was erected by Mr. Joel Bodine in 1848, — batch- 
house, lear buildings, a large pot-house, twenty by 
eighty feet, two stories high, with wing twenty by 
forty feet; packing-house, five large sheds for storage 
purposes, steam saw-mill and grist-mill combined, 
blacksmith- and machine-shops, large general store 
and offices, and fifty dwelling-houses. In addition to 
these, thirty of the employes of the works own their 
own dwelling-houses and farms. A railroad switch 
runs through the glass-works proper, delivering sup- 
plies at every part of the yards directly from tlie 
cars. 

The works turn out bottles ranging from half-ounce 
in size to two gallons, comprising the usual varieties 
of druggists' glassware, patent medicine bottles, fruit- 
jars, pickle-bottles, and various styles in German flint, 
such as mustards, ketchups, etc. About three hun- 
dred and seventy-five hands are employed, men and 
boys, as blowers, shearers, packers, engineers and 
machinists, day men, farm hands, and tending boys. 



It is estimated that fully one thousand persons are 
dependent on the works for support. 

There are consumed and used at the works five thou- 
sand tons of coal, two thousand eight hundred tons of 
sand, one thousand tons of soda-ash, eight hundred 
sacks of ground salt, four thousand coi'ds of wood, 
twenty-tliree thousand bushels of lime, and one million 
five hundred thousand feet of box-boards per year. 
The pay-roll calls for ten thousand dollars per month. 
The annual business from all sources reaches in the 
aggregate three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 
The value of the glass produced yearly is two hun- 
dred and fifty thousand dollars. The glassware man- 
ufactured by this firm is shipped to all points in the 
United States and Canada, but principally to New 
York, Pennsylvania, and the New England and 
Southern States. Shipments of considerable value 
are also made to California and other parts of the far 
West. The firm hold farm interests in three hun- 
dred acres, also own timber tracts, and do a large 
country trade in building materials, farm implements, 
fertilizers, etc. The office is connected by telegraph 
with the Western Union Telegraph office at Philadel- 
phia, Pa., and telephone wires also run from the office 
to all parts of the works. 

The J, v. Sharp Canning Company was organ- 
ized in 1880, and incorporated the same year, and in 
1882 large and commodious buildings were erected a 
short distance west from the village of Williamstown 
for the canning of all kinds of fruit. Mr. Sharp had 
been previously engaged in the business on a small 
scale for some fifteen years. The capacity of the 
works is about twenty-five thousand cans of all kinds 
daily, and employment is given to from one hundred 
and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five persons 
during the canning season. 

The same company are also engaged in the manu- 
facture of lime from oyster-shells. They have two 
patent kilns near the canning works, in which the 
lime is manufactured. The track of the Atco- and 
Williamstown Railroad extends past the village to 
the kilns and canning-works. 

The officers and directors of the company are as 
follows: President, Samuel Garwood; Treasurer, J. 
A. Bodine; Secretary, George W. Ireland ; Directors, 
S. Garwood, J. A. Bodine, John F. Bodine, Isaiah 
Aldrich, and W. H. Bodine. 

John D. Sharp has also a small canning establish- 
ment, operated by himself, where he carries on quite 
an extensive business. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. JOHN F. BODINE. 
The earliest representatives of the Bodine family 
were among the band of Huguenots who fled to 
America to escape religious persecution and located at 




'■^'-■"^■f,y,„.„^.,s.,"^''"f'"' 



'■y^/T-'Z-z^ c77~ .^^St^'-z:?^^^^' 




\ 




/'^€:^^ 





TOWNSHIP OF MONROE. 



279 



New Rochelle, in Westchester County, N. Y. From j 
thence they emigrated to Staten Ishind, and later to 
New Jersey. Jolin Bodine, the grandfather of tlie 
subject of this biography, was born in Cranberry, 
Middlesex County, N. J., about the year 1750, from 
which place he removed when a youth to Burlington 
County, and engaged in the active pursuits of life. 
He married and had children,— John, Stacy, Francis, ' 
Charles, Joel, Wilson, Jesse, Daniel, Samuel, Budd 
S., Susan (Mrs. Wright), Mary (Mrs. Moncrief), Abi- 
gail (Mrs. Hudson), Sarah (Mrs. Allen), and Lucy \ 
(Mrs. Fisher). These children were all born in the ; 
Wading River tavern, a popular resort, of which Mr. j 
Bodine was for a period of forty years the respected 
landlord, and where his death occurred in 1820 or j 
1821. His son Joel was born in 1795, and twice mar- 
ried, first to Miss Sarah Gale, to whom was born a 
sou, Samuel; and second to Miss Phebe Forman, 
whose children were John F., William H., Isaac E., 
Charles J., Alfred, Henry C, and one who died in 
infancy. Three of this number still survive. Mr. 
Bodine, in 1824, made Philadelphia his residence, 
and in 1826 removed to Millville, Cumberland Co., 
N. J. In 1834 he repaired to Winslow, Camden Co., 
N. J., which place was for five years his home, when 
he chose Williamstown as a more permanent abode. 
His death occurred in Camden, in his eighty-fourth 
year. John F., his son, was born Oct. 27, 1821, in 
Tuckerton, Burlington Co., and spent his youth in 
active employment when not enjoying the limited 
advantages of education there afforded. After two 
and a half years of service in the shop of a black- 
smith, he entered a glass manufacturing establish- 
ment, and at the age of seventeen was for three years 
an apprentice to the art of glass-blowing. He then 
removed to Williamstown, and became assistant to his 
father, receiving, after attaining his majority, a salary 
for his services. At the age of twenty -five he had by 
industry and thrift accumulated the sum of sis hun- 
dred dollars, with which a partnership was formed 
with his father and brother. This sum formed the 
nucleus around which centred a large and successful 
busine.ss, that of hollow-ware glass manufacturing, 
with which a general store was connected, and con- 
tinued until his retirement in 1882. Mr. Bodine was 
married in 1844 to Miss Martha, daughter of John 
Swope, of Williamstown, and had children, Emma 
(Mrs. Atkins) and Phebe (Mrs. Duffel). He was a 
second time married, to Miss Gertrude, daughter of 
Peter Boucher, of Columbia County, N. Y. Their 
children are Joanna (Mrs. Garwood) and Alice. In 
politics Mr. Bodine is a strong Republican, and has 
been actively identified with the political interests of 
the district and county. He filled the offices of su- 
perintendent of schools and freeholder each for three 
years, and was in 1864 elected member of the State 
Legislature, where he served on the committees on 
Railroads and Corporations, having been chairman of 
the latter. He was in 1873 appointed one of the 



county judges and officiated for five years, after which 
he was elected to the State Senate for a period of three 
years, and chairman of the State Prison and Public 
Grounds Committees, also a member of the commit- 
tees on Railroads and Canals, Lunatic Asylums, and 
Industrial School for Girls. Mr. Bodine is actively 
interested in the advancement of the religious interests 
of the village, and a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of Williamstown. He is president of 
the Williamstown Railroad, which he was largely in- 
terested in building, and director of the First National 
Bank of Camden. He is also identified with the 
Masonic order, and member of Brearley Lodge, No. 2, 
of that order. 



MATTHIAS M. CHEW. 

The Chew family are of English origin, though 
New Jersey claims its early representatives as citizens. 

Robert, the grandfather of Matthias M., was a resi- 
dent of Franklin township, in Gloucester County, 
where he was both a farmer and a lumber merchant. 
By his wife, Tamzen, he had thirteen children, as 
follows: Jane, Sarah Ann, Thomas E., Lafayette, 
Levi, Charles, Margaret, Elizabeth, Esther Ann, 
Beulah, Samuel D., Phebe, and one who died in 
early youth. Thomas E., the father of Matthias M., 
was born in Franklin township in 1818, and having 
acquired a knowledge of farming pursuits, made it 
his calling, to which was added that of brick-making. 
He married Miss Elizabeth Miller, and had children, 
—William, Matthias M., Susanna (married Maskell 
Bates), Sidney (deceased), Isabella (deceased), Rob- 
ert, Thomas, Sarah, Elizabeth (deceased), Mary Ella 
(deceased), and Rose Ella (deceased). In the fall of 
1865 he bought of Hugh Gelston, of Baltimore, Md., 
the Coles Mill property, intending to make of it a 
cranberry bog, as well as to use it for mill and farm- 
ing purposes. He devoted seventeen acres of the pond 
to cranberries, and in 1847 erected a saw-mill on the 
site of the old one, which had been burned. Mr. 
Chew's death resulted from an accident while en- 
gaged in sawing shingle-bolts. He was buried at 
"The Lake," and a fine monument erected to his 
memory by his children. The property remained in 
the hands of Mrs. Chew, as administratrix of the 
estate, until 1870, when she obtained from the court 
permission to sell the same at public sale. 

Matthias M. Chew, second child of Thomas E., was 
born at "The Lake," in Franklin township, on the 
22d day of February, 1842. Here he spent his early 
boyhood, remaining a member of his father's family 
until twenty-one years of age, and living succes- 
sively in Glassboro, Clayton, Ewansville, Cape May, 
and Bethel. At the latter place he obtained until 
eighteen years of age such education as could be 
acquired by three months' yearly attendance at the 
district school. With his father's consent he, in the 
fall of 1862, enlisted (as did his brother William) in 



280 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Company D, Twenty-fourth New Jersey Volunteer 
Infantry, and was discharged in August, 1863, by 
reason of expiration of term of service, having par- 
ticipated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chan- 
cellorsville. On the 22d day of December, 1864, he 
was married to Miss Mary Etta, daughter of Thomas 
A. and Abigail Ann (Leonard) Chew, who was of 
the same family and distantly related. After his 
marriage Mr. Chew cultivated the farm of his father- 
in-law on shares for one year, and later rented a farm 
of Mr. Jessup for a year, then removed to Cole's 
Mill, and began the cultivation of cranberries, taking 
from his father two acres of bog, which he set out to 
vines, his share being an undivided one-half interest. 
The sudden death of the latter having prevented the 
consummation of their bargain, he removed to Wil- 
liamstown and engaged in surveying and conveyanc- 
ing, to the study of which he had been devoting his 
leisure hours for several years. Mr. Chew had mean- 
while given the cultivation of cranberries much 
thought and attention, and becoming thoroughly 
convinced that it could be made a remunerative 
business, he in 1870 bought, in company with his 
brother Robert, at the sale above mentioned, the en- 
tire property. At this time there were about twenty 
acres out to vines, though not as yet productive. 
The following summer he divided the farm with his 
brother, Matthias receiving one hundred and seventy- 
five acres. The next year Matthias M. had two hun- 
dred and eighty bushels of berries, since which time 
he has planted fifteen acres more to vines, making 
thirty-five acres in all, from which he has realized 
five thousand bushels of berries in one year. In 
October, 1881, Mr. Chew bought of William Corkrey 
two hundred acres of land, known as the Hospitality 
Mill property, situated in Monroe township, of which 
fifty acres are set to vines, and yielded eleven hun- 
dred bushels of berries this present season. Mr. 
Chew is the acknowledged pioneer cranberry-grower 
of this part of New Jersey, his success being an evi- 
dence of what can be achieved by perseverance and 
thorough knowledge of the business in which he is en- 
gaged. It has inspired others and made the cultiva- 
tion and raising of cranberries an extensive business, 
bringing to the operators yearly many thousands of 
dollars, and giving employment during the picking 
season to hundreds of people. He now has all the 
buildings and appliances necessary to the storage and 
shipping of his berries, the raising and handling of 
which he has made a science. Mr. and Mrs. Chew 
have five children, — Thomas J., born Jan. 8, 1867, 
died Aug. 4, 1867 ; Mary Abigail, born May 21, 1868 ; 
Elizabeth, born March 8, 1871 ; Edward D., born Sept. 
11, 1872 ; and Samuel M., born June 18, 1874. 

In politics Mr. Chew is a Republican. He has 
served two terms of five years each as justice of the 
peace for Monroe township, has been for four years 
a member of the board of freeholders, and for the 
same period assessor of the township. He is at 



present officiating as freeholder and commissioner of 
deeds, the latter office having been held for three 
terms. In religion, he is a supporter of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church of Williamstown, and one of 
its trustees. 



CHAPTER XLVI.I. 

TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH HARRISON.i 

This is one of the southwest border townships in 
the county, and the youngest of the thirteen, having 
been organized in March, 1883. 

Geographical and Topographical.— The town- 
ship is bounded on the east by Clayton township, 
on the south by Salem County, on the west by Wool- 
wich, and on the north by Harrison township, from 
which this township was organized. 

The surface of the township is gently undulating, 
sufficiently so for proper drainage, while the soil pro- 
duces crops equal to that of any other locality in this 
or adjoining counties. 

The township is watered by the head-waters of the 
south branch of Raccoon Creek, which forms a part 
of the north boundary line, and affluents of Oldman's 
Creek, which forms the south boundary line of the 
township. 

For early settlers, see Harrison township. 

Civil Organization, — Chapter xlvii. of the Laws 
of New Jersey reads as follows : 

" As Act to set off from the township of Harmon, in the county of Gloucester, 

a new toivnship, to be called South Harrison. 

" 1. Be it enacted by the Semite atid General Assembly of the State of New 
Jersey, That all that portion of the township of Harrison, in the county 
of Gloncester, lying and being within the following boundaries, to wit; 
Beginning at a station in the middle of the pul>Uc road, leading from 
Mnllica Hill to Swedesboro, via Thomas Mouuce's residence, where the 
Woolwich township line intersects said road; thence running a direct 
line to the centre of the bridge over tlie south branch of Raccoon Creek, 
in the commissioners' road; thence in a dii-ect line to the bridge over 
the north bl-anch of said creek, in the road leading from Harrisonville 
to Five Points ; tiience up the said north branch, its several courses, to 
where it intersects the Slassboro township line; thence along said line 
to the Clayton township line; thence along the Clayton township line 
to the boundary line between Salem and Gloucester counties; thence 
along said boundary line until it intersects the Woolwich township line; 
thence along the Woolwich township line to the place of beginning, 
shall be, and hereby is, set off from the township of Harrison, in the 
county of Gloucester, and made a separate township, to be known by the 
name of the township of South Harrison. 

"2. And be it enacted. That the inhabitants'of the township of South 
Harrison shall be, and are hereby, constituted a body politic and corpor- 
ate, in law, by the name of 'The Inhabitants of the Township of South 
Harrison, in the County of Gloucester,' and shall be entitled to all ihe 
rights, powers, authority, privileges, and advantages; and shall be sub- 
ject to all regulations, government, and liabilities that otlier townships 
are now entitled to, or subject, by the existing laws of this State. 

"3. And be it enacted. That the inhabitants of the townsliip of South 
Harrison, aforesaid, shall hold their first annual town meeting in the 
hall at Harrisonville, in said township, at the time now fixed by law for 
holding town meetings in the several townships of this State. 

" 4. And be it enacted. That the township committees of each of the 
townships of Harrison and South Harrison shall meet at such place in 

1 By W. H. Shaw. 



TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH HARRISON. 



281 



the Tillage of Miillica Hill, in Iho township of Hnrrison, as a miyority 
of saitl committees shall designate, on ttie first Moniliiy in April next, at 
ten o'clock A.M., and shall then and there, or as soon thereafter as may j 
be, proceed to allot and divide hetween the said townships the assets, ; 
liabilities, and real estate of the old township of Harrison, in proportion 
to the taxable property and ratables, as taxed by the assessor at the lust 
assessment; and to ascertjtin the just proportion of debts to bo paid by 
the inliabitanls of each of said townships; and that if an)" of the com- 
mittee, on the part of either of said townships, shall neglect or refuse 
to meet tm aforesaid, those assembled may proceed to make saiil division j 
and to ascertain the said proportion of debt, and the decision of the ma- j 
jority of those present shall be final and conclusive; provided, that it j 
shall and may be lawful to adjourn the said meeting to such time and 
place as a majority of those assembled as aforesaid may think proper. [ 

"6. And b' 1/ atdcted. That nothing in this act contained shall bo con- 1 
strued so as to interfere with or impair the commission of the justices of 
the peace, or commissioners of deeds, until they shall expire by their 
own limitations ; or s.i as to impair the rights of the said township of 
South Harrison, in and to its just and legal proportion of the surplus 
revenue of the general government, and the interest thereof. 

"6. And bt il tnacl-tl. That the said township of South Harrison shall 
form a part of the assembly district of the county of Gloucester. 

"7. And ht it «iut(.d. That this act sliall take effect immediately." 

A pproved March '2, 1S83. 

The following is a complete list of the first town- 
ship officers and appropriations ordered : 

Town Clerk, Alfred W. Madara : Assessor, Thomas Bortou ; Collector, 
Jno. Wriggins; Chosen Freeholders, Charles String. Stacy W. Hazle- 
ton ; Township Committee, Asa Engle, George Horner, Samuel Moore ; 
Su rveyors of Highways, .\Ifred French, Nathan Wilkinson ; Overseers 
of Roads, Samuel S. Madam, Charles Stearns, Robert Ciawford ; Com- 
mis.sioners of Appeal, Wm. S. Mattson, Chas. Steward, Joseph Horner ; 
Judge of Election. Amos T. Eastlack ; Inspectors of Election, Peter K. 
Eldridge, Henry Jloocrief; Justice of the Peace, John W. Bates; Con- 
stixble (for three years), Samuel K. Devault ; Overseer of Poor, Samuel 
R. Devault; Pound-Keepers, Jos. C. Horner, Patrick Connelly, John 
B. Porch. Appropriations for roads, S900 ; for poor, SlOO ; for inci- 
dentals, jSOO. 

Harrisonville. — This village is located on the 
southwest border of the township, about four miles 
from Mullica Hill, and named in honor of General 
William H. Harrison, the hero of Tippecanoe. The 
place was formerly called Coletown, and in 1844 as- 
sumed the present name, by which it is known at the 
post-office department. 

In 183.5 there were only nine dwellings within the 
present limits of the village. These were the houses 
of Martha Cole, Samuel Cole, John Howey, William 
Mounce, Thomas Cole, Susan Pimm, John Fogg, 
Nathan Gaunt, and Israel Kirby. Andrew Knisel, 
John Davis, John Howey, Isaac Ridgway, Joseph 
Cheadle, and George Horner were other old settlers 
near here. 

The grist- and saw-mills were built in 1810 by 
Thomas Cole, and now owned by Parker D. Lippin- 
cott. The pioneer store of the town was kept by John 
Fogg, and the second store, at what is now Harrison- 
ville, was opened for business, in 1848, by James 
Saunders, in the building now occupied by Haider- 
man & Hazelton. Isaac Lock also had a store on 
the corner now occupied by Riggin. Lock com- 
menced here in 1855. Several other parties have kept 
store here, and at different times. The store of Lydia 
Lippincolt, now Lydia Haines, was converted into a 
dwelling, and is now occupied by Dr. Stanger. The 
pioneer wheelwright of Harrisonville was Nathan 



Gaunt, who was succeeded by Asa Cole. The busi- 
ness is now carried on at the same place by William 
Ladow, who is also engaged in the general black- 
smithing business. 

The pioneer blacksmith at this place was the late 
Samuel Pimm, who has been succeeded at the old 
place by William and Samuel Pimm. The pioneer 
harness-maker in this town was Amos M. Jones ; and 

the present one is Andrew Knisel. Mounce was 

the early shoemaker; but since 1850 or 1851 Lewis 
Amy has attended to the pedal appendages of his 
neighbors. The first resident physician at this place 
was Dr. Miller, now of Paulsboro. Samuel Stanger 
is the present physician. 

The old Cole property in the village is now owned 
by William Matson, who came here in 1846, and for 
several years was engaged as a dealer in live-stock 
and in the butchering business, and now engaged in 
farming. 

There are at present in Harrisonville two general 
stores, Halderman & Hazelton and Riggins Broth- 
ers ; three wheelwright- and blacksmith-shops, Wil- 
liam Ladow, Amos Eastlack, and the Pimm brothers; 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and school-house. 

Fairview is a small hamlet in the south part of 
the township, where there is a Methodist Epi;^copal 
Church, school-house, cemetery, and half a dozen 
dwellings. The land-owners at this place are James 
Lafferty, Jacob Armstrong, Joseph Abbott, Aaron 
Simpkins, William McGown,William Lafferty, Charles 
Shugard, Joel Chord, John Osrus, Mary Bates, Wade 
Mulford, Nelson, and one or two others. 

The new school-house at this place was built in 
1873 or 1874, and John V. Becket was the first teacher 
in this school building, and taught here for four or 
five years. James Lafferty had a store here from 1876 
to 1880. 

Lincoln. — This is a small hamlet in the southeast 
part of the township, formerly known as Stringtoion. 
Here is a grist- and saw-mill and a few houses. Just 
when or by whom the mills were built is a mystery, 
yet in 1828 the grist-mill property was purchased by 
.Tames Jessup, father of the now venerable Joseph 
Jessup, of this township. In 1833, Joseph Jessup 
purchased the saw-mill property and rebuilt the mill, 
which he still owns. Having subsequently come in 
possession of the grist-mill, he sold it, in 1853 or 1854, 
to Paul Avis, the present owner. Mr. Avis has im- 
proved the mill by the addition of more runs of stone 
(four French burrs), and increased its capacity for 
business to five hundred bushels of grain per day, 
until it is now a first-class mill, manufacturing the 
highest grades of flour. 

In the pioneer days of Stringtown there was con- 
siderable business done at this place, but at present 
there is only the grist-mill, saw-mill, and a black- 
smith-shoji, with Bartley Stiles as blacksmith. 

Saint John's Methodist Episcopal Church.— 
This society is located at Harrisonville, and is an 



282 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



outgrowth of old Bethel Church, near Hurffville, and 
was organized into a separate society in 1848, with 
Samuel Cole as the pioneer leader. Mr. Cole at this 
time lived where William S. Matson now lives, in 
the village of Harrisonville. He was one of those 
old-fashioned Methodists, ever ready to sacrifice time 
and money for the good of the cause. He did not 
keep a tavern by any means, but kept what in some 
sections was known as a "Methodist tavern," where 
Methodist preachers were always welcome, and not 
only preachers, but all who wore the old-fashioned 
imprint of Methodism, — a straight coat with rolling 
collar and broad-brim hat. Abraham Gearhart was 
the preacher in charge at the organization of this 
society, and Edmund Layton was another leader. 

Soon after the class or classes were formed the 
building of a house of worship seemed to be the next 
thing necessary to be done, and in 1848 the present 
church edifice, located in the village of Harrisonville, 
was built, at a cost of two thousand four hundred 
dollars. Rev. John K. Shaw, then presiding elder on 
this district, preached the dedicatory sermon. The 
building committee were Israel Kirby, John Davis, 
and Samuel H. Weatherby, who were also elected 
first trustees. 

In 1875 the present parsonage was built. This is 
a modern frame building, standing on the lot adjoin- 
ing the church. 

Among the preachers who have served this people 
since the days of Gearhart we are enabled — through 
the kindness of Mrs. William Matson, to whom we 
are indebted for all these items — to present the fol- 
lowing list : Revs. James Long, Caleb Fleming, James 
Bryan, Joseph Ashbrook, John T. Fort, David Duf- 
field, Isaac Hugg, Samuel Parker, William Stockton, 
Joseph Somerell, Edwin Waters, John Warthman, 
Matthias Shimp, Daniel Harris, and William Abbott, 
the present preacher in charge. 

Tho present stewards (1882) are Samuel Pimm, 
Michael Swagart, Thomas Turner, William Pimm, 
Lippincott Cassady, Christopher Harbison ; Trustees, 
William Matson, Amos Eastlack, Joseph Dare, Clark- 
son Lippincott; Sunday-school Superintendent, Sam- 
uel Pimm, with nineteen teachers and an average 
attendance of eighty-five scholars. Value of church 
property, five thousand dollars. Membership in 1882 
was one hundred and eighty-two. 

Fairview Methodist Episcopal Church. — This 
church is located in the hamlet of Fairview, south- 
east part of the township. Previous to 1840 or 1842 
the meetings were held in private houses, barns, or 
grove, upon the old Fairview camp-ground. During 
one of those years, under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. 
Edwards, the present church building was erected, 
for the double purpose of church and school, and 
was jointly occupied till 1873, when the new school- 
house was built, since which time the Methodists 
have continued to worship in the old building. 

As near as can be ascertained, the pioneer class- 



leader at this point was Samuel Bates, with the fol- 
lowing-named persons forming the larger portion of 
his class : Maschal Bates and wife, Thomas Lacy 
and wife, Sarah Moore, Hannah Lafferty, Stacy Cas- 
sady and wife, John Heaton and wife. Wade B. 
Mulford and wife, Joseph Nelson and wife, James 
Nelson and wife, Jacob Schatt and wife, Hannah 
Becket, and Charlotte Molica. 

The first trustees of the church property were 
Wade B. Mulford, John Heaton, and Maschal Bates. 

The following are among the preachers who have 
served this church and congregation, and is probably 
nearly a correct list: Revs. Noah Edwards, the first 

preacher in charge, Joseph Atwood, Gearhart, 

Samuel Hugg, McDougal, Joseph Ashbrook, 

Joseph Pierson, William Stockton, Matthias Shimp, 

Levi Herr, Waters, Jno. Warthman, D. B. Harris, 

and William Abbott, the present preacher of this cir- 
cuit. 

The trustees of the church for 1882 were Jacob 
Armstrong, Abram Morgan, John C. Nelson, Ed- 
ward P. Roske, and James Nelson. The present 
steward is James Nelson ; local preacher, Rev. John 
V. Becket; membership, forty; value of church prop- 
erty, five hundred dollars. The Sunday-school con- 
nected with this church is under the supervision of 
John C. Nelson, with an average attendance of forty 
pupils. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON.! 

Geographical and Descriptive.— The territory 
now comprising the township of Washington was 
taken from Deptford in 1836, and named in honor 
of "the father of his country." In the formation of 
Camden County, in 1844, it was set off to that county, 
and remained a portion of the same until reannexed 
by act of the Legislature, approved Feb. 20, 1871. 
In order to more fully define the act we quote the 
first section : 

" Be it enacted^ etc.^ That all that part of the county of Camden, com- 
prising the townships of Wasliiugton and Monroe (except that part of 
the township of Washington included within the boundaries of Camden 
County almshouse farm, which is to remain a part of said county of 
Camden, and be annexed and made a part of the township of Glouces- 
ter, in said county), shall be, and the same is hereby, annexed and made 
a part of the county of Gloucester, and shall he subject to all the laws 
applying to the said county of Gloucester; and the residue of the said 
township of Washington shall hereafter be known as the inhabitants of 
the township of Washington, iu Gloucester County ; and the said town- 
ship of .Monroe shall hereafter be known as the inhabitants of the town- 
ship of Monroe, in the county of Gloucester; and the division line be- 
tween the townships of Washington and Monroe, on the one hand, and 
the townships of Gloucester and Winslow, on the other hand, as said 
townships are hereby constituted, shall be hereafter the boundary line 
between the counties of Camden and Gloucester." 

1 By W. H. Shaw. 



■ I 



TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON. 



283 



Originally, Washington township was sixteen miles 
long and four miles broad. This extensive area has 
been lessened by the formation of Monroe township 
and other alterations, till it now contains but thirteen 
thousand seven hundred and thirty acres. The soil is 
generally light, yet under good cultivation it is suscep- 
tible of large crops. It was what was formerly known 
as pine land, and in many places it still retains not 
only the name but the pines. 

The township is bounded on the east by Camden 
County, south by Monroe, west by Mantua and Clay- 
ton townships, and north by Deptford township. 

Early Settlers and Pioneer Incidents.— Among 
the pioneers of what is now Washington township 
we find the name of James Dilks, who came from 
England and purchased of John Ladd a tract of two 
hundred and seventy-two acres, the deed bearing date 
the last day of May, 1714. The sum paid was £30 
silver money. This tract embraced what is now con- 
tained in the lots of land owned by Peter Carr, Wil- 
liam Becket, Thomas W. Hurff, Brooks Hurff, and 
the store property at Bethel. 

The deed from Ladd to Dilks was witnessed by 
Sarah Ball, Sarah Eastlack, and E. Bull, the surveyor 
of the farm. The deed is recorded in secretary's 
office at Burlington, in Liber of Deeds, folio 515. 

July 17, 1748, James Dilks deeded to his son, Jo- 
seph Dilks, one hundred and eighteen acres of the 
original tract. This deed was witnessed by James 
Cattell, James Dilks, Jr., and Michael Fisher. 

Andrew Dilks, living about a mile west from the 
Bethel Church, is a lineal descendant from James, 
through his son Joseph, grandson Andrew, great- 
grandson Andrew, making the present Andrew a 
great-great-grandson of James the first. Andrew 
has one son, Presmul, who has a son, Andrew War- 
ren Dilks. 

From James Dilks, who located here in 1714, have 
sprung the numerous families of Dilks, or Dilkes, as 
.some of the families still spell their names. Andrew 
is among the older ones now living, and is one of the 
most enterprising farmers in the township. 

The Josiah Heritage tract is now owned by John 
Hurft", Martha Swope, and Albert Hurff. 

Jesse Leonard was another of the old settlers, and 
owned quite a large tract of land. It is now owned 
by John W. Downs, sheriff of Gloucester County, 
Thomas W. Hurff, and Matthias Chew. These are 
among the most productive farms now in the township. 

John Leonard's old plantation is now owned by 
Samuel Evans and John C. Turner. Mr. Turner also 
owns the farms formerly owned by Thomas and 
Ephraim Bee, two of the pioneers of this township. 

The Edward Turner plantation is now owned by 
the heirs of John Wilson, deceased. 

The Thomas C. Creese plantation is now owned by 
the heirs of the late Robert Wilson. 

The Elijah Porch plantation has passed into the 
possession of Jesse Nicholson. 



Bartholomew Carter's plantation is now the prop- 
erty of Ephraim Watson. 

The old plantation of Maryall Turner is now owned 
by Jeremiah Paulin. 

The plantation of Patrick Flanigan, containing 
one hundred and twenty-two acres, is now owned by 
Thomas W. Huft'. Upon this farm is one of the best 
marl-beds in the county. 

CItU List. 



1830-37. James H. Chester. 
1838-39. Tliomas B. Wood. 
1810-42. John C. Turner. 
184:i-44. JonilS Keen. 
1845-^7. Richard Gant. 
1848-51. Isaac S. Turner. 
1852-56. Charles W. Sailer. 



TOWN CLERKS. 

! 1857-59. William C. Garwood. 
1860-62. Charles T. Carter. 
1863-64. Kicliard Gant. 
1871-75. Jesse K. Prosser. 
1876-81. John Wilkins. 
1882. Jesse K. Prosser. 



1830-37. Joel Wood. 
1840-41. Thomas B. Wood. 
1842^5. Isaac S. Turner. 
1846-47. Ira Bradshaw. 
1848. Gerrard Wood. 
1849-51. William C. Garwood, 
1S62-53. Samuel D. Sparks. 
1854-56. Abijah S. Hewett. 



ASSESSOES. 

1857-59. 



John W. Downs. 
1860-62. John D. Heritage. 
180.V64. Daniel W. Bakley. 
1871-73. William Beckett. 
1874-70. Charles Swope. 
1877-81. Tliomas F. Farley. 
1882. Thomas W. Hui-ff, Jr. 



1836-38. Joseph Hurff. 
1839. Andrew Dilks. 
1810-42. Thomas W. Hurff, 

1843. Thomas B, Wood. 

1844. Peter S. Eliott. 
1845-51. Joel Steolman. 
1862-54. David Ward. 
1855. Oharle.s WiUon. 



COLLECTORS. 

1856-58. Simon Rammel. 
1859-60. Jesse R. Turner. 
1861-62. David C. Wood. 
1863-64. Thomas F. Farley. 
1871. Isaac Champion. 
1872-74. Joseph T. Hurff. 
1875-78. Daniel W. Wood. 
1879-82. George G. Weatherby. 



CHOSEN FBEEHOLDEBS. 



1840-43, 1861. Gerrard Wood. 
1840. Jacob Park. 
1841-45. Josiah Heritage. 
1844-46. William Corkley. 
1846-48. Thomas W. Hurff. 
1847. Samuel B. Porch. 
1848-49. John Harding. 
1849-53. John W. Downs. 
1850-52. John Wilkins. 
1853-5.'). Andrew D. Turner. 
1854-56. John F. Bodine. 
1850-68. Randal E. Morgan. 



1857-58. Edward S. Ireland. 
1859-60. 1875-77. David C. Word. 
1862-64. Samuel D. Sharp. 
1871. Hiram Wilkins. 
1871-73. Eli Gant. 
1872-74, 1878-80. George Hurff. 
1874-76. Benjamin F. Sickler. 
1877-78. Abijali S. Hewitt. 
1879-80. Joseph A. Leep. 
1881-82. Jacob P. William!!. 
John Eavans. 



TOWN COMMITTEE. 



1830-37. Paul Sears. 

Thomas 0. Crease. 
1836-40. Eandal W. Morgan. 
1836-38. Samuel C. Sharp. 
1836-39. James H. Chester. 
183S^i, 1845^6, 1818. Geo. Hurff. 

1838. Jacob Dehart. 

1839. Jacob Wick. 
1839-40. Tliomas Black. 
1840-41, 1844-46, 1851-52, 1859-60, 

1862. Joel Wood. 

1840. Israel Hewin. 
1841-12, 1818. Abell Babcock. 

1841. 1844r-4D, 1849-52, 1856-64. 
William Gardner. 

1841. Josiah G. Hewen. 
1842-4:5. John Downs. 

Thomas B. Wood. 

William Corkley. 
1843-44. John Turner Carp. 



1844, 1846-17, 1860-51. Joseph 
Nicholson. 

1814-45,1848-19,1867. Eliaa Camp- 
bell. 

1845, 1847, 1857. Abijah S. Hewitt. 
1840^7. Tliomas Blarshall. 

1846, Matthias S.Simerman. 

1817. Gerrard Wood. 
1848-49. Jacob Parks. 

1818. Tliomas P. Firth. 
1819-52. John Wilkins. 

Samuel P. Tice. 
1850-55. Andrew Dilks, Jr. 

1850. Richard H. Tice. 

1851. Christopher Sickler. 
1852-56. John Prosser. 

1853, 1868-59, 186.3-64. Isaac S. 

Turner. 
1853-51. Jesse B.Thompson. 
1853-55. Jesse R. Turner. 



284 



HISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1853. Ricliard Stevenson. 
1854-55. Joel Steelman. 

1854. Job D. Eltlridge. 

1855. Simon Kaniel. 

1856, 1874-75. John N. Wick. 

1856. Andrew D. Turner. 

1866, 1S76-S0. John W. Downs. 

1867, William H. Bodine. 
1867-58. Charles W. Sailer. 
1358. Jolin Harding. 

1868, 1860-62, 1864. Conrad Hires. 
1869-61. Randal E.Morgan. 
1869-60, 1872-75. John S. Wood. 
1861-08. Moses Crane. 
1862-63. Da-vid Ward. 

1863-64. John Pease. 
1864. David C. Wood. 
1871-72, 187S-8U. James B. Cook. 



1871. Joseph T. Hurff. 
1871-73. Jesse S. Hurff. 
Daniel W. Wood. 

1871. William Hamilton. 

1872. David Hurff. 

1873. Thomas F. Farley. 
1873-75. Clark J. Hurff. 
1874-75. George Bakley. 

Bandle Nicholson. 
1876-77. Jesse S. Nicholson. 

Edward Scott. 
1876, 1877-78, 1881-82. Joseph 

Gardner. 
1876-78. Hiram Hurff. 
1878-81. Evan D. Pearson. 

1881. William Beckett. 

1882. Dennis Collin, 
John Wilkins. 



CONSTABLES. 
1836-42. Isaiah Dill. 
1838-39. Joshua Eldridge. 
1842-45, Thomas J. Cheeseman. 
1843-40. 1850-54. Sam'l D.Spaks, 
1846. John Elwill. 
1847-48. Uichiird U. Tice. 
1849. John Harding. 



I 1855-56. Emluy Gifford. 
[ 1857-58. Joshua Eldridge. 

1859. Jesse E. Turner. 

1860-03. Thomas F. Farley. 

1871-79. Benjamin Batchlor. 

1881-82. John S, Barret. 



JUSTICES OF 
1838. Jacoh Wick. 
1839-40. James H, Chester. 
1845-46, 1850, Joel Wood. 
1845^0. Thomas T, Firth. 

1850. Samuel P. Tice. 

1851, 1856, 1861. Isaac S. Turner. 
1851-66. Hosea Unsted. 

1863. Paul H. Sickler. ; 

1865-60. Williiun C. Garwood. I 



THE PEACE. 
1855, Thomas S. Batman. 
1871. Daniel Aldridge. 
1874-76. Jonas Keen. 
lS7.i. Thomas Pilling. 

1877. Jesse R. Turner. 

1878. Daniel L. Lamb. 
1880-82. William C. Nicholson. 
1881. Charles Bakeu. 



JUDGES 

1840, Josiah Heritage. 

1841, 1845-48. Joel Wood. 

1842, Thomas B, Wood. 
1843^14, 1852. Joel Steelman. 
1849-50. William S. Elvall. 
1851-53. Abijah S. Hewitt. 
1854. John N. Wick. 
1855-56. John W. Downs. 



OF ELECTION. 

I 1867-68. Claten B. Tice, 
I 1859-61. Daniel W, Bakley. 
j 1863-64. Isaac S. Turner. 

1871-75. John S. Wood. 

1872-74. Thomas Pilling, 

1876-79. Charles Baken. 

1880-82. Henry Sybitt. 



VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Turnersville is a small village situated on the 
easterly border of the township, on the line of the 
Williamstown and Good Intent turnpike, and at the 
head-waters of Timber Creek. 

Among the pioneer settlers at this place were John 
Turner, after whom the town is named, Peter Cheese- 
man, Henry Hurff, and John Williams. Turner's 
tract covered what is now the northerly part of the 
village of Turnersville, and the tract of Peter Cheese- 
man the other part of the village, or rather the other 
part on which the village is located. The pioneer 
store in this vicinity was that of John Turner, and 
was kept in the front part of the house where Joseph 
Turner now lives, about three-quarters of a mile 
from the centre of what is now the village. He com- 
menced here in a sort of primitive way, with but a 
few goods, such as were actually necessary for family 
use, and increased his stock as trade through the de- 
velopment of the county demanded, and continued 
the business here till 1840, having commenced in 
1800. 



Having a large tract of land as well as his mercan- 
tile business to attend to, he transferred the store 
business to his son, Jesse R. Turner, and built a 
store-house on the site now occupied by the store of 
George G. Weatherby. He also built the store and 
dwelling occupied by Frank Van Sickler, and subse- 
quently sold to a Mr. Godshall. Jesse Turner was suc- 
ceeded in the old store by William Garwood, then 
came George Hurff, followed by Andrew D. Turner, 
then Joseph and Daniel Turner, and Joseph subse- 
quently sold the property to Daniel Turner, who 
rented it to Mr. Weatherby. 

The pioneer blacksmith at Turnersville was Lemuel 
Sheldon, in the shop now occupied by W. H. Carter, 
and a man by the name of Brown was the pioneer 
wheelwright. 

The pioneer saw-mill was built by Isaac Collins in 
1800, and stood on the site now occupied by the saw- 
mill of Joseph Prosser. 

The old stone grist-mill was the first of its kind in 
this vicinity, and was built by Peter Cheeseman some 
time previous to 1800. It is now owned by Abram 
Nash. The next grist-mill at this place is the one 
now owned by Thomas Brady and Samuel Sharp, Jr. 
It was built by John Turner for John Williams a few 
years after the Cheeseman mill was built. 

Israel Furth was a school-teacher here in 1825. 
Andrew Turner was the first postmaster, and Frank- 
lin Van Sickler the present one. 

There are at present in Turnersville one saw-mill, 
two grist-mills, two stores, blacksmith-shop, shoe-shop, 
school-house, and Methodist Episcopal Church. The 
population of the town is about one hundred and fifty. 

Hurffville is situated in the southwest part of the 
township, six miles southeast from Woodbury, the 
county-seat, and two and one-half miles from Barns- 
boro Station, on the West Jersey Eailroad. The vil- 
lage of Hurffville includes the settlement long known 
as "Bethel," the two settlements numbering about 
sixty-five dwellings. That portion of the settlement 
on the east side of the creek came to be known as 
Bethel as early as 1800, from the fact of the Method- 
ist Church located there having been given that 
name. The land on the west side of Bethel Creek 
was formerly owned by John and Samuel Porch, and 
subsequently by their heirs. 

Daniel Lamb, having become one of the heirs of 
Porch by marriage, sold, in 1833, seventy acres of 
land to Thomas W. Hurff, a carpenter by trade. At 
that time there was but one house in what is now 
Hurffville proper. In 1841, Mr. Hurff built his pres- 
ent residence, also his old store-house, and the same 
year built three dwellings or tenement houses along 
the road northwest from his residence. At the erec- 
tion of the last house, John Brick, a blacksmith, 
named the embryo town " Hurffville," which name 
the town still retains. Mr. Hurff now owns eleven 
dwellings in the little town, a fraction more than 
one-sixth of the total number in the village. 



TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON. 



285 



The pioneer store was that of Mr. HurfiF, and for 
twenty-one years, 1841 to 18C2, his was the only store 
in the little village. The next store was that of C. 
G. Richman, who in 1862 opened a small store, now 
kept by Mrs. Richman, Mr. Richman having deceased 
within the last year. Thepresent store-house of Mr. 
Hurti' was built in 1872. The third store in Hurff- 
ville was opened by John W. Chew, in 1870 or 1871, 
he having built at that time the store-house located 
opposite Bethel Church. He was succeeded by Rob- 
ert C. Clark, who purchased the property in 1880, 
and still continues the mercantile business. 

The pioneer blacksmith at what is now Hurffville 
was John Brick. His old shop stood u little north- 
east from Hurlf's old store. The next blacksmith 
was David Ward. He purchased a building-lot of 
Mr. Hurfl', and built a shop and dwelling-house. 
The present blacksmiths are Evan D. Pearson and 
Joseph Kercher. There are also two wheelwright- 
shops at this place. 

The pioneer tavern-house at this place was built by 
Charles Pearson, in 1860, and it is now owned by Wil- 
liam Gilmour. It was kept, in 1883, by J. L. Tomlin. 
A post-oflSce was established here in 1852, and named 
Hurffville, with Thomas W. HurfFas postmaster. John- 
son Becket was the pioneer mail-carrier. He was run- 
ning a stage between Philadelphia and Glassboro, and 
when this office was established he was induced to 
make a deflection in his route in order to take in 
Hurffville. This was done at the expense of Mr. 
Hurff, as he had agreed with the post-oflBce depart- 
ment at Washington to pay all the expenses for 
carrying the mail between this place and Philadel- 
phia for a term of four years. Robert C. Clark is 
the present postmaster, and the office is kept in his 
store, opposite Bethel Church. Mails are received and 
despatched daily by Fisler, wlio runs a stage from 
Hurffville to Barnsboro, on the West Jersey Railroad. 
HrRFFVlLLE.CEEAMEKY, located in the village of 
HurflVille, was built in 1880, and opened for business 
June 15, 1881. It was built by John McClure, James 
McClure, and Levi Parsons, and has at present (1883) 
a working capacity of five thousand pounds of milk 
per day, with room in the building for double that 
amount. The land upon which the creamery stands 
(one acre) was purchased from Thomas W. Hurff. 
Mr. Parsons retired from the firm in January, 1882, 
leaving then, as at present, the McClure brothers the 
sole owners. William S. Burrough is the present 
superintendent of the creamery. 

There is also at Hurffville a lodge of Knights of 
Pythias and a lodge of the Mystic Chain. 

CHURCHES. 

Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church, Hurifville,' 
founded in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and seventy, and incorporated the 17th day 
of February, 1819, as follows : 

I By Elijah F. Watson. 



"Thb Statk op New Jr.n«KY. 

" GL0UCK8TER, 89. 

"Whereas the Religious Society or cougiegation of Christians of the 
Ilethotlist EpISL-opal church at Bethel in the township of Detford in the 
county of Gloucester and State aforesaid, does consist of and amount to 
thirty families and upwalds as by the act entitled 'An act to Incor- 
porate Trustees of Boligious Societies passed the thirtoeulh day of June 
in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred & ni[iety-nine. Did assemhle 
on the Seventeenth day of February A.u. Eighteen hundred and nine- 
teen, at the Meeting house above said, & by a plurality of Votes of such 
of the Society aud congregation as were present having given ten days 
notice agreeable to Law, Did Elect Meryall Turner, John Downs, Jossee 
Piatt, Andrew Ware, & Chester Dillks, as Trustees of said Society & 
congregation, by Virtue of the before recited act. 

"And the said Meryall Turner, John Downs, Jesse Pratt, Andrew 
Ware, and Cliester Dilks, as trustees aforesaid, having severally taken 
and subscribed an affirniatiou to support the Constitution of the United 
States, and the affirmation prescribed by law of this State, and an afBr- 
matiou for the faithful discharge of their dutys as trustees aforesaid, as 
by these respective affirmations hereafter annexed will more at large 
appear, do take upon themselves, by virtue of the above-recited act, the 
name of ' The Trustees of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church in the 
township of Debpford, in the county of Gloucester.' 

"In testimony whereof they have hereunto set ttieirjwinds and seals, 
this seventeenth day of February, a.b. eighteen hundred and nineteen. 

" MERYAt.L Turner, 
"Jesse Pratt, 
"Andrew Ware, 
" John Downs, 
" Chester Dilks, 

" T^-wtees. 
" Witness present, 

" Bev. Peter Vannest, 
" John Fferth." 

Next follows the statement of the fact by Justice 
Fferth that the above-named trustees appeared before 
him, one of the justices in and for the county of 
Gloucester, on the 17th day of February, 1819, 
when each subscribed to two affirmations, the first 
bound them to support the constitution of the United 
States, and hold true and faithful allegiance to the 
government of the State and the authority of the 
people; and, second, that they would faithfully, im- 
partially, and justly perform all the duties enjoined 
on them as trustees of the Bethel Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, in the township, county, and State afore- 
said. Each of these two affirmations were required of 
each of the trustees separately ; all of which was then 
recorded in the clerk's office of Gloucester County, in 
DD, folio 190, of deeds. 

Next in the archives is the copy of a deed from 
Aaron Dilks and wife to the Rev. Francis Asbury 
and others, in trust for the use of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, or Society, of North America, dated 
March 10, a.d. 1794 ; also recorded in the clerk's 
office of Gloucester County, lib. C of deeds. 

Copy of Deed. — Elijah Porch to the trustees of 
the Methodist Society, recorded in clerk's office of 
Gloucester County, in lib. O, folio 513, of deeds, dated 
April 8, 1811 : 

"John Eearley and Andrew Dilks to Meryall Tur- 
ner, Jesse Pratt, Andrew Ware, Chester Dilks, and 
John Downs, trustees of Bethel Church, the meeting- 
house and lot of land containing half an acre, and to 
their successors in office forever." Recorded in the 
clerk's office of Gloucester County, lib. DD, fol. 232, 
of deeds. This indenture bears date Feb. 24, 1819. 



286 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Following is the deed in trust in full, giving all the 
duties of trustees, together with all privileges and 
purposes for which said house and grounds were 
originally intended, in detail, viz., to be held in trust 
for a place of worship and burial-place, and no other 
purpose, and use of the Methodist Episcopal Society 
of Bethel. 

Following this on the record is a deed for a lot of 
land lying before Bethel Church. 

"From John Tonkin and William Tonkin to 
Meryall Turner, Jesse Pratt, Andrew Ware, Chester 
Dilks, John Down, trustees of Bethel Church, and 
their successors in office." Dated Feb. 22, 1819. 
Recorded Feb. 23, 1819, in the clerk's office of 
Gloucester, in lib. DD, folio 226, of deeds. The lot 
on which the school-house now stands contains 
thirty-five-one-hundredths of an acre, more or less. 

Directly following this last deed of the old church 
property is recorded the following, which is so concise 
and business-like, and written so long ago by hands 
long since returned to dust, that we cannot refrain 
from copying the entire page : 

"Be it remembered, that on the first Monday in February, eighteen 
hundred and twenty-one, we, the trustees of the incorporation for the 
Methodist Society at Bethel, did meet at the house of Meryall Turner, 
for the purpose of organizing ourselves for business, at which meeting 
was chosen by election John Downs, president ; Jesse Pratt, secretary. 
And business being commenced, we proceeded to note the expenses per- 
taining thereunto, and first, — 

"To expenses for a book of records S2.50 

To cash jiaid to John Fferth for services in surveying the 

grounds peilaining to the meeting-house, and writing deeds 

for same 5.00 

For recording two deeds and the incorporatiun 2.50 

To the lot of ground purcliased of John and William Tonkin, 

for the use of the society above mentioned 53.00 

To expenses paid for Firth at Mrs. Tailor's inn for man and 

horse 621^ 

863.621^ 
"Jesse Pratt, 

"Secretary." 

The first subscription-list recorded is for the pay- 
ment of the bill just mentioned, consisting of forty- 
two names, in sums from fifty cents to five dollars, 
amounting in all to $62.25, and acknowledged by the 
trustees by the following minute, viz. : "The trustees 
received, Feb. 5, 1822, on the above subscription, 
$62.25, to rebut the amount on the preceding page. 
Jesse Pratt, secretary." 

The next item recorded is the horse-sheds, then 
built, and subscription-list containing fourteen names, 
which we will not stop to write, but simply give the 
aggregate amount, §61.94, all in lumber, except $3 
cash. Following is another bill itemized for another 
shed, with eacli donor's name annexed, and the amount 
donated carefully recorded in detail. 

On Oct. 28, 1823, is recorded an election, or re-elec- 
tion, of trustees, together with the affirmations sub- 
scribed to, according to the then existing law, the 
names of Josiah Heritage and Presmeal Dilks being 
added. Quite a lengthy account is given of the ap- 
pointment of a sexton at this time. At this point 
also occurs a list of names, sixty-four in number, a 



subscription for an aggregate of $44.75, to purchase 
stoves. Some settlements of minor importance are 
recorded in 1824, and no election of trustees is re- 
corded until September, 1839, when, after having 
given ten days' notice, John Down, Andrew Dilks, 
Josiah Heritage, and Presmeal Dilks were re-elected, 
and Thomas Chew, Elisha D. Chew, and Joel Wood 
were elected. 

Thus closes up all, or nearly all, the recorded facts 
concerning the old house, the first church of Bethel, 
Gloucester Co., N. J., and although, as has been said 
before. Bethel makes no claim to priority boastfully, 
there are in her archives evidences of antiquity 
enough to establish the fact of having been always 
loyal as the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

First the society was known as the Methodist Epis- 
copal Society of North America until after 1784, when 
we became a church in this country with a regular 
ordained ministry, since which time no note or record 
is made, but this fact is plainly stated, Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Bethel, or in terms equivalent. 
. The old church building, according to the record, 
was used as a place of worship from 1770 to 1840, 
just seventy years, during which time this time- 
honored temple was often filled with power and 
glory such as is seldom seen or felt this side the river 
of Death. How many who found the pearl of great 
price within her waUs are now swelling the hallelujahs 
of heaven ! 

Just in the rear of the old pulpit, towards the set- 
ting sun, lie the bones of Rev. John Ragan, a native 
of Ireland, who fell with his armor on in 1797. 
Around and beneath the spot where stood the old 
meeting-house are buried the fathers and mothers of 
early Methodism, where their names can be read. 

We liave thought perhaps it would not be uninter- 
esting to some to hear a short description of this old 
house. The dimensions were as follows: Size, twenty- 
eight by thirty-six; height of post, sixteen feet; and 
it stood side front to the road. Galleries ran around 
the front side and two ends. It was lined or ceiled 
inside with cedar boards, the posts and beams were 
I planed smooth, and all the timbers, except braces and 
; rafters, were seen on the inside. The outside was 
' covered with inch cedar boards, and the roof covered 
with shingles. Who built the structure, or who 
helped in any way to erect or construct, we have uo 
record to show. The frame, containing the same tim- 
bers almost intact, is still standing in a good slate of 
preservation, and is used as a barn on the farm of Sam- 
uel J. Evans, about a mile from where the old church 
stood as a house of worship, now one hundred and 
thirteen years old. That old house and its old grave- 
yard are both objects of more than ordinary interest 
to people of Bethel, each having its history. Here 
"the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep;" let them 
rest in peace. 

The Second CHrrncH EDiFiCE.^Following this is 
the subscription-list, containing one hundred and 



TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON. 



287 



thirty-uine names, pledging to pay from one dollar to 
fifty dollars. In this house the society worshiped 
from 1840 until Feb. 15, 1883, forty-three years. 
During this time many changes have taken place. 
In 1840 we had only a small burial-place, about two 
acres; since then have been purchased, first, half an 
acre, next one and a quarter acres, and the last pur- 
chase comprises some thirty-two acres. Besides this, 
the house and lot which constitutes the parsonage has 
been purchased and paid for, and a new house built 
for the pastor on the same, in addition to the one on 
the lot when bought. Thus from time to time has 
the church grown stronger financially and numeri- 
cally. 

In the summer of 1840 the now old house was fin- 
ished and dedicated. All these forty-three years the 
old temple number two has stood, amid lightning's 
flash and thunder's roar of summer and the stormy 
winds of winter, and still it stands, a relic of by-gone 
days. A few are with us still who saw the second 
temple rise, but far the greater number are gone over 
the river. It would be matter of much interest to 
know just how many were converted in this house, 
but this can never be known until the great day of 
eternity, when all things shall be revealed. Time 
has rapidly flown, and with its flight have gone the 
men and women who made up the congregations 
forty years ago. How many of them we have known 
and loved who used to worship here. We could name 
them, but we forbear. Peace to their memory, which 
is as ointment poured forth. 

The grass grows, the sun shines, the birds warble 
just as sweetly, the seasons come and go, and Time's 
chariot-wheels roll by as if they had never been ; but 
their record is on high, and when the last trump's 
dreadful din shall call them they will rise from old 
Bethel graveyard to take part in the first resurrec- 
tion, "and every form and every face be glorious and 
divine." 

Thus we have passed over the events of the past. 
Much, very much of interest has been passed over 
untouched. We have said but little of the grand old 
preachers, those mighty men of God, who used to 
preach as for eternity, and who stood on this classic 
ground of Methodism so long ago. Of such were 
Francis Asbury, Ezekiel Cooper, Pedicord, Ben- 
jamin Abbott, who speaks of Bethel in his journal, 
and says the power fell on the people while he was 
preaching, and all fell to the floor as dead. Charles 
Pitman, that mighty preacher of Jesus and the res- 
urrection, has often held forth here. And so we 
might name many truly good and great men who 
have honored this place with their presence and are 
gone to their rewards, but time and space will not 
allow. 

We must now leave these old, time-honored tem- 
ples for the present, and hasten to speak of the ne.w 
house we now occupy, erected during the last year 
(1882). But little need be said, however, of this, as 



almost all are cognizant of the facts. Only a little 
more than a year ago the matter began to be talked 
about, and soon' measures were put on foot to begin 
the work. Plans were drawn and submitted, a com- 
mittee was appointed, facts and figures were taken, 
and a plan was adopted at a meeting called for 
the purpose in April, 1882. A contr.ict was entered 
into for the work in May, 1882, and on June 20th 
the corner-stone was laid, according to disciplinary 
form, by Kev. John W. Hickman. A galvanized 
iron box, containing the records, together with the 
subscription-list, a copy of each county newspaper, 
and some small coins, were deposited in the wall of 
the foundation June 22, 1882. Two days later the 
supeistructure was raised, and dinner was served in 
the churchyard by the ladies, underneath the maple 
shades. This new house stands ninety feet south of 
the second church (still standing at this writing), and 
is the third house of worship erected at Bethel. The 
work was pushed rapidly forward, almost the entire 
community helping, as of one mind. Great praise is 
due to our then beloved pastor, who labored so un- 
tiringly in assisting to build this church edifice during 
the last year, being the last year of his pastorate here. 
Perhaps few other men could have had so good success 
as Rev. J. T. Price. Great credit is also due the build- 
ing committee, John C. Turner, Samuel J. Evans, and 
John 0. Thompson, who proved worthy the trust re- 
posed in them. 

The present edifice is thirty-eight by sixty feet; 
thirty feet post; lower story eleven feet in the clear; 
upper story, from floor to ceiling, twenty-five feet six 
inches ; height of tower to top of dome, seventy-three 
feet, with rod, ball, and golden hand making seven 
feet more, — eighty feet in all. The whole structure 
is of good material, well and substantially built. The 
entire cost of building, including furniture and organ, 
was seven thousand six hundred dollars. With the 
close of the year 1882, the house being finished, or 
nearly so, the furniture and carpets and fixtures were 
rapidly put into position, while ready hands were 
constantly employed and willing hearts engaged to 
get all ready for the great, good time coming, namely, 
the dedication, which occurred Feb. 16, 1883. 

The dedicatory sermon was preached by Bishop 
Matthew Simpson, from the text, " She hath done 
what she could." The day was stormy, the rain fell 
! in torrents, but did not prevent the people from at- 
I tending, and though the trustees had to raise fourteen 
hundred dollars and upwards, every dollar was pro- 
vided for, and .all the people sang " Praise God, from 
whom all blessings flow." 

One event occurring about this time, or a little be- 
fore, had the effect to sadden all hearts. In the midst 
of our rejoicing our dear old father, Calvin G. Eich- 
man, who had lived among us for thirty years, had been 
gathered home, like a ripe shock of corn, at the age of 
eighty-three, full of years and full of faith. He had 
so wished to live to see this new church finished and 



288 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



dedicated and heai- the bell, and so often and anxiously 
asked how the work went on during his last days 
among us, that all had hoped he would have been with 
us. But before the time arrived his time had come, 
and the new bell he had so much desired to hear was 
tolled for the first time for his funeral, which took 
place in the old house. Many times had he been 
permitted to meet the fathers in the first church here, 
and many more times had he stood up in the second 
house and proclaimed the truth of God to the people. 
Faithfully he lived, and peacefully and triumphantly 
he passed away. He is gone, but not forgotten, while 
we are left to continue the work he so nobly sustained 
for more than fifty years. 

" May we triumph so wlien aU our couflicta pnat, 
And, dying, find our latest foe under our feet at last." 

And last, though not by any means the least, we 
come to notice the Sundaj'-suhool connected with this 
church. According to the recorded facts concerning 
the school, we find a meeting was held on the 13th 
day of May, 1849, which is the first on record of any 
school connected with the church. A constitution 
and by-laws is recorded for our school, written at the 
time above named, Article 1 of which reads: "This 
association shall be called the Bethel Sunday-school, 
auxiliary to the Sunday-school Union of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church." Officers were elected at this 
time and teachers appointed; Thomas Young as su- 
perintendent. The school has been reorganized in 
the spring of every year since. The names of the 
different superintendents elected are as follows : 1849, 
Thomas Young; April 28, 1850, Michael Devall ; 
April 6, 1851, Thomas Young; March 21, 1852, Ed- 
ward Evans; April 3, 1853, Thoiuas Young; April 
10, 1854, E. F. Watson ; April 23, 1855, Michael De- 
vall ; April 29, 1856, and May 16, 1857, Thomas E. 
Chew ; April 18, 1858, E. F. Watson ; May 1, 1859, 
McKeudry Kichman ; May 6, 1860, Edward Evans, 
Jr.; May"5, 1861, Joseph E. Chew; April 13, 1862, 
Jesse B. Thompson ; March 27, 1864, and April 10, 
1865 and 1866, John W. Downs; 1867, William 
Beckett ; from 1870 to 1880, E. F. Watson ; and from 
then until the present, J. C. Thompson. Until 1864 
the school could not be maintained through the win- 
ter, but ever since that time has continued to be an 
evergreen, living and blooming in winter as well as 
summer. 

Thus we have noted only a few facts in our history 
of one hundred and thirteen years, and many of us 
saw the last service in the old and the first in the new 
church. May 6, 1883, was celebrated for the first 
time the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in this new 
house, when the new silver communion set was 
brought into use for the first time by our new pastor. 
Rev. William Margerum. For how many years to 
come the people of old Bethel will kneel here at this 
altar we cannot tell, but sincerely hope for another 
hundred years at least. 



" Who'll press for gold the crowded street, 

A hundred years to come ? 
"Who'll tread these aisles with willing feet, 

A huudred years to come ? 
Pale trembling age, and fiery youth, 
Aud childhood with its heart of truth, 
The ricli, the poor, on land and sea. 
Where will the mighty millions be, 

A hundred years to come ?" 

Turnersville Methodist Episcopal Church. — This 
was, in 1780, an out-station from old Bethel Church 
at Hurff"ville, or rather Bethel, a mile from Hurffville. 
The old pioneer Methodist preachers were in the 
earlier days of Methodism composed of men who were 
found at the post of duty, whether that path led to 
the hovel or palace. They were men of religious 
convictions, and went wherever the spirit led them, 
preaching to the people whenever they could gather 
a few of the pioneer settlers. They were not as par- 
ticular about the size or quality of their congrega- 
tions as some of the modern followers of the lowly 
Galilean. Had they been of that class they never 
would have entered fields so utterly uninviting as 
some of the wooded hamlets of South Jersey were in 
those days of toil and privation. These men of God 
not only preached, but they organized classes and so- 
cieties at those points where enough persons could 
reasonably be convened to form a class. 

As nearly as can be ascertained, John Turner, father 
of the present venerable Joseph Turner, was ap- 
pointed a clas.s-leader in 1785, and his son, Jesse Tur- 
ner, was his successor in office. Among the pioneer 
members of Turner's class were Elizabeth Turner, 
wife of the leader, Tamson Hurff and wife, Jacob 
Cheeseman and wife, Lemuel Sheldon and wife, Maria 
Gantz, Adam Fox and wife, John Carter and wife, 
and John Williams and wife. 

Previous to 1855 meetings were held in school- 
houses, private dwellings, barns, and in the summer- 
time, when the weather was fair, in the grove. After 
worshiping seventy years without a regular place of 
worship, a building committee consisting of Benjamin 
Prosser, Samuel Sharp, John Turner, and John Pros- 
ser was appointed, and during the summer of 1855 
the present large church edifice was erected at a cost 
of five thousand five hundred dollars, and dedicated 
in the fall of the same year by Rev. Hickman. 

The first trustees were Benjamin Prosser, Jonas 
King, John Prosser, Samuel Sharp, Daniel Turner, 
Jesse R. Turner, and William Garwood. 

Among the preachers who have served this people, 
Mr. Turner remembers Solomon Sharp, John Walker, 
James Stout, James Long, Jacob Gruber, Green- 
bank, Ed. Page, and Mr. Loomis as among the ear- 
lier ones. Rev. Jacob Price is the present pastor in 
charge of the circuit. 

The present oflBcial board, August, 1882, is com- 
posed of the following-named persons : Trustees, 
Joseph Turner, George Williams, Samuel Gauntt, 
Elmer Curry, and William Corson ; Stewards, Joseph 



TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON. 



289 



Turner, Samuel Gauntt, and George Williams ; Class- 
Leader, Samuel Gauntt. Membership, thirty. Value 
of church property, four thousand dollars. .John R. 
Chew is the Sunday-school superintendent. 

Wesley Chapel is located in the southeast part of 
the township, in the hamlet known locally as " Senor- 
ville," about two and a half miles east from Hurffville. 

This was formerly a school-house appointment, 
known as " Lebanon" district. Divine services were 
held here for several years by the itinerant preachers 
of the Methodist denomination, and previous to 1868 
a class was formed, with Caleb Ross and William 
Kerns as leaders. The class was a part of the Bethel 
Society at Hurffville, and for the better accommoda- 
tion of the members living in Lebanon district it was 
thought advisable to build a house of worship for 
what appeared to be the nucleus of a strong society 
and accordingly a subscription-list was put in circu- 
lation, dated Lebanon, July 28, 1869, and the follow- 
ing signatures obtained : Daniel Senor, David I. Se- 
nor, William S. Dilks, Isaac Cramer, George Wilson, 
Thomas E. Armstrong, Jesse Foster, Wesley Brown, 
Matthias French, John T. Brown, Thomas Reeve, 
Jesse Nicholson, John Angelo, C. Mcllvaine, Joseph 
Watson, John Nitshe, H. Cliflbrd, John C. Thomp- 
son, James Lots, John S. Wood, Joseph Hurff, George 
Bailey, William S. Senor, W. Jessup, John L. Wat- 
son, John Libb, Isaac Turner, Joseph Higgins, C. G. 
Richman, Edward Evans, Joseph Harper, Charles W. 
Sheldon, Jacob Leedy, Mary E. Franklin. 

It is proper to state here that the late Mrs. David 
Senor was instrumental in building Wesley Chapel, 
she having circulated the subscription-list, obtaining 
from the above-named persons in sums ranging from 
fifty cents to fifty dollars, a total amount sufficient to 
warrant the building of the chapel. Hon. Thomas 
W. HurfF donated the half-acre of land upon which 
the chapel stands. 

The corner-stone of the chapel was laid July 9, 
1870, upon which occasion one hundred and twenty 
persons donated sums ranging from fifty cents to 
twenty-five dollars each. 

The chapel was completed and dedicated in the 
fall of 1870, at a cost of thirteen hundred dollars. 
The trustees at that time were David Senor, John 
Lloyd, Gilbert Pine, and John Libb. Rev. Stiles 
preached the dedicatory sermon. 

The officers of the chapel in 1883 were as follows : 
Trustees, Gilbert Pine and John Libb ; Class-Leader 
and Steward, John Libb. 

A Sunday-school was organized in 1870, with John 
Lloyd as superintendent, who was succeeded by John 
Libb, the present superintendent. 

BURIAL-GKOUNDS. 

Bethel Cemetery.— This burial-place is in rear of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and lot at Bethel, or 
Hurffville, in this township. This seems to have been 
one of the pioneer graveyards of the township. The 

lu 



A^ 



following are of the many inscriptions to be found 
here: 

William Oiislin, died Murcb 8, 18G4, aged 87. 

Sarah Applegato, died Oct. 31, 187S, aged 77. 

Andrew Nicliol, died July 4, 1865, aged 69. 

Surah Slurphy, died June IS, 1849, aged 60. 

Baniel Sickols, died April 28, 1851, aged 56. 

leaau Mcllvaine, died Aug. 2, 1870, aged 75. 

Eev. William V. Darrow, died Jan. 21, 185G, aged 36. 

Isaac 0. Dilkes, died Aug. 2, 1S73, aged 63. 

Elisha Chew, died March 3, 1864, aged 60. 

Michael Devault, died Oct. 8, 1881, aged 76. 

Patrick Flanagan, died Oct. 31, 1806. aged 74. 

Benjamin Heritage, born Feb. 14, 1740, died March 27, 1815. 

Rev. Josiah Heritage, born April 3, 1778. died May 7, 1859. 

Mary Heritage, born March 24, 178(1, died March 22, 1857. 

Ruth Williams, dii-d May 13,1798, aged 27. 

Benjamin Clark, born Oct. 15, 1744, died Aug. 2, 1830. 

John Dilkes, died Jan. 20, 1771, aged 65. 

William Beckett, died Oct. 28, 1844, aged 62. 

Sarah Beckett, died March 26, 1SG5, aged 76. y 

Josepli Watson, died Nov. 24, 1840, aged 55. 

Mary Lock, died Aug. 16, 1837, aged 79. 

John S. Bell, died Dec. 17, 1859, aged 73. 
David Ward, died Jan. 13, 1870, aged 56. 
Mary Ward, died Jan. 27, 1870, aged 81 . 

Charles P. Downs, fell in defense of his country, July 28, 1862. 
James A. Murphy, died March 2, 1867, aged 54. 
Rebecca B. Nicholson, died Sept. 6, 1868, aged 32. 
Tarason Hurff, died Nov. 21, 1857, aged 69. 
George Hurff, born July 22, 1780, died Sept. 1, 1871 
Ann Sweeten, died Jan. 30, 1861, aged 89. 
Daniel Bates, died Jan. 2, 1815, aged 64. 
Tamzon Sneath, died May 7, 1830, aged 64. 
Bartholomew Carter, died April 19, 1854, aged 77. 
Rev, John Turner, died Oct. 2, 1858, aged 85. ' " 
Elizabeth Turner, died Dec. 27, 1874, aged 93. 
Edward Turner, died Aug. 18, 1821, aged 50. 
Sarah Turner, died Sept. 8, 1825, aged 47. 
Mary Early, died March 14, 1801 
I. Carpenter, 1814. 

Rev. John Brown, died Jan. 2, 1827, aged 65. 
Mary Ann Kernes, died March 24, 1869, aged 34. 
William G. Sparks, died Sept. 16, 1872. aged 63. 
Samuel J. Moore, born March 2, 1807, died May 13, 1871. 
Jonathan C. Dilkes, died July 16, 1863, aged 63. 
James Dilks, died March 12,1878, aged 77. 
Jesse P. Dilks, died Dec. 26, 1862, aged 62. 
Rev. Benjamin Heritage, born April 4, 1816, died Jan. 17, 1872. 
Charles Anna Heritige, born Aug. 31, 1831, died July 10, 1852. 
Thomas Bee, Jr., died Sept. 5, 1853, aged 42, 
Slaitha Bee, died June 27, 1861, aged 45. 
Rev. Andrew Dilkes, died Oct. 12, 1853, aged 66. 
Presmul Dilkes, died July 15, 1865, aged SO. 
Mary Dilkes, died Aug, 21, 1862, aged 80, 
Ephraim Bee, died Aug. 22, 1866, aged 90. 
Auna Bee, died Aug, 30, 1872, aged 83, 
• John Swope, 
Charles H, Swope. 
Jacob Swope. 

John S. Wood, died May 2, 1879, aged 63. 
Rebecca L. Dilks, born Jan. 2, 1809, died Aug, 10, 1879, 
Rev, Mark Heritage, died Jan, 6, 1879, aged 76, 
Elizabeth Heritage, died March 17, 1863, aged 58. 
James S. Dilks, born Jan. 21, 1784, died June 19, 1862, 
Michael Chew, died Aug. 21, 1854, aged 48, 
Sarah Chew, died Aug, 21, 1854, aged 43, 
Margaret C. Heritage, died April 7, 1878, aged 47, 
Joel Wood, born Aug, 12, 1780, died Sept. 30, 1870, 
Ann Wood, died Sept, 24, 1857, aged 63. 
David Hutchinson, born Sept, 25, 1798, died July 31, 1854, 
Priscilla Hutchinson, born Aug. 30, 1795, died Dec. 16, 1852. 
John L. Patton, ciied Jan. 30, 1878, aged 70. 
Henry Hurff, Sr,, born Sept, 13, 1768, died Feb, 21, 1853. 
Ann Hurff, died Jan. 18, 1860, aged 85. 
Jesse B. Thompson, died Dec. 7, 1870, aged 66. 






290 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



JesBB Steen.died Oct. 14, 1859, aged 68. 

Kev. John Ragan, died Sept. 11, 1797, aged 45. 

Joseph Dilkes, died June 1, 1S49, aged 72. 

Jesse Leonard, died Fob. 19, 1849, aged 61. ; 

Mary S. Leonard, died April 4, 1864, aged 62. 1 

Josiali Clarli, born Not. 8, 1771, died Fob. 27, 1825. 

Martlia Clark, born May 31. 1770, died Jnly 21, 1849. 

Jesse Richards, died July 15, 1841, aged 84. \ 

William Brewer, born Ang. 9, 1S04, died Oct. 19, 1842 

Jacob Fisler, died March 4, 1844, aged 87. 

Nathan Carter, died March 26, 1847, aged 78. 

During the early part of the last century the north j 
side of this yard was occupied by the Indians as a 
burving-ground. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

.TOSEPH TURNER. 
Three brothers of the Turner family at an early 
period emigrated from England. One settled in New 
York State, another in the West, and the third 
in New Jersey. From the latter was descended 
Robert, the grandfather of the subject of this bio- i 
graphical sketch, who located in Washington, then j 
Deptford township. By his wife Joanna he had one i 
son, John, a local Methodist preacher, born May 9, j 
1774, who resided on the farm and in the present ' 
house of his son Joseph, which was erected nearly a ! 
century ago. He married, in 1798, Miss Elizabeth 
Carter, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Carter, 
born June 26, 1782, and had fourteen children, else- 
where mentioned by name in this volume. Mr. 
Turner died Oct. 4, 1858, in his eighty-fifth year. 
His son Joseph was born .Sept. 29, 1809, on the home- 
stead, where the winter sessions of the district school 
and the duties incident to the cultivation of the farm 
occupied the years of his boyhood. He also assisted 
his father in the cutting and shipping of timber until 
twenty-four years of age, when an opportunity to rent 
a farm advantageously was embraced. For seven years 
Mr. Turner was a tenant, after which he became a pur- 
chaser, and removed to the property now owned by 
his son, Ellison K. Here he remained for twenty 
years, and in 1862 returned to the old homestead, 
which is still his home. He was married, Jan. 12, 
1832, to Miss Achsah, daughter of Samuel and Sarah 
Kirby, and granddaughter of Samuel and Mercy 
Kirby, of Salem County. Mr. and Mrs. Turner had 
children,— Ellison K., born in 1833; Mary Ann (Mrs. 
William Kerns), in 1834; Martha H. (Mrs. Henry 
Leap), in 1836; Sarah W. (Mrs. Hiram Stenger), 
in 1838; Robert, in 1840; Elizabeth (Mrs. Harris 
Leap), in 1842; Burroughs, in 1845; Anna (Mrs. 
John Wilkins), in 1848; and Abigail (Mrs. Benjamin 
Williams), in 1851, of whom Mary Ann is deceased. 
All are living in Gloucester County, and are acces- 
sible to the home of their parents. In 1869 Mr. 
Turner retired from active labor, and transferred the 
interests of the farm to his son Robert. In politics 



he has never been a partisan, but has reserved to 
himself the right to vote independently and without 
regard to party claims. Though not desirous of official 
distinction, he has served acceptably as freeholder of 
his township. He has been for nearly fifty years 
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
which Mrs. Turner is also a member. Mr. and Mrs. | 
Turner celebrated their golden wedding in 1882, on , 
which eventful occasion their children, grandchildren, 
and great-grandchildren, to the number of fifty, were 
present. 

JOHN S. WOOD. 
The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was 
Samuel Wood, who married Mary Tatum, and had 
children,--Joel, Gerrard, and two daughters. Mr. 
Wood followed farming employments, and was a 
prominent justice of the peace, as was also his father. 
His son Joel was born June 27, 1813, and succeeded 
to the pursuits of his parent. He married, June 27, 
1813, Susanna, daughter of John Sickler, of Sickler- 
town, N. J., and had children,— William T., born in ; 
1814 ; John S. ; Mary, born in 1820 (Mrs. Robert \ 
Turner) ; Hannah, who died in youth ; and Samuel, 
born in 1822. He married, a second time, Ann War- 
ner, and had one son, Edmund T., born in 1827. 
The death of Mr. Wood occurred in 1870. His son , 
John S. was born Feb. 10, 1816, and passed his boy- ! 
hood at his father's home, where the usual routine of ! 
the farmer's son was followed. He was married, Jan. | 
16, 1845, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Ephraim and 
Anna Bee, of Washington township, Gloucester Co., I 
and immediately after purchased a tract of land for j 
farming purposes, to which additions were made ij 
from time to time until he had secured a productive J 
farm and other lands of value, including a cranberry- 
bog. He continued farming occupations for many 
years, his frugal habits and industry winning success, 
and gaining for him a competency. Mr. Wood was 
a strong Democrat in his political relations, and held 
various small offices in the township, though honors 
of this character were frequently declined. In re- | 
ligion, he was a Methodist, and a member of the 
Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church of Hurffville. 
His death occurred May 2, 1879, in his sixty-third 
year. His wife still survives, and resides upon the 
farm. 



ANDREW DILKS. 
The advent of the Dilks family possibly antedates 
: that of any other family in its settlement in Glouces- j 
ter County, James Dilks, the great-great-grandfather ^ 
of the subject of this sketch, having with his wife emi- | 
grated from England, and in 1714 settled upon a tract 
of one thousand acres, purchased of John Ladd. He j 
had children,— James, Joseph, Aaron, John, and one 
daughter (Mrs. Nightingale), each of whom received , 
as patrimony a farm, part of the original patent, j 






:| 




^,^^:f^^'^J'^'^^^^ 




.yfT^i^^^y^^^^t^ S-uyi^ 




^^— ' If i^L-i^^ 



TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON. 



291 



Joseph, of this mimber, married, iiiid had two sous, 
William and Andrew, who inherited the estate of their 
father, the subject of this sketch being now the pos- 
sessor of this property, which embraces two farms. 
Andrew, who served iu the war of the Revolutii)U, and 
W!is stationed at New Brunswick, N. J., in 1770, mar- 
ried Miss Joanna Kichards, of the same county, and 
had children, — Andrew, Presmul, Mary (Mrs. Albert- 
9on|, and Rachel (Mrs. Parks). Mr. Dilks continued 
to ]>ursue farming employments on the ancestral laud 
until his death. His son, Andrew (2d), was born in 
1785, on the homestead, where lie resided during his 
lifetime, and devoted his energies to the cultivation 
and improvement of the land. He married Miss 
Priscilla, daughter of Benjamin and Priscilla Clark 
Heritage, of the same county, to whom were born 
children, — Robert, Benjamin, Andrew, .Josiah, and 
Priscilla (Mrs. Christopher Sickler). The death of 
Mr. Dilks occurred Oct. 12, 185.3, iu his sixty-eighth 
year. His wife survived him, and died iu her eighty- 
third year. Their son, Andrew (3d), was born Dec. 
18, 1815, in the dwelling which was his home for 
more than half a century, and on the ancestral land 
where, during his lifetime, he has continued to reside. 
His youth was in no sense eventful, the ordinar}' tasks 
of the school-boy and the avocations of a farmer's 
son having engaged his attention until his marriage, 
when the estate became his by purchase and inheri- 
tance. He was in 1841 united in marriage to Miss 
Elizabeth L., daughter of Thomas Bee, a prominent 
citizen of Deptford township. Their children are 
Presmul (who resides in Philadelphia), Andrew (who 
died at the age of eighteen), Elmira (whose decease 
occurred at the age of nineteen), and two who died 
in infancy. Mrs. Dilks' death occurred on the 18th 
of April, 1882. Mr. Dilks' tastes have led to farming 
employments, and his interests have centred about 
the home of his ancestors, where his whole life has 
been spent either as a farmer or in conducting the 
business of a miller. He has been true to the Whig 
principles of his family, and in the formation of the 
Republican party indorsed its platform. Though 
occasionally officiating in a public capacity in the 
township, he has never been an aspirant for political 
distinction. Though uot intimately connected with 
any religious denomination, he aids in the support 
of Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. 



THOMAS W. HURFF. 
The Hurfl's are of German ancestry, Conrad, the 
grandfather of Thomas W., having emigrated from 
his native land, and on his arrival in America settled 
in New Jersey, where he purchased of the Proprie- 
tors of South Jersey a tract of land in that portion 
of Gloucester County which is now Washington town- 
ship, where he became a prosperous farmer. He 
married and had children, — John, Henry, George, 
Isaac, Priscilla (Mrs. Beckley), Elizabeth (Mrs. Davi- 



son), Ann (Mrs. Cheeseman), and Catherine (Mrs. 
Woodrough). George, his son, was born at the pa- 
ternal home, and succeeded his father in the conduct 
of the farm, having married Tamzon Williams, daugh- 
ter of John G. Williams, of the same township, on 
the 5th of March, 1807. Their children are Reese, 
John G., Thomas W., Isaac, Mary (Mrs. Harris Cole), 
Patience Ann (Mrs. Asa Cole), George, Tamzon (Mrs. 
William Nicholson), Elizabeth, Hiram, Jonathan, 
Catherine (Mrs. Jesse Prosser), and Henrietta. His 
son, Thomas W., was born on the 27th of April, 1811, 
in Washington township, and received instruction in 
the rudimentary bi-anches at Turnerville, after which, 
at the age of seventeen, he was apprenticed for four 
years to a carpenter. Having learned the trade he 
pursued it continuously until 1841, and found steady 
employment for his skillful hands. He was married 
Jan. 1, 1834, to Martha E., daughter of Jolin Turner, 
of Washington township, whose death occurred Dec. 
22, 1834, when he was a second time married on the 
16th of February, 1842, to Hannali, daughter of 
Randall and Mary Cheeseman .laggard, and grand- 
daughter of James and Susan Morgan Jaggard, of 
Gloucester County. Their children are Clark J., 
Mary (Mrs. Augustus Boyles), Randall, Rebecca S. 
(Mrs. George W. Bailey), Martha T., John M., 
Thomas W., Eugene, George B., and Elizabeth. 
Having purchased a desirable site, Mr. Hurff, in 1841, 
erected his present comfortable home, and at a later 
period several other dwellings adjacent. The hamlet 
grew in proportions, and was, in compliment to its 
projector, christened Hurffville. Mr. Hurfl' then 
opened a store, and has since that time been engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, to which he has added lum- 
bering and farming. He affiliates in politics with the 
Democratic party, and was, as its representative in 
1850-51, elected to the State Legislature, where he 
served on several important committees. He has also 
acted as freeliolder, and held other township offices. 
He is identified with the First National Bank of 
Woodbury as a director, and is a member of the Odd- 
Fellows' fraternity, in which he was formerly actively 
interested. He is a supporter and worships with the 
congregation of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Hurffville. 



HIRAM WILKINS. 
John Wilkins, the grandfather of the subject of 
this sketch, resided upon the property now owned by 
his grandson Hiram, where he was an active and 
prosperous farmer. He married Miss Blary Stokes, 
and had children,— Samuel, Charles, William, John, 
Hannah (Mrs. Garwood), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Gibbs). 
During his later life Mr. Wilkins removed to Cam- 
den, and until his death resided with his daughter. 
John, his son, was born in Burlington County, and 
removed with his parents to what is now Washington 
township, in Gloucester County, where, during his 



292 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



youth, farming occupations absorbed his attention 
until his twenty-first year, when the attractions of- 
fered by the water induced him to become a boatman, 
an occupation which he found both attractive and 
lucrative. He in 1819 engaged in farming employ- 
ments on the property owned by his father, and also 
dealt extensively in wood. He married Miss Mary 
Cade, and had children, — Hiram, John, Caroline, 
Thomas, Charles, Anna Maria, and Benjamin. Hiram 
was born in Blackwoodtown on the 20th of January, 
1819, and being thoroughly versed in the routine of 
farm employments, made it his calling. He, on at- 
taining his majority, inherited a portion, and pur- 
chased the remainder, of the farm, and continued to 
cultivate its broad acres until his son leased the prop- 
erty, when he abandoned active labor, and now exer- 
cises a general supervision of affairs. He married, in 
1841, Caroline, daughter of Randall Morgan, of Wash- 
ington township, and had children, — John, Sarah 
(Mrs. Henry Bateman), Emily (Mrs. Burroughs 
Turner), and Thomas. These, with the exception 
of Thomas, who is in Colorado, are in Gloucester 
County. Mr. Wilkins frequently votes independently 
in politics, though in sympathy with the platform of 
the Democratic party. He is a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church of Blackwoodtown, as also his wife. 
He continues to reside upon the homestead, though 
not identified actively with its interests. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEPTFORD.i 

GeograpMcal and Descriptive.— The territory 
comprised within the boundaries of what is now West 
Deptford was originally a part of Deptford township, 
and separated or organized into a township by act of 
the Legislature approved March 1, 1871, as follows: 

" Be it enacted, etc., That all that portion of the township of Deptford, 
in the county of Gloucester, lying within the following boundaries, to 
wit; Begiuniuff at the Camden County line, in the middle of Timber 
Creek, and in the centre of the bridge of the Gloucester Turnpike Com- 
pany ; and thence running in a southerly direction, along the centre of 
the road of said Gloucester Turnpike Company, until it intersects the 
line of the boundary of the city of Woodbury; thence following the 
western and southern boundary of said city of Woodbury, to where the 
same intersects the centre of the road of the Woodbury and MuUica 
Hill Turnpike Company; thence in a southerly direction along the 
centre of said road to the centre of the bridge of said turnpike, where, 
in the middle of Mantua Creek, it intersects the line of Mantua town- 
ship, in said county of Gloucester; thence in a westerly direction, fol- 
lowing the heretofore established lines of said township of Deptford, 
down the middle of said Mantua Creek, the several courses thereof, to 
the Delaware River ; thence at right angles with the shore, in a straight 
line, until it intersects the boundary line between the Stateof New Jer- 
sey and the State of Peunsylvauia ; thence following said boundary line 
up the Delaware River, the several courses thereof, to a point opposite 
the mouth of Timber Creek aforesaid; thence in an easterly direction 
to the mouth of said Timber Creek ; thence up the,middle of the same, 
the several courses thereof, until it intersects the middle line of the 

I By W. H. Shaw. 



Gloucester Turnpike Company's bridge, which was the place of begiu- j 

ning; shall be, and hereby is, set off from the township of Deptford, in j 

the county of Gloucester, and made a separate township, to be known ! 
by the name of the township of West Deptford." 

The township is also bounded on the north for a 
short distance by Timber Creek, on the southeast by 
Deptford township and Woodbury City, on the south- 
west and northwest by Mantua and Greenwich town- 
ships, and on the north by Delaware River. The soil 
is a sandy loam underlaid with marl, and a small por- 
tion in the southwest part of the township is a clay 
loam, the most of which is under a high state of cul- 
tivation, producing large quantities of truck for the 
Philadelphia market. 

The township is quite highly favored with water, 
having the Delaware on the north, the Mantua Creek 
along its entire western and southwestern boundary, 
and the Woodbury Creek running across the township 
in a northwesterly direction, also several smaller 
streams emptying into the different creeks and river 
mentioned. The township contains an area of ten 
thousand two hundred and twenty-three acres. 

Change of Boundary Line, — An act of the State 
Legislature was approved Feb. 20, 1878, changing the 
eastern boundary line of this township so as to make 
the line of the West Jersey Railroad the township 
line from Big Timber Creek to the junction of that 
road with the Gloucester and Woodbury turnpike at 
North Woodbury, thus leaving the whole of the vil- 
lage of Westville in Deptford township. 

Early Settlers and Pioneer Incidents.— " The 
first attempt to effect a settlement on the eastern shore 
of the Delaware River is believed to have been made 
within the limits of this township. About the year 
1621 the Dutch West India Company dispatched a 
ship containing a number of persons fully provided 
with the means of subsistence and articles of trade, 
under the command of Cornelius Jacobus May. . . . 
He explored the bay and river, and at length landed 
and built a fort on Sassackon, now Timber Creek, on 
the northeast boundary of the township, and named 
it Fort Nassau. . . . The site of old Fort Nassau is 
said to have been on the farm or plantation of the 
Howell family, just below the mouth of Timber Creek. 
The colonists, however, soon fell beneath the toma- 
hawk of the Indians." — From. HMorical Collections of 
New Jersey. 

The most prominent feature in the history of what 
is now West Deptford is the fact that it contains 
within its boundaries localities where transpired some 
of the most thrilling events of the Revolutionary 
war. In this township are the remains of Fort Mer- 
cer, where the Hessians, under Count Donop, met 
with an ignominious defeat by the Americans under 
Col. Christopher Greene, Oct. 22, 1777. Here, for many 
years, reposed the remains of Count Donop, until a : 
morbid and uncommendable curiosity robbed the 
grave of its slumbering dust. Here, too, stands a 

monument erected by the patriotic citizens of Penn- 

i 

\' 
f( 





Pi^(2yyrty 



IvM^.. 



U?-i^ 



TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEPTFOKD. 



293 



sylvania and New Jersey to the memory of Col. Greene 
in close proximity to the scene of his brilliant military 
exploits. 

Fort Mercer is, or was, also in this township, just 
below what is known as the village of Red Bank. This 
fortification was little more than an embankment of 
earth and a ditch filled with brush and sharpened 
timber, and was designed to support the left of the 
chevaii.i-de-/rise. The bank of the Delaware at this 
place is steep, which afforded protection to the attack- 
ing party. For full account of battle of Eed Bank, 
see general history of Gloucester County. 

The following incident occurred during the battle, 
showing that 7neii are not the bravest people in the 
world. Mrs. Whitall, whose house was near the fort 
and in line of the enemy's shot, sat by her wheel 
spinning, when a cannon-ball came crashing through 
the middle of the house. This she thought rather an 
impudent intrusion, but rather than be annoyed by 
such callers, moved herspinning-wheel into the cellar, 
where she continued to ply her vocation during the 
remainder of the engagement, alone and undisturbed, 
though the iron visitors repeated their calls several 
times during the memorable battle. 

Among the pioneers who came up what is now 
known as Woodbury Creek was Richard Wood. He 
ascended the creek in a canoe, and with the aid of 
the Indians erected a rude dwelling. The whole pro- 
cess of building and removing his family to the place 
was accomplished in the short space of one week. 
It .seems the little colony, for there must have been 
more than Richard Wood and family, soon became 
short of provisions, and none being nearer than Bur- 
lington, as Philadelphia was not yet settled, the male 
colonists started off in canoes for that place to obtain 
food. A storm prevented their return as soon as ex- 
pected, the provisions left for the women were ex- 
hausted, and the poor creatures, overwhelmed with 
grief, looked for nothing but starvation in a strange 
land, with none of their kindred near to soothe their 
dying moments. Thus they were grouped together 
at the bend of the creek, near where the graveyard 
now is, watching, with tearful eyes, the flowing tide 
and listening in vain for the sound of the returning 
paddles, when an Indian woman appeared upon the 
opposite bank, saw they were in trouble, and stopped. 
By their signs she understood their wants, and then 
disappeared in the shades of the forest. In an hour 
or two, for she had gone several miles, she returned 
loaded with venison and corn-bread. These she 
placed on a long piece of bark, and walking a good 
way to tideward set it afloat, and gave it a push 
across. It came to where the white women were, and 
its contents saved their lives, for their husbands re- 
turned not until such a length of time that, but for 
her, starvation would have been inevitable. 

Among the pioneer settlers of this township will 
be found the names of Whitall, Wilkins, Bender, 
Rambo, Lodge, String, Taggart, Hinchman, Cloud, 



Wood, and a few others. As these, and other pio- 
neers entered the mouth of Woodbury Creek, squatted 
upon the first piece of land not preoccupied, and for 
several years, probably not before the year 1725, was 
the small territory now embraced in West Deptfonl 
occupied by immigrants. 

The Wilkins property has been in the family for 
over one hundred years. The William Rambo and 
the W. G. and E. J. Lodge farms were sold off from 
the old original John Wilkins tract, and the Wilson 
Fitzgerald farm, one of the very best in the township, 
was cut off from the Newbold tract. 

Unlike most other townships of an equal popula- 
tion there is neither store, tavern, lawyer, doctor, 
blacksmith, wheelwright, secret society, and but one 
church organization within its borders. 

Civil Organization.— The pioneer town-meeting 
for the township of West Deptford was h«Id in the 
school-house in the village of Thoroughfare, March 
21, 1871, when Joshua Carter was elected moderator, 
and Josiah Budd, Jr., town clerk, and the following 
resolutions, with others, unanimously adopted : 

For schools, SI poll-tax, and enough more to make 
it S2, for all children in the district between the ages 
of five and eighteen years of age. 

For the support of the poor for the ensuing year, 
$100. 

For incidental expenses for the year, $300. 

For roads and bridges, $600. 

For wages, horse and cart per day, $1 ; additional 
horse, $1 ; man, $1.50. 

Military tax, $1. 

Poll-tax and such additional tax as will make it 
$1500. 

Resolved, To elect the officers this year by ballot. 

The following list of officers were decided upon to 
elect: one assessor, one collector, two overseers of 
roads, three commissioners of appeal, two overseers 
of the poor, one constable, and five pound-keepers. 

On motion. Resolved, To hold the next town-meet- 
ing and election within the limits of the township. 

The polls were opened at one o'clock and closed at 
six o'clock in the afternoon, when the total number 
of votes polled was one hundred and sixty-eight. 

The following officers were duly elected for the 
year 1871 : 

Town Clerk, Josiuh Budd, Jr.; Assessor, David B. Leslie; Collector, 
Moses C. Low ; Chosen Freeholders, William Knight, Charles B. 
Leonard; Township Committee, William R. Tatum, William Wade 
Griscom, John G. Whitall ; Justices of the Peace, Richard M. Wil- 
kins and Thomas L. Stephens; Surveyors of Highwaj-s, Benjamin 
T. Gibbs, Jonathan G. Parkei^ Overseers of Highways, A. Mer- 
ritt Pierce, Benjamin Hewitt ; Overseers of the Poor, Charles 
Knight, Benjamin T. Gibba; Judge of Election, Charles B. Piatt; 
Constable, Robert C. Hudson ; Commissioners of Appeal, William 
Rambo, Joseph Carter, Clement Reeve; Pound-Keepers, John J. 
Starmer, Clement Whitall, Benjamin D. Hannold, Thomas Kirolier, 
Thomas Knight. 

The minutes were signed by Josiah Budd, Jr., 
town clerk ; Jo. Carter, moderator. 
The following is a complete list of town clerks, as- 



294 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



sessors, collectors, chosen freeholders, township com- 
mittees, justices of the peace, and constables elected 
in this township since 1871, except 1878 and part of 
1S81: 

TOWN CLERKS. 



1872-73. .Tosiah BuJd, Jr. 
1874-7C. Casper Build. 



1872-73. David B. Leslie, 
1874-7(1. Josiah Budd, Jr. 
1877. Charles W. Kniglit. 



I 1877.1 Diivid B. Leslie. 

I 1879-82. Louis K. Wilkins. 

ASSESSOKS. 

1879. Thomas A. Chambers. 

1880. James T. Budd. 
1881-82. Edward J. Lodge. 



COLLECTORS. 
1872-77. Thomas A. Chambers. 1880-82. John W. Leonard. 

1879. Moses C. Low. 

CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 



1872. William Knight. 

Charles B. Leonard. 
1873-74. Charles B. Leonard. 

Ferman Lawrence. 
1875. F. Lawrence. 

John W. Leonard. 
1876-77. J. W. Leonard. 



1870-77. Edward J. Lodge, 

1879. Samuel Hopkins. 
Joseph A. Moore. 

1880. Joseph A. Moore. 
j William Knight. 

1882. William Knight. 
I Samuel Heritage. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 
1872. 1876. John G. Whitall. 1877. Benjamin W. Wallas. 



1873. William Rnmlio. 

1874. John C. Budd. 

1875. Clayton N. Sliuster. 
1877. Benjamin J. Lord. 

Albert Jones. 
William G. Lodge. 
Clayton N. Sliuster. 



1879-80. J. G. Whitall. 

J. G. Tiitum. 

J. C. Budd. 
1882. J. G. Whitall. 

James M. Wilkin.^ 

Joseph A. Moore. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1872. George E. Harris. ' 1875. Joseph Kichman. 
David B. Leslie. 1879. John Hudson. 

1873. Edward J. Lodge. 18811. John H. Sharp. 

1874. Samuel Kendrick. 

CONSTABLES. 
1872-75, 1879-80. K. C. Hudson. | 1876-77. M. Van Bureu Stephens. 

The township officers for 1883 are as follows: 

Town Clerk, Louis K. Wilkins; Assessor, Edward J. Lodge ; Collector, 
John W. Leonard; Chosen Freeholders, Samuel H. Heritage, 
Joshua Joyce; Township Committee, John G. Whitall, Joseph A. 
Moore, John C. Budd; Surveyors of Highways, Edward Starr, J. 
Wood Hannold ; Ovei-seers of Highways, Joseph M. Hunter, Rene- 
gal A. Leslie, Andes E. Budd, Thomas Cowgill; Overseers of the 
Poor, Charles B.Leonard, John L.Hewitt; Commissioners of Ap- 
peal, William G. Lodge, Joseph Carter, Charles B. Leonard ; Judge 
of Election, Joseph Low ; Inspectors of Election, James T. Budd, 
Alonzo P. Rambo ; Pound-Keepers, Stille Chew, J. Wood Hannold, 
John Sharp, Samuel Sweeten. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Red Bank. — There are only two villages in this 
township, one of which is Red Bank, on the bank of 
the Delaware River, so named from the color of 
the soil. It was settled as-early as 1621 or '22, by a 
family named Whitall and others, some of whose de- 
scendants are still residents of this township. This 
locality was made famous in history by the defeat of 
the Hessians, under the command of Count Donop, 
by the Americans, under command of Col. Greene. 

In commemoration of the event a monument of 



1 1878 is not recorded in township book. 



handsome gray marble has been erected, bearing 
proper inscriptions. A few years since the United 
States government purchased one hundred acres of 
land lying at the mouth of Woodbury Creek, be- 
tween it and Red Bank village. For many years 
Red Bank was a place of considerable importance, 
the county courts being held here iu 1686, and a 
large amount of business was done here, there being 
several stores, dwellings, taverns, and ferry from this 
point to League Island and Philadelphia. At pres- 
ent it is but the remains of a once prosperous town, 
no store, tavern, church, and but one school-house. 

Thoroughfare. — This is a small hamlet near the 
centre of the township, at the intersection of sev- 
eral roads, and through it the Delaware Shore Rail- 
road passes. There is at this place a Methodist 
Church, school-house, Grange headquarters, town 
hall, railroad station, and about twenty dwellings. 
The place is surrounded by a rich truck-producing 
country, and is only three miles from Woodbury. 
There was one small store here in 1883. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Saint Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church,— 

This is the only religious organization in this town- 
ship, and is located at the small hamlet of Thorough- 
fare, near the centre of the township. The first class 
was formed in 1858, by Rev. A. A. Ballard, in the old 
school-house, then occupying the site upon which the 
present school-house stands. Joseph Cox was ap- 
pointed leader, with the following-named persons 
composing the larger portion of his class : William 
Bailey, William G. Lodge, Edward J. Lodge, Mark 
Low, John Hewitt, Clayton N. Shuster, Edward 
Packer, William B. Rambo, Isaac Fowler, William 
Inskipp, Thomas Wyne, Martha A. Hewitt, Esther 
W. Lodge, Mary B. Lodge, Abbey A. Lodge, Eliza- 
beth and Joanna Wyne, Eliza Wilkins, Millie Davis, 
and Mary Carson. 

This class was the outgrowth of a series of religious 
meetings commenced in the old school-house in the 
winter of 1857-58 by Joseph Cox. He was assisted 
in his efforts by Rev. A. A. Ballard, within whose cir- 
cuit the meetings were held. In the early part of the 
year it was decided by the infant society to build a 
house of worship suitable for the accommodation of 
the increasing congregation and membership. Mark 
Low, William G. Lodge, Edward J. Lodge, Clayton 
N. Shuster, John Hewitt, Richard Wilkins, and Wil- 
liam Bailey were appointed trustees, and during that 
year (1858) the present large and commodious frame 
church edifice was erected, at a cost of six thousand 
dollars. The church building, however, was not ded- 
icated till 1860, when those interesting services were 
conducted by Rev. A. A. Ballard. 

The following-named preachers have served this 
people since the expiration of Mr. Ballard's term, in 
1859 : Revs. David Duffield, Carman, Wil- 
liams, • Barnhart, Rowe, Enoch Green, Willis 



TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEPTFORD. 



295 



Reeve, John Hutchinson, Isaac Cook, and the present 
pastor, Samuel Hudson. 

The officers of the society for 1882 were as follows : 
Stewards, John Hewitt, Thomas Wyne, Louis K. Wil- 
kins, William Lodge, William Rambo; Trustees, Wil- 
liam Rambo, Edward Packer, John Hewitt, Thomas 
Wyne, James Wilkins, William Lodge, Edward J. 
Lodge. 

Present membership, forty-five. 

There is connected with the church a well-or- 
ganized and officered Sunday-school, consisting of 
eighty scholars, under the superintendence of Ed- 
ward Packer. 

INDUSTRIES. 

Dobbs' Drain-Tile and Brick-Works are located 
in the southeast part of the township, on the farm of 
Henry Kean. The property was leased in April, 
1869, by James 0. Dobbs, who established drain- 
tile works, and placed his brother, Solomon Dobbs, 
iu charge, who is at present the general superintend- 
ent and manager. The present capacity of the works 
is three thousand brick and three thousand five hun- 
dred pieces of drain-tile (all sizes) per day, which 
gives employment to seven men. The distance from 
the works to Wenonah Station, on the West Jersey 
Railroad, is two miles, and to Ogden Station, on the 
Woodbury and Swedesboro Railroad, half a mile. 



i 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JAMES J. LORD. 



The progenitor of the Lord family in America was 
Joshua Lord, formerly of Lancashire, England, who 
emigrated to the United States in 1684, and set- 
tled near the mouth of Woodbury Creek, in Glou- 
cester County, from' whence he later removed to a 
farm now occupied by the subject of this biographical 
sketch. He married Miss Sarah, daughter of John 
Wood, of Gloucester County, and formerly of Lan- 
cashire, England, on the 13th of January, 1689. 
They were the parents of Joshua (2d), who married 
on the 9th of May, 1748, Miss Hannah Lippincott, 
and had children,— Phineas, born in 1749; Joshua, in 
1752; Sarah, in 1753 ; James, in 1755; Ann, in 1757; 
Hannah, in 1759; Eunice, in 1761; Joshua (3d), in 
1766; and Jehu, in 1770. Joshua (3d) was born 
April 2, 1766, and married Sarah, daughter of John 
and Elizabeth Jessup, whose birth occurred Sept. 29, 
1771. Their children were Joshua, born in 1801 ; 
James J. ; John S., in 1805 ; Mary, in 1807 ; Eliza- 
beth, in 1809; Benjamin J., in 1812; and Sarah, in 
1816. Joshua and Sarah, of this number, died in 
youth; John's death occurred in 1872, leaving one 
child, and that of Elizabeth in 1867. James J. was 
born July 27, 1803, upon the ancestral estate, and 
represents the fourth generation in his ownership 



and occupation of the land. With the exception of 
a brief interval in school at AVesttown, Pa., in 1817, 
his life has been spent in the cultivation and im- 
provement of his inheritance. He began active em- 
ployment at an early age, and in youth rendered hia 
father valuable assistance in the conduct of the farm, 
in 1838 becoming owner by the will of the latter of 
that portion of the land (the original tract having 
been extensive) on which he now resides, his home 
being on the exact spot occupied by his ancestors. 
He married Miss Catherine Moore, whose death oc- 
curred Nov. 4, 1870. Mr. Lord, having been actively 
employed in the management of his own business 
interests, has devoted little time to the political issues 
of the day, though a pronounced Republican in his 
sentiments. He has adhered to the religious faith of 
his ancestors, and is a member of the Orthodox So- 
ciety of Friends, who worship in Woodbury. Benja- 
min J., his brother, who resides adjoining the home- 
stead, was married to Mary E., daughter of William 
and Atlantic Thomas, of Philadelphia, on the 7th of 
June, 1859. He also devotes his energies to farming 
employments, and although not active in the political 
arena, has for twenty years officiated as township 
superintendent of schools. He is also an Orthodox 
Friend in his religious belief. Miss Mary, the only 
surviving sister of Mr. Lord, who resides with her 
brother, Benjamin J., is a lady revered for her be- 
nevolence and many virtues. 



WILLIAM RAMBO. 
The Rambo family are of Swedish origin. John, 
the grandfather of William, was an innkeeper at 
Swedesboro, Gloucester Co., N. J., during the period 
of the Revolution. He married a Miss Champneys, 
and had children, — Jesse, Champneys, Gabriel, Jacob, 
John, Peter, Christian, Sarah, and others. His son 
John was born Jan. 23, 1776, and followed in the 
county of his birth the employments of a farmer 
until his death, which occurred May 27, 1831. He 
married Patience Crim, and had children, — Peter C, 
Louisa, Champneys, Benjamin, and Eppicharus. By 
a second marriage to Lydia Key were born children, — 
William, Patience, Elizabeth, John, Jacob, Lydia, 
Mary, and Harriet. The death of Mr. Rambo oc- 
curred May 27, 1831, and that of his wife Sept. 12, 
1841. His son William, the subject of this brief 
sketch, was born Oct. 28, 1812, on the homestead 
farm in West Deptford, Gloucester Co., the imme- 
diate vicinity of which has been his lifetime resi- 
dence. A brief period of his youth was spent at 
school in Philadelphia, though meagre advantages of 
education were enjoyed, and active labor filled in the 
hours usually devoted by youth of the present day to 
study. His father having died, William exercised a 
supervision of the farm for his mother from 1831 
until 1838, when he became by inheritance and pur- 
chase the owner of the property, on which for forty- 



296 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



four years he has resided. He married, Dec. 28, 1838, 
Miss Amy, daughter of Samuel and Susanna Hilman, 
of Gloucester County. Their children are Mary, de- 
ceased ; Lydia, Susanna H., Alonzo P., Anna Louisa, 
Mary Elizabeth, deceased ; Harriet, and Jacob W. 
Mr. Eanibo espouses in politics the principles of the 
Republican party, and has held, as its representative, 
various minor township offices. Both Mr. and BIrs. 
Rambo and their children are members of the Prot- 
estant Episcopal Church of Paulsboro. 



CHAPTER L. 

TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 

Geographical Description. — The boundaries of 
the township of Woolwich are the township of Green- 
wich on the northeast, that of Harrison on the south- 
east, Oldman's Creek and Salem County on the 
southwest, and Logan township on the northwest. 

Running through the centre of the township, in a 
northwesterly direction, is Raccoon Creek, which is 
navigable from the Delaware River to Swedesboro, 
and is affected by the tide about a mile above that 
village. A small stream named Purgey Creek runs 
northwesterly between this township and Greenwich, 
and Oldman'.s Creek, which is navigable as far as Au- 
burn, in Salem County, runs along the southwestern 
boundary of the township. Timber Creek also has its 
source in the eastern part. Small affluents discharge 
their waters into these streams as they pass through 
and along this township. 

Topography. — The highest ground in the town- 
ship is Lippincott's Hill, on the farm of William and 
Thomas Zane, where a Coast Survey station was es- 
tablished. This is in latitude 39° 45', and longitude 
74° 1'. From this point the high land between Rac- 
coon and Oldman's Creeks descends gradually to- 
wards the Delaware River, and slopes each way to- 
wards those creeks. Water-sheds also pass through 
the township in a northwesterly and southeasterly 
direction, between Raccoon and Timber Creeks, and 
between the last and Purgey Creek. The surface of 
the township is not, however, what may be called un- 
even, but gently sloping from these heights to the 
streams that pass between them. 

Roads. — The principal highway through the town- 
ship is the Salem and Gloucester turnpike, which is 
elsewhere spoken of. Another important highway is 
the Bridgeport and Mullica Hill road, having its ter- 
mini as indicated by its name. What is known as 
the Old Ferry road is said to have been constructed 
by the British for military purposes. It extends from 
Battentown, near Swedesboro, northwesterly to the 
Delaware River. Beside these, many other roads, 
that are not important as thoroughfares, traverse and 
ramify in the township in various directions. 



The principal avenue of travel and transportation 
to and from this township is the Swedesboro Railroad, 
which was inaugurated in 1869. Among the citizens 
of Woolwich who were active in establishing this road 
were the late J. S. Thompson and Samuel Black. 
Others did much to aid the enterprise, but these gen- 
tlemen were particularly active. An extension of 
this road to Salem was put in operation early in 1883. 

The following notes concerning the construction of 
the bridge over Raccoon Creek, at Swedesboro, were 
found among the papers of the late J. S. Thomp- 
son: 

Elijah Bowen, C. C. Streeter, James Jessup, and 
Charles F. Black were appointed, Aug. 30, 1828, to 
repair or rebuild the bridge in such a manner as they 
might deem proper. 

Dec. 27, 1828, they reported that it was necessary 
to rebuild ; and on the 29th of September, 1829, they 
reported that they had commenced the construction 
of the bridge on the truss principle. 

Dec. 26, 1829, they reported that the bridge was 
completed, and that the cost was two thousand and 
sixty-one dollars and twenty cents. 

Amos Campbell was the contractor, and Miles Gar- 
rison and Samuel Shivler worked for him. 

Soil and Agriculture. — The soil of Woolwich, like 
that of the other townships in its vicinity, is sandy, 
and is only productive by the free use of manures and 
fertilizers. What is known as raising " truck" is the 
principal business of the farmers here, and the facili- 
ties for transportation to Philadelphia and New York 
are such as to make this business profitable, as is evi- 
dent from the well-improved farms that are every- 
where to be seen. 

Industries, — Beyond supplying the immediate 
wants of the people here, manufactories have never 
existed in the township to any considerable extent. 
With the decadence of domestic mauufactures the 
wants that were formerly thus provided for have come 
to be supplied from elsewhere. 

Old Families. — So long a time has elapsed since 
the settlement of this township that it is not possible 
now to learn where the original settlers located, and 
the names of many are now forgotten. The following 
are some of the names of old families that are still 
represented here by descendants : 

The Van der Weers, the Homans (from whom have 
descended the Ashcrafts), the Battens, Blacks, Pier- 
sons, Warringtons, Davidsons, Haines, Clarks, Ru- 
lons. Turners, Bradshaws, Van Neamans, Kirbys, 
Bowers, Gills, Mitchells, Gaskills, Madaras, Browns, 
Heritages, Ogdens, Hendricksons, Davises, Talmans, 
Gruffs, Justissens (now Justice), Fawcetts, Garrisons, 
Estlicks, Locks, Dennys, and many others whose 
names cannot be learned. 

Old Documents. — The originals of these are in the 
possession of T. D. Clark. They were found, with 
many others, when the old Swedesboro Hotel was 
taken down. 




'/)TM:o^ (IcomJ^ 



TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 



297 



"April ye 7*^1730. Rec'd of Gunner orchard and Dav^ vaneman, 
overseers of the poor for ye township of Greenwich, seven shillings and 
sixpence, in fnll, for my fees as Clark, Due for attending a court of pri- 
vate sessions, etc. 

"IsAT Reed, 
"John Ladd. 
"The above sum is on acct of ye Poor." 

"Received, March 7th, 1787, of Andrew Matson, Executor of John 
Holton (deceaBed), Three DoUare for crying a vendue. 
"Witness my hand. 

"John Smith." 

"Received, March 7th, 1787, of Andrew Matson, Executor of John 
Holton (deceased), Two Dollars for Clarkiug at a vendue. 
" Witness my hand . 

"John Artuue." 

" Received, August 18th, 1787, of Andrew Matson, Executor to the 
Estate of John Holton, nine shillings, In full. 

"Robert Brown." 

"January the loth, 1795. Theu Rec'd of Andrew Matson, Adminis- 
trator To the Estate of William Price, Decas'', the sum of Three Pounds 
in full, for Said Deceased's Cofing. I Say Rec'd by me, 

"Benjo Raubo." 

"Gloucester 5s. To the Constable of Greenwich County: Summon 
Israel Archer to Appear before me, the Subscriber Hereof, on the 29th 
Day of December Instant, by 10 of the Clock in the forenoon, at the 
House of Samuel Chester, to answer Jacob Spicer & Edith Sherwin, 
Exts. of James Sherwin, Dec^, of A plea in Debt, under five pounds. 

" Witness My Hand, December 10^"', 1758. 

"Tho8 Denny." 

"Febi-uary the 20'h, 1788. Then Received of James Russell, Collector, 
the sum of five pounds seventeen shillings And sixpence. By me, 

"Samuel Cooper, overseer of sd Roads." 

Political and Civil. — The township of Woolwich 
was constituted in 1767 by a royal charter, of which 
the following is a copy : 

"GEORGE THE THIRD, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, 
France, and Ireland King, defender of the faith, &c., To all to whom 
these presents shall come, greeting : Whereas, Divers of our loving sub- 
jects inhabiting within the Townsliip of Greenwich, in our County of 
Gloucester, in our Province of New Jersey, by their Petition to our 
trusty and well-beloved William Franklin, Esq., our Captain -General 
and Governor-in-Chief in and over our ad Province, have set forth tbat, 
by reason of the great extent of the said Township, they are subjected 
to many lacouveuiences, and have prayed that a Division of the same 
may be made, according to the Boundaries, to their Petition annexed. 
Now know ye tbat we, of our special Grace, certain knowledge, and 
meer motion, have given and granted, and by these presents, lor ns, our 
Heirs and Successors, do give and grant unto our loving subjects in- 
habiting the lower part of our said Township of Greenwich, and divided 
from the upper part thereof by the following line, to wit: Beginning 
at the mouth of a creek known by the name of Homan's Creek, and so 
up the said Creek, the several courses thereof, to tlie mouth of a certiiin 
Branch, lying on the west side of the said Creek, a little above William 
Harrison's saw-mill; thence the several courses thereof to its Head; 
thence a direct course to the northernmost corner of Robert Zane, Sen's 
Plantation; then down the division line between the said Robert Zane, 
Senior, and John MuUica's Plantation to Raccoon Creek ; thence up the 
several courses of the said Creek to the Head thereof; thence in a direct 
line parallel to the line which divides the Countys of Gloucester and 
Salem, until it meets the line of Egg Harbor Township ; to be and re- 
main a perpetual Township and community, in word and deed, to be 
called and known by the name of the Township of Woolwich. And we 
do grant to the said Inhabitants of the said Township of Woolwich, 
and their Successors, to choose, annually, Freeholders, Surveyoi-s and 
Ovei^eers of the Highways, Assessors, Collector, Constables, and other 
necessary officers for the said Township, agreeable to the laws of our 
said Province of New Jersey, and to have, hold, and enjoy all other 
Privileges, Rights, Liberties, and Immunities that any other Township 
in our said County doth, or may of right, enjoy. And the said inhabi- 
tants are hereby constituted and appointed a Township by the name 
aforesaid. To Have, Hold, and Enjoy the Privileges aforesaid to them 
jjind their successors forever. In TtSTiMONY whereof we have caused 



the Great Seal of our said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness our 
trusty and well-beloved William Franklin, Esquire, Captain-General 
and Goveruor-in-Chief in and over our said Pruvince of New Jersey, 
and Territories thereon depending in America, Chancellor and Vice-Ad- 
miral in the same, &c., at our City of Burlington, the seventh day of 
March, in the seventh year of Reign, Anno Dominie, 1767." 

Logan was set off in 1877. The township has now 
three road districts and five school districts. In these 
last the houses are generally in a good condition, and 
schools are well sustained. The population of the 
township was in 1850, 3265 ; 1860, 3478; 1870, 3760 ; 
1880, 1974. 

No records can be found of an earlier date than 
1844. Since 1843 the fallowing officers have served 
the township : 

TOWN CLERKS. 



18i4-46, James England. 

1846. James S. Baker. 

1847. James England. 
1848^9. E. B. Madara. 
1851. Clover H. Woodworth. 
1852-62. Charles S. Knisell. 



1866. I. S. Stratton. 
1867-69. Thompson H. Clark. 
1870-76. A. R. Talman. 
1877-78. J. Frank Farrel. 
1879-80. Azariah Stratton. 
1881-82. William H. McCullough. 



lS44r^5. John B. Hilyard. 
1846-49. Matthew C. Gill. 
1851-62. James C. Kirby. 
1853. Matthew C. Gill. 
1854r-56. John W. Avis. 
1857-59. E. B. Madara. 
1860-62. James England. 



1844. Joseph R. Weatherby 
1845-48. Casper Wirsham. 
1849-50. James S. Barber. 
1852-53. James G. Madara. 
1854. Benjamin Salisbury. 
1855-56. Solomon Davis. 
1857. William D. Kille. 



ASSESSORS. 

I 1866-68. James Sweeten. 

1869-70. Benjamin F. McAllister. 

1871-74. Benjamin F. McCallister. 

1875. H. B.Wright. 
I 1876-80. Samuel Avis. 

1881-82. Daniel Lippincott. 
1 



COLLECTORS. 

1858-60. 
1861-62. 
1866. Aa 
1867-71. 
1872-76. 
1875. B. 
1876-82. 



Anthony A. Jordan. 
Franklin S. Beckett, 
a Mattson. 
Henry C. Garrison. 
Valentine Reynolds. 
F. McCallister. 
Henry C. Garrison. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 



1767-68. Jacob Spicer. 

1769. Matthew Gill. 
Jacob Spicer. 

1770. Matthew Gill. 
Samuel Hews. 

1771. Jacob Spicer. 
Matthew Gill. 

1772. Jacob Spicer. 
Matthew Gill. 

1773. Jacob Spicer. 
Matthew Gfll. 

1774. Jacob Spicer. 
Constantine Wilkins. 

1775. Jacob Spicer. 
Constantine Wilkins. 

1777. Constantine Wilkins. 

1778. Matthew Gill. 
John Killey. 

1779. Matthew Gill. 
John Killey. 

1780. Felix Fislar. 
Henry Shute. 

1781. Felix Fislar. 
Henry Shute. 

1782. Felix Fisler. 
Henry Shute. 

1783. William Zane. 
John Kelley. 

1784. William Zane. 
John Keth. 



1786. John Kille. 
George Vanleer. 

1787. John Kelly. 
George Vanleer. 

1788. John Kelly. 
George Vanleer. 

1789. John Kelly. 
George Vanleer. 

1790. John Kelly. 
George Vanleer. 

1791. Samuel Tonkins. 
Henry Shute. 

1792. Samuel Tonkins. 
Henry Shute. 

1793. Samuel Tompkins. 
Henry Shute. 

1794. Samuel Tompkins. 
Henry Shute. 

1795. Samuel Tompkins. 
Henry Shute. 

1796. Samuel Tompkins. 
Henry Shute. 

1798. James Stratton. 

Enoch Allen. 

James Stratton. 

Enoch Allen. 

James Stratton. 

Enoch Allen. 
1801. James Stratton. 

Enoch Allen. 



1799. 



1800. 



298 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



1802. 


James Stratton. 




Enoch Allen. 


18U3. 


Thomiis Chirk. 




Samuel Cooper. 


1804. 


James Stratton, 




Enoch Allen. 


1805. 


James Stratton. 




Thomas Clark, Jr. 


1800, 


James Stratton. 




Thomas Clark, Jr. 


1807. 


James Stratton. 




William Mulfoid. 


1808. 


William Mulford. 




John Gill. 


1809. 


William Mulford. 




John Gill. 


1810. 


William Mulford. 




John Gill. 


1811. 


William Mulford. 




John Gill. 


1812. 


William Mulford. 




John Gill. 


1813. 


William Mulford. 




John Gill. 


1814. 


John Gill. 




Josiah Bloore, Esq. 


1815. 


John Gill, 




Josiah Moore, 


181C. 


John Gill. 




Josiah Moore. 


1817. 


John Gill. 




Williiun Mulford. 


1818. 


Josiah Moore. 




Joseph Batten. 


1819 


Josoljh Batten. 




John Pierson. 


1820 


Joseph Batten. 




John Gill. 


1821 


Josiah Moore. 




John Gill. 


1822 


Josiah Moore, 




John Gill. 


1823 


Elijah Bower. 




Josiah Moore. 


1824 


Elijah Bower. 




John Ziern. 


1825 


Elijah Bower. 




John Ziern. 


1826 


Elijah Bower. 




Enoch Allen, Jr. 


1827 


Elijah Bower. 




John Kille. 


1828 


Elijah Bower. 




Charles E. Stratton. 


1829 


Elijah Bower. 




Charles C. Stratton. 


1830 


Elijah Bowers. 




Charles C, Stratton, 


18:il 


Elijah Bower. 




Charles C. Stratton. 


1832 


. Elijah Bower. 




Charles C. Stratton. 


1833 


. Elijah Bower. 




Charles 0. Stratton. 


1834 


. Elijah Bower. 




Charles C. Stratton. 


1835 


. Elijah Bowers. 




Charles C. Stratton. 


1836 


. Elijah Bowel-s. 




Charles 0. Stratton 


1837 


. Elijiih Bowers. 




William R. Cooper. 


1836 


. Elijah Bowers. 




William E. Cooper. 


183E 


. Stacy Hazleton. 




Thomas S. Dyer, 


184t 


. Stacy Hazleton. 



1840. Thomas S. Dyer. 

1841. Stacy Hazleton. 
Thomas S. Dyer. 

1842. Joseph Jessiip. 
Edmund F. Garrison. 

1843. Joseph Jessnp. 
Charles Elkinton. 

184-t. Jacob Featherer. 
John Pierson. 

1845. John Pierson. 
Jacob Featherer. 

1846. John Pierson. 
Jacob Featherer. 

1847. John Pierson. 
Charles Elkinton. 

1848. John Pierson. 
Charles Elkinton. 

1849. John B. Hilyard. 
Richard F. Springer. 

1861. Samuel Black, Jr. 

Richard F. Springer. 

1852. Martin W. Rulon. 
Peter F. Xocke. 

1853. James S. Barber. 
Peter F. Locke. 

1854. Peter F. Locke. 
Martin W. Rulou. 

1855. Martin W. Rulon. 
Benjamin Smith. 

1856. John Pierson. 
Benjamin Smith. 

1857. John Pierson. 
Benjamin Smith. 

1858. John Pierson. 
John Burk. 

1859. John Piereon. 
John Burk. 

18G0. John Burk. 
John Pierson. 

1861. John K. Clark. 
John Burk. 

1862. Benjamin Shoemaker. 
John K. Clark. 

1866. Jacob J. Hendiickson. 
John A. Featherer. 

1867. Jacob J. Hendrickson. 
John A. Featheier. 

1868. Jacob J. Hendrickson. 
Peter Beckett. 

1869. George T. Ford. 
"William K. West. 

1870. Peter Becket. 
George T. Ford. 

1871. George T. Ford. 
Peter Beckett. 

1872. Peter Beckett. 
John Pierson. 

1873. John Pierson. 
Benjamin Shoemaker. 

1874. John Pierson. 
Benjamin Shoemaker. 

1875. John Pierson. 
Benjamin Shoemaker. 

1876. John Piei-son. 
William K. West. 

1877. John Pieraon. 
Joseph F. Heritage. 

1878. John Pierson. 
Joseph F. Heritage. 

1879. John Pierson. 
Joseph F. Heritage. 

1880. John Pierson. 
Joseph F. Heritage. 

1881. John Pierson. 
Joseph F. Heritage. 

i 1882. John Pierson. 

Joseph F. Heritage. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEES. 
1844.— William Kesser, Samuel Black, Jr., Parnell H. Reynear, George 

Batten, Vanroom Robbine. 
1845.— John P. Sheets, John Pierson, Samuel Black, Jr., Parnell H. Rey- 
nenr, James England. 

1846.— John P. Sheets, John Pierson, Samuel Black, Jr., Parnell H. Rey- 
near, James S. Barber. 

1847.— John Pierson, Samuel Black, Jr., Parnell H. Reynear, John P. 
Sheets, James England. 

1848.— Edward B. Madara, Caleb Kirby, John Pierson, John P. Sheets, 
William D. White. 

1849.— Edward B. Madara, Caleb Kirby, John P. Sheets, John Pierson, 
William D. White. 

1851.— Asher Bowers, Benjamin F. Batten, John P. Sheets, Peter Beckett, 
Edward B. Madara. 

1852.— Alexander Black, John Ashcraft, Peter Beckett, Aquilla Barber, 
William Keyser. 

1853.— Samuel W. Cooper, John Pierson, ThomftS Gasfcill, Alexander 
Black, William Keyder. 

1854.— Samuel W. Cooper, Thomas Gaakill. John Pierson, Charles S. 
Kuisell, Thomas B. Hewes. 

1855.— Samuel W. Cooper, Thomas Gaskill, John Pierson, Charles S. 
Knisell, Thomas B. Haines. 

1856.- Caleb Kirby, Aaron Hurff, Richard F. Springer, Charles S. Kni- 
sell, John Piei-son. 

1857.— Caleb Kirby, Aaron Hurff, Richard F. Springer, C. S. Knisell, 
John Pierson. 

1858.— Charles S. Knisell, John Pierson, Richard F. Springer, Caleb 
Kirby, Josiah B. Beckett. 

1859.~Charles Knisell, John Pierson, Richard F. Springer, Caleb Kirby, 
Josiah B. Beckett. 

I860.— Richard F. Springer, Caleb Kirby, Josiah B. Beckett, Isaiah 
Mayhew, John K. Clark. 

1861.— Richard F. Springer, Caleb Kirby, Josiah B. Beckett, Isaiah May- 
hew, John K, Clark. 

1862.— Richard F. Springer, Caleb Kirby, Josiah B. Beckett, Isaiah May- 
hew, John K. Clark. 

1863.— Richard F. Springer, Josiah B. Beckett, Isaiah Mayhew, John K. 
Clark, Caleb Kirby. 

1864.— John K. Clark, Isaiah Mayhew, William N. Featherer, Thomas 
F. Gaskill, J. B. Beckett. 

1865.— Caleb Kirby, Thomas F. Gaskill, George Avis, Samuel Black, 
Isaac Vanneman. 

1866.— Samuel Black, Thomas F. Gaskill. George Avis, Isaac H. Vanne- 
man, Caleb Kirby. 

1867.— Samuel Black, Thomas F. Gaskill, George Avis, Isaac H. Vanne- 
man, Caleb Kirby. 

1868.— Samuel Black, Isaac H. Vanneman, Caleb Kirby, George Avis, 
Franklin S. Beckett. 

1869. — Caleb Kirby, Isaac H. Vanneman, George S. Turner, Franklin S. 
Beckett, Samuel Black. 

1870.— Caleb Kirby, Franklin S. Beckett, Samuel Black, William W. 
Batten, George S. Turner. 

1871.— Caleb Kirhy, Frank S. Beckett, George S. Turner, William W. 
Batten, John B. Batten. 

1872.— Caleb Kirby, Frank S. Beckett, Edmund Pidgeon, John B. Bat- 
ten, William W. Batten. 

1873.— Caleh Kirby, John Batten, Edmund Pidgeon, Isaiah Mayhew, 
John Jones. 

1874,— Caleb Kirby, John Jones, William Ford, Thomas H. Black, Wil- 
liam String. 

1875._Ciileb Kirby, John Jone.s, William Ford, Thomas H. Black, Wil- 
liam String. 

1876.— Caleb Kirby, William Ford, John Jones, William String, Thomas 

H. Black. 
1877.— William String, William Ford, Andrew Hendrickson, John B. 

Batten, Charies P. Batten. 
1878.— Charles P. Batten, William Oliphant, William Ford, John B. 

Batten, Henry B. Hendrickson. 
1879.— John B. Batten, Charles P. Batten, William Oliphant. 
1880.— Charles P. Batten, John B. B<itten, William Oliphant. 
1881.— John B. Batten, Charles P. Batten, William Oliphant. 
1882.— John B. Batten, Charles P. Batten, William Oliphant. 

SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS. 

184i. Charles Elkinton. I 1845. Charies Elkinton. 

Tayior Haines. I Taylor Haines. .i/ 



TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 



299 



1S46. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1:^50. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1866. 

lS4i. 

1845. 

1846. 

1847. 

1848. 

1849. 

1851. 

1852. 

1860. 

1854. 

1855. 

1856. 
' 1857. 

1S58. 
! 1859. 

1S60. 

1861. 



Clmrles Elkinton. 
Taylor Haines. 
Taylor Haiiie8. 
Cbarles Elkinton. 
Taylor Haines. 
William C. Champion. 
Taylor Haines. 
Benjamin M. Richardson. 
Benjamin Bowers. 
Robert Stretch. 
Benjamin Bowers, 
Robert Stretch. 
Thomas Wolf. 
Benjamin Bowers. 
Thomas Wolf. 
Richard F. Springer. 
Richard E. Springer. 
Thomas Wolf. 
John Buck. 
John K. Clark. 
John Buck. 
John K. Clark. 
John Buck. 
John K. Clark. 
John K. Clark. 
John B. Gray. 
John K. Clark. 
John B. Gray. 
John B. Gray. 
Simeon Warrington. 
Simeon Warrington. 
John B. Gray. 
Simeon Warrington. 

OVERSEERS 
John B. Hilyard. 
Joseph R. Weatherhy. 
John B. Hilyard. 
Casper Wirsham. 
Matthew C. Gill. 
Casper Wirsham. 
Matthew C.Gill. 
Casper Wirsham. 
Matthew C. Gill. 
Casper Wirsham. 
Matthew C.Gill. 
James S. Barber. 
James C. Kirby, 
James Barber. 
James C. Kirby. 
George Fries. 
Matthew C. Gill. 
James G. Madara. 
John W. Avia. 
Richard Salisbury. 
Job n W. Avis. 
Solomon Davis. 
John W. Avis. 
James C. Kirby. 
Edward B, Madara. 
William D. Kille. 
Edward B. Madara. 
Anthony A. Jordan. 
Edward B. Madara. 
Anthony A. Jordan. 
James England. 
Anthony A. Jordan. 
James England. 



1866. 
1867. 

1868. 

1869. 

1870. 

1871. 

1S72. 

1S73. 

1874. 

1875. 

1876. 

1877. 

1878. 

1879. 

1880. 

1881. 

1882. 



Zebulon Batten. 
Simeon Warrington, 
Zebulou Batten. 
William Featherer. 
Zebnlon Batten. 
William Featherer, 
Zebnlon Batten. 
Zebulon Batten. 
John B, Gray. 
Thomas G. Batten. 
John B. Gray. 
Thomas G. Batten. 
John B. Gray, 
Thomas G. Batten. 
John B. Gray. 
Thomas G. Batten. 
John B. Gray. 
Thomas G. Batten. 
John B. Gray. 
Thomas G. Batten-. 
John B Gray. 
William Olipbant. 
Lawrence Lock. 
William Olipbant. 
Lawrence Lock. 
William Oliphant. 
Lawrence Lock. 
William Olipbant. 
Lawrence Lock. 
William Oliphant. 
Lawrence Lock. 
Lawrence Lock. 
William Oliphant. 



1852-53. Jacob Howey. 

1854. James C. Kerby, 

1855. Samuel D. Dyer. 

1856. Thomas Beeves, M.D. 



I 1857-58. John L.Grant. 
I 1859. Winslow Jackson, M.D. 
I 1860-62. Samuel A. Groff. 
I 1866-67. L. F. Halsey. 



OF THE POOR. 

1861. Franklin S. Beckett. 

1862. James England. 
Franklin S. Beckett. 

1866. Asa Mattson. 
James Sweeten. 

1867. James Sweeten. 
Henry C. Garrison. 

1868. James Sweeten. 

■ Henry C. Garrison. 
1869; Benjamin T. McAllister. 
Henry C. Garrison. 

1870. Henry 0. Garrison. 
Benjamin F. McColIester. 

1871. Benjamin F. McCoUester. 
Henry C. Garrison. 

1872. Benjamin F. McColIester. 
Valentine Reynolds. 

1S73. Benjamin F. McColIester. 
Valentine Reynolds. 

1874. Benjamin P. McColIester. 
Valentine Reynolds. 

1875. Henry C. Garrison. 
H. B. Bright, 

1876. Henry C. Garrison. 
F. C. Myers. 

1877. Henry Gairison. 
Samuel Avis. 

1878. Henry C. Garrison. 
Samnel Avis. 

1879. Samuel Avis. 
Henry C. Garrison. 

1880. Henry C. Garrison. 



SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS. 



1844. Daniel C. Ogden. 
Samuel N. Cooper. 
Vauroom Robbins. 

1845. Daniel C. Ogden. 
Jacob Howey. 
Samuel N. Cooper. 



1846. Daniel C. Ogden. 
Jacob Howey. 
Martin N. Rulon, 

1847. John B. Hilyard (town super- 

intendent), 
1848-51. Edward B. Boggs. 



CONSTABLES. 



1844- 
1848. 
1849. 
1851- 
1853- 
1855- 
1859- 
1866- 
1869. 
1870. 

1871. 



■47. Solomon Davis. 

William F. Pullinger. 

Israel Elbertson. 
■52. John C. Shivlcr. 
■54. Charles J. Shivers. 
■58. John C. Shivler. 
■62. Solomon Davis. 
■68. J. Harvey Ashton. 

Henry C. Garrison. 

Henry C. Garrison. 

Alfred Jones. 

Henry C. Garrison. 



1871. 


Alfred Jones. 


1872. 


Valentine Reynolds. 




Alfred Jones. 


1873. 


Valentine Reynolds. 




Peter Carey. 


1874. 


Valentine Reynolds. 




Peter Carey. 


1875. 


Henry C. Garrison. 




Joseph Cahala. 


1876 


Henry C. Garrison. 




Peter Carey. 


1877-82. Henry C. Garrison 



ISol. Caleb Roof. 

1858. JoliD P. Sheets. 

1859. Charles Holton. 

1860. Charles P. Shivers 
Ephraim Waters. 

1867. John Ford. 
Joel Locke. 

1868. .Tohn P. Sheets, Sr. 
1870. Ephraim Waters. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1870. John F. Truitt. 

1872. John Ford. 
I Joel Locke. 

1873. John Sheets. 
1877. John Ford. 

j 1880. Charles P. Shivers. 
t Ephraim Waters. 

1882. John Ford. 



Woolwich in the War of the Rebellion.— The in- 
habitants of the township of Woolwich distinguished 
themselves during the late civil war by their patri- 
otism and activity in promoting enlistments, and fur- 
nishing supplies and comforts for the men in the field. 
The patriotic ladies of the township did their full 
share of this work, by organizing societies for that 
purpose, and holding festivals, fairs, etc., to raise 
funds for providing the soldiers in the field with those 
comforts and delicacies which the government, with- 
out their co-operation, could not furnish ; and many 
a poor suffering soldier had reason to bless his un- 
known benefactresses in Woolwich for comforts which 
he never would have received but for them. 

The township expended large amounts to promote 
the enlistment of volunteers and keep its quota under 
the different calls filled. 

At a town-meeting held in December, 1863, it was 
determined that a township bounty of three hundred 
dollars should be paid to each volunteer, and that 
the township committee should be authorized to re- 
ceive loans and execute promissory notes for the sums 
loaned. In this way upwards of twenty-two thou- 
sand dollars was raised in a short time. 

At a meeting in March, 1864, a bounty of three 
hundred and fifty dollars per man was authorized; 
and it was resolved to pay one-fourth of the township 
debt during that year. 

At a meeting in August of that year five hundred 
dollars bounty — two hundred and fifty dollars in cash 
and a township note of two hundred and fifty dollars, 
payable in one year — was authorized for each volun- 
teer. It was also resolved that a per capita contribu- 
tion of thirty dollars from each enrolled person be 
asked, and if not paid no benefit in case of draft was 
to be received by the delinquent. 



300 



HISTOEY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



At a meeting in January, 1885, the bounty was in- 
creased to six hundred dollars, one-half in cash, and 
the balance a township note for one year. 

It is worthy of note, and it is a source of laudable 
pride to the citizens of this township, that the whole 
of the large indebtedness incurred during the war 
was discharged within a few years after its termina- 
tion. 

VILLAGKS AND HAMLETS. 

Swedesboro, the principal town of Woolwich town- 
ship, was one of the earliest settlements in the county 
of Gloucester. It was, as its name implies, settled by 
the Swedes, probably about the year 1638. Batten- 
town, which was formerly a separate town, is now a 
continuation of Swedesboro. 

The town is at the head of sloop navigation on 
Raccoon Creek, about twelve miles, by the tortuous 
course of that creek, from the Delaware River. 
Until the railroad to this place was completed all 
the commerce of the town was carried on, by means 
of light vessels, through this creek and the Delaware 
River. Wood was, in former times, the chief article 
of export, and this was shipped in large quantities 
from this point. Vessels were formerly built and 
launched here, but since the establishment of the 
era of railroads water-carriage here has declined. 
Formerly from five to twelve vessels were frequently 
seen at the wharf here, but now sailing-vessels are 
rarely seen. Barges, towed by tug-boats, are used 
in their stead for the carriage of the garden truck 
which is largely produced in this vicinity, and for 
bringing the manure which is extensively used on 
the land. There are now but three people living 
here who were residents of the town in 1810, and 
only fourteen who were here in 1830. 

According to the memory of John Pierson, who 
was then a boy, the following houses stood in Batten- 
town and Swedesboro in 1810 : 

An old frame house, owned by David Gordon, a 
shoemaker, stood where the house now owned by 
Lewis Batten is. 

Next, the house of Joseph Ogden, a tanner, whose 
tannery was near his residence. The house has been 
remodeled, and is now owned by his grandson, Clark- 
son Ogden. 

The brick house now owned and occupied by Wil- 
liam Welch was built previous to the Revolution, 
and was owned by a Dr. Otto, who was a Revolu- 
tionary officer. It is said that the woodwork of this 
house was burned by the British. It is also said that 
a British force encamped one night in a field where 
the house of Mr. Charles Decker now stands. In 
1810 Mr. Welch's house was owned by Dr. Hoover. 

Next stood a large house of cedar logs, on the oppo- 
site side of the street, ou land now owned by Isaiah 
Mayhew. It was taken down a few years since. 

The house owned by Mayhew, and now occupied 
by John Leap, was then owned by Enoch Gabb. It 
has not been greatly changed. 



William Madara owned the house where his son, 
Harminius K. Madara, now resides. Additions have 
been made to it. 

William Denny, a cabinet-maker, owned and occu- 
pied a house where the residence of Karl Robbins, 
owned by Mrs. Black, now is. 

Next was a cedar-log house (now weather-boarded) 
owned by Andrew Hendrickson, a wheelwright. It 
is now owned by Mrs. Restore Turner. 

Between the last two mentioned John Pierson, Sr., 
had a blacksmith-shop, which was burned in 1812. 

On the opposite side of the street stood a large log 
house, owned and occupied by John Pierson, the 
father of John Pierson who gives the information 
on which this sketch is based, and who was born in 
this house in 1805. Near this house a brick black- 
smithshop was built in 1812, after the other was 
burned. The house stood till 1833, when it was taken 
down by the present John Pierson. .John David- 
son's residence stands on the site of this old house. 
The shop was taken down by Mr. Davidson a few 
years since. 

Next, on the southeast side of the street, stood the 
tavern of Rebecca Harker, now owned by Vanneman 
brothers, and occupied by William Norcross. 

Next, on the same side of the street, stood a small 
house now belonging to the estate of Hester Wistell. 

In Swedesboro, commencing at the upper end of 
the town, and taking the houses in succession on the 
northwest side of the street, the first was a small 
framed house owned by Robert Oldcraft, now the 
residence of Mrs. Hannah Black. 

Next was the hotel of John Logan, where now 
stands Plummer's hotel. The old building was taken 
down to make place for the present establishment, 
which was built by Mr. Plummer in 1847. 

Next was a small hatter's shop, owned by Richard 
Tittermary. John Moore's house stands on the old 
site of this shop. 

Aquila Barber's house was next. It is now the 
residence of Dr. Luther F. Halsey. It has been en- 
larged. The tailor's shop of Mr. Barber stood near 
the house. 

About 1810 Abner Batten built, for a hotel, the 
house on the corner of Main Street and Railroad 
Avenue, now owned by Isaac H. Vanneman. The 
front of this house has not been remodeled. It 
ceased to be kept as a tavern forty years since. 

A small framed bouse stood on the present site of 
Aaron Hurff's house. The original building was 
made the rear of the present structure, 

Next was the large framed house of Dr. Loomis, 
now owned by Mrs. Mary Clark. A story was added 
to this house by the late E. F. Garrison. 

Next to and adjoining this was the stone house of 
Robert Brown, a wealthy citizen. It is now owned 
and occupied by Dr. John F. Musgrave. This, in 
the time of the Revolution, was occupied by Col. 
Brown of the Revolutionnry army ; and when a Brit- 



TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 



301 



ish force passed through the town his furniture was 
taken out and burned in front of the house. It was 
related by his daughter, the late Mrs. Catharine 
Strong, that the soldiers found in the chamber a 
litter of kittens, and that they brought them down 
impaled on their bayonets. 

John Vandyke owned and occupied the house 
which is now the property of William H. Hanold. 
A cabinet and undertaker's shop stood near this 
house, and it is noteworthy that it still stands there, 
having ever since been used for the same purpose. 

A brick house stood next, owned by Mrs. Rachel 
Harrison. About twenty-five years since it was re- 
modeled and rough-cast, and a framed addition was 
erected. It is now owned by George Meley. 

Next came the memorable old stone building known 
as the Swedesboro Hotel. In 1810 it was called the 
George Washington Hotel; and over its sign swung a 
life-size figure of the " Father of his Country," painted 
by a distinguished artist of Philadelphia, at a large 
expense. This house was taken down and rebuilt in 
1875 by George Ford, the present owner and keeper. 
In a cavity in one of the walls of this house the dried 
remains of a turkey were found. The bird had evi- 
dently been "walled in" when the house was erected; 
probably by reason of some ancient Swedish super- 
stition. 

John Vandyke owned the next building, which 
was occupied by his son, Thomas. The front was a 
store, and the rear was a dwelling. The wheelwright- 
shop of Mr. Vandyke stood in the rear of this build- 
ing. The shop has been removed, and the house is 
owned and occupied by Mrs. Gibson and sons, as a 
store and dwelling 

Nest was a one-story log house, also owned by 
John Vandyke, and occupied by his son-in-law, Wil- 
liam Hulings. A blacksmith-shop stood in front of 
this house. This is now the residence of John Pier- 
son, and the old log house is the kitchen, etc., of Mr. 
Pierson's residence. The shop was torn down by him 
in 1852. 

The old stone school-house, that was taken down in 
1812, stood on the line of the street next. 

The large framed house now owned and occupied by 
Isaac S. Stratton was then the property of Robert 
Tittermary. Some additions have been made to the 
rear of this building. 

Then came Trinity Church, the front of which has 
not been changed. 

Returning to the upper end of the town, on the 
opposite side of the street stood the brick house of 
Dr. Ercurius Fithian, afterwards the residence of Dr. 
Charles Garrison, and now owned by J. C. Rulon. 

An old one-story framed store stood on the corner 
of Main and Mill Streets, on the present site of H. C. 
Garrison's store and hall. 

A small framed house, now a part of the residence 
of Mr. Wolf, the marble-cutter, stood next. It was 
then owned by Mr. Keen. 



About this time the brick houses now owned, one 
by Mrs. Harriet Gaskill, and the other by Edward C. 
Talman were erected, the first by Samuel Dyer, and 
the other by William Harrison, Esq. The fronts of 
these have been but little changed. 

Next, where Hall's brick buildings now stand, were 
the stables and sheds of the old Swedesboro Hotel. 
These remained till 1875, and were considered during 
many years a nuisance. 

A large framed house, known as the Fisler prop- 
erty, stood directly opposite to Mr. Pierson's present 
residence. It is now owned by Samuel A. GroflF. 

The house of C. P. Shivers, Esq., was then owned 
by Joseph James. Attached to it was a cooper's shop, 
built of logs. 

Next was a log house owned by Phebe Keen, and 
used as a cake and beer saloon. It was taken down 
some years since. 

Next came a framed house, then owned by William 
Vanleer, now the property of C. P. Shivers, Esq. 

The old Episcopal parsonage, a log building that 
was erected in 1764, stood on the site of the present 
rectory. It was built of cedar logs, and afterwards 
weather-boarded, giving it an appearance not difier- 
ent from that of an ordinary framed house. It was, 
on the 20th of March, 1765, occupied by Rev. John 
Wicksell, a missionary, who had been sent here by 
the Swedish government in 1760. In 1842 a part of 
this building was moved a short distance up the 
street, where it is now owned by Mrs. Rebecca Clem- 
ent. 

A large brick house with a stone kitchen, owned 
and occupied by Daniel England, stood where now is 
the residence of Henry Mitchell, Jr. The old house 
was torn down, and the present one erected, in part, 
from the materials taken from it. 

A large brick building near the creek, built about 
1784 by David Harker, was then used by him as a 
store and dwelling. It is now the residence of Restore 
Adams. 

Across the creek stood the large brick mansion built 
by the late Dr. Stratton ; afterwards the residence of 
Governor Charles Stratton, and now owned by the 
heirs of James D. Gibbs, late of Philadelphia. 

On Church Street was the house now owned by 
Mary Batten. 

Then came two houses owned by Dr. Hoover, one 
of which, where Isaac Stratton's house now stands, 
has been taken down ; the other is owned by Aaron 
Hurfi-. 

Next was a large framed house then owned by John 
Denny, now by Dr. Garrison. 

Opposite to this was a large framed house, owned 
by William Dyer, now the residence of John Meley. 
A small log house, owned by Thomas Brown, stood 
on the site of the Catholic parsonage. 

In 1830 Swedesboro contained sixty-four houses, 
five stores, two hotels, two shoe-shops, two tailor- 
shops, a harness-shop, a carriage-shop, a blacksmith's 



302 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



shop, a fulling-mill (now a plaster-mill), and a grist- 
mill. 

It has now four general stores, two hotels, a grocer 
and confectioner, two provision-stores, a millinery- 
store, a drug-store, a gentlemen's furnishing store, 
a shoe-store, a meat-market, a bakery, a tin-shop, 
a harness-shop, three shoe-shops, a foundry, four 
blacksmith-shops, two wagon-shops, two barbers, a 
grist-mill, and a plaster-mill. 

Cootstown and Small Gloucester are hamlets, 
mostly of colored people. 

Ground-Rents. — A large portion of the land in 
the town of Swedesboro is held under leases, or titles 
requiring the payment of annual ground-rent. In 
the history of Trinity Church is given an extract 
from a deed, showing the origin of this tenure in 
that portion of the town deeded to the church in 
1703. The following extract from a lease by Samuel 
Mickle to Thomas Wilkins shows the origin of the 
ground-rents in that portion known as Laddstown : 

" And the said Hannah Ladd, by her last will and testament in writing, 
bearing date the firth day of the tenth month, callrd October, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and nioety-two, author- 
ized and empowered her nephew, the said Samuel Mickle, one of the 
parties to these presents, to grant and lease out on ground-rent forever 
all her lots of land as laid out on said tract as by the said will, recourse 
thereunto being liad, will more at large appear, together with all and 
singular the streets, lanes, roads, ways, alleys, passages, waters, water- 
courses, lights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments, and appurtenances 
whatsoever thereunto belonging, and the reversions, remainders, rents, 
issues, and profits thereof; to have and to hold the said lot No. 24:, above 
described hereditaments and premises hereby granted or mentione(3, or 
intended so to be, with the appurtenances, unto the said Thomas Wil- 
kins, his heirs and assigns forever, yielding and paying therefor unto 
the said Samuel Mickle, his heirs and assigns, the yearly rent or sum 
of four Spanish silver milled dollars, each of them weighing seventeen 
pennyweights and six grains, on the twenty-fifth day of the thii-d 
month, called March, in every year forever hereafter, the first payment 
therefor to be made on the twenty-fifth day of the tliird month, which 
will be in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety- 
eight; and if the said yearly rent hereby reserved, or any part thereof, 
shall be behind and unpaid after the day and time in every year herein- 
before appointed for payment thereof, that then, and as often as the 
same shall be so behind and unpaid, it shall and may be lawful to and 
for the said Samuel Blickle, his heirs and assigns, or any of them, into 
and upon the said described lot of grouud hereby granted, and into the 
messuages, tenements, and buildings thereon to be erected, with the ap- 
purtenances, to enter, and distrain for the same rent and arrearages 
thereof, if any, and the distress and distresses then and there found 
and taken to lead, drive, carry away, and impound; and impounded, 
to detain and keep at the proper risque and charges of the said Thomas 
Wilkins, his heirs and assigns, for the space of five days, payment 
and satisfaction of the said rent hereby reserved, and the arrearages 
thereof, if any, he not made, then and at any time thereafter the said 
distress and distresses to expose and sell, at public auction or vendue, for 
the best price that be reasonably gotten for the same, leaving in the 
hands of Ihe Sheriff, or officer who shall aid and assist in making the 
said distress, the surplusage, if any he after the rent and arrearages and 
all charges of distress, determine, and sale are first deducted ; but if suf- 
ficient distress cannot be found and taken in and upon the hereby 
granted premises, then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said 
Samuel Mickle, his heirs and assigns or any of them, into and upon the 
said lot of giound hereby granted, and into the messuages, tenements, 
and buildings thereon to he erected, and every or any part thereof, with 
the appurtenances, wholly to re-enter and the same to have again, re- 
possess, and enjoy, and the rents, issues and profits thei'eof to receive 
and take until the yearly rent hereby reserved and all the arrearages 
thereof he fully paid and satisfied, anything hereiuhefure contained to 
the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. And the said Thomas 
"Wilkins, for hie self, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns. 



doth covenant, promise, grant, and agree to and with the said Samuel 
Mickle, his heirs, and assigns, by these presents, that he, the said 
Thomas Wilkins, his heirs or assigns, shall and will truly pay, or cause 
to he paid unto the said Samuel Mickle, his heirs or assigns, the afore- 
said yearly rent or sum of four Spanish silver milled dollars, each of 
them weighing seventeen pennyweights and six grains, on the day and 
time in every year liereinhelore appointed for payment thereof, as the 
same shall from time to time grow due and payable, and also shall and 
will at his own proper costs and charges, within the space of one year 
next ensuing the date hereof, erect, build, and completely finish one good, 
substantial, wooden frame dwelling-house, plastered, with a stone wall 
cellar under it, upon tlie premises hereby granted to of the value of one 
hundred and fifty pounds in specie at least; and the said Samuel Mickle, 
for his self, his heirs, executors, and administrators, doth covenant, 
promise, and grant to and with the said Thomas Wilkins, his heirs, and 
assigns, by these presence, that he the said Thomas Wilkins, his heirs or 
assigns, paying the said rent hereby reserved, and perrorming the cove- 
nants and agreements aforesaid, shall, or lawfully may, from time to time, 
and at all times hereafter, forever freely, peaceably, and quietly have, 
hold, occupy, possess, and enjoy the hereby granted premises, with the 
appurtenances, and receive and take the rents, issues, and profits thereof 
without any manner of let, suit, trouble, or molestation whatsoever of 
him tlie said Samuel Mickle, his heira, assigns, or of any other person 
whomsoever, by or any of their act, means, consent, printing, or pro- 
curement. 

"In witness whereof, the said parties have interchangeably set their 
hands and seals thereunto ; dated the day and year firet above writen," 

Schools. — Parochial schools were, from time to 
time, established and maintained by the Swedes. The 
first schoolmaster that is known to have taught at 

Eaccoon Creek was Brunjan, who came from 

Sweden with Rev. Jonas Ansen in 1706. 

In the time of Lidenius the elder, in 1715, Dr. 
Jesper Swedborg taught a school in this place. He 
was a brother of the celebrated Emanuel Swedenborg, 
the founder of the Swedenborgian sect, and a son of 
Archbishop Swedborg, then of Sweden. The name 
became Swedenborg when the archbishop was enno- 
bled. 

John Abraham Leidenius kept a Swedish and 
English school in Repaupo in 1715, " and the chil- 
dren," says Pastor Wicksell, in the church register, 
" were greatly profited by his teaching, especially in 
the Swedish tongue." 

Public School in Swedesboro. ^—Previous to 1771 
the people of Swedesboro (then called Raccoon) 
were without the benefits of a regularly established 
school. At that time the Rev. John Wicksell, a mis- 
sionary, who had been sent here by the Swedish gov- 
ernment, was rector of the Swedish Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church, and to him the inhabitants, in their 
anxiety for facilities to educate their children, ap- 
plied. Mr. Wicksell was a man of much learning 
and ability, and he possessed great influence with the 
members of his parish. He called a meeting of his 
wardens and vestrymen, at the parsouage, and laid 
the matter before them. There were present at that 
meeting Mr. Wicksell and Messrs. John Lock, John 
Helms, Lawrence Lock, John Derrickson, Mounce 
Keen, James Steelman, Charles Lock, and Charles 
Dalbo, The rector proposed that half an acre of 
ground, in the central part of the town, should be 



I By permission, from a manuscript history hy the late J. Thompson, 



Esq. 



TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 



303 



rented as a site for a school-house, and presented 
for their consideration a lease for the same, which 
he had drawn up. This lease set forth the kind 
of school to be established, — that it should be a 
public and free school ; that is, free for the children 
of all persons who would or could pay the tuition 
prescribed. After due deliberation and some hesi- 
tancy, "the rector, church wardens, and vestrymen of 
the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church in the 
town of Swedesboro, near Eaccoon Creek," adopted a 
resolution to establish such a school, to last for all 
time. The lease was signed by the entire board, and 
bore the date April 2, 1771. The following is the 
entry made at the time, and still to be found in the 
record of the church : " The desolate state of Edu- 
cating children in these parts having long laid at the 
heart of the present Rector, and very desirous to re- 
move ignorance, and exile darkness and barbarity, 
he now tenders to his vestry whether a lease could 
not be granted on a half-acre of ground in this bor- 
ough for the use of a public school-house, free from 
all manner of Ground Rent forever. The form of a 
lease for that purpose was drawn up by the Rector, 
and read to the present vestry, and after a due con- 
sideration and debating, it was approved of and re- 
solved to be executed." 

The first board of trustees consisted of Rev. John 
Wicksell, Thomas Denny, Esq., and Thomas Brown. 
A rule was adopted that the rector of the church 
should be ex officio, the president of the board. 

In the same year a school-house was erected on the 

lot thus leased, the same lot whereon stands the 

I present school building. This house is believed to 

I have been a very small one, built of logs, as was then 

the custom. It stood with its front on the line of the 

, street. This house was burned in 1778,' and another 

[was erected of stone, one story in height, with two 

[rooms, one on the southwest side, for a school-room, 

and another on the northeast side, for a teachers' dor- 

fmitory, with a door between them. 

The first teacher in this school of whom any knowl- 
fedge remains, was Rev. John Croes, in 1789, who 
iwas at the same time rector of the parish and teacher 
^n the school. He was assisted by one Daniel Cole- 
nan, an excellent scholar and chirographer, and a 
[ proficient in vocal music. 

A brief account of these early adventurers and 
> friends may here be given. They were members of 
I the same company in the Revolutionary army ; Croes 
Ian illiterate private, unable to write, and Coleman a 
j drummer. The latter gave the former his first lessons 
fin writing, with a coal, on his drum-head. After the 
[war Croes returned to Newark, and entered on a 
bourse of studies. While in the midst of his theolog- 



' Dr. Collin says, " On the 4th day of April (1778) about a hundred of 

Ithe English marines came to Swedesboro, early in the morning, to sur- 

L prise the militia. Being disappointed, they burned the school-house, 

, alleging as a reason that some loyal subjects had been imprisoued 

there some weeks before." 



ical course he' started on a journey south, and at 
Philadelphia he was advised by Bishop White to 
come to Swedesboro, where the church had been, 
during some time, without a rector. On his way 
hither he called at a tavern, probably the " Death of 
the Fox," between Clarksboro and Berkeley, in the 
bar-room of which he found a man, in rags, consider- 
ably intoxicated, singing patriotic songs to a crowd of 
loafers. In him Mr. Croes recognized his old comrade 
in arms who had given him his first lesson in chirog- 
raphy with a coal on his drum-head. He at once 
proposed to Mr. Coleman to accompany him to 
Swedesboro and assist him in his duties. The propo- 
sition was accepted, Mr. Croes divided his wardrobe 
with him, and they trudged on to this place to- 
gether. 

Here they found the present church building, which 
had been erected in 1784, and entered on their duties, 
Mr. Croes as rector, and Mr. Coleman as conductor of 
the music, and both as teachers in the school. Mr. 
Croes afterwards became a bishop. Mr. Coleman 
studied law, and was in 1820 made Secretary of State 
of New Jersey. 

The next teacher was Jonadab Lawrence, who com- 
menced previous to 1800. He was never known to be 
engaged in any other pursuit than that of a pedagogue 
and teacher of singing-schools. He was an excellent 
teacher, and a good disciplinarian. He continued to 
teach schools and to lead choirs in churches in thi.s 
vicinity till 1819. 

The old stone school-house continued to be the 
" temple of science" here till 1812, when the number 
of scholars had increased beyond its capacity. It was 
therefore determined to take it down, and erect in its 
place a more capacious and commodious building. 
Before doing this it was deemed proper to obtain a 
better title to the site, which the church authorities 
readily consented to give. A deed was accordingly 
executed by Simon Wilmer, rector; Andrew Hen- 
drickson and Charles Lock, wardens ; and William 
Denny, Daniel England, William Dyer, Nicholas 
Justice, Joseph Batten, Asa Mattson, Isaac Hendrick- 
son, Philip Pew, Samuel Black, Vandever Homau, 
and Ananias Lock, vestrymen, to Ecurius B. Fithian, 
M.D. By him a deed was made to Rev. Simon Wil- 
mer, William Harrison, Daniel England, James Bat- 
ten, Samuel Black, and John Logan, trustees of the 
Swedesboro Academy. Both deeds were executed 
March 31, 1812, and were for the nominal considera- 
tion of one dollar. A new house was at once erected, 
on the same spot where the present house stands. The 
funds for its erection were raised first from members 
of the church, in consideration whereof the rector 
was to be ex officio president of the board of trustees 
forever, and the house was to be at all times, when 
not required for school purposes, open for teaching 
sacred music, and for public worship. The township 
of Woolwich also contributed, and in consideration 
of this contribution provision was made in the deed 



304 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



that the use of the house should be had, when re- 
quired, for town-meetings and elections. 

The house was twenty-two by thirty-three feet in 
size, and two stories in height. It stood with the end 
toward the street, to which a walk led from its front 
door. In 1835 maple-trees were planted on each side 
of this walk, where they still remain. Cedar- and 
mulberry-trees were planted in the rear of the 
house. The last mulberry-tree there was blown 
down in 1842. The house was very inconveniently 
arranged and badly seated. In 1850 it was reseated, 
more in accordance with modern style, and more with 
reference to the wants of children of different ages. 

May 18, 1872, this house was sold to the highest 
bidder for one hundred and thirty-five dollars. The 
purchaser, Capt. Samuel M. Parker, removed it to a 
lot near the south corner of the new Episcopal Cem- 
etery, and converted it into a double dwelling-house. 
During the same year a new house was erected on the 
same site. It covers an area of forty by sixty feet, 
and is two stories in height. It has two school- 
rooms, and its furniture is of the best and most 
approved style of the present day. It was built by 
contract, at a cost of five thousand dollars, and the 
furniture cost six hundred and fifty dollars. It has a 
capacity for three hundred pupils. It is considered 
the best school-house in the county of Gloucester. 

The corner-stone of this building was taken from 
the foundation-wall of the first school-house and 
placed in the stone house that was built in 1778. 
It was then placed in the foundation of the house 
erected in 1812, and finally in its present position. 
It is marked, with large legible figures, 1771. 

The trustees at the time of its erection were Luther 
F. Halsey, clerk of the board, Isaac S. Stratton, and 
Alexander Wilson. The present trustees (1882) are 
Isaac S. Stratton, clerk, W. Clark, and I. Hurff" 
Wetherby. 

This school was always known as the academy 
till the school law of 1851 was passed, requiring the 
application of moneys apportioned to or raised in 
school districts to the support of free schools. 

The teachers of this school, from its beginning to 
the present time, have been 



Kev. John Croes. 
Daniel Colemau. 
Jonadab Lawrence. 
Samuel Ogden. 
Septimns Roberts. 
Asa Stratton. 
Orlando Alden. 
T. Nash. 
Abraham Amernian. 

Schofleld. 

Asa W. Newton. 
Rev. Hiram Harold. 
James Saunders. 
Moses T. Scott. 
William H. Thompson. 
J. S. Thompson. 
Joseph T). Nichols. 
Ewan Merritt. 
Albert H. Hoyt. 



George B. Day. 
Benjamin Thomas. 
William J. Flinn. 
Charles E. H. Richardson. 
James McBride. 
Elizabeth Shaw. 
Emily Lewis. 
John A. Loudenslager. 
Dr. John Kirby. 
Dr. Jacob Izard. 
Samuel T. Lock. 
Israel F. Silvers. 
John A. Mcllvain. 
Adeline D. Barton. 
Samuel A. Grofl". 
Rev. U. S. Coudit. 
George W. Smith. 
B. P. McCollister. 
John E. Powell. 



B. F. Chew. 
James Leonard. 
Louise Hallenbeck. 
William Chase. 



Alexander C. Harris. 
Herbert Mcintosh. 
James Gordon. 
William H. Eldridge. 



Among the pupils of this school who have risen to 
various degrees of eminence in their professions have 
been the following: 

Right Rev. J. P. Wilmer, son of Simon Wilmer, 
formerly rector of this church, became bishop of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church of Louisiana. He died 
in New Orleans, of apoplexy, Dec. 3, 1878. 

Rev. Samuel C. Stratton became a clergyman of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was settled in 
Virginia, Connecticut, Clarksboro, N. J., and lastly 
in Philadelphia, where he died. 

Hon. Charles C. Stratton, brother of the above, was 
a member of Congress in 1838, member of the State 
Constitutional Convention in 1844, and was elected 
Governor of New Jersey the same year. 

Rev. Dr. Joseph Garrison was a graduate of Prince- 
ton College, took the degree of M.D. in the University 
of Penn.sylvania in 1844, studied theology, and be- 
came rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cam- 
den in 1855. His Alma Mater conferred on him the 
degree of D.D. in 1879. 

Dr. John Kirby was a pupil, and afterwards a 
teacher in this school. He graduated at the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, and practiced in the city of 
Salem. He has been appointed assistant physician 
in the New Jersey State Lunatic Asylum. 

Dr. Ephraim Leake, a graduate of the University 
of Pennsylvania, became a practitioner in Frank- 
ford. 

Dr. Samuel T. Lock graduated at Jefferson Medical 
College, Philadelphia, and practiced, till his death, 
at Tom's River. 

John B. Hilyard was town superintendent of schools 
of Woolwich township in 1847. 

George B. Boggs was town superintendent in 1848, 
in Woolwich township, and rector of Trinity Church, 
Swedesboro. His son, George, became eminent as a 
civil engineer. 

Dr. Joseph Kirby became a distinguished dentist 
in Swedesboro. 

Rev. John S. Heisler became a popular preacher 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Rev. Edward Adams became a Methodist Episco- 
pal clergyman in 1851, and he has filled many re- 
sponsible positions in New Jersey, New York, and 
Illinois. 

Many of the teachers who have officiated in this 
school have filled high and responsible positions, 
both in church and state, but space will not permit 
an enumeration of them. 

ECCLESIASTICAL. 

Trinity, or Swedish Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of Swedesboro, — The intimate connection 
between the history of this church and that of the 



TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 



305 



town and township is the reason for the length of 
this sketch. 

This church was founded by the Swedes, at about 
tlie commencement of the eighteenth century, pro- 
bably in 1702, though the exact date cannot be ascer- 
tained. The first minister was Lars Tollstadius,' 
or Polfladius," who, by his irregular conduct, drew 
upon himself the censure of his superiors. He was 
drowned in the Delaware Eiver in May, 1706. 

In 1703 this church was endowed by the purchase 
of one hundred acres of land, twenty acres of which 
include a portion of the town of Swedesboro. The 
following is copied from the deed conveying this 
land : 

"This Tudeuture, made ye first day of September, in ye year of our 
Lord one tlionsand Seven liundred and three, and in ye second year of ye 
reign of our Sovereign Lady Ann, Queen of England, Scotland, ffrance, and 
Ireland, &c., between John Hugg, .Iun.,of Gloucester River, in ye County 
of Gloucester, and Province of New Jersey, Gent., of ye one part, and 
Woolla Diilbo, William Cobb, Woolla Peterson, and ffrederick H.ipman, 
all of Kacoou Creek, within ye County and Province aforesaid. Church 

wardens Elected and appointed of ye Swedish Church called , and late 

Erected at Racoon Creek in ye county aforesaid of ye other part, wit- 
nesseth that ye said John Hugg, for and in consideration of ye sum of 
Twelve pound, current silver money, within ye said Province . . . for 
and during ye full and whole terme and time that they and every one 
of them that shall remain and Continue in ye oflQce of Church warden 
of ye said Church, and then afterward from the time of his going out 
of ye said office, and Immediately from thence, unto such other persons 
successively as shall from time to time be elected and appointed church 
wardens of ye said Church, at all times forever hereafter to this intent 
and purpose and upon this Trust and Confidence, and to no other use. In- 
tent or purpose whatsoever (that is), To and for ye only accommodation 
and service of ye said Church, and ye proper use and advantage of ye 
present lucumbentor Minister thereof, for his better support and men- 
teynance ffor so long time and during ye term and time that he 
shall continue to be, and then afterwards unto all and every such 
other Minister, Preacher, or Rector, Successively, who shall he admitted 
to exercise ye ministerial fFuuction in ye sd Church from time to time 
and at all times forever hereafter." 

To this was added six acres of meadow-land, pur- 
chased, in 1705, from John Jones, for five shillir.gs. 

A log church was erected, and finished in 1704. In 
1717 one was erected at Penn's Neck, and the two 
societies were afterward united in the same pastor- 
ate. In the township of Pilesgrove, six miles distant 
from Raccoon, and nine from Penn's Neck, a farm or 
glebe of two hundred and thirty-five acres was pur- 
chased in 1721, for one hundred and forty-five pounds, 
and a house erected on it. Between 1850 and 1855 
it was repaired and improved and a log barn was 
erected. The Legislature, in 1795, authorized the sale 
of this property. The old log church was plastered 
and whitewashed on the outside in 1715, and a vesti- 
bule was built before its door in 1719. A gallery was 
added between 1730 and 1740. This gallery could 
only be entered from the outside of the building. 
This house was used during eighty years. Dr. Collin 
said of it that for fifteen years previous to the erec- 
tion of the present house it had been " in a condition 
-, so ruinous that public worship could not be celebrated 
' in it without the greatest inconvenience and no small 
degree of danger in tempestuous weather." 



1 Acrelius. 
20 



- Dr. Clay : Annals of the Swedes, 1858. 



As elsewhere stated, a parsonage was erected in 
Swedesboro in 1764, on the site of the present rec- 
tory, which was built in 1842. 

The present church building was erected in 1784. 
It was built of brick, forty-one by sixty-one feet, 
and it stands on the site of the second log church 
that was erected. The tower at the rear of this 
church was erected in 1888, and the auditorium was 
afterward reseated. 

In 1765, a year subsequent to the English con- 
quest, the church received a charter, from which the 
following is an extract: 

"George the Third, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and 
Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c.. To all to whom these pres- 
ents sliall come, greeting. Whereas, we have been informed by the 
Humble petition of our loving subjects, the Reverend John Wicksell, 
Tiiomas Denny, John Denny, Lawrence Lock, John Lock, Joiin Rambo, 
James Skelman, John Helm, Benjamin Rambo, Jonas Keen, Erick Co.\, 
Jacob Archer, Isaac Justison, Gilbert Rinolds, Gabriel Strang, William 
Homan, Peter Matson, Peter Keen, Andrew Jonea, Hans Unian, John 
Hoffman, Lawrence Strang, John Derickson, Charles Lock, Erick Rei- 
nels, Jacob Jones, William Matson, Andrew Lock, Moses Hoffman, 
Charles Fuller, Andrew Vanannerman," etc., with the usual circumlo- 
cution and formality of expression they were made "a body corporate 
and politic in deed, fact, and name, by the name and style of the Rector, 
Church Wardens, and Vestrymen of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran 
Church in the town of Swedesboro, near Raccoon Creek." 

In 1790, William Matson, by will, left all his real 
and personal estate to this church forever. The real 
estate thus devised consists of three hundred acres, 
lying in Harrison township, about four miles south 
from Swedesboro. It yields to the church an annual 
revenue of more than one thousand dollars. 

Eev. Jonas Auren was called to the pastorate in 
1706, and died, in the exercise of his functions, in 
1713. He came from Sweden in 1797, and after his 
arrival became a Sabbatarian, but he never permitted 
his changed views to give offense. 

It may here be remarked that the records in pos- 
session of Trinity Church commenced in 1713. They 
were kept in the Swedish language till 1764, the year 
of the British conquest, since which time they have 
been written in English, 

In 1712 Rev. Abraham Lidenius, who had just ar- 
rived from Sweden, became assistant pastor, and offi- 
ciated at Penn's Neck. After the death of Mr. Auren 
he became pastor of both churches, and continued till 
his return to Sweden, in 1724. He was distinguished 
for his industry, zeal, and pleasing manners. 

Revs. Petrus Tranberg and Andreas Windrufwa 
came from Sweden in 1726, and became pastors of the 
churches at Raccoon and Penn's Neck. Mr. Wind- 
rufwa died in 1728, and Mr. Tranberg served both 
congregations till 1740, when he was transferred to 
Christina, and the pastorate was vacant till 1748. 

In that year Rev. John Sandin became pastor, but 
died after six months' service. 

Mr. Peter Kalm, Professor of Economics in the 
University of Abo, was then traveling in this coun- 
try, and served the church for a time. He married 
the widow of Mr. Sandin, and returned to Sweden. 

Rev. Eric Unander, who came from Sweden in 



306 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



9 



1749, became pastor in 1751. He remained till 1756, 
when lie was transferred to Christina. 

He was succeeded by Eev. John Lidenius (the son 
of Abraham, before mentioned), who subsequently 
died in Pennsylvania. 

The next pastor. Rev. John Wicksell, arrived from 
Sweden in 1762, returned in 1774, and died in 1800. 
During his administration the church received an 
English charter, and the public school here was es- 
tablished. 

His successor, Nicholas Collin, D.D., arrived in 
1778, was transferred to AVicacoa in 1786, and died in 
1831. With him the Swedish mission closed. 

The succession of rectors in connection with the 
Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of New 
Jersey has been : Eevs. John Wade, from 1788 to 
1789; John Croes (afterwards first bishop of New 
Jersey), 1790-1801; Henry James Feltus, 1802-08; 
Simon Wilmer, 1808-20; J. M. Douglas, 1820-24; 
Norman Nash, 1829-84; J. Loring Woart, 1834-85. 
He went to Tallahassee, Fla., on account of his wife's 
health ; both were lost on the ill-fated " Pulaski." 
John Woart, a brother of the preceding, 1836-40 ; 
George W. Freeman (afterwards bishop of Arkansas), 
1841 ; J. W. Brown, 1841-43. He died here of con- 
sumption, and his remains are entombed in the ceme- 
tery near to the church. W. H. Trapnell, 1844-47 ; 
E. B. Boggs, 1847-55 ; W. J. Zimmer, 1855-57 ; Henry 
Tulledge, 1857-64; C. W. Duane, 1864-68; C. N. 
Chivrier, 1868-72; and the present rector, C. W. 
Duane, again 1872. 

The old Moravian Church in Woolwich township 
was established at a very early period. In 1884 it 
was transferred to Trinity Church, Swedesboro, and it 
is now a mission of that church, the rector of which 
holds services there monthly. 

Swedesboro Methodist Episcopal Church.'— In 
1793 a stone meeting-house was built at what is 
now known as Oak Grove, about two and a half miles 
from Swedesboro, and the same distance from Bridge- 
port. The ground on which it stands was donated 
by a family named Adams, residing in that vicinity. 
There is a cemetery connected with it which is re- 
markable for the small proportion of children's graves 
found in it. This was, for many years, the rallying- 
point for the Methodists in this section of the country. 

The first members of the society that worshiped 
here were George Horner, Benjamin Adams, Joseph 
Adams, Malachi Horner, John Davis, Isaac Shute, 
David Shute, Samuel Black, William Keyser, and 
others. 

A class- and prayer-meeting was held regularly in 
private houses at Swedesboro as early as 1833. The 
first sermon here, by a Methodist clergyman, was 
preached in the academy by Kev. William Stevens, 
and it is remembered that the event caused quite a 
sensation. From that time till the erection of the 

1 Information furnished by Rev. C. J. Downs. 



church here there was preaching regularly in the 
middle of each week, at the academy, by circuit 
preachers. The original members at Swedesboro 
were William Keyser, David Wolf, Samuel Black, 
Thomas Davidson, Isaac^ Shute, Edward C. Tallman, 
Samuel Newton, John Becket, Ephraim Colt, and 
others. From this small beginning the society has 
grown to a membership of three hundred, and a 
Sunday-school of two hundred and six scholars and 
thirty-two teachers. 

The present house of worship was erected in 1838, 
and dedicated in November of that year. It is re- 
membered that the sum of one thousand dollars was 
raised during the services, and that this was the first 
time so lai'ge an amount was raised on a similar occa- 
sion, in Gloucester County. The house is a plain brick 
structure, forty by fifty-five feet in size, with galleries, 
and in the rear of it is a brick chapel. The estimated 
value of the church property is seven thousand dol- 
lars. Arrangements are in progress for the erection 
of a new church edifice. 

The pastors since 1833 (the date of the oldest record 
to be found) have been : 



1831) 


John Walker. 


1847. 


Mulford Day. 




William Stevens. 




James Long. 


1834 


John Walker. 


1849. 


A. K. Street. 




Kobert Sutton. 




Joseph Gaakill. 


1835. 


William Williams. 


1850. 


A. K. Street. 




J. F. Caufi.-ld. 




S. E, Post. 


1836 


Robert E. Morrison. 


1851. 


Joseph M. Pierson 




J. F. Canflfld. 


1853. 


Charles B. Hill. 


1837 


Robeit E. Morrison. 


1855. 


James White. 




George Jennings. 


1857. 


George Hitchens. 


1838 


John li. Shaw. 


1860. 


B. D. Palmer. 




Edward Stout. 


1801. 


G. E. Snyder. 


1839 


John K. Shaw. 


1863. 


William Walton. 




Abram Trewett. 


1865. 


B. S. Sliarp. 


1840 


George A. Reybold. 


1866. 


J. D. Hickmau. 




Abram Trewett. 


1867. 


James Vansant. 


1842 


S. Rusling. 


1869 


W. S. Barn art. 




J. D. McDougal. 


1871. 


John W. Fort. 


1843 


S. Rusling. 


1873. 


Joseph H. Mickle. 




Noah Edwards. 


1876. 


S. M. Hudson. 


1844 


Thomas 0. Stewart. 


1878. 


A. M. Lake. 




S. Y. Monroe. 


1881. 


C. F. Downs. 


1845 


Joseph Atwood. 
John S. Beegle. 







A prosperous Sunday-school is maintained at the 
old stone meeting-house, and class-meetings are held 
there. They are connected with the society at Swedes- 
boro. 

Presbyterian Church of Swedesboro.'^— While it 
is a pleasant task to write the history of this church, 
it is nevertheless difficult, because of the want of 
records concerning its earliest movements, and its 
many struggles for existence in the early period of 
its career. Most of the facts concerning it must be 
gleaned from the memories of those who were identi- 
fied with it in its beginning. 

It was not on account of the increase. in the popu- 
lation of the town, nor because of a want of adequate 
accommodations for worship that a desire was felt Ukf^ 



- By Rev. John W. Biscboff, pastor. 



TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 



307 



establish a Presbyterian Church in Swedesboro, but 
because of the preference of a few residents who 
had been members or worshipers in Presbyterian 
Churches in Philadelphia and elsewhere. 

This desire brought its fruit in the latter part of 
1854, when the Rev. Allen H. Brown, of the Presby- 
tery of West Jersey, in response to a letter with refer- 
ence to the matter, came to Swedesboro to consult 
with regard to the propriety of taking measures for 
the organization of a church. The result was a call 
for a meeting of those interested in the enterprise. 
Accordingly, on the 11th of October, 1854, a meeting 
was held in the academy, at which Mr. William 
Black presided, and Rev. A. H. Brown was secretary. 
Then and there it was resolved to organize a Presby- 
terian Church, and the following were elected as the 
first board of trustees : William Black, Jr., Robert 
Wilson, Hugh Wallace, J. Morgan Barnes, and Ira 
Allen. A committee was authorized to file a certifi- 
cate of incorporation in the county clerk's office, and 
mea^res were taken to secure a proper site for a 
house of worship. At the same time a petition to 
the Presbytery of West Jersey for church organiza- 
tion was prepared, and signed by those who desired 
to become members of it. 

In reply to this application, Revs. W. Graham, 
Daniel Stratton, and Allen H. Brown, composing the 
committee which had been appointed by the Presby- 
tery to organize the petitioners into a Presbyterian 
Church, if the way was clear, met on Wednesday, the 
10th of January, 1855, at the house of W. Black, 
and after an opening prayer, proceeded to an exami- 
nation as to the religious knowledge and experience 
of those who had requested to be members of the new 
organization. At seven o'clock in the evening they 
met in Odd-Fellows' Hall, and there, after an appro- 
priate sermon by Rev. D. Stratton, the committee 
proceeded to the organization of the church. The 
following were the constituent members: William 
Black, Jr., Thomas Stewart, John Barnes, Robert 
Wilson, Mrs. Emma Allen, Mrs. Anna Maria Knisell, 
Mrs. Euphemia Grant, Mrs. Elizabeth Garrison, and 
Mrs. Mary Ann Black. Later in the evening David 
McDowell and his wife, Margaret, presented certifi- 
cates of good standing in and dismissal from a Pres- 
byterian Church in Ireland, whereupon they were 
received, making the wliole number of original mem- 
bers eleven. In the afternoon of the following day 
Mr. Graham preached in Odd-Fellows' Hall, and 
William Black was ordained to the office of ruling 
elder. On the following Sabbath the sacrament of 
the Lord's Supper was administered to ten members 
of the new organization, and to five from other 
churches. In the mean time Dr. Charles Garrison 
had very generously donated a lot, valued at two 
hundred and fifty dollars, to the church ; and about 
March, 1855, the erection of a church building was 
begun. A frame building, thirty-six by fifty feet, 
with a beautiful steeple, and a seating capacity of 



about three hundred, was built by Mr. Robert Wilson, 
according to a plan furnished by Mr. G. Pullinger. 
It was completed at a cost of about three thousand 
five hundred dollars, and dedicated with appropriate 
exercises, probably in November, 1856. 

Hitherto the congregation had held regular ser- 
vices in Odd-Fellows' Hall, and had steadily gained 
in membership, under the ministration of Revs. A. 
H. Brown, T. B. Jervis, and especially by the self- 
denying eiforts of John L. Grant; but not till 1859 
had the church a regularly-installed pastor. In that 
year Rev. Chester Bridgman became the first pastor 
of the church, and until November, 1863, he labored 
successfully here and at a neighboring place. During 
his four years' pastorate, the longest that this church 
lias ever had, the membership was increased from 
thirty-three to fifty-four, and a large portion of the 
church debt was paid off. Indeed, these were years 
of prosperity for the small organization, but after 
the pastoral relation between Mr. Bridgman and the 
church had been dissolved by the Presbytery a sad 
decline became noticeable in the church. 

The Sessional records of the next ten years show 
a dismal picture of the society. The flock that had 
but a short time before been gathered needed the 
care of a pastor ; but instead of that it had supplies, 
and now and then a candidate' for its vacant pulpit. 
Among these the Rev. W. Connell remained longest, 
but when he accepted a call to the church at Woods- 
town the pulpit was again vacant, and during the 
entire month of October, 1864, the church was closed. 
The membership had considerably decreased, and the 
contributions towards the support of the gospel had di- 
minished. The Session therefore resolved " to request 
the Presbytery to make arrangements, if possible, to 
supply the pulpit every Sabbath by a settled minis- 
ter." Accordingly, in 1866, Rev. N. McConaughy 
became pastor of the church, the communicants in 
which had decreased to twenty-three, and although 
he remained but two years his labors were crowned 
with more than ordinary success. In that short time 
sixteen were added to the membership of the church. 
Under his ministrations the meetings on the Sabbath 
and the weekly prayer-meetings were well attended, 
and a flourishing Sunday-school of seventy-five mem- 
bers was gathered. 

In November, 1868, Rev. N. W. Condit became 
pastor of the church, but, like his predecessor, for 
two years only. Special mention is made in his time 
of the difiiculty in raising money towards the pastor's 
salary, and the other necessary expenses of the church, 
and also of the need of a parsonage ; but when a build- 
ing lot had been offered to the church as a gift the 
efforts towards building a house for their minister 
went no further than the completion of cellar walls, 
which spoke loudly, not so much of the need of a 
parsonage as of a pastor. 

For a little more than a year, until April, 1872, 
Rev. R. F. Burt was stated supply, by appointment 



308 



HISTORY OP GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



of the Presbytery, his labors being divided between 
this church and the one at Woodstown. After he 
left the church was again, during two years, from 
1872 to 1874, without a pastor, but not altogether 
without preaching, and certainly not inactive. In- 
deed, a new era began in those years for the church. 
A new work and a new life were called forth by a 
noteworthy event. This was the accession of a strong 
German element. Many Germans had settled near 
Swedesboro, diligent, thrifty, pious people, who had 
not with their departure from the Fatherland de- 
parted from their fathers' Christian faith and prac- 
tice; men and women who desired to worship God 
as they from childhood had been accustomed to do, 
and all that was necessary was an invitation to at- 
tend divine worship, with the promise of hearing the 
gospel preached in their mother tongue, and this was 
done, let it ever be remembered to its honor, by the 
Presbyterian Church of Swedesboro, which opened its 
doors to Germans, and offered its pulpit to German 
preachers. 

In 1873 this new work was started by Dr. Walk, 
who, with the assistance of Elder Black, gathered 
quite a German congregation, and attempted to 
preach to them in their own language, and later 
secured for them preaching by a layman of a Ger- 
man Reformed Church in Philadelphia. After sev- 
eral meetings an attempt was made to organize a 
German Church and to build a house of their own. 
Both attempts failed, however, because of denomi- 
national dissensions, one party desiring a Lutheran, 
and the other a Reformed Church, and neither being 
strong enough to be self-sustaining. The Presby- 
terian Church again tendered them the use of their 
meeting-house, and by the synodical missionary, Mr. 
A. H. Brown, they were promised German preach- 
ing, and twenty-seven, all heads of families, were 
received as members Sept. 7, 1873. From that time 
it has been one church with two congregations, and 
frequently with two Sunday-schools. 

Rev. Adolph Wanderer, a graduate of the German 
Theological Seminary at Bloomfield, N. J., became 
pastor of the church in 1874, and labored successfully 
for about three years. He introduced the standai'd 
hymnal in both congregations, preached and con- 
ducted a Sunday-school in German on Sabbath morn- 
ing and in English in the afternoon. The church's 
membership did not greatly increase, but he suc- 
ceeded in holding the new element that had been 
brought into a church which, like the land they now 
lived in, they considered strange. In December, 1877, 
Mr. Wanderer resigned his charge, because he found 
he could no longer preach in two languages. 

Thus the church was again vacant, and candidates 
and stated supplies preached to both congregations 
until September, 1878, when Rev. Augustus Fried- 
rich became their pastor. Not quite a year later he 
was released from his pastorate. For a little more 
than a year following Mr. Friedrich's removal the 



pulpit was supplied, once in two weeks, by Rev. John 
C. Gunther, another graduate of the German Semi- 
nary at Bloomfield, who preached in German, and 
Mr. R. A. Bryant and others in English, and English 
and German Sunday-schools were held in the morning 
and afternoon. 

In June, 1880, Rev. John W. Bischoflf, a graduate 
of the German Seminary, was appointed by the Pres- 
bytery stated supply for this church, and by reap- 
pointments he has labored here till the present time, 
giving part of his time and services to an enterprise 
among the Germans at Woodbury. Two services 
have been held every Sabbath morning, one in Ger- 
man and one in English, and the Sunday-schools 
were united, but instructions given in both languages. 
The problem of uniting the two elements seems thus 
to be solved, and both congregations work together 
as one church. Extensive repairs were made on the 
church in 1882, and its general condition was greatly 
improved. 

The condition of the church at Mr. BischoflP's ar- 
rival was not very encouraging. The congregations 
were small. At the first English service there were 
but nine in attendance. A large number of Germans 
had become discouraged because of the frequent 
changes of pastors; they were scattered, and only by 
great efforts it became possible to revive prosperity 
in the church. 

The whole number of members since the organiza- 
tion of the church has been one hundred and thirty- 
three. Of these nineteen were removed by death, 
thirty-three were dismissed to other churches, seven 
were dropped, fifteen names were put on the retired 
list, leaving the present number fifty-nine, and among 
them four of the original members. 

St. Joseph's Ciapel. — A few Roman Catholic fam- 
ilies in and around Swedesboro were organized into a 
church, and an edifice was erected in 1860, under the 
pastoral charge of the Rev. C. Cannon, then pastor of 
St. Mary's, at Salem. He attended the mission till 
1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. Pattle, who 
officiated till 1873. In that year the congregation 
had succeeded in building a parsonage, and Rev. 
Anthony Cassese, the present pastor, was appointed. 
The mission includes more than sixty families. 

Cemeteries. — There are in the township of Wool- 
wich no incorporated cemeteries. Except some pri- 
vate burial-grounds, the places of sepulture are under 
the care of the different churches. The oldest are those 
of Trinity Church and of the old Moravian Church, 
now a mission of Trinity. In these it may be truly 
said that the " forefathers of the hamlet sleep," for 
the remains of the earliest settlers are entombed 
there. Trinity Church has a new cemetery a short 
distance from the old one. There is one at the old 
Ebenezer Church, one at the old stone church, and 
each of the churches in Swedesboro has its place of 
burial. 

Mills. — Many years ago a small grist-mill was built 



TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 



309 



on the Battentown branch of the stream on which 
the present grist-mill stands. It was said to have 
been built by a man named Griffith. This mill was 
a failure for the want of sufficient water, and it was 
removed to the present location of the plaster-mill by 
Mr. Griffith. It was afterwards owned by Dr. Loomis, 
then it was sold, in 1815, for twenty thousand dollars, 
to Christopher Knisell. He owned it till his death, 
and Charles C. Stratton purchased it from his heirs. 

After its removal it was run as a grist-mill, but a 
carding-machine was placed in the upper story, and 
afterwards an addition was built for a fulling-mill and 
a small woolen-factory. When the present grist-mill 
was erected by Mr. Stratton, in 1825, this was con- 
verted into a plaster-mill, which it continues to be. 
In 1862 it was purchased by William Black, who 
grinds here about two hundred tons of plaster annu- 
ally. As the domestic manufacture of cloth ceased 
the business of the fulling-mill subsided, until it 
ceased to exist. 

The Swedesboro grist-mill was erected in 1825 by 
Charles C. Stratton, afterwards Governor of New 
Jersey. It is a framed mill, with three runs of stones, 
and is propelled by water from a branch of Raccoon [ 
Creek. Mr. Stratton was the owner of this mill till 
his death, after which, in 1862, it was purchased by j 
the present owner, William Black. 

The mill has had only ordinary repairs till the 
present year (1882). The machinery is now being 
thoroughly renovated. 

Oliphant's mill is located on Oldraan's Creek, on 
the Sharptown road, and is propelled by the water of 
a branch of that creek. It is not known when it was 
first built, but it has been owned by Joseph Stretch, 
John Daniels, Nathaniel Bobbins, John Lippincott, ; 
Jacob Hains, Maurice B. Pierson, Ephraim Coles, ] 
Thomas Porch, and the present owner, William Oli- t 
phant. It has two runs of stones, and a plaster-mill 
has been recently attached to it. 

Warrington's mill is on Purgey Branch, three miles 
from Swedesboro, on the road from Bridgeport to i 
Solomon's Cemetery. It was an old mill eighty years 
since. It was long ago known as the Davenport 
mill, and was purchased by David and Simeon War- 
rington. It has ever since remained in the Warring- 
ton family. It has two runs of stones. 

Vanderbilt's mill is an old mill. Seventy years 
since it was owned by John Pancoast, afterwards by | 
Christian Knisell, Thomas Davenport, Benjamin 
Dutcher, Thomas Porch, and the present proprietor, 
John Vanderbilt. It has been repaired and renovated 
from time to time. 

Gill's, now Russell's mill, on a branch of Raccoon 
Creek, two miles above Swedesboro, was built by John 
Gill in 1818. A saw-mill had from time immemorial 
stood there. It has been owned by Benjamin Gill, 
Benjamin Lippincott, Ira Lippincott, Zebulon Batten, 
Joseph Batten, Reuben High, and the present owner, 
David Russell. It has three runs of stones. 



Many saw-mills formerly existed in the township, 
but with the disappearance of the forests these went 
to decay, and of some of them not a trace is to be 
seen. But one remains, that of Henry Hendrickson. 
It has been owned by representatives of the Hendrick- 
son family as far back as can be recollected. 

Maaufactories. — In 1838, Edward C. Talman es- 
tablished a shoe-shop in an old carriage-house which 
he fitted up for the purpose. He conducted the busi- 
ness of ordinary shoemaking, steadily increasing his 
facilities, till 1857, when he commenced manufactur- 
ing for the trade in a small way. Since that time the 
business has steadily increased to the present time. 
Since 1867 the firm has been E. C. Talman & Son, 
No machineryis used at this establishment, which 
turns out hand-made work only. On an average 
fifteen hands are employed at this factory. 

Limekiln. — In 1875, T. W. Clark erected a lime- 
kiln in the town of Swedesboro. It is what is known 
as a draw-kiln, and has a capacity of one hundred 
bushels at a fill. The lime manufactured at this kiln 
is made mostly from shells, which are brought from 
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Chesapeake City. Oc- 
casionally stones which are brought as ballast are 
used. The lime manufactured here is used mainly 
by the farmers for fertilizing their fields, and much 
is shipped from here for this purpose. About three 
thousand five hundred bushels are annually burned 
at this kiln. 

The Swedesboro National Bank was organized 
mainly under the earnest elforts of Mr. Charles C. 
Rulon, a native of Swedesboro, but a resident of 
Philadelphia, in the undertaking business. It was 
organized Feb. 24, 1883, with I. H. Vanneman as 
president; Charles C. Rulon, cashier; John P. Du 
Bois as clerk and notary public; and James L. Plum- 
mer, Samuel Black, John S. Sommers, Samuel Ash- 
craft, John S. Batten, Chalkley Coles, James C. 
Kirby, directors. The building cost about five thou- 
sand dollars, and it is really the most thoroughly com- 
plete, convenient, and beautiful bank building in New 
Jersey. Capital stock, fifty-three thousand dollars. 

The bank does a good business, and has deposits to 
the amount of over one hundred thousand dollars. 

LOBGES AND SOCIETIES. 

Osceola Lodge, No. 75, 1. 0. 0. F., was instituted 
Feb. 11, 1848, with Edmund F. Garrison, N. G. ; John 

B. Hilyard, V. G. ; George Wiley, M.D., Sec; John 

C. French, Asst. Sec. ; and George Batten, Sr., Treas. 
The first place of meeting was a room fitted up for 

the purpose by Edmund F. Garrison, in an old store- 
room on Main Street. Since 1872 the place of meet- 
ing has been a hall in the store of Henry Garrison. 

The presiding officers, or N. G.'s, of this lodge 
have been : 

Edmund F. Garrison, John B. Hilyard, George Wiley, Ira Allen, John 
G, Sliiveller, John Pierson, Caspar Wirsham, Peter F. Locke, Charles 
Shreves, Chalkley Diiell, D. D. Williams, 'William G. Gruff, Robert Wil- 
son, Lemuel Cochran, Samuel L. James, J. Morgan Barnes, Valentine 



310 



iJISTOKY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



Reynolds, Joseph Cabala, George Avis, Mark C. Sparks, Martin B. Rob- 
inson, Mattson Guest, Joseph J, Rogers, Asa G. Oldcraft, William C. [ 
Titus, Joshua Lord, John B. Batten, Biddle R. MofTett, David F. Taylor, i 
James McDowell, Loring W. Parsons, Eli Cheeseman, Daniel Lippin- I 
cott, Howard Lock, William H. Wood, Charles D. Lippincott, Frank P. 
Reynolds, Joseph C. Cunard, William McCuUough, Richard L. McDowell, 
William String, Jr., Alexander Wilson, James Wilson. I 

This lodge has a surplus in its treasury of three 
thousand dollars. Its nieirbership is eighty. The ' 
present officers are William Rainey, N. G. ; Frank 
Lock, V. G. ; William H. McCullough, Sec. ; and 
Howard B. Lock, Treas. 

Viola Lodge, No. 40, K. of P., was chartered 
July 18, 1870, with the following charter members : 

Jeremiah Haun, Joshua Lord, George W. Reed, John Moore, Isaiah 
Mayliew, Edward C. Turner, J. McDowell, A. Aborn, William B. Lewal- 
len, James Makelvy, J. W. Shoemaker, John B. Batten, Joseph C. Haines, 
James Greeley, E. W. Rulon, William A. Shivler, Thomas V. Davidson, 
S. H. Leap, Isaac H. Madara, and Thomas Norcross. 

The first officers were Jeremiah Haun, C. C. ; Joshua 
Lord, V. C. ; Isaiah Mayhew, Prelate ; John Moore, 
M. of E. ; Samuel Leap, M. at A. ; George Reed, 
K. of R. and S. ; William Shisler, I. G.; H. Ackley, 
O. G. 

The lodge has paid for relief twelve hundred dol- 
lars, and has invested in loans fourteen hundred dol- 
lars. The present officers are William H. McCtillough, 
P. C. ; George Mayers, C. C. ; Jerome Young, V. C. ; 
Isaiah Mayhew, P. ; Isaac Madara, M. of E. ; C. K. 
Moyers, M. of F. ; Harrison Young, M. at A. ; John 
M. Hunter, K. of R. and S. ; Albert Kapp, I. G. ; 
William Sack, 0. G. 

John A. Dix Post, No. 19, G. A. K,, was instituted 
April 29, 1879, with the following charter members : 

J. Morgan Barnes, Azariah Stratton, William H. McCullough, John 
B. Mitchell, John F. Meley, Josiah Du Boia, Joseph C. Cunard, Luther F. 
Halsey, M.D., Lewis Shock, Henry M. Avis, Rev. Daniel B. Harris, 
George C. Si thens, Sedgwick R. Sithens, John H. Zipple, Joseph Wal- 
lace, and Frederick C. Cristman. 

The first officers were William H. McCullough, 
Post Com. ; Azariah Stratton, Sen. V. Com. ; Harry 
M. Avis, Jun. V. Com. ; J. Frank Fawcett, Adjt. ; 
John H. Zipple, Q.M. ; J. F. Halsey, M.D., Surg.; 
Rev. Daniel B. Harris, Chap. 

Joseph C. Cunard and J. Frank Fawcett have 
served as Post Commanders. 

The present officers are Lewis Shock, P. C. ; John 
B. Mitchell, Sen. V. C. ; Charles H. Storms, Jun. V. C. ; 
J. Frank Fawcett, Adjt. ; William P. Haines, Q.M. ; 
John F. Musgrave, M.D., Surg. ; John F. Meley, 
Chap. The post has fifty members. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



IKA ALLEN. 

The earliest members of the Allen family found 

their way to America from England. William, the 

grandfather of Ira, was the father of sons, Benjamin, 

Joseph, John, Enoch, and Ira, and daughters whose 



names are not recalled. His son Ira was born in the 
year 1777, in Gloucester County, and during his resi- 
dence in Woodbury, of that county, followed the 
business of a hatter, having been indentured in 1793. 
At a later date he removed to Wayne County, N. Y., 
and engaged in farming employments. He married 
Miss Catherine, daughter of Paul Cooper, of Wood- 
bury, and had children, — Ann (Mrs. Brewer), John, 
Joseph, Hope, Ira, Mary (Mrs. Tupman), and Han- 
nah (Mrs. Reeves). Mr. Allen's death occurred in 
July, 1832. His son Ira, the subject of this biogra- 
phy, was born Nov. 3, 1815, at Allowaystown, Salem 
Co., from whence in childhood he removed to Wood- 
bury and attended school. Here he acquired the 
trade of a tailor, and soon after chose Swedesboro as a 
favorable point for business, which was carried on 
extensively in connection with his trade until 1872, 
when he retired from active pursuits. He married, 
in 1845, Miss Emma E., daughter of Ephraim Dare, 
of Baltimore, Md., to whom was born one son, Louis 
Senat, whose untimely death and high character are 
fittingly recalled in the following obituary notice: 

" Louis Senat Allen died at Duluth, Minn., on the 
24th of June, 1871, and was buried at Swedesboro, 
Gloucester Co., N. J., on the 3d of July. His re- 
mains were followed to the Episcopal Cemetery in 
that town by a very large concourse of friends. Mr. 
Allen was a young man of more than common tal- 
ents, and was universally beloved by all vfho knew 
him. In the responsible place which he so well filled 
for one so young he won not only the respect but the 
highest encomiums, from those who had the super- 
vision and the responsibility for his acts. The writer 
of this knew him from his childhood, and in all those 
qualities both of mind and heart which adorn human 
nature he has never known his equal. When but a 
boy he displayed all the judgment, discretion, and 
manliness which we expect from one of mature years. 
Kind and considerate to his equals, respectful to all, 
a devoted and affectionate sou, fulfilling every duty 
of life with the most conscientious fidelity, so per- 
fect in life that his memory will be embalmed on 
earth by his family and friends in fragrant and in- 
spiring recollections. His mind was pure, simple, 
generous, and as broad as sunshine. The tears shed 
by strong men and women beside his open grave was 
the attestation of the worth of his admirable life. 
To his parents, who are left childless by this sudden 
death, we can only extend a heartfelt sympathy. 
They must look to a higher power for consolation in 
this terrible bereavement." 

Mr. Allen confined his attention exclusively to his 
trade and the business with which it was connected, 
never having embarked in hazardous or speculative 
enterprises. He was successful, and by industry and 
thrift accumulated a competency which enabled him 
to abandon active labor. He was in politics early a 
Whig, and later a Republican, though more recently 
the Independent party has claimed his allegiance. 





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l-^a^i/z-t:^. 



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I 



TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH. 



311 



He was elected a justice of the peace in 1844, and 
filled the position with acceptance for ten years. In 
religion he is a member of the Society of Friends, 
though Mrs. Allen affiliates with the Presbyterian j 
Church. 

I. HURFF WBATHERBT. 
Benjamin Weatherby, the grandfather of the sub- 
ject of this biographical sketch, was of Irish lineage, 
and resided in Gloucester County, where he engaged 
actively in the cultivation of his farm, and married 
Miss Sarah Eichards, whose forefathers were among 
the early Swedish emigrants. To the marriage were 
born children, — Joseph, Benjamin, Thomas, Isaac 
H., and daughters, Sarah (Mrs. Moore), Jane (Mrs. 
Sheets), Edith (Mrs. Madaira), Hannah (Mrs. Har- 
ris), and Mary (Mrs. Cheeseman). Benjamin Weath- 
erby (2d) was born in 1825, in Gloucester County, and 
early chose agriculture as a pursuit, following the vo- 
cation of a farmer both in Salem County and the 
county of his birth. He married Sarah, daughter of 
Isaac Hurff, of Woolwich (now Logan) township, and 
had children, — Edith (Mrs. Norton), Sarah (Mrs. 
Shute), Mary (Mrs. Steward), Anna Elizabeth, Ben- 
jamin, and Thomas. He was married, a second time, 
to Miss Amanda, daughter of John Norton, and had 
children, — Emma and John. Mr. Weatherby now 
resides in Logan township, where agricultural em- 
ployments engage his attention. His son, Isaac 
Hurff, was born Oct. 16, 1845, in Gloucester County, 
where his early years were passed. Few opportu- 
nities offered at this time for a thorough education. 
When a youth he was instructed in the various de- 
partments of farm labor, and rendered his father 
much assistance in cultivating his broad acres. He 
was married on the 26th of March, 1868, to Miss 
Mary, a daughter of William J. Young, of Philadel- 
phia. Their children are William J., Laura, and 
Mamie. Mrs. Weatherby died Nov. 15, 1882, after 
a life replete with fragrant memories as wife and 
mother. Mr. Weatherby, after his marriage, man- 
aged his father's farm successfully until 1877, when 
he purchased his present home at Swedesboro, and 
devotes himself exclusively to the cultivation of his 
valuable land. He has never interested himself in 
matters apart from his immediate business, in which 
success has been the reward of his assiduous atten- 
tion and industry. In politics he is a Republican, 
but not active in the party ranks. In religion he 
supports the church nearest his home, that of the 
Methodist Episcopal denomination. 



DAVID R. BLACK. 
The great-grandfather of the subject of this biog- 
raphy emigrated from County Antrim, Ireland, to 
America, where he was the earliest representative of 
the family, and an extensive land-owner in Gloucester 
County. His son, Samuel, was born in the same 



county, and a successful farmer in Woolwich town- 
ship. He married Miss Keziah Van Leer, and had 
children, — Thomas, George, Samuel, Alexander, 
William, Elizabeth (Mrs. Gaskell), Rebecca (Mrs. 
Hughes), Mary, and Beulah Ann. Alexander was 
born in Woolwich township, upon the homestead 
farm, and settled as a farmer on land adjacent to that 
of his father. He married Miss Hannah Rulon, 
daughter of Jonathan and Mary Rulon, to whom 
were born children, — David R., Joseph R., Sumner, 
Mary Anna (Mrs. John C. Rulon), Henrietta, Beulah 
Ann, Emma (Mrs. Walter Bassett), and Lucretia. 

Mr. Black still resides upon his estate and culti- 
vates the land he owns. His son, David R., was 
born Feb. 2, 1832, on the homestead farm, a part of 
which he now owns. Here his youth was spent, 
such advantages of education as the neighboring 
school afforded having been enjoyed. Being the 
eldest son, he was early called upon to assist in the 
cultivation and improvement of the land and to par- 
ticipate in the routine of labor peculiar to the life of 
a farmer. In the fall of 1860, when twenty-eight years 
of age, he was married to Miss Lydia T., daughter of 
Benjamins Robbins, who resided near Swedesboro. 
At this time a division of the land occurred, David 
E. taking that portion which is his present residence. 
He has combined with his farming employments the 
sale of agricultural implements, to which business he 
has given much attention. 

In politics Mr. Black was formerly a Republican, 
but has more recently become an advocate of the 
principles of the Greenback party, of which he is an 
acknowledged leader in the county. He has, however, 
never sought nor held an office at the hands of either 
party. He is a member of Bridgeport Grange, No. 
32, of Patrons of Husbandry. 

His religious faith is of a liberal character, his 
views not being confined to the creed or doctrines of 
any church. 



CHALKLEY A. RULON. 
The grandparents of Mr. Rulon were Moses and 
Susan Rulon, who resided near Swedesboro, on the 
homestead which is still in possession of the family. 
Their son Moses, who was also born at the family 
home, married the daughter of John and Ann Al- 
bertson, whose birth occurred near Haddonfield, on 
the old homestead, now occupied by the heirs of 
Chalkley Albertson, which has been for a century a 
family estate. Their son, Chalkley A. Rulon, was 
born at Ogden Heights, near Woodbury, Gloucester 
Co. He was the fourth in number of ten children, — 
Hannah Ann, Clayton, Ketturah, Chalkley A., John 
A., Hartley, Elwood, Abel, Ellen, and Eliza C. Mr. 
Rulon having purchased the homestead near Had- 
donfield (now the home of Elwood Rulon), their son 
Chalkley A. spent his younger days on the farm with 
his parents, and received his education at the school 



312 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



of the district. On the 12th of October, 1854, he mar- 
ried Lizzie T., daughter of Taylor and Ann Haines, 
who resided on a farm near Swedesboro, now the 
property of the subject of this sketch. Their two 
children are Luella H., who is married to Henry 
M. Ridgeway, and has one daughter, Bessie T. ; and 
Carlton E., married to Lizzie A. Batton. 

Mr. Eulon has been identified with the Republican 
party since its organization. He has been especially 
active in matters connected with his township, as well 
as in the interests of the county, and has enjoyed the 
confidence of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen to 
such an extent as to have been frequently made the 
custodian of estates and of similar trusts. His parents 
were Friends, and educated their son in the same 
faith, which he still maintains. Mr. Rulon possesses 
the qualities of thrift, energy, and determination, 
which have combined to make bis life one of success, 
and his position in the township one of extended in- 
fluence. He has been since the organization of the 
Grange movement in the State associated with it as 
treasurer of the State Grange, and was also its fifth 
Master. 



CHAPTER LI. 

TOWNSHIP OF CLAYTON.i 

Erection, Boundary, Population, and Valua- 
tion. — By an act of the Legislature, approved Feb. 5, 
A.D. 1858, Clayton township was organized. Up to this 
date it had been part of Franklin township. In the 
year 1878 the town of Glassboro was struck off from 
Clayton township, so that the township is now 
bounded as follows, viz. : north by Glassboro town- 
ship; east in part by Monroe and in part by Frank- 
lin township; south by Franklin township and Upper 
Pittsgrove township, Salem Co. ; and west by Harri- 
son township. According to the State census, com- 
piled in 1880, Clayton township has a population 
of nineteen hundred and eighty-one, being one of 
the most populous townships in Gloucester County. 
The assessed value of real estate, as returned by El- 
wood S. Costill, the township assessor, for the year 
1883, was §666,130 ; assessed value of personal prop- 
erty, $297,060 ; total amount of the assessed value of 
both real and personal property, $945,190. 

Topography, Soil, and Industries.— The surface 
of the land is level ; the soil light, and very easily 
cultivated by the use of fertilizing substances. The 
substances mostly used are those of marl, lime, guano, 
and manure. It contains some of the best farm-land 
to be found in Gloucester County, especially that 
owned by Judge John M. Moore, the Iszard family, 
and the Fisler family. The farming soil throughout 
the township, however, is in a well-cultivated state. 

I By George H. Hewitt. 



Next to agriculture, the principal industries of the 
township are the manufacture of glass, general .store 
business, manufacture of cigars, and carriage-building. 

In appearance and importance Clayton township is 
second to none in Gloucester County. 

VILLAGES. 

The chief village within its bound.aries is 

Clayton, which is pleasantly situated along the 
line of the West Jersey Railroad, about twenty-one 
miles south of Philadelphia, and about thirteen miles 
south of Woodbury, the county-seat of Gloucester 
County. The village was first settled by Felix Fisler 
and his family, which consisted of himself, wife, two 
sons, and two daughters. Jacob Fisler, one of the 
sons of Felix, just before the Revolution, bought 
from the government a tract of land containing about 
two thousand eight hundred acres, for which he paid 
sixty-two and a half cents per acre, and made a per- 
manent settlement thereon. From this time till 1850 
the place was called Fislertown. It contained very 
few dwellings, being hardly anything more than a 
"cross-roads." 

In 1850 the name was changed to Fislerville, and 
the village received a fresh start by the introduction 
of the glass business. In 1867, by an act of the Legis- 
lature, the name was again changed to Clayton, it re- 
ceiving this name from the name of the township. 
From the year 1850, when the town consisted of only 
five dwellings, up to the present time its prosperity 
has been very rapid. It now contains a population 
of eighteen hundred people, and is laid out in numer- 
ous neatly-arranged streets, all running at right 
angles with the public roads. Its streets and roads 
for the most part are well graded and beautifully 
shaded. The dwellings are first-class ; even those 
occupied by the employes of the glass-works are 
roomy and comfortable, being of a better class than 
in many other manufacturing villages in the State. 

Business of Clayton Village. — The business 
interests of the village consist of three general stores, 
one drug-store and post-office, two wheelwright- and 
two blacksmith-shops, one meat-market, one iron 
foundry, one bakery, one clothing-store, two livery 
stables, two hotels (one a temperance hotel), railroad 
depot, express- and telegraph-offices, two cigar-fac- 
tories, one attorney-at-law, one jeweler, one barber, 
four physicians, one undertaker, one tailor, two mil- 
linery-stores, one sliirt-factory, two glass-works, and 
other business representatives that help make up a 
thriving town. The glass business deserves more 
tlian a passing notice ; there being two firms conduct- 
ing the business, we shall give a brief sketch of each. 

Moore Brothers' Glass- Works were started in 
the year 1850 by Jacob P. Fisler and Benjamin 
Beckett, the first-named being a great-grandson of 
Felix Fisler. These two purchased about seventy- 
five acres of land on the east side of what is now 
known as the Glassboro and Malaga turnpike, and 



TOWNSHIP OF CLAYTON. 



313 



after laying the same out in four squares, erected the 
necessary buildings for the establishment of the glass 
business and began operations under the firm-name 
of Beckett & Fisler. They built a store, a few dwell- 
ing-houses, and a barn, besides the buildings for the 
business, and these constituted the beginning of what 
is now a large glass-making concern. In 1851, after 
conducting the works less than a year, the firm dis- 
solved by Benjamin Beckett withdrawing. Mr. Fisler 
then associated with himself a Mr. Edward Bacon, 
the new firm assuming the name of Fisler & Bacon. 
From 1851 till 1856 this firm continued in business, 
when, by the death of Mr. Bacon, who was killed by 
a railroad accident at Burlington, N. J., in that year, 
it was dissolved, and Mr. Fisler, the surviving partner, 
sold the business to Mr. John M. Moore, who rented 
the factory. 

In a short time Mr. Moore purchased the real estate, 
and conducted the business until April, 1859, when 
he associated with him George C. Hewitt, the present 
manager of the works, and Jeremiah D. Hogate, 
under the firm-name of John M. Moore & Co. ; Mr. 
Moore and Mr. Hewitt managing the making and 
selling of the glass, and Mr. Hogate running the store. 
The firm continued thus until 1863, when Mr. Hewitt 
sold his interest in the business to D. Wilson Moore, a 
brother to John M., and the firm-name was changed to 
Moore Brothers & Co. The following year, viz., 1864, 
Mr. Hogate sold his interest to the other two mem- 
bers of the firm, and the firm of Moore Brothers was 
established. The two brothers conducted successfully 
the business from 1864 until 1880, when they associ- 
ated with them three young men, viz., Francis M. 
Pierce, Harry Steelman, and Charles F. Fisler, and 
the firm took the name of Bloore Brothers & Co. In 
the latter part of 1880, Mr. Fisler withdrew, and the 
present firm of Moore Brothers was formed. Their 
works cover an area of about twenty acres, and in- 
clude four large factories for making bottles and one 
small one for making either bottles or stoppers, 
steam saw- and grist-mill, machine-shop, blacksmith- 
shop, warehouses and sheds, elevated coal-track and 
bins, and a number of other necessary buildings, in- 
cluding a large three-story store building with offices 
attached. A railroad track runs entirely through the 
yards and connects with the West Jersey Railroad 
track, about one-quarter of a mile distant from their 
works. When in full operation they employ about 
five hundred hands. 

The other glass firm is 

Fisler & Moegak" Company. — In 1880, Mr. 
Charles F. Fisler, having withdrawn from the firm of 
Moore Brothers, associated with him Mr. Albert S. 
Fisler, Mr. Henry Morgan, and Mr. Walter Morgan, 
under the firm-name of Fisler & Morgan Company, 
and began operations in the north end of the town. 
They built a large factory, office, steam-mill, black- 
smith-shop, packing-house, and other buildings, cost- 
ing about twenty thousand dollars. After conducting 



the business for some months, Mr. Walter Morgan 
withdrew. They have in connection with the glass 
business a large store. Their works cover about ten 
acres of land, and when in full operation they employ 
about one hundred hands. 

Cigar Manufactory. — Cigar-making is carried 
on by John F. Iszard, and although the business 
is comparatively new, he employs five hands, and 
during the year 1883 manufactured one hundred and 
twenty thousand cigars. 

CHURCHES. 

There are tvfo churches, one each of the Methodist 
Episcopal and Presbyterian denominations. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized 
about the year 1812, when a division occurred among 
the Methodist people in the vicinity by some deciding 
to build a church at Union, a small town three miles 
west of Clayton. In said year, there being no Meth- 
odist Church in Clayton, Dr. Jacob Fisler and wife 
deeded a lot of ground for the purpose of building 
what was called the "useful school-house," for meet- 
ing and school purposes. A Methodist organization 
was then formed, with Gabriel Iszard, Joseph Fisler, 
James Abbott, Leonard Fisler, and Thomas Strang 
as trustees. For a long time after this school-house 
was built no regular minister was stationed at Clayton, 
the meetings being conducted by local preachers and 
exhorters. The " useful school -house" was used for 
a meeting-house until 1850, when it was deemed ex- 
pedient to build a church. Amid much opposition 
the project was carried through, and on Dec. 8, 1850, 
the church was dedicated by Rev. D. W. Bartine and 
Rev. W. E. Perry. Its size was thirty-six by fifty-five 
feet, two stories high, twenty-nine-feet posts, with a 
steeple and bell, the whole costing about five thousand 
dollars, the amount of cash and amount pledged at 
the time being four thousand three hundred dollars. 
It was a heavy undertaking, considering all the cir- 
cumstances, and required a vast amount of energy 
and liberality on the part of the few. The trustees 
at the time were Michael Turner, Benjamin Turner, 
Samuel L. Iszard, Henry S. Brown, and Dr. Jacob 
Fisler. Of these, Samuel L. Iszard is the only one 
now living. At this time, however, Clayton was still 
on what was called a circuit, in connection with two 
or three other places. In 1860 it was set off as a sta- 
tion, with Rev. Firman Robbins as pastor. The con- 
gregation increased from this time, so that in 1867 it 
was decided to build a parsonage. The necessary 
ground was obtained, and a house costing five thou- 
sand dollars was built. Rev. G. Hitchens being its first 
occupant. The church membership at this time was 
about two hundred. As the population increased the 
membership increased, so that there is now a mem- 
bership of four hundred. 
[ In 1883, the old church building becoming too 
small, it was by a vote of the trustees sold and moved 
off the church lot, and a new church, costing about 



314 



HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 



fifteen thousand dollars, was erected in its place. 
This church is one of the most handsome dwellings 
in South Jersey. It w.is planned by Lawrence B. 
Valk, of New York City, and built by Messrs. Dor- 
man & White, contractors, of Camden, N. J., under 
the supervision of Rev. G. S. Sykes, John F. Lszard, 
Charles F. Fisler, Harry Steelman, Benjamin F. Du 
Bois, Dr. C. L. Duffel 1, John Dooling, John S. lszard, 
and William lszard, as building committee. 

It is of Gothic style, one story high, and so arranged 
that all the rooms can be thrown iuto one. The main 
audience-room seats six hundred and fifty, and the 
vestry- and the class-rooms together about six hun- 
dred and fifty more, thus giving, when desired, a room 
seating about thirteen hundred persons. It was dedi- 
cated by Bishop Simpson, assisted by Rev. Dr. Buck- 
ley, of the Christian Advocate, and Rev. Dr. Hanlon, 
president of Pennington Seminary. The following 
are the names of the official board by whose vote it 
was decided to build the church, viz. : Pastor, Rev. 
George S. Sykes ; Stewards, George C. Hewitt, S. S. 
Turner, Thomas Spencer, John S. lszard, John H. 
Long, Albert S. Fisler, Martin Madden, Dr. C. L. 
Duffell, and Thomas P.Smith; Leaders, George C. 
Hewitt, S. S. Turner, John H. Long, Thomas Boogar, 
T. S. Turner, and pastor; Trustees, Daniel Westcoat, 
Benjamin F. Du Bois, John F. lszard, Charles F. 
Fisler, John Dooling, Harry Steelman, William 
lszard, T. Smith Turner, and George H. Hewitt. 

The Presbyterian Ch.ureh. was organized Aug. 18, 
1853, with a membership of six. In 1853 a church 
was erected, with Rev. Charles E. Ford as pastor. In 
1870 a new church was built, the old one becoming 
too small. The lower room was dedicated July 28, 
1870; upper room completed and dedicated Nov. 1, 
1878. The membership at this time was ninety, with 
Rev. Alexander Proudfit, pastor. The new church 
building is forty by sixty-five feet, two stories high, 
with a steeple and bell, the whole costing about seven- 
teen thousand dollars. In 1868 a parsonage was built, 
costing six thousand dollars. This church, as well as 
the Methodist, is in a flourishing condition. 

Schools. — The public schools are divided into six 
divisions, and taught by a principal and five assist- 
ants. Three buildings are used to provide accom- 
modations, each room seating about one hundred 
scholars. 

Old Settlers and Families. — The oldest inhabit- 
ant is Thomas R. Hewitt, who is now in his eighty- 
eighth year. He has lived in Clayton and vicinity 
nearly all his life. He has two sons and two daugh- 
ters living, his oldest son being George C. Hewitt, 
manager of Moore Brothers' glass-factories, and the 
younger being Rev. Edmund Hewitt, a member of 
the New Jersey Methodist Episcopal Conference. 
One daughter, Sarah, married Richard Sooy, and the 
other, Hannah, married R. W. Austin. George, the 
oldest son, married Abbie Long, and has four chil- 
dren ; of these, the three sons were married to Martha 



Davis, of Clayton ; Amanda Dilks, of Bridgeton; and 
Josie lszard, of Clayton. Lewis, the oldest son, is a 
salesman ; .John, the next, a clerk ; and George, the 
youngest, a lawyer. The daughter, Mary Jane, mar- 
ried Samuel lszard, of Clayton. 

The Iszaed Family is an old family in the town, 
and consists of three branches, — one with Joseph 
lszard as its head, one with Gabriel lszard as its 
head, and another with Samuel L. lszard as its head. 
The family settled in Clayton when you could almost 
count the number of inhabitants on your fingers, the 
younger members of the family thus growing up with 
the town. 

Union is the name of another town in Clayton 
township, and is about three miles west from Clayton, 
and numbers about two hundred inhabitants. It has 
one general store, with which is connected a coal- 
yard. Its chief industry, however, is the manufac- 
turing of hay-forks by the " Fork and Elevator Man- 
ufacturing Company." Mr. J. R. Fitzhugh is the 
manager and president of the company. The only 
church in the town is the Methodist Episcopal. The 
public schools are divided into two divisions, with 
Mr. John Tonkins as principal. 

The principal officers of Clayton township are: 
Town Clerk, John Gandy; Assessor, Elwood S. Cos- 
till; Collector, George H. Hewitt; Township Com- 
mittee, Dr. S. F. Fisler, Christopher Knisell, and F. 
M. Pierce. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



JACOB R. FITZHUGH. 

The name of Fitzhugh was originally Fitshons. 
John D., the grandfather of the subject of this biog- 
raphy, was of German ancestry, having resided in 
Wittenberg, Germany. His children were nine in 
number, of whom John D., the father of Jacob R., 
was born in 1801, and emigrated to America in 1812. 
He first settled in Philadelphia, but later removed to 
Bordentown, and subsequently located in Somerset 
County, Pa., where he began the manufacture of 
wagons and coaches, having previously learned the 
trade in his former places of residence. He married, 
in 1833, Miss Charlotte Houk, of Somerset County, 
Pa., whose father still survives in his eighty-ninth 
year, and had children, — Christiann (Mrs. Henry 
Conrad), Elizabeth (Mrs. George Shrader), David, 
Daniel, Frederick, Jacob R., Charlotte (Mrs. Fred. 
Ridmiller), John, George, and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. 
Fitzhugh both survive, and reside in Covington, Ohio. 
Their son, Jacob R., who is essentially a self-made 
man, was born March 28, 1848, in Indiana County, 
Pa., and remained at the parental home until twenty- 
three years of age. Such advantages of education as 
were at hand were improved, the nearest school having 



TOWiNTSHIP OF CLAYTON. 



315 



been in session but four months of the year, and lo- 
cated three miles distant. He was married Nov. 25, 
1869, in his twenty-first year, to Mary B., daughter of 
John King, of Clearfield County, Pa., and has chil- 
dren, — William B., George Franklin, Oliver J., and 
Laura May. At the age of twenty-three Mr. Fitz- 
hugh removed to Indiana and engaged in the busi- 
ness of butchering, and in 1872 embarked in the 
patent right business, handling principally a hay ele- 
vator patented by himself. This he continued until 
1875, and meanwhile exercising his inventive genius, 
secured three patents on hay elevators. During the 
latter year he removed to Philadelphia, and two years 
later made Unionville, N. J., his home, where he 
purchased ten acres of land, and has since resided. 
During his residence in Philadelphia, he devoted six 
months to exhibiting his patents at the Centennial 
Exhibition, and also patented a coal bucket and re- 
turn spool. The hay elevator before mentioned met 



with general favor, and received the first premium for 
excellence. He remained for two years iu Philadel- 
phia, busily engaged in manufacturing his valuable 
inventipns. Mr. Fitzhugh, in 1879, invented a hay- 
fork, wliich has rapidly gained popularity and an ex- 
tended sale. In 1882 he invented and patented a coal 
elevator, which is now being manufactured. He has 
in all secured ten patents on inventions, all of which 
implements are manufactured by him, and are of prac- 
tical value. This serves to illustrate the inventive 
faculty of the subject of this sketch, and his success- 
ful career from boyhood to the present time. In poli- 
tics Mr. Fitzhugh is independent, though educated in 
the principles of the Republican party. He was reared 
in the faith of the Lutheran Church, but is now a 
worshiper with the Methodist Episcopal congregation 
of Unionville. He is a member of the Philadelphia 
Lodge of Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, and of 
the Glassboro Lodge of Knights of Pythias. 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LII. 

SETTLEMENT AND SETTLERS. 

Description. — Salem is the southwestern county 
in the State of New Jersey. Gloucester County lies 
north from it, Cumberland County bounds it on the 
east, and Delaware Bay and River form its southern 
and western boundary. The surface of the county 
is generally level, and the soil is mostly loam, mixed 
occasionally with clay or sand. 

The drainage of the county is into Delaware Bay 
and River, through four principal streams and their 
affluents. These are Oldman's Creek, which sepa- 
rates Salem from Gloucester County; Salem River, 
which rises in Upper Pittsgrove, pursues a westerly 
then a southerly course, and empties into the Dela- 
ware between Lower Penn's Neck and Elsinboro town- 
ships; Alloways Creek, which also has its source in 
Upper Pittsgrove, passes southwesterly, and debouches 
into the Delaware between the townships of Elsin- 
boro and Lower Alloways Creek ; and Stow Creek, 
which rises in the eastern boundary of Upper Allo- 
ways Creek, and pursues a southerly course, on the 
eastern boundary of the county, to discharge its 
waters into the Delaware. Maurice River forms the 
eastern boundary of Pittsgrove township, and passes 
southerly through Cumberland County to Delaware 
Bay. So level is the surface that the tide flows many 
miles up these streams and their affluents, and sub- 
merges the surface along their shores and the shore 
of the Delaware. The tide-marshes or meadows thus 
formed vary in width, and are only utilized by means 
of embankments, which prevent the flow of the tide 
over them. 

Early Settlements. — The history of this region 
prior to the advent of Europeans has been elsewhere 
spoken of, and the early settlements along the Dela- 
ware by the Swedes and Finns have been mentioned. 
These latter were made as early as 1638, and though 
the Dutch afterwards held supremacy here, many of 
the Swedish settlers, who were scattered along the 
shore in the townships of Elsinboro and Lower and 
Upper Penn's Neck, remained. In 1640 what was 
known as the New Haven colony also came here, 
but all these may be regarded as failures, for although 
many of the settlers and their descendants remained, 
and some of the families are still largely represented 
here, their distinctive character was lost or rather, 
;!lr; 



overshadowed by the people who, forty years later, 
came here in greater numbers, and brought with them 
not only the peculiar religious faith which had made 
them the objects of persecution in the land of their 
nativity, but the habits of industry, frugality, and 
honesty which enabled them to prosper in the wild 
country, and to live in peace with their savage neigh- 
bors, the aboriginal inhabitants of the region. 

Settlement by the English.. — The acquisition of 
the territory by the Duke of York, its transfer to 
Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, and its pur- 
chase by John Fenwick and Edward Byllinge have 
been elsewhere detailed, and no further reference to 
them is necessary here. 

Arrival of John Fenwick.— On the 4th of Octo- 
ber, 1675, John Fenwick, with his children, his ser- 
vants, and associates, in the ship " Griffith," Capt. 
Robert Griffith, auchored opposite the old Swedes' 
fort, " Elsborg," near the mouth of Salem River. He 
had sailed up the bay from Cape May along the east- 
ern shore, and the next day, or the 5th of October, 
the ship weighed anchor and ascended the river about 
three miles, and the passengers landed at the point, 
on the south side of the river, where now is the city 
of Salem. Their voyage across the Atlantic had been 
of more than two and a half months' duration, and 
their feelings of thankfulness on landing upon this 
pleasant spot, on a beautiful autumnal day, can read- 
ily be imagined. Fenwick at once determined to es- 
tablish a town here and to give it the name of Salem, 
which signifies peace. This was the first English 
town settled on this side of the Delaware, and, it is 
hardly necessary to say, it has ever since borne the 
name which was then given to it. 

John Fenwick, the founder of the town, and of 
what was known as Fenwick's colony, was born in 
Northumberland County, England, in 1618. In 1645 
he was a law student at Guy's Inn, London, and 
soon afterward he was made a major of cavalry by 
Cromwell, and took an active part against the crown. 
He became a member of the Society of Friends in 
1665, and suffered, with others, the persecutions to 
which the members of that sect were at that time 
subjected. West New Jersey was at about that time 
offered for sale by Lord Berkeley, and in 1673 it was 
purchased by Fenwick, for himself and Edward Byl- 
linge, one-tenth of the whole to be his share of the 
purchase. The territory now comprising Salem and 
Cumberland Counties was set off as his tenth, and he 



GENEKAL HISTORY. 



311 



made preparations to come hither and possess his 
lands. He offered inducements for others to come 
with him, and 'many, mostly Quakers, accepted the 
invitation ; and of these a considerable number pur- 
chased land before they embarked. 

As soon as practicable after his arrival he pur- 
chased from the natives the land comprised within 
his tenth. According to Johnson,' his purchases from 
the Indians were as follows : 

"The first purchase was for the lands included 
within Salem and Oldman's Creeks, which creeks 
were called by the Indians Mosacksa and Forcus ; 
the grant to these lands was made by the Chiefs Tos- 
paminkey and Henaminkey. 

" The second purchase was for all the lands lying 
between the Forcus Creek (or, as it was afterwards 
called, Game Creek, or Fenwick's Eiver, and now 
Salem Creek) and the Canahockink Creek (now called 
Cohansey, and by some of the first settlers it was 
called Cohanzick, from a chief who resided on the 
south side thereof). This grant was made from the 
chiefs whose names were Mahoppany, Allaways, Ne- 
comis, and his mother, Necosshehesco, Myhoppony, 
and Shuccotery. Of all the water-courses within the 
county of Salem, I recollect only the names of six 
which at this day retain their primitive or Indian 
names. They are, first, the Allaways; second, the 
Necomis, the run at the side of which are some marl- 
pits ; third, the Mahoppony, that branch of Pledger's 
Creek on which there was formerly a tide-mill ; 
fourth, the Mackimppuck, two miles northwest from 
Greenwich; fifth, the Manimuska, the branch on 
which is built the village of Port Elizabeth ; sixth, 
a small branch of Morris Eiver called Menatico, 
situate about half-way between Millville and Port 
Elizabeth. 

" The third purchase was from the Canahockink, 
now Cohansey, to the Wahatquenack, now Morrjs 
River. 

" The grantors were Mahawskey, Mohut, who styles 
himself the king, Newsego, Checheneham, Torucho, 
and Shacanum." 

Fenwick at once entered on the work of organizing 
and arranging for the government of his colony and 
the disposition of his lands. He erected for himself 
a house on what he named Ivy Point, in the town of 
Salem, a short distance from Market Street. 

It is not necessary to enter into a discussion of the 
difiiculties and embarrassments in which Fenwick be- 
came involved, and from which he was not, at the time 
of his death, fully extricated. There are still differ- 
ences of opinion as to the merits of the controversies, 
and the uprightness of his conduct in those controver- 
sies. It is exceedingly difficult, after the lapse of 
two hundred years, to form a satisfactory judgment 
concerning matters wherein so wide a difference of 
opinion existed at the time. 



Fenwick was selected as Governor of the colony, 
and took the following affirmation of ofiice : 

" I, John Fenwick, one of the lords or chief proprietors of the Prov- 
ince of New Cesarea or New Jersey, in America, being chosen by tiie 
proprietors, purchasers, and freeholders now resident in Fenwicl: col- 
ony, witliin said province, to be their Governor for this present year, 
1676, do hereby declare and promise, that I will heartily endeavor to 
promote the honor of Almighty God, who is King of kings, and hatli 
shewed me that he requires of all men, to do justly, love mercy, and to 
walk humbly with their God ; and accordingly, I further declare and 
promise, that I will hear true allegiance to the King of England, his heirs 
and succeBSors, and, in my place and employment, shall, by the power 
received from both, faithfully endeavor to discharge the trust reposed 
in me by the people, not only in being faithful to their several interests, 
but also endeavor the peace and welfare of them and the said colony by 
doing equal justice to them and all men, according to my best skill and 
judgemeut, without corruption, favor, or aflfoction. 

" In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this one 
and twentieth day of the Fourth month, commonly called June, in the 
year one thousand six hundred and seventy-six." 

Fifteen of the adventurers were selected as magis- 
trates. These were 



Samuel Nicholson. 
Richard Noble. 
Edward Champneys. 
John Adams. 
Roger Huchins. 
Richard Hancock. 
John Smyth. 



Edward Wade. 
Robert Wade. 
Richard Whitaker. 
William Hancock. 
William Malster. 
John Lynd. 
Samuel Lynd. 



Pioneer Settlers.— It has already been stated that 
Swedish settlers came here as early as 1638, and set- 
tled in Elsinboro and Penn's Neck. The titles to 
their lands of these settlers whom Fenwick found 
here were at once confirmed, and when the authori- 
ties at New York aroused some dissatisfaction among 
the Swedes, Finns, and Dutch as to their titles, Fen- 
wick invited them to his house in Salem, and effected 
an adjustment of the matter, by the terms of which 
they agreed to pay an annual quit-rent, which, though 
nominal, was a recognition of the validity of his title 
and his right to convey. They had previously pur- 
chased these lands from the Indians. From a list of 
those who paid,quit-rents, made by Samuel Hedge, in 
1690, and from other sources, the following names of 
the settlers, mainly in Penn's Neck, who were here 
when Fenwick arrived, and prior to 1700 are gleaned : 

The Sinnickson family, that has had many distin- 
guished representatives here, descended from Andrew 
Seneca, Jr. (originally Cinca or Sinaker), who set- 
tled in Obisquahasit, now Penn's Neck, about thirty 
years prior to the advent of Fenwick with his colony, 
and i^urchased a large tract from the Indians. The 
names are also found of Eric Yearnes and Henry 
Neilson, who came about 1640, and purchased each 
one thousand acres of land at Finn's Point : 



1 Historical Account of the Settlement of Salem, p. 14. 



William Gill. 
Michael Lecroa. 
Fopp Johnson. 
Gille Joanson. 
Mat. Neilson. 
Abram Vanhyest. 
Fopp Neilson. 
Peter Onson. 
Steven Yearnens. 
Stacy Uendrickson. 



Matthias Spacklesson. 
Evick Yearnens. 
John Yearnens. 
Matt. Joanson. 
Andrew Anderson. 
Stacy Corneilinson. 
Ann Hendricks. 
Hance Shershell. 
Clans Joanson. 
.Tones Scoggin. 



318 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Woley Woolson. 
Barce Jacobson. 
Peter Halter. 
A. C. Bronson. 
Tbumas "Wattson. 
James Vickery. 
Peter Wilkinson. 
Andorcas Barleyson. 
Renier Vanhoyst 
John Ciillin. 
Barnard Webb. 
John Perkins. 
George Garret. 
Isaac Laroy. 
Isaac Petei-son. 
Jolin Hendricltsoii. 
Wooley Jonson. 
James Seangin. 
John Erigeon. 
Powell Lawson. 
Henry Jeans. 
Joshua Gillet. 
William HughesX'^ 
William Fowler. 
Thomas Naisilar. 
Hance Oiilson. 
William White. 
Martin Sahara. 
Hance Sahara. 
Richard Wilkinson. 
William Handley. 
Henry Ivans. 



Dirk Albertson, 

Richard Mazey. 

John Jacobson. 

Peter Johnson. 

Martin Shore. 

Oarret Vanneman. 

Harmenns Alricks. 

William Philpot. 

Eric Shore. 

John Urisori. 

William Mecnm. 

Daniel Bilderback. 

Thomas Miles. 

John Eaton. 

John Grice. 

John Vanjining. 

Hance Shere. 

Lucas Johnson. 

Yealliz Gill Johnson. 

Garret Vanjining. 

William Gill Johnson. 

John Lecroy. 

Lucas Peterson. 

Joseph Erigson. 

Powell Powelson. 

Isaac Savoy. 

Richard Pitman. 

Wolly Wagson. 

Edward Godwin. 

The Wolversons, Jagettea, 
Wolleysons, Engsons, Van- 
culans, Shonons, and others. 



John Adams. Of those who came within the first 
twenty-five years after the arrival of Fenwick, John 
Adams was the son-in-law of the Proprietor, and with 
his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, — Elizabeth, 
Fenwick, and Mary, — came with him on the "Grif- 
fith." He was from Reading, Berkshire, and his 
trade was that of a weaver. Not long after their 
arrival he built a house, near to that of his father-in- 
law, on Ivy Point. He also became the owner of two 
thousand acres of land elsewhere. It does not appear 
that John Adams had the confidence of his father-in- 
law. Both he and his wife died at their house on 
Ivy Point prior to 1700. 

George Abbott and wife, and bis sister, Mary Ab- 
bott, came from England, and in 1696 he purchased 
from Joseph Nicholson one hundred and thirty-six 
acres in Elsinboro, on the north side of Alloways 
Creek. 

Benjamin Acton probably came to Salem in the 
ship "Kent," in 1677. He was a surveyor, and a 
tanner and currier. He purchased a lot of sixteen 
acres on Fenwick Street, built on it, and resided 
there during the remainder of his life. He was a 
prominent man, and was the first recorder after the 
incorporation of the town. 

John Allen, Thomas Buckel, and William Groon 
came as servants with Edward Bradway, in the ship 
"Kent," in 1677. 

Jane Allen and Thomas Brinton came in the " Grif- 
fith," in 1675, as servants of Christopher White. 

Hannah Ashbury came in 1681. 

Joel Bailey purchased land in 1687. 

Gervas Bywater came as a servant of Fenwick. He 



afterwards acquired two hundred acres in Penn's 
Neck. 

Charles Angelo had a lot on NevilF Street in 1684. 

Jonathan Beere was a magistrate in 1697. 

Edward Bradway, his wife (Mary), and their chil- 
dren, — Mary, William, and Susannah, — came in the 
"Kent" in 1677. He had, before coming, purchased 
of Fenwick a town-lot of sixteen acres, and one thou- 
sand acres besides. His town-lot was located on 
Wharf Street, near Salem River. On this, in 1691, 
he built a brick house, which is still standing. The 
name of Wharf Street was changed to Bradway (now 
Broadway) Street in honor of him. 

John Brick came from England previous to 1680, 
and about 1690 purchased a large tract of land on 
Gravelly Run. 

William Bassett migrated from Massachusetts in 
1691, and settled near Salem. 

Thomas Baldwin and wife came here from Eng- 
land, in 1683. They soon removed elsewhere. 

John Butcher came prior to 1682. 

Joseph Berkstead was here in 1691. 

Thomas Bubb purchased five hundred acres of land 
in 1697. 

Charles Bayaly and Thomas Bonson were subscrib- 
ers towards building the first meeting-house. 

Edward Champleys, who was a joiner in England, 
I was the husband of Priscilla, oldest daughter of John 
j Fenwick. They were married in 1671, at Reading, 
England, and came to Salem with Fenwick, in the 
" Griffith." He built a dwelling near to that of his 
father-in-law, and called the place Blandford Grove. 
There he followed the business of a " barber and 
chirurgeon," having left his old trade and adopted 
the profession of shaving and phlebotomy. It is evi- 
dent from the will of Fenwick, either that he was 
not on good terms with Champleys, or that he lacked 
confidence in him, for he gave him no charge of his 
children's estate. Priscilla died before 1683, and 
Edward in 1706. 

Nathaniel Chambless (originally Chamness) and 
his son Nathaniel came in the " Griffith," as the 
servants of Edward Wade. Their industry and in- 
tegrity brought them wealth and a high character in 
the colony. In 1680 the senior purchased from his 
former employer two hundred and fifty acres of land, 
and to this, in 1681, he added two hundred and fifty 
acres, the whole comprising a large part of Alloways 
Creek Neck. 

Thomas Carney was a large landholder in Penn's 
Neck. 

The Colson family were among the earliest in- 
habitants of Pilesgrove. 

William Cooper, from England, settled in Salem 
in 1678, and followed the trade of a blacksmith. To 
his wife three hundred acres of land were given by 
her father, on a large branch of Alloways Creek, and 
the stream was named Cooper's Creek. The Cooper 
family of Camden descended from him. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



319 



Cornelius Copner was one of the active English 
citizens of Penn's Neck as early as 1695, and a prom- 
inent citizen till his death in 1731. 

George Deacon was here in 1679, but removed to 
Burlington in 1690. . 

Thomas Daniels built a house near Stow Creek 
previous to 1700. 

Richard Darkin came from England in 1783, and 
located in Elsinboro. He married the only daughter 
of Robert Windham. 

John Davis, with his sons, John, Isaac, Malachi, 
and David, migrated hither from Long Island. David 
was a prominent citizen. 

James Denn married Elizabeth, daughter of John 
Maddox. He was a member of the Alloways Creek 
Meeting. 

John Denn lived at Salem. 

Thomas Dunn purchased land in Penn's Neck as 
early as 1689. 

Michael Eaton came as a servant of John Fenwick 
in 1675. 

Joseph Forest was a subscriber toward the erection 
of the first Friends' meeting-house in Salem. 

Will Flowers was an early resident. 

Joshua Gillet purchased land in 1689. 

Edward Goodwin was a subscriber toward the erec- 
tion of a meeting-house in Salem in 1698. 

Richard Guy and his wife Bridget were among 
the first immigrants here. He had been a cheese- 
monger in London. In 1676 he purchased for his 
friend, Thomas Pyle, ten thousand acres of land in 
Pilesgrove. His house was one of the first places of 
meeting for the Friends' Society in 1679. 

Richard Hancock came in the " Griffith," with the 
Proprietor, in 1675. He succeeded Richard Noble as 
surveyor, but was, in 1680, succeeded by Richard 
Tindal. 

William Hancock emigrated from England to this 
country in 1677, with his wife, Isabella, and two sons, 
John and William. He became the possessor of one 
thousand acres of land on the south side of Alloways 
Creek. John became the owner of five hundred acres 
of this, and Hancock's Bridge bears his name. Wil- 
liam purchased five hundred acres in Elsinboro. He 
was, during many years, a justice in Salem County. 

William Hall came as the servant of John Thomp- 
son, and at the end of his term of service became a 
merchant in Salem. He married the daughter of 
Thomas Pyle, became a large landholder, a judge, 
and one of the most important men in the colony. 

John Harding purchased sixteen acres on Nevill 
Street, in Salem, in 1685. 

George Hazlewood owned land in Elsinboro. 

Samuel Hedge came in the "Griffith," with Fen- 
wick, in 1675, and in the spring of 1676 he married 
Ann, the youngest daughter of the Proprietor. He 
became Fenwick's favorite, and so continued till the 
death of the latter, and was his executor. A tract of 
two thousand acres in Mannington, adjoining six 



thousand acres called Fenwick's Grove, was laid off 
to Hedge and his wife, and the place was long known 
as Hedgefield. Many of his descendants in the 
female line are residents here. 

William Hewes was among the first English pur-^ 
chasers of land on Oldman's Creek. 

John Holme purchased a large tract of land near 
Alloways Creek about 1690. He was the grandfather 
of Benjamin Holme, of Revolutionary memory. 

Roger Huskins was a landholder in this county in 
1692. Robert and Thomas Hutchinson owned land 
here at the same time. 

Henry Jennings and his wife came in the " Kent" 
from England in 1677, and in 1682 purchased from 
John Adams two hundred acres of land. He removed 
to Philadelphia in 1700. 

A Swedish family named Jonason located in Penn's 
Neck in 1640, and the name soon came to be Johnson. 
The first English immigrants of the name were Rich- 
ard, and his cousin, Thomas, who came a few months 
prior to Fenwick, and located in his tenth. In 1686, 
Thomas purchased ten acres in the town of Salem. 

Edward Keasby came from England about 1694, 
and settled in the town of Salem. He was an active 
member of the Society of Friends. 

Thomas Kent became, in 1695, the owner of ten 
acres of ground in Nevill (now Kent) Street. 

Rev. Thomas Killingsworth, the first Baptist cler- 
gyman who located in South New Jersey, settled in 
Fenwick's colony about 1683. He owned a tract of 
land near Salem, and was the first judge of the Salem 
courts, a position which he filled long and honorably. 

John Kylett purchased ten acres in the town of 
Salem in 1685. 

Thomas Lamson, and his wife, Ann, came to Amer- 
ica and located in Penn's Neck in 1690. 

Hypolite Lefevre was a French Huguenot who had 
left his native land and gone to England, from which 
country he, with John Pledger and their families, 
came to West New Jersey a few months before the 
Proprietor. They had purchased six thousand acres 
of land, which was located in the township of Man- 
nington, though they lived and died in Salem. 

Elton Lewis was an early resident of Salem. 

Richard Lippincott, the progenitor of the numer- 
ous Lippincott family here, came from England to 
Dorchester, New England, between 1636 and 1640, 
and to Shrewsbury, N. J., in 1669. In 1683 he pur- 
chased one thousand acres of land in Salem tenth. 

John Maddox, his wife, their daughter and son-in- 
law, Richard Durham, and three servants, Thomas 
Oder, Thomas Hoaton, and Mary Stafibrd, came from 
London in the ship " Surrey" in 1678. In 1682, John 
purchased five hundred acres of land near Hancock's 
Bridge. Joseph Maddox was an early resident of 
Salem. 

William Malstiflf was, in 1676, the owner of land on 
the south side of Alloways Creek. 

Strickly Marshall owned land in Salem in 1687. 



320 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



John Mason emigrated from England in 1683, and 
soon came to Salem, where he purchased sixteen 
acres on the south side of Broadway. He purchased 
five thousand acres in 1686, and in 1690 a tract of one 
thousand acres in Elsinboro, where, in 1695, he went 
to live. He was a prominent and influential citizen. 

Thomas Mason came from England to West Jersey 
at about the same time his brother John came. He 
first resided in Salem, but after the death of Fenwick 
be purchased five hundred acres in Mannington, and 
lived there till his death. 

Allen Matthias arrived in Salem from England in 
1681. 

Hugh MiddletOD, who was a prominent citizen, 
came in the same vessel with Matthias. 

Redroe Morris became a resident of Elsinboro 
in 1683. At the time of his death, in 1701, he was 
the owner of thirteen hundred acres of land in that 
township. 

James Nevill was one of those who came in the 
" Griffith" with the Proprietor. He was a lawyer, a 
man of more than ordinary talent, and of strict in- 
tegrity. He was William Penn's agent for the sale of 
the lands which he purchased of Fenwick, and Penn 
reposed implicit confidence in him. He resided in 
Salem, where, in 1685, he purchased twenty-nine 
acres of land. He died about 1703. 

Samuel Nicholson was one of the wealthiest of 
those who arrived with John Fenwick. He brought 
with him his wife, Ann, and five children. Soon after 
their arrival he purchased a sixteen-acre lot on Wharf 
Street (now Broadway) and a tract of two thousand 
acres in Elsinboro. At his house the first Society 
of Friends was organized, in 1676. His sons, Samuel 
and Abel, became useful citizens. 

Richard Noble was the first surveyor-general ap- 
pointed by the Proprietor, and by him Broadway, in 
Salem, was laid out. He died soon after the settle- 
ment of the colony. 

Charles and Wade Oakford, nephews of Edward 
Wade, came about 1695. Charles purchased from his 
uncle a large tract. 

Roger Pedrick purchased of the Proprietor, early in 
1676, one thousand acres on Oldman's Creek. Ped- 
ricktown took its name from him. 

William Penn became the purchaser, March 23, 
1682, of all Fenwick's remainder of land in West 
Jersey, except one hundred and fifty thousand acres, 
and grants were made by him, through James Nevill, 
subsequent to that date. 

Abner Penton was one of the first immigrants. 

John Pledger, who was a ship-carpenter in Eng- 
land, bore an active part in affairs here at an early 
period. He, with his wife, Elizabeth, and his son, 
Joseph, came with Fenwick in the "Griffith." 

Thomas Pyle, from London, was the purchaser of 
ten thousand acres in what was named, from him, 
Pilesgrove township. He probably died prior to 1690. 

Tobias Quinton came from England and purchased 



land on the south side of AUoways Creek, where now 
is located the village of Quinton. 

The names of John Remington, Richard Robinson, 
and William Rumsey appear on subscriptions for the 
erection of Friends' meeting-houses in Salem before 

doo. 

^ Among the servants who came with Fenwick was 
Mark Reeve, a man of high mental and moral en- 
dowments. In 1685 he purchased sixteen acres in 
Salem, but he soon removed to a tract which he 
purchased on Cohansey Creek. 

James Rolph, shortly before 1700, became a citizen 
of Salem, and a landholder in Mannington. 

John Shales and William Savage were subscribers 
for the erection of a Friends' meeting-house at Salem 
in 1698. 

In 1681, and at different times afterward, Anthony 
Sharp purchased large quantities of land in AVest 
New Jersey, though he never migrated thither. His 
descendant, Isaac Sharp, became a prominent citizen 
of this county. 

James Sherron became a landholder in Manning- 
ton township in the latter part of the seventeenth 
century. He was murdered in 1777, as elsewhere 
related. 

Cornelius Shoverde, the progenitor of the Shourds 
family, came from Holland in 1684. 

Isaac Smart was one of the crew of the "Griffith" 
in 1675. He was then a young man. He located on 
a tract of five hundred acres in Elsinboro, and in 
1696 built a brick mansion there. His son, Nathaniel's 
name appears on the first subscription for a Friends' 
meeting-house. 

John Smith, his wife, and their children, were of 
the company that came to Salem in the " Griffith," in 
1675. He purchased of Fenwick two thousand acres, 
extending from the head of Alemsbury Creek to Al- 
loways Creek. He was called John Smith of Alems- 
bury. His son, Daniel, bought one thousand acres 
on Alloways Creek, near Quinton. Daniel became a 
Baptist. 

John Smith (of Smithfield) came to America in 
the ship "Ariel," in 1685. He soon came to Salem, 
and purchased one-half of the Hedgefield tract in 
Mannington, from Samuel Hedge and wife, and from 
that time the place was known as Smithfield. He 
was endowed with more than ordinary intellect and 
business capacity, and was one of Fenwick's execu- 
tors. 

In 1685, Roger Smith purchased ten acres in Salem. 

Joseph Stretch emigrated from England to this 
country in 1695, and settled on a tract of nine hun- 
dred acres on Stoe Neck, south from Alloways 
Creek. 

John Suooks purchased ten acres in Salem in 1685. 

William Summerill was a landholder in Penn's 
Neck. 

In 1677, Andrew and John Thompson emigrated 
from Ireland (they were of English parentage) in the 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



321 



ship " Mary," and arrived at Elsinboro the same 
year; and about 1680 they bought one-half of Rich- 
ard Guy's tract in that township. The descendants 
of John removed to Delaware. Andrew was the pro- 
genitor of the numerous family of the name in Salem 
County. His son William purchased a large tract of 
land near Allowaystown, and settled there. 

Richard Tindal came hither in 1678, and soon 
afterward purchased "five hundred aci'es of land in 
Penn's Neck. In 1680 he was made surveyor-general 
of the colony, with John Warlidge as deputy. They 
were continued in office after the death of Fenwick, 
and were likewise employed by William Penn after 
his purchase. 

George Trenchard was an early resident of Mon- 
mouth precinct. 

Robert Turner was one of the servants who came 



with Fenwick. 

William Tylor came to West Jersey about 1688, 
and purchased a tract of land on the north side of 
Alloways Creek. 

Ranier Van Hirst (whose name is variously spelled) 
purchased four hundred acres of land near Cranberry 
Point, in Manniugton, in 1684. 

William Waddington, who was a French Hugue- 
not, came to this country about 1690, and purchased 
one thousand acres on the south side of Alloways 
Creek. 

Edward, Robert, and Samuel Wade were of the 
party that the "Griffith" brought, in 1675. In 1678 
Robert went to Upland, now Chester. Edward had 
purchased one thousand acres, which was located at 
Alloways Creek. He also purchased a lot on Market 
Street, Salem, built a house on it, and resided there 
till his death. Samuel established his residence at 
Alloways Creek, where he ended his days. 

Joseph Ware was a servant of Edward Wade when 
they came, in 1675, but soon became the purchaser of 
five hundred acres of land on Alloways Creek. He 
became an influential man among his fellow-citi- 
zens. 

Richard Whitacar (afterwards spelled Whitaker) 
came in the " Griffith," and was the attorney of Wil- 
liam Hancock, who had purchased land here. He was 
made one of Fenwick's Council of Proprietors, which 
position he held from 1676 to 1702. 

Christopher White, his wife, and two children 
landed at Salem in 1677. He had purchased a lot in 
the town, and one thousand acres besides. In 1682 he 
removed to this land, which was located on Alloways 
Creek, and erected the largest and most substantial 
brick house that had been built in the colony. His 
energy and high moral tone of character were trans- 
mitted to his descendants through several generations. 
He died in 1698. His son, Josiah, is mentioned in the 
records of the Friends at Salem in 1698. 

Joseph White arrived at Elsinboro, with Hugh 
Middleton and others, in 1681. He located on land 
in that township, where he died in 1703. He was 
21 



active in civil affiiirs in the colony, and an influential 
member of the Salem Monthly Meeting.- 

James Whittan purchased land in Mannington in 
the latter part of the seventeenth century. 

William Wilkinson came with Fenwick as a ser- 
vant. In 1685 he purchased a ten-acre lot in Salem. 

Robert Windham, who came in the " Griffith," pur- 
chased from the Proprietor one thousand acres, where 
the New Haven colony had partially cleared the land 
more than thirty years before, this land having Salem 
Creek for its western boundary. He resided on this 
land till he and his wife died, about 1686, leaving a 
daughter, who became the wife of Richard Darkin. 

Richard Woodnut came from England in 1690, and 
in 1695 settled in Salem. He was a bricklayer. In 
1696 he came in possession of a large tract of land in 
Mannington. 



^i-A Thomas Woodruff and his wife, Edith, came to 
Salem on the ship " Surrey," in 1679. In 1682 lie was 
sheriff of the county. 

Bartholomew Wyatt, from Worcestershire, Eng- 
land, became ^ citizen of Salem about 1690. He pur- 
chased twelve hundred acres of land in Mannington. 
He was prominent in civil affairs, and an active mem- 
ber of the Society of Friends. 

Thomas Yorke, from England, settled in Salem as 
early as 1685. He became the owner, in 1687, of five 
hundred acres on Necomis Run, a part of Fenwick's 
Grove, in Mannington, then known as White's Vine- 
yard. 

Robert Zane purchased from the Proprietor a six- 
teen-acre lot in Salem, and in his house the Friends 
held meetings. He removed to Newton Creek in 
1790, and there he died. 



CHAPTER LIII. 

POLITICAL HISTORY— ORGANIZATION, AND SUBSE- 
QUENT CHANGES OF BOUNDARIES— CIVIL LISTS. 

The first division of West New Jersey into judicial 
districts, or counties, was made by the General Free 
Assembly of the province at its session held from the 
2d to the 6th day of May, 1682. It was then enacted 
that there should be four Courts of Sessions held at 
Burlington and at Salem yearly, " and for smaller 
courts oftener (if need require), both at Burlington 
and at Salem, to be appointed by the justices as they 
judge fit." At this time also a sheriff, recorder, and 
justices were appointed for the jurisdiction of Salem, 
though the act did not define the limits of that juris- 
diction. These courts seem to have had jurisdiction 
in all cases, civil and criminal, except that they could 
not try capital offenses. It is an interesting fact that 
up to 1698 there was really no tribunal in West Jersey 
competent to try offenses of a capital nature. The first 
settlers — the peaceful Quakers — appeared to be almost 



322 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



unwilling to suppose that a capital crime could be com- 
mitted in their community. It was provided, however, 
that whenever a person should be found guilty of mur- 
der or treason, the sentence and punishment were to 
be left to the General Assembly "to determine, as 
they, in the wisdom of the Lord, should judge meet 
and expedient." 

Gloucester County Erected. — The counties into 
which the province was thus divided were named, 
from the two principal towns, Burlington and Salem. 
The continued increase of population soon necessi- 
tated another division, and Gloucester was, in 1686, 
organized by the direct action of the people within 
its limits, and Oldman's Creek and a line from its 
head-waters to the ocean became the northern bound- 
ary of Salcra County. 

Cape May County Set Off.— In 1692 the county 
of Cape May, which had for a boundary between it 
and Salem County the east side of Morris Eiver, from 
its mouth to " the utmost flowing of the tide," was 
erected by an act of the Provincial Legislature. This 
boundary was again defined by an act passed in 1694. 
By another law, passed at the same session, it was 
enacted "that the jurisdiction of Salem court shall 
extend from the aforesaid Berkeley Eiver, on the 
north, to the river Tweed, formerly called Back 
Creek, on the south." 

In May, 1700, it was enacted 

" that all persona inhabiting on the Kiver Tweed, being the lower 
bounds of Salem County, and all settlements below, unto the bounds of 
the county of Gape May, shall, from hence forth be annexed to and be 
subject to the jurisdiction of the court and county of Salem, until it 
shall be otherwise ordered by the General Free Assembly of this Prov- 
ince." 

By an act passed Jan. 21, 17y§, the following 
were set forth as the boundaries of the county : 

"Salem county begins at the moutli of a creek on the west side of 
Stipson's island, commonly called Freak's creek; thence up the same as 
high as the tide iioweth ; thence upon a direct line to the mouth of a 
small creek at Tuckahoe, where it comes into the southernmost main 
branch of the fork of the Oreat Egg Harbour river; thence up the 
said branch to the head thereof; thence along the bounds of Gloucester 
County to Delaware river; thence down the Delaware river and bay to 
the place of beginning." 

Cumberland County Incorporated.— By an act 

passed Jan. 19, ]7|f, the county of Cumberland 
was erected from the southern parts of Salem. The 
lines of partition between the two counties were not 
well settled, and in 1763 commissioners appointed for 
the purpose by the boards of justices and freeholders 
of both counties reported that they could not settle 
these lines in a conclusive manner; therefore it was 
enacted by the Legislature: 

"That the bounds between the counties of Salem and Cumberland 
shall be as followeth, videlicet : Beginning at the middle of the mouth 
of Stow creek, and running up the middle of the same, opposite to the 
mills that formerly belonged to John Brick, esquire ; then continuing 
still up the middle of Stow creek branch, opposite to the houseof Hugh 
Dunn ; then on a direct line to said Hugli Dunn's house, leaving said 
Dunn's house in Cumberland county ; and from said house on a straight 
line north fifty-one degrees fifteen minutes, east ninety-four chains to 
the house ot Azel Pierson, formerly Nathan Shaw's, leaving said Pier- 
son's house in Cumberland county ; from thence northeast until it in- 



tersects the line of Pilesgrove township or precinct, in distance three 
hundred and five chains ; and tlience along Pilesgrove line, as was 
marked by said commissioners, south forty-seven degrees east, until it 
intersects the middle of the water-course of Prince Maurice's river, below 
the mouth of Muddy run ; from thence up said river, bounding on the 
middle of the water-course thereof, to the foot of Scotland branch; then 
up said branch, hounding on the middle of the watercourse, to Glou- 
cester line, which said river, lines, and creek, as aforesaid, shall forever 
hereafter be taken, deemed, and esteemed the bounds of partition between 
tile aforesaid counties of Salem and Cumberland, any law or usage to 
the contrary thereof notwithstanding." 

By an act of March 1, 1828, a commission was ap- 
pointed to determine the line of partition between 
the county of Gloucester and the counties of Salem 
and Cumberland. The commissioners were William 
Trick, Joshua Swain, and Joshua S. Earl. 

By an act approved April 10, 1867, the township of 
Pittsgrove, in the county of Salem, was made a part 
of the county of Cumberland, and the line between 
the townships of Pittsgrove and Upper Pittsgrove 
was made the boundary between the two counties. 
By an act approved Feb. 25, 1868, the act of the pre- 
vious year was repealed, and the township of Pitts- 
grove was " put back to the county of Salem, to all 
intents and purposes" as if the act of transfer had 
not been passed. 

The Townships in Salem County are Oldman's, 
Upper Penn's Neck, Pilesgrove, Upper Pittsgrove, 
Pittsgrove, Lower Penn's Neck, Mannington, Upper 
Alloways Creek, Elsinboro, Quinton, and Lower Al- 
loways Creek. The county was originally divided 
into the townships of Elsinboro, East Fenwick (now 
Mannington), West Fenwick (afterwards Penn's 
Neck, and now Upper and Lower Penn's Neck), 
Pilesgrove (which included both the Pittsgroves), 
and Monmouth (which embraced the territory now 
included in Upper and Lower Alloways Creek and 
Quinton). 

The population of Stilem County, at the beginning 
of each decade since 1783, has been as follows : 

1840 16,024 

1850 19,407 

1860 22,458 

1870 23,940 

1880 24,579 



1790 10,437 

1800 11,371 

1810 12,761 

1820 11,022 

1830 14,156 



Of these aggregates there were of slaves in 



1790.. 
1800.. 
1810.. 



172 
85 
29 



1820.. 
1830.. 
1840.. 



15 
1 
1 



Civil List, 



1682. 
1693. 
1696. 
1697. 
1698. 
1700. 
1701. 
1703. 
1705, 
1709. 
1712. 
1715. 

1716. 
1717. 



Thomas Woodruff, 
.lohu Jeffery, bailiff. 
Hugh Middleton. 
Kodger Milton. 
John Dickson. 
William Griffin. 
Kodger Milton. 
William Dare. 
William GrifBn. 
George Trenchard. 
Daniel Kumsey. 
William Griffith. 
John Rolph. 
James Skerron. 
Robert Johnson. 



1720. William Griffith. 
1723. George Trenchard. 
1727. Kobert Johnson. 
172S. Joseph Gregory. 
1733. George Trenchard. 
1736. John Hunt. 
1741. Nicholas Gibbon. 
1748. William Barker. 
1752. John Nicholson. 
1755. Robert Johnson. 
1758. John Budd. 
1701. Joseph Burroughs. 
1764. John Budd. 
1766. Edward Test. 
1769. Joseph Burroughs. 



GENEKAL HISTOKY. 



323 



1771. 
1773. 
1774. 
1783. 
1786. 
1789. 
1792. 
1795. 
1798. 
1800. 
1804. 
1807. 
1810. 
1813. 
1816. 
1819. 
1822. 
1825. 
1828. 



George Trenchard. 
Bateman Lloyd. 
Edmund Wetherby. 
Whitten Crippg. 
Benjamin Cripps. 
Whitten Cripps. 
Edward Hall. 
Clement Acton. 
John Tuft. 
Jacob Hufty. 
Samuel L. James. 
Thomas Bines. 
Henry Freas. 
■Richard Craven, 
Samuel Miller. 
Jonathan Bicbman. 
Joseph Kille. 
Edward Smith. 
John Hacket. 



1828. 
1831. 
1834. 
1837. 
1840. 
1843. 
1846. 
1849. 
1852. 
1856. 
1858. 
1861. 
1864. 
1867. 
1870. 
1873. 
1878. 
1881. 



CLERKS. 



In 1668, Samuel Hedge, Sr., son- 
in-law of John Fenwick, was 
clerk and recorder. 

1693. Benjamin Acton. 

1698. Samuel Hedge, Jr., recorder. 

1699. John Scoles, clerk and re- 

corder. 

1701. James Ridley, clerk and re- 

corder. 

1702. Samuel Hedge, clerk and re- 

corder. 
1704. John Jewell. 
1706. Nathaniel Brading. 
Isaac Sharp, deputy. 
1711. John Rolph. 

1715. Thomas Hill. 

1716. Tbomas Hill, clerk and sur- 

rogate. 

1717. Thomas Hill. 
1720. Francis Gandonett. 

1728. Robert Johnson. 

1729. Samuel Hedge. 
John Jones, deputy. 

1729. Daniel Westlayer, deputy. 

1730. F. Gandonett. 

1732. Daniel Westlayer. 

1733. Benjamin Price. 

1734. William Cosby. 
Daniel Westlayer. 

1736. William Pennock. 
John Poole, deputy. 
Philip Cbetwood, deputy. 



1737. 
1739. 
1748. 
1765. 
1769. 
1772. 
1776. 
1777. 
1778. 
1780. 

1783. 
1789. 
1790. 
1798. 
1803. 
1804. 
1806. 
1S12. 
1814. 
1819. 
1829. 
1839. 
1841. 
1844. 
1849. 
1854. 
1857. 
1869. 
1864. 
1867. 
1869. 



Isaac Johnson. 
James Logue. 
David S. English. 
Thomas I. Casper. 
Isaac Johnson (2d). 
Robert Newell, 
Isaiah Conklin. 
Joseph S. Blackwood. 
Samuel Pliimmer. 
Richard C. Ballinger. 
Samuel W. Miller. 
Owen L. Jones. 
John Hunt. 
George Hires, Jr. 
William A. Casper. 
John Hires. 
George D. Barton. 
Charles D. Coles. 



William Frazier, deputy. 
Charles O'Neill. 
Nicholas Gibbon. 
John Budd. 
George Trenchard. 
Bateman Lloyd. 
George Trenchard. 
Bateman Lloyd. 
Curtis Trenchard. 
John Smith. 
Jacob Tegart. 
John Rowen. 
Anthony Keasby. 
James Logan. 
Clement Acton. 
John Hall. 
Edward Burroughs. 
Merrinian Smith. 
William Wayman. 
Merriman Smith. 
James Newell. 
Joseph Kille. 
Thomas Smith. 
Enos Seeley. 
Thomas Dickenson. 
Samuel Copner. 
Maskell Ware. 
Cliarles P. Smith. 
Robert Newell. 
Jonathan L. Brown. 
Charles P. Smith. 
Jacob M. Lippincott. 



1710. Isaac Sharp. 
1720. John Bolfe. 
1723. John Hinchman. 
1732. Daniel Westlayer. 
1785. Samuel Dick. 
1804. Artis Seagraves. 

1808. Jacob Hufty. 

1809. Daniel Garrison. 
1823. Morris Hancock. 
1833. David Harley. 



SURROGATES. 

1838. Joseph E. Brown. 
1843. Isaac Hackett. 
1853. Benjamin N. Smith. 

1856. Henry Sinnickson 

pointed). 

1857. William Plummer. 
1862. Richard Grier. 
1867. Samuel P. Carpenter. 
1873. Samuel P. Allen. 
1879. George R. Morrison. 



COUNTY 
1798. William Parret. 

1804. Abner Beesley. 

1805. Jacob Hufty. 
1809. John Firth. 
1815. Josiah Hall. 

' 1826. Hedge Thompson. 
1827. John Sinnickson. 
18.%. Thomas Jones Yorke. 

1831. Richard P. Thompson. 

1832. William G. Beesley. 



COLLECTORS. 

1835. John Dunlap, 

1836. John M. Brown. 

1837. William Hall. 

1839. Isaac Hackett. 

1840. Samuel Ware. 

1843. William Mulford. 

1844. Isaac Acton. 

1846. David S. English. 

1847. Thomas S. Smith. 
1852. John Lawsou. 



(ap- 



I 1863. Thomas V. F. Kusling. 
I 1855. John A. Casper. 

1856. Joseph B. Laurence. 

1868. John C. Belden. 

1861. William Laurence. 

1862. William Summerill. 





DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD 


1798. 


Eleazer Mnyhew. 


1848. 


1799. 


William Wallace. 


1849. 


1801. 


Jacob Hufty. 


1852. 


1802. 


Thomas Thompson. 


1853. 


1807. 


Jacob Mulford. 


1856. 


1809. 


Thomas Thompson. 


18.57. 


1811. 


Josiah Hall. 


1868 


1814. 


Thomas Bradway. 


1861. 


1819. 


Jonah Miller. 


1862 


1820. 


John Denn. 


1863 


1821. 


Morris Hall. 


1866 


1823. 


John G. Mason. 


1868 


1825. 


Thomas Sinnickson. 


1871 


1831. 


William J. Shinn. 


1872 


1837. 


William Darmon. 


1874 


1838. 


Joseph Hancock. 


1876 


1839. 


Richard P. Thompson. 


1878 


'l840. 


Charles W. Roberts. 


1879 


1843. 


Henry Freas. 


1880 




Joshua J. Thompson. 


1881 


1844. 


Benjamin Acton, Jr. 





CLERKS OF THE 
1798. James Kinsey. 
1801. Edward Burroughs. 
1807. Thomas Jones. 
1810. Daniel Garrison. 

1814. Thomas Sinnickson. 

1815. Daniel Garrison. 
1820. Isaac Smart. 
1836. Joseph E. Brown. 

1839. Samuel A. Allen. 

1840. Alexander G. Cattell. 

1843. James M. Hanah. 

1844. Andrew Sinnickson. 
1851. Edward Van Meter. 



' 1863. Thomas B. Stow. 
' 1867. Joseph Waddington. 

1872. Joseph H. Fogg. 
[ 1876. William A. Wood. 

1878. A. Smith Reeves. 



OF FREEHOLDERS. 

. Charles P. Smith. 
. Samuel Garrison. 
. Joshua J. Thompson. 
. Richard C. Ballenger. 
. Franklin Hand. 
. Samuel Habermeyer. 
, Richard M. Acton. 
. Benjamin Lippincott. 
. Casper W. Thompson. 
, William A. Casper. 

Henry Sinnickson. 
. Smith Bilderback. 
. Casper W. Acton. 
2. John Hires. 

.lohn T. Garwood. 
. Francis Haud. 

Richard T. Starr. 
, Richaid Biissett. 

John V. Tuft. 
1. Benjamin B. Westcott. 



BOARD OF FREEHOLDERS. 
1853. John N. Cooper. 
1856. William House. 
1858. Owen L. Jones. 

1861. George B. Morrison. 

1862. Clement H. Sinnickson. 

1863. George R. Morrison. 

1867. John C. Belden. 

1868. William A. Casper. 
1872 Casper F. Acton. 

, 1876. Walter W.Acton. 
1878. J. Oakford Acton. 
1S79. Thomas S. Smith. 
1882. D. Harris Smith. 



CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES FROM SALEM COUNTY. 



1783-84. Samuel Dick. 
1789-91, 1797-99. Thomas Sinnick- 
son. 
1809-14. Jacob Hufty. 
1823-27. Daniel Garrison. 
1827-28. Hedge Thompson. 



1828-29. Thomas Sinnickson. 

1837-39, 1841-43. Thomas Jones 
Yorke. 

1839^1. Joseph Kille. 
[ 1856-69. Isaiah D. Clawson. 
I 1875-77. Clement H. Sinnickson. 



MEMBERS OP THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FROM SALEM. 



1776. 
1777. 
1778. 
1779. 
17S0. 
1781. 
1782. 
1783. 
1784. 
1786. 
1786. 
1787. 
1788. 
1789. 
1790. 
1791. 
1792. 
1793. 
1794. 
1795. 
1796. 
1797. 
1798. 



Andrew Sinnickson. 
Edward Keasby. 
Andrew Sinnickson. 
Andrew Sinnickson. 
Whitten Cripps. 
John Holme. 
Whitten Cripps. 
John Holme. 
John Holme. 
John Mayhew. 
Whitten Cripps. 
John Mayhew. 
John M.ayhew. 
John Mayhew. 
John Mayhew. 
John Mayhew. 
John Mayhew. 
John Mayliew. 
Thomas Sinnickson. 
Thomas Sinnickson. 
Thomas Sinnickson. 
William Parret. 
William Parret. 



1799. 
1800. 
1801. 
1802. 
1803. 
1804. 
1805. 
1806. 
1807. 
1808. 
1809. 
1810. 
1811. 
1812. 
1813. 
1814. 
1815. 
1810. 
1817. 
1818. 
1819. 
1820. 
1821. 



William Parret. 
William Wallace. 
William Parret. 
William Parret. 
William Parret. 
Jacob Hufty. 
Isaiah Shinn. 
Isaiah Shinn. 
Jacob Hnfty. 
Samuel Ray. 
Isaiah Shinn. 
Isaiah Shinn. 
Isaiah Shinn. 
Isaiah Shinn. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
John Dickinson. 
Hedge Thompson. 
John Dickinson. 
John Dickinson. 



324 



HISTOKY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



1822 


John Dickiiisou. 


1833. 


Charles Swing. 


1823 


Josiah M. Reeve. 


1834. 


William F. Reeves. 


1824 


ZaccheUB Ray. 


1835. 


Samuel Hunipreys. 


1825. 


Zaecheua Ray. 


1836. 


Thomas Yarrow. 


1826. 


Israel R. Clawson. 


1837. 


William F. Reeve. 


1827 


Israel R. Clawson. 


1838. 


John H. Lambert. 


1828. 


Israel R. Clawson. 


1839. 


John H. Lambert. 


1829 


Philip Freas. 


1840. 


Josiah M. Reeve. 


1830. 


James Newell. 


1841. 


Robert Newall. 


1831. 


Henry Freas. 


1842. 


Samuel Bolton. 


1832. 


Israel R. Clawson. 


1843. 


Joseph C. Nelson. 




ComlUvtion oj 


1844.- 


-Senate. 


1S45. 


William J. Sliinn. 


1864. 


Richard M. Acton. 


1816. 


Ben.jamin Acton, Jr. 


1865. 


Richard M. Acton. 


1847. 


Benjamin Acton, Jr. 


1866. 


Richard DI , Acton. 


1848. 


Benjamin Acton, Jr. 


1867. 


Samuel Plummer. 


1849. 


John Summerill, Jr. 


1868. 


Samuel Plummer. 


1850. 


John Summerill, Jr. 


1869. 


Samuel Plummer. 


1861. 


John Summerill, Jr. 


1870. 


John C. Belden. 


1852. 


Allen Wallace. 


1871. 


John C. Belden. 


1863. 


Allen Wallace. 


1872. 


John C. Belden. 


1864. 


Allen Wallace. 


1873. 


Isaac Newkirk. 


1855. 


Charles P. Smith. 


1S74. 


Isaac Newkirk. 


1866 


Charles P. Smith. 


1875. 


Isaac Newkirk. 


1857. 


Charles P. Smith. 


1876; 


Charles S. Plummer. 


1868. 


Joseph K.Riley. 


1877. 


Charles S. Plummer. 


1859. 


Joseph K.Riley. 


1878. 


Charles S. Plummer. 


1860. 


Joseph K. Riley. 


1879. 


Quintou Keasby. 


1861 


Enimor Reeve. 


1880. 


Quinton Keasby. 


1S62. 


Emmor Reeve. 


1881. 


Quinton Keasby. 


1863. 


Emmor Reeve. 


1882. 


George Hires. 



MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL FREE ASSEMBLY OF WEST 
NEW JERSEY FOR THE SALEM TENTH. 



1682. Samuel Nevill. 


16S5 


Richard Tindall. 


Richard Guy. 




Samuel Bacon.i 


Mark Reeves. 


1702 


Samuel Hedge. 


Richard Hancock. 




William Hall. 


John Smith. 




Joseph Woodrofc. 


John Pledger. 




John Bacon. 


Edward Wade. 


1709 


(Town) John Lewis. 


George Deacon. 




Parker. 


Samuel Hedge. 




(County) Shepherd. 


Andrew Tliompson. 




Isaac Sharp. 


1683. John Fenwjcke. 


1710 


(Town) Hugh Middleton. 


Richard Guy. 




Johu &Iason. 


James Nevill. 




(County) Isaac Sharp. 


John Thompson. 




Bartholomew Wyat. 


John Haddocks. 


1716 


(Town) Isaac Sharp. 


Edward Wade. 




Richard Johnson. 


Edward Bradway. 




Henry Joyce. 


Michael Berroone. 




(County) William Hall. 


George Deacon. 




Dickinson Sheppard. 


Andrew Thompson. 




William Clews. 


1684. William Bi-athwayte. 


1721 


(Town) John Mason. 


John Smith. 




Thomas Mason. 


Christopher White. 




(County) Isaac Sharp. 


Roger Cararyj 




Bartholomew Wyat. 


Christopher Saunders. 


1727 


Joseph Reems. 


John Pledger. 




Thomas Mason. 


Thomas Smith. 


1730 


James Whitten, 


Roger Milton. 




John Brick. 


George Haselwood. 


1738 


William Hancock. 


Francis Forest. 




Joseph Reeves. 


1685. John Mattocks. 


1740 


William Hancock. 


Richard Johnston. 




Richard Smith. 


William Penton. 




John Brick. 


Joseph White. 


1743. 


William Hancock. 


Roger Carai-y. 




Leonard Gibbon. 


Hypotite Lefevre. 


1744. 


William Hancock. 


Roger Milton. 




Moses Shepherd. 


George Haselwood. 


1745. 


William Hancock. 



I No record is found of any session of the Assembly between 1685 and 
1693. The names of the members from 1693 to the surrender of the Pro- 
prietarj'^ Government, in 1702, do not appear. 



1746. John Brick. 
1746. William Hancock. 

John Brick. 
1749. William Hancock. 

John Brick. 
1751. William Hancock. 

John Brick. 
1754. (Salem and Cumberland) 

William Hancock. 

Ebpne/.er Miller. 
1761. (Salem and Cumberland) 

William Hancock. 

Ebenezer Miller. 

1769. (Salem and Cumberland) 
Ebeuezer Miller. 

Isaac Sharp. 

1771. (Salem and Cumberland) 
Ebenezer Miller. 

Grant Gibbon. 

1772. (Salem) Grant Gibbon. 
Benjamin Holme. 

1770. Edmund Wetherby. 
Samuel Dick. 
Elisha Basset, Jr. 

1777. Benjamin Holme. 
Whitten Cripps. 
Thomas SinnicksoD. 

1778. Allen Congleton, Jr. 
Whitten Cripps. 
John Mayhew. 

1779. Whitten Cripps. 
John Mayhew. 
Anthony Sharp. 

1780. John Mayhew. 
Allen Congleton, Jr. 
William Smith. 

1781. Ephraim Lloyd. 
Edward Hall. 
James James. 

1782. Edward Hall. 
Anthony Sharp. 
Thomas Sinnickson. 

1783. Ephi-aim Lloyd. 
Thomas Norris. 
William Smith. 

1784. Thomas Sinnickson. 
Edward Hall. 
Anthonj' Sharp. 

1785. Thomas Sinnickson. 
Edward Hall. 
Anthony Sharp. 

1786. Edmund Wetherby. 
Ephraim Lloyd. 
Samuel Sharp. 

1787. Thomas Sinnickson. 
Edward Hall. 
Benjamin Holme. 

1788. Thomas Sinnickson. 
Edward Hall. 
Benjamin Holme. 

1789. Edward Hall. 
Benjamin Holme. 
Edmund Wetherby. 

1790. Samuel Sharp. 
John Smith. 
Benjamin Cripps. 

1791. Samuel Sharp. 
Bateinan Lloyd. 
John Sinnickson. 

1792. John Sinnickson. 
Eleazer Mayhew. 
Thomas Clement. 

1793. John Sinnickson. 
Eleazer Mayhew. 
Bateman Lloyd. 

1794. John Sinnickson. 
Eleazer Mayhew. 



1794. 
1795. 



1796. 



1799. 



1802. 



1813. 



1817. 



Thomas Clement. 
John Sinnickson. 
Eleazer Mayhew. 
William Wallace. 
William Wallace. 
William Parret. 
Gervas Hall. 
William Wallace. 
Clement Hall. 
Artis Seagraves. 
John Sinnickson. 
Anthony Keasby. 
Joseph Shinn. 
Joseph Shinn. 
Artis Seagraves. 
Isaac Moss. 
Isaac Moss. 
Ebenezer Mayhew. 
Anthony Keasby. 
Artis Seagraves. 
Merriman Smith. 
Edward Burroughs. 
Edward Burroughs. 
Merriman Smith. 
Samuel Ray. 
, Edward Burroughs, 
Merriman Smith. 
Samuel Ray. 
Merriman Smith. 
Samuel Ray. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Charles Jones. 
Hedge Thompson. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Charles Jones. 
Hedge Thompson. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Daniel Garrison, 
Nathan Basset. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Daniel Garrison. 
Nathan Basset. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Philip Curriden. 
John Smith, 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Philip Ciirriden. 
Samuel Miller. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
Anthony Nelson. 
John Smith. 
Robert H. Van Meter, 
James Newell. 
Jeremiah Dubois, 
Jeremiah Dnbois, 
John Dickinson. 
Henry Freas, 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
John Dickinson. 
James Newell, 
James Newell, 
Joseph Kille. 
Morris Hancock. 
John Blayhew. 
Joseph Kille. 
Stacy Lloyd. 
Philip. Curriden. 
Stacy Lloyd, 
Peter Bilderback. 
Stacy Lloyd. 
Thomas Yarrow. 
John Miiyliew, 
Morris Hancock. 
James Newell. 
Thomas Wurphy. 
Morris Hancock. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



325 



1S20. 
1S21. 

1822. 



1830. 



Zaccheus Ray. 
John G. Mnsoii. 
Robert G. Jobnson. 
Abraham Swing. 
John G. Mason. 
Morris Hancock. 
Jonathan Richman. 
John Sinnickson. 
Robert G. Johnson. 
Aaron 0. Dayton. 
Charles Swing. 
Samuel Humphreys. 
Israel R. Clawson. 
Samuel Clement. 
Israel R. Cbiwson. 
Robert G. Johnson. 
Samuel Humphreys. 
Samuel Humphreys. 
Benjamin Archer. 
Henry Freas. 
Henry Freas. 
William N. Jeffers. 
Thomas Sinnickson. 
Edward Smith. 
Jeremiah Foster. 
AVilliam J. Shi nn. 
William N. JeflFers. 
Jacob Wick. 
David Hurley, 
Zaccheus Ray. 
Joseph C. Nelson. 
John Summerill. 
David Hurley. 
Isaac Johnson. 
James Butcher. 
Anthony Nelson. 



1832. 
1833. 

1834. 



1839. 



184:1. 



James W. Mulford. 
Isaac Jobnson (2d). 
Jacob Hitchner. 
Nehemiah Garrison. 
Richard P. Thompson. 
Joseph Lippincott. 
Isaac Johnson. 
Samuel Humphreys. 
Hudson A. Springer. 
Thomas J. Yorke. 
William Cook. 
Hudson A. Springer. 
Woodnut Pettit. 
Henry J. Fries. 
John Hall. 
Isaac Johnson (2d). 
John W. Maskell. 
Joseph Hancock. 
John Sumerill, Jr. 
Moses Richman, Jr. 
David Hurley. 
John Summerill, Jr. 
Moses Richman, Jr. 
John Dickinson. 
Samuel Bolton. 
Alexander G. Cattell. 
John G. Ballinger. 
William H. Nelson. 
Thomas Flanagan. 
John W. Maskell. 
Nathaniel Robbins. 
Thomas Dickinson, Jr. 
Thomas Bilderback. 
Samuel Copner. 
A. Wallace. 



Constitution of 1844. 



1852. 
1853. 
1854, 
1855. 
1856! 
1857, 
1858, 
1859, 



David Wiley. 
Isaiah Conklyn. 
Robert Hewitt, 
Ephraim Carll. 
Charles Bilderback. 
George Remster. 
Joseph M, Springer. 
Joseph Foster. 
James Vanmeter. 
Benjamin F. McCollister. 
Joseph K. Cliew. 
Joseph Foster. 
James H.Trenchard. 
Isaac Lippincott. 
John Fowler. 
Charles B. Newell. 
David Sithens. 
Benjamin Remster. 
Smith Bilderback. 
Charles Benner. 
Harman Richman. 
Jacob Hitchner. 
John C. Lummis. 
Nathaniel G. Swing. 
John Blackwood. 
Richard Grier. 
Isaiah D. Clawson. 
Joshua Thompson. 
John Harris. 
Joseph Kille. 
Samuel Plummer, 
William Beckett. 
Thomas B, Jones. 
Alfred Simpkins. 
Thomas B. Jones. 
Alfred Simpkins. 
Oweu L. Jones. 



1860. Joshua Lippincott 
Samuel Habermeyer, 

1861. Joshua Lippincott. 
Owen L, Jones. 

1862. William P, Somers. 
Samupl D. Miller. 

1S63. Joseph W. Cooper. 

Joseph Waddington. 
1864. Joseph W. Cooper. 

William N. Hancock. 
1 1865. William Callahan. 
I A. M. P. V. H.Dickinson. 

I 1866. Samuel Garrison. 

A. M. P. T. H. Dickinson. 
! 1867. John Newell. 
I Samuel Garrison. 

I 1868. Henry M. Wright. 
I Andrew Smith Reeves. 

I 1869. Charles F. H. Gray. 
I Andrew Smith Reeves. 

I 1870. Charles F. H. Gray, 
I David Evans. 

I 1871. John W. Dickinson. 
I John Hitchner, Jr. 

' 1872. Daniel P. Dorrell. 

Smith Ilewett. 

1873. Daniel P. Dorrell. 
William H. Iszard. 

1874. William H. Iszard. 
William B. Carpenter. 

1875. Charles P. Swing. 
William B. Carpenter. 

1876. Richman Coles. 
Quinton Keasby. 

1877. John S. Elwell. 
Quinton Keasby. 

1878. William C. Kates. 



1878. Quinton Keasby. 

1879. Henry Barber. 
John T. Garwood. 

1880. Henry Barber. 



1880. John T, Garwood. 

1881. Henry Barber. 
John T. Garwood. 

1882. Henry Coombs. 



CHAPTER LIV. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 

The Court-House Acre Lot— The land which be- 
longs to the county of Salem, at the corner of Fen- 
wick and Market Streets, in Salem City, is held under 
two separate titles. The eastern portion was con- 
veyed to the board of justices and chosen freeholders 
of the county by a deed from Thomas Sinnickson 
and Sarah, his wife, June 12, 1792, and the title is 
now vested in the board of freeholders. 

The westerly^ portion of the county grounds was 
originally known as '* The Court-House Acre Lot." 
It was set off and used for public purposes in 1688, 
as appears from the following entry in Richard Tin- 
dal's book of surveys : 

"7th of 11th month, 1688. A warrant to Richard Tindall, surveyor- 
general for the county of Salem, and to John Woolidge, his deputy, to 
layout one acre of Salem town, given by John Feuwick, to erect a 
court-house and prison." 

The first recorded survey which mentions the 
"Court-House Acre Lot" was made by Richard Tin- 
dal for Samuel Hedge, in 1692, of a fifteen-acre lot 
on Bridge (now Market) Street, in which the bounds 
of the court-house acre are mentioned twice, begin- 
ning and ending at the bounds of the court-house 
acre lot. This is, without doubt, the original survey 
and first location of that part of the town of Salem 
which it embraces, and it was the portion of land 
taken up by Samuel Hedge under the order of 1676. 
This set forth that each lot should contain sixteen 
acres, but this survey of Hedge's lot included but fif- 
teen acres, showing that the court-house acre lot had 
previously been dedicated to the public use, and this 
accounts for the fact that the survey of Hedge's land 
bounded on it. 

In a survey made by Benjamin Acton for Samuel 
Hedge, Jr., in 1706, the court-house lot was again 
taken as a point of departure. 

In 1713 the county of Salem was incorporated, 
under the name of the "justices and freeholders of 
the county of Salem," and the title to this lot then 
became vested in the county. 

Court-House. — From the fact that in 1692 this 

ground was spoken of as the court-house lot, it is safe 

to infer that a court-house had been erected thereon 

prior to that year, but there is no record known to 

I exist showing when this house was built. 

Tradition says that both the court-house and jail 

1 From a brief of title in the possession of W. T. Hilliard, Esq., of 
iaiem. 



326 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



were log buildings. Probably the court-house stood 
near the site of the present one, for the market-house 
was built on this ground, near the present site of the 
clerk and surrogate's office. 

A brick court-house replaced this log building in 
1735. This had a front of about thirty-iive and a 
depth of forty feet, and it was two stories in height. 
The first story was used as a court-room, and the 
second was divided into jury-rooms. This house was 
in use, with only ordinary repairs, more than eighty 
years. 

In August, 1816, the Board of Freeholders ordered 

"that Thomas Jones, Thuinas BrntUvay, and Samuel Garrison be com- 
luissionevs to build an addition to the north end of the court-house, in a 
circular form, not less than eighteen feet, new model the house inside, 
plaster the same, and do all necessary repairs to the same; to provide 
the materials this present seasou,and commence the repairing of the 
same early in the following spring." 

At a special meeting in April, 1817, it was resolved 
that the proposed alteration would make the court- 
house too long and narrow, and it was therefore 
ordered 

"that the commissioners heretofore appointed for that purpose be, and 
tliey are hereby, authorized to make such further alterations by taking 
down the back wall and enlarging the building in depth iw well as in 
length, so that it does not exceed fifty feet long by fifty feet wide, and 
to finish the inside in such a way as best to accommodate the same for 
the purpose for which it is designed." 

The building was completed early in 1818, and the 
cost of rebuilding it was seven thousand seven hun- 
dred and twenty-four dollars and eighty-two cents. 
It has remained without materi.al change since. 

It has a court-room on the ground-floor, and jury- 
rooms in the second story. What was then termed 
the " east room," in the second story, was finished ofi", 
in 1839, by the Salem County Lyceum, and was used 
during many years by that association. It has since 
been utilized for various purposes. 

Jail. — The original log jail stood till about 1709, 
when it was replaced by a stone building, and this, in 
1775, by another, also of stone, on the corner of Fen- 
wick and Market Streets. This was, in 1795, damaged 
but not utterly destroyed by fire, which was set by a 
prisoner named Mclntyre. It was a plain but sub- 
stantial building, encroaching slightly, as did its pre- 
decessor, on the street. It was two stories in height, 
and contained not only cells for the prisoners, but the 
jailer's residence. A high stone wall surrounded a 
spacious jail-yard. To this building an addition was 
made in 1841-42. 

In 1851 action was taken for the erection of a new 
jail, and a committee, consisting of Joseph Kille, 
Samuel P. Carpenter, and William H. Nelson, was 
appointed to report estimates as to the probable cost 
of the building, and proposals for the erection of it. 
They reported to the board of freeholders in 1852, 
but no action was taken in the matter. 

At the annual meeting in 1854, Pichard Ballenger, 
Richard Wistar, William Carpenter, and Maskell 
Ware were appointed a committee to procure plans 



and estimates of the cost of a new jail and work- 
house. In August of that year this committee re- 
ported by presenting drafts and estimates, which 
were ordered to be placed in the hands of the clerk 
of the county, and again the project slept. 

At a special meeting in January, 1866, called for 
the purpose of considering the matter, it was re- 
solved, by a vote of seventeen to three, that the old 
jail should be torn down and a new one erected, and 
a committee, consisting of Henry Sinnickson, Casper 
W. Acton, John S. Newell, William House, and John 
H. Lippincott, was appointed to procure plans and 
specifications, select a site on some part of the county 
ground, advertise for and receive proposals for the 
work. The committee visited the jail of Union 
County, and prepared a plan for a county prison 
similar to that, which they presented to the board. 
At a meeting in February, 1866, this plan was ap- 
proved. David R. Hires and William A. Casper were 
added to the committee, which was ordered to imme- 
diately " build a new county jail, by contract or other- 
wise, with a house on the front of brick or stone, and 
to dispose of the old jail and materials thereof to the 
best interests of the county." It was directed that 
the building should front on Market Street, east of 
the clerk and surrogate's office. At the annual meet- 
ing in May, 1866, this committee reported that they 
had contracted with Ebenezer Smith for the building 
of a jail and sheriff's house, and had taken ample se- 
curity for the performance of the work. The jail was 
completed early in 1867, and the materials of the old 
jail were sold. The ground where the old jail stood, 
at the corner of Fenwick and Market Streets, was 
cleared and inclosed in 1869, and it will probably in 
the near future be the site of a new court-house. 

The jail is a stone building, with thirty-two brick 
cells opening into spacious corridors, each cell having 
a capacity for one prisoner. The sheriff's house stands 
in front of the jail, on Market Street. It is a brick 
structure, tastefully finished, two stories in height, 
and it has the necessary sheriff's and jailer's offices, 
as well as the office of the mayor of Salem. The 
cost of these buildings was forty thousand dollars. 

Office of the Clerk and Surrogate. — At the first 
meeting of the board of chosen freeholders, in May, 
1798, William Smith, Clement Hall, Richard Smith, 
and Samuel Smith were appointed a committee to 
settle with Anthony Keasby, one of the commission- 
ers for building the clerk's office of the county, and 
at a subsequent meeting in the same year this com- 
mittee reported tliat such settlement was made, and 
that the sura of fifteen pounds one shilling and one 
penny was due to Mr. Keasby. This was a small 
brick building on the line of the street, immediately 
in front of the present clerk and surrogate's office. 

At a meeting in June, 1804, the board of free- 
holders ordered " that a room fourteen feet in the 
clear, the width of the present clerk's office, be built 
of brick at the north end of the said office, for the 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



327 



use of the surrogate." During half a century, and 
till the bu.siness of the county came to require larger 
accommodations, these buildings were the offices of 
the county clerk and surrogate. 

At a meeting of the freeholders, in August, 1850, 
Samuel P. Carpenter, Joseph Kille, Smith Bilder- 
back, Benjamin S. Holmes, and William H. Nelson 
were appointed a committee to visit other offices, 
draft a plan, and make an estimate of the probable 
cost of a building for a surrogate and clerk's office. 
In October of the same year the committee reported : 

"The plan of the building, specifications of materi.ils, and workman- 
ship were exhibited and submitted to the consideration of the board. 
The committee was directed to advertise for proposals for the work and 
material of said office, jointly or separately, generally, according to the 
design and specifications of G. P. Cummings, which have been approved 
by this board, and that they proceed with the erection of the said office 
by contract with all convenient dispatch." 

Pending the erection of this building the public 
records were deposited in the court-house. 

Messrs. Wilson & Dowe were the contractors for 
the erection of this building, but they abandoned 
their contract, and the building committee was au- 
thorized and instructed to complete the work, accord- 
ing to the original designs, in such a way as in their 
judgment would be conducive to the interests of the 
county. At the annual meeting in 1852 William H. 
Nelson, John H. Lambert, and Joshua J. Thompson 
were appointed a committee to attend to the comple- 
tion and furnishing of the county offices. Early in 
1853 the building was reported complete, and ac- 
cepted. It is a brick structure, thirty-six by forty- 
eight feet in size, having the clerk's office in the south 
and the surrogate's in the north part. The records 
are kept in the rear of each of these offices, which is 
completely proof against fire from the outside, having 
thick double walls and an arched roof. 

Almshouse. — The nucleus of the present alms- 
house farm was acquired in 1796. In that year Sam- 
uel Bassett and wife, for a consideration of five shil- 
lings, deeded to the trustees of the poor seventy-six 
acres of land in the township of Pilesgrove. In 1823 
a lot of woodland was purchased for the poor-house 
at a cost of nine hundred dollars, and from time to 
time other land lias been acquired by purchase and 
exchange, till now the almshouse farm includes about 
two hundred acres. In 1836-39 the county was in- 
volved in a litigation and controversy concerning the 
title to a portion of the poor-house farm. The matter 
was not finally settled till 1840. 

In July, 1802, the board of freeholders ordered the 
trustees of the poor to expend a sum ''not exceeding 
three hundred dollars for building a barn on the 
premises occupied for the use of the poor of the 
county." This was the first recorded appropriation 
for any building on these premises. 

In 1804, John Wistar and Isaiah Shinn were ap- 
pointed commissioners " to provide materials for the 
purpose of building a poor-house," and the sum of one 
thousand dollars was appropriated for that object. In 



1805 this committee was directed " to build a poor- 
house on the most eligible plan," the dimensions not 
to exceed forty-five by fifty-five feet, and three stories 
in height, including the basement, ^t the annual 
meeting in 1806 they were directed to "go on with 
the building agreeably to the draft proposed, keeping 
in view strength and plainness in finishing the house." 
At the next annual meeting the committee was di- 
rected to hire laborers by the day, and complete the 
building. 

Agreeably to the order previouslj' made at the an- 
nual meeting in 1808, Gervas Hall, John Thomp- 
son, Thomas Thompson, Jeremiah Powell, Jeremiali 
Wood, Benjamin Tindal, and Joseph Borden were 
appointed a committee to view the poor-house when 
completed. At the meeting in August, the same year, 
this committee reported that they had examined the 
building, and that it was " in strict conformity with 
the instructions of the board to the commissioners, — 
plain, strong, and good in every point of view, and 
conveniently placed for its intended purpose." On 
settlement with the commissioners it was found that 
the total cost of the building was six thousand four 
hundred and five dollars and fifty and one-half cents. 

At the annual meeting in 1822 the board ordered 
the erection, under the direction of the trustees of 
the poor-house, of a new buiding for the accommoda- 
tion of the insane. In 1823 the erection of sheds at 
the poor-house by the trustees was authorized, and in 
1824 of a wash- or cook-house. 

On the 1st of January, 1845, the poor-house took 
fire in the roof by the cinders from the chimney, 
which had accidentally become ignited, and the 
building was destroyed. At a meeting of the board 
of freeholders, on the 18th of the same month, 
measures were taken for the erection of another poor- 
house, and John M. Maskell, William A. Dick, and 
Dr. William C. Mulford were appointed a committee 
to visit and examine other poor-houses, and advertise 
for and receive plans and estimates. A resolution 
was adopted that "the dimensions of said poor-house 
be one hundred feet by forty-five feet, and three 
stories high, independent of the basement, the roof 
of said building to be of tin." Joshua J. Thomp- 
son, of Salem, James Robinson, of Mannington, Ben- 
jamin Holmes, of Elsinboro, Thomas Flanagan, of 
Upper Penn's Neck, Alpheus Bilderback, of Lower 
Penn's Neck, George Eemster, of Upper Alloways 
Creek, George Githens, of Lower Alloways Creek, 
William Loper, of Pilesgrove, and John Madara, of 
Pittsgrove, were appointed a committee to determine 
upon a site, on the poor-house farm, for the new build- 
ing, to remove the debris of the old building, and to 
make all necessary arrangements for the paupers. 
This committee selected the site of the "old house," 
employed laborers to raze the walls, clean the bricks, 
etc., and made temporary arrangements for the pau- 
pers. A committee, consisting of Smith Hewitt and 
Joshua Madara, was appointed to act in conjunction 



328 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



with the trustees of the poor-house in making pro- 
vision for the paupers during the erection of the new 
poor-house. They rented, for that purpose, of Dr. 
Griffith, a farm-house and wagon-house in Pilesgrove 
township. 

The committee on plans, etc., reported at a meet- 
ing held on the 12th of March, 1845, and the follow- 
ing resolutions were adopted by the board : 

'* That the said poor-house to be erected be heated by fliiea. 

" That the dimensions of said building be 110 by 50 feet. 

" Tliat the said building be three stories high, besides the basement, 
and the roof to be of tin. 

" That the height of the basement story of said building be eight feet 
in the clear, the height of the first story be ten feet in the clear, the 
height of the second story be also ten feet in the clear, and the height 
of the third story be eiglit feet in the clear. 

"That the building above the ground be built of bricks. 

"That the outside door-sills and window-sills be built of stone. 

"That the county furnish the materials for the building of said poor- 
house. 

" That a building committee of five persons be elected, — Joshua Ma- 
dara, Benjamin Acton, Jr., Dr. William C. Mulford, Smith Hewit, and 
George Remster. 

" That the plan submitted by William JefTere for the building of said 
poor-house be adopted, subject, however, to whatever alterations the 
building committee think proper. 

" That the building committee commence operations in building said 
house, that they furnish the materials, contmct for the building, etc., 
and complete it with all necessary expedition." 

The building committee was subsequently reduced 
to three, as follows : Benjamin Acton, Jr., Dr. Wil- 
liam C. Mulford, and Joshua Madara. 

At the annual meeting of the board of freeholders 
in May, 1846, this committee reported that they had 
substantially completed the building, at a cost of 
$11,100.59. Thomas J.Casper, Benjamin Acton, Jr., 
and John H. Lambert were appointed to fully com- 
plete it. On the 12th of August, 1846, this committee 
reported the building completed, except the plaster- 
ing, and it was soon afterwards occupied. In 1847 a 
part of what was known as the Idlett property, adja- 
cent to the poor-house, was purchased, and the sale of 
a portion of the timber on the farm was directed. 

In 1870 a contract for the erection of a building on 
the almshouse grounds for the use of the insane was 
awarded to Dunn Wistar & Co. at $4794. The build- 
ing was completed in 1871 at a cost of $5180.14. 



CHAPTER LV. 

EXTRACTS FROM COURT RECORDS. 

There are, in the clerk's office at Salem, no records 
of the proceedings of the County Court prior to 1706. 

The following is copied from the first minutes of 
its proceedings that are found : 

" Province Nova Cesaria, County of Salem, ss., 1706. 

"At the Court of Sessions, begun this Sevententh Day of Septem^, 
Aunoq*' Dom.,1706. TheCort opened. Present, Thomas Killings worth, 
Obadiah Holmes, Judges ; Joseph Seyors, Samuell Hedge, James Elix- 
andor, Walter Hustis, Samuell Ellixander, Justices; Wm. Griffin, 
Sheriff; Michoi Hackett, und^ Sheriff; Isaac Sharp, Deputy Clark. 



" The Grand Jury being Then Called over, were as foUowti", viz. : 

"Joseph Eastland, Foreman, A ; Jolin Paine, Isaac Person, attested; 
John Sheppard, Isaac Bonner, John Williams, Edward Mecume, Thomas 
Lambston, Noa Miller, John Swing, Sam" Ffogg, James Barritt, Heuery 
Fisher, John Lackery, Henery Cornelison. 

" The Cort A Jurnes for Two Owers. 

"The Conrt mettsacording to ajurnement; present, Thomas Killings- 
worth, Obediah Holmes, Presidents; Joseph Sears, Walter Hustis, James 
Etxander, Esqs. 

"The Constables of the County of Salem being Cauled by their 
Naims, and they all appered only those whose names are under written, 
viz.: 

** James Daniells, James Paget, Quila Barber. The Coart proseded to 
fine the said Constabills for their none aperance 13s. id. apece. 

" The Coart a Jurnes till to morrow morning att Nine of y^ clock in ye 
morning. 

"The Coart met a Cording to a jurnment. Y^ Cort Sets. . . . 

"William Followell Came Into Cort and was Atested Conserning his 
Returne that he could get no Effects of Such wch, was Returned in the 
provinsiall Tax. Abraham Van Histe, 10s. ; John Juell, 9s. ; Henry 
Bulock, 6s. ; Joseph Sinuors, 68,; Salem pr Sinck. 

" Joseph Hogbend and James Sherin Beeing bound In ye Sum of Sixty 
pounds, that Is, Josepli In ye Sum of Forty pounds, and James Sherron 
In The Sum of Twenty pounds, to her Maigesty, her heirs and Suces- 
sors, that the Said Joseph Shall apeare at the Next Cort of Quarter Ses- 
sions held for the County of Saleui, and to be of Good behavior till the 
Said Coart, and then to Answer to what thaer shall be alleged a Gainst 
him. . . . 

" The Grand Jeury Caime in to Coart, and they all answered to their 
naimes. 

"The Cnart a Jurnes for lialf an Ower, 

" The Coart Meetts Acording to A Jurnment. _ _ 

"The Grand Jury was Could in Coart, and the Found Two Indict- 
ments a Gainst WalUerflustis. 

" That Presses bee isued out a Gainst Mithias Stark & Sarali Jones & 
Elizabeth Biirgrave. 

"The Coart Ajurnes to y^ ffourth Tusday in Decemb"" next, 

"The Court of Pleass opened. 

"Present, Thoma.s Killingsworth, Obadiah Holmes, Presidents; James 
Elixander, Joseph Seaires, Samuell Hedges, Esqs. ; Wm. Griffin, Sheriff,; 
Isaac Sharp, D. Clark. 

" The said Coart Adjuurues to Eaight a clock to morrow morning. 

" The Coart meets a Cording to A Jurnment." 

Tlie record of this court is made up of entries of which the following 
are specimens : " Thomas Killingsworth, verses John Stevens; Continued, 

" George Ouldfield, vers Peeter Blackfield ; Discontinued. 

" John Richmand verses Edward Chamnes; Anon Sute. 

" Elezar Darby, verses Isaac Sharp, Judgment for a Hundred Pounds 
w"> two pence Damidge, and cost of Sute; of wch y Plantif Remits 
Sixty-Nine pounds fewer shill^ & 9 ^. 

" The Cort a Jurnes till the fowerth Teusday In Decemb' next." 

April 13, 1708, "The Grand Jury presents the Nesessite of the Court 
House Rooffe to be New Coverd, and to have ye Dormon Wiodowes 
taken Out. Signed by the foreman, Joseph Ware. 

"The Grand Jury finds Joseph Butler Guilty of Pette Larseny ; 
Signed by ye foreman, Joseph Waer. 

" The Court Orders The Sheriff To take Joseph Butler Into Custody." 

April 14, 1708, " The Grand Jury Caime Into Court, and all Anawerd 
to Thaer Naimes. 

" The Grand Jury Orders Richard Woodnot & Richard Dakins to pro- 
cure Shingills and Nailes for the Coverin the Court House, and Goe for- 
ward with the Said Woorck aa fare as ye Money that Is In Woodnots 
hand will pay. 

"The Grand Jury Under Stands That Thaer Is sum money In John 
Hancock's Hand, and Desier itt ma be Paid to Richard Woodnot. 

"Jeremiah Nickson and Thomas Killingsworth, by Thaer Application 
To This Court, Obtained Ordei-s That The House of Jeremiah Nicksons, 
In Penn's Neck, In the County of Salom, Should be yo Place of Thomas 
Killinsworths Ordinary Preacliin or Relidgus Worship. 

" The Court Allows Samuell Hedge, Jun., to be Guardian of Abraham 
Hodges, Laite son of Barnard Hodges Dissesed, and That Abraham 
Hodges be Bound to Sam' Hedge, Jun., till he shall arrive to Tweuty- 
One years of age, & That ye said Hedge Shall Teach, or Cause to be 
taught, ye Said Hodges ye Trade of a Cooper, and Alsoe to Read and 
Right English, and pay him Twenty pounds att the Expiration of ye 
Term." 

Oct. 13,1708. "The grand jury find u Bill of luditment against Robert 



I 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



329 



Kiimsey, & itt waa Red in Court, itt bein for Bobert Rumses Clippin of 
Spanish money. Itt was found a true Bill. Signed by ye foreman, 
Jonathan Walling." 

At a special session in December, 1808, " The Sheriff Desired he ma 
have his protest Enterd against The Prison, for itt not bein suffisiant, 
well was allowed of by order of Court." 

"Nicholas Jobnson'Caime In To Court and Confest That he was One 
of Those That Assisted In Buihlin of a pound upon the Societyes Land 
with Joseph James, James Hutson, William Hutson, Wm. Pope, and 
John Miller, To Ketch Thaer One Jades, and he also Confest That he 
had Taken up one Mare, wch he knew not whose itt ware," etc. He 
was fined by tlie court fifty shillings 

In September, 1709, "Tlie Court Orders That no Ordinary Keeper in 
This County Shall be allowed To Trust Any Transhent Person, or 
Laborer, or Singill Person, above Tenn Shillings, upon Pennalty of 
Lusing Thaer Debts So Trusting, after this Daite." 

At the same court the following action was taken 
by the grand jury. It is here copied to show the 
manner of levying and collecting taxes then, as well 
as some of the functions that it was the province of 
the grand jury to discharge : 

" The Grand Jury Brought In a Bill for To Raise Seventy five Pounds 
for a County Tax, viz* : 

" The Grand Jury for The County of Salem, att a Court Held The 27th 
& 2Sth Days of December, In The Year of Our Lord 1709, Present That 
an Assesment be Laid on Said County for The Repairing of Tlie Court \ 
house and Prison, & finding of Constable's Staves, and Paying for Woolves 
heads, & Panthers, Hawcks, Woodpeckers, Blackbirds, and Crowes, Ac- 
cording to the Late Act for ye above Said use and no Other, to The Vallue ■ 
of Seventy five Pounds Currant Money, to be paid in Honey, Wheitt, j 
Butter, Cheass, at Money price, and to be Assessed In Manner and forme j 
asfoUoweth: All Survayed Lands To be Vallued at Seven pounds per ; 
Hundred, and Sessed at pound Value, and every Towen Lot of Sixteen I 
Acres To be Vallued at Seven Pounds per Lott, and every Lott under j 
Sixteen Acres To be Vallued proporsliiuable, and all Neat Cattell and \ 
horses att Two pounds pr head, at Three Tears Old and Upwards, all ■ 
Sheep at one Year Old and Upwards, at fower shillings per hed ; Npgro j 
and Melatto Slaves, from 15 to 50 years of age, To be Vallued at Fifteen | 
Pounds pr head ; & all Boetts That is Eaighteen foott by The Keells & I 
upwards To be Vallued at Six pounds, or not Exceeding Ten Pounds, < 
according To T!ie Judgement of The Sessors; All Labring meu That ' 
Have Estates Doth not amount to Two Shillings shall pay Two Shii- I 
lings, All Watter Mills, Grist Mills, and Saw Mills at Fifteen pounds pr 
Mill, and not Exceeding Thirty Pounds, According to The Judgment of , 
The Spssori^. All tlie perticulars above Mentioned are to be Assessed at ' 
pound Vallue, and all The Sessors & Collectors That Waer nominated at ! 
The last Corte are to Remaiue In Thare of&sses, and That the taxes on ' 
The Lands belonging to those That Resideor Inhabit Out of This county I 
or province remain as a Debt on Thare respective Lands, and Tliat the ' 
Owner or Owners There of Shall not lie Discharged In This Court for ' 
Such Land or Lands till Such times thay have Paid Their Taxes or as- | 
Bessments That Are or may be Laid by The Court and Grand Jury of I 
This County. And That all The rate bee Entered iu Tlie Boock That ' 
Belongs to The County for The use afore said, and That all Collectors ' 
make returne of all such Lands or Other Defissianse that They Have i 
Not recovered The Taxes There of into The Hands Allixander Graut, I 
Who Is Impowered to enter Them iu The Said Boock. The Grand Jury '' 
Present Bartholomew Wyatt & Richard Johnson To be Over Sears of The | 
Srtid ^\''oorck of The prison and Court House, and further That The As- ' 
sessors and Collectors Neglecting to Offissiate In Their Offisses shall be i 
fined according To the Act made for Killing of woolves, and allways ; 
Provided Thai The Collectors Shall be Accountable To the Court and 
Grand Jury, when there unto required, Undei- The Pennalte of Twenty 
Pounds Each So Nominated. Further, If any shall give In an imperfect j 
or short account, that Then lie shall be Assessed at The Discression of I 
The Sessors, and That The Assessors Meett att The Town of Salem The j 
fourth Teusday in January next, and Then and Thare To Leve and I 
Asses,JuBtlyand Equally, according To the afore s'l Order; And That all | 
Persons so assessed shall be Obliged To bring Their tax to each rispective j 
Collector In each respective District, to be paid, at or before The Last 
Day of March In Sewing, and The Clark of The peace to Draw out as ■ 
Many Copies of This Order of court and Grand Jury as Shall be Con- ! 
veuieut, and for his So Doing he shall Have Tenn Shillings, and The ! 
Sessors to Deliver in, With In Two Weicks after The Segment, Their 



Duplicates- to Their Respective Collectors, and That The Collectors Give 
Notice to The Inhabitants of Their Respective Destricts, with In Two 
Weicks after Thay Receive Their Duplicates to bring In Their Tax. 

"Signed by y^ Foreman, Benjamin Knapton." 

The proceedings, the verdicts, and the sentences 
recorded in these old minutes will sometimes pro- 
voke smiles, and often arouse sad reflections. In 
1710, Ruth Carter was sentenced — for what crime 
does not appear — to 

" Pay ye fiue of five Pounds & her fees, or That She be Whypt Thirty 
Strypes upon her bare back & pay her fees & Then be Cleared." 

June 27, 1711, "Wee, the Grand Jury representing ye Bodde of ye 
County of Salem, having taken Into Our Serins Consideration ye Sev- 
erall Quarrells & Various Actions of Isaack Sharp, Tending to ye Stur- 
ring up of Strife & variances, Where by Love & frind Ship hath been 
Sought to be Destroyed by him, Wee There fore Preseut ye Said Isaack 
Sharp To be a Common Barroter. Signed by The Foreman in behalf of 
ye whole. 

"Joseph Seelye." 

This presentment was afterward ordered " To be 
Squashd." 

"The Grand Jury for the County of Salem presents the Prisson for 
That it Is Deficiant for the Secureing of Prissoners, and also presents ye 
Courthouse That itt may be repayred, & presents ye Want of a paj-er of 
Stocks in ye Towne of S.ilem." 

In September, 1813, the grand jury 

"doe Present y' FAi?/^ Windsor of Salem, in ye County of Salem, sin- 
gle woman, ye thirteenth Day of August, in ye Twelfth yeare of ye 
Raigne of our Lady Anne of Great Brittain, &c.. Queen, yt now is 
att Salem in ye county aforesd, with force & armes upon ye Body of 
Eliz^h Rumsey, wife of Isaac Runisey, of Salem, aforesd yeoman in ye 
Peace of God & our Sd Lady ye Queen, then & their being, an as-auU 
did make and her with a Paddle over ye Head did strike. & also over 
ye Neck & her Collar bone did Brake, to ye Great damage of ye SdEliztii 
Rumsey, and against ye Peace, &c." 

"One Marj' Hawk of Cohanzey, Spinster, was publickly whippt, in 
the Town of Salem, on the 17th of November, 1716, by order of the Jus- 
tices." 

]\Iurder of James Skerron. — " At a Special Court held att Salem in the 
County of Salem the 16th Day of April!, 1717, fortryingof Negro Slaves 
for the Murther of James Sherron, Esq., Present, Isaac Sharp, John Ma- 
son, Alexander Grant, Justices; Joseph Gregory, Daniel Rumsey, John 
Brick, Andrew Hopman, and John Lloyd ffreeholders. 

" The ffreeholders sworn to try the prisoners, in conjunction with the 
Justices, according to Evidence &c. 

"The Justices and Freeholders order a Mr. William Griffin to prosecute 
the prisoners in behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King, &c. 

" Hager, the Negro Woman, Brought to the Barr, and her Accusation 
being read, pleaded not Guilty, yett acknowledged she knew of the In- 
tended Murther, and was present when her Master was murthered, ifcc. 

'■John Hunt sworn ; The sd Hunt Declared the said murthered per- 
son had been a living person, Only for the sd Hager who melt the said 
Hunt the Evening the Murther was done, between the said Hager's 
master's plantation and the House of John Gentry, and that sd Hager 
urged the said Huut to go and kill her Master, and that the Negar Boy, 
namedBenn, was with the said Hager when they mett, and so went near 
the House of the Blurthered person, and that the sd Hunt Sent the Ne- 
gar Boy for the Hatchett wherewith he Committed the Murther, &.c. 

"John Hewett sworn; The said Hewett declared that, one night, 
being upon the watch of the said Negars and others, heard some Dis- 
course offered between the said Hager and ye said Hunt, and the said 
Hunt said unto the said Hager, 'don't you remember the poyson that 
you proposed to put in your Master's Broth or Milk ?^ &c. 

" The Negar Boy, Benn, brought to the Barr and his Accusation Being 
read, pleaded, not Guilty, &c. 

" The prisoner att the Barr Confest that he Brought ye Hatchett to 
Hunt, the person that Committed the Murther, at the request of the said 
Huut, just before the Murther was Committed, and that he heard his 
Master Crying when murtheriug, and that he knew, when he Brought 
the Hatchett, ye sd Hunt Intended to kill his Master, &c. 



330 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



"The Negar Man Slave, named Seizer, Brought to the Barr, and after 
his Accusation was read ye prisoner pleaded not Guilty. 

"John Hunt sworn, saith that, that the prisoner att the Barr knew 
nothing of the Intended or Designed Murther nor had no hand in it, 
&c. 

" The said Justices, in Conjunction with the ffreeholders, found the sJ 
Hager Guilty, and was Condenind to be Burnt, &c. 

"The said Justices, in Conjunction with the ffreeholders, found the 
eaid Negar Boy Guilty, and was Condemnd to be Hanged by the Neck 
till dead, and then Hung up in Gibbetts, Ac. 

"The Justices, in Conjunction with the freeholders, found the said 
Negar Man, Seizor, not Guilty, and was Discharged, &c." 

The sentences passed on Hagar and Ben were 
carried into eflect at what is now Claysville, just be- 
yond the city limits. 

At a Court of Oyer and Terminer held May 21st, 
and by adjournment May 27, 1817, John Hunt and 
Mary Williams were presented by the grand jury for 
the murder of James Sherron. 

"John Hunt, being Brought to the Barr, and being arergn* pleaded 
Guilty." 

" Rlary M'illiams, being Brought to the Barr and arergn'^, pleaded not 
Guilty, and puts her Self upon the Country." 

"The petty Jury Came into Court & Brought in Mary "Williams not 
Guiliy. 

"The Court ordered the Jury out again." 

"Tho petty Jury Came into Court, and Brought Mary Williams In 
Guilty of Knowing of the intended Murther of James Sherron before it 
was Committed, and consealiug of the same.'' 

" John Hunt being Brought to the Barr, his Inditment being read, he 
could show no Cause why the Sentance of Death should not be past upon 
him ; he had Sentance gave by ye Judge." 

" Mary Williams Brought to the Barr and received Sentance ; for the 
Knowing and Concealing the Intended Death of Mr. Sherron the Court 
finds her the Sum of One Hundred pounds to his Majesty, and to remain 
in Custody till paid." 

At the Court of Sessions in December, 1717, it was 

"Ordered by the Court that the Garrett or upper part of the Count}' 
Goal he for the use of a House of Correction for the use of the said 
County, and a whipping-post be erected therein." 

The fee for whipping was afterward fixed by the 
court at five shillings for whipping at the public 
whipping-post, and two shillings and sixpence in the 
House of Correction. 

Here is a copy of an indictment found in 1718 : 

"At a Court of quarter Sessions of the peace, held for the County of 
Salem, at Salem, on the twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Days of De- 
sember, in the fifth year of his Majesty's Keign, &c., Tlie jurriors for 
our Sovereign Lord the King, and the Body of the county of Salem, 
upon their Oaths and Soloni Affirmations, do present, that William 
Stalkey, of the Presinct of penn's Neck, Victulor, on or about ye Nin- 
teenth day of Desember, in the fifth year of the Reign of our Sovereign 
Lord, George, by ye Grace of God, of Great Brittian, France, and Ireland 
King &c,, a Certain Common Tippling-House did keep, and on the said 
Day, and att Divers other times, did Suffer Divers Evil persons of Evil 
Conversation to Tipple on the Lord's Day, Commonly called the Sabbath- 
Day, to be Drunk and other Evil manners is Guilty of. Contrary to the 
Peace of our said Lord ye King, his Crown and Dignity, and against the 
form of good manners and the laws in such case made and provided. 

"Billa Vera, 

"WlI.LTAM ViCKAET. 

"Thohias Vickary. 
"Jacob Hudrickson." 

In 1718 the court prescribed the following prices at 
houses of entertainment: 

" Wine att Nine pence per pint; Bear and Ale at four pence per quart; 
Sydr, till ye first of August, att four pence pr quart; New Sydr, made 
after the first day of July, at 3* pr quart ; Sydr, Royal, att Nine pence 
Quart; Metheglin at Nine pence pr Quart; Rume att i** pr gill. 



" Dyatt for Man, Each Meal, 9 pence; Lodging for Each, 2^ pr night. 

" Horses, att English Hay or draynd Medow Hay, in Stable 24 hours, 
Sixpence; for undraynd Marsh Hay, 24 hours, threepence; Oats, One 
shilling by ye peck, and so in proportion ; Horse pasture, 24 hours, four 
pence." 

Ten years later the prices were : 

" For each nib of punch made with double refined sugar and one gill 
and a half of rum, ninepence ; with single refined sugar, eightpence ; 
with Muscovado sugar, sevenpence; for each quart of tiff, made with, 
half a pint of rum, in the same, ninepence." 

In February, 1733-34, it was ordered by the court 
that 

" Mary Kelly, for abusing the judge, Mr. Acton, in her misbehavior to 
him in the execution of his office, do receive ten lashes on her bare back 
for her contempt, at the public whipping-post." 

The last instance of the infliction of corporal pun- 
ishment here occurred in the summer of 1840. The 
whipping-post then stood in the rear of the clerk and 
surrogate's otEce, where it remained, a memento of 
the barbarism of a bygone age, till the present offices 
were erected. 



CHAPTER LV I. 

EARLY ROADS, MEADOW IMPROVEMENTS, AND 
NAVIGATION. 

The first thoroughfare in the county of Salem was 
the King's Highway. In November, 1681, it was 
enacted 

'* that there shall be a highway surveyed and set forth between Burling- 
ton and Salem, the same to be begun at or before the first day of the 
second month next; and that twenty men in the whole shall be ap- 
pointed for the said work, ten thereof from Burlington and ten from 
Salem." 

This was six years subsequent to the establishment 
of Fenwick's colony. It must be remembered that 
settlements were first made on the streams which 
were navigable to some distance in the interior, and 
that these were the avenues of communication and 
transportation during many years. As settlements 
multiplied and increased, land communications were 
established between them by what were then consid- 
ered the most convenient routes, or by routes which 
wound through regions where the settlements hap- 
pened to extend. Many of these, as time wore on 
and circumstances changed, were found not to be the 
most feasible, and were abandoned for others better 
adapted to the changed circumstances. 

The next important road, after the King's High- 
way, was the Salem and Morris River road, that ran 
via Quinton's Bridge from Salem to Greenwich, and 
thence to Morris River. This was laid out by com- 
missioners appointed by the court in 1707. In 1709, 
Bartholomew Wyatt, Benjamin Acton (surveyor), 
and John Mason were appointed by the court, and 
laid the Salem and Cohansey road by way of Han- 
cock's new bridge, and thence by way of John 
Mason's (now MaskelPs) mill to Greenwich. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



331 



In 1711 a commission, of which Benjamin Acton 

was one, was appointed to lay out a road from Salem 
to Fort Point, near Eedroe Morris' house. This road 
is still in existence as originally laid. The old Penn's 
Neck road ran from the foot of Market Street, in 
Salem, and passed along the route of the old Camden 
stage-road about a mile, then passed west a mile and 
a half, till it struck Salem Creek, which it crossed, 
over the old Trap causeway and bridge, into Penn's 
Neck, and traversed that township lengthwise. The 
bridge was removed, and so much of this road as lay in 
Mannington township was vacated in 1811, at which 
time the street in Salem, then called New Street (now 
Griffith), was laid out, and the bridge at the foot of 
that street crossing Salem Creek was built. 

Meadow Improvements.' — In the latter part of the 
seventeenth, indeed to the middle of the eighteenth, 
century what is now Salem County was largely made 
up of tide-flooded meadow and fresh-water swamp. 

We would not advance the notion that the pioneer 
settlers of Salem County found no upland or elevated 
ground. On the contrary, they did find high lands, 
covered with oak and other valuable timber, and from 
which the original settlers, and the several genera- 
tions following, have proved their discernment by 
realizing from the timber growth and the cultivation 
of the soil good returns in acquired wealth and 
healthy, happy homes. The county, as at present 
constituted, in its highest points has an elevation of 
one hundred and sixty feet above sea-level. Conse- 
quently it is comparatively undulating and hilly. 

But it is of the meadow and low lands we, in this 
portion of our work, would more particularly make 
some note. 

Commencing at the north point of the county, we 
find the mouth of Oldman's Creek, that stream mean- 
dering its whole length through low or meadow lands, 
forming the line between the counties of Salem and 
Gloucester. On both sides of this stream, ten miles in 
length, are these meadow lands. Coming south, we find 
along and bordering on Delaware River meadow lands, 
only occasionally interrupted by narrow projections of 
upland to the river-bank. Thus coming to the south 
corner of the county, we find Stow Creek, the dividing 
line between Salem and Cumberland Counties. Be- 
tween these north and south points, into the Dela- 
ware River open Baulger Creek, Salem River, Allo- 
ways Creek, Mad Horse Creek, and Hope Creek, with 
other small streams, all having their course and 
source into and through large bodies of tide meadow 
land. And these are the low lands alluded to pre- 
viously as found by the pioneer settlers of this 
county in the state as formed by nature, the home of 
the otter, muskrat, mink, etc., as also feeding-ground 
and cover for wild fowl, — swan, geese, duck, etc. To 
use animal and fowl for sustenance and comfort came 
to the first settlers as a matter of necessity, and to 

1 By Samuel Prior, 



utilize these low lands seems to have come to them as 

naturally as the clothing of their persons with the 
furs, or the satisfying of the appetite with the meat 
of the living animal and fowl. Tradition has it that 
an attempt was made in the latter part of the six- 
teenth century to improve and utilize a portion of 
these meadow lands bordering on Salem River. 
Dikes and banks were made, inclosing a small body 
of the low land, and the same was cultivated to rice. 
As there was no eavesdropper or modern newspaper 
correspondent of this advanced age peeping around, 
success or failure cannot be reported. Certain it is, 
however, the pioneer settlers of this county did really 
at a period of their occupancy here turn some of these 
low lands to profitable use. And with pride it may 
be stated their successors, to the present generation, 
have utilized, improved, cultivated, and made profit- 
able much of the low land of Salem County, while 
the present value of these lands may be quadrupled 
by the present and coming generation. The Hol- 
lander and the Swede, two hundred years ago, had 
but a crude and partial idea of drainage and land 
improvement, and we of the present age have small 
practical experience in scientific grading and drain- 
ing. But it must and will come to the greater benefit 
of this whole county. 

The Colonial Legislature of New Jersey, the middle 
of the seventeenth century, seemed to realize to some 
extent the topographical and geological character of 
the province. And this, no doubt, was the case from 
the fact that members of the Provincial Assembly 
were pioneers from lands in Europe having similar 
formation and character as those of " New Csesaria," 
for among the earlier colonial statutes were those 
providing for cutting water-courses, erecting banks 
and dikes. Indeed, a more advanced idea of im- 
provement by drainage was brought to the attention 
of the Colonial Legislature in the year 1770. In that 
year a petition was presented to the Assembly asking 
a law for power to allow certain and any persons in- 
terested to cut a canal from Salem Creek to the river 
Delaware, and from the data attainable it was at 
about the same place where the present canal in 
Lower Penn's Neck is now a fixed fact and in daily 
use. One hundred and thirteen years ago the occu- 
piers of these lands, citizens of this county, conceived 
the idea of a work that should make valuable thou- 
sands of acres of land then comparatively worthless. 
Yet a hundred years passed before the work was done. 
There are seventy thousand acres of land in this 
county yet undrained and uncultivated. These invite 
more energy, more application of scientific knowledge 
and united effbi-t. It is for the present and coming 
generation to say whether less shall be done in the 
next hundred years than in the last. 

The Legislature of New Jersey in 1778 passed a 
law authorizing the owners of meadow and swamp 
land to form themselves into bodies corporate, and to 
bank and drain the same. Under this law there have 



332 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



been organized in this county seventy-one bank 
meadow companies. Whether these are all as orig- 
inally formed, or whether some of them have been 
dissolved or merged one in another cannot be ascer- 
tained. The county records show as follows : 

Salem City, five bank meadow companies incorporated and organized. 

Elsinboro townsliip, eight bank meadow companies incorporated and 
organized. 

Lower Alloways Creek, fourteen bank meadow companies incorporated 
and organized. 

Upper Alloways Creek, one bank meadow company incorporated and 
organized. 

Mann ington township, eighteen bank meadow companies incorporated 
and organized. 

Lower Penn's Neck, seventeen bank meadow companies incorporated 
and organized. 

Upper Penn's Neck, eight bank meadow companies incorporated and 
organized. 

The first upon record of incorporated and organized 
bank meadow companies is " Stony Island Meadow 
Company," formed in the year 1794. This is in Lower 
Penn's Neck township, adjacent to Salem Creek, bor- 
dering thereon, where the first bridge crossed said 
creek from Penn's Neck to Salem. This was a toll- 
bridge, and probably the first bridge built in the 
lower section of the State. The road leading from 
this bridge to Salem was over what was known as the 
" Old Trap Causeway." The creek at this point and 
the " Stony Island Meadows" have to within a few 
years been noted as being the home of a family of 
otters. Three years since a very large one was killed 
there. 

The first "meadow company" organized in Man- 
nington was known as the "Tide Mill Meadow Com- 
pany," at the head of Fenwick Branch of Salem 
Creek, 1796 ; the first in Salem, " Keasby Meadow 
Company," 1796. Perhaps all the others have organ- 
ized, under the law of 1788, since the commence- 
ment of the present century. 

Thus, then, as it now is, several thousand acres of 
these low lands are reclaimed from the flood of tides, 
and have brought grass, grain, and wealth to past and 
present owners. To these will continually be added 
others yet unimproved. Indeed, the salt marsh of 
the county — which embraces several thousand acres 
of land at the head of Delaware Bay — will, ere an- 
other fifty years have passed, be reclaimed from its 
wild state and be made to produce in abundance 
cereals now so bountifully gathered from improved 
meadows and uplands. 

Of the other class of low lands, swamps and basins, 
nature seems to be inviting man to assist her in 
making these useful and profitable. Some of these 
have heretofore been the source and supply of mill- 
power. Evaporation, cultivation, and the cutting off 
of upland springs, the past and present generation, lias 
so much reduced the accumulation of water in mill- 
ponds as to render necessary the substitution of steam 
for water-power. And the same causes have so much 
reduced the natural flow of water at the head or 
source of small streams that where, but a decade or 



so ago, vessels were built, and trade carried upon 
floating bottoms, and commercial transactions upon 
wings of the wind, now the plow, the reaper and 
binder present the holder of the swamp lands with 
heavy crops of grain. 

In Salem County there is still much of the swamp 
and undrained lands. This need not be. The im- 
proving, intelligent tiller of the soil will not long 
allow it to so remain. 

When the son of the farmer of Salem County shall 
see in the improved and unimproved land of the 
county and State, and the moral, social, and family 
relations as they have been and are at present those 
attractions that are neither ephemeral nor vain, but 
solid, lasting, and pure, he will increase his individual 
happiness, add to the good of the community, exalt 
the .statue of his county, and think no more of the 
silver of Nevada, gold of California, cattle ranch or 
sheep-fold of the West, nor fear the cyclone and tor- 
nado that destroys alike man and dwelling, but settle 
down upon the land of his fathers, drain the last 
swamp and bog, enjoy his abundance, live to good 
old age, and not die by the bowie-knife or revolver. 

Navigation ia Salem County.^The navigable 
streams in and bordering on Salem County are Old- 
man's Creek, Salem River, Alloways Creek, and Stow 
Creek. On all these commerce is to some extent 
carried on, and prior to the railroad era these streams 
were important avenues of travel and transportation. 

On Oldman's Creek trade is carried on a.s far as 
Auburn (formerly Sculltown), about eighteen miles 
from its mouth. To Pedrickstowu,five miles from the 
Delaware, vessels of no more than five feet draught can 
pass at any time. Beyond that point sloops of light 
draught, and shallops, pass by taking advantage of the 
tide. 

AUoways Creek is navigable to Allowaystown, 
more than twenty miles from its mouth in the Dela- 
ware. Twelve miles of this distance, or to Quin ton's 
Bridge, sloops of not heavy draught, and barges, can 
pass over at low tide. 

Stow Creek is navigable to a landing about two 
miles below Canton. Formerly vessels passed to Can- 
ton village, but the channel has become obstructed 
by sediment, so that they cannot pass with tlie facility 
of former times. The navigation of the stream is 
mostly accomplished by " carrying the tide." 

The commerce on these creeks consists mainly in 
such articles as are consumed by the people residing 
in the region through which they pass, and the grain 
and other products of those regions. Of course the 
carrying trade from these regions has changed with 
the changing circumstances that time has brought. 
With the disappearance of the forests that once cov- 
ered the surface the trade in cordwood and timber 
has given place to the shipping of the produce which 
grows on the fields where these forests stood. For- 
merly, before the excellent white-oak timber that 
abounded here was exhausted, ship-building was an 



GENEKAL HISTORY. 



333 



important industry on these creeks, and vessels to the 
amount of thousands of tons were annually launched 
in this county. Vessels of all sizes, up to more than 
five hundred tons, have heen built and launched here. 
Where formerly large amounts of grain were pro- 
duced the attention of farmers in the western town- 
ships has been more and more directed to the raising 
of vegetables and fruit, as the market for these has ■ 
become more active, and this change has necessitated 
a corresponding change in the facilities for carrying 
away produce, and also for bringing manures. At 
Quinton is a manufactory of glass, and much of the 
ware produced is carried away through Alloways 
Creek. Barges ascend the affluents of these creeks 
for short distances at high tide. 

On Salem River a more considerable commerce 
than on all the other streams has always been carried 
on. At all times of the tide this river was navigable 
for a distance of twenty miles, and by carrying the 
tide vessels ascended as far as Sharpstown. Prior to 
1825-30 the commerce on this river was carried on 
wholly by means of sailing-vessels, and regular pas- 
senger packets plied between Salem and Philadelphia 
as late as 1828. Of course trade was carried on with 
New York and with ports south on the Atlantic 
coast. Salem was, in 1682, made a port of entry, and 
so continued during three-quarters of a century. 

The first steamboat that entered Salem River was 
the "Congress," in 1819. In 1824 the steamboat 
"Lafayette" made a few regular trips, and was then 
discontinued ; and following her the " Albemarle," in 
1825, made two trips. She was burned at her wharf 
at the foot of Arch Street, Philadelphia, and no regu- 
lar steamboat line was established till 1827, when the 
steamer " Essex" was put on the route. At that time 
from seven to nine hours were required for a trip be- 
tween the two places. Since then improvements in 
steamboat navigation have shortened the time of pas- 
sage to from three to four hours. From that time to 
the present quite a number of steamboats have run 
regularly on this route, though some were only for 
short periods. At the present writing the steamers 
" Reybold," " Clyde," and " Perry" make regular 
trips. In addition to this passenger and freight line 
a line of barges, towed by tugs, is engaged in carry- 
ing heavy freight, and there is a considerable amount 
of tonnage carried in sailing-vessels. On this stream, 
more than on the others in the county, the character 
of the commerce has changed. Formerly, as on the 
other streams, the produce of the region and articles 
of consumption by the people constituted the most of 
the freight, but with the establishment of the manu- 
factories at Salem the bringing hither of raw materials 
and carrying away manufactured articles has come to 
form a large portion of the business. 

Prior to the establishment of railroad communica- 
tion with Salem County nearly all the travel between 
the vicinity of Salem and " the outside world" was 
by means of steamboats, in their season. This travel 



has amounted, in latter years, to from sixty to one 
hundred thousand passengers in a season. In about 
one-half the full numberof years the boats have been 
able to run, without interruption, during the entire 
winter. The number traveling by this route in sum- 
mer is about as great as in former times, the number 
of railroad passengers being about equal to the in- 
crease of travel. The amount of freight carried to 
and from the port of Salem has steadily increased 
with the increase of population and manufactures. 
Appropriations have been made by Congress for the 
improvement of navigation at the mouth of Salem 
River, and under these dredgings have been made to 
keep clear the channel. 

Canals— Denn's Canal. — The first shortening of 
navigation on Salem River, by Denn's Canal, was 
commenced between 1820 and 1880, and completed 
between the latter year and 1840. The canal is one- 
half mile in length, and by it a shortening is effected 
of two miles. 

Penn's Neck Canal. — In 1800 a charter was granted 
by the Legislature for the Penn's Neck Canal Com- 
pany, and all the necessary powers were conferred, 
but a sufficient amount of stock was not taken, and 
nothing was, at that time, done. Several supplements 
to this charter were, at different times, passed, but no 
attempt at construction was made till some years 
afterward, when the work was entered on, but was 
soon abandoned. Finally an act was passed by the 
Legislature authorizing the taxation of meadow and 
low lands bordering on Salem River to defray the 
expense of constructing this canal, and under this 
act the canal was completed. A dam was thrown 
across the river below the point where the canal joins 
it, and all navigation above that point passes through 
this canal. It is nearly two miles in length, and has 
a capacity equal to the river above it. It passes from 
the Delaware to Salem River at a point twenty miles 
above the mouth of the latter, by the course of the 
stream. The distance saved by this canal on the 
route to Philadelphia from the point of its junction 
with Salem River is thirty-five miles. 



CHAPTER LVII. 

MARKETS AND FAIRS— BOUNDARY QUESTION, AND 
FISHING RIGHTS. 

Markets. — A market was established by law in 
1682, and was to be held every Tuesday, near the old 
wharf, then known as the "lower landing." Whatever 
was brought to town for sale was to be taken there, 
where the sale opened at 11 a.m., and any person who 
purchased goods before that hour was subject to a fine, 
half of which the informer was to receive, and the 
other half to be for the public use. 

Fairs for the sale of all lawful goods were ap- 



334 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



pointed by law at Salem, on the 1st and 2d of May 
and on the 20th and 21st of October in each year, and 
it was provided that all should be free from arrest 
during the two days of the fair and during the two 
days next preceding and following it. These immu- 
nities came to be abused, and on the 15th of April, 
1698, at a town-meeting, — 

" It being then taken into consideration tliat since fairs have been 
held in this town tliat foreigners do tioclx from other parts, not only of 
this county, but of the neighboring province, do sell liquor by retail 
during the time of such fairs, thereby encroaching upou the privilege 
of the inhabitants of this town, who only are authorized, and none else, 
to sell by retail as aforesaid : 

*' Be it thfrefore enacted, That uo person or persons, from and after the 
date hereof, do presume to sell liquors by retail during the time of the 
fairs so held or to be holden, either at the place of the fairs or within 
the limits thereof, but the inhabitants of this town only. And whoso- 
ever persons presuming, contrary to this act, to sell liquors as aforesaid, 
shall, upon information, be found guilty of the said breach, shall forfeit 
all liquors found in his custody at the said place of fair, or anywhere 
within tlie limits of this town or creek, to be seized by virtue of a war- 
rant from the burgess of this town, whereof one-half of the said goods 
is to he allowed to the informer and the other half to the burgess. 

"Signed, with consent of the meeting, uemine coutradicente. 

"William Hall, 

" iJurge.vs." 

Trade and Social Condition. — With the increase 
of population and of merchantable produce merchants 
established themselves at Salem and elsewhere, and a 
thriving trade was carried on. Usually a partner of 
each trading firm was located in New York, where 
most of the trade from here was then done, and to 
him consignments were made. The articles of export 
were various, — cedar posts, shingle-bolts, shingles, 
staves, wheat, corn, beef, tallow, pork, and peltries of 
all kinds. On their return trips the vessels brought 
such goods as the people here needed for the supply 
of their wants, which were not then as numerous or 
varied as those which wealth and modern fashion 
create. The people who left their homes in England, 
and came here to enjoy the freedom of conscience and 
quiet that were denied them there, were ready to adapt 
themselves to their surroundings, to be satisfied with 
the results of their industry, and not to pine for the 
luxuries of the land they had left. The ground which 
they cleared and cultivated, and the forests and streams 
in which they hunted and fished, furnished them with 
more than sufficient to satisfy the demands of appetite ; 
the industry of their wives and daughters supplied 
them with clothing, and in the free exercise of their 
religious opinions there were none to molest or make 
them afraid. In their social relations there were none 
of the jealousies and rivalries that invade and embit- 
ter modern society. Each rejoiced in the prosperity 
of his neighbor, or sympathized with him in his ad- 
versity. Their visits to each other were without any 
of the conventional forms and ceremonies that modern 
fashion prescribes. They were anticipated with pleas- 
ure, and remembered without regret. 

Eang'ers. — At that early period the animals that 
were reared by the inhabitants were mostly permitted 
to roam at large in the forests, and for their own pro- 
tection the people procured the enactment of a law ' 



for the appointment of a chief ranger, who, as stated 
by Johnson,^ " was also authorized to appoint depu- 
ties, if he thought proper, whose duties were to look 
through the woods and waste lands, and take up all 
horses and other cattle over two years of age not 
having a brand or ear-mark, for such were to be ac- 
counted strays, and forfeited to the Lord Proprietor of 
the province, unless the person claiming could estab- 
lish his right of property therein before two justices 
of the peace. It was also the law that no person 
whatsoever should mark any of his beasts unless in the 
presence of some justice of the peace, constable, or 
chief ranger, under the penalty of twenty pounds. 
All these precautions were taken that the rightful 
owners in this kind of property might have it pro- 
tected in safety, for in those early days vast numbers 
of horses and cattle were raised in the woods and 
marshes, and they were only brought into the in- 
closures for two or three months during the inclem- 
ency of winter. This ordinance of marking was de- 
signed to prevent dishonest people of the county, 
horse-coursers and drovers, from taking them away 
by stealth and converting them to their own use ; and 
no horse dealer or drover could pass his drove of 
beasts out of the province without a certificate from 
the ranger, or his deputy, or some justice of the 
peace, under penalty of the forfeiture of the whole 
of them." 

Boundary Question, and Fishing Rights.— Be- 
tween the States of New Jersey and Delaware there 
exist conflicting claims of jurisdiction over a portion 
of the Delaware opposite the county of Salem. On 
the part of New Jersey the "filum aqua," or centre 
thread of the river, is claimed as the boundary; while 
Delaware claims jurisdiction to low-water mark on 
the eastern shore, including, of course, the right to 
control and regulate the fisheries in the entire width 
of the river. It is not proposed to enter into a dis- 
cussion of the legal questions which these adverse 
claims involve, but simply to give a brief recital of 
the original titles on which they are based. 

On the 12th of March, 1664, King Charles granted 
to the Duke of York, by patent, " all lands from the 
west side of the Connecticut to the east side of Dela- 
ware Bay." June 24th of the same year the Duke of 
York conveyed to Berkeley and Carteret " that por- 
tion of the lands called New Jersey from the west of 
Long Island to the Delaware Bay." 

On the 6th of August, 1680, the Duke of York, by 
a deed, confirmed to the trustees in whom the title 
was then vested the moiety of the same territory, 

" and also the free use of all bays, rivers, and waters leading into or 
lying between the said premises, or any of them, in the said parts of 
America, for navigation, free trade, fishing, or otherwise." 

On the 24th of August, 1682, the Duke of York 
deeded 

"to William Penn his heirs and assigns, forever, all that the town of New 
Castle, otherwise called Delaware, and all that tract of land lying ,jj 

I History of the SettU-meut of Salem County, p. 1i. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



335 



within tile compiiss or circle of twelve miles about the same, situate 
lying and being upon tlie river Delaware, and all tlie islands in said 
river Delaware, and the said river, and the soil thereof lying north of 
the southernmost part of said circle of twelve miles about said town, 
and all the rights, titles, interests, powers, and property, claim, or de- 
mand of the Dulte in or to the same," etc. 

On the 22d of March, 1682-83, about seven months 
later than the date of the above, Charles the Second 
conveyed, by patent, to the Duke of York the same 
premises that the duke had conveyed to William 
Penn, describing them as 

"all that tract of land lying within the compasse of a circle of twelve 
miles abonte the said towne, situate lying and being upon the River 
Delaware, and the said river and the soyle thereof lying north of tlie 
soutliernmost parte of said circle of twelve miles about the said towne," 

On these last two grants is based the claim of the 
State of Delaware, as the successor of William Penn, 
to the soil under the river Delaware, and the control 
of the fisheries in the entire width of the said river. 



CHAPTER LVIII. 

AGRICULTURE IN SALEM COUNTY.' 

The agriculture of Salem County had its beginning 
with the first settlements. However rude in method 
or limited in extent, the products of the soil were 
depended upon for subsistence, and formed the agri- 
culture of the time. The parcels of land along the 
shore of the Delaware, first tilled by brave men from 
northern Europe, early in the seventeenth century, 
were farms, and their produce was the result of prim- 
itive efforts at land tillage in this part of the county. 
This began two hundred and fifty years ago, and has 
been continued for several generations, and the names 
of first settlers are still attached to portions of the 
same or other lands in the vicinity. 

Farming operations in this part of the State have 
been conducted by the Swedes and Finns and their 
descendants, and by people from England, following 
Fenwick in his great work of founding a colony on 
the shore of this portion of New Jersey. Later, 
people from New England, New York, and neighbor- 
ing counties of this State settled here, bought lands, 
converted them into farms, made homes for them- 
selveij and families, and bequeathed them to their 
children. 

The character of the people who came here was 
marked by earnestness of purpose and habits of in- 
dustry. And of such it might be said that wherever 
they settled a successful agriculture would attend 
their efforts. 

The creeks of the county, in their course to the 
Delaware River and Bay, divide it into sections which 
have their characteristics of surface and soil. A con- 
sideration of these shows their capability to form a 
basis of successful agriculture. 

1 By William H. Keed. 



The principal part of the land north and west of 
Salem Creek is of a light character, better adapted 
to the growth of corn and garden esculents than to 
wheat and grass. There is, however, a number of 
valuable farms where the grains are raised, and tracts 
of valuable meadow for grazing and dairy purposes. 
The part west of the creek, constituting one of the 
townships of the county, contains good grain farms, 
with a large extent of good meadow land. It con- 
tains lands of light soil, well adapted to the growth 
of vegetables, readily marketed in the neighboring 
cities. 

Much of the river side of the county is highly im- 
proved. Northward, and along the Delaware to 
Oldman's Creek, the land is mainly of a light char- 
acter. There are, however, fine meadows and farms, 
producing abundantly in grain, especially in corn. 
Truck and melons of every variety are raised, and to 
a great extent. These are distributed to the markets 
of Wilmington, Chester, Philadelphia, New York, 
and Boston. This branch of farming favors the cut- 
ting of the land into small farms, and many of these 
are now to be seen. The facility with which the land 
is tilled, nearness to the great river, and ease of access 
to prospective markets were leading inducements 
with the people who first settled here. 

South of Alloways Creek, forming the southwest- 
ern part of the county, early settlements were made. 
Some of the first cultivated farms are in this sec- 
tion. Names of present landholders run back several 
generations. Nearness to navigation, tracts of land 
suited to farming, an exhaustless supply of fertilizing 
material for the uplands from the meadows, enabling 
owners to maintain or restore fertility, would, in the 
nature of things, attract attention and lead to farm- 
ing enterprise. Hence this portion was soon taken 
possession of, and made the basis of remunerative 
farming operations. Near the mouth of Alloways 
Creek, on its south side, there has long been a place 
of shipment, a convenient port for the farming com- 
munity and dealers in the agricultural products of 
the adjacent country, at Hancock's Bridge. A large 
acreage of meadow land has been seeded to herd- 
grass, the yearly returns from which in the seed 
alone materially add to the resources of the farmer. 
Owners of these lands are said to have had for a 
period in the past a monopoly of the trade in herd- 
seed. The demand is continuous, though the price 
has varied. The average price is stated to be fifty 
cents per bushel. South of Alloways Creek have 
been large tracts of heavy timber, which have been 
converted into ship-stuff, building material, and cord- 
wood. Of the last there is authority for saying that 
millions of tons have passed down this stream to 
market. The presence of white-oak timber indicates 
a heavy soil, and the cultivator of the land had heavy 
soils to till. So long as timber resources continued, 
little was done by way of land improvement. But 
the time came when these grew less, and the fields 



336 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



had to be improved. By the use of lime and other 
fertilizers, they have been brought to a profitable con- 
dition. The reduced farm-lands of clay soils have 
been so managed that they produce good yields of 
wheat, grass, and corn. 

A portion of this section of the county, to the 
^southeast of Alloways, in the vicinity of Freasburg, 
contains lands of good natural quality, which are well 
improved and cultivated. This is a partof theslightly 
elevated tract which divides the water falling thereon, 
a part flowing to the Cohansey, and a part to Allo- 
ways Creek. It is a continuation of a comparatively 
elevated portion of country, extending across the 
county from Gloucester to Cumberland. 

From this towards the bay, and on the line be- 
tween Salem and Cumberland, there are marl-dig- 
gings along streams running into Stow Creek. The 
names of Minch, Hummell, House, and Ayers are 
connected with these beds as owners. This marl has 
been used to a considerable extent, and its effects 
have proved very beneficial. It has been said of the 
lands in the neighborhood (they had become so ex- 
hausted by continued cropping that wheat could not 
be raised, and the yield of corn was reduced from an 
average of fifty bushels to twenty bushels per acre), 
" The whole country about this marl out-crop has be- 
come a wheat-growing region instead of raising poor 
crops of rye." There is a skirting of light land next 
to Cumberland, and crops suited to such soils are cul- 
tivated. The capabilities of the soil appear from what 
is now raised, and what is raised on similar soils in 
other parts. 

That section of the county lying between the creeks, 
Salem and Alloways, and along the branches of the 
former above tide-water, contains the principal part 
of the farm-lands of the county. It comprises the 
middle portion. It extends from river and bay- 
shore, between the mouths of the creeks. A line 
running midway between the creeks, first northeast- 
erly and then easterly, to the ridge of land in Upper 
Pittsgrove township, which divides the waters run- 
ning into Salem Creek from those running into Mau- 
rice River, would be about twenty miles. The coun- 
try for several miles from the shore is level and 
savanna-like. It then becomes slightly rolling, and 
is a succession of hill and dale on to the centre of the 
county, and even to that part on which the streams 
take opposite directions, some flowing to the east and 
others to the west. About the middle of the county 
this section, following the line of the Pile purchase 
of ten thousand acres, the line between Pilesgrove and 
Upper Penn's Neck townships, spreads out in a north- 
erly and westerly direction to Oldman's Creek, and 
southerly to the north branch of Alloways Creek. 
Forty per cent, of the acreage of the county, deduct- 
ing tide-marsh lands outside, is contained within the 
limits of the midland section. The tide-marsh lands 
inside cover six thousand acres. 

Of the natural quality of the great body of the 



lands of this section it may be said to be good. 
Every variety of soil found in this part of the State 
is to be found here. The clay-loam is considered to 
predominate. The level lands of lower Mannington 
have long been known for their productive capacity. 
Farther inland, the ridges, upon which grow the 
hickory and the walnut, are regarded as containing 
lands of the first quality of natural soil. The original 
'capacity of these has been estimated at fifty bushels 
and upwards of corn to the acre. Continued farm- 
ing, without adequate return of fertilizing matter, 
brought them, however, to a low state of productive- 
ness. Of the lower portion of the middle section of 
the county it may be said that farmers there have 
been and are especially favored in the possession of 
tracts of meadow that annually yield a growth which, 
notwithstanding it may vary in quality, has from the 
beginning been a material support to the adjacent 
upland. The meadows themselves, to an extent, 
have been made to yield corn, wheat, and other pro- 
duce. Large outlays of time and means have been 
expended in banking, ditching, and general care- 
taking of the meadows. 

In bringing the farm-lands near the meadows to 
their present condition of productiveness the meadow 
growth has not been depended upon alone. Lime 
and other fertilizers have been extensively used. In 
the past, when the farms of the upper part of the 
county had become reduced by long tillage, the prod- 
ucts of the upper portion — timber, in the form of 
frame-stuff, posts, rails, etc. — were exchanged for the 
hay of the low lands. 

Cattle from the farms above were pastured, a part 
of the season, on the meadows below. Meadow land 
was purchased by farmers in the interior, to secure 
the supply needed, in hay and pasture, to enable 
them to carry the stock desired. Farms with 
meadows attached have been regarded as especially 
valuable. Of this part of the county, first settled by 
Fenwick and his followers, it is considered that but 
few places could have been selected on the coast of 
New Jersey where the success of a farming com- 
munity could have been better assured. 

The eastern end of the county has, to a great ex- 
tent, been covered with timber even to a late date, 
and at present there is a growth of timber on ^ large 
proportion of it. In the past the timber has been 
worked to profit by business men of the neighbor- 
hood. There are tracts that have been occupied as 
farms for many years. These, like others more fa- 
vored, were reduced by a long course of farming, but 
have been w'ell improved of late years, and now form 
comfortable homes and farms yielding fair returns. 

The new settlements to the east, in the adjoining 
counties, have made a market for the produce of this 
part of the county, and given an impetus to land ■ 
improvement there. . . . Farming in the central and 
southeast-central parts of the county, embracing the 
two townships of Pilesgrove and Upper Pittsgrove, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



SSt 



has had its clearly-marked periods. There was a 
time whea the natural fertility of the soil was de- 
pended upon, and but little was done to keep up its 
productiveness. Then followed insufficiency of crop 
returns, and the working of the timber was resorted 
to in order to supply the deficiency. There were no 
tide-marsh lands in either of these townships. Lands 
of good natural soil were used for a long time before 
they became undesirable possessions. They did, how- 
ever, come to be of nominal value. At this time a 
number of owners parted with their farms, and went 
where good land could be obtained at low rates, or 
turned their attention to other pursuits. 

This was a period of anxiety to those who re- 
mained. The future to the land-owners was not 
encouraging. It proved, however, that industry and 
energy, with earnestness of purpose, was to carry them 
through. 

Marl. — It was during the third decade of the pres- 
ent century that it was discovered that marl was 
accessible within the limits of Salem County, and 
could be turned to public benefit as a fertilizer. The 
existence of marl in Pilesgrove township had been 
recognized, and limitedly used, but was first regularly 
dug and put upon the market by Jonathan Riley, at 
Woodstown, in his meadow on the east side of the 
creek, near by the town. This was in the year 1826. 

Reports of the use and benefit derived from marl 
in one of the upper counties of the State are said to 
have led to its trial upon lands here. It came into 
general use in a few years. The results proving satis- 
factorj', it was sought by farmers in Pittsgrove, dis- 
tant from seven to nine miles. It was carted to and 
beyond the line between Salem and Cumberland 
Counties, a still greater distance, and with the best 
results, even from the lightest applications. Such 
was the demand that pits were opened on the 
meadow-lot of William J. Shaw, adjoining, and just 
above on the creek, the lot where the first digging 
was made. 

In a few years from ten to twelve acres were dug 
over, and the "chances" lessening in value, on ac- 
count of the depth of uncovering, new openings were 
made about a mile to the west, on a branch of the 
creek, on lands of John Dickinson, Henry Allen, and 
Mrs. Abigail Wallace. Considerable marl was dug 
) on land of John Wallace, on the creek, opposite the 
! Shinn meadow. The marl-lands along the branch of 
I the creek were extensively worked for a period of ten 
or twelve years, yielding an incalculable amount of 
marl. A number of farms in the township contained 
marl-land, and yielded thousands of tons, but those 
I whose owners are named were most used by the 
i public. 

11 Good results from the application of marl to the 
1 lands of Pilesgrove and Pittsgrove led to the digging 
( of marl to a considerable extent in the township of 
■ Mannington, where pits of Atkinson, Prior, Pettit, 
; Slape, and Bassett have been worked ; and at the 
i 22 



same time the lime and lime-earth from the lands of 
Allen, Ridgway, Elwell, Barber, and Benner were 
much and profitably used. Some marl was dug in 
the townsbip of Upper Penn's Neck, principally at 
Sculltown, now Auburn. 

It is estimated that at least twenty-five acres of 
marl-land have been dug in Pilesgrove township, and 
that over five hundred thousand tons, or eight mil- 
lion bushels of marl have been carted upon the lands 
of the two townships named, Pilesgrove and Pitts- 
grove, and that the greater part went into the latter 
township. A part of the lot first dug over was redug, 
some thirty years after, by the Dickinson Brothers, 
of Woodstown, and Mr. .lohn Morris, of Philadel- 
phia. A floating dredging-machine was used. A 
hundred thousand tons were. dug from the earth, out 
of which marl to the depth of from twenty to twenty- 
five feet had been dug; this in a period of nine 
years, seven by the Dickinsons and two by Morris. 

The effect of the application of marl upon lands 
reduced in productiveness exceeded anticipation. 
Where wheat could not be raised before marling, soon 
after, excellent crops grew. Corn was increased from 
fifteen and twenty to forty, fifty, and sixty bushels per 
acre. Rye, which had been the principal winter grain, 
became a secondary crop. W^here grass had been 
thin, and, indeed, where the Indian grass had been 
prominent, clover and timothy grew in heavy burdens. 
Farms ranked with the best grain farms in the State. 
Fields suitable were set apart and prepared for per- 
manent grazing. These were used for this purpose a 
number of years, some for upwards of thirty years, 
making cattle among the best in the market. The 
competition of the Western with the Eastern trade in 
cattle has of late years lessened the number fattened, 
and dairying has, to an extent, taken the place of fat- 
tening of cattle. The raising of the Irish or round 
potato, so called, engaged the attention of farmers in 
the marl region as well as in other parts of the county. 
Marl was considered an advantage in raising this 
crop, as the potato raised with marl was more uni- 
formly of a smooth appearance than when raised with 
barn-yard manure alone. Large crops were raised. 
The price, which had been twelve, fifteen, and twenty 
cents per bushel, increased to forty, fifty, and some 
seasons, at gathering-time, to seventy -five cents and a 
dollar a bushel. The average price for a period of 
fifteen years, during the most prosperous time of 
potato-raising, was sixty-four cents per bushel. The 
yield, on good land, by the aid of both marl and 
manure, was from a hundred and fifty to three hun- 
dred bushels per acre. A case too important to be 
left to tradition should be recorded as a fact in the 
history of the agriculture of Salem County : it is that 
Samuel Lippincott, a thoroughly practical farmer, 
father of Samuel M. Lippincott, the present owner of 
the farm, early in the time of potato-raising, as a farm 
crop, succeeded in raising four hundred and twenty- 
five bushels of marketable potatoes on each of several 



338 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



acres planted. It will not surprise the reader to learn 
that the field was close by a bed of superior marl. 
Not only in this but in other parts of the county, 
where the conditions of soil and fertilizers were ade- 
quate, the returns from the cultivation of the potato 
were profitable. The prosperous period of potato- 
raising was between 1840 and 1860. As a consequence, 
under an improved condition of lands from the use 
of marl, and from the prices that obtained, land in- 
creased in value and in price. It rose from eight and 
ten dollars per acre to eighty and upwards, the most 
valuable from seventy and eighty to one hundred and 
ten and a hundred and twenty and twenty-five dol- 
lars per acre. Occasional instances of one hundred 
and fifty and a hundred and seventy-five dollars an 
acre were obtained. 

As to the value of marl as a fertilizer, it is regarded 
by those who have used it extensively as the most val- 
uable of fertilizers. The variety of substances which 
compose it, ranging through a list of seven or eight, 
each of value, operating mechanically as well as 
nutritively, the bulk that is applied, all favor this 
opinion. In much of the marl that has been used in 
this section of the county there was both potash and 
lime. While the farmer was marling he was, at the 
same time, liming. It is the testimony of some who, 
after marling, proceeded to lime their lands, that they 
could not perceive any benefit from the liming. It is 
a property of marl that adds to its value that it can 
be applied directly to the plant, — to the corn in the 
hill, to the potato and other vegetables, — while lime 
can be applied only indirectly. The best marls are 
said to be those richest in phosphoric acid. It is a 
saying of those familiar with the use of marl upon 
worn-out lands that, once covered with marl, they 
never fail to show it, and that they never again be- 
come so reduced as before the marl was applied. 

Considering the extensive use of marl, the great 
change produced by it over many square miles of 
farms, and the benefits that have resulted to all 
classes of the community, the period of land im- 
provement by marl is an interesting and instructive 
one in the history of farming in Salem County. 

Early Trade in Agricultural Products, — Soon 
after the arrival of the English colony under Fen- 
wick a trade was opened with New York, Boston, 
and the West Indies. The articles of export were 
the skins of wild animals, peltry of every kind, of 
which the woods, swamps, and marshes afforded an 
abundance, besides cedar posts, shingles, and bolts, 
staves, wheat, corn, some beef, pork, and tallow. A 
partner of these trading firms was located in New 
York, to whom cargoes were consigned, and on the 
return trips their vessels brought out such goods as 
would be most salable to the country people. The 
market-price of wheat and corn during the early 
period is given, but not the exact date. The price 
for the former is put at three shillings nine pence 
per bushel, the latter at two shillings two pence per 



bushel. This, being probably prior to the adoption of 
the United States currency and the depreciation of 
State currency, would be ninety cents per bushel for 
wheat and fifty-two cents per bushel for corn. The 
average price of wheat and corn for the years from 
1782 to 1791 is given, for wheat, one dollar and eleven 
cents ; for corn, fifty-six cents. 

It is recorded that Salem became a port of entry as 
early as 1682, about seven years after Fenwick's arri- 
val, and that it was at that time a place of some 
foreign trade. Vessels were regularly entered and 
cleared. There were exacted from vessels under one 
hundred tons entrance and clearance fees, one shil- 
ling for each, and for all vessels of more than one hun- 
dred tons double that amount. 

Further, fairs were established by law very soon 
after the settlement of the Fenwick colony. They 
were held on the 1st and 2d of May and 20th and 21st 
of October. At these all persons were at liberty to 
buy and sell all manner of lawful goods, wares, and 
merchandise, — an encouragment to the raising and 
making articles for sale, and an invitation to pur- 
chasers. 

The Legislature of the State, at an early period, 
authorized the issue of one hundred thousand pounds 
of paper money, to be loaned on mortgage on landed 
security. This was an act to foster the agricultural 
industry of the State. The amount borrowed by 
citizens of Salem County was sixteen thousand dol- 
lars. The loan-office account for this county was 
closed by Col. Robert G. Johnson, March 1, 1797. 

The farming interests of the county were affected 
by events connected with the war for independence, 
and by those preceding it, involving the then present 
and future condition of the people. The magnitude 
: of the interest at stake necessarily drew attention 
I from individual'pursuits, hence farms became neg- 
! lected, and when affairs assumed a settled condition, 
much was to be done to restore the lands to their pre- 
vious condition. It would be unpardonable, in this 
I connection, to fail to record the part taken by the 
! farmers of Salem County on the question at issue by 
contributing to the relief of the Bostonians during 
the closing of their port by Gen. Gage. At a meet- 
ing held in the court-house in Salem, the people of 
the county, sympathizing with the citizens of Boston, 
" unanimously resolved to give a portion of their sub- 
stance to assist in alleviating their distressed and op- 
pressed fellow-citizens of Boston." Grant Gibbon, 
Esq., of Salem, was appointed to solicit relief. He 
collected £157 3s. 2d., or seven hundred and sixty 
dollars and sixty-four cents. This was forwarded to 
the committee for the suffering poor of Boston by 
Thomas Sinnickson, Esq., of Salem. ( Vide history, 
by Col. E. G. Johnson.) 

At the close of the war the spirit of the people 
soon showed itself in land improvement. Old fields ^ 
were cleared up, new lands were added to the farms, j 
whereby the number of acres was increased, and, ■ 



GEiSTBRAL HISTORY. 



•i?>d 



doubtless of more importance, the timber removed 
furnished inci'eased means wherewith to carry on im- 
provements. The meadows were erabanlced to shut 
out the tide-waters. New buildings were erected, and 
others repaired. 

Merchants secured trade with foreign countries, 
and so opened the way to agricultural prosperity by 
opening new markets for farm produce. A genera- 
tion later, the second war with Great Britain had a 
decided influence upon the farming interests. The 
war, though not lengthy, was sufficiently so to induce 
citizens to buy land at high prices, on account of the 
high prices of produce. But this did not continue 
long ; it fell, and land went down at the same time, 
causing much trouble to all concerned. Even fii'st 
purchasers, as speculators, in buying land after the 
war, not anticipating so great a fall, lost by still greater 
decline. Farm produce became much reduced in 
pi'ice, and the labors of land tillers were moderately 
rewarded for a number of years. This state of things 
continued until the government adopted the policy 
of protection to American industries, — the American 
System, so called, — which took place in 1824. It was 
remarked by an honored statesman, in the year 1832, 
that the seven years just previous to 1824 exhibited 
a scene of the most wide-spread dismay and desola- 
tion of any since the adoption of the Constitution, 
and that the seven years which immediately followed 
the passage of the tariff of 1824 were the most pros- 
perous since that event. There are few agricultural 
communities that did not realize a state of things 
indicating the truth of this remark. 

Since the utterance of this statement greater im- 
provements in the agricultural interests of Salem 
County have taken place than ever before. The 
causes of the increased prosperity attendant are open 
to all. The demand for the varied products of the 
farm has been decidedly greater within the last half 
century than before. This implies a larger popula- 
tion, and an increase of purchasing means ; it indi- 
cates men, employment, and compensation. In a 
word, demand was created for farm produce, and to 
supply this the cultivation of farms was put into ex- 
traordinary requisition. Tbe productive area was 
enriched, and its quantity increased. The stimulus of 
full hope of compensation drew to this pursuit energy 
and capital. To this must be added the joint labor 
of .science and experience in furnishing material 
compounds, in the form of fertilizers, to aid in in- 
creasing the productiveness of the soil. In this 
county especially the vast stores of marl used at 
this period of need was an efficient aid to improve- 
ment. Genius, with its thought-inspired handiwork, 
its useful inachinery, lessened the laboriousness of 
many of the processes man had to perform in the 
great work of agriculture. It was but another in- 
stance of considerable results from small causes that 
the humble vegetable, the potato, should perform so 
important a part in farming prosperity. 



The potato, though recognized as one of the most 

nutritive of vegetables, had been cultivated to a lim- 
ited extent. From some cause there was an increased 
demand for it, and as an article of food it took a high 
place. On this account the small portions of land 
previously assigned to the raising of the potato in- 
creased to whole fields, on which a liberal expendi- 
ture of means was bestowed to secure good returns. 
These were realized on a broad scale. Meats were 
largely in demand, which stimulated the grazing and 
fattening of animals. The high price to which poul- 
try attained made it of importance in the revenue 
of the farmer. Fruits and vegetables commanded 
good prices. All these, with a low rate of taxation 
and of interest, moderate cost of mechanical and farm 
labor, combined to make the business of farming, for 
a period prior to the war of the Rebellion, an unpre- 
cedentedly prosperous one. 

During the Rebellion the returns from farming op- 
erations were large, but the demands that fell upon 
this department of industry were also heavy. Of the 
greater number engaged in this pursuit it may be said 
that, after satisfying the demands of trade, and the 
requisitions from county, State, and nation, they did 
not add materially to their possessions. 

The post-Rebelliou period, to the farming commu- 
nity has resembled that following other wars, only 
intensified by the greater magnitude of the war of the 
Rebellion. Municipal, State, and national debts have 
weighed upon the people, and especially upon the 
farmer. Wages, both mechanical and farm, have 
ruled higher since than before the war. Taxes have 
been about double, mainly to liquidate war debts. 

A high rate of interest prevailed for years after the 
war closed, there being exacted by law one-sixth 
more for the use of a dollar than before the war. Mu- 
tations and depreciations in money values took place. 
With the extension of railroads, Western trade in 
grain and stock produce affected injuriously the in- 
terests of Eastern farmers. Salem County, being 
largely engaged in both grain and stock produce, has 
been correspondingly affected. 

Mainly through the combined operation of these 
causes, the pursuit of farming is at present ranked 
among the less remunerative occupations. 

Agricultural Statistics. — An examination of sta- 
tistics given in census reports shows somewhat of the 
contribution of the county towards the re.sources of 
the State. According to report for 1880, Salem 
County, although the ninth county in area in the 
State, is the first in the production of wheat, the 
quantity raised being 269,670 bushels. The corn crop, 
by report for 1880, is put at 1,064,227 bushels, an in- 
crease of 315,446 bushels over that of 1860. As show- 
ing the changes that occur in agricultural operations 
and results, there has been, from 1860 to 1880, a de- 
crease in the production of the round potato to the 
extent of seventy-two per cent., the destructiveness 
of the potato-bug being the main cause of difference. 



340 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



The sweet-potato crop for 1860 is put at 100,865 
bushels; that given for 1880 is 248,398 bushels, nearly 
two and a half times as many as in 1860. The dairy 
products for 1880 are put at 429,962 gallons of milk, 
404,559 pounds of butter, 6396 pounds of cheese. 

Improved Agricultural Implements.— The farm- 
ers of this division of the State, largely interested as 
they are and have been in hay and grain products, 
have availed themselves of the various improvements 
in farming implements in the order of their appear- 
ing. They have regularly advanced from the rude 
plow, that required the grubbing-hoe as an accom- 
paniment, to that constructed on mechanical princi- 
ples, suggested by experience ; from the hand-rake 
to the single-row toothed horse-rake, to the double- 
row toothed revolver, to the sulky-rake ; from the 
oriental mode of treading out the grain, — here the 
Indian corn as well as wheat, — to the toothed cylin- 
der with a fixed crank, to that worked by a system of 
cog-wheels, to the vertical conical sheller, propelled 
by horse-power or by steam ; and in the threshing of 
the wheat, from the primitive method to the single- 
horse endless chain, attached to a horizontal cylinder, 
to the two-horse endless chain, to the four- and six- 
horse mammoth lever, to that with steam-power at- 
tached, by which the time required to get out a crop 
of grain is reduced from weeks to days. 

In the cutting of the wheat the sickle and cradle 
have yielded to the reaping-machine, operated by 
horse-power; to the reaper and binder, with an at- 
tachment for gathering together the sheaves, — a com- 
bination of operations effected by the power of three 
horses, under the guidance of one man. The value 
of farming implements in the county in 1860 was 
$341,493 ; in 1880, $427,464, an increase of »5,971. 

Stoek-Raising. — A spirit of emulation and a desire 
to test the possibilities of the art of feeding animals 
for the market has shown itself in the past, and a 
number of experiments in this direction have been 
made. Job Tyler, of Mannington, is named among 
the first who fattened cattle to an immense weight. 
One of these was regarded as a wonder at the time, 
which was about fifty years ago. This was before the 
successful experiment of Mr. Tompkins, of Glouces- 
ter, in fattening two noted steers, the "Duke of 
Gloucester" and " Earl of Jersey." Arthur Green, 
of Upper Penn's Neck, fattened a steer of immense 
dimensions. The Messrs. Black, of Elsinboro, are 
said to have bred superior cattle. Within the past, 
since these successes were attained, feeders of cattle 
have operated on such a scale that, with special 
attention to animals peculiarly fitted, remarkable 
achievements in the fattening of cattle have been 
made. William Kline, of Mannington, some twenty- 
five years since, fattened a steer that attracted atten- 
tion as a fattened animal. 

The raising of grain, grass, and vegetables constitutes 
the principal employment of persons engaged in farm- 
ing; and as this includes the art of land improvement. 



it suggests the requisite means in judgment and ma- 
terial resources to accomplish success. As an adjunct 
of farming the care of and preparation for market of 
animals, involving as it does special judgment; in 
adaptation of means to an end, the efforts of individ- 
uals in fattening cattle, hogs, and small stock have 
attracted the attention of the public. For grazing 
lands peculiarly favorable have been selected, and 
art applied to especially fit them for the purpose. 
The names of successful graziers and cattle-feeders 
are familiar to dealers and to the public generally. 

A number of citizens have shown praiseworthy 
efforts to ascertain the extent to which it would be 
profitable to fatten swine. Samuel Dare, of Pitts- 
grove, fattened a hog of mammoth weight; this about 
1830. Later, John Lawson, of Salem, fed one that 
exceeded in weight that fed by Dare. Some twenty 
years later Judge William S. Clawson, of Woods- 
town, fattened one that weighed, alive, twelve hun- 
dred and twenty-five pounds. This animal was sold 
to Joseph Davis, and, after being kept on exhibition 
in this country for some time, was sent to London to 
be exhibited. Josiah Kline, of Mannington, is re- 
ported to have fattened a hog about this time that 
ranked among the heaviest in weight. Charles 
Clark, of Pilesgrove, an extensive and successful 
feeder, about twenty years since fattened a hog that 
weighed, slaughtered, ten hundred and eighty pounds. 
The same year he fattened fifty-two other hogs that 
averaged over five hundred pounds each. Subse- 
quently John H. Lippincott, of Pilesgrove, fattened 
a pen of twenty averaging several pounds heavier 
than Clark's. A larger kind of hogs have been in- 
troduced of late, pens of hogs of greater average 
weight have been made, but whether a greater 
amount of pork has been made from a pen of less 
number than that of Clark does not appear. Clark's 
achievement in this line of industry is recorded in 
the annals of things done worthy of remembrance. 

The rearing of horses and cattle early engaged the 
attention of Salem County farmers. At first they 
ranged at large through the woods and lowlands, and 
were not brought into enclosures, except during the 
severity of the winter season. After grass was culti- 
vated on the farms, and pasturages were formed, par- 
ticular attention was paid to the raising of horses and 
cattle. A horse of medium size, suited to the face of 
the country, the heavier suitable for draught, and the 
lighter for the road, was the object aimed at. Phila- 
delphia and New York have been markets for num- 
bers raised here. Scions of stock noted for speed 
have, at different times, been introduced, and horses 
raised that have made records in time, ranking among 
the highest attained. 

Agricultural Fairs. — Soon after the agriculture of 
the county began to assume brighter prospects, after 
the depression following the last war with Great Brit- 
ain, citizens of the county united in holding agricul- 
tural exhibitions. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



341 



The first was ia 1828. Col. Robert G. Johnson, 
of Salem, was president of this association, and de- 
livered an address on the occasion of the opening. 
Col. Johnson, Dr. Thomas Rowan, and Samuel L. 
James, Esq., of Salem, and Michael Null, Paul Scull, 
and Dr. Thomas Yarrow, of Pilesgrove, were the 
leading men in the management. There were sev- 
eral exhibitions. One of these was held at Sharp- 
town. There are a few reminiscences of this in the 
minds of those who attended. There was a plowing- 
match. Three entered for the premium. One soon 
retired. The contest was between Michael Null and 
Smith Hewitt, both of Sharptown. Hewitt is said to 
have won the premium. The celebrated horse Mark 
Anthony was on exhibition at the fair, having been 
brought there by a noted horseman of the time, David 
Smith, of Upper Penn's Neck. The exhibition was 
held on the farm of Aaron Pancoast, now James C. 
Pancoast's, near the site of the present school-house. 
There was an attendance from Gloucester and Cum- 
berland Counties. 

Agricultural Societies. — An agricultural society 
was formed in 1850, and incorporated in 1851. The 
exhibitions were held at Salem. This society had 
for its president William F. Reeve ; for vice-presi- 
dents, Isaac Scull, Samuel P. Carpenter, and Capt. 
Jolm Johnson ; secretary, Charles P. Smith ; treas- 
urer, Thomas Sinnickson ; executive committee, Jon- 
athan Ingham, Edward H. Bassett, John H. Sinnick- 
son, Quinton Keasby, and Dr. Joseph H. Thompson. 
This association was regarded as a means of increas- 
ing an interest in farming in its different departments 
in this and adjoining counties. It stirred up to useful 
work. It drew large gatherings of the people to wit- 
ness the productions not of the farm alone, but of 
the arts. It was a social season. The oificers chosen 
at a meeting held in 1870 were Richard M. Acton, 
president; David Pettit, vice-president; David Davis, 
secretary ; Mason Vanmeter, treasurer ; executive 
committee, James S. Johnson, P. H. Hannah, John 
C. Craven, Erauk Pettit, and David Davis. It is con- 
ceded that this society had its period of decided use- 
fulness ; but at the last it is said that its charter was 
lost sight of, also the great object of the organization, 
and it was deemed best to cease the holding of exhi- 
bitions. 

In the year 1870 citizens of Salem County, with 
tho.se of an adjoining part of Gloucester, united in 
forming an agriculcural and horticultural association. 
This was incorporated by an act of Legislature ap- 
proved Feb. 20, 1872. Isaac V. Dickinson, J. Morgan 
Barnes, Isaac Scull, James D. Lawson, Joseph K. 
Riley, Joshua Reeve, Jr., Charles D. Lippincott, 
Robert Vanmeter, and James L. Summerill, their 
associates and successors, were constituted a body 
politic and corporate by the name of the " West Jer- 
sey Agricultural and Horticultural Association of 
the Counties of Salem and Gloucester, New Jersey." 
The exhibitions have been held at Woodstown every 



year, and for two days. The interest taken in con- 
tributing to the displays is general. The object is to 
encourage a laudable spirit of emulation in every 
branch of agricultural industry and in the arts. The 
officers of the association at first were Isaac V. Dick- 
inson, president ; Dr. Paulding, Robert Vanmeter, 
Col. J. W. Dickinson, and John Hanes, vice-presi- 
dents ; J. Morgan Barnes, secretary ; Isaac Scull, 
treasurer ; executive committee, James D. Lawson, 
Robert Hewitt, Israel A. Hewitt, George Coombs, 
Charles D. Coles, Dr. Paulding, John Hanes, Charles 
C. Ford, Joshua Reeve, Jr., and Benjamin Tyler. The 
officers at present are Omar Borton, president ; Dr. 
Paulding, Robert Vanmeter, Col. J. W. Dickinson, 
and John Hanes, vice-presidents ; James D. Lawson, 
secretary; Dr. L. A. D. Allen, treasurer; executive 
committee, Charles D. Coles, Israel Hewitt, Robert 
Hewitt, George Coombs, Samuel T. Lippincott, Joshua 
Reeve, Isaac Dubois, Charles R. Burtt, and Barclay 
Edwards. The past of this association has been pros- 
perous. The attendance has been large. With the 
additional facilities for attending the exhibitions 
afforded by the railroad located at Woodstown, the 
attendance will be increased. 

The people of Salem County are favored in soil, 
climate, and location, and in all that pertains to agri- 
cultural prosperity. Being part of a coast State, 
lying along the shore of one of the great bays and 
rivers of the Atlantic coast, it possesses the advantages 
belonging to such situations. Those who can appre- 
ciate the casting of their lot in this goodly heritage 
can never forget the trials, the incessant and perplex- 
ing cares which beset their ancestors in settling on 
these shores, and especially the sufferings of that 
adventurous and great man who led them hither — 
Fenwick. 

Exports. — The following estimate of the exports 
of Salem .County was made by Col. Robert G. John- 
son, and published in the proceedings of the New 
Jersey Historical Society for 1846 : 

" I will here remark that the county of Salem con- 
tains about three hundred square miles, and the pop- 
ulation by the last census was ascertained to he 
16,024. 

Wheat, 68,919 bushels, at 90 cts $62,027.10 

Corn, 386,254 " 60 " 193,127.00 

Oats. 174,574 " 31 " 54,117.94 

Buckwheat, 6,000 " 60 " 3.160.00 

Kye, 2,322 " 60 " 1,393.00 

S:il.'5,724 00 
" Meat from lAve-Slock. 
Fat cattle, 880 head, average weight per head 575 lbs, 

atjoperlmnd S25,.300 

Pork in the hog, 600,(100 lbs., at 85 30,000 

Calves, 4450 head at S4.50 per head 20,025 

Sheep, 4000 head at ?2 " 8,0C0 

?83,326.a0 

Hay, straw, brooms, husks §28,400.00 

'^Grass-seeds. 

Clover, 500 bushels at J6.00 §2,500 

Timothy, 600 " 2.50 1,500 

Herd, 30,000 " .45 13,500 

$17,500.00 



342 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Apples, plums, peaches, 50,000 bushels, taken from Salem 
wImlVBS $17,600.00 

" Tinclc, 

lu which the people estimate garden and field vegetables ; 
also they have included in their sales fruits of different 
kinds. This was from the principal truck-growers from 
the townships along the river So0,47o.00 

" Forest. 

Ship plank, 450,000 feet, at S0.20 $90,000.00 

Sawed scantling, 315,000 " .15 36,750.00 

Cordwood, 12,100 cords, at 3.50 42,350.00 

Staves, ■ 35,000, at .20 700.00 

Hoop-poles, 290,0011, at .35 7,250.00 

Bark (ground), 200 tons, at 22.00 5,72000 

Market-baskets, 16,000, at .31 4,960.00 



$187,730.00 



" TeSfiels. 

Stephen Baldwin 650 tons. 

Shenango 600 " 

Burlington 600 " 

Watagee 460 " 

" Btirki. 

Sarah Hand 350 tons. 

Pons (slaver) 250 " 



29,000 tons, at $35 per ton..$101,500.00 



" Steamers. 

John McKeim 300 tons. 

Erickson lOO *' 

Empress 140 " 

Cumberland 100 " 

640 



at S35 per ton. ..$22,4011.00 



Monmouth 

Emma Louisa 

Forrest 

Two at Pennsgrove.. 

Barge 

Sloop Ann 

Do 



" Schooners. 

140 tons. 

120 " 

100 " 

200 " 

140 " 

60 " 

30 " 



7 canal-boats.. 



790 
700 



at $30 per ton $23,700.00 
at $16 " " 10,500.00 



Total $158,100.00 

" These vessels were built within the last six years, and as it 
takes much time in preparing the materials, the labor of 
building them must necessarily render a length of time 
unavoidable, so as to run into different years. The whole 
amount of their market value as above being divided by six 

the number of years, makes the annual surplus $26,350.00 

" There are now on the stocks building 4 schooners, 2 sloops, 
5 large canal-boats (largest size,) 1 lime-boat of 60 tons. 

^^Furs and Wool. 

Furs, principally sent to New York $7500 

Wool 5500 



" Leather^ Soap, and Candles. 

Leather $13,000 

Soap and candles 4,460 



$13,000.00 



" Miscellaneous. 

Castiugs $5000 

Scrap-iron 1000 

Feathers and rags 1000 

Cider and vinegar and bricks 640 



$17,460.00 



$7,640.00 



Carriages $3000 

Grain-threshing machines 923 

Oil of sassafras 1000 

Sumac, 60 tons, at $36 per ton 1750 

$769,777.00 

" With considerable labor and expense I have ob- 
tained the foregoing. I regret that I could not get 
the truck- and fruit-growers to discriminate the 
produce of the different articles by them raised, but 
I am inclined to think that the estimates are fair and 
reasonable. I regret that I could not in any way 
ascertain the value of the different kinds of poultry 



exported. From what I have seen on board the steam- 
boats from our town and have heard from the two 
upper townships, which send a great proportion by 
wagons to Camden, I am inclined to believe that we 
might safely set down our exportation at twenty 
thousand dollars." 



CHAPTER LIX. 



BAR OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Of those lawyers who practiced in Salem County 
prior to the year 1776 little can now be ascertained 
concerning either their personal history or profes- 
sional career. The only source from which any 
authentic information can be gained is the incom- 
plete records of the colonial courts, and from them 
nothing more than the names of the attorneys who 
practiced in those early days can be learned. Still, 
as it may prove interesting to the present generation 
to know who, in the remote past, carried on the legal 
warfare of the county, it may be well to give, at the 
end of this short sketch of the bar, a list of the at- 
torneys as their names appear upon the court records, 
commencing with the book of minutes of the Court 
of Common Pleas and General Quarter Sessions of 
the year 1707, which is the oldest book of court 
records preserved among the archives in the Salem 
County clerk's office. As these records, however, fur- 
nish no means of ascertaining whom among these 
attorneys properly belonged to Salem County, no at- 
tempt will be made to distinguish those lawyers who 
permanently resided in Salem from those who merely 
attended the circuit, but the list will comprise the 
names of all those who, at any time, appear as prac- 
ticing attorneys from 1707 to 1776. 

Of the bench of Salem County there is not much 
to be said, as in the whole history of the county it 
has had but one representative in the Supreme Court 
of the State, the Hon. William S. Clawson, of whom 
appropriate mention will be made, and there have 
been but two members of the Court of Errors and 
Appeals from the county, the Hon. Joseph L. Risley 
and the Hon. Thomas Sinnickson. Judge Sinnick- 
son belonged to one of the earliest families settling in 
this county, and was a man very highly respected and 
looked up to by the general community, and while on 
the bench was justly distinguished for his sterling 
good sense and reliable judgment; but as neither he 
nor Judge Risley were members of the bar, any de- 
tailed account of them would hardly be appropriate 
in an article confined strictly to members of the legal 
profession. 

Samuel Leak was one of the first lawyers resi- 
dent in Salem County of whom any authentic infor- 
mation has been handed down. He began the practice 
in Salem, about the commencement of the Revolution- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



343 



ary war. He was born in Cumberland County, in 
1748, and received his education at Princeton College, 
graduating in the class of 1774. After passing through 
the usual period of study he was licensed as an attor- 
ney, in 1776, and as a counselor in 1780. Immedi- 
ately upon his admission to the bar he settled in 
Salem, and practiced law there until his removal to 
Trenton, in 1785, where he continued to reside until 
his death. From the frequency with which his name 
appears upon the court records he must have, during 
his residence in Salem County, enjoyed a large prac- 
tice. In 1778 he was appointed by the court to prose- 
cute the pleas for that county, and held that oflBce for 
one year. He was a man of peculiar personal ap- 
pearance, and of very eccentric habits. As a lawyer 
he is said to have carried the citing of cases to an ex- 
cess, so much so that it is related of him that when 
he had a case of importance, so many were his books 
of reference that his colored servant was obliged to 
bring them into court in a wheelbarrow. He died in 
Trenton, in 1820. 

Abijah AVhiting practiced law in Salem in the 
latter part of the last century. He was born in Rhode 
Island, and was a graduate of the University of that 
State, now known as Brown University. He pur- 
sued his professional studies in the office of Richard 
Horatio Stockton, and received his license as an attor- 
ney in 1796, and as a counselor in 1799. Soon after 
his admission to the bar he came to Salem, and open- 
ing a law-office, in a short time obtained a large and 
lucrative practice, not only in the county but through- 
out the entire southern portion of the State. Mr. 
Whiting was a young man of marked ability and 
promise, and had not death cut short his professional 
career so early he would no doubt have obtained a 
high position among the leading lawyers of this State. 
He died, Oct. 3, 1800, in his thirty-third year, and was 
buried in St. John's Episcopal churchyard, in Salem. 

RiCHAKD BtTRCHAN was born in the year 1760, 
and was admitted as an attorney in 1787. His name 
appears upon the court records of Salem County as 
a practicing lawyer from that period until the time of 
his death. Little is known concerning him as a 
lawyer at the present day, except that he is said to 
have been a man of so passionate and sarcastic a 
nature as to interfere materially with his practice 
before the courts. He died, Nov. 17, 1801, and was 
buried in the Episcopal churchyard in Salem. 

James Kinsey, a son of Chief Justice Kinsey, was 
born in Burlington County, N. J., Nov. 26, 1768. He 
read law with his father, and was admitted as an at- 
torney in 1790, and as a counselor in 1794. Mr. 
Kinsey settled in Salem, at that time a favorite place 
of residence for young men about to enter upon their 
professional life. Shortly after his arrival there he 
married Miss Rebecca Trenchard, a daughter of Maj. 
George Trenchard, a young lady of wealth and good 
family. Mr. Kinsey never attained much eminence 
as a lawyer. He was, however, a man of line edu- 



cation, devoted to literary pursuits, of very pleasing 
manners, but rather eccentric, and absent-minded. 
As he was possessed of an independent income, and 
not obliged to look to his profession as a means of 
support, he was able to devote his time and attention 
to pursuits more congenial to his natural tastes and 
inclinations. He died, suddenly, in Philadelphia, 
while on a visit there, July 13, 1833. He was buried 
ill the Episcopal churchyard in Salem. 
~ JosiAH Harrison, a son of Capt. Jotham Harri- 
son, was born in Essex County, N. J., in the year 
1776. He was graduated at Princeton College, in the 
class of 1795, and in 1797 commenced his professional 
studies, in the office of Alexander C. McWhorter, in 
Newark, N. J. Upon the completion of his term, in 
1800, he received his license as an attorney, and as a 
counselor in 1803. In 1801, a good opening for a 
young lawyer presenting itself in Salem, occasioned 
by the death of Abijah Whiting, he settled in that 
county, and began his professional career. He resided 
there but a short time when he married Isabella Dick, 
a daughter of Dr. Samuel Dick, a citizen of Salem, 
and a man very prominent in the affairs of New Jer- 
sey during the war of our independence. Mr. Harri- 
son, during his residence in Salem, built up a large 
and successful practice. About the year 1816 he be- 
came engaged in a controversy concerning the val- 
idity of the will of his wife's uncle. The will was 
drawn up and witnessed by him, and an effort was 
made on the part of other relatives to break it. The 
contest was a long and bitter one, and after being 
carried through the courts of New Jersey was finally 
removed into the United States District Court, where 
a decree was made establishing the validity of the 
will. A new trial, however, having been granted, a 
compromise was afterwards effected between the con- 
testing parties. The case is considered a leading one 
upon the matters in controversy, and is reported in 
3 Wash. C. C. R., p. 580, Harrison vs. Rowan. In 
1817, while the trial was going on, Mr. Harrison's 
wife died, and although he survived her many years 
he never married again. Shortly after his wife's 
death he removed to Camden, N. J., where, in addi- 
tion to the practice of law, he edited a newspaper, and 
carried on a general publishing business. In 1887 he 
was appointed reporter of the Supreme Court of this 
State, which position he held until 1842, having pub- 
lished during that period four volumes of the State 
law reports. He afterward returned to Salem, and 
continued to reside there the remaining years of his 
life. He did not again engage in active practice, 
but spent his declining years in gathering together a 
large library of standard works, and in indulging his 
literary tastes. He was a man of strong religious 
convictions, and an active and consistent member of 
the Episcopal Church, the interests of which he was 
largely instrumental in furthering in the southern 
part of the State. He was for a long time senior 
warden of St. John's Episcopal Church, Salem. He 



344 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



died Sept. 26, 1865, at the ripe old age of eighty- 
nine. 

William N. Jeffers was a native of New Yorls:, 
and a member of the bar of that State. Early in life 
he removed to the West, intending to settle there. 
He finally selected Cincinnati, and, opening a law 
office, practiced in that city for a short time with 
marked success; after remaining in Cincinnati some 
time he concluded to discontinue practice here, and 
returning to New Jersey w'as admitted as an at- 
torney in 1814, and received his license as a coun- 
selor in 1817. In 1834 he was called to the degree 
of sergeant. Immediately upon his admission to the 
bar of this State he came to Salem and commenced 
the practice of law there. He was very soon recog- 
nized as a lawyer of ability, and in a short time ob- 
tained a large and lucrative practice. By those who 
remember him when a resident of Salem he is said 
to have been a man of remarkably fine personal ap- 
pearance, always well dressed, and possessing very 
winning and gentlemanly manners. He was a bril- 
liant and eloquent speaker, exercising, in a marked 
degree, persuasive powers over both the court and 
jury. In professional intercourse with his clients he 
is said to have had the faculty (certainly for a lawyer 
a most fortunate one) of always inspiring them with 
the utmost confidence in his skill as an advocate, and 
ability as a lawyer. Indeed, so strong was this feel- 
ing, that W'hen vanquished they never attributed their 
defeat either to his want of skill or careful attention. 
So powerful, indeed, was Mr. Jefters' influence over 
one of the judges of the Supreme Court, that in 1820 
the lawyers of Salem and Cumberland Counties pro- 
cured a law to be passed compelling the judges to in- 
terchange their circuits, in order to avoid trying causes 
before the judge whom Mr. Jeffers controlled. Mr. 
Jeffers was also distinguished for his activity and zeal 
as a politician, and for several years he represented 
Salem County in the House of Assembly. In 1828 
he was nominated by the Democratic party for Con- 
gress, but proved to be an unsuccessful candidate. 
Again, in 1830, he received the congressional nom- 
ination from his party, and for the second time met 
with defeat at the polls. In addition to the practice 
of law he was largely instrumental in the formation 
and incorporation of a company, chartered under the 
name of the Salem Steam-Mill and Banking Com- 
pany. The concern did a general banking business, 
and at the same time carried on a cotton-mill. This 
enterprise, however, did not prove successful, and 
in a short time the company went to pieces under 
unfavorable circumstances. The mill was subse- 
quently changed to a grist-mill. It is still in active 
operation, and is known as the old white stone mill. 
In the early part of President Jackson's administra- 
tion Mr. Jeffers received an appointment as minister 
to one of the South American republics, and had 
started for his destination, when, for reasons consid- 
ered of sufficient importance by the administration. 



he was recalled. Not long after this he removed to 
Camden, and practiced there, holding at one time the 
office of prosecutor of the pleas for that county. He 
died in 1853, in his sixty-fifth year. 

Aaron Ogden Dayton is said to have been the 
most brilliant lawyer ever resident in Salem. He 
was a son of Elias B. Dayton, of Elizabethtown, N. J., 
and was born in the year 1796. Immediately upon his 
graduation from Princeton College, in the class of 
1813, he entered the law office of Aaron Ogden, and 
after completing the usual course of study was ad- 
mitted as an attorney in 1817, and was made a coun- 
selor in 1820. Not long after his admission to the 
bar of this State he went to Cincinnati, with the in- 
tention of permanently residing there. He, however, 
remained there but a short time, and upon returning 
to New Jersey selected Salem as his place of resi- 
dence, and somewhere about the year 1822 began the 
practice of law there. Mr. Dayton was quite unpre- 
possessing in his personal appearance, but of polished 
and cultivated manners, an able and eloquent speaker, 
a man well versed in polite literature and in the arts, 
being himself an amateur artist of quite a good deal 
of merit. One of his productions, a copy of a por- 
trait of Oliver Cromwell, by Vandyke, is still pre- 
served, and is at present in the possession of one of 
Salem's lawyers. Although Mr. Dayton was justly 
considered a brilliant lawyer, yet, owing to a natural 
distaste to the practice of law, he did not attain to as 
much eminence in his profession as he would undoubt- 
edly have done had he devoted his entire time and 
attention to it. His natural inclinations led him to 
take an active interest in politics. In 1823 he repre- 
sented Salem County in the House of Assembly. In 
1825 he removed from Salem to Jersey City, and in 
the following year took up his residence in New York 
City. Not long after this he abandoned law, in a 
great measure, and devoted himself almost exclu- 
sively to political life. In 1828 he was elected by 
the Democratic party to the New York State Legis- 
lature ; subsequently he held several other important 
public positions, till in 1838, he was appointed to the 
office of fourth auditor of the Treasury Department 
at Washington, which office he filled satisfactorily 
for the term of twenty years, notwithstanding the ad- 
ministration had during that time undergone various 
changes. While holding this office he married a 
Salem lady. Miss Mary Tuft, a daughter of John Tuft, 
Esq. Mr. Dayton died in Washington in 1858. 

Hon. William J. Shinn. — Judge Shinn, whose 
antecedents were English, was the son of Gen. Isaiah 
and Elizabeth Jenks Shinn, and born at Woodstown 
in 1790. He was for a long period of years one of 
the most influential and useful men of his section, 
serving the public in various capacities, but more 
particularly as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 
member of Assembly, and State Senator. He was 
elected to the last position in 1844, by an unprece- 
dentedly large vote, and regarded by Governor Strat- 



aa^'^s- 



y 





W''l 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



345 



ton as one of his most trusted counselors. His name 
was also agitated for the gubernatorial chair, but never 
pressed by his friends, though admirably fitted by his 
abilities and address for the position. Judge Shinn 
wielded an extended influence in his portion of the 
State. His intimate knowledge of public business 
and high personal character caused his opinion fre- 
quently to be sought in the solution of diflBcult ques- 
tions. His services were also invaluable in the settle- 
ment of estates and business of a similar nature. 
This was no less a tribute to his signal abilities than 
to his unquestioned integrity and kindly nature. 

Judge Shinn was, on the 13th of February, 1817, 
married to Miss Margaret Carpenter Woodnut, 
daughter of James Mason and Margaret C. Wood- 
nut, of Salem, N. J. Four children of this mar- 
riage lived to maturity, — Emmeline W., Samuel S., 
Mary W. (who married Dr. T. S. Keed, of Philadel- 
phia, and was the mother of four children, of whom 
Dr. Charles H. Reed and Emmeline S. Bedell sur- 
vive), and Martha W. (who married Dr. I. D. Claw- 
son). The latter years of Judge Shinn's life were 
almost wholly engrossed by his duties as president of 
the Woodstown National Bank, which he faithfully 
performed until his death, on the 10th of February, 
1868, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was 
father-in-law to the late Hon. I. D. Clawson, former 
member of Congress, and uncle to the late William S. 
Clawson, judge of the Supreme Court of the State. 

Richard Stockton Field, a son of Robert C. 
Field, of White Hill, Burlington Co., N. J., received 
his education at Princeton College, and was graduated 
from that institution in the class of 1821. He read law 
with his uncle, Richard Stockton, the signer, and was 
admitted as an attorney in 1825, and as a counselor in 
1828. In 1887 he was called to the degree of sergeant. 
Mr. Field commenced his professional life in Salem, 
which, about that time, seemed to be a place very attrac- 
tive to young lawyers of promise and talent ; the Salem 
courts being at that time considered superior to any 
in the circuit, in point of legal business, and in the 
number of important cases brought to trial. There 
certainly wiis more litigation, and the law business 
transacted was much greater then than it has been 
of late years. Mr. Field practiced law in Salem, very 
successfully, for about eight years, and married from 
that place Miss Mary Ritche, a young lady of culti- 
vation and wealth. In 18.32 he removed to Prince- 
ton, which became his place of permanent residence. 
Mr. Field probably attained as much distinction in 
his profession as any of the lawyers who have ever 
resided in Salem. In 1837 he was elected on the 
Whig ticket as member of Assembly from Middlesex 
County, and in 1838, while a member of the House, 
was made attorney-general of the State, which office 
he ably filled for three years. In 1862 he was ap- 
pointed by Governor Olden to fill the seat in the 
United States Senate made vacant by the death of 
the Hon. John R. Thompson. Mr. Field identified 



himself with the Republican party, and during his 
term in the Senate was one of the warmest defenders 
of the course and policy of that party, and an ardent 
supporter and friend of President Lincoln, who, 
upon the expiration of his term (there being no hope 
of a re election to the Senate, as the Legislature was 
strongly Democratic), appointed him United States 
district judge for New Jersey. Mr. Field proved 
himself well fitted for this office, and ably fulfilled 
the duties devolved upon him until his death, in 1870. 
He was also the author of an interesting and ex- 
haustive work on the Provincial courts of New Jer- 
sey. Mr. Field was a man of the highest cultivation, 
and of exquisite taste. His grounds at Princeton 
were beautified by the most perfect collection of trees 
and plants in the State, and it was one of the most 
attractive and beautiful spots in Princeton. His 
death, which was very sudden and attended with 
quite melancholy circumstances, happened while he 
was opening court, April 20, 1870. 

Alphonso L. Eakix, a son of Samuel Eakin, of 
Mount Holly, was born in the province of Lorraine, 
France, the 27th day of June, 1799, where, at that 
time, his father held a position under the United 
States government. 

When quite a young man he came to Salem and 
read law in the office of William N. Jeffers. Upon 
the completion of his studies he was licensed as an 
attorney, in 1822, and as a counselor in 1825. He 
continued to reside and practice law in Salem from 
the time of his admission until his death. Mr. Eakin 
was a very successful lawyer, and enjoyed the repu- 
tation of being one of the most careful and accurate 
attorneys in the State, always coming into court with 
his cases carefully prepared. He was especially well 
informed in all points pertaining to the practice of 
law. Actively engaged in his profession for almost 
forty-five years, he accumulated, through careful at- 
tention to business and prudent investments, a large 
fortune. He died on the 29th day of October, 1866, 
in his sixty-seventh year, and was buried in the Pres- 
byterian graveyard, Salem, N. J. 

Fkancis L. Macculloch practiced law in Salem 
for a long series of years, and has always been re- 
garded as a lawyer of undoubted integrity, and as a 
counselor of sound and reliable judgment. He was 
by birth a native of Scotland, and was born in the 
year 1801, a short time before his father, George Mac- 
culoch, came to America. Upon their arrival in this 
country his family settled in Morristown, N. J. 

Mr. Macculloch was licensed as an attorney iu 
1823, and as a counselor in 1826. Upon his admis- 
sion to the bar he settled iu Salem, and practiced 
there continuously till the time of his death. He 
built up a large and profitable law business, extend- 
ing pretty extensively throughout the southern coun- 
ties of the State. He took rank among the members 
of his profession as a lawyer of a good deal more 
than ordinary legal talents. For several terms he 



346 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



held the ofiBce of prosecutor of the pleas, performing 
the duties connected with that office with his ac- 
customed skill and ability. He died July 16, 1859, 
universally liked and lamented' as a man, and 
regarded as an upright and conscientious lawyer. 

RiCHAaD P. Thompsos" was born in Salem County, 
March 11, 1805. His family is one of the oldest in 
the county, tracing back its lineage in a direct line 
to John Fenwick (the founder of Salem) and Samuel 
Hedge, who came over in the same ship, and who 
married his daughter, Anne Fenwick. Mr. Thomp- 
son entered upon the study of law in the office of 
William N. Jeffers, was admitted as an attorney 
in 1825, and in 1828 received his license as coun- 
selor. Settling in his native place he very soon ac- 
quired a prominent position both as a politician and 
as a lawyer. He was a man of fine personal appear- 
ance, an able and eloquent speaker, and a lawyer of 
fair legal talents, especially eminent, however, as an 
advocate. Being endowed with a fine flow of lan- 
guage he was able to exercise a great deal of influ- 
ence over a jury. He prosecuted the pleas of Salem 
County, for several terms, in a competent and efficient 
manner. lu 1844, while holding the above office, he 
received at the hands of Governor Haines the ap- 
pointment of attorney-general, to fill the vacancy 
caused by the death of Attorney-General MoUeson. 
Upon the expiration of his term as attorney-general, 
he attempted to resume his former office as prosecutor 
of the pleas, but was restrained from so doing by a 
writ of quo warranto issued by the Supreme Court at 
the instance of the late Judge Clawson, who, during 
the interim, had been acting as prosecutor. Upon the 
case being argued before the court it was decided that 
the two offices were incompatible, and could not both 
be held by one person at the same time, and thus by 
accepting the attorney-generalship he relinquished 
all right to the office of prosecutor. In 1852, Mr. 
Thompson was for the second time made attorney- 
general, receiving the appointment from Governor 
Fort. Upon his nomination being confirmed by the 
Senate he entered upon the duties of the office, and 
held it for the entire term. It was in 1852, while 
holding the office, that Mr. Thompson was called 
upon to prosecute one of the most celebrated criminal 
cases ever tried in the courts of Salem County. A 
man by the name of Samuel Treadway was indicted 
for the murder of his wife, and brought to trial. Mr. 
Thompson managed the case on behalf of the State, 
and Mr. Macculloch appeared for the prisoner. The 
case, which was warmly contested and ably argued 
on both sides, resulted in the conviction of Tread- 
way, who, afterwards confessing his guilt, was exe- 
cuted. This was the second and last time capital 
punishment was inflicted in that county. The case 
was tried before the late Judge Elmer, who, in his 
"Reminiscences," in speaking of this trial, says, 
"No case ever tried before me, during an experience 
on the bench for more than fourteen years, was ever 



better conducted, or more satisfactory in its results." 
Mr. Thompson also took an active interest in poli- 
tics, and in 1838 was nominated by the Democratic 
party as their candidate for Congress. He was de- 
feated by the late Thomas Jones Yorke, the candi- 
date of the Whig party. Mr. Thompson died in 
Salem, Nov. 8, 1859, in his fifty-fourth year. 

Henry T. Ellett was born in Salem County, 
N. J., and is a direct descendant from Samuel Car- 
penter and Deputy Governor Thomas Lloyd, both of 
whom were intimately associated with William Penn 
in the formation of his colony. Although he never 
practiced law in Salem, still, it seems proper to men- 
tion him in this connection as a man who has attained 
a high position as a lawyer, and thereby reflected 
credit upon his native county. He began the study 
of law in the office of Richard T. Field, when in 
Salem, and upon the removal of the latter to Prince- 
ton went with him and finished his term of study 
there. He was licensed as an attorney in 1833, and 
as a counselor in 1836. Upon his admission to the 
bar he selected Bridgeton, Cumberland Co., as a place 
of residence, and practiced there till 1837, when he 
removed to Port Gibson, Claiborne Co., Miss. In 
1838 he married his first wife, Rebecca C. Seeley, a 
daughter of ex-Governor Elias P. Seeley, of Bridge- 
ton, N. J. During his residence at Port Gibson he 
filled a number of important public positions ; among 
others he was for several years a member of the State 
Legislature. In 1846 he was nominated for Congress, 
and succeeded Jefferson Davis in the House of Rep- 
resentatives, but after serving one term declined a 
renomination, on account of private matters and a 
large legal business, which demanded his whole 
time and attention. In 1859 he was tendered by 
President Buchanan the mission to the Argentine 
Republic, but for the same reasons declined accepting 
it. About the commencement of our late civil war, 
at the time when Jefferson Davis was forming his 
cabinet, he telegraphed to Mr. Ellett to come to 
Montgomery, Ala., offering him the postmaster-gen- 
eralship of the Confederacy. He replied, promptly 
declining. After the close of the war he was made a 
judge of the High Court of Errors and Appeals of 
the State of Mississippi. In 1868 he, together with 
Judge Harris, one of his associates on the bench, re- 
signed his position, and, removing with him to Mem- 
phis, Tenn., entered into a law partnership which 
lasted until the death of Judge Harris. Mr. Ellett still 
resides in Memphis, and enjoys a large and lucrative 
practice, both in the State and United States Supreme 
Courts. For many years he has been considered one 
of the leading men of the Southwest, and has always 
held a high place in the estimation of the people of 
that section as a successful and eminent lawyer, and 
as a gentleman of undoubted integrity and honor. 

William S. Clawson was born in Woodstown, 
Salem County, N. J., in the year 1812. He received 
his education at Princeton College, and, upon gradu- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



347 



ating from that institution, entered the office of Fran- 
cis L. Blacculloch as a student-at-law. He was ad- 
mitted as an attorney in 1841, and as a counselor in 
1844. Settling in Woodstown, his native place, he 
began the practice of law. He, however, during the 
early part of his professional career, devoted his time 
and attention in a great measure to agricultural pur- 
suits, and it was not till in 1847, when he was ap- 
pointed prosecutor of the pleas, to fill the vacancy 
caused by the appointment of Richard P. Thompson 
to the attorney-generalship of the State, that he be- 
came at all prominent as a lawyer. During his term 
of office he skillfully and ably conducted the criminal 
business of the county. In 1859 he was appointed by 
Governor Olden an associate justice of the Supreme 
Court of the State, and assigned to the First Judicial 
District. In the estimation of the lawyers of that day 
he was considered to have been an honest, well-mean- 
ing, upright judge, and a lawyer of fair legal attain- 
ments. To Mr. Glawson belongs the honor and dis- 
tinction of having been the only representative Salem 
County has ever had upon the bench of the Supreme 
Court of this State. Mr. Clawson did not live to reap 
the full honors of his office, death overtaking him 
before the end of his second year on the bench. In 
1857 he was present in Washington during the inau- 
guration of President Buchanan, and was a guest at 
the National Hotel at the time when the well-remem- 
bered attempt was unsuccessfully made to poison the 
President and his cabinet. He, together with many 
others, was affected by the poison, which slowly un- 
dermined his constitution and ultimately caused his 
death. He died in Woodstown in June, 1861. 

Anthony Q. Keasbey was born in Salem on 
March 1, 1824. His ancestors had lived in Salem 
since the settlement of the county by John Fenwick 
and his company in 1675. He was a son of Dr. Ed- 
ward Q. Keasbey, who practiced medicine in Salem 
for a number of years. He was graduated at Yale 
College, in 1843, and soon afterwards began the study 
of the law with Francis L. Macculloch in Salem. 
He finished his studies with Cortlandt Parker in New- 
ark, and was admitted to the bar in 1846. In 1849 he 
was licensed as counselor. He began the practice 
of law in Salem, and continued it there until 1852, 
attending the circuits also in Cape May and Cum- 
berland. In 1852 he removed to Newark, and in 
1855 entered into partnership with Cortlandt Parker. 
The firm of Parker & Keasbey was the first to be 
formed under the act of March 17, 1855, authorizing 
attorneys to use a partnership name, and it existed for 
more than twenty years. It was dissolved March 1, 
1876, and was succeeded by the two firms of Cortlandt 
& R. Wayne Parker and A. Q. Keasbey & Sons. In 
this latter the two sons are Edward Q. Keasbey and 
George M. Keasbey, who were both born in Salem. 
In April, 1861, Mr. A. Q. Keasbey was appointed by 
President Lincoln United States district attorney for 
the District of New Jersey, and was reappointed by 



him in 1865, but Mr. Lincoln was assassinated before 
the second commission was signed, and after holding 
the office for a year under a provisional appointment, 
Mr. Keasbey was again appointed by Mr. Johnson for 
four years from April, 1866. He was reappointed by 
President Grant in 1870, and again in 1874. Presi- 
dent Hayes appointed him in 1878. At the expiration 
of his term, April, 1882, he was appointed provision- 
ally by Judge Bradley, and was then appointed by 
President Arthur for another term of four years. Al- 
though his duties as district attorney have occupied 
much of his time, he has had a large practice in the 
State courts. He has been a very successful advocate 
before juries, and especially prominent a't the equity 
bar, and he is retained in many of the important 
civil cases in the United States Circuit Court. 

Thomas S. Smith, a son of John Smith, of Salem 
County, N. J., was born June 29, 1812. He entered 
the office of Richard P. Thompson as a student at 
law, and upon completing the usual term of study 
was admitted to the bar, in 1833. Mr. Smith during 
his professional career tried very few cases, and, in- 
deed, never actively engaged in that branch of the 
profession which necessitated his presence in court. 
He, however, did quite a good office practice, and was 
a man of remarkable shrewdness and good business 
talents. He dealt largely in the buying and selling 
of land, and, possessing excellent judgment and a 
thorough knowledge of the values of real estate, made 
by his transactions quite a large amount of money. 
He was also very active and zealous in political 
affairs, and during the time he was actively engaged 
in such matters is said to have been one of the most 
sagacious and far-sighted political managers in West 
Jersey. He died in Salem, Oct. 26, 1874, in his sixty- 
eighth year, having been for a long time before his 
death a confirmed invalid, and in a great degree pre- 
vented from leading an active business life. 

James M. Hannah was born in Salem County, 
Sept. 14, 1807. He was educated for the bar, read- 
ing law in the office of William N. Jeffers, and was 
admitted as an attorney in 1828, and as a counselor in 
1831. He opened an office in Salem, but never prac- 
ticed before the courts to any great extent, his natural 
tastes and inclinations leading him to take an active 
interest in other pursuits, especially in agriculture; he 
finally abandoned the practice of law altogether. He 
afterwards became actively engaged in several busi- 
ness enterprises and ventures. Among others he, in 
1833, bought out the offices of the Salem Messenger and 
the American Statesman, and merging them both in one, 
edited a newspaper called the Union. He sold out his 
interest in this paper to Samuel Prior, in 1836. He 
was also at one time engaged in the milling business. 
At the time of his death he was a member of the city 
Board of Education, and a vestryman of the Episcopal 
Church of Salem. He died March 5, 1873. 

Samuel A. Allen, a native of Salem County, was 
born in 1813. He was prepared for the bar in the 



348 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



office of Bichard P. Thompson, and was licensed as 
an attorney in 1841, and as a counselor in 1844. He 
settled in his native town, and, although never re- 
garded as a well-read lawyer, he managed, through 
well-directed energy and a knack for obtaining busi- 
ness, to secure a comparatively large and profitable 
practice. Perhaps one of the most noted circum- 
stances of his life in Salem, and one by which he is 
best remembered, is the fact of his having written a 
book, entitled " My Own Home and Fireside," in 
which a number of the leading society people living 
in Salem at that time were held up to ridicule. The 
book, which came out anonymously, created quite a 
stir in the social circles of the town. The demand 
for it was so great that the first edition was soon ex- 
hausted, and it was necessary to publish a second. 
Subsequently, Mr. Allen removed from Salem to 
Trenton, N. J. While there, however, he did not 
engage actively in practice. From Trenton he went 
to Burlington for a short time, and finally settled 
near Germantown, Pa. He married, late in life, 
Miss Mary, a daughter of Charles Hornblower and a 
granddaughter of Chief Justice Hornblower. He died 
in Germantown, Dec. 8, 1879, in his sixty-sixth year. 

Edwaed Van Meter, son of Dr. Kobert Hunter 
and Sarah Leake (Whitaker) Van Meter, was born 
in Salem, N. J., Nov. 26, 1811. The Van Meters, in 
company with. several other families, emigrated from 
Holland to the State of New York between the 
years 1650 and 1660. Between the years 1712 and 
1714 a number of citizens of the Dutch Reformed or ! 
Presbyterian faith removed from the neighborhood 
of Esopus, N. Y., to what is now known as Upper 
Pittsgrove, Salem Co., N. J. Their minister, Rev. 
David Evans, went with them, a man of learning 
and piety. Among the company who left New York 
were three brothers and their families by the name 
of Van Meter. One of the brothers branched off and 
settled in Monmouth County. The other two, John 
and Isaac, came, with the rest, to Salem County. In 
East Jersey the name has been changed in spell- 
ing to Van Mater and Van Martin, but in West Jer- 
sey it is uniformly spelled Van Meter. 

John and Isaac Van Meter seem to have been men 
of means. They owned a very large tract of land 
near Daretown, about six thousand acres in all, and 
most of the titles to the lands held by the present oc- 
cupants go back to the Van Meter titles. The early 
Van Meters were noted for their desire to reach out 
and obtain broad acres of land, and for their love of 
good horses. John Van Meter left a son, Henry. 
He and his wife, Mary Fetters, were the ancestors of 
the subject of our sketch, Edward Van Meter being 
fourth in descent. Mary Fetters was a daughter of 
Erasmus Fetters, who, with his wife, emigrated from 
England to West Jersey about the year 1685, and 
settled in Salem. Erasmus Fetters was a French 
Huguenot. He left his native country, together with 
thousands of others, soon after the revocation of the 



Edict of Nantes, and fled to England. The name was 
originally Le Fevre. We shall not trace the ancestry 
further in the generations following, though, in the 
amalgamation produced by the marriages in subse- 
quent years, he is also descended from other well- 
known and ancient families. 

Edward Van Meter received his education in the 
excellent private schools of his native town. He was 
a bright and promising boy, noted for his quick, re- 
tentive memory. From his earliest years he exhib- 
ited those traits of unceasing activity and energy 
which remained until he was disabled by disease. 
In early life he began the study of law, in the office 
of Francis L. Macoulloch, but before his studies were 
completed he abandoned them for mercantile pur- 
suits. In 1848 he was unanimously elected justice of 
the peace, and continued to be re-elected until he 
declined to serve. He finally returned to his first 
choice, renewed the study of law under Alphonzo 
L. Eakin, and was admitted to the bar in 1864. He 
married Caroline AVhitaker, of Deerfield, Cumber- 
land Co., N. J., and had three daughters, who, with 
his wife, survived him. She was 'a daughter of Isaac 
Whitaker, and a descendant of Richard Whitacar (as 
the name was formerly spelled), one of Fenwick's 
Council of Proprietors to govern West New Jersey. 
In person he was a slender man, above the common 
size, measuring six feet four inches. 

He was a baptized member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and came from a long line of Presbyterian 
ancestors, his father and grandfather having been 
ruling elders. The former was one of the founders 
of the Presbyterian Church in Salem, and remark- 
ably devoted to its interests, and he had the honor 
of being the first resident Presbyterian in the town. 

Perhaps no man was better known in Salem County 
than Edward Van Meter; for during an unusually 
busy life as student, merchant, magistrate, and law- 
yer, most of which was passed in his native place, 
the public eye was constantly upon him. His inter- 
course with all classes of people was such that he 
may be said to have been an encyclopedia of the 
public affairs of Salem County, and he was thoroughly 
posted on the status of every business man. As a 
lawyer his practice was large ; not as an advocate in 
the courts, for deafness, with which he had been 
afflicted for many years, precluded such public efforts, 
but in his office, where clients constantly solicited 
his advice and counsel. In real estate and agricul- 
tural matters his judgment was always sought, and 
few men in the county knew as well as he the values 
of the various plantations for production or invest- 
ment. He was prompt and correct in business, keen 
in judgment, quick in action, energetic in his every 
movement, self-assured in his ventures, and thus a 
type of the rare class of men who depend upon them- 
selves. A love of good horses, a family trait, was one 
of his prominent characteristics, and his name is well 
known to the horsemen of the country through his 




&^i^^ct^^ {%^^^^i^-i 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



349 



correspondence with Mr. J. H. Wallace. His knowl- 
edge of the local horse-history of West and South 
Jersey was wonderfully extensive and accurate. 

On October 4, 1874, in the full maturity of his 
powers, and absorbed by the engrossing cares of active 
business, he was suddenly stricken with paralysis, 
and from that day to his death, Jan. 4, 1875, lay 
prostrate, with no hope of recovery, though his mind 
continued clear and vigorous as when in bodily 
health, and he was enabled to converse and advise 
with all who sought his bedside. A fever set in a 
few days before his decease, under which he gradu- 
ally weakened, when death had an easy and peaceful 
victory over the once indomitable spirit, and closed 
a life of much activity and marked ability. 

Isaac V. Dickinson was born in Woodstown, 
Salem Co., N. J. He prepared for the bar in the 
office of the late Judge William S. Clawson, and was 
licensed as an attorney at the June term of the Su- 
preme Court, 1852. He opened a law-office in his 
native town, which continued to he his place of resi- 
dence until his death. Mr. Dickinson never ranked 
as a lawyer of very much ability, but in course of 
time, by close application to business and persist- 
ent industry, succeeded in obtaining a practice quite 
large and remunerative for that place. He was an 
ardent Democrat, and took an active interest in pol- 
itics. In 1864, during the Lincoln and McClellan 
Presidential campaign, he was brought into promi- 
nence before the voters of the First District by receiv- 
ing the Democratic nomination for Congress. As the 
district was at that time so strongly Republican that 
a nomination by that party was almost equivalent to 
an election, he was defeated by the Hon. John F. 
Starr, the nominee of that party. After this he re- 
sumed the practice of law. He died Sept. 28, 1872. 

A. M. P. V. H. DiCKESON, a son of Dr. Dickeson, 
was born at Hancock's Bridge, Salem Co., in the year 
1843. He was prepared for college at the Salem 
Academy, and was graduated from Princeton anffong 
the first in his class. He was also a graduate of the 
Albany Law School. He entered actively into pol- 
itics early in life, and in 1865 was nominated by the 
Republican party for the Assembly, and in that year 
and the year following represented Salem County in 
the State Legislature. Mr. Dickeson, for a number of 
years, owing to ill health, engaged in farming, and it 
was not until 1877 that he became a member of the 
bar of this State. He opened an office in Woodstown, 
Salem Co., but by reason of a continued state of ill 
health was not able to engage actively in the practice 
of his profession. He died June 15, 1879. 

Thomas S. Smith was born in Salem City in the 
year 1850. He was the son of Thomas S. Smith, 
attorney-at-law. He read law in the office of the 
Hon. Clement H. Sinnickson, and was admitted to 
the bar of this State in 1872. He was a man of very 
energetic and enthusiastic nature, and the confine- 
ment of an office proving very irksome to him, he 



took a far greater interest in active business than in 
the practice of his profession. Upon the death of 
his father he came into possession of a large tract of 
undeveloped city lots, which he immediately began 
to improve and build up. He was very successful in 
this undertaking, and it is principally due to his 
energy that what was formerly known as the " Prai- 
ries" have been almost entirely built up. He died 
suddenly, Dec. 9, 1881, and at the time of his death 
held the office of clerk of the Board of Freeholders 
of Salem County, and was also treasurer of the surplus 
revenue fund. 

This completes the list of lawyers who have resided 
and practiced law in Salem, except the living mem- 
bers of the bar, of whom it is deemed best to make 
no comments either as to their legal attainments or 
professional career. Their names will be found in the 
list given below. 

LIST OF ATTOBNEYS IN SALEM PRICE TO 1776, WITH DATES 
OF ADMISSION.' 



1707. Samuel Alexander. 

1708. David Strauglin. 

William Britton, attorney- 
general. 
Alexander Griffiths. 

1709. Thomas Clark. 
Thomas Macknamara. 

1710. Gregor3' Empson. 

1711. William Griffith. 
William Empson. 

1712. Jeremiah Basse. 

1715. Thomas Gordan, attorney- 
general. 

HenrJ Vernon. 

Maw. 

1718. John Kinsey. 
1720. Peter Evans. 
1723. Edward K. Price. 

David Mackbride. 

James Gould. 

1727. William Dare. 

1728. Edward Pearce. 
Francis Gaudovett. 



1731. John Jones. 

1735. Joseph Worrell, attorney- 

general. 
Daniel Mestayer. 

1736. John Cox. 

1740. Kobert Hartshorn. 
1745. Joseph Ross. 
1747. Lewis Ashflold. 
Francis Bowes. 
1750. Johu Lawrence. * 

1752. Joseph Scattergood. 
Robert (?) Morris. 
Pidgeon. 

1753. James Kinsey. 
George Trenchard. 

1758. Joseph Read. 

1759. Augustine Moore. 

1762. Samuel Allinson. 

1763. Bard. 

1769. Worth. 

1772. James Bowman. 
John Carey. 

1773. Shaw. 



LIST OF THE LAWYERS RESIDING AND PRACTICING IN 
SALEM AFTER YEAR 1776, WITH DATES OF ADMISSION AS 
ATTORNEYS. 



1776, 
1785. 
1790. 
1796. 
1800. 
1814. 
1817. 
1822. 
1823. 
1825. 
1825. 
1828. 
1833. 
1833. 
1S41. 
1841. 
1842. 



Samuel Leake. 
Richard Burchau. 
James Kinsey. 
Abijah Whiting. 
Josiah Harrison. 
William N. Jeffers. 
Aaron Ogden Dayton. 
Alplionso L. Eakin. 
Francis L. MaccuUoch. 
Richard S. Field. 
Richard P. Thompson. 
James M. Hannah. 
Henry T. Ellett. 
ThoniaB S. Smith. 
Samuel A. Allen. 
William S. Clawson. 
Andrew Sinnickson. 



1846. Anthony Q. Keasbey. 
1852. Isaac V. Dickinson. 
1858. Clement H. Sinnickson. 
1861. Albert H. Slape. 

1863. M. P. Grey. 

1864. Edward Vanmeter. 

1870. Harry L. Slape. 

1871. Enoch S. Fogg. 

1872. Thomas S. Smith. 

1873. William T. Hilliard. 
1877. Morris H. Stratton. 
1877. A. M. P. Y. H. Dickeson. 

1880. George T. Ingham. 

1881. Charles Mecum. 

1882. 1. Oakford Acton. 
1882. Abram Cochran. 



Judges and Justices in Salem County prior to 
1776, as appears from the incomplete court minutes 
in the office of the county clerk at Salem, and the 

1 All. names are spelled as in original records. 



350 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



records of commissions in the office of the Secretary 
of State at Treuton : 



167S. 



1079. Edward Dade. 

Kicliard Hancock. 
"William Pentou. 
Rich a I'd Guy. 
James Nevill. 
Edward Broady. 
William Malster. 
Edward Wade. 



1G73. Fopp Johnson. 

William Penton. 

Ed. Brudway. 

Edward Wade. 

James Nevill. 
1679. James Nevill. 

William Penton. 

Richard Guy. 

Edward Broadway. 

JUSTICES APPOINTED IN SALEM COUNTY,— WEST NEW 

JERSEY. 

1682.— James Nevill, George Deacon, Richard Hancock, Edward Wade. 

1683.— Richard Guy, Edward Wade, Andrew Thompson. 

1684.— James Nevill, George Deacon, Andrew Thompson, Edward 

Brad way. 
1G85. — Andrew Thompson. George Deacon, Edward Bradway, Christo- 
pher White, Samuel Carpenter, Samuel Bacon. 
1695.— Jonathan Beere. Richard Darkin, Obadiah Holmes, Dennis 

Fisher, Richard Tindall, Remiere Vanhoist. 
1696.— Jonathan Beer, Richard Darkin, Obadiah Holmes, the quorum ; 

Renier Tanhoist, John Bacon, Thomas Wnodroofe, .John Holme, 

William Ramsey. 
1697.— Jonathan JJeere, Thomas Woodrofe, Richard Darkin, Richard 

Tindall, William Slooby, John Holme, John Bacon, William Butten. 
1699.— Thomas Woodrofe, Jonathan Beer, William Hall (of Salem), John 

Bacon, John Thomson, Denis Fisher, Walter Hughstia, William 

Slooby, Joseph Sears. 
170U.— Jonathan Beer, Richard Darkin, William Hall, William Slooby, 

John Bacon, Joseph Brown, Edward Godwin, Thomas Woodrofe, 

Benjamin Acton, Dennis Fisher. 
1701. — Jonathan Beer, William Hall, John Bacon, Joseph Woodrofe, 

Joseph Sears, Hugh Middleton, Walter Huslis, Benjamin Bacon, 
1703.— John Holmes, Thomas Killingsworth, John Jeffrey, Obadiah 

Holmes, Joseph Seeley. 
1705.— Thomas Killingsworth, Obadiah Holmes, Joseph Seeley, Samuel 

Hedge, James Alexander, Joseph Sears, Samuel Hoagland, Samuel 

Alexander, Samuel Howland, Walter Hustis. 
1707.— Hugh Middleton, Lewis Holme, John Servis, Isaac Sharp. 
1709.— John Lewis, Willinm Hall, John Bacon, Isaac Sharp, Ale.xander 

Grant, W. Dare, Joseph Peers, Hugh Middleton, Richard Robins, 

John Ogden, Joseph Eastland. 
1710.— William Sheppard. Alexander Griffith, Samuel Lewis, William 

Griffin, Alexander Grant, John Rolph. 
1711.— John Hughes, Richard Johnson, Abraham Tuloes. 
1714.— Richard Johnson, John Mason, John Bacon, William Willis, 

Alexander Grant, Richard Butcher, Richard Woodnut. 
1715.— Hugh Middleton, David Rumsey. 
1716,— Isaac Sharp, David Hasey, Samuel Smith, Thomas Mason, William 

Hughe, Jonathan Walling. 
1719.— Jon at 1 1 an Watson, Thomas Maskell. 
1720.— Jonathan Arthur, Joseph Gregory, John Mason, John Hugg, 

William Hews, Charles Hopkins, John Rolph. 
1723. — John White, Japhet Leeds, Abraham Leidon, Henry Buck, Alex- 
ander Randall. 
1724.— Jonathan Ffithiau, Josiah Fithian, Dickinson Sheppard, John 

Hart, Francis Gandenet, Charles Crossthwaite, Job Sheppherd, John 

Brick, Samuel Dark. 
1727.— William Hancock, John Pledger, Joseph Gregory, John Rolph, 

Edward Burroughs, .lonatban Fithian, Samuel Smith, Joseph Lord, 

William Hancock. 
1730.— John Rolph, Samuel Smith, John Pledger. 

1731,— Jonathan Fitliian, Gillman. 

1733.— Jusiah Fithian, Benjamin Acton, Nicholas Gibbon, John Pledger, 

David Davis, Richard Smith, Thomas Miles, Richard Wood, Moses 

Shepperd. 
17,37._Beiijamin Acton, John Pledger, Josiah Fithian, Richard Smith. 
1740.— Josiah Fithian, John Pledger, Clement Hall. 
1741.— Clement Hall, John Pledger, William Hancock, Philip Chetwood, 

Leonard Gibbon. 
1742.— John Pledger, Isnac Sharp, Philip Chetwood. 
174.:i,— ■William Hancock, John Pledger, Moses Shepherd, Philip Chet- 
wood. 
1744.— -SViUiam Hancock, Isaac Sharp, David Davia, Philip Chetwood. 



1745.— Isaac Sharp, Moses Shepherd, Ranier Vanhist, Philip Chetwood. 

1746. — William Hancock, Isaitc Sharp, Ranier Vanhist. 

1747. — William Hancock, Isaac Sharp, Moses Shepherd. 

1748. — Isaac Sharp, William Hancock, Ranier Vanhist, William Frazer. 

1749.— William Hancock, William Frazer, Ranier Vanhist. 

1750.— Isaac Sharp, William Hancock, Edmund Wetherby. 

1751. — Isaac Sharp, Ranier Vanln'st. 

1752. — Isaac Sharp, William Hancock. 

1753.— William Hancock, Isaac Sharp. Edmund Wetherby. 

1754.— Isaac Sharp, Ranier Vanhist, William Hancock. 

1755.— Isaac Sharp, Ranier Vanhist, William Frazer, William Hall. " 

1756. — William Hancock, Isaac Sharp, Ranier Vanhist. 

1757._\Villiam Hancock, Isaac Sharp, William Frazer, Edmund Weth- 
erby. 

175S.— Isaac Sharp, Ranier Vanhist. 

1759. — William Hancock, Nathan Chambless, Isaac Sharp, Samuel 
Linch. 

1761.— John Richman. 

1762.— William Hancock, Edmund Wetherby. 

1763.— Edmund Wetherby, Robert Johnson, John Mayhew, John Holme, 
William Hancock, Preston Carpenter, Grant Gibbon. 

1764. — Edmund Wetherby, Robert Johnson, A. Sinuickson, John Holme, 
Grant Gibbon, Elisha Basset. 

1767.— John Jarman. J^ 

1768.— Robert Howard. 

1769. — John Nicholson, Elisha Basset, A. Sinnickson, John Holme, 
Robert Johnson, Robert Howard, Samuel Linch. 

1770.— Preston Carpenter, A. Sinnickson, John Holme. 

1771.— A. Sinnickson, Preston Carpenter, Grant Gibbon. 

1772.— Elisha Bassett, A. Sinnickson. 

1773. — Elisha Bassett, John Holme, A. Sinnickson, Grant Gibbon. 

1774.— Elisha Bassett, A. Sinnickson, Robert Johnson, Eleazer Mayhew, 
John Holme, George Trenchard, Isaac Harris, William Hancock, 
Jolin Mayhew, Jr., Benjamin Holme, Robert Howard, Samuel 
Linch, John Carey, John Scoggin, Bateman Lloyd, William Mecum, 
Robert Clark, Matthew Newkirk. 

1775.— Elisha Basset, Andrew Sinnickson, Eleazer Mayhew, Herbert 
Johnson. 

JUDGES IN SALEM COUNTY FROM 1775 TO THE PRESENT 
TIME. 

1776. — John Holme, Andrew Sinnickson, William Hancock, Robert John- 
son, John Mayhew, Elisha Basset, Sr. 

1777. — Benjamin Holme, William Mecum, Edward Keasby. 

1781.— John Holme, Andrew Sinnickson, Robert Johnson, John May- 
hew. 

1782.— William Mecum. 

1786.— John Holmes, John Mayhew, Thomas Norris. 

1787. — Robert Johnson, William Mecum, Andrew Sinnickson, Isaac 
Harris. 

1790. — Thomaa Sinnickson, Benjamin Holme, Edmund Weatherby. 

1791.— John Holme, .John Mayhew. 

1792. — Robert Johnson, Isaac Harris. 

1794. — Bateman Lloyd. 

1795. — Thomas Sinnickson, John Smith, Edmund Wetherby. 

1796.- John Holmes, Benjamin Smith, Eleazer Mayhew, James Wright. 

1797. — Isaac Harris. 

1798. — Andrew Sinnickson, Jacob Hufty. 

1799. — Jonathan Waddington, Bateman Lloyd, Thomas Sinnickson. 

1800.— John Smith. 

1801. — Samuel Thompson, James James. 

1803.— Lewis Torke, Jedediah Dubois, Joseph Burden, Thomas Bradway. 

1804. — Tacob Hnlly, Samuel Ray. 

1806. — John Smith, John Nichols. 

1808.— Jedediah Dubois, Lewis Yorke, Joseph Borden, Henry Ffrith. 

1809.— Samuel Ray. 

1811. — Richard Craven, John Nichols. 

1812.— Eleazer Mayhew, Samuel Borden, Robert G. Johnson, Jarvis 
Hall, Thomas Murphy, Joseph Davis, Morris Hull, Viuing Hill. 

1813. — Anthony Nelson, Zaccheus Ray, Philip Freas, James Risley, Jede- 
diah Duboi-i, Joseph Burden, Morris Hancock, Ephraim Shepaid. 

1814.— Andrew Alston, Samuel Findley, John Mason, Merrimau Smith, 
Samuel Ray. 

1815.— Hedge Thompson. 

1816.— John Nichols. 

1818.— Jedediah Dubois. 
, 1819. — Samuel Finley, John Mason, Philip Freas, Andrew Alston, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



351 



1820. — Merriman Smith, Hedge Thompstra. 

1S21. — John Nicliols, Ziiccheue Ray, Anthony Nelson, Morris Hancock. 

1S22. — Thomas Sinnickflon, 

1S2H. — Jedediah Dubois, Samuel L. James. 

1824 — Philip Freas, Hedge Thompson, Merriman Smith. 

1826. — Israel R. Clawson. 

1826.— Zaccheus Ray, Anthony Nelson, Robert G. Johnson. 

1828. — Thomas Sinnickson, Samuel Finley, Henry Freas, Samuel Lynch, 
Jedediah Dubois, James Butcher, Samuel L. James. 

1829.— James Wainwright, Joseph L. Risley, Johu Dickinson, Philip 
Fries, Josiah Sbull, Merriman Smith. 

18:J0.— Israel R. Clawson. 

1831. — Daniel Ricbman, Zaccheus Ray, Stacy Lloyd, 

183-'. — Daniel Garrison, Charles Swing, Peter Bilderback, David Bo wen, 
Matthias Richman, Charles Elwell, James Butcher, David B. Smith, 
William Mulford, William J. Shinn. 

1833. — Robert G. Jolmson, Thomas Sinnickson, David S. English, Thomas 
Yarrow, Sr., William F. Hunt, John S. Wood, Joseph Hancock, 
Jeremiah Foster, Thomas J. Yorke, Joseph Lippincott, William W. 
Wood, Jedediah Dubois, William Hall, Samuel Finley, Samuel L. 
James, Henry Freas. 

1834.— Joseph S. Risley, Jacob W. Mulford, Job Ridgway, William 
Loper, Henry Gnest, Peter Jaquette, William H. Nelson, John H. 
Lambert, John Armstrong, Thomas B. Wood, Josiah ShuU, George 
Bush, Samuel Lynch, John Dickinson. 

1835. — Thomas Whitecar, Daniel Richman, Joseph Lippincott. 

1836.— Stacy Lloyd. 

1837.— Israel R Clawson, John M. Brown, William Morris, David S. 
English, Israel S. Reed. 

1838. — Thomas Sinnickson, Thomas Yarrow, Jeremiah Dubois, William 
F. Hunt, Robert G. Johnson, William Hall, Jeremiah Foster, Meri- 
man Smith, Samuel L. James, Israel R. Clawson, Henry Freas, Joseph 
L. Risley, James Butcher. 

1839. — George W. Carpenter, Isaac Johnson (2d), Isaac English, John 
Sinnickson, Hudson A. Springer, Thomas J. Yarrow, Ellis Ayres, 
Henry Freas, John W. Maskell, John Hull, Johu Burroughs, Jona- 
than Cawley, Jolin H. Lambert, Samuel Lynch, John Dickinson. 

1840. — M'^illiam J. Shinn, Joseph Lippincott, David Wiley, Edward Q. 
Xeasby, Samuel Humphreys (3d). 

1841. — John Dickinson, William J. Beasley, John Armstrong. 

1842.— Israel R. Clawson, John M. Brown, William Morris, David S. 
English, Thomas W. Cattell, Israel S. Reed, Judah Foster. 

1843.— Cornelius M. Newkirk, Jedediah Dubois, Robert G. Johnson, 
Thomas Sinnickson, William F. Hunt, Jeremiah Foster, Benjamin 
I. Demond, John W. Markell, Stacy Lloyd, Thomas Whitaker, 
James Butcher, Peter Jaquett, Joseph L. Risley, Joseph Kille, Ed- 
ward Waddington, James Newell, Charleg Elwell, Moses Richman, 
Jr., William Morrison, William Luper, Jacob A. Mulford, Job 
Ridgway, Thomas J. Caspex'. 

18t4. — Abbott Atkinson, John H. Lambert, George Remster, Isaac Z. 
Peterson, William C. Mulford, James Risley, Jonathan House, Adam 
H. Sickler, William Hancock, William H. Nelson, John Summerill, 
Smith Dorman, James Paterson, Isaac English, Charles Swing, Jacob 
Hitchner, William Mulford, Josiah Shull. 

1845. — Thomas Jones Ynrke. 

1846. — Hudson A. Springer. 

1847. — Isaac Johnson (2d). 

1848.— Israel R. Clawson. 

1849.— Ephraim Carl. 

1850. — Thomas Jones Yoi'ke, James Lawrie. 

1851. — Joseph Kille. 

1852. — James Newell. 

1853.— William Loper. 

1854. — George Remster. 

1857. — James Newell. 

1858. — William Loper. 

1859.— Alpheus Bilderback. 

18G2. — John H. Lambert. 

1864.— Alpheus Bilderback, Jonathan S. Whittaker, James W. Mecum. 

18(i5.— Menskell Ware. 

1867.— Isaac Scull. 

1868.— William Summerill. 

1869,— Alpheus Bilderback, 

1872.— Isaac Scull. 

1873.- Maskel Ware. 

1874.— Joseph Cook. 

1876.— William Summerill. 



1877.— Robert Newell. 

1878.— William Plummer, Allen Wallace. 

1879.— Joseph Cook. 

1882.— William A. Wood. 

1883.— William Plummer. 

JUSTICES IN SALEM COUNTY FROM 1775 TO THE PRESENT 
TIME. 

1776.— John Holme, Andrew Sinnickson, William Hancock, Robert 
Johnson, John Mayhew, Benjamin Holme, William Mecum, Bate- 
man Lloyd, Isaac Harris, Robert Clark, Edward Keasby, Thomas 
Norris, Thomas Sayre, William Smith, John Summerill, George 
Summerville, Elisha Basset, Sr. 

1777. — Benjamin Holme, Edmund Weatherby, William Miller, Jacob 
Taggart, William Dickinson, John Dickinson, Sr. 

1779.— Joseph Shinn. 

17S0.— John Mayhew, Thomas Carney, Thomas Sinnickson, Wm. Shute. 

1781.— John Holme, Andrew Sinnickson, Robert Johnson, William 
Mecum, Isaac Harris, Thomas Norris, Thomas Sayre, William 
Smith, John Sumerliu, Edward Hancock. 

1782.— William Dickenson. 

1784. — Benjamin Holme. 

17S5.— John Mayhew, Thomas Sinnickson, Thomas Carney, James 
James, Bateman Lloyd. 

1786. — Andrew Yorke, John Holmes, Thomas Norris, William Smith, 
William Mecum, Thomas Sayre , Isaac Harris, Jacob Wright. 

1787. — Robert Johnson, Andrew Sinnickson, William Dickinson. 

1789. — Edmoiid Wetherby, Baitman Lloyd, Jr. 

1790. — Tliomas Sinnickson, Benjamin Holme, Charles Holton, John 
Smith, James Wright, Samuel Thompson, Andrew York, James 
James, John Mayhew. 

1791. — John Holme, Thomas Sayre, Isaac Harris. 

1792. — Jacob Wright, Andrew Sinnickson, Jonathan Waddington, Revel 
Sayre, Robert Johnson, William Dickinson. 

1793. — Benjamin Smith. 

1794.— Bateman Lloyd, Edmond Wetherby, Clement Acton. 

1795. — Lewis Owen, Thomas Sinnickson, John Smith, John Mayhew, 
Charles Holton, James Wright, Samuel Thompson, James James. 

1796. — Eleazer Mayhew, Jonathan Hildreth, John Holmes, William 
Hall, Allen Congleton, Ebenezer Dunn, Isaac Harris, Benjamin 
Thompson. 

1797.— Jonathan Waddington, Andrew Sinnickson, Jacob Hufty. 

1798. — John Congleton, William Biddle, Lewis Yorke, John Stratton. 

1799.— Benjamin Smith, Bateman Lloyd. Thomas Sinnickson, Gervas 
Hall. 

ISOO. — John Smith, Eleazar Mayhew, James Wright, Samuel Thompson, 
James James, Morris Hall, John Denn, James Springer. 

1801. — Jonathan Hildreth, Samuel Burden, Samuel Ray, Lewis Yorke, 
Henry Ffrith, James BIcCallister, Jedediah Dubois, John Mayhew, 
Jacob Johnson, Joseph Burden, Thomas Bradway. 

1803. — Samuel Bilderback, Daniel Garrison, Samuel L. James, Isaac 
Fogg, Daniel Tracey, John Nichols. 

1804. — Jacob Hufty, William Hall, Hosea Snethan. 

1805. — James James, John Pimm, Morris Hall. 

1806. — John Smith, Samuel Seagrave, Lewis Yorke, Samuel Ray, Henry 
Ffrith, Jedediah Dubois, Joseph Burden, Benjamin Tindall, Zaccheus 
Ray, David Dubois, John Ffrith, Andrew Alston. 

1807.— Richard Craven. 

1808. — John Nichols, Isaac Fogg, Ephraim Sheppard, Samuel Bilder- 
back, Daniel Garrison. 

1809. — Anthony Nelson, Samuel Findley. 

1811. — Joseph Morris, William Walmsley, Anthony Nelson, Samuel Sea- 
grave, Jedediah Dubois, Samuel Ray, Joseph Burden, Zaccheus Ray, 
David Dubois, John Firth, Andrew Alston, Joshua Smith. 

1812. — Morris Hancock, Matthias Richman, Eleazer Mayhew, Samuel 
Borden, Robert G. Johnson, Jarvis Hall, Thomas Murphy, Joseph 
Davis, Blorris Hall, Vining Hill, Richard Craven, Jr. 

1813. — Philip Freas, James Risley, Joseph Cook, Ephraim Shepard, John 
Nichols, Isaac Fogg, Daniel Garrison. 

1814. — John Mason, Merriman Smith, David Bowen, Henry Sparks, 
Jacob Mick, Henry Freas, Samuel Gilmore, Samuel Findley. 

1815.— Hedge Thompson, Stacy Lloyd, William Walker. 

1816. — Samuel Seagrave, Zacheus Brown, John Hacket, Heni-y Guest, 
Jedediah Dubois, Zacheus Ray, David Dubois, Andrew Alston, 
Joshua Smith. 

1817. — Matthias Richman, Morris Hancock, Walker Beasly, John Hall, 
Josiah Shull, Michael Walker. 



352 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



1818.— Zaccheus Bay, Joseph Cook, Philip Freas, Daniel Vanneman, Wil- 
liam F. Hunt, William J. Shinn. 

1S19.— John Mason, John Nichols, David Bowen, Jacob Wick, Henry 
Freas, Samuel Gilmore, Peter Bilderback, James Butcher, Benjamin 
Tindall, Samuel Findley, Israel P. Clawson. 

1S20.— Merriman Smith, Hedge Thompson, Stacy Lloyd, Morris Hall, 
ViningHill, Henry Guest. 

1821. — Jerediah Dubois, Joshua Smith, Morris Hall, Zaccheus Ray, Da- 
vid Dubois. Anthony Nelson, Morris Hancock, Matthias Richman. 

Ig22.— Daniel Richman, Thomas Bines, Thomas Sinnickson, Parvin Pau- 
lin. 

1S23.— Daniel Vaneman, Philip Fries, David Bowen, Jacob Wick, Peter 
Bilderback,Vo8eph L. Risley, Jonathan Richman. Samuel Gilmore, 
Joseph Nichols, William J. Shinn, Dalymore Harris, Henry Freas, 
James Butcher, Josiah Shule, Samuel Lynch, William F. Hunt. 

1824,— Israel B, Clawson, Samuel Finley, Hedge Thompson, Merriman 
Smith, Stacy Lloyd, Edward Wadiugton, Jeremiah StuU, Jeremiah 
Dubois, Jeremiali Foster. 

1825. — Henry Guest, Joseph Hancock, Charles Elwell. 

1826.— Joshua Smith, Zaccheus Ray, Authony Nelson, Matthias Rich- 
mond, David Dubois, Peter Jaquett, James Wainwright, Robert G. 
Johnson. 

1827.— John Dickinson, Ephraim Barnes, Daniel Richman, Thomas Sin- 
nickson. 

1828.— Joseph Kille, Lewis Greene, William Patterson, Ellis Ayers, Bur- 
roughs Vanmeter, James W. Mulford, John H. Lambert, Daniel 
Vanneman, Philip Freas, Jacob Wick, Peter Bilderback, Joseph L. 
Risley, John Nixon, Samuel Gilmore, Dalymore Harris, Henry 
Freas, Samuel Lynch, William F. Hunt, Jacob W. Mulford, David 
S. English, David Jay ne, John W. Maskell, William J. Shinn, Jona- 
than Richmond, James Butcher, Abrabam Altioner. 

1829.— William W. Wood, Israel S. Reed, John Burroughs, William 
Hall, David Bowen, Joseph Lippincott, George Hancotk, Edward 
Smith, Josiah Shull, Israel R. Clawson, Siimuel Finley, Stacy Lloyd, 
Edward Waddington, Merriman Smith, John Armstrong, Balsear 
Smith. 

1S30. — Daniel R. Ackley, William Loper, Joseph Jacquett, John Sum- 
meritt, Jr., Henry Guest, Charles Elwell, Joseph Hancock, Jeremiah 
Foster, 

1S31.— Bacon Ware, David Hurley, Joshua Smith, Matthias Richman, 
Anthony Nelson. 

1832.— George Bush, Renear W. Latchem, Micajah Reeves, Henry H. 
Elwell, Peter Jacquett, Charles Swing, Adam H. Sickler, Isaiah 
Wood. Isaac Snitcher, David Whiley, Jacob Hitchner, Thomas 
Whiteker, John Gosling, George Jarman, William H. Nelson, Sam- 
uel Dickinson, James English, John Dickerson, Ephraim Barnes. 

1833, — Henry J. Freas, George W. Carpenter, Thomas Yarrow, Sr., John 
S. Wood, Robert G. Johnson, Thomas Sinnickson, David Duboisi 
John M. Brown, Thomas J. Yorke, Samuel Mulford, Samuel Hall, 
William A. Baker, Hudson A. Springer, Maskell Mulford, Ellis 
Ayres, Lewis Green, William Peterson, Robert P. Robertson, Henry 
Gardner, Edward Haynes, James W. Mulford, Arthur H. Green, 
Joseph Heritage, William A. Dick, Jeremiah Dubois, Henry W. C. 
Snitcher, Daniel Rickman, Daniel Vanneman, Joseph L. Risley, 
Henry Freas, David Jayne, James Butcher, Peter Bilderback, Sam- 
uel Gilmore, Jacob W. Mulford, William J. Shinn, John Lambert. 

1S34.— William Seagreave, Jr., Job Ridgway, William Morrison, William 
Phemnier, Harris Flanagan, James Patterson, Moses Richman, Jr., 
Samuel Langley, William F.Smith, Philip Remster, William Swing, 
Daniel Lamplugh, John Lawson, Thomas B. Wood, David Bowen, 
Robert H. Van Meter, Samuel Lynch, Merriman Smith, Robert 
Guestner, Antiiony Finley, Stacy Lloyd, John Armstrong, Palsea 
Smith, Josiah Shull. 

1835.— William Mulford, WiUiam Cunider, John T Fithian, Joseph Lip- 
pincott, William W. Wood, Joseph Jaqnette, John Summerill, Jr., 
William Loper, William C. Mulford, Henry Guest, Job Simkins, Jr. 

1836.— Charles Elwell, John Shimp, William Morris, Joshua Smith, 
Matthias Richman. 

1S37,— Jeremiah Foster, George Hancock, John Burroughs, Israel S. 
Keed, Daniel Vaneman, Daniel Tracy, Benjamin S. Holme, Oliver 
Smith, Samuel Holton, David Wiley. 

1838._David Lynch, John M. Brown, David T. English, Muskell Mul- 
ford, William S. Hunt,William Hall, Hudson Springer, Samuel Hall, 
Joshua Madara, Ellis Ayres, Robert P. Robinson, John Nixon, Jesse 
Carll, Joseph E. Brown, Israel Clawson, William A. Baker, Edward 
Haynes, Lewis Green, Henry W. C, Snitcher, Dalymore Harris, Jo- 
seph Foster, Charles W. Roberts, John Dickerson, William Abbott, 



Elisha Bassett, Chalkley Iftij'nes, David Vanneman, Samuel Gilmore, 
Samuel Humphreys (3d), Alpheus Bilderback, William J. Shinn, 
Israel R. Clawson, John Nelson, Joseph L. Risley, Peter Jaquett, 
Rynear W. Latchaud, Junius Butcher, Jacob W. Mulford. 

1839. — Thomas Yarrow, William G. Beasley, Ambrose Whitaker, David 
McPherson, Thomas Harding, Jr., Isaac Johnson (2d), Isaac Eng- 
lish, George Githen, Thomtis C. Holton, Jr., William G. Beasley, 
Henry Freas, Thomas J. Yarrow, John W. Markell, Moses Richman, 
Jr., John Hall, Samuel Hall, John Sinnickson, Jonathan Cawley, 
Merriam Smith. 

1840. — Joseph Lippincott, Samuel Ware, William Darmon, William 
Peterson, Benjamin J. Diament, George Bush, Robert Guestner, 
Thomas Whitecar, Robert G. Johnson, Thomas Sinnickson, Samuel 
L. James, Joseph Harker. 

1841. — Peter Dubois, William A. Dick, Job Simpkins, Samuel Lippin- 
cott, Thomas F. Lambson, John R. Chew, Charles Elwell, William 
Sumerill. 

1842. — Jeremiah Foster, John Burroughs, George Hancock, Israel S. 
Reed, Daniel Vaneman, Daniel Tracy, Thomas W. Cattell, Oliver 
Smith, William Morris, Judah Foster. 

1843.- David Lynch, David S. English, William Hall, Samuel Hall, 
Henry Miller, Juhu M. Brown, William F. Hunt, Hudson A. 
Springer. Joshua Madara, Benjamin Lloyd, Ellis Ayares, John 
Nixon, William A. Baker, Henry W. C Switcher, Joseph Foster, 
John Dickinson, Benjamin S. Doameut, Robert P. Robinson, Jesse 
Carll, Edward Haynes, Dalymore Harris, Charles W. Roberts, Wil- 
liam Abbott, William Loper, Stacy Lloyd, Philip Souder, Joseph 
Kille, Peter Jaquette, William K. Seagrave, James E. Dunham, 
Thomas Whitacor, Joseph L. Risley, James Butcher, John Casper- 
son, James Newell, Henry Gue.st, William J. Diamond, Jacob W. 
Blulford, Job Ridge way, William Morrison, David M. Bowen, Thomas 
J. Casper. 

1844. — Abbott Atkinson, David N. Austin, William Sickler, Jonathan 
House, Adam H. Sickler, Johnson Hitchner, Isaac Z. Peterson, 
Ephraim E. Turner, John Summerill, Jr., Thomas Founsberry, 
James Risley, William L. Hampton, John H. Lambert, George 
Remster, Charles H. Gray, David Garton, William Plummer, Wil- 
liam C. Mulford, William H. Nelson, Smith Dormau, James Patter- 
son, Isaac English, Cliarles Swing, Jacob Hitchner, William Mul- 
ford, Josiah Skull, Ephraim Turner, Aulay B, Wood, John K. 
Louderback, John Gamble, Isaac W. Vanmeter, Jonathan Scatter- 
good, Charles Cailbopper, 

1847. — John M. Brown, Salem ; Judah Foster, Upper Pittsgrove. 

1848. — Edward Vanmeter, Salem ; Dalymore Harris, John Mills, Lower 
Alloways Creek. 

1849. — John Armstrong, Maixrice Welsh, Jr., Mannington ; Jesse Carle, 
Lower Alloways Creek; John Casperson, James C. Dunham, Lower 
Peon's Neek ; Thomas Halton, Upper Peun's Neck ; John Gamble, 
Pittsgrove. 

185U. — Robert Guestner, Salem; Richard Waddington, Charles B. 
Pceeves, Elsinboro; Hudson A. Springer, Upper Penn's Neck; 
Daniel Vanneman, Stacy Lloyd, Philip Sonder, David Shimp, Upper 
Alloways Creek; Robert C. Pedrick, David M. Baker, Joseph Harker, 
Isaac Shute, Pilesgrove; Charles F. H. Grey, Upper Pittsgrove. 

1851. — Mark A. Mayhew, John P. Leap, Upper Penn's Neck; William 

B. Rogers, Pittsgrove. 

1852. — John M.Brown, John Thompson, Salem; Oliver Smith, Upper 

Alloways Creek ; Judah Foster, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1853. — Edward Vanmeter, Salem ; Joseph Pancoast, Lower Alloways 

Creek. 
1S54. — William S. Boltenhouse, John Noble, Clement A. Ware. Noah 

Robinson, Mannington; Ephraim Turner, Lower Alloways Creek ; 

William A. Dick, Jonathan E. Moore, Lower Penn's Neck ; Thomas 

C. Holton, Upper Penn's Neck; Abraham E. Richman, Pilesgrove; 
John Johnson, Pittsgrove. 

1855. — Robert Guestner, Salem; Hudson A. Springer, Upper Penn's 
Neck; Daniel Vanneman, John H. Lambert, David Evans, William 
B. Willis, Upper Alloways Creek ; Robert C. Pedrick, Robert Hew- 
itt, Edward Haines, James Gardiner, Edward B. Humphreys, Piles- 
grove; Thomas Harding, Upper Pittsgrove. 

1856.— Richard Waddington, Ebenezer P. Wallen, Elsinboro; Alfred T. 
Gesture, John K. Louderback, Upper Peun's Neck; William B, 
Rogers, Pittsgrove. 

1857.— John Thompson, Samuel Garrison, Salem ; Charles Elwell, Upper 
Pittsgrove. 

1858. — Edward Vanmeter, Salem; Jo^^eph Pancoast, Lower Alloways 
Creek; William F. Hunt, Upper Penn's Neck. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



353 



I 



1859. — Kobert Gwynne, Salem; William C. Sheppard, John Noble, Wil- 
liam Sommerill, Thomas H. Wright, Mannington ; Ephraim Tur- 
ner, Lower AUoways Creek; Keuben Hiucbman, William A. Dick, 
liower Penn's Neck ; Thomas C. Holton, Upper Penn's Neck ; John 
Johnson, Pittsgrove; William Richman, Upper Pittsgrove. 
I860.— Robert Gwynne, Salem; David Shimp, David Evans, John H. 
Lambert, Joseph S. Jacobs, Upper Allowuys Creek ; Robert C. Ped- 
rick, William S. Barker, Robert P. Robinson, Pilesgrove; William 
Richman, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1861.— Isaac Ridgway, Pilesgrove; William B. Rogers, Pittsgrove. 
1862.— Samuel Garrison, Charles C. Clark, Salem ; Ebenezer P. Wallen, 
Elsidboro; Thomas J. Batten, Lower Penn's Neck; Alfred T. Jes- 
ter, John K. Louderback, Jonathan H. Bradbury, Upper Penn's 
Neck; Charles Elwell, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1863.— Edward Vanmeter, Salem ; William Carll, Lowor Alloways Creek ; 

William Sickler, William SUimp, Upper Alloways Creek. 
1864.— Ephraim Turner, Luke F. Fogg, Lower Alloways Creek ; Jona- 
thun E. Moore, Reuben Hincbman, Lower Penn's Neck; Mahlou 
D. Dickinson, Richard F. Turner, Pilesgrove; Jesse F. Humphreys, 
Pittsgrove ; Jonathan E. Moore, Upper Penn's Neck. 
1865. — Robert Gwynne, Thomas V.F. Rusling, Salem; William Summer- 
ill, Benjamin Bowen, John Noble, Thomas H. Wright, Edward 
Hall, Mannington; Hiram H. Degoft, Samuel M. Hunt, Upper 
Penn's Neck ; Benjamin M. Ferguson, William Shimp, Hiram Sweat- 
man, David Shimp, Upper Alloways Creek; Mahlon D.Dickinson, 
Samuel Humphrey, William S. Boultitgham, Pilesgrove; Robert 
M. Hitchener. Pittsgrove ; William Richman, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1866 — Samuel Lebreoy, Lower Penn's Neck; William B. Rogers, Pitts- 
grove. 
1867.— Charles C. Clark, Salem, East Ward ; Samuel Garrison, Salem, 
Middle Ward ; John B. Dunham, Upper Alloways Creek ; John R. 
Louderback, Upper Penn's Neck; Fi-ancis A. Campbell, Jonathan 
Burroughs, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1868.— Benjamin F. Wood, Salem, West Ward. 

1809. — Samuel C. Pancoafit, Lower Alloways Creek; Samuel Lecroy, 
Samuel Uxion, Lower Penn's Neck ; Richard F. Turner, Pilesgrove ; 
Ambrose Whiteacre, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1870. — Hance Jaquett, Lower Penn's Neck ; John Holme, Samuel Hum- 
phreys, Pilesgrove ; Thomas V. F. Rusling, Robert Gwynne, Salem ; 
Hiram Sweetmore, Benjamin M. Ferguson, Samuel Hackett, Upper 
Alloways Creek; Hiram C. De GrofFt, William H. Pedrick, Upper 
Penn's Neck; James McFarland, Upper Pittsgrove; Robert M. 
Hitchner, Pittsgrove. 
1871. — Auxeiiciso M. P. V. H. Dickeson, Mannington; Albert M. Straw- 
bridge, Upper Penn's Neck ; Jacob R. Schimp, Pittsgrove. 
1872.— Thomas A. Maskell, Lower Alloways Creek; Charles C. Clark, 
Salem, East Ward ; John P. Louderback, Upper Penn's Neck ; 
Francis A. Campbell, William Richman, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1873. — Benjamin F. Wood, Salem, East Ward ; Samuel Garrison, Salem, 

West Ward; Richard Langley, Pittsgrove. 
1874. — Samuel C. Pancoast, Lower Alloways Creek; Samuel Urions, 
Jonathan T. Turner, Lower Penn's Neck ; Richard F. Turner, Piles- 
grove; William Avis, Ambrose Whittaker, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1875. — John Holmes, Pilesgrove; Richard B. Seeds, Quinton; Robert 
Gwynne, Samuel Garrison, Salem, West Ward ; John B. Dunham, 
Hiram Sweatman, Joseph S. Jacobs, Benjamin M. Ferguson, Upper 
Alloways Creek; William H. Pedrick, James S. Hannah, Upper 
Penn's Neck ; Robert M. Hitchner, William W. Golden, Pitta- 
grove. 
1876.— John W. Goforth, Edwin Royal, Mahlon D. Dickinson, Piles- 
grove; William Pancoast, Upper Penn's Neck; William W. Golden, 
Upper Pittsgrove. 
1877.— George R. Morrison, Salem, East Ward ; William R. Casperson, 
Salem, West Ward ; John K. Louderback, Upper Penn's Neck ; Wil- 
liam Richman, James McFarland, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1878. — Thomas A. Maskell, Lower Alloways Creek; Benjamin F. Wood, 

Smith Bilderback, Salem, East Ward. 
1879.— Job S.Dixon, Lower Alloways Creek; Samuel Urion, Daniel J. 
Garrison, Lower Penn's Neck ; John P. Cawley, Pilesgrove ; William 
Avis, Upper Pittsgrove. 
1880.— John Holmes, Pilesgrove; William Shimp, Quinton; William R. 
Casperson, Vining H. Tuft, Salem, West Ward ; Benjamin M. Fer- 
goson, Hiram Sweatman, Joseph S. Jacobs, Daniel P. Dowell, Upper 
Alloways Creek; Hiram H. De Grofft, William H. Pedrick, Upper 
Penn's Neck; Robert M. Hitchner, Pittsgrove. 
1881.— Homes Crispin, John W. Goforth, Pilesgrove ; William W. Golder, 
Pittsgrove. 
23 



1882. — Lewis Schaible, Quinton ; Smith Bilderback, Salem, East Warrl : 
John K. Louderback, Upper Penn's Neck ; William Bichnian, Upper 
Pittsgrove. 



CHAPTER LX. 

MEDICAL PROFESSION OF SALEM COUNTY.' 

Samuel Dick was born Nov. 14, 1740, at Notting- 
ham, Prince George Co., Md. Under the instruction 
of Samuel Finley, afterwards president of Princeton 
College, and the Rev. Dr. McWhorter, of Newark, 
N. J., he became an accomplished classical scholar. 
His medical education is supposed to have been ob- 
tained in Scotland. 

He served as surgeon in the colonial army in the 
French war, and was present at the surrender of 
Quebec. 

In 1770 he settled in Salem, N. J., where he pur- 
sued his profession until his death. 

In 1773 he married the daughter of Andrew Sin- 
nickson, a prominent citizen of Salem County. 

In 1776 he served in the Provincial Congress of New 
Jersey, by which he was commissioned colonel of the 
State troops of Salem County. 

In 1780 he was appointed surrogate of Salem 
County by Governor Livingston, which office he 
held for twenty-two years. 

In 1783 he was chosen a member of the National 
Congress, and was a member of that body when the 
treaty was ratified acknowledging the independence 
of the United States. 

In private life Dr. Dick was highly respected, 
being possessed of fine talents and polished manners. 
He enjoyed an enviable reputation for skill in his 
profession, and was a successful and discerning poli- 
tician. He died in Salem, Nov. 16, 1812. 

Ebenezee Howell.— Of the early life and pro- 
fessional education of the subject of this sketch there 
seems to be no reliable record. He was most prob- 
ably born at Southampton, L. I., about 1748. 

He practiced his profession in Salem for several 
years, and had a good reputation for medical skill. 

He was eminently genial in his disposition, of pop- 
ular manners, and fond of active and field sports. 

He took an active part in the war of independence, 
and was one of the seventeen prominent citizens 
marked out to be visited with special punishment 
by Col. Mawhood, when that officer occupied the 
town of Salem. 

He was commissioned June 22, 1776, major in 
Col. Newcomb's battalion. State troops, which office 
he declined. He received a similar commission in 
the following November in the Continental army, 
which he held until February, 1777, when he re- 
signed it. 

1 By Quinton Giblon, M.D. 



354 



HISTOEY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



Upon the close of the war he returned to Salem, 
and resumed the practice of medicine. He died in 
1791, aged forty-three years. 

Isaac Harris was born in 1741 in East Jersey. 
He settled in early life near Quibbletown, Piscata- 
way township, Middlesex Co., N. J., where he prac- 
ticed his profession for a time. He removed to Pitts- 
grove township, Salem Co., about 1771, where he 
practiced for many years with great success. 

He possessed a good library, and his office was the 
resort of students from Somerset County and else- 
where. He was prominent in his profession, and 
one of the first to respond to the call for the forma- 
tion of a State medical society. He was the sixth 
signer to the " Instruuients of Association." He was 
elected president of the society in 1792. 

In the war of 1776 he was commissioned surgeon in 
Gen. Newcorab's brigade, State troops. 

Dr. Harris was for many years an elder in the 
Presbyterian Church, and an exemplary Christian. 
He died in 1S08, in the sixty-eighth year of his as;e. 
James Vaxsieter was born May 13, 1767, in the 
township of Pittsgrove, Salem Co. His ancestors 
were Presbyterians, from Holland, and large laud- 
holders. Intelligent themselves, they could appre- 
ciate the importance of education, and were active 
in establishing superior schools for that day. The 
subject of this sketch enjoyed the best educational 
facilities of his neighborhood. He pursued his medi- 
cal studies under Dr. Isaac Harris, of Pittsgrove, a 
physician of note in his locality. He attended a 
course of lectui-es in the University of Pennsylvania 
in the winter of 1789. 

Being required by the laws of New Jersey to give 
evidence of his fitness to practice his profession, he 
was duly examined by Drs. Moses Scott and Frederic 
Bowers Sayre, of the city of Burlington, and having 
given " satisfactory evidence of his skill as a physi- 
cian and surgeon," he was licensed by two justices of 
the Supreme Court, and admitted. May 5, 1790, to 
practice his profession "throughout the bounds" of 
his native State. 

He soon after settled at Hancock's Bridge, Salem 
Co., AvLere he remained one year, and then returned 
to Salem, where he continued the practice of his pro- 
fession until his death, a period of more than fifty 
years. 

Dr. Vanmeter was indefatigable in the pursuit of 
his profession. He was no respecter of persons or 
position in life. He considered the poor equally en- 
titled with the rich to his best services. He was 
prompt to respond to the call of the sick, whether by 
night or day and in all weathers. 

His practice, which was large and embracing a 
large circuit, was necessarily laborious, and especially 
so from the fact that much of it had to be performed 
on horseback and over unbroken roads. Of large 
frame, however, and blessed with vigorous health, he 
endured an amount of labor and exposure that would 



have broken down most men. He was a man of few 
words; calm and imperturbable, he passed appar- 
ently unmoved through the many distressing scenes 
he was called upon to witness during his long profes- 
sional life. Yet he was not devoid of sympathy for 
suffering. Perhaps no physician of the county ever 
more thoroughly enlisted the love and esteem of his 
patients, a tribute richly merited by his unselfish 
efibrts in their behalf. 

For many years he was a consistent professor of the 
faith of his fathers. He joined the Presbyterian 
Church in 1824, and was chosen ruling elder in 1828. 
He died Jan. 26, 1847, at the ripe age of eighty years, 
in the triumph of a well-grounded faith. 

Benjamin Archer was born on his father's farm, 
near Swedesboro, Gloucester Co., K. J., Sept. 25, 1775, 
and educated in the country schools near by. 

He was descended from one of the Swedish fami- 
lies that settled on the eastern shore of the Delaware. 
In early life he served an apprenticeship to a ship- 
carpenter, but disliking it, he studied medicine with 
Dr. James Irwin, of Sharpstown, Salem Co. He was 
examined by Dr. Ebenezer Elmer, of Bridgeton, and 
licensed to practice medicine by the judges of the 
court in accordance with the laws of New .Jersey. 

In 1805 he made a voyage from Philadelphia to 
Batavia, as physician to a merchantman. 

Upon his return he settled, May 25, 1806, at Thomp- 
son's Bridge (now Allowaystown), Salem Co. 

He removed to Salem, Oct. 3, 1807, where he con- 
tinued the practice of his profession until his death, 
which took place Dec. 15, 1845. He had a large prac- 
tice, and enjoyed in a large degree the confidence of 
his patients. 

He was twice married, his first wife surviving her 
marriage but one year ; his second wife survived him 
several years. 

Robert Hunter Vanmeter. — The subject of 
this sketch was born on his father's farm in Pittsgrove, 
Salem Co., Nov. 29, 1778, and obtained his prepara- 
tory education at the excellent schools then in vogue 
kept by the clergy. 

He studied medicine in the office of his brother. 
Dr. James Vanmeter, and spent his winters in attend- 
ance upon the lectures in Philadelphia. Certificates 
were given him by Drs. Rush and Woodhouse, of the 
University of Pennsylvania, and he received his di- ( 
ploma in March, 1800. He began to practice his pro- 
fession at Pittsgrove. After a few years his brother 
and preceptor induced him to remove to Salem, which 
he did in March, 1810. 

In the war of 1812 he was drafted and ordered to 
Canada ; but by some influence he was transferred to 
the care of the sick of the regiment at Salem. The 
" old jail at the corner," an expression well known to 
a former generation, was used as a hospital, and he 
was indefatigable in his attention to those consigned 
to his charge. 

As a physician he was untiring. He rode through 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



355 



summer and winter, by night and day, often bearing 
food as well as medicine to the sick. 

He held various civil offices, and represented his 
county in the State Legislature. 

He was an earnest Christian and an elder in the 
Presbyterian Church. The interests of the church 
were ever dear to him, and there was no sacrifice he 
was not willing to make for her prosperity. 

He died March 14, 1839, after a short but severe 
illness. 

Thomas Yareow, a well-known physician of Salem 
County, was born in Hexham, Northumberland- 
shire, England, in 1778. ■ He was descended on the 
father's side from the Yarrows, baronets of the North 
of England. His mother was one of the Eidleys of 
Northumberland, tracing back to her ancestor of 
Tudor times, the martyred Bishop Ridley. 

He was carefully educated. When a young man 
of twenty-one years he came to America for travel, 
but was so pleased with our people and institutions 
that he decided to remain and become an American 
citizen. 

He graduated in the medical department of the 
University of Philadelphia, and commenced the 
practice of medicine at Sharpstown, Salem Co., in 
1809, where he continued until his death. 

He was elected to the State Legislature while a 
young man, and through life took a lively interest in 
the politics of the day. He was an associate judge 
of the county at the time of his death. 

But he preferred his profession to politics, and pur- 
sued it with zeal and success. He was for many years 
a member of the board of censors for the western 
district of the State Medical Society, and president 
of that society during the year 1832. 

Dr. Yarrow was a man of vigorous sense with great 
force of character. He was liberal in spirit, and free 
from professional jealousy. 

He died in 1841, in the sixty-third year of his age, 
lamented by a large circle of friends. He left four 
daughters and one son, the late Dr. Thomas J. Yar- 
row, of Allowaystown. 

Hedge Thompson was born in Salem, N. J., Jan. 
28, 1780. Having finished his academical education, 
he studied medicine under Dr. Caspar AVistar, of 
Philadelphia, and graduated at the University of 
Pennsylvania in the class of 1802. 

He entered upon the practice of his profession in 
his native place, but was compelled to abandon it 
after a few years from feeble health. 

He was a man of influence and ability, and popular, 
especially in the political arena. He was one of the 
associate judges of the county, and represented the 
First District of New Jersey in the Congress of the 
United States. 

He died July 23, 1828, in the forty-eighth year of 
his age. He left two daughters and three sons. Of 
the latter were the late R. P. Thompson, a distin- 
guished lawyer, and at one time attorney-general of 



New Jersey, and Dr. J. H. Thompson, a skillful and 
accomplished physician, still engaged in the practice 
of his profession in his native city. 

Charles Hannah was born Nov. 23, 1782, at 
Deerfield, Cumberland Co., N. J. He studied medi- 
cine with Dr. Brewster, of Bridgeton, and after at- 
tendance on the lectures of the University of Penn- 
sylvania, commenced the practice of his profession 
at Hancock's Bridge, Salem Co., where he remained 
several years. He afterwards removed to Salem, 
where he continued to practice medicine until his 
death. He died at Salem, April 20, 1857, aged sev- 
enty-five years. 

He was frequently a delegate to the State Medical 
Society, of which he was elected president in 1847. 

Charles Swing was born March 4, 1790, at Fair- 
ton, Cumberland Co. He was the son of a Methodist 
clergyman, and received but a limited education at 
the village school. He began the study of medicine 
in the oflSce of Dr. Ewing, of Greenwich, Cumberland 
Co., in 1812. He was a diligent student, making 
amends for the deficiency of his early education by 
close application. 

He graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 
1815, and practiced about one year with his preceptor, 
and then removed to Salem and associated himself 
with Dr. Benjamin Archer for some two years, at the 
expiration of which he settled in Lower Penn's Neck 
township, Salem Co. 

Some time in 1824 he removed to Sharpstown, in the 
same county, where he continued to practice his pro- 
fession until his death, which occurred in January, 
1860. 

Dr. Swing was exceedingly popular as a physician. 
He enjoyed a high reputation for professional skill, 
and was frequently called in consultation by his fel- 
low-practitioners, with whom he was a favorite. He 
did a large practice and occupied a prominent posi- 
tion among the medical men of the county. 

Edward Q. Keasbey, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in 1793, at' Salem, N. J. He commenced 
the study of medicine in 1812, at the age of nineteen, 
with Dr. James Vanmeter, of Salem, and in 1813 en- 
tered the office of Dr. Physick, of Philadelphia, and 
graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in the 
spring of 1816. 

In 1817 and 1818 he made two voyages to the city 
of Canton, as surgeon to a merchantman. 

In the following year he began the practice of his 
profession in his native town, where he remained 
during life. 

Having enjoyed rare advantages under so distin- 
guished a preceptor, he at once took a high rank 
among his professional brethren. He soon became 
the leading surgeon. He was consulted in critical ■ 
cases, and frequently called upon to perform capital 
operations. He rapidly acquired a large and lucra- 
tive practice, which he retained until failing health 
compelled him gradually to relinquish, and finally to 



356 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



abandon. He died in 1847, at the age of fifty-four, 
broken in healtli by the fatigue and exposure inci- 
dental to perhaps the largest practice ever done in 
the county. 

He was married in 1818 to a lady of Philadelphia, 
who survived him several years. He left two daugh- 
ters and two sons, the eldest of the latter, Anthony 
L. Keasbey, now a distinguished member of the 
Newark bar, and United States district attorney for 
the State of New Jersey. 

Dr. Keasbey was an ardent politician, though not 
an office-seeker. He was appointed judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas in 1840, and chosen Presi- 
dential elector in 1844. But it was in the pursuit of his 
profession that he most delighted. To a fine personal 
appearance he united a pleasing address which en- 
deared him to his patients. His manner in the sick- 
room was peculiarly genial. His presence cheered 
the despondent and inspired confidence and hope in 
the timid. " Palmam qvi meruit ferat." 

Theophilus Elmer Bebsley was born Dec. 5, 
1796, in the village of Port Elizabeth, Cumberland 
Co., N. J. He removed to Salem with his mother in 
his ninth year, where he completed his preparatory 
education. 

He began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. 
James Vanmeter, of that place, in 1815, and completed 
it under Dr. James Eush, of Philadelphia. He grad- 
uated at the University of Pennsylvania in the class of 
1819, after which he served one year as intern^ of the 
Philadelphia Almshouse, and then began the practice 
of his profession in Salem, where he soon acquired a 
large practice. 

He married in 1820 a niece of Dr. Caspar Wistar, 
of Philadelphia, whom he survived some three years. 
His health becoming impaired by the labor and ex- 
posure of a large country practice, he removed in 
1830 to the city of Philadelphia, where he gradually 
acquired an extensive and lucrative practice, in the 
active duties of which he continued until a short time 
previous to his death, which occurred Oct. 17, 1867, 
in the seventy-first year of his age. 

Dr. Beesley was for many years an exemplary and 
prominent member of the Society of Friends. Pro- 
foundly impressed with a sense of his responsibility 
to God, he lived a blameless life. In imitation of his 
Great Master, he did many good works. Few men 
did as much by their lives to dispel the unfounded 
charge of infidelity so flippantly made against a 
noble profession. 

Jacob Steene Thomson Sharp, a descendant of 
the Sharps of Sharptown, Salem Co., N. J., was bora 
at Newton, Sussex Co., May 16, 1802 ; received a 
classical education at the University of Pennsylvania, 
and entering Princeton College, graduated in 1822. 

He read medicine in the office of the late Dr. James, 
Professor of Obstetrics in the Medical Department of 
the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated in the 
class of 1825. He commenced the practice of his pro- 



fession in the village of Washington, Warren Co., 
N. J. After some years he removed to Philadelphia, 
and from thence to Salem, where he continued his pro- 
fessional labors until he retired from the profession, 
some thirty years previous to his death, which oc- 
curred at the latter place, Jan. 20, 1882, in the eigh- 
tieth year of his age. 

He was a man of large attainments and noble im- 
pulses, and one in whom the motto of his family, " Vi- 
vet post funera Virtus," receives an apt and pointed 
illustration. He was the father of Dr. E. S. Sharp, a 
widely-known and popular physician of Salem. 

Jacob Hunt was born at Pedricktown, Salem Co., 
in 1802. He studied medicine with his father, Dr. 
William F. Hunt, of that village, and graduated at 
the University of Pennsylvania in 1824. He settled 
in Woodstown, in his native county, where he con- 
tinued the practice of his profession during the bal- 
ance of his life, a period of forty years. He was 
popular as a physician, and enjoyed a good reputa- 
tion in his neighborhood for skill in his profession. 
He died in 1863. 

John B. Tuft, the subject of this sketch, was born 
at Salem, N. J., in 1807. He received his prelimi- M 
nary education in the academy of his native place. ^ 

He pursued his medical studies with his brother 
doctor, Theophilus E. Beesley, and graduated at the 
University of Pennsylvania in 1828. He served two 
years as an interne in the Philadelphia Almshouse. 

He commenced the practice of medicine at Wood- 
bury, N. J., where he remained but a short time. M 
He returned to Salem upon the removal of his pre- ^ 
ceptor to Philadelphia. After a few years he removed 
to Philadelphia, having previously visited Europe. 

He soon returned to Salem, where he remained 
several years, at the end of which he returned to 
Philadelphia, where he married a lady from Rich- 
mond, Va., and relinquishing his profession, he 
retired to Burlington, N. J. 

At the outbreak of the rebellion he removed with 
his family to Richmond, where he remained until his 
death. He was a man of literary tastes, and pre- 
ferred the literature of his profession, in which he 
was well versed, to the drudgery of a country practice. 
He was genial in disposition, and keenly enjoyed the 
refinements of social life. 

Thomas Jefferson Yarrow, the sou of Dr. 
Thomas Yarrow, was born at Sharptown, Salem Co., 
Feb. 10, 1810. 

He studied medicine with his father, and graduated 
in the University of Pennsylvania in the class of 
1830. He settled the same year at Allowaystown, in 
his native county, where he remained during life. 

He was married in 1833. He died July 17, 1882, 
aged seventy-two years, having practiced his profes- 
sion for the period of fifty-two years. 

He was a member of the Salem County Medical 
Society, and at one time its president. He was also 
an associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas. 




J .M)lcxjuJ<rK) 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



357 



In the discharge of his professional duties he was 
earnest and conscientious, and steadily pursued 
knowledge through the current journals of his day. 
While bold and self-reliant, he was careful and cau- 
tious. 

Through storm and sunshine, by day and night, he 
continued his ministrations to the sufiering, without 
distinction between the humblest and highest. 

He was singularly indifferent to fame, while he 
cherished an exalted belief in the nobility of his 
profession. The offer of a professorship, it is said, 
failed to induce him to quit his beloved village and 
the even tenor of his life for a more ambitious career. 

William S. Vaxxemax was born in Upper Penn's 
Neck, Salem Co., June 1, 1811. He began the study 
of medicine under Dr. Charles Swing at the age of 
eighteen, in Sharptown, continued with him two 
years, and finished under Dr. Theodore Physic, of 
Maryland. He graduated at the Jefferson Medical 
College in the class of 1832. 

He settled first at Penn's Grove, Salem Co. From 
thence he removed to Swedesboro in 1835. In 1837 
he located in Sculltown, where he remained but nine 
months, when he relinquished the practice of medi- 
cine for a time, and settled in Philadelphia as a dry- 
goods merchant. 

In 1847 he returned to Penn's Grove and resumed 
the practice of his profession, in which he continued 
until his death, which occurred Jan. 21, 1861. 

He was a man of unblemished character, of ex- 
emplary piety, of large social and personal influence 
in the community, and deservedly esteemed for his 
skill and attainments in his profession. 

Thomas P. Dickeson was born Feb. 20, 1813, at 
Woodstown, Salem Co. He received his preparatory 
education at home and in Wilmington, Del. 

He studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Yarrow, of 
Sharptown, Salem Co. Having completed the usual 
curriculum, he graduated at the University of Penn- 
sylvania in 1836, and located the same year at Han- 
cock's Bridge, in his native county, where he pursued 
his profession until his death, April 6, 1882, a period 
of forty-six years. 

He was married Nov. 30, 1841, to a lady of fortune 
in the same village, who survives him. 

Dr. Dickeson, though very lame from childhood, 
was a person of great energy and activity. He did a 
large practice, and largely enjoyed the confidence of 
his patients. He was also extensively engaged in 
general business pursuits, and left a handsome estate. 
■ Isaiah D. Clawsoj^^, M.D.— The father of Dr. 
Clawson, Dr. Israel Eeed Clawson, was descended 
from Huguenot stock, while his mother was of Eng- 
lish parentage. Their son, Isaiah D., was born 
March 30, 1822, at Woodstown, N. J., and in early 
youth became a pupil of Delaware College, at New- 
ark, Del. In 1835 he entered the sophomore class of 
Princeton College, then under the presidency of Dr. 
Carnohan, where he was a fellow-student with Rev. 



Samuel D. Alexander, D.D., of New York, Professor 
Thomas Dodd, D.D., Dr. Thomas E. Schenck, corre- 
sponding secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Pub- 
lication, and other distinguished men now holdintr 
civil or military positions of prominence. Havini; 
taken high rank in the various departments of study, 
he graduated with honor in 1838, and immediately 
entering the medical department of the University 
of Pennsylvania, received his degree in 1843, on his 
twenfy-first birthday. Dr. Clawson at once began 
the practice of his profession, which was followed 
uninterruptedly for ten years, when his abilities were 
diverted to the more exciting arena of political life. 
He was elected to the State Legislature in 1853, and 
later to a seat in the Congress of the United States, 
to which he was re-elected during the succeeding 
term, and served on the Committee on Revolutionary 
Claims. This period embraced the thirty-fourth and 
thirty-fifth sessions of that body, and the memorable 
agitation of the slavery question, when Charles Sum- 
ner was violently assaulted by a political antagonist. 
On the completion of his second term, Dr. Clawson 
resumed his professional career, and continued in 
active practice during the remainder of his lifetime. 
He was married on the 30th of December, 1850, to 
Miss Martha W., daughter of Judge William J. 
Shinn, of Woodstown, to whom was born one son, 
William S., named for his uncle. Judge Clawson. 
Dr. Clawson manifested a strong love for his pro- 
fession, for which, by a thorough scholastic training, 
he had been perfectly equipped. He was regarded 
as a careful, judicious, and well-qualified physician, 
whose refined sympathy and gentleness made his 
presence no less welcome as a friend than as a coun- 
selor. In all the relations of life, both public and 
private, his many virtues won universal regard. His 
death occurred in October, 1879, in his fifty-eighth 
year. He was in his church relations a Presbyterian, 
and for many years a trustee of the church of that 
denomination in Woodstown. 

Hon. Joseph Cook, M.D.— The paternal grand- 
father of Dr. Cook was of English parentage, and was 
reared at Crosswicks, Burlington Co., N. J. He be- 
came a citizen of much influence, holding many po- 
sitions of prominence during his life, which was vio- 
lently ended by assassination at his own home in 
1824. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary 
Reeves, who was of English descent. Their son, Mar- 
maduke Cook, was a farmer and the father of Joseph, 
the subject of this biography, whose birth occurred in 
Harrison township, Gloucester Co., N. J., in 1825. 
The public school afforded him the basis of an educa- 
tion, after which he chose medicine as a profession, 
and graduating from the medical department of the 
University of Pennsylvania, at once began his active 
career as a practitioner. In 1839 he removed to Salem 
County, where he has since resided, and continued 
his professional career until his retirement, in the 
spring of 1866. He was in 1853 married to Miss 



358 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Sarah M., daughter of Harman and Susan Richman. 
Their children are William, married to Susan Suber, 
whose children are Joseph, Barris, and Susan ; and 
Mary, married to Truman Clayton, who has one 
daughter, Sarah. During the winter of 1872-73, Dr. 
Cook was elected judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, and is still presiding in that capacity. Though 
not actively participant in the late war, he, after the 
battle of Gettysburg, volunteered his services as sur- 
geon, and for many weeks did much to alleviate the 
sufferings of the wounded. The doctor was success- 
ful in his profession, and during his period of practice 
enjoyed an extended field of labor. 

Thomas G. Reed was a native of Woodstown, 
Salem Co., born in 1837. He obtained his medical 
education in the office of Dr. Jacob Hunt, of his na- 
tive place, and graduated at the University of Penn- 
sylvania in the class of 1858. 

He commenced the practice of his profession in his 
native village, and remained there during the remain- 
der of his life, a period of nine years. 

Possessed of popular manners and prepossessing 
personal appearance, he soon acquired a large prac- 
tice, and was rapidly rising in reputation when cut 
off by an untimely death in his twenty-ninth year. 

The following is a list of the physicians now resi- 
dent in Salem County: 



Allen, Lefferson, Woodstowu. 
Bilderback, Frank, Salem. 
Cook, Joseph, Pittsgrove. 
Ewing, Warrea L., Allowaystown. 
Foster, Naomi B., Woodstown. 
Gibbon, Quinton, Salem. 
Oilman, Uriah, Woodstown. 
GrofF, John H., Penn's Grove. 
Garrison, Daniel, Pennsville. 
Glover, Lawrence L., Hancock. 

Hitchner, , Elmer. 

Johnson, Mayhew, Penn's Grove. 
Jolinson, Henry F., Pedricktown. 



McPherson, Andrew G., Quinton. 
Presaon, John E., Salem. 
Paulding, Moses I., Pittsgrove. 
Patterson, James A., Salem. 
Keed, Lewis W., Woodstown. 
Sharp, Edward S., Salem. 
Summerill, J. M., Penn's Grove. 
Sherron, CliflFord M., Salem. 
Thompson, Joseph H., Salem. 
Ware, James B., Pedricktown. 
Waddington, B. Archer, Salem. 
Wiley, David, Salem. 
WoodruflF, Alpheus B., Elmer. 



Homceopathic. 
Beckett, Albert G., Salem. Patterson, Theophilus, Salem. 

Jackson, Henry, Salom. Soudere, Philip G., Woodstown. 

Newton, Charles, Sharptown. 

Eclectic. 

Stitta, William F., Salem. 
Wallace, L. B., AUowaystown. 



Cheeseman, John G., Elmer. 
Moore, David, Woodstown. 



Female Physician. 
Mary Emma Robinson, Salem. 



CHAPTER LXI. 

SALEM COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR. 

The inauguration of the war of the great rebellion, 
by the bombardment of Fort Sumter, aroused in Salem 
County the same thrill of patriotism that it awakened 
in other portions of New Jersey. In their response to 
the call of the government for men, the people of this 



county manifested the same alacrity that was shown 
elsewhere ; and here, as in other parts of the State, 
a larger number of volunteers offered their services 
than could be accepted. 

On the 17th of April, 1861, after a few hours' no- 
tice, a large and enthusiastic meeting convened at the 
court-house ; patriotic resolutions were adopted, and 
money to the amount of one thousand dollars was 
subscribed, Mr. Jonathan Ingham heading the sub- 
scription with two hundred and fifty dollars. 

First Volunteers. — A military company — the 
Johnson Guards — was at once formed, with Robert 
C. Johnson, captain ; Clement H. Sinnickson, first 
lieutenant, and George F. Ingham, second lieuten- 
ant. This company started for Trenton on the 
morning of April 25th. Soon after their arrival 
Capt. Johnson was promoted, and C. H. Sinnickson 
became captain, George F. Ingham first lieutenant, 
and Henry F. Chew second lieutenant. 

Col. Robert Caeney Johnson. — The common 
ancestor of the Johnson family in this county, to 
which the subject of this sketch belonged, was Rich- 
ard Johnson (1649), who came from Guilford Parish, 
county of Surrey, England, arriving in the ship "Jo- 
seph and Benjamin," under the command of Capt. 
Matthew Payne, on March 13, 1674/5. Two persons 
of much note, character, property, and influence ac- 
companied him, viz. : John Pledger and Hypolite 
Lefevre. Richard Johnson was a man of influence 
and position in the new settlement, served as one of 
the burgesses of the town of Salem after it was incor- 
porated as a borough in 1693, was one of the judges 
of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, and justices of 
the Quarter Sessions, and an influential member of 
the Salem Monthly Meeting of Friends. He took an 
active part in building the first brick meeting-house 
in the ancient graveyard of that society in 1699 and 
1700. In 1707 he was chosen, with three others, to 
represent the Salem tenth in the State Legislature of 
New Jersey, which then held its sessions at South 
Amboy and Burlington alternately. He was a large 
land-owner in the county. On June 25, 1682, he 
married Mary Grover, by whom he had five children, 
viz. : Elizabeth (who married John Pierson), Ann 
(who became the wife of Alexander Grant), Mary, 
Richard, and Robert. He died Jan. 19, 1719, and 
his wife April 21, 1714. 

Robert Johnson (1st) married Margaret, widow of 
Joseph Sayres, and had three children, viz., Mary, 
who became the wife of John Pledger, Jr. ; Ann, 
whose three husbands were respectively named Hall, 
Scoggin, and Beesley ; and Robert, grandfather of 
the subject of this sketch. The latter was born Jan. 
26, 1727, and died Dec. 28, 1796. He married for his 
first wife Margaret Blorgan, of Marcus Hook, Dec. 
18, 1752. She died at an early age, leaving one 
daughter, Margaret, who became the wife of Andrew 
Sinnickson. His second wife was Jane, eldest daugh- 
ter of Nicholas and Ann Gibbon, to whom he was 




^yl^'T^. jfA^. 




GENERAL HISTORY. 



359 



united Nov. 3, 1767. The sole issue of this marriage 
was Robert Gibbon Johnson, born July 23, 1771, died 
Oct. 2, 1850. He was a man of character and influ- 
ence, and the father of our subject. He first married, 
June 19, 1798, Hannah, youngest daughter of Thomas 
and Mary Carney, of Penn's Neck. Their children 
were Jane Gibbon, Mary Jane, Anna Gibbon, and 
Robert Carney Johnson. His second wife was Juli- 
ana Elizabeth, daughter of Paul Zantzinger, of Lan- 
caster, Pa. Of this union there was no issue. 

Robert Carney Johnson was born in Salem on 
Sept. 29, 1811, and died at the same place March 25, 
1881. During his lifetime he was one of the most 
prominent and useful citizens of Salem. For a few 
years in the earlier portion of his life he resided in 
California, then just passing from the condition of a 
Mexican to an American territory, and witnessed the 
rapid material change which at that period occurred. 
He returned to Salem shortly after the death of his 
father, in 1850, and passed the remainder of his days 
in his native place. Becoming possessed of a large 
estate, he engaged in no other business than attend- 
ing to its management. He was greatly interested in 
the incorporation of the city of Salem, being elected 
the first mayor of the new municipality in 1860, and 
re-elected in 1863. Hisadministratiom of the ofiice 
was marked by dignity, independence, and impartial- 
ity, and proved popular and eflicient. On the break- 
ing out of the rebellion in 1861 he raised the first 
company of three mouths' volunteers to go to Wash- 
ington. Afterwards he was elected colonel of the 
Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, with which he re- 
mained in the field until incapacitated by sickness. 
Returning to his home, he remained in private life 
until his death, yet taking a deep interest in public 
affairs. He was no aspirant for public place, and de- 
clined all political preferment, yet was one of the 
most active in the organization of the Republican 
party in Salem County. He was distinctively a home 
man, closely identified with the material growth and 
development of his own locality, and an earnest sup- 
porter of all movements of an elevating and pro- 
gressive character. Like his father, he was possessed 
of strong prejudices and positive opinions, yet tem- 
pered each with a proper measure of discrimination 
and judgment. He married, Sept. 2, 1841, Julia, 
daughter of Josiah Harrison, Esq., of Salem, who 
occupies the family homestead on Market Street with 
the only surviving son, Henry H. Johnson. 

The following is the muster-roll of the Johnson 
Guards as it was constituted when it left Trenton : 

Captain, Clement H. Sinnickson ; First Lieutenant, George T. Ingham; 
Second Lieutenant, Henry P. Ciiew; Sergeants, Edward A.Acton, 
Samuel Canby, Jr., Nathaniel S. Stretch, William C. Harris; Cor- 
porals, Charles H. Miller, Henry Jones, Henry Frankenfield, Henry 
Rocap. 



John L. King. 
Nathan Birch. 
Frank Woodrutt. 
Samuel Williams. 
George Drummonds. 
John H. Collins. 
Jolin H. Grofr. 
James Stanton. 
Thomas Conover. 
William Frazer, Jr. 
William H. BoUinghouee. 
James Bassett. 
James Riley. 
William H. Pierce. 
David M. Palmer. 
Firman Lloyd, Jr. 
John D. Somers. 
Theodore F. Null. 
Stewart Spears. 
William W. Plummer. 
Eli P. Bliss. 
Samuel Cole. 
Edward P. Thomas. 
David D. Blizzard. 
David Stoeckle. 
Enoch F. Sheppard. 
Charles D. Lampblack. 
Benajah Helms. 
Charles H. Wendell. 



Joseph H. Sheppard. 

Thomas H. Mills. 

David S. Barr. 

Maurice B. Elton. 

Howard Bassett. 

David Dickinson. 

William H. Phillips. 

Hugh Crispin. 

Edward L. Williams. 

John Banks. 

John Foster. 

George W. Williams. 

Samuel B. Morton. 

John Logan. 

John Ennis. 

William Frazer. 

Anley B. Sheppard. 

John Brady. 

James V. Clark. 

George Burroughs. 

Samuel Hogate. 

Charles M. Stanger. 

Richard McPherson. 

George Peachy. 

David Mitchell. 

James Stoeckle. 

John N. Johnson, drummer. 

Harrison Y. Higgins. 



Privates. 



Richard B. Fisher. 
John H. Williams. 
Charles M. Pinkard. 
Joseph C. Bowker. 



L. Henry Smith. 
Charles S. Freese. 
Elmer R. Woodruff. 
George A. Cobb. 



This became Company I, Fourth New Jersey Vol- 
unteers. 

Home Guards. — A company of home guards was 
at once formed, with Dr. Joseph H. Thompson, cap- 
tain ; William B. Robertson, first lieutenant ; and 
Owen L. Jones, second lieutenant. 

An incident which occurred about that time served 
to illustrate the active vigilance of the people in this 
county as well as the apathy of those who should 
have been vigilant. Information was received that 
the garrison in Fort Delaware was insuflBcient, and a 
party of volunteers, with Dr. J. H. Thompson and 
ex-Mayor Johnson, proceeded thither for the purpose 
of ofiering assistance. On landing it was with much 
difficulty that the garrison could be aroused, and, 
when called from his bed, the commanding officer 
coolly informed the volunteers that when he desired 
their assistance he would ask for it. The garrison 
was soon afterwards strengthened by volunteers from 
Philadelphia, as a result of the representations made 
by a few citizens of Salem of the condition of things 
at the fort. In view of the exposed condition of this 
part of New Jersey several other military companies 
were afterwards organized in Salem County, for the 
purpose of meeting any emergency that might arise 
here. 

The patriotic feeling which sprang up at the out- 
break of the war did not subside, and, as call after 
call was made by the government for men, the same 
alacrity was manifested, and still greater efforts were 
put forth to fill the requisitions and provide for the 
welfare of those who went forth to defend the coun- 
try in its hour of peril. Even among the Friends, 
who constitute a considerable portion of the popula- 
tion of the county, patriotism could not be held in 
abeyance by the restraints of their discipline, and 



360 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



many of the younger members went forth to do battle 
in defense of the institutions under which their an- 
cestors had enjoyed freedom of conscience ; and many 
of the elder ones quietly gave, liberally and not grudg- 
ingly, of their wealth, simply saying, as they passed 
over their money, "Don't thee put my name down." 

The loyal women, too, bore their full share of the 
burden of the hour. Not only did they repress their 
grief, and bid their sous, husbands, and brothers who 
went into the field, many of them never to return, a 
hearty God-speed ; but they labored assiduously to 
provide them with those comforts which the govern- 
ment was unable to furnish. Ladies' Aid Societies 
sprang up in all parts of the county, and many a poor 
soldier, as he languished on his cot in some distant 
hospital, and in his feverish sleep dreamed of home, 
and of mother, wife, or sister, had occasion to bless 
his unknown benefactors in Salem County for com- 
forts and luxuries that would not otherwise have come 
to him. 

Of the patriotic women of Salem County, Miss 
Cornelia Hancock, sister of Capt. William N. Han- 
cock, of Lower Alloways Creek, deserves especial 
mention. Early during the war she went into the 
field as a volunteer nurse, and she continued her mis- 
sion of mercy till the close of the conflict. She has 
since been engaged in charitable works of various 
kinds, and she is now an eiBcient member of the 
Society for the Organization of Charities in the city 
of Philadelphia. 

Action of the County Authorities.— The first re- 
corded action of the board of freeholders of this 
county in support of the war was taken at the annual 
meeting in May, 1861, when two resolutions were 
adopted; the first indorsing the payment of one thou- 
sand and one dollars and sixty cents for the purchase 
of side arms for the Johnson Guards, and the second 
authorizing the loan committee to settle all bills pre- 
sented by Samuel Plummer, Benjamin Acton, and 
Jonathan Ingham for expenses incurred in fitting out 
the same company; the whole amount not to exceed 
three thousand dollars. 

At a special meeting, in September of the same year, 
the board ordered the payment of one hundred and 
thirty-eight dollars for the board of the volunteers in 
Capt. Reynolds' company while in Salem. 

At a special meeting held in July, 1862, the sum of 
six thousand dollars was appropriated as a fund for 
the payment of bounties to volunteers in the Twelfth 
Regiment. The sum of thirty dollars was directed to 
be paid to each recruit not receiving other local 
bounty, and such bounty was made subject to the 
draft of the colonel of the Twelfth Regiment. To 
this appropriation the sum of eighteen hundred 
dollars was afterwards added. 

In August of the same year a fund of twelve 
thousand five hundred dollars was appropriated for 
the payment of bounties to volunteers accredited to 
Salem County, at the rate of fifty dollars to each 



volunteer. This fund was made subject to the draft 
of Jonathan Ingham, the draft commissioner of the 
county. To it was added the sum of ten hundred 
and ninety dollars at a meeting in September of the 
same year. 

In August, 1863, it was resolved that a bounty of 
three hundred dollars be paid to each volunteer from 
Salem County under the then present call, to the 
number of two hundred and fifty-eight. In Decem- 
ber of the same year a bounty of three hundred dol- 
lars was ordered. At the annual meeting in May, 
1864, a further appropriation of three hundred dol- 
lars per man was made for two hundred and two men 
to fill the quota of the county under the then pending 
draft. The expenditure of this appropriation was 
made under the direction of a committee consisting 
of the two chosen freeholders and three citizens from 
each township. The following were the citizens ap- 
pointed : 

Pilesgrove, John W. Dickinson, Samuel Barton, Smith Hewett. 

Upper Pittggrove, William A. Wood, Theophilus Paulding, James 
Coombs. 

Mannington, Casper W. Actou, Richard Wistar, John T. Baasett. 

Elsinboro, William B, Carpenter, Joseph Waddington, Joseph B. 
Thompson. 

Upper Penn's Neck, William Summerill, Joseph W. Cooper, Isaac 
VTright. 

Lower Penn's Neck, James S. Johnson, Martin Patterson, William 
Callahan. 

Upper AUoways Creek, Emmor Reeves, Zaccbeus Tlmmerman, Ho- 
ratio J. Stow. 

Lower Alloways Creek, Joseph H. Fogg, Robert Butcher, William N. 
Hancock. 

Pittsgrove, J. S. Whitaker, William B, Rogers, Samuel Ackley. 

Salom, Samuel Plummer, Benjamin Acton, Robert Gwinne. 

It is proper here to say that all the quotas for 
Salem County were filled by voluntary enlistment; 
and at a special meeting of the board of freeholders, 
March 4, 1864, the following resolution was adopted : 

" That Henry Sinnickson, William House, and Charles F. H. Gray be 
appointed a committee to visit the provost-marshal of this State, or of 
the United States, if necessary, and ascertain from him or them whether 
the county can now volunteer soldiers into the United States service, 
and receive credit for them in case a future draft should be ordered." 

In June, 1864, a further appropriation was made 
for a bounty of three hundred dollars per man for 
those who should volunteer and be credited to the 
county under the next call by the government for 
troops. 

At first money for the payment of bounties was 
raised in the usual way ; then loans were effected to 
meet emergencies as they arose, and finally here, as 
in other parts of the country, county bonds were is- 
sued. The total expenditures for bounties and pay 
to the families of volunteers reached the round sum 
of half a million dollars. Added to this were the in- 
cidental expenses, which amounted to a large sum, 
making a grand total of probably not less than five 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars which the people 
of Salem County raised by taxation to support the 
war for the Union. All the indebtedness which was 
incurred for this purpose has been discharged. 



GENEKAL HISTORY. 



361 



CHAPTER LXII. 



THE PRESS AND EDUCATION IN SALEM COUNTY.i 

Salem Gazette. — Tlie first newspaper in Salem 
County was issued in 1816 by Isaac A. Kollock, 
editor and proprietor, and bore the title of the Salem 
Gazette. The course which the editor of this paper 
pursued with reference to the removal of the county 
buildings from Salem, when an election was held to 
determine the question of removal in 1817, rendered 
the journal obnoxious to many who had given it their 
support, and, probably from that cause, its publica- 
tion ceased early in 1819. 

Salem Messenger. — September 19th, in the same 
year, the first number of this paper appeared. The 
publisher was Elijah Brooks, who continued the paper 
till 1833. 

The American Statesman was started during the 
canvass in which Gen. Andrew Jackson was a Presi- 
dential candidate, and was continued about four years. 
Both these journals were purchased, in 1833, by James 
M. Hannah, who merged them in one paper called 
the Union. 

The Anti-Masonic Courier. — At the time of the 
candidacy of William Wirt for the Presidency a 
paper with this title was published by Mr. Brooks at 
the office of the Messenger, and its publication was 
continued till the failure of the anti-Masonic party 
when it ceased. Two of its supporters and contribu- 
tors were Dr. James Van Meter and A. L. Eakin. 

Freeman's Banner. — On the 1st of April, 1834, 
the publication of this journal was commenced by 
Sisty & Prior. Mr. Sisty closed his connection with 
the paper in a few months, and in 1836 Mr. Prior 
purchased from Mr. Hannah his interest in the Union. 

National Standard. — In 1840, Charles P. Smith 
purchased the ^arene)- from Mr. Prior, and changed 
its name to the National Standard, by which title it has 
since been known. The paper has since been owned 
by Frank Patterson, William S. Sharp, and Sinnick- 
son Chew, under the firm -name of Sharp & Chew, by 
Samuel W. Miller, Jr., and by S. Chew & Brother, 
who purchased it Aug. 3, 1878. Since the Messrs. 
Chew became proprietors the editors have been : A. 
M. Heston, till October, 1879 ; D. Harris Smith, till 
June, 1881 ; and since that date the present editor, 
Benjamin Patterson. 

The Salem Sunbeam. — The first number of this 
paper appeared on the 27th of July, 1844, under the 
editorship of Israel Wells. Mr. Wells was not a 
practical printer, and had no capital. During the 
excitement of the political canvass which was then 
in progress he was aided by contributions of money ; 
but when, after the close of the campaign, these con- 
tributions ceased, and patronage was less liberal, he 
found his position anything but a desirable one, and 

1 With acknowledgments to Samuel Prior. 



his experience was like that of many others who have 
undertaken to conduct journals without capital to 
sustain them in the early years of their ventures. 
He subsequently sought journalistic honors and emolu- 
ments elsewhere, but the wolf was a constant attend- 
ant at his door. He died of disease, in the army, 
during the war of 1861-65. 

On the 26th day of March, 1849, the establishment 
became the property of Robert Gwynne and Nathan 
S. Hales, young men who had graduated from the 
office of the Pennsylvanian in Philadelphia. These 
men brought to the work a practical knowledge of 
their trade, and an enlarged view of journalism ; and 
bent all their energies to the building up of the es- 
tablishment and to keeping up with the spirit of the 
time in improvement. At the end of the year Mr. 
Hales retired, leaving the editorial honors, as well as 
the pecuniary responsibilities, to Mr. Gwynne. These 
responsibilities Mr. Gwynne succeeded, by the exer- 
cise of energy and economy, in discharging, and the 
experience and reputation which he thus acquired 
have been important factors in his subsequent suc- 
cess as a journalist. " Fi'om this time forward the 
Sunbeam continued to grow in public favor and popu- 
larity, until now it takes rank with the most influ- 
ential weeklies in New Jersey, and its senior editor 
and proprietor is among the most honored in his pro- 
fession. In all these years he has favored every 
enterprise for the advancement of the interests of his 
adopted home, and has filled several positions of 
honor and responsibility by the choice of his fellow- 
citizens.. Educational progress, moral and religious 
matters, local business, and the State and national 
advancement, in all that tends to elevate a free people, 
have ever found in him a ready and steady advocate." 

Mr. Gwynne still sits in the editorial chair, which 
he has so long and ably filled, esteemed by his friends 
for his many sterling qualities, and respected by his 
political foes for his candor, generosity, and honor. 
In 1880, Robert Gwynne, Jr., became the associate of 
his father in the editorial management of the Sun- 
beam. 

The Woodstown Register. — ^It is learned from old 
residents of Woodstown that, as early as 1840, effiarts 
were made to have a newspaper started there ; but these 
effiarts did not meet with success. In 1852, Robert 
Gwynne took from the office of the Salem Sunbeam suffi- 
cient materials for the printing of a small paper, and 
in April of that year commenced the publication in 
Woodstown of the Franklin Herald. Mr. Gwynne 
found that the profits of publishing a second news- 
paper were not commensurate with the additional 
labor which it involved, and in the following No- 
vember it was suspended. The office was soon after- 
wards purchased by J. R. Schenck, and in May, 
1853, the issue of the Woodstown Register was com- 
menced, but it had only a short existence. The print- 
ing materials became the property of Radley & Willis, 
who issued the American Eagle and Jersey Blue till 



362 



HISTOKY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



October of the same year, when W. E. W. Eadley 
became sole proprietor. It soon " went the way of all 
flesh," and during seventeen years no paper was pub- 
lished in Woodstown. 

In September, 1870, William Taylor, who had been 
engaged in several journalistic enterprises in this 
vicinity, started the Register in Woodstown. In 1872 
it was changed to an eight-page paper, and a year 
later, its prosperity having greatly increased, it was 
enlarged, a new heading and outfit were procured, the 
four-page form, with eight columns to the page, was 
readopted, and the new Bradford series of book type, 
called old style, was used to print it. The Register 
was the pioneer paper in New Jersey in the adoption 
of this improvement. 

In 1873 the proprietor went on a tour to the World's 
Fair at Vienna, and through Europe ; and on his re- 
turn he adopted several reforms in country journal- 
ism. Prior says, " The Register has not followed the 
beaten track of country newspapers, nor has it been 
forced to eke out the scanty support given its prede- 
cessors in Woodstown. Besides using great care to 
exclude harrowing details of the effects of man's evil 
passions, that so tend to bring out the morbid evil 
nature so easily excited in youth, great care has been 
taken to give all the local and general news, to advo- 
cate temperance and progress, and from time to time 
to print classical selections from the greatest of 
ancient and modern writers, in prose and verse. This 
trust in broader culture of country readers has met 
with great encouragement in Woodstown, and the 
experiment might be of advantage in other localities, 
where the newspapers treat people of the ' rooral 
deestricts,' so called, as if they were boors that never 
could appreciate matter of a higher tone than de- 
scriptions of murders, fights, etc. The Register has 
printed the chief minor poems of Milton and other of 
our great poets; selections from Homer, Plato, Virgil, 
Cicero, and others of the world's great lights of an- 
tiquity, and occasionally presented specimens of pure 
Latin, French, Gaelic, and other languages, in the 
original." Another change was made in the dress of 
the paper in 1882, and an educational and literary 
department has been added. The paper has a large 
corps of home and foreign correspondents. 

Penn's Orove Record. — The first number of this 
paper was issued in October, 1878, by J. D. Laughlin, 
editor and proprietor. It was a four-page six-column 
sheet, devoted to general intelligence and local news, 
and it was then, as it has since continued to be, inde- 
pendent in politics. 

Mr. Laughlin continued the publication of this 
journal till February, 1883, when the office was pur- 
chased by Joseph D. Whitaker, the present editor and 
proprietor. 

The Record is prosperous, having a good circulation 
and a liberally patronized job department. 

Tlie South Jerseyman. — On the 14th day of June, 
1881, the first number of this paper was issued by D. 



Harris Smith and Charles N. Bell, proprietors. It was 
under the editorial management of the former, who 
had been during several years editor and manager of 
the National Standard. The South Jerseyman is still 
conducted by the same gentlemen, under the firm- 
name of Smith & Bell. In politics it is independent 
Republican, and in all respects it has been the aim of 
its conductors to incur no obligation which would 
place them in the slightest degree under the dictation 
of any faction, clique, or corporation. Although this 
journal has only been three years in existence its cir- 
culation is fully equal to that of any local paper in 
this region, and its future prosperity is considered cer- 
tain. 

Educational.' — The necessary data for the prepa- 
ration of the early history of education in Salem 
County are now very difficult to procure. It appears 
that the Friends, after establishing their meetings, 
turned their attention to the education of the chil- 
dren of the early settlers. At first the system bore 
the unmistakable impress of sectarian exclusiveness ; 
but after the lapse of a brief period the paramount 
importance of the general diffusion of knowledge 
became evident, and led to the admission, in the 
primitive schools, of children of all the religious 
creeds professed by the early settlers. There exists, in 
the mind of the student of history, no doubt that much 
credit is due to the exertion of the members of the 
Society of Friends for the early progress of education 
in Salem County. There was not, however, any set- 
tled plan till the present excellent public school sys- 
tem was adopted. 

The first step toward the establishment of the gen- 
eral school fund of this State was the act of the 9th 
of February, 1816, which directed the treasurer to 
invest in the public six per cent, stocks of the United 
States the sum of fifteen thousand dollars, arising 
from the payment of the funded public debt, and 
from the dividends on the stock held by the State in 
the Trenton Bank ; and at the end of every year to 
invest the interest on the capital in the same manner. 

On the 12th of February, 1817, the " act to create 
a fund for free schools" was passed, setting apart the 
stock and its accumulations, vested under the act of 
1816 ; the dividends on the stock held by the State in 
the Cumberland Bank, and in the Newark Turnpike 
Company, the proceeds of the sale of a house and lot 
in New Brunswick, the property of the State, and one- 
tenth of all moneys thereafter raised by tax for State 
purposes; and the treasurer was instructed to vest 
these, as they came into his hands, in the public 
stocks of the United States. By the act of Feb. 12, 
1818, the Governor, vice-president of the Council, 
speaker of the Assembly, the attorney-general, and 
Secretary of State, for the time being, were appointed 
" trustees for the support of free schools ;" and the 
treasurer was directed to transfer to them the school 

I Abridged from a sketch by Samuel Prior. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



363 



fund, to be by them applied in the mode to be pre- 
scribed by the State ; reserving to the Legislature the 
authority to change the existing fund, and to dissolve 
the trust at pleasure ; and requiring an account of the 
fund to be annually laid before the Legislature. This 
act made the following additions to the fund : the 
balance of the old six per cent, stock, due Feb. 12, 
1817, with the interest and reimbursement thereof 
since Feb. 9, 1816 ; the three per cent, stocks of the 
United States belonging to the State on the 12th of 
February, 1817 ; the shares of the State in the Tren- 
ton and Cumberland Banks, with the dividends since 
the 9th of February, 181g ; all moneys receivable 
from the foregoing items, future appropriations, and 
such gifts, and grants, bequests, and devises as should 
be made for the purposes contemplated by the act, 
and one-tenth part of the State tax for the year 1817. 
Additions to this fund were made by subsequent acts, 
and by the act of March 27, 1874, it was provided that 
the public stocks and moneys previously appropriated 
bylaw should constitute the school fund, and that all 
moneys thereafter received from the sales and rentals 
of the land under water, belonging to the State, 
should be appropriated for the support of free public 
schools, and the treasurer was directed to invest them 
for that purpose. 

The act of March 21, 1867, created the office of 
county superintendent of the public schools, and the 
office was, during several terms, held by W. H. Keed, 
of Woodstown. The present incumbent is R. Henry 
Holme, of Elsinboro. 

According to the report of the State Board of Edu- 
cation for 1882 there were in the county seventy 
school districts, and the number of children of school 
age enrolled was 5608 ; average attendance, 2681. 
The number of children attending private schools 
was estimated at 331, and the number attending no 
school at all 866. There were 108 teachers employed, 
of whom 27 were male and 81 female ; the average 
monthly salary of the former was $37.12 ; of the 
latter, $31.04. The total seating capacity of the 
school-houses was 5588. Schools were kept open 
during an average of 9.5 months, and the total 
amount received from all sources for public school 
purposes was $43,122.88. 



CHAPTER LXIIL 

TEMPERANCE IN SALEM COUNTY.i 

Among the articles with which John Fenwick pur- 
chased from the Indians their right and title to all 
lands included within the bounds of Oldman's Creek 

L and Morris River were ten and a half ankers of rum, 

', — an anker being equal to about thirty-two gallons. 

i Six years later, at an Assembly convened by authority 

1 

1 By H. P. DafidBon. 



of the Proprietors of West Jersey, it was ordered that 
any person selling strong liquors to the Indians should 
forfeit for every such offense the sum of three pounds, 
and the next year it was made five pounds in case of 
foreigners so offending. Thus early in the history of 
Salem County did the alcohol question enter into the 
financial and social affairs of the inhabitants. 

The township of Salem was incorporated in 1693. 
One of the duties of the burgess was to grant tavern 
licenses, and he was empowered to revoke such 
licenses when he might see fit. 

Fairs were established by law to be held in Salem 
for two days in May, and also two days in October, at 
which all persons were at liberty to buy and sell all 
lawful goods. In 1698, however, a town-meeting was 
held, and it was enacted that " foreigners" might 
not sell liquors at these fairs, under penalty of for- 
feiture of all liquors found in their custody. 

A legislative enactment, about 1704, made the pen- 
alty of Sabbath-breaking and drunkenness a fine and 
commitment to the stocks for four hours. 

The granting of tavern licenses, as has already 
been seen, had existed before, but in 1729 the court 
assumed to regulate the sale of intoxicating drinks by 
declaring, as follows, in what quantities and at what 
prices public-house keepers should deal them out: 
" For each nib of punch, made with double refined 
sugar and one gill and a half of rum, nine pence; for 
each nib, made with single refined sugar and one gill 
and a half of rum, eight pence; for each nib, made of 
Muscovado sugar and one gill and a half of rum, 
seven pence ; for each quart of tiff, made with half a 
pint of rum in the same, nine pence ; for each pint of 
wine, one shilling ; for each gill of rum, three pence ; 
for each quart of strong beer, four pence ; for each 
gill of brandy or cordial, six pence ; for each quart of 
metheglin, nine pence; each quart of cider royal, 
eight pence ; each quart of cider, four pence." 

From this order of the court rum seems to have 
been the most common intoxicant. The Swedes 
brought with them to this country the art of brew- 
ing, and families were accustomed to brew their own 
liquor. The English and German immigrants imi- 
tated them, and breweries were erected on many of 
the farms, not only for home consumption, but for 
exportation to such markets as Philadelphia and 
New York. 

Until recently there were several substantial brick 
buildings, built previous to 1790, still remaining as 
monuments of the beer-brewing and beer-drinking 
customs of the early settlers. Later generations, 
however, planted apple orchards, and cider, apple 
brandy, and West India rum, which, from about 1700 
to 1750, became every year more plentiful in all the 
colonies, gradually took the place of malt liquors, so 
that breweries seem not to have been used on any of 
the farms after about 1770. The last attempt at 
brewing is believed to have been made in Salem 
City, but was given up for lack of patronage. 



364 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



4 



Until the beginning of the present century the 
jieople seemed to regard the use of alcoholic liquors 
of some kind a necessity. They were upon every 
sideboard, and to set out the decanter was among 
the first hospitalities extended to the minister on 
his pastoral calls, while the friends who had met to 
pay their last sad respects to the memory of some 
departed neighbor were treated to the same potent 
drinks. No grocery or dry-goods store was consid- 
ered complete without its stock of liquors, and every 
prominent cross-roads was an eligible situation for the 
licensed "inn or tavern." As late as 1833, fifty years 
ago, there were no less than twenty-five licensed inns 
in the county, although the population at that time 
was but little more than fourteen thousand. Previous 
to this time, however, there had been comparatively 
little agitation against the universal use of strong 
drink in moderation. In 1808 the first temperance 
society of this country was organized at the town of 
Moreau, in New York. Twenty-five years later and 
not only a temperance society regularly held its quar- 
terly conventions in Salem County, but local societies 
existed in the various townships. At a temperance 
meeting held in Pittsgrove, Jan. 31, 1835, a resolution 
was adopted asking those engaged in the liquor busi- 
ness to relinquish it. At an adjourned meeting held 
in Friendship meeting-house one week later, Samuel 
Langley, Esq., and Judge Loper signified their will- 
ingness to comply with the request, and Jacob Hitch- 
ner was also represented as willing to relinquish the 
traffic. 

May 31, 1836, less than two years after the first 
temperance society in this country on the principles 
of total abstinence had been organized, a temperance 
convention was held in Pittsgrove Church. The fol- 
lowing is among the resolutions passed at that meet- 
ing: 

^^ E'-'iyolved, That this Convention recommend to the several auxiliary 
societies of this county the adoption, as a principle of action, total ab- 
stinence from all intoxicating liquors as a common drink." 

Society was beginning to be thoroughly shaken, and 
yet it was but the forewarning tremor of the temper- 
ance earthquake that was soou to follow. In 1840 the 
Washingtonian movement was originated at Chase's 
tavern, in Baltimore, by six men who had met there 
to indulge in their evening drinks. Inauspicious as 
was its beginning, it quickly became an irresistible 
tide, which rolled over the whole country. The next 
year a National Temperance Convention met in Sara- 
toga, about five hundred and sixty members being 
present. This Washingtonian Convention sent out 
Messrs. Pollard and Wright, who traveled as mission- 
aries through New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. 
In the fall of that year — Nov. 5, 1841 — the JeflFerson- 
ian Temperance Society was instituted in Salem, with 
John Bailey president, and Dr. Thomas E. Ware sec- 
retary. It was a beneficiary society, and was founded 
upon the principles of total abstinence. Like all 
other outgrowths of the Washingtonian movement, 



its existence was limited to a few years. Men were 
everywhere beginning to feel that in order to secure 
the full benefit of this tidal wave of temperance 
some more thorough organization was needed. Ac- 
cordingly, on tlie 29th of September, 1842, sixteen 
persons met in New York and organized the order of 
the Sons of Temperance. Three years later — Sept. 
28, 1845 — a subordinate division of the order was in- 
stituted in Salem. The following were initiated into 
the order as charter members of Salem Division, No. 
17 : Thomas Hurley, Alexander G. Cattell, Elijah G. 
Cattell, Joshua T. Nicholson, George M. Brown, 
Henry Colgan, Joshua J. Thompson, William Paulin, 
Christian Brown, Peter Barnart, Charles S. Scott, 
Nathan D. Pugh, Isaac Hackett, William Acton, Eli- 
jah Gilmore, John Bailey, Jacob Rienfried, Henry 
Slaugh, and John P. Bruna. 

Other divisions soon followed in other parts of the 
county, so that by the close of 1849 there were no 
less than twelve divisions in working order. The 
Legislature in 1847 passed an act authorizing the 
people to vote, at an election held for that purpose, 
whether they would have inns or taverns licensed in 
their respective townships to retail intoxicating liq- 
uors or not. At the election held for that purpose in 
the following December, Lower Penn's Neck, Piles- 
grove, and Pittsgrove voted against license ; the other 
townships were in favor of it. The law was repealed 
the following year. 

The basis of the present Maine law was enacted in 
1851. The spirit of that law was adopted by the 
friends of temperance in nearly all the Northern States 
during the next four years. Salem County was not 
behind its neighbors in the cause, and a temperance 
convention was called, which met in Washington 
Hall, Salem, Oct. 15, 1853. A ticket was nominated, 
and about eight hundred votes were polled in the 
county for it. 

Temperance tickets were supported at each election 
till slavery became the all-absorbing theme, and tem- 
perance ceased to be a prominent issue at elections 
or in Legislatures. 

Salem having been incorporated as a city in 1858, 
the Council passed an ordinance prohibiting any one 
from selling without license in less quantities than 
one quart any brandy, wine, gin, or distilled or spirit- 
uous liquors, nor any porter, ale, beer, or cider, or 
any fermented liquor. It also prohibited any shop- 
keeper or store-keeper from giving them away or 
dispensing of them in any such way as to cause 
drunkenness. 

Two years after the close of the Rebellion the 
Grand Lodge of Good Templars in New Jersey was 
instituted, and during the next six years no less than 
ten subordinate lodges were organized in Salem 
County. The church, the Sons of Temperance, the 
Good Templars, and other temperance societies had 
by this time greatly increased the number of total 
abstainers from the use of intoxicating drink, and to 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



365 



a great extent had driven the traffic from rural dis- 
tricts into the more populous centres. 

Temperance Alliance. — It was, however, evident 
to the friends of temperance that if the traffic was 
ever to be driven from its strongholds there must he 
more harmony of sentiment and unity of action. 
Accordingly, Sept. 4, 1872, in compliance with a call 
for a temperance convention, seventeen persons met 
at Sharpstown, and a permanent organization of the 
Salem County Temperance Alliance was effected. 
The design, as set forth in the second article of the 
constitution, was as follows : 

" Tbe object shall be to secure unity of action on the part of temper- 
ance men throughout the county, of whatever name or order, on any 
object calculated to advance the cause of temperance." 

The Washingtonians, the Sons of Temperance, the 
Good Templars, and such juvenile and church organ- 
izations as had existed from time to time had been moi-e 
strictly moral agencies, devoted to the work of reform- 
ing the drunkard or keeping others from becoming 
such, but this convention in its resolutions expressed 
an unqualified conviction that the " ultimate success 
of the cause of temperance depends upon the enact- 
ment and enforcement of just laws in its behalf," and 
pledged itself to local option by declaring it " the 
duty of temperance men to vote only for such legis- 
lative candidates as favor and will vote for its enact- 
ment." 

The following have been officers of the Alliance : 

Presidents. Secretaries. 

1872 Enoch S. Fogg. 0. K. Alderman. 

1873 Samuel Patrick. " " 

1874 Daniel P. Darrell, Sr. " " 

1876 Eev. 0. B. McCurdy. " " 

1876 Joseph Vf. Cooper. J. 0. R. Corliss. 

1877 Eev. William A. Ferguson. " '* 

1878 " I. McKeever. " " 

1879 " J. B. Westwood. " " 

1880 Jesse F. Bodine. Rev. C. RoUin Smith. 

1881 Reuben Woolman. " " " 

1882 Rev. Julius Wilcox. Jesse F. Bodine. 

A special session of the Alliance was convened at 
Woodstown, Oct. 5, 1878, to consider the expediency 
of appealing to the ballot-box in behalf of temperance 
through a third party movement. At the previous 
November election forty-five votes had been cast in 
the county for the Hon. Kudolphus Bingham, of 
Camden, the Prohibition candidate for Governor. 
After a thorough discussion of the matter, it was de- 
cided to nominate a Prohibition ticket, independent 
of all other parties. Although the convention was 
in reality a session of the Salem County Temperance 
Alliance, there has been from that time a political 
organization distinct from all other temperance asso- 
ciations. The Temperance party, however, has not 
been accustomed to nominate a ticket at the munici- 
palelections except in Salem City. 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS. 

Salem County Bible Society.— Pursuant to notice 
previously published, a meeting was held in the Pres- 
byterian Church at Salem oq the 22d of September, 
1847, at which it was resolved to organize a County 
Bible Society, to supply those in the county who 
were destitute of Bibles. 

A constitution was adopted, the second section of 
whixih stated, "The object of this society shall be to 
promote the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, with- 
out note or comment, and in English, the commonly 
received version." The society was made an auxil- 
iary of the American Bible Society, and was recog- 
nized as such by the latter in October, 1847. 

The first officers elected were : Eev. G. W. Janvier, 
president ; Revs. James H. Dandy, J. W. McDougal, 
James Newell, and Mr. Moses Eichman, Jr., vice- 
presidents ; Rev. James P. Helm, secretary ; Henry 
B. Ware, treasurer ; Benjamin Griscom, W. R. Mor- 
ton, T. V. F. Rusling, George C. Rumsey, John M. 
Brown, and Henry Freeman, executive committee. 

In 1848 Mr. John P. Harker was employed as a 
colporteur, to explore the county, and his work was 
performed during the years 1848 and 1849. No re- 
port of the results of this exploration appear on the 
minutes of the society. Another exploration was 
made, in 1855, by Rev. J. Nelson ; in which he dis- 
tributed books to 591 families whom he found with- 
out Bibles, 1275 without Testaments, and 415 without 
either. 

In addition to its work of supplying the destitute 
with the Scriptures through its local agents and col- 
porteurs, the society has, from time to time, distributed 
Bibles to the almshouse, the prison, the sleeping-rooms 
of hotels, schools, steamboats, etc. In 1863 it assumed 
$82.50 as its share of the expense of supplying the New 
Jersey soldiers with Bibles. 

In 1876 a sub-committee, consisting of Rev. Dr. W. 
Bannard, Rev. C. W. Heisley, Rev. W. Reeves, Rev. 
P. Cline, Rev. 0. B. McCurdy, and Col. William B. 
Robertson was appointed to visit through the county, 
under the direction of the executive committee. In 
1877 this committee reported that the total number 
of families that were visited was 4015; of books sold, 
440; books donated, 736; books distributed, 1176; 
total value of books sold, $275.69. The work was 
done partly by voluntary labor and partly by paid 
agents. The committee reported that visits were 
everywhere kindly received, and that the Scriptures 
had been supplied in all places where destitution was 
found. 

The presidents of the society have been : 

Eev. G. W. Janvier. Ebenezer Dunn. 

James Newell. John R. Murphy, D.D. 

W. S. Vanneman, M.D. J. D. Hogate. 

Moses Richman. W. H. Pearne, D.D. 

Rev. L. Vansant. Martin Patterson. 



366 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Dr. W. H. Izard. 
Hon. R. M. Acton. 
Kev. W. A. Ferguson. 
Rev. James B. Turpi n. 



W. Bannard, D.D. 
Rev. J. R. "WeBtwood. 
Rev. H. P. Evans. 
Rev. 0. B. McCmdy. 



The present officers are : Rev. J. P. Conelly, presi- 
dent; one vice-president for eacli townsiiip ; H. M. 
Eumsey, secretary ; and Clinton Bowen, treasurer and 
depositary. 

Salem County Sunday-School Assoeiation,'— 
Pursuant to a call of the county secretary of the New 
Jersey Sunday-School Association, a meeting was held 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Woodstown, 
Sept. 16, 1863, for the purpose of organizing the Salem 
County Sunday-School Association. After an inter- 
change of views it was resolved that there be a per- 
manent organization formed, and a committee, con- 
sisting of I. V. Dickinson, J. E. Alderman, and M. 
D. Dickinson, was appointed to draft a constitution. 
The following officers were chosen for the ensuing 
year: President, Kev. Daniel Stratton, Salem ; Vice- 
Presidents, J. R. Hackett, Robert P. Robinson, Wil- 
liam Sayre, Samuel S. Thompson, D. Garrison, Rev. 
J. Unrue, T. B. Stow, Jeremiah Anderson, E. Patrick, 
Rev. M. Johnson ; secretary and treasurer, Rev. A. 
J. Hires, Woodstown ; township secretaries, Salem, 
William H. Wood ; Mannington, George Mulford ; 
Elsinboro, E. P. Wallen ; Pilesgrove, I. V. Dickin- 
son ; Upper Penn's Neck, J. K. Louderback ; Lower 
Penn's Neck, J. H. Sinnickson ; Upper Alloways 
Creek, James Freas ; Lower Alloways Creek, Samuel 
Patrick ; Upper Pittsgrove, B. F. Burt ; Pittsgrove, 
M. Thomas. 

There were but few in attendance at the organiza- 
tion, but sufficient to indicate who the Sunday-school 
workers throughout the county were, and in order 
that more might be enlisted there was one vice-presi- 
dent chosen in each township. 

It is a custom to change the presidents every year, 
not only in person but also denominationally. Rev. 
A. J. Hires was continued county secretary and treas- 
urer until 1868, when B. F. Burt was elected to the 
position, and continued until removed by death in 
1871, after which Rev. J. R. Burt was elected, but only 
served one year, having moved from the bounds of the 
association, when J. R. Lippincott, of Salem, was 
elected, and still holds the position of corresponding 
secretary and treasurer. 

At the annual meeting held Sept. 26, 1876, by the 
request of the county secretary, the office of recording 
secretary was created, and M. D. Dickinson was 
elected to the office, which position he still holds. 
The present president is Rev. A. W. Lentz, of Freas- 
burg ; corresponding secretary and treasurer, J. R. 
Lippincott, with a vice-pi-esident and township sec- 
retary from each township in the county. 

Since the organization of this association the Sun- 
day-school work in the county has greatly increased, 
and the attendance at the annual gatherings has 

1 By M. D. Dickinson. 



doubled several times. At the children's meetings, 
usually held in the evening, some of our largest 
churches are usually filled to overflowing. The work- 
ings of the association have been harmonious, and a 
general good feeling has prevailed throughout the 
various denominations represented. 

The Friends, as a denomination, are much inter- 
ested in their First Day's school work, and hold 
their union meetings of several schools semi-annually, 
which services are very interesting and instructive. 

OOUNTY MUTOAL INSURANCE COMPANIES. 

Salem County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. 
— This company was incorporated by an act of the 
Legislature in February, 1849. The limit of its 
charter was thirty years, and on the expiration of 
that period, in 1879, it was, by another act, renewed 
for fifty years. 

This company takes general risks, but insures for 
no longer term than one year. By careful and prudent 
management it has not only been able to meet its 
losses during many years without assessments, but it 
has accumulated a reserve fund of thirty-five thousand 
dollars. 

The presidents of the company have been William 
J. Shinn, John Tyler, Richard M. Acton, D. W. C. 
Clement, and the present president, William Patter- 
son. The names of the secretaries are Samuel C. 
Harbert, Joseph Petit, and, since 1866, Thomas T. 
Hilliard. 

Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of 
Salem County. — This company was incorporated by 
an act of the Legislature passed March 6, 1851. At 
first the business of the company was limited to the 
insurance of farm property, but afterward risks were 
taken on buildings in villages. During the thirty- 
two years of its existence this company has made but 
one assessment, and that of only four per cent, on its 
premium notes. It has conducted its business pru- 
dently, and has aimed at mutual protection, and not 
at the payment of salaries that enrich agents at the 
expense of patrons. 

The presidents of this company have been, in suc- 
cession, Jonathan Ingham, Thomas Sinnickson, David 
Petit, and the present incumbent of the position, 
Alfred Bilderback. The office of secretary and treas- 
urer has been held by Samuel Prior, James W. 
Mecum, Clement H. Sinnickson, David Pettit, and 
J. B. Grier. 



CHAPTER LXV. 

CITY OP SALEM.2 

« 

Situation and Boundaries.— The city of Salem is 
situated on Salem Creek, three miles from its conflu- 
ence with the Delaware River. It is bounded north 

! By M. 0. Kolfe. 



CITY OF SALEM. 



367 



by Lower Penn's Neck and Mannington, east by 
Mannington, south by Lower AUoways Creek and 
Elsinboro, and west by Lower Penn's Neck. 

Descriptive. — Salem is an attractive and well-built 
city, the seat of justice of Salem County, and the 
centre of a large trade, extending for miles inland, 
and reaching out to Philadelphia and other impor- 
tant markets, and has equal claims upon the resident 
and the business man. 

As a place of residence, Salem has many advan- 
tages. Being the county-seat, the court-house, county 
offices, and other public buildings are located here. 
They are at a central point, whence the principal 
streets radiate in different directions, lined with 
handsome stores and comfortable dwellings, ap- 
proached by broad paved sidewalks, fringed with 
shade-trees. The streets are well graded, and in 
nearly all parts of the city wide and attractive. With 
a population of over five thousand, Salem is noted for 
its healthfulness and immunity from contagious and 
infectious diseases ; the cost of living is fully one- 
third less than in larger cities not far distant, or in 
most New England towns ; building lots are obtain- 
able at low prices, enabling mechanics and others to 
secure comfortable homes at a small outlay ; the mar- 
kets are well supplied with all of the necessaries of 
life; the town has an extensive public library, nu- 
merous and efficient educational advantages, and sev- 
eral influential and well-sustained religious organiza- 
tions. 

As a place of business, Salem's location and sur- 
roundings are no less favorable. Its facilities for 
travel and transportation are excellent. The West 
Jersey Railroad, with which it is connected by the 
Salem Railroad, provides two trains each way at con- 
venient hours between it and Philadelphia. The 
completion of the new railroad between the Salem 
Railroad and Swedesboro makes a direct route to 
Philadelphia, thus increasing the advantages of 
Salem. Sa,lem Creek, a navigable branch of the 
Delaware River, laves the very border of the city, 
providing nearly two miles of water-front, consider- 
able of which has been long occupied, levying no 
tribute upon the transportation of products and man- 
ufactures, as is the case with many less-favored lo- 
calities depending on artificial outlets for their trade; 
and upon it, besides numerous sailing craft, are three 
steamboats, two for passengers and freight, running 
a great part of the year, one to and from Philadel- 
phia and the different places on the river daily, the 
other running from Philadelphia and intervening 
places to Salem and returning, the third being em- 
ployed almost entirely in the transportation of bulky 
freight. The city has the advantages of express and 
telegraphic lines ; has three influential newspapers, 
and a banking company of sufficient capital to supply 
its present business needs ; is provided with efficient 
water-works, recently introduced at an expense of 
seventy-five thousand dollars; its streets are well 



lighted; it contains numerous manufacturing enter- 
prises, and is surrounded by a country unsurpassed 
in the fertility of its soil and the variety of its agri- 
cultural products, and fully capable of supporting 
ten times its present population. 

Settlement.' — Many Quakers or Friends of wealth 
and influence in England early made great efforts to 
procure a home in the American colonies. In 1674, 
with an understanding with Edward Billinge, John 
Fenwick purchased all of West Jersey, of which Bil- 
linge was to have nine shares and Fenwick one, or 
the tenth. Soon after the purchase Fenwick made 
arrangements with a number of persons, members of 
his own religious society, naturally, at first, but also 
with Episcopalians, Baptists, and Presbyterians, to 
purchase lands of him while in England, so as to 
enable him to emigrate and take possession of his 
newly-acquired territory in the wilds of North Amer- 
ica. These were the initial steps toward the establish- 
ment of the town of Salem, and the improvement, 
civilization, enlightenment of a wide stretch of terri- 
tory, of which it soon became virtually, if not nomi- 
nally, in a sense the capital, and of which it has to 
this day maintained its position as the chief town, 
through the changes of more than two centuries. 

John Fenwick and his family are elsewhere spoken 
of 

Edward Wade emigrated from Monmouthshire, 
Wales, and came to Salem in company with John 
Fenwick. Having considerable means, he made large 
purchases of land in different parts of the county, and 
bought a sixteen-acre lot on Market Street, Salem, 
and built on it, near the present residence of Dr. 
Gibbon, a story and a half brick dwelling, where he 
and his wife. Prudence, ended their days. Edward 
Wade had been a cloth-maker in London, was a man 
of force of character, and proved to be one of the 
leading immigrants to Fenwick's colony, participating 
largely in its religious and civil organization. His 
residence, which was traditionally the first ever built 
on Market Street, was, after his death, occupied by 
Isaac Smart until the death of the latter, and was 
standing, in fair condition, as late as forty-five years 
ago. 

Oct. 5, 1675, Fenwick had the nucleus of the present 
city of Salem laid out, a street being opened from the 
creek east so as to enable him to sell building lots to 
the emigrants. This street, from the fact that it ended 
at a wharf afterwards constructed, was long known as 
Wharf Street. Later it was called Bradway Street, 
in honor of Edward Bradway, and in time the latter 
name was corrupted into Broadway, the name of the 
street for many years past. 

Edward Bradway purchased a lot of sixteen acres, 
extending from Wharf Street to Fenwick Creek. 
Bradway and his wife, Mary, and their three chil- 
dren, Mary, William, and Susannah, with their 

1 Largely from data furnished by Thomas Shourds. 



368 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



three servants, William Groon, Thomas Buckel, and 
John Allen, embarked from London in March, 1677, 
in the ship "Kent." They landed at Salem in the 
August following. Bradway was a man of consider- 
able means. When he came to this country he had 
purchased one town lot and one thousand acres of 
land of Fenwick, while the latter yet tarried in Eng- 
land. In 1691, Bradway built on his town lot a large 
brick house, which is still standing, and which, in size 
and appearance, far surpasses any other house built 
in Salem earlier or for many years afterwards, if not 
those of William Penn, in Letitia Court, and Samuel 
Carpenter, on Second Street, at the corner of Norris 
Alley, Philadelphia, built about the same time. For 
some time after the death of Bradway (supposed to 
have occurred in 1693) the Governor of New Jersey 
lived in the old Bradway house, which, in conse- 
quence, came to be known as " the Governor's house" 
for many years afterwards. Thomas Hill Bradway, 
who later inherited this property, repaired the old 
mansion. It had then been long neglected, and was 
without doors or windows. At the beginning of the 
present century it was again fitted up, and a piazza 
built in front of it, by John S. Wood, son-in-law of 
Thomas H. Bradway. This ancient dwelling is still 
owned by the lineal descendants of Edward Bradway, 
in the seventh generation. After his arrival Edward 
Bradway had two children born in Salem, — Sarah ' 
and Hannah. The Bradways and other descendants 
of Edward Bradway have intermarried with other of 
the pioneer families of Salem County, and have been 
well-known and prominent citizens. 

Adjoining the Bradway lot William Hall pur- ; 
chased one of sixteen acres. In 1677, Hall emi- 
grated to this country, in company with John and j 
Andrew Thompson and their families, landing at , 
Elsinboro, December 22d of that year. Before they ' 
sailed from Dublin he engaged in the service of John ' 
Thompson for a number of years, at the expiration of 
which he removed to Salem and kept a store. He was I 
a man of great ability, and about 1709, upon the death 
of Judge Thomas Killingsworth, he was appointed 
by the West Jersey Legislature a judge of the court 
of Salem County. In 1688 he married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Thomas Pile, of Pilesgrove, and it is be- 
lieved he came into the possession of much property, 
both real and personal, through his wife. His wife 
died about 1670, and he later married Sarah Clement, 
of Gloucester County. He is thought to have died 
in 1719. He held the office of judge up to the time 
of his death, and was then the greatest landholder in 
Salem County, owning a one hundredth part of Fen- 
wick's tenth. The Hall property in Salem formerly 
extended to the town meadow. The Hall family has 
intermarried with branches of most of the other dis- 
tinguished families of South Jersey. Judge Hall's 
widow, Sarah Clement Hall, built the large brick 
dwelling, now of Morris Hall, in which for many 
years she kept a store. It has been twice repaired. 



East of Hall's lot Samuel Nicholson bought a six- 
teen-acre lot, on which he at once built a log dwell- 
ing, and which, in 1681, he deeded to Salem Monthly 
Meeting of Friends. Previous to sailing with Fen- 
wick and his colony, Nicholson had purchased of the 
Proprietor two thousand acres of land, which, together 
with the town lot mentioned, was surveyed to him in 
1676. The same year he was appointed the first jus- 
tice of the peace in Fenwick's colony. He had been 
a farmer of Wiseton, Nottinghamshire, England. His 
wife was named Ann. Samuel Nicholson died, on his 
property in Elsinboro, about 1693. His descendants 
have been well-known citizens of Salem County and 
elsewhere. 

John and Thomas Mason were natives of Glouces- 
tershire, England, and before their removal to Amer- 
ica resided in the parish of Winchcome. About 
1690 they came to Salem from Virginia, and bought 
two sixteen-acre lots on Broadway, east of Oak Street, 
extending beyond the Nelson House and to the town 
meadow. The Mason residence was originally built 
in 1693. It was a one-story brick building. Later a 
frame building was attached, facing the street. The, 
whole was removed some years ago by A. N. Bell, 
and stores have been erected on its site. In 1695, 
John Mason removed to Elsinboro, where he had 
bought property, and Thomas continued to live in 
Salem. Nearly opposite this old house stood Wil- 
liam Cattell's two-story brick mansion, which was 
removed many years ago. Where it stood stores have 
been built, and at the present time there is more 
business done in the grocery line there than in any 
other part of the city. A short distance farther down 
the street, where the First Baptist Church is, stood 
the venerable mansion of Thomas Thompson, which 
was built by his father, Thomas Thompson, a native 
of Elsinboro. He learned the tailoring business, 
purchased and built himself a dwelling, and followed 
the trade the remainder of his life. His son Thomas 
was born in 1744. Subsequently he learned tailoring 
of his father. After the death of his father he in- 
herited the property and married Rebecca Hedge, 
daughter of Samuel and Hannah Woodnutt Hedge. 
Thomas followed his trade for a number of years. 
He and his wife were noted for their kindness to 
both rich and poor, and their house was one of enter- 
tainment to their numerous relatives and friends. 
Neither of them was a member of the Society of 
Friends, but only attended Friends' Meeting occa- 
sionally. Thomas was born a member, but lost his 
right for the active part he took in the war of the 
Revolution. Rebecca's mother was a member, being 
the daughter of Joseph Woodnutt, of Mannington. 
There was a law in the State that persons could be 
imprisoned for debt, but there was no provision in 
the law for their maintenance while in jail. They 
were cared for by the benevolent. Thomas Thomp- 
son and wife sent provisions daily for many years to 
that class of prisoners. They lived to more than 



CITY OF SALEM. 



369 



fourscore years, and died much regretted by their 
numerous relatives and friends. 

The next lot but one to the Mason lot contained 
twenty-four acres, and belonged to Bartholomew 
Wyatt. The name of the owner of the intervening 
lot is not known. Bartholomew Wyatt was a young 
man of culture and considerable means, who came to 
this country in the latter part of the seventeenth cen- 
tury. He purchased the lot referred to about 1695, and 
married Sarah, the daughter of Robert Ashton, of Del- 
aware. He also purchased twelve hundred acres of 
land in Mannington. Soon after his marriage he went 
to live on his farm in said township, and at that place 
he and his wife ended their days. In 1734 his son, 
Bartholomew Wyatt, employed Thomas Miles (who 
at that time was the most prominent surveyor of the 
county) to resurvey the Wyatt lot in the town of 
Salem. The following are the boundaries of said lot : 
" Beginning at a post standing on Salem Street, at the 
corner of Margaret's Lane; thence southwest 28 degs. 
down the same 132 perches to a stake set in the marsh, 
by the side of a ditcli ; thence southeast 48 degs. 
along said ditch 24 perches to another corner ; thence 
northeast by north, joining on the lot now in posses- 
sion of Hugh Clifton, 119 perches to a post set by 
Salem Street aforesaid ; thence joining on the said 
street northwest 35 degs. 18 perches ; thence northwest 
37 degs. 22 minutes to the place of beginning. Con- 
taining within these bounds 24 acres of land, swamp 
and marsh. Resurveyed on the second day of April, 
1734." 

There is no record showing that any of the Wyatt 
family ever occupied this lot, and to whom it was sold 
by the Wyatts is unknown, but William Parrott was 
the owner of the larger portion of it in the letter part 
of the last century. When William Parrott died the 
greater part of his real estate was left to his widow^, 
Clarissa Howell Parrott. She died at the age of i 
ninety. At her death the Parrott property (formerly 
the Wyatt's and the Richard Johnson lot) was di- 
vided among Parrott's distant relatives. Streets were 
opened (Seventh Street on the Johnson lot, and sev- I 
eral streets on the Wyatt tract, on Margaret's Lane, 
now Walnut Street), and the greater part of ground 
is now built upon, which a few years ago was used 
for farming. 

Joseph Smith, of the fourth generation from John 
Smith, of Amblebury, became the possessor of the 
lot that joined the Wyatt lot. It contained ten acres, 
running to the town meadow. Joseph was a cabinet- 
maker, following his trade in the town of Salem until 
his death, which took place about 1809. 

Adjoining the lot last mentioned, Benjamin Acton 
purchased ten acres lying on East Broadway. It ap- 
pears that Benjamin Acton was one of the prominent 
young men in the settlement of Fenwick's colony. 
There is no record showing the date of his arrival in 
Salem. About 1678 he is first mentioned in records 
of the colonial affairs. He is thought to have been 
24 



well educated. He was a land surveyor by profession, 
and by trade a tanner and currier. He built a house 
and established a tan-yard on the lot mentioned, and 
carried on the tanning business until the close of his 
life. His worth and ability were early appreciated 
by the Society of Friends, of which he was a consistent 
member. As early as 1682 he and another Friend 
were appointed to repair and build an addition to the 
meeting-house, so that it should be large enough to 
accommodate a Yearly Meeting. When Salem was 
incorporated, in 1695, he was chosen recorder. In 
laying out a public highway, in 1705, from Salem to 
Maurice River, he was one of the commissioners and 
surveyors, and he was likewise appointed, in 1709, to 
lay out a public highway from Salem to Greenwich, 
by way of Hancock's Bridge. In 1706 he had been 
a commissioner to lay out a road, beginning at what 
is now known as Yorke Street, and passing on into 
Elsinboro. He was also largely employed by private 
landholders in doing their surveying. After the death 
of Nevill and Tindall, James Logan, the principal 
agent of Penn's heirs, appointed Benjamin Acton to 
resurvey a tract of one thousand acres south of 
Gravelly Run, including the present site of Jericho. 
The order was given by the urgent request of Samuel 
Deeming, of Maryland, who had previously sold the 
tract to John Brick. In his report, rendered Sept. 18, 
1729, Benjamin Acton stated, "The land is now resur- 
veyed with the assistance of John Brick and his two 
sons," and that the work "proved more chargeable" 
than he expected. " Signed by me, Benjamin Acton, 
surveyor of Fenwick Colony and Salem Tenth." In 
his old age he built a residence on Fenwick Street, a 
brick structure with a " hip"-roof, still standing, 
owned by Joseph Test. 

In 1724, Benjamin Acton, Jr., built a house, much 
larger than his father's, on the same lot, which in the 
last generation was owned by the Gibbs family. It 
was remodeled by the late George Rumsey, but the 
old walls remain. In this house lived Benjamin 
Acton, Jr., who was a tanner by trade, occupying the 
yard devised to him by his father, and was succeeded 
in time by his son John. Samuel, a son of John, 
learned the tanner's trade with his father. For a 
time, in partnership with his brother Clement, he was 
a merchant in Salem, occupying the George W. Gar- 
rison store. After they decided to abandon trade, 
Samuel purchased the old Haddonfield tan-yards and 
removed thither, but he did not long survive. Richard 
M. Acton, now living, was another descendant of Ben- 
jamin Acton, who was a tanner in Salem. Clement, 
eldest son of Samuel Acton, born in 1796, learned the 
hatter's trade of Caleb Wood, of Salem, and followed 
the business for some time after he attained his ma- 
jority at the old David Smith shop on Market Street. 
He soon abandoned his trade and became a dealer in 
fur, and later had a lumber-yard and a steam saw- 
mill on Penn Street, near Fenwick Creek, which was 
burned. During this period he built a large brick 



370 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



store and dwelling on Market Street, on the site of 
the old John Denn mansion, which he removed, and, 
in company with Thomas Cattail, kept a hardware- 
store some years. Isaac Oakford Acton, second son 
of Samuel Acton, learned blacksmithing in Pennsyl- 
vania, and after he became of age established him- 
self as a blacksmith on Griffith Street, prospered, and 
later engaged in business as an iron merchant and 
founder. The names only of some descendants of 
Benjamin Acton who have been prominent in local 
history have been mentioned. Others have been 
scarcely less well known, and numerous others have 
been and are among the most respected citizens of the 
county. 

Robert Zane purchased of John Fen wick, in 1676, 
the twenty-acre lot adjoining the Acton lot. Robert 
Zane left Salem the following year and purchased a 
large tract of land in Newtown township, Gloucester 
Co. He married, in 1678, at Burlington, the daughter 
of an Indian chief. Tradition says they lived very 
happily together and had several children. His son 
Robert became the owner of his father's lot in Salem. 
The old mansion still exists as a monument of ancient 
times. It was built of logs, with a Mansard roof, and 
stands near the corner of Yorke and Keasbey Streets. 
Lewis Goodwin married Rebecca, the granddaughter 
of Robert Zane, Jr. She inherited the lot in Salem. 
Lewis and his wife had two children, John and Susan 
Goodwin. John Goodwin became the owner of the 
Zane lot. He sold it about 1804. A representative 
of this family removed to Ohio and became the 
founder of the flourishing city of Zanesville, in that 
State. 

On the King's Highway, leading from Salem to Co- 
hausey, the celebrated Thomas Killingsworth owned 
about fifty acres, cornering on East Broadway and 
Yorke Street. This man was in some senses so re- 
markable as to require more than a passing mention. 
According to such meagre accounts of him as have 
been handed down to the present generation, he ap- 
pears to have been a scholar of more than ordinary 
attainments for that time, and a man in whose good 
judgment and integrity the first immigrants to this 
section had the most implicit confidence. He ap- 
pears to have been well versed alike in theology and 
English law. A Baptist preacher of much power and 
influence, he was instrumental in organizing the first 
Baptist Society in Salem, in which he was aided by 
Obadiah Holmes, and it is a remarkable fact that 
these two were also the judges of the first courts or- 
ganized at Salem, in 1703, soon after East and West 
Jersey were united under one government. Mr. Kil- 
lingsworth held this conspicuous position until 1706, 
when declining health led to his resignation, and he 
was succeeded by William Hall. He died in 1709, 
leaving no children. 

Adjoining Judge Killingsworth's land on the west 
was the purchase of Edward Keasbey, on which, in 
1725, he erected a brick dwelling which is still stand- 



ing. Edward was the first of the Keasbey family in 
this country. He was a young man when he came 
from England, about 1694. This family intermar- 
ried with others in the vicinity, notably the Quin- 
tons, Holmses, Bradways, and Gibbons, and subse- 
quent representatives were widely known and highly 
esteemed. About seventy years ago Delziu Keasbey 
was living in the old Keasbey mansion, and had a 
hatter's shop on Market Street. 

William Hancock, of Elsinboro, son of William 
Hancock, the emigrant, purchased a lot adjoining 
the Richard Johnson property, which he left to his 
son, Thomas Hancock. In 1770 the members of the 
Salem Monthly Meeting of Friends thought their 
house of worship in the graveyard too small, and 
purchased the property of Thomas Hancock, two 
years later building their present meeting-house 
thereon. Across East Broadway, at the corner of 
Walnut Street, stands an ancient brick house, in 
good condition, which was purchased by Dr. Samuel 
Dick considerably more than a hundred years ago. 

With several others, Richard Johnson came in the 
ship " Mary" from his native land, anchoring at El- 
sinboro, March 13, 1675. He was a native of Surrey, 
England, and a young man of marked ability, who 
later rendered great assistance to the Proprietor. 
After the incorporation of Salem he was one of the 
burgesses of that town, and he was also one of the 
judges of the Salem County courts, a justice of the 
Court of Quarter Sessions, and a member of the State 
Legislature of New Jersey. His place of residence was 
on East Broadway, on the site of the Rumsey block. 
His house was a brick one, with a " hip" -roof. Wil- 
liam Parrott bought this property about 1790, and 
soon afterward removed the ancient dwelling and 
erected in its stead a large two-story brick house. 
Richard Johnson was a large landholder in Salem and 
other portions of the county, owning five hundred 
acres south of Alloways Creek. His death occurred 
in January, 1719, when he was in his seventy-first 
year. 

A well-known descendant of Richard Johnson was 
Robert G. Johnson, who, in his old age, wrote a brief 
but valuable " Historical Account of the First Settle- 
ment of Salem, in West Jersey," which was published 
in 1839. He was a man of pleasing address, was one 
of the judges of the Salem courts for many years, a 
member of the State Legislature two or three times, 
and held other important offices. He died Oct. 3, 
1850, aged seventy-nine. His son, Robert Carney 
Johnson, was the first mayor of Salem. Thomas 
Johnson, who is thought to have been a cousin of 
Richard Johnson's, bought ten acres of land in 
Salem in 1686, and lived in the town. 

James Nevill came to this country as early as 1676 
from England, and became a leading man in the 
colony. He had been a weaver of Stepney, England. 
He was a married man when he arrived, but there re- 
mains no evidence that he had any children. He was 



CITY OF SALEM. 



371 



a man of much talent and some legal acquirements ! 
and abilities, was clerk of the Salem courts, and held | 
other positions of trust, and had the entire confidence | 
of William Penn. He purchased twenty-nine acres ! 
of land of the Proprietor, on a street that led from the ' 
King's Highway to the town wharf. On account of his 
business qualifications and unquestioned integrity 
Nevill was chosen by Penn as the latter's agent after 
he had purchased John Fenwick's right to the unsold 
land in the Fenwick tenth in 1682. 

Thomas Kent was quite a distinguished man in his 
time. He purchased ten acres of land at the corner 
of Kent and Nevill Streets in 1685, and by subsequent 
purchases became a somewhat extensive land-owner 
in the county. 

William Wilkinson was an early comer. In 1685 
he purchased ten acres of land in Salem, and built a 
house thereon, subsequently becoming a large land- 
owner in the count}^ Richard Penn sold one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land within the precincts of 
Salem to one of Wilkinson's sons. The family of 
Wilkinson was well known in Salem for two or three 
generations, though there are few, if any, in the 
county bearing the name at this time who are de- 
scendants of William Wilkinson. 

Nicholas Gibbon, son of Arthur Gibbon, was born 
in England, and came early to Cumberland County. 
Thence he removed to Salem, having married the 
widow of Samuel F. Hedge, and daughter of Alexan- 
der Grant. They lived in the old Grant house on 
Market Street, and he became a merchant, and was 
collector of the port, surrogate of Salem County, and 
a colonel of militia, in command of the militia of the 
lower counties. He died in 1758, his wife in 1760. 
Grant Gibbon, their second son, was born Nov. 28, 
1734, and was collector of the port after his father's 
death, and held the offices of surrogate, judge, and 
justice of the peace. He was also a merchant, and a 
man of culture and prepossessing manners. He was 
a warm patriot. Oct. 13, 1774, while the Bostonians 
were suffering from the oppression of Gen. Gage, at a 
" meeting of the inhabitants of Salem town and 
county," it was "Resolved, That Grant Gibbon, Esq., 
who is known to be one of the most popular and effi- 
cient men in the county, and a patriot in whom the 
public have unbounded confidence, be the man who 
shall take the burthen and trouble in soliciting from 
our people." He succeeded in collecting about seven 
hundred dollars, a large sum at that time, which was 
sent for the relief of the distressed of that city. He 
died in June, 1776, about one week before the Decla- 
ration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. 

Among the patriotic men of the last century who 
took an active part in the troublous scenes of the 
Revolution was Dr. Samuel Dick, of Salem. He was 
of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Maryland in 
1740. He was highly educated, being especially pro- 
ficient in languages, and was graduated from one of 
the medical institutions of Scotland. He served in 



Canada as assistant surgeon in the colonial army in 
the French war, and was present at the surrender of 
Quebec in 1760. In 1770, with his mother, he came 
to Salem, and purchased property at the corner of 
East Broadway and Walnut Streets, where he died, 
and some of his descendants are living. In 1773 he 
married Sarah, daughter of Judge Andrew Sinnick- 
son, of Penn's Neck. In 1776 he was a member of 
the Provincial Congress of New Jersey, and one of 
the committee of five appointed to draw up a Con- 
stitution of that State, and by that Congress he was 
given a commission as colonel of militia, and as such 
he served zealously during the long struggle which 
followed. He was surrogate of Salem County, 1780- 
1801. He was elected to Congress in 1783, and served 
through 1785, having been a member of the Congress 
of 1784, by which the treaty was ratified by which 
Great Britain acknowledged American independence, 
and was on a committee, with Jefferson, Blanchard, 
Gerry, Sherman, De Witt, Hand, Stone, Williamson, 
and Read, appointed to examine into the workings 
of the Treasury Department, and report such changes 
in its organization as they might deem advisable. He 
has been described as " a man of brilliant talents and 
great acquirements, refined taste and polished man- 
ners, a skillful surveyor and physician, a profound 
scholar, a discerning politician and zealous patriot." 
He died in 1812. 

Thomas, the oldest son of Andrew Sinnickson (3d), 
was a merchant during the earlier years of his man- 
hood, on the site of the drug-store of Eakin & Bal- 
linger, on Broadway, at the head of Market Street, 
and resided in Salem the greater part of his life. He 
took an active part in the Revolutionary war, and 
commanded a company iu the Continental army. On 
account of his writings and his bitter opposition to 
British tyranny he was outlawed by Lord Howe, and 
a heavy reward was offered for him, dead or alive. 
At the organization of the government he warmly 
espoused the views of the ill-fated Hamilton, and 
became the recognized leader of the Federal party in 
this section during the administrations of Washington 
and the elder Adams. He frequently represented the 
county in the State Legislature, and was a member 
of the first United States Congress, which met in 
New York, and later a member of Congress (1796-98). 
He also served as judge, justice of the peace, and 
county treasurer. 

William, youngest son of William Tyler (2d), was 
born in 1723. When between seventeen and eighteen 
years of age he apprenticed himself for four years 
to Benjamin Acton, of Salem, to learn the tanner 
and currier's trade. Soon after the expiration of his 
apprenticeship he sold property he had inherited 
from his father in Lower Alloways Creek, and bought 
of Rebecca Edgil, of Philadelphia, property in Salem 
with a house thereon, which in the deed, dated 1746, 
is designated as " a new brick house," rendering it at 
least one hundred and thirty-six years old at this 



3T2 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



time, which is now the property of William David- 
son. Here he carried ou the tanning business. His 
descendants have been well known in Salem to the 
present day, and some of them have been identified 
almost constantly with the tanning and leather in- 
terests there and elsewhere. 

Richard Whitacar was one of Fenwick's Council 
of Proprietors to govern West Jersey, 1676-1702, and 
resided in Salem most of the time until 1690, when he 
removed to what is now Cumberland County. 

Ricliard Woodnutt came from England about 1690, 
and located in Philadelphia. In 1695 he came to 
Salem. He was a bricklayer, and a member of the 
Society of Friends. About 1696 he came into pos- 
session of a portion of John Pledger's allotment in 
Mannington, by marriage or purchase, and removed 
thither. His descendants have for successive gener- 
ations been well known in Salem County. 

The Yorkes of Salem are descended from an an- 
cient and important English family. Andrew, the 
second son of Thomas and Margaret Robeson Yorke, 
was born in Philadelphia in 1742, and came to Salem 
in 1773, and lived and kept store in the old building 
yet standing at the corner of York and Magnolia 
Streets. He was an ardent patriot, and served during 
the Revolution as aid to Gen. Newcomb. 

Thomas Woodruff bought ten acres in Salem in 
1684, and is supposed to have built a house upon his 
lot and lived in the town during the remainder of his 
days. Joseph Woodrufi", brother of Thomas, bought 
another ten-acre lot in Salem, and lived thereon for 
some years. 

June 13, 1685, Roger Smith bought of the execu- 
tors of John Fenwick a building lot of ten acres in 
Salem, and soon became the owner of considerable 
land south of Alloways Creek, in what is now Quin- 
ton township. His great-grandson, Capt. William 
Smith, quite distinguished himself in the engagement 
at Quinton's Bridge in 1778. His descendants are 
quite numerous at this time in the lower part of Salem 
County. 

Tobias Quinton purchased a building lot in Salem, 
but, like other early comers, did not long remain in 
the town. 

James Rolfe, it is generally thought, first settled in 
East Jersey. He came to Salem about 1700, and was 
a man of considerable means. He purchased a lot on 
the west side of Market Street, and built thereon a 
two-story brick house with a Mansard roof, which was 
standing in 1820, and was used as a pottery after it 
ceased to do service as a dwelling. He died in Salem 
in 1732. Thomas Clement, his grandson, was for a 
time a merchant on Market Street, Salem, in a build- 
ing afterwards occupied by his youngest son, Samuel, 
who was for many years in partnership with Gideon 
Scull, Jr., and who was known extensively as " Hon- 
est Samuel Clement." Thomas Clement lived to an 
advanced age. He has well-known descendants liv- 
ing in Salem and elsewhere in the county, members 



of his family having intermarried with other repu- 
table families of Salem and vicinity. 

William GriSith purchased a ten-acre lot on Mar- 
ket Street, on which he built a house, residing there, 
it is thought, until the close of his life. During his 
time a street was opened from Market Street to Salem 
Creek, running parallel with Broadway, which was 
named in his honor. He is thought to have been the 
son of the captain of the " Griffith," and was a man 
of ability and discretion, and was intrusted with im- 
portant public concerns, becoming the first sheriff of 
Salem County after East and West Jersey were 
united. 

Alexander Grant arrived in Salem about 1700, pur- 
chased a lot adjoining the Edward Wade lot, on Mar- 
ket Street, and erected a brick dwelling, which is still 
in a state of good preservation. With John, Ralph, 
and Nathaniel Bradin, of Salem, and John Vining, of 
Mannington, Alexander Grant was instrumental in 
organizing the Episcopal Church in Salem. 

Near the foot of Broadway a street was laid out and 
opened by the Proprietors' direction, ninety feet wide. 
John Worledge, the eminent deputy surveyor, pur- 
chased, on the southwest side of this street, a lot 
in 1691, on which, the next year, he built a plain 
brick dwelling, which stood until a little more than 
two years ago. 

John Lawson, the ancestor of Mayor Charles S. 
Lawson and others of the name in Salem, was born 
in Liverpool, England, of Quaker parentage, in 1756, 
became a cooper, came to America and located in 
Salem, and, with William Perry, was engaged in the 
prosecution of his trade until the outbreak of the 
Revolutionary war, when, casting aside the prejudices 
of his sect, he entered Capt. Helm's company of the 
First New Jersey Battalion. The present mayor of 
Salem is his descendant. 

There was a large ancient brick building standing 
on Yorke Street, near the line of Salem and Elsinboro. 
It is not known when it was erected. The owner was 
Erasmus Fetters, a tanner, and a member of the So- 
ciety of Friends. 

The following are the names of families and indi- 
viduals prominent in Salem from 1800 to 1830. Many 
of them are the names of well-known citizens at this 
time : 

Acton, Allen, Austin, Archer, Ayres, Aertsen, An- 
drews, Bradway, Bailey, Burroughs, Bavis, Bartram, 
Baker, Bond, Bright, Busley, Cattell, Clement, Coron, 
Collins, Coffee, Cooper, Craven, Cloud, Challis, Camp, 
Counsellor, Dick, Dare, Dunn, Dayton, Dennis, Dur- 
ling, Daniels, Durell, Dickey, Ellett, Elwell, Firth, 
Fowler, Fleming, Fithian, Freas, Fox, Garrison, 
Griscom, Groff, Gilmore, Gibbon, Guestner, Githens, 
Glanding, Hufty, Harrison, Hill, Hutchinson, Hall, 
Holmes, Harvey, Hackett, Hazlehursi, Jones, Jacobs, 
James, Jeffries, Ivins, Keasbey, Kean, Kiger, Kirby, 
Kitts, Kinsey, Kelly, Kirk, Loomis, Lawrence, Logue, 
Lawson, Lippincott, Mulford, Mason, McDonnel, 



CITY OF SALEM. 



373 



Mairs, Mankins, Madara, Newell, Norton, Nicliolsou, 
Nichols, Orton, Overman, Parrott, Peterson, Patter- 
son, Ploughman, Prior, Pyle, Kobinson, Rednold, 
Kiley, Eumse.v, Rowan, Reynolds, Ridgway, Smith, 
Shourds, Sinnickson, Scull, Sherron, Simpson, Smart, 
Sheppard, Sheldon, Sutton, Scott, Sharp, Swing, Siek- 
ler, Shinn, Sterret, Tyler, Teel, Truss, Thompson, 
Tuft, Trask, Tindall, Van Meter, Vanhorn, Walton, 
Wood, Wright, Williams, Yorke, and Young. 

A grant was made by the executors of John Fen- 
wick, William Penn, Samuel Hedge, and Richard 
Tindall to George Hazelwood, Thomas Woodruff, and 
Richard Johnson, three freeholders of the town of 
Salem, in trust, upon the conditions that such free- 
holders as purchased property in " the town mark" 
should bind themselves to make an embankment, be- 
ginning at the town landing, afterwards called the old 
wharf, and running to "fast land" on the Windham 
or Holmes Dallas farm, and erect two wharves, — one 
at the foot of Broadway, called " the town landing," 
to be made so complete that boats could come to and 
load at low-water mark ; the other on the Penn's Neck 
side of the creek, opposite the foot of Broadway, for 
the accommodation of the inhabitants of Penn's Neck 
in their business intercourse with Salem. These con- 
ditions were accepted by twenty-three freeholders, 
owners of the marsh, who entered upon the work, and 
by assessment levied upon marsh-land owners erected 
a " tide-bank," and shut off the water from the low 
ground, and built the two wharves as required. This 
charter was made in perpetuity to the three freehold- 
ers named as trustees and their successors, and was 
dated Dec. 24, 1688. The wharf at the foot of Broad- 
way was of great benefit to the commercial ancestors 
of some of the present residents of Salem, who ex- 
ported the productions of the county to the island of 
Barbadoes, to New York, and to Boston for some 
years, until Philadelphia became the rival of Salem, 
when the foreign trade of the latter place began grad- 
ually to diminish. On the decline of the export trade, 
that part of the landing at the foot of Broadway not 
occupied as the wharf of the present day was appro- 
priated as a market ground, and during one period 
fairs were held on it twice a year. It was also used in 
storing materials for vessels, which for many years 
after settlement begun were constructed there. Later 
some of this property passed into individual possession, 
and became the locale of enterprises known in the 
history of modern Salem. 

Organization and Incorporation. — The town of 
Salem was incorporated in 1695. The act under 
which it was organized created the office of burgess. 
The burgess was invested with authority to hear and 
determine all civil cases where the sum claimed was 
under forty shillings, to grant and revoke tavern 
licenses at his pleasure, and to punish all persons 
who might be convicted before him of rudeness, pro- 
fanity, and vicious praciices. 

Early Officers. — The first officers chosen under 



the act creating the town of Salem were the follow- 
ing, elected in March, 1695 : John Worledge, bur- 
gess; Benjamin Acton, recorder; John Jeffry, bailiff; 
Richard Johnson, surveyor of streets, bridges, and 
banks. 

The office of burgess was perpetuated until 1703. 
The successive incumbents were John Worledge, 
Jonathan Bure, William Hall, Richard Johnson, 
and Thomas Killingsworth. Justices of the peace 
during this period were Jonathan Bure, Richard 
Darking, Obadiah Holmes, Ryneer Van Hyst, John 
Holmes, William Rumsey, John Bacon, and Thomas 
Woodruff. 

All freeholders were required to be punctual in at- 
tendance at all meetings of the town officers, and ab- 
sentees were fined from ten pence to five shillings 
each, according to the frequency of their non-attend- 
ance and the urgency of their cause for the same. 

The large proportion of Quaker inhabitants and 
office-holders rendered it necessary that some of the 
latter should have a substitute for the ordinary oath 
of office administered to such officers elect as were 
not troubled with conscientious scruples against 
being sworn, and the class availed themselves of the 
" act to qualify officers who are not free to take an 
oath" by signing the following dechiration of fidelity 
and faith : 

" By Tirtue and in obedieDCe to the said act of Assemblj', we, whose 
uames are subscribed, do sincerely promise and solemnly declare that 
we will be true and faithful to William, King of Kngland, and the gov- 
ernment of this province of West Jersey. And we do solemnly profess 
and declare that we do from our hearts abhor, detest, and renounce as 
impious and heretical that damnable doctrine that princes excommnni- 
cated or deprived by the Pope or any authority of the See of Rome may 
be deposed or murthered by their subjects, or any other wliatsoever ; 
and we do declare that no foreign prince, prelate, state, or potentate 
hath or ought to have any power, jurisdiction, superiority, pre-eminence, 
or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual, within this realm. 

" We profess iaith in God, the Father, and in Jesus Christ, his eternal 
Son, the true God, and in the Holy Spirit, one God blessed forevermore. 
And we do ackuowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- 
ments to be given by divine inspiration." 

This act was passed May 12, 1696. The following 
officers of the town of Salem subscribed to the faith 
or creed contained therein between 1697 and 1706 : 
Jonathan Bure, Richard Darking, Obadiah Holmes, 
Ryneer Van Hyst, John Holmes, William Rumsey, 
John Bacon, and Thomas Woodrufi", justices; Wil- 
liam Hall, Jonathan Bure, Richard Johnson, Jept. 
Woodruff, Samuel Hedge, Jr., and Thomas Killings- 
worth, burgesses ; William Hall and Samuel Hedge, 
recorders; Hugh Middleton, sheriff; and Samuel 
Hedge, clerk and coroner. 

After a period of organization somewhat similar to 
the borough organization of a later day, Salem be- 
came a township, bounded by the limits of the present 
city. It was organized as a township, and until 1858 
its affairs were conducted precisely as those of the 
other townships of the county were conducted. Dili- 
gent search among the archives stored in the office of 
the city recorder and elsewhere has failed to reveal 
any traces of Salem's records during this long and 



374 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



interesting period of its history, though the discovery 
of some accounts of the results of some of the later 
annual township elections in some old newspaper 
iiles in the county clerk's office enables the writer to 
present the following fragment of a civil list : 

Chosen Freeholders. — Joshua J. Thompson, 1848, 
1852; Charles P. Smith, 18-18; Samuel Garrison, 
1849-51 ; Joseph Kille, 1849-51 ; Thomas B. Stow, 
1852-53 ; R. C. Ballinger, 1853-55 ; William Bassett, 
1854; Francis Hand, 1855-56 ; Samuel Habermeyer, 
1856-57 ; Morris H. Bassett, 1857. 

Clerk. -Jacob P. Nicholson, 1850-57. 

Commissioners of Appeal.— Thomas Woodforth, 
1850-51; Christian F. Brown, 1850-51; William B. 
Stretch, 1850; Jacob W. Mulford, 1851-52; Henry 
Freas, 1852-56 ; George M. Ward, 1852-54 ; T. W. 
Cattell, 1853-56 ; Thomas Sinnickson, 1855-56 ; John 
W. Maskell, 1857; Moses Richman, 1857; Quinton 
Keasbey, 1857. 

Assessors.— Charles Bilderback, 1850; T. V. F. 
Rusling, 1851-52; John N. Cooper, 1853; A. J. 
Fegenbush, 1854-57. 

Collectors.— John D. Willis, 1850 ; John T. Hamp- 
ton, 1851-52; David Sparks, 1858-54; Jacob M. Lip- 
pincott, 1855-56 ; William Morrison, 1857. 

Township Committeemen. — Franklin Hand, 1850 ; 
James W. Mecum, 1850; Isaac Z. Peterson, 1850; 
John Williams, Sr., 1850 ; Joshua W. Thompson, 
1850; William L. Cleaver, 1851-52; W. C. Cooper, 
1851; Samuel Prior, 1851-52; D. W. C. Clement, 
1851-52, 1855 ; John Lawson, 1851-52 ; J. C. Ballin- 
ger, 1852; Benjamin Lippincott, 1853-57; John W. 
Challis, 1853-54; Samuel Ward, 1853-54; Edward 
P. Cooper, 1853; S. H. Clement, 1853-54; Joseph 
Pettit, 1854, 1856-57 ; Samuel Dilmore, 1855 ; Thomas 
B. Stow, 1855 ; John W. Maskell, 1856-57 ; Samuel 
Garrison, 1856 ; Christian Brown, 1856 ; Francis 
Hand, 1857 ; John B. Heishon, 1857. 

Overseers of the Poor. — George Bowen, 1850-51 ; 
John McDonnol, 1850-57; Morris Hall, 1852-53; 
Thomas Dunn, 1854-57. 

Surveyors of Highways. — Joshua J. Thompson, 
1850 ; Edward A. Van Meter, 1850-51 ; Adam Sickler, 
1851-57 ; H. Smith Bright, 1852-53 ; John H. Cogill, 
1854-56 ; John Lawson, Sr., 1857 ; Enoch C. Mulford, 
1857. 

Overseers of the Highways. — Edward Orr, 1850, 
1852-55 ; William McConner, 1850 ; Adam H. Sickler, 
1852; H. Smith Bright, 1852; William H. Vining, 
1852; Gabriel P. Kirk, 1853-54; Samuel Benner, 
1855-57 ; Jacob Keen, 1856 ; Elijah Simpkins, 1856 
-57. 

Pound-Keepers. — John Harvey, 1850 ; John Car- 
penter, 1852; William H. Nelson, 1853; Jonathan 
Butcher, 1854-56 ; Daniel Brown, 1856 ; Elijah Simp- 
kins, 1857 ; Henry Friant, 1857. 

School Trustees.— Richard C. Ballinger, 1850-52 ; 
Samuel Copner, 1850-52; Richard M. Acton, 1850, 
1853, 1855 ; J. T. Sharp, 1850-51 ; Thomas Woods- 



worth, 1850, 1853; Isaac Z. Peterson, 1850-53, 1856; 
James M. Hannah, 1851-52, 1854-55 ; Charles W. 

j Roberts, 1852; Elijah W, Dunn, 1854; John G. 
Thackray, 1854; Samuel Habermeyer, 1855, 1857; 
William B. Robertson, 1856 ; Moses Richman, 1857. 
School Superintendents. — Thomas Maylin, 1850 ; 

j William B. Otis, 1852-55; Rev. A. B. Patterson, 

i 1856 ; Daniel Stratton, 1857. 

I Judges of Election.— Adam H. Sickler, 1850; 

I Jacob W. Mulford, 1851 ; Joshua Jeffries, 1852 ; John 

j P. McCune, 1853-56; Thomas E. Mulford, 1857. 

Constables. — Job S. Dixon, 1850; Peter Barnard, 
1851 ; Francis Sickler, 1851-55; Samuel Ware, 1852- 
54, 1856-57; William T. Smart, 1855; Samuel Dil- 
more, 1856-57. 

Incorporation of Salem City. — As early as 1851 
the advi.sability of securing the incorporation of 
Salem was conceded, and in November that year 
the following notice appeared in the town papers : 

"Notice is Iiereby given to the Legislature of New Jersej' tliat appli- 
cation will be made at its next session for the passage of an act to incor- 
porate the town of Salem into a city or borough, 

W. C. Walraven. R. P. Thompson. 

B.M. Sailer. A. Sinnickson. 

Franklin Lore, M. Van Meter. 

Tliomas Harley. J. M. Mulford. 

C. H. Plummer. J. H. Thompson. 
J. M. Eumsey. Samuel Copner. 
Charles Rumsey. Delany Pew. 
Jno. Bailey, Jr. A. J.* Fegenbush. 
B. Stackhouse. William H. Vining. 
William M. Roberts. J. D. Robinson. 

H. Sinnickson. William B. Miller. 

J. S. Blackwood. J. M. Lippincott. 

Jonathan P. Wilson. J. S. Hackett. 

William Acton. Edward A. Acton. 

J. Hackett, Jr. E. H. Robbins. 

John C. Belden, James Leonard. 

Joshua Jefferis. Edward Reynolds. 

I. G. Vinal. William S. Sharp. 

W. B. Robertson. R. B. Ware. 

J. R. Lippincott. T. Evans. 

B. F. Parsons. John A. Weiler. 
John C. Smith. John Walker. 

S. M. Stewart. Samuel Dilmore. 

Nathan D. Pew. John Bailey. 

R. Gwynne. N. B, McKenzie. 

D. McDaniel. 0. L. Jones. 
John Lawson. Josiah Thompson. 
David B. Reed. John M. Brown. 

E. S. Scudder. Jeremiah Tracy. 

C. H. Nicholson. Jacob Paulin. 
Charles C. Clark. John C. Cann. 

W. Thompson, Jr. Edward Van Meter. 

Thomas Bates. J. P. Nicholson. 

J. M. Carpenter. Amariah Foster. 

S. H. Flanagan. John L. Butler. 

Isaac Hackett. James Wilson. 

K. 0. Ballinger. S. H. Merritt. 

N. Humphreys. Thomas Lazilere. 

E. F. Bennett. Isaac Acton. 

James G. King. William Mankius. 

Robert Guestner. Adam Storms. 

S. H. Sherron. Allen W. Hawn. 

William L. Cleaver. J. T. Waddington. 

S. Habermeyer. Benjamin Acton, Jr. 

J. D. Willis. Charles W. Roberts. 

J. T. Hampton. John Cummiskey. 

John P. Bruua. Joseph Miller." 
J. M. Hannah. 



CITY OF SALEM. 



375 



No decisive action seems to have been taken for 
some years tiiereafter, but the question was agitated 
from time to time, until, in response to the expressed 
desire of many citizens, the tovfnship committee 
called a meeting to be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1858, 
for allowing the citizens a direct vote on the question 
of having the tovfn of Salem incorporated, said vote 
to be by ballot " for charter" or " no charter." The 
result of the balloting was a majority of eighty-eight 
votes " for charter," the whole number of votes cast 
having been four hundred and twenty-six. The " act 
to incorporate the city of Salem, N. J.," was approved 
Feb. 25, 1858. 

It provided " that all thi^t part of the county of 
Salem known as the township of Salem shall be, and 
is hereby, incorporated into a city, to be called the 
city of Salem." 

It also provided for the election of " one mayor, 
six councilmen, one recorder or clerk, one marshal, 
one or more assessors, one collector, who shall be ex 
officio city treasurer, two chosen freeholders, one 
school superintendent, two trustees of public schools, 
two overseers of the poor, two surveyors of the high- 
ways, three commissioners of appeal, one judge of 
election, and one or more pound-keepers. 

Amendments to this act were passed and approved 
March 18, 1859, March 22, 1860, March 28, 1866, 
March 7, 1867, April 1, 1868, March 1, 1871, and in 
1872. 

The amendment of 1860 established the office of 
street commissioners. The amendment of 1867 au- 
thorized the division of the city into wards, as 
follows : 

" That the city of Salem shall be divided into three wards, in the man- 
ner following, viz: — All that part of said city lying east of aline begin- 
ning at the city line in the middle of South Street, and following the 
middle of said street, by its varions courses, to the middle of Fenwick 
Street ; thence by the middle of Fenwick Street to the middle of Parrett 
Street, to its present terminus ; and thence continuing the last course of 
said street to the creek, constituting the northern boundary of said city, 
shall be the East Ward of said city. All that part of said city lying west 
of a line beginning at the city line, in the middle of a road, being the 
continuation of Oak Street, and following the middle of said road to Oak 
Street; thence by the middle of Oak Street to its terminus on Broad- 
way ; and thence by the last course of said Oak Street to the creek afore- 
said, shall be the West Ward of said city; and all that part of said city 
lying between the two above described lines shall be the Middle Ward of 
said city." 

The amendment of 1868 divided the city into two 
election precincts, and designated such officers as 
should be thereafter elected. Following is the text 
of Sections 1 and 2 : 

"1. Be ti enacted by the Senaie and General Assemhh of the State of New 
Jersey, That the city of Salem shall hereafter be divided into two pre- 
cincts, in the manner following, that is to say: All that part of the city 
of Salem lying and being on the southeast side of a certain line begin- 
ning at the creek in the centre of Market Street, and running thence 
along the centre of said street in the course thereof; thence between 
Belden's store and the Nelson House, in the line of division thereof, 
continuing on in a straight line to the limits of the said city, shall com- 
pose one precinct, which shall he known as' and called by the name of 
the East Precinct; and all that part of tie city of Salem lying and 
being on the northwesterly side of the sai'l certain line shall compose 
one precinct, which shall be known as and called by the name of the 



West Precinct; and the Common Council of said city shall have full 
power to fix and determine other precincts in said city, as the said 
Common Council may from time to time deem necessary. 

"2. And be it enacted. That there shall hereafter be elected in the said 
city, by the legal voters thereof throughout the whole city, one mayor, 
who shall be keeper of the city seal, and hold his office for three years, 
after the expiration of the term of the present mayor; three Common 
Councilmen, annually, each of whom shall hold his office for three 
years; one recorder or clerk, annually, and whose compensation shall 
be fixed and determined by Common Council ; one or more assessors, 
annually; . . . one collector, who shall be ex officio city treasurer ; three 
chosen freeholders, in, for, and throughout the said city ; one superin- 
tendent of public schools, annually, who shall hold their offices respect- 
ively for three years ; two overseers of the poor, annually ; two survey- 
ors of the highways, annually ; three commissioners of appeal, annually ; 
two pound-keepers, annually; two constables, annually." 

The amendment passed and approved March 1, 
1871, divided the city into two wards, called the 
" East and West Wards," doing away with the third 
or " Middle Ward," and authorized the election of 
specified ward officers in each. Sections 1 and 2 read 
as follows : 

" 1 . . . . All that part of said city lying east and southeast of a cer- 
tain line beginning at the city line in the middle of Market Street, at 
the bridge at the foot of said street, and following the line of the middle 
of said street to the middle of Broadway, thence down the middle of 
Broadway to the middle of Oak Street, thence by the middle of Oak 
Street, by its various courses, to the city line, shall be the East Ward of 
said city ; and all that part of said city lying northwest of the above- 
described lines shall be the West Ward of said city. 

" 2. And be it enacted. That the ward ofBcers shall be for each ward : 
four common councilmen, one assessor, who shall be one of the judges 
of the election ; one chosen freeholder, four trustees of public schools, 
one overseer of the poor, three commissioners of appeal in cases of tax- 
ation, two surveyors of the highways, one or more pound-keepers, one 
constable, one clerk, who shall be clerk of the election ; two justices of 
the peace, and one judge of the election." 

The amendments passed in 1859, 1860, 1866, and 
1872 are not of a nature to render them interesting 
historically. 

The first city election was held, pursuant to a pro- 
vision of the act incorporating the city, on Tuesday, 
March 9, 1818. The names of the officers elected 
will be found in the following civil list, which em- 
braces the names of most persons who have been 
honored with official preferment in Salem from 1858 
to 1882, inclusive : 

MAYOES. 

1870-72. Samuel D. Githen. 



1873-78, 1882. Charles S. Lawson. 
1879-81. Benjamin F. Wood. 



1858-60,1867-69. Robert C. John- 
son. 
1861-63. Henry Sinnickson. 
1864-67. Ebenezer Dunn. 

CITY COUNCILMEN. 
1858-59, 1862. James W. Mecnm. 1867. William Nicholson 
1868. Joseph H. Thompson. 1867, 1875. Charles H. Chew. 

1868, 1860, 1863, 1866, 1869. Sam- 1867. Casper W. Thompson, 
uel Habermeyer. 



1858, 1860. William J. Diamond. 
1858, 1873. Quinton Keasbey. 

1858. John W. Maskell. 

1859. Isaac Acton. 
1861. Ebenezer Dunn. 
1861. Moses Richman. 
1862, 1869. Richard Grier. 

1863. 1866, 1870. Francis Hand. 
1863. George B. Robertson. 

1864.1867. William Patterson. 
1861. John Ramsey. 

1865. Thomas Sinnickson, Jr. 
1865. De Witt C. Clement. 



1867, 1872. Jacob M. Mitchell. 

1868. Isaac Horner. 

1868, 1870. Joseph B. Thompson. 

1868. Charles C. Pierce. 

1869, 1882. Benjamin F. Wood. 

1870. Simon B. Smith. 

1871. 1873, 1876, 1877, 1881. C. M. 
Eakin. 

1871, 1872, 1874. Robert Stretch. 
1872, 1S74. Owen L. Jones. 

1872. John C. Mulford. 

1873. Richard Robinson. 

1873. Joseph D. Farrell. 

1874. George Diamond. 



376 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



1874. Bicliard P. Hiles. 

1875. Williaui Plummer. 

1875. Ebenezer Smith. 

1876. K. T. Starr. 

1876, 187S, 1880. Morris J. Robin- 
son. 
187l>, Samuel Scott. 
1870. C. F. Lippincolt. 
1877, 1881. William H. Lawson. 

1877. Richard Wistar, Sr. 
1877, 1879. Franlt M, Acton. 



1878. Samuel Ward. 

1878, 1880. Samuel Garrison. 
1878, 1880. Mason M. Bennett. 

1879. E. V, Anderson. 
1S79. William H. Stow. 

1879. W. Eldridge, .Ir. 

1880. John P. Flyiin. 

1881. 1882. Frederick W. Smith. 

1881. J. C. Belden, Jr. 

1882. John Perriue. 
1882. Charles W. Casper. 



CITY MARSHALS, 
1858,1859. Benjamin F, Haynes. 
1860, 1861. William H. Wood. 

1862. Peter Breece. 

1863. Ephraim J. Lloyd. 



1865, 1867. John S. McCune. 
1866. Thomas Brown. 
1868. Peter Barnart. 



SCnOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 



1858-59. Eev. Daniel Stralton. 
1860-62, 1805-60. Rev. Thomas F. 

Billopp. 
1863-64, 1867-70. Rev. J. E. Mur- 

phy. 



1871-75. Theoph. Patterson, M.D. 
1876-82. George W. Timlow. 
1882. Rev. H. A. Griesemer. 



SCHOOL TRUSTEES. 



1858, 1861, 1SC3, 1872. Puchard M. 
.^cton. 

1858, 1861, 1803, 1807, 1869, 1872. 
James M. Hannah. 

1859. William B. Robertson. 
1859. Dr. Quinton Gibbon. 
1862. Thomas V. F, Eusling. 
1862, Joshua Jeffreys. 

1863-64, 1867. Thomas Sinnicksou, 
Jr. 

1864, 1868, 1871. William L. Tyler. 

1S65, 1808, 1876. Thomas B. Stow. 

1865. John G. Tbackray. 

1865-66. Elijah W. Dunn. 

1867, 1870, 1873. William Plum- 
mer. 

1867. Joseph H. Thompson. 

1867, 1870. Charles C. Pierce. 

1868. 0. H. Sinnickson. 

1869, 1872. Ephraim J. Lloyd. 
"1869, 1872. Samuel D. Githens. 

1870. John Hill. 

1871-72. Alpheus Bilderback. 
1872,1874. Robert Gwynne. 



1873, 1875. Joseph li. Heishon. 
1873, 1875, 1878. James D. Smith. 
1873. Lott R. Powers. 

1873, 1877-78, 1880, 1882. William 
G. Tyler. 

1878. Richard P. Hiles. 

1874. George A. Rumsey. 
1874, 1877, George A. Githens. 

1874. 1876. William Pierpont. 
1875, 1877. Richard Grier. 

1875. C. W. Casper. 

1870. 1879. C. W. Thompson. 
1877. Caleb Wheeler. 

1876. J. M. Lippincott. 

1878. 1880. 1882. Joseph E, Biddle. 

1879, 1881. 0, L. Jones. 

1879. 1881. J. B. Grier. 
1879 Sheppard Harris, 
1879. J. A. Crist, 

1879, G, M. Diamond, 

1880, 1882, Henry J, Freas, 
1880-81, Adam C. Knight. 

1881, Charles Casperson. 



COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL. 



1858. Henry D. Hall. 

1858, 1861-62. Moses Eicbman. 

1859, 1867. Joseph D. Test. 
1859. Calvin Beldeu. 
1869. Harrison Wright. 
1861-62. John Lawson. 
1861-62. Joseph D. Robinson, 
1864-05, Joslina Thompson. 
1864. William H. Nelson. 
1864-68. Samuel D. Githens. 
1866-72, 1876-76. R..bert Grier. 

1866, 1868, 1871. Charles C. Clark. 
1867, 1879. Dr. Quinton Gibbon. 

1867. Robert Gwynne. 
1867. Joseph R, Lippincott, 

1867. Morris Hall. 
1867-68. Samuel Dilmore, 
1866, 1877, John S, McCune. 
1868-70. CousUnt M. Eakin. 

1868. John G. Thackray, 
1868. John Lawson. 
1868. Nehemiab Dunn. 
1868. Reuben Freas. 
1869-72. Alpheus Bilderback. 



1871. Jacob M. Lippincott. 
1S71-73. Jacob M. Mitchell. 
1871-72. David Bassett. 

1872. David Carll. 

1872. William Plummer. 

1873, Richard Wistar, 
1873-74, 1876. John C. Dunn. 
1873, 1S77-82. Samuel Prior, 

1873, Francis Hand. 

1874. Smith Bilderback. 
1874. George Dare. 
1874. Walter W. Acton, 
1874, William Lawrence. 

1874. Isaac B. Lawrence, 

1875. Joseph B, Thompson. 
1875. John Lambert. 
1875-76. David Bassett. 
1875-76. John T. Hampton. 

1875. Ellis B. Jordan. 
1876-78, 1882. E, D, Redatrake, 

1876. James H. Green. 
1877-82, Jonathan B, Grier, 

1877. John Wistar. 
1877-78. Henry F. Sickler. 



1878-82. Richard Robinson. 
1878-80. John Perrine. 
1879, S, P. Carpenter. 
1879-81. John E, Thompson. 



1880-81. Robert K. Jaquett. 

1881. Dallas E, Sinnickson, 

1882, Cliarles Sharp, 
1882. M, K, MoConner, 



JUDGES OF ELECTION. 



1858, 
18.59, 
1801- 
1809- 
1869, 
1870- 
1871, 
1872- 
1872, 
1873, 
1874. 



Thomas E. Mnlford. 

Thomas V, F, Rusllng, 
■66, John P. McCune. 
■70. John Eumsey. 

Joseph B, Thompson. 
■71. Thomas Brown. 

John Lambert. 
76, William R, Matlack. 

Samuel Garrison. 

Edward Calhoun. 

Francis Hand. 



1875. Amnon Wright, 
1870-78, 1882 Ellis E, Jordan, 
1870, Simon B, Smith. 
1877-82. John C. Coate. 
1879-80. C. Hancock. 
1880. Richard M, Davis. 

1880, Alpheus Bilderback. 
1881-82. Isaac Z. C. Gosling. 

1881, David Carney, 

1881, James H, Simpkins, 

1882, Isaac Allen. 



CHOSEN FEEEHOLDERS. 



1858. William H. Nelson. 
1868-59, 1868. Richard M. Acton, 
1859,1804-67, Henry Sinnickson, 
1862. Smith Sickler. 
1862. Benjamin Lippincott, 
1804-66, William A. Casper. 
1867-70. Smith Bilderback. 

1867, Samuel Prior, 

1868, Charles S. Lawson. 

1869, Charles W. Casper. 



1869-70. Joseph B, Heishon, 
1870-71, John T, Hampton. 
1872-73, John Hires. 
1874-75. John T, Garwood. 
1876-77, Francis Hand, 
1878-80. Eichard T. Starr. 
1879, Isaac B. Lawson . 
1881-82. Benjamin B. Westcott. 
1882. John P. Flynu, 



CITY COLLECTOES AND TREASURERS, 



1868, William Morrison. 
1869-60, Charles S, Lawson. 
1861-62. Francis Hand, 
1863-64, John T, Hampton. 
1805, Henry Young, 
1866-67, Joseph B. Heishon, 
1868-69, W, E, Casperson, 



1870-71, Charles W, Casper, 
1872-73. Charles F. Lippincott. 
1874-75. William H, Lawson. 
1876-77, Isaac B. Lawrence, 
1878-79, John T, Garwood, 
1880-81, Frank M, Acton. 
1882. Eobert Gwynne. 



POUND-KEEPERS. 



1858, Daniel Dixon, 


1871, 


1858-59, Thomas Gaekill, 


1873- 


1858-59, Elijah Simpkins. 


1873- 


1862-04, 1867-70, Charles Daniels, 


1875- 


1862-63, Isaac Walters, 


1876- 


1864-66, 1869-70, Peter Stepler. 


1878, 


1866-66. Henry Friant. 


1879, 


1867. John E, Stanger, 


1880, 


1867, 1871-72, Eichard T. Barnart. 


1881, 


1868. Daniel Sullivan. 


1882, 


1868, 1872. William Barnart, 


1882. 


SURVEYORS < 


W HI 


1868, 1861-63, 1871-73, 1876, Adam 


1871. 


H, Sickler. 


1872. 


1858-59, Thomas T. Hilliard. 


1872, 


1859. Joshua Reeves, Sr. 


1873- 


1861-63, 1868. John Ramsey. 


1873, 


1864. Henry Young. 


1874, 


1864. Charles W. Hall. 


1874. 


1865-66. Samuel L. Bell. 


1875- 


1866-66, Smiti? Bilderback. 


1876. 


1867, Hiram Harris, 


1875. 


1867-68, Thomas Glynn, 


1876, 


1867. W. H. Lawson. 


1876, 


1867, 1873-74, John Perrine, 


1877- 


1867, 1872. John E, Tliompson, 


1876, 


1867, 1869-70. M. K, McCooner. 


1870, 


1868. Jonah Smith. 


1879. 


1868. Samuel Garrison. \ 


1881. 


1868-70, 1878, 1882. John Hogan. 


1880, 


1868,1871. William Straughn. 


1880. 


1871. George Kirk. 


1882. 



Amnon Wright. 
■74. Henry Heinson. 
■74. William H. Lasher. 
■78,1880-81. Samuels. Miller. 
■77. David Stratton. 

James Riordan. 

William II. Sheppard. 

Joseph Wright. 

Andrew Hill. 

Charles Cato. 

Thoma-s Hamilton. 



, John Paully. 

David R. Hires. 

Samuel P. Carpenter. 
-74. Joseph D. Test. 

William Piorpont. 
, 1876. Barclay Smith. 
, Charles L Pieipont. 
-76. Thomas Yonker. 
. C. W. Thompson. 

George Dare. 
. Joseph Loveland. 
, 1878-80. J. H. Simpkins. 
-7S. Benjamin H. Dilmore. 
, 1878-82. Samuel S. Miller. 
, 1881. Joseph Wright. 
. Joseph Fox. 
, Elwood Griscom. 
, 1882. Richard Waddington. 

Joseph Fox. 
, James Burgess. 



Cn;Y SOLICITORS. 
1867. Daniel P. Stratton. | 1870. Harvey L. Slape. 

1868-Gy. Edward Van Meter. , I 



CITY OF SALEM. 



377 



1868-69. Jacob M. Lippincott. 
1870-71. William E. Casperson. 
1871-72. Tbomas V. F. Kualiug. 

1872. W. H. Laweon. 
1873-76. Ephraim J. Lloyd. 

1873. Henry Sinnickson. 



ASSESSORS. 

1874-77. Jacob M. Mitchell. 
1877. W. B. Robertson. 
1878-79, 1882. D. B. Hancock. 
1878-81. D. B. StrattoD. 
1880-81. George A. Gaither 
1882. Daniel Whitney. 



WARD CLERKS. 



1867. William P. Chattiu. 

1867. William H. Pierce. 
1867-68. Clinton Bowen. 
1868, 1878. George W. Brown. 

1868. Henry J. Freas. 
1869-71. James Lindsey. 
1869-71. John Hill. 

1872. Charles Lambfert. 
1872-73. Henry J. Hall. 

1873. John C. Mnlford. 
1874-75. John C. Coote. 

1874. Charles K. Mitchell. 

1875. William P. Robinson. 



1875-76. Joseph M. Bacon. 
1876-77. Biddle Hiles. 

1877. Joshua H. Pierpont. 

1878. D. Harris Smith. 
1S79. William Penton. 
1879-81. Barclay Smith. 
1880-82. Oliver P. Darlington. 
1880-81. Albert Jamison. 
18S0. William Lanner. 

1881. Joseph Powers. 

1882. John Counsellor. 
1882. John W. Acton. 
1882. Edward E. Smith. 



CONSTABLES. 



1861. Edward A. Acton. 
1862-63. Smith B. Sickler. 
1S64-66. Johnson Freas. 
1867. Elijah Simpkins. 
1867-68. DiamentWhitaker. 

1867. Elnathan Vanneman. 

1868. Josiah Hogbin. 

1868. Richard H. Sparks. 

1869. John Casperson. 



1869-71. Samuel Dilmore. 
1870, 1872-78. Saml. D. Armstrong. 
1871-74. D. B. Hancock. 
1876-76. William A. Smith. 
1878-82. William A. Carney. 
1879. Benjamin Tuft. 

1881. Herbert Devinney. 

1882. John M. Buckalew. 



OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. 
1858-69, 1861-65, 1867-68, 1871-72. 1867. Johnson Freas. 



John McDonnal, Sr. 



1868. Charles S. Lawson. 



1858-69, 1862-63, 1865-81. Thomas | 1869-70, 1873. Thomas Glynn. 



1874-82. John McDonnal, Jr. 
1881-82. John Lawson. 



Dunn. 
1864. Samuel Garrison. 
1866. Ephraim J. Lloyd. 

INSPECTORS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
1871. Joseph B. Huston. , 1875-78, 1882. John S. Kirby. 



1873. John T. Garwood. 

1874. N. R. Treeu. 

JUSTICES OF 

1868, 1863. Edward Van Meter. 

1859, 1865, 1870, 1875. Robert 
Gwynne. 

1862, 1867, 1872. Charles C. Clark. ' 

1862, 1867, 1873, 1875. Samuel Gar- 
rison. 

1866, 1870. Thomas V. F. Eusling. 

CITY CLERKS AND RECORDERS. 
1858-60. Jacob P. Nicholson. 1876-78. Charles G. Bailey. 

1861-63. Charles S. Lawson. 1879-80. Joseph D. Ferrell. 

1864-71. William A. Gwynne. 
1872-75. John Lawson. 



1879-80. Paul Earhardt. 

1881. Henry Chavanne. 

THE PEACE. 

1867. David B. Bullock. 

1873, 1878. Benjamin F. Wood. 

1877. George R. Morrison, 

1877, 1880. William K. Casperson. 

1880. Samuel P. Carpenter. 

1878, 1882. Smith Bilderback. 

1882. Vining H. Tuft. 



1881-82. Joseph M. Bacon. 



Growth and Population. — After the settlement 
had assumed a permanent form, and immigrants in 
considerable number had arrived, and Fenwick had 
organized the colony and perfected plans for its future, 
sales were rapidly made of large as well as small 
tracts of land, continuing until his death, which is 
thought to have taken place in 1683. From the first 
" general order," as agreed upon by Fenwick and the 
purchasers, the following is extracted : 

" And as for the settling of the town of New Salem, it is likewise or- | 

dered that the town be divided by a street; that the southeast side be [ 

for purchasers, who are to take their lots of sixteen acres as they come, 1 

to take them up and plant them as they happen to join to the lots of the ' 



purchasers resident, who are to bold their present plantations, and all 
of them to be accounted as part of their purchases ; and the other part 
on the north, and by east and by south, is to be disposed of by the chief 
proprietor for tlie encouragement of trade, he also giving, for the good 
of the town in general, the field of marsh that lieth betweeu the town 
and Goudchild's plantation ; and 

" Lastly, we do leave all other things concerning the setting forth 
and surveying the said purchases unto the chief proprietor, to order as 
he sees fit. 
" Signed, accordingly, 25th of the 4th month, 1G76. 

"Fenwick. 

" Edward Wade. H-ypolite Lefevre. 

"John Smith. Edward Champney. 

"Richard Noble. Richard Whitecar. 

"Samuel Nicholson. William Walster. 

" John Adams. Robert Wade." 

Richard Noble, one of the signers to the " general 
order," was the surveyor who laid out the town under 
the instructions of Fenwick. 

The population of Salem gradually increased, until 
about 1682 it was a place of no little importance, with 
a growing foreign trade, and was a port of entry, and 
one shilling was charged for the entrance or clearance 
of all vessels under one hundred tons burden, and 
two shillings for the entrance or clearance of all ves- 
sels of larger tonnage. 

Notwithstanding Salem is the oldest town on the 
eastern shore of the Delaware, for many years it made 
very slow progress in the increase of its population. 
Most probably the main cause for its slow advance- 
ment in the first two or three generations was that 
John Fenwick and his immediate successor, Samuel 
Hedge, sold their lands only on the principal streets, 
viz.: Wharf (now Broadway), Bridge (now Market 
Street), and Fenwick (at present East Broadway). 
The said lots contained ten to sixteen acres, and in 
time a monopoly in the land was produced. 

Thomas Sharpe, who was sent to America by his 
uncle, Anthony Sharpe, to look after his large tracts 
of land that he had purchased of the Proprietors in 
East and West Jersey, stayed one winter (1680-81) at 
Salem. The vessel by which he came was detained 
with a load of emigrants at the mouth of Salem Creek. 
Thomas Sharpe left a record behind him stating the 
town of Salem improved very little within five years, 
because the principal owners of the town lots had 
purchased large quantities of land in the adjacent 
country, hence moved in the country for the purpose 
of bringing up their children to husbandry, doubtless 
thinking at some future time they themselves would 
return to Salem to end their days. But many of the 
large landholders remained in the country until they 
died, and their town lots fell to some of their heirs, 
or were sold out of their families. 

But, despite numerous drawbacks and disadvantages, 
Salem grew surely, if slowly, and soon came to be 
known Far and wide. Its local interests advanced, 
and its foreign trade flourished, and as a result set- 
tlement grew more and more rapid, and the class of 
comers was such that the town was peopled with citi- 
zens good in every sense of the word. Small manu- 
facturing interests were established, and these had 



378 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



their effect on the character and members of the pop- 
ulation. Churches were organized, schools were es- 
tablished, the town had a wisely-administered local 
government, and it flourished. A description of the 
place at the beginning of the last century would be 
interesting could such a one be given. From 1700 
Salem grew in wealth, population, and importance. 

At the close of the Revolutionary war Salem County 
seems to have accepted the situation as a permanent 
settlement of all troubles, national, local, and personal. 
Improvements began in the town commensurate with 
the means of the citizens. Religious interest devel- 
oped in the movement of those who believed it " was 
not all of life to live," and the Friends and Bap- 
tists soon had comfortable houses for worship and rude 
ischool-houses erected. Merchants made liberal pro- 
vision for trade, mechanics entered with a will into 
their several callings, hotels were opened to accom- 
modate strangers, and before the beginning of the 
present century Salem was advancing in material and 
permanent interest. 

The year 1800, therefore, found the town with a 
good class of citizens, alive to the best local and gen- 
eral interest. Public buildings (the court-house, jail, 
clerk's offices, and market-house) were all erected and 
occupied. The growth of the town was more rapid 
from 1800 onward, and during the next third of a 
century people of nearly every profession, occupa- 
tion, and trade located here. Gordon's Gazetteer of 
New Jersey, published in 1834, contains the following 
descriptive and statistical notice of Salem : 

" Salem, t-ship and post town, and seat of justice of Salem County, sit- 
uate 171 miles N. E. of W. C, 65 S. of Trenton, aod 34 S. E. from Phila- 
delphia; lat. 39032'; long, from W. C. 1° 35'. The t-ship is of circular 
form, and is nearly surrounded by water, having on the N. W. the 
Salem Creek, on the N. E. and E. Fenwicke Creek, a tributary of 
that stream, and on the W. another small tributary of the same stream. 
The town is distant from the Delaware, by the creek, 3J^ mil^s. The 
t-ship is about 2 miles in diameter, and contains 1238 acres of well- 
improved land, of a rich sandy loam, divided into town lots and 
12 farms. The town contains about 2.50 dweUin<;s ; a fine court-house, 
about 60 by 40 feet,of brick, with brick fire-proof offices adjacent ; 1 Kpis- 
copalian, 1 Methodist, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, 1 African Methodist, 
and 2 Quaker (one being Orthodox and the other Hicksite) Churches; 

1 building of brick, of Gothic architecture, designed for a Masonic Hall, 
but which is now appropriated to other purposes, the lodge being ex- 
tinct ; a bank with a capital paid in of $75,000 ; a stone jail with yurd, 
surrounded by a high stone wall, both of small dimensions; 1 market- 
house, 2 fire-engines, 2 public libraries,! academy, and 5 daily schools 
for teHching the rudiments of an English education ; 5 sun day-schools, 

2 printing-offices, at each of which is printed a weekly newspaper, called, 
respectively, 'The Salem Messenger' and *The American Statesman'; 
21 stores, 2 hotels, 7 physicians, 5 lawyers, 3 Inmber-yards, 1 steam-mill, 
which grinds much grain, 1 horse-mill, 5 apothecaries' stores, 1 livery- 
stable. A steamboat leaves the town daily for Delaware City and New 
Castle, to meet the morning steamboat from Philadelphia, another to 
Pennsgrove, on the Delaware, to meet the Wilmington steamboat for 
Philadelphia; atwo-horse daily line to Bridgetown, and a two-horse line 
to Centreville, once a week. The creek at the town is 152 yards wide, 
overwhich isa wooden bridge, resting on wooden piers, with a draw for 
the passage of vessels. Over Fenwicke Creek, 11 short distance above its 
junction with Salem Creek, is another wooden bridge, a neat structure, 
roofed. Vessels of 50 tons may approach the town in safety, but the bar at 
the mouth of the creek prevents the entry of vessels drawing move than 
eight feet water. Large quantities of wheat, rye, oats, and corn are ex- 
ported from this place to the Eastern States. The streets of the town 
are wide, footways paved and bordered with trees, the houses of frame 



and brick ; the former, painted white, are surrounded with gardens and 
grass lots and adorned with flowers, giving to the place a cheerful and 
healthy appearance surpassed by few villages in the United States. The 
t-ehip contained, in 1830, 1570 inhabitants; in 1832,267 householders 
whose ratables did not exceed ^ZO in value, and 397 taxables, 2 tan- 
yards,! distillery ; and it paid taxes for t-ship purposes, $426 ; county 
use, 8728.25 ; and State use, S233.35." 

The following reference to Salem is extracted from 
Barber & Howe^s " Historical Collections," published 
in 1844. The fijrst few lines refer to a small illustra- 
tion printed in connection with it: 

"On the right of the engraving is the jail, a plain stuccoed building. 
The brick edifice with the cupola is the court-house, and the small build- 
ing partially seen in the distance is the clerk's oflree. There 8 houses , 
for divine worship in the town, viz.: 2 Friends, 1 Episcopal, 1 Presby- 
terian, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist, and 2 African Methodist. A large Gothic 
structure, fornierly used as a Masonic Hall, stands in the central part of 
the village. There are also in the town the Salem Bank, a market, 2 
fire-engines, 2 public libraries, a lyceum, an academy, a newspaper 
printing-office, 17 stores, 3 hotels, and about 250 dwellings. . . . Salem 
is well built, the houses neat, the streets beautified with trees, and its 
general appearance thriving and pleasant. Considerable business is 
done here, and a daily communicstion had by steamers and stages with 
Philadelphia." 

The following table shows the census and extent of 
Salem in 1850: 

Population: White, males, 1297; females, 1549; total, 2S46. Colored, 
male8,89; females, 117; total, 206. Total population, 3052. 



Born in New Jersey 2428 

" Pennsylvania 212 

" Delaware 64 

*' Maryland 27 



" New York.. 

" Connecticut 

" Massach use tts. . , , 

" Virginia 

" Ohio 

" Maine 

" Indiana 

" Illinois 

" Kentucky 

** South Carolina.., 

Cannot read or write , 



14 



Over eighty years of age 

Ireland 

Germany 

England 

Scotland 

France 

Portugal 

Unknown 

Of the population of the town 
there are: 

"Widowers 

Widows 

Married within the year 

Births the last year 



15 

123 

28 

83 



Eynploymenis. 



Confectioners 4 

Allopathic physicians 6 

Dentists 2 

Cashier, bank 1 

Teller, bank 1 

Book Btationei"s 2 

Livery-sfable keepers 4 

Oyflter-cellar keepers 3 

Barbers 3 

Clergymen 6 



House carpenters 68 

Ship-carpenters 14 

Shoemakers 73 

Blacksmiths 32 

Wheelwrights. 27 

Machinists 9 

Engineers 5 

Watermen 29 

Tanners and curriers 7 

Foundry, iron 4 

Marble-masons 3 

Tailors and clothiere 19 

Tobacconists 8 

Printers 7 

Stocking-weavers 6 

Rope-makers 6 

Saddlers 8 

Coopers 4 

Tallow chandlers 5 

Brick-masons 14 

Sawyers 5 

Carriage-makers 12 

Millwright. 1 

Cabinet-makers 11 

Broom-makers 4 

Wharf-builder 1 

Plasterers 3 

Pump-maker 1 

Weavers 4 

Carriage-trimmers 4 

Bakers 10 

Watch-makers 5 

Brush-maker 1 

Hatters 2 

Carriage-painter 1 

Amount of capital invested in real estate by citizens of Salem (cask 
value) $2,133,411. 

Occupied in the town on the 1st of June 592 houses, by 615 families. 



Lawyers.. 

Tin-workers 

Potters 

Brick-burners 

Grain merchants 

Lumber merchants 

Hardware merchant 

Flour merchants 

Shop- and store-keepers.. 

Lime merchant 

School-teachers 4 

Druggists.. 

Homceopathic physician 1 

President, bank 1 

Clerk, bank 1 



2 
2 
4 
1 
2 
56 
1 



I Iron-store.. 

! Butchers 

I Gardeners 

News-carrier 

I Millers 

i Editors 

I Teamsters.... 

I Patent felloe makers.. 

I Sash-makers 

I House-painters 



CITY OF SALEM. 



379 



In 1860 the population was 3865; in 1870,4572; 
and in 1880, 5059. The city is now growing rapidly, 
and will doubtless have a population of at least 6000 
at the time of the next census enumeration. Much 
of that portion lying south of Broadway, and em- 
bracing Oak, Hedge, Carpenter, Thompson, Waluut, 
Church, Mechanic,' Wesley, East Griffith, and other 
streets, has been built up during a comparatively 
recent period. 

Educational History. — Education with the earlier 
citizens of the county of Salem was almost exclu- 
sively confined to Salem. Here the Friends had in- 
fluence by numbers and pecuniary resources, and, as 
elsewhere where they were similarly situated, they 
introduced a system of education nearly allied to that 
later known as the common school system. The 
school-house at the corner of East Broadway and 
Walnut Street, now in use as such by the Hicksite 
Friends, was one of the earliest buildings erected in 
this section exclusively for school purposes. The 
principal teacher was a male, who in the primary 
department had female assistants. Sometimes the 
latter were paid, and sometimes they gave their ser- 
vices from a sheer desire to aid the cause of educa- 
tion among their sect. 

Jacob Wood was an early teacher. Hetty Lewis, 
also, as early as 1817 instructed small scholars in 
the alphabet and reading, and on Fourth Days, at 
eleven o'clock, marched her scholars to Fourth Day 
Meeting. Rhoda Denn and daughters, Charlotte 
Wistar, and others were voluntary teachers. In the 
same building, following in later years, Thomas 
Lippincott, Jesse Bond, Thomas Thompson, Joseph 
Brown, Joshua Stretch, William Steel, Aaron Ivins, 
and others followed up to about 1838, teaching read- 
ing, writing, arithmetic, and grammar. 

Isaac English had a private school in 1818 and 1819 
in an old brick building which then stood on the prem- 
ises now owned by A. H. Slape, at the corner of Mar- 
ket and Griffith Streets. 

The Salem Academy was established about 1818 
or 1819, and was under the control of a board of trus- 
tees, to whom the building occupied and the land on 
which it stood were given, with the understanding 
that "the building and premises should be kept in 
good repair, and used for educational purposes in the 
primary and higher branches." Rev. Joseph Shep- 
pard, in 1819 and for several years later, taught the 
more advanced English branches, and also Latin and 
Greek. He was followed by Mr. Gegan and other 
teachers of the dead languages. John Tabor, Wil- 
liam Shourds, I. Shute, John M. Sailer, and perhaps 
others taught the English brandies. In 1827, by 
order of the trustees, Mr. Sailer introduced the Lan- 
casterian system of education, which was continued 
until the organization of public schools under the 
laws of the State. A seminary was opened by Joseph 
Stretch about 1822, on West Broadway, opposite the 
site of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Stretch also 



advertised to keep a " night-school at $2 to $2.50 per 
quarter." He limited the number of his day-scholars 
to twenty-five. The school was in successful opera- 
tion until Mr. Stretch's death, when he was succeeded 
by Mr. William Steel, of Philadelphia, who continued 
it for some time longer. The Baptist Society also 
opened a seminary about 1824 or 1825. Rev. James 
Challis was the first teacher. John N. Cooper and 
others followed. 

After the days of the Salem Academy, Mrs. Sprogel, 
the Misses Bines, Miss Ann Maylin, and other ladies 
had select schools in the old building. There were 
several select schools in private houses, principally 
for young children. 

Prior to the introduction of public schools through- 
out the county, district schools being scarce, scholars 
from the surrounding country, especially from Upper 
and Lower Alloways Creek, Elsinboro, Lower Penn's 
Neck, and Mannington townships, helped gi'eatly to 
fill and support the Salem schools during the fall, 
winter, and spring. 

These and similar schools afforded such educational 
advantages as Salem possessed prior to the organiza- 
tion of the public schools under the State law, Sept. 
9, 1850. It was chiefly through the exertions of Sam- 
uel Copner, who had long persistently agitated the 
" common school question," that the idea became pop- 
ular and was at that time adopted in Salem, and the 
public school became an established fact. It was at 
first very unpopular with the tax-payers, and upon 
the levying of an authorized tax of three thousand 
dollars for the purpose of building a school-house its 
collection was successfully resisted. These troubles 
gradually wore away, and in time the schools were 
well established and highly regarded, and Mr. Copner 
became so popular in consequence of his persistent 
advocacy of the system that he was successively 
elected county surrogate and assemblyman. 

The first school-house in use for public school pur- 
poses was the brick structure on Walnut Street, then 
only a story and a half high. In that building the 
first grammar school was organized, with Joseph 
Lawrence as teacher. Miss Fanny L. Young was 
the first teacher of the primary school, which was 
opened in the basement of the Baptist Church. A 
school for colored children was established, and was 
placed in charge of Allen Bland. The secondary de- 
partment was organized in 1851, with Miss S. Jones 
as teacher. During that year the walls of the old 
Walnut Street school-house were raised so as to ren- 
der it a three-story building, and the rooms at the 
rear were added, when the schools were all estab- 
lished therein. The accommodations here proved in- 
sufficient in time, and in 1860 a primary school was 
opened in a building on Market Street belonging to 
T. T. Hilliard, and continued there until the erection 
of the Griffith Street school-house, which was first 
occupied in 1869. The rental of the premises on 
Walnut Street nearly opposite the brick school-house 



380 



HISTOKY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



was authorized in 1872, thus adding still njore to the 
school accommodations of the city, and the academy 
building was leased in 1873. A school-house for col- 
ored children was built in 1879. 

The number of teachers employed in 1882 is 
eighteen, named as follows : Pauline Waddington, 
principal of the high school ; Amanda E. Eldridge, 
assistant; Sarah E. Hill, principal of the grammar 
school; Anna B. Armstrong, assistant; Susan L. 
Jones, Anna D. Kelly, Anna M. Moore, Mary E. 
Morrison, teachers in the intermediate department; 
Hannah Dilks, Anna F. Fogg, L. J. Sharp, Sarah P. 
Freas, Eliza E. Jaquett, teachers in the secondary 
school ; Sallie A. Smith, Lizzie C. Suitcher, Mary J. 
Lawrence, Mary J. Hall, Ida Ourby, and Angle 
Davis, teachers in the primary school. 

The Salem Collegiate Institute was founded by 
Rev. George W. Smiley as an institute for young 
ladies. The first session was opened Sept. 9, 1867, in 
the large brick building on the corner of Broadway 
and Seventh Street, known as Rumsey's Building. 
Thirty-two pupils were registered the first day. 
Though fininded as a young ladies' school, it was 
very soon afterwards changed, and both sexes were 
admitted. The public schools of Salem at that time 
were of a comparatively low grade. Mr. Smiley re- 
mained two years, and at the end of that time the 
institute numbered about ninety pupils. His assist- 
ants were Madame Blake, Mr. Flint, Miss Frances 
Dodge, and Miss Caroline Gibbon. 

John H. Bechtel bought the institute of Mr. Smiley 
in the summer of 1869. Mr. Bechtel was educated 
at Millersville Normal School, Pennsylvania, and had 
taught in Smyrna, Del., previous to his taking charge 
of the institute. Though apparently a good teacher, 
and with many advantages in his favor, the school 
under his management was not financially a success, 
and at the end of three years he sold out to the pres- 
ent principal. During the three years Mr. Bechtel 
had the school there were one hundred and ninety 
pupils in attendance, one hundred and forty-six 
names being on the roll at one time. His assistants 
were Mrs. J. H. Bechtel, Morris H. Stratton, Caroline 
B. Ehinehart, Caroline Gibbon, Mary G. Gregory, 
Sallie Townsend, Mary E. Patterson, Ellen V. Pyle, 
John H. Moser, and Edward Van Laer. 

The institute was purchased by Professor H. P. 
Davidson in the summer of 1872. It had just re- 
ceived a severe blow from the friends of free educa- 
tion, who, in tlieir mistaken zeal to carry out their 
own pet schemes, had supposed it necessary to de- 
stroy, if possible, all private institutions. The next 
year it was destined to receive a still more fatal blow 
in the financial panic which swept over the country 
with such fury and long continuance. With a prin- 
cipal of less determination the institute would doubt- 
less have come to an untimely end. Mr. Davidson 
was a native of New Hampshire. During his minor- 
ity he received but the scant education of a back- 



woods district school. Having become physically in- 
jured soon after reaching his majority, he commenced 
fitting for college, without money and without friends 
able to assist. He entered Norwich University, Ver- 
mont, in 1863. While a sophomore his college course 
was unavoidably interrupted, but he continued to 
ply his studies, and in 1871 he received an honorary 
A. M. from Lafayette College. Through his untir- 
ing energy and the faithful support of his assistants 
the collegiate institute weathered the storm, and if 
it lost in numbers it made up in the increased standard 
of scholarship. Until it came into the hands of Pro- 
fessor Davidson there had been no graduation and no 
systematic curriculum of studies; these were adopted 
and prescribed. 

Two years were required to bring the students into 
a classified condition preparatory to a graduation. 
Miss Kate G. Kirby, of Salem, was the first to com- 
plete the prescribed course of study, which she did in 
June, 1874. At the close of the next school year, 
1875, the first commencement exercises were held, 
and the graduates were Annie E. Bradway, of Quin- 
ton, in the normal course ; Carrie M. Thompson, of 
Somerville, in the academic ; Clarence D. Warner, of 
Granby, Mass., in the classical. From this time the 
institute began to acquire some reputation abroad, 
and students came from other States. Accommoda- 
tions for boarders, however, were limited, which oper- 
ated against any large influx of students from with- 
out the county. 

While the institute has been noted more for the 
practicality of its work in the development of char- 
acter than for any intellectual cramming, the princi- 
pal has long considered industrial education to some 
extent feasible, and so far highly desirable. In the 
spring of 1881 he purchased a printing outfit, con- 
sisting of a half-medium press, about six hundred 
pounds of type, and all the necessary implements of 
a job-office. Students were permitted to work in the 
office out of session hours, and were paid by the prin- 
cipal for the work done. With no instruction except 
what could be " picked" up or thought out, they com- 
menced the issue of the Alert, a monthly paper, de- 
voted to temperance and education. This paper has 
I since been made a weekly, and has a fair patronage. 
Arrangements were also made to establish a book- 
bindery, but unavoidable obstacles have thus far de- 
layed the execution of that part of the plan. A 
practical painter was also employed to give instruc- 
tion in sign-painting. Nearly five hundred pupils 
have received instruction at the institute in the last 
eleven years. 

Burial-Places. — Salem has no incorporated ceme- 
tery association, and no public burial-places in the 
common acceptation of the term. Early bui'ials are 
said to have been made on the lands of families be- 
reaved. A little later those of similar religious or 
sectarian belief buried their dead in one common 
ground, thus opening and establishing the several 



CITY OF SALEM. 



381 



churchyards in the city. Of these that of the Friends 
is the oldest. The Episcopal, Baptist, and Methodist 
burial-grounds were later opened in the order named. 
The Presbyterian and Roman Catholic churchyards 
are of later date. The colored people have long had 
their own burying-grounds in and near the city. In 
several of these burial-places are old monuments, the 
inscriptions on which, when decipherable, are of much 
interest to one who contemplates the early history of 
the locality. In the Friends' burying-ground stands 
a gigantic oak, which is the wonder and admiration 
of every stranger visiting Salem. It is conjectured 
to have stood there at least two hundred and fifty 
years, and by some its age is thought to be much 
greater. 

The Salem Library. — It is possible that a move- 
ment looking to the establishment of a library in 
Salem may have taken definite form previous to 
1804, but no record is left of such an event. In the 
year mentioned a constitution was prepared and 
adopted, of the preamble to which the following is 
a copy : 

" Wheeeas, a number of Inhabitants of the County of Salem, being 
desirous of promoting useful knowledge, and believing it will contribute 
thereto, have agreed to establish a Library iu the Town of Salem, and 
for the preservation of Order and Harmony amongst said company in 
the use, application, and management of the Money, Books, and effects 
of said company : The following agreement is entered into, at a general 
meeting of the members of said library company, this Twenty-fourth 
Da}' of March, One Thousand Eight Hundred and four." 

In the minutes of the meeting of the company, fol- 
lowing the constitution, is the following entry: 

"The foregoing constitution being read and unanimously agreed to 
by the members met, they proceeded to the choice of Officers, when the 
following persons were chosen to serve until the first annual meeting 
June next: William Parret, president; Thomas Jones, Jr., secretary; 
Abner Beesly, treasurer; Directors, John Wistar, William Parret, 
Clement Hall, Dr. Hedge Thompson, Jacob Mulford, William F. Miller, 
David Smith." 

At the first annual meeting of the subscribers to 
the Salem Library, June 14, 1804, the following per- 
sons were acknowledged as members, having paid 
their subscriptions in cash or in books : 



John Smith. 
Jonathan Woodnutt. 
Benjamin Acton. 
Samuel Clement. 
Thomas Jones, Jr. 
Samuel Allen. 
Forman Mulford. 
Daniel Garrison, Jr. 
James Sherron. 
Thomas Murphy. 
John Knight. 
David Smith, Jr. 
John G. Holme. 
Hezekjah Bates. 
Hester Smith. 
Jedediah Allen, Jr. 
Isaac Townsend. 
William F. Miller. 
Samuel Denn. 
Thomas Goodwin, Jr. 
Ann Bacon, x^' 
John Firth. 
William Smith, Jr. 



Jacob Ware. 
Stephen Hall. 
Clement Hall. 
John Wistar. 
IMorris Hall. 
Thomas Mason. 
William Perry. 
Morris Hancock. 
Isaac W, Crane. 
Merrlman Smith. 
P. Samuel Alford. 
Clarissa Parret. 
Hedge Thompson. 
Edgar Brown. 
Abner Beesly. 
Thomas Rowan. 
William Griscom, Sr. 
Joseph Thompson. 
Hezekiah Hewes. 
James Brooks. 
Samuel Stuart. 
Hannah Acton. 
James Kinsey. 



Lott Randolph. 

Edward Burroughs. 

Howell Hall. 

Isaac Hall. 

William Mairs. 

Jacob Mulford. 

Samuel Abbott. 

David Smith, Sr. 

John Smilh (of Mannington). 

Hill Smith. 

Lucius Horatio Stockton. 

Thomas Sinnickson, Jr. 

John Tuft. 

James M. Woodnutt. 

Josiah Harrison. 

William Shourds. 

John Goodwin. 

Samuel Reeve. 

Joshua Bradway. 

Thomas Thompson (of Salem). 

John Walker. 



"William Griscom, Jr. 
Thomas Bines. 
Joseph Brown. 
Isaac Moss. 
Mary Howell. 
Prudence Smith. 
Eliza Brown. 
Sarah Hufty. 
Darkin Nicholson. 
Anna Dick. 
Abraham Boys. 
Thomas Bradway. 
John Hancock. 
Morris Hall, Jr. 
Gervas Hall. 
Rachel Redman. 
Robert G. Johnson. 
Josiah Miller. 
Henry Miller. 
John Wood. 



At this meeting the following persons were elected 
officers for the ensuing year : Clement Hall, president ; 
Abner Beesly, treasurer; John Wistar, William F. 
Miller, Dr. Hedge Thompson, Clement Hall, David 
Smith, Jacob Mulford, and Edgar Brown, directors. 

There was little change in the management of the 
library until 1809, when "The Library Company of 
Salem, in New Jersey," was incorporated under the 
act to incorporate societies for the promotion of 
learning, passed the 27th of November, 1794, and a 
supplementary act thereto, passed the 11th of No- 
vember, 1799, extending the former to library com- 
panies. 

The corporators were Hedge Thompson, Gervas 
Hall, John Wistar, William F. Miller, Josiah Har- 
rison, James Kinsey, Clement Hall. 

" At an adjourned meeting of the trustees of the 
Library Company of Salem, in New Jersey, held at 
the library room," July 15, 1809, the following offi- 
cers were elected : Hedge Thompson, president; Jo- 
siah Harrison, secretary; Abraham Boys, treasurer ; 
Isaac Moss, librarian. 

The existence of the librarj' company seems to 
have been uninterrupted from this time on until 
about 1843, as between 1842 and 1847 no officers were 
elected. Those chosen in 1842 were as follows: 
Thomas Sinnickson, president ; Clement Acton, secre- 
tary ; John Tyler, treasurer. The directors at that 
date were George M. Ward, John Ehvell, A. G. Cat- 
tell, Clement Acton, and Richard M. Acton. The 
affairs of the library languished to such an extent 
during the three or four succeeding years that in 1846 
the enterprise seems to have been practically defunct. 

In 1846 it was revived, but in a few years it again 
languished, and finally ceased to have a practical ex- 
istence. About 1863 public interest in the library 
was revived. John Tyler was made president, and 
W. Graham Tyler librarian. The books were ar- 
ranged in a small back room on the second floor of 
Brown's (now Gorwood's) building. Several new di- 
rectors were chosen, and under the new management 
the library entered on its most prosperous period. 



382 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



It was opened regularly on Saturday afternoons, 
the directors taking charge by turns. 

The new room soon proving too small, the library 
was moved into its present quarters, a large, well- 
lighted room in the centre of the city, belonging to 
Mr. Jonathan Ingham. The library was now opened 
on Wednesday mornings as well as Saturday after- 
noons, a committee of ladies taking turns in over- 
seeing the issues. 

This system of having the work done by the di- 
rectors and the more zealous members of the library 
company has enabled the association to devote a large 
part of their income to the purchase of books. 

The library now consists of nearly five thousand 
well-selected volumes, and is the best public library 
south of Newark. 

FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDHSTEIAL INTERESTS. 

The Salem National Banking Company.— In 
1823 a corporation was established in Salem under 
the title of " The Salem Steam-Mill and Banking 
Company," of which William N. Jeffers was presi- 
dent, and William Mulford cashier. 

Among the incorporators were Samuel Clement, 
Richard Craven, Daniel Garrison, Benjamin Griscom, 
Morris Hancock, William N. Jeffers, Joseph Kille, 
William Mulford, James Newell, Jonathan Eichman, 
Jeremiah Stull, John Tuft, and Daniel Vanneman. 

At a meeting of the board of directors of this cor- 
poration, held July 1, 1825, the steam-mill was ordered 
to be sold. It was consequently disposed of, and the 
banking institution continued business under succes- 
sive presidents and cashiers as follows: Presidents, 
John G. Mason, Morris Hancock, Calvin Belden ; 
cashiers, William Mulford, Louis P. Smith, John 
Elwell, George C. Rumsey. 

The Salem National Banking Company was organ- 
ized in July, 1865, under the provisions of the act of 
the Legislature governing such institutions, and it is 
the successor, and in some respects a continuation of 
the old bank, at the closing out of which a dividend 
was declared of one hundred per cent., payable in the 
stock of the present institution, making an increase 
of capital from seventy-five thousand to one hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars. July 1, 1882, the Salem 
National Bank had a surplus of thirty-five thousand 
dollars, and undivided profits amounting to forty-nine 
thousand six hundred ,and ninety-three dollars and 
sixty-six cents. 

Among the incorporators of the present bank were 
George W. Garrison, Henry B. Ware, Jonathan 
Woodnutt, Benjamin Acton, 0. B. Stoughton, Joseph 
Bassett, Henry M. Rumsey, John C. Belden, Jona- 
than House, Isaac Johnsou, Edwin A. Vanneman, 
James Woolman, Charles Wood. 

George W. Garrison was elected president, and 
Henry B. Ware cashier. President Garrison died 
Nov. 26, 1875, and was succeeded by Charles Wood, 
who died in October, 1877, the vacancy thus caused 



being filled by the choice of C. M. Eakin to the presi- 
dency. 

Jan. 3, 1871, Henry B. Ware resigned the cashier- 
ship on account of ill health, and was succeeded by 
Benjamin Acton, Henry M. Rumsey being elected 
assistant cashier. At the death of Mr. Acton, in Sep- 
tember, 1881, Mr. Rumsey was elected cashier, and 
F. M. Acton was made assistant cashier. 

The directors in the fall of 1882 were the follow- 
ing : C. M. Eakin, Henry M. Rumsey, F. M. Acton, 
E. H. Bassett, J. M. Carpenter, W. W. Miller, Joseph 
K. Riley, Richard Woodnutt, and William A. Wood. 

Heney Buet Waee, son of Bacon and Anna Jane 
(Rumsey) Ware, was born in Salem on Aug. 20, 1825. 
On the paternal side his ancestry is traceable back to 
as early a date as 1675, when Joseph Ware, the orig- 
inal ancestor of the family, emigrated to America. 
The maternal branch was represented in Cecil County, 
Md., as early as 1665. 

Mr. Ware received the first rudiments of an educa- 
tion at the common schools of his native place, and 
at the age of sixteen was appointed to a cadetship in 
the Military Academy at West Point, where he had 
as classmates McClellan, Burnside, and others since 
distinguished in the military service on both sides 
during the late war. He remained at the academy 
for four years, making rapid progress and taking high 
rank as a student, until compelled to resign his posi- 
tion because of severe physical disability. Return- 
ing to his home in Salem, he soon after secured em- 
ployment in the Salem Bank, serving as teller under 
his uncle, George C. Rumsey, and upon the death of 
the latter succeeding him as cashier, at the same 
time becoming a member of the board of directors. 
He continued to discharge the onerous and respon- 
sible duties of the position for more than a quarter 
of a century, with great acceptance to the public, 
and to the satisfaction of the ofiicers and stockholders 
of the bank. He made a model ofiicer, being prompt, 
obliging, faithful, and- efiicient, and held a place in 
the confidence and regard of the patrons of the bank 
as unusual as it was deserved. Finally, owing to 
failing health, he was compelled to relinquish his 
duties in part and seek recuperation in travel. He 
visited Europe, but gained no benefit from his sojourn 
there, and failed also to secure any permanent benefit 
from the medical springs of this country. Feeling 
no longer able to perform the duties of the cashier- 
ship, he resigned the position Dec. 27, 1870, and re- 
tired to private life. His resignation was accepted 
by the board of directors of the bank with great re- 
gret, and resolutions were passed testifying to " their 
full appreciation of the long and faithful services of 
the retiring cashier, the sterling integrity of his char- 
acter, and the prudence and intelligence that ever 
guided his action." 

After leaving the bank Mr. Ware filled no other 
public position, except in the church, until appointed 
postmaster of Salem by President Grant, in March, 





L 



I 



CITY OF SALEM. 



383 



1875. He held this position for a few months only, 
passing away from the scenes of life on July 23, 1875. 
He was never an aspirant for public place, though 
lending a cheerful support to all national. State, and 
local movements of importance. His chief labors, 
outside of his banking business, were performed 
within the church. He was elected an elder in the 
First Presbyterian Church of Salem early in life, 
and held that position until his death. He also took 
great interest in the evangelical agencies connected 
with church work, and in the missionary and Bible 
causes was especially active. At the time of his death 
he was treasurer of the Salem County Bible Society. 
For nearly twenty-five years he officiated as superin- 
tendent of the Sabbath-school connected with the 
First Presbyterian Church, and by his kindly and 
loving administration of its affairs endeared himself 
to teachers and pupils alike. An invalid during 
nearly his entire life, and suffering from a painful 
and exhausting disease, he ever manifested a cour- 
teous and affable disposition, and by his kindness of 
heart and open generosity merited the esteem and 
confidence of the community -in which he lived. 
His early demise was greatly regretted by many 
friends, and the public prints of the period contained 
many flattering estimates of his character and deeds. 
Quoting from one of these published eulogiums, a 
true summary of his character may be given in these 
words: "As a citizen, he was intelligent and valu- 
able ; as a business man, honest, correct, prompt, and 
reliable; as a Christian, a shining example. His 
virtues are a rich legacy to his children ; his correct 
life and happy death a consolation to his widow and 
relatives ; and his example a lesson to us all, — a 
never-ending sermon, full of exhortation, sympathy, 
and love." 

Mr. Ware married, on Sept. 5, 1855, Sarah Gilmore, 
daughter of Thomas W. and Kezia (Gilmore) Cattell, 
and had a family of four children, of whom three sur- 
vive, viz. : Anna, wife of John V. Craven, of Salem ; 
Thomas Bacon, and Alexander Cattell Ware. 

The Salem Board of Trade.— The Board of Trade 
of the City of Salem was organized Dec. 4, 1871, to 
give tone and energy to the efforts of the citizens in 
securing the advantages which the position of the 
city offers to commerce, trade, and manufacture, as 
well as to promote unity of action, and to cultivate a 
more intimate and friendly acquaintance among the 
business men of the city. The following are the 
names of the original members : 



Joseph Bassett. 
George M. Ward. 
J, B. Hilliard. 
EbenezerBunn. 
Eichard P. Hiles. 
Wyatt W. Miller. 
Samuel \V. Miller, Jr. 
Thomas S. Sinuickson. 
James S. Johnson. 
Benjamin Acton. 
William Bassett. 
Richard Hiles. 
Clinton Bowen. 
Richard Wistar, Jr. 
Joseph R. Lippincott. 
Joseph D. Fancoast. 
Josiah Morris. 
Clement Hall. 
Jno. P. Moore. 
D. W. C. Clement. 



John S. Newell. 
James Lindzey. 
Jacob M, Mitchell. 
John E. Thompson. 
John T. Hampton. 
John Hires. 
B. A. Waddington, 
David E. Davis. 
Robert Newell. 
Charles S. Lawson, 
Joseph Miller. 
George B. Robertson. 
John M. Carpenter. 
George A. Rumsey. 
A. H, Slape. 
Dallas Sinnicksou. 
Richard Wistar. 
Richard Wooduutt. 
Elijah W. Dunn. 



R. M. Acton. 
Thomas V. F. Rusling. 
Henry D. Hall. 
■ J. B. Heishon. 
0. M. Eakin. 
John C. Dunn. 
Clement H. Sinnickson. 
Morris Hall. 
Henry Sinnickson. 
W. Graham Tyler. 
Richard Grier. 



Charles W, Casper. 
Theophilus Patterson. 
Owen L. Jones. 
William Patterson. 
Jno. Lambert. 
Robert Gwynne. 
John C. Mulford. 
J. V. Craven. 
T. T. Hilliard. 
Benjamin F. Wood. 
Caleb Wheeler. 



The first officers were Richard BI. Acton, president ; 
William Patterson, Clement H. Sinnickson, and 
Morris Hall, vice-presidents; Thomas T. Hilliard, 
secretary ; John C. Mulford, treasurer; W. Graham, 
tyler ; John Lambert, Eobert Gwynne, Benjamin 
Acton, Richard Grier, Henry Sinnickson, Henry D. 
Hall, John C. Dunn, Charles W. Casper, Charles S. 
Lawson, Owen L. Jones, Joseph B. Heishon, C. M. 
Eakin, J. V. Craven, and T. V. F. Rusling, directors. 
The following officers were elected in 1882 : Presi- 
dent, Owen L. Jones ; Vice-Presidents, Henry D. 
Hall, B. F. Wood, J. B. Hilliard ; Secretary, D. H. 
Smith ; Treasurer, Joseph Bassett ; Directors, Joseph 
R. Lippincott, W. G. Tyler, J. V. Craven, Thomas T. 
Hilliard, W. Patterson, C. M. Eakin, Charles W. 
Casper, Caleb Wheeler, Charles S. Lawson, A. W. 
Sherron, W. H. Thompson, W. Morris, Samuel Dunn, 
J. H. Kelty, John Lambert. 

Merchants. — It is probable that the earliest mer- 
chant in Salem was Judge William Hall, who for 
many years was prominently identified with the lead- 
ing interests of the town and county. The names of 
his contemporaries and other leading merchants of 
the pioneer period of the history of the town have 
not been handed down to the present generation. 
During the latter part of the eighteenth century 
such merchants as were then established in Salem 
kept stores of more than "general" assortments of 
goods, as the term is now applied, selling dry-goods, 
groceries, provisions, articles of household furniture 
and utility, as well as New England rum, apple- 
jack, sherry wine, and aniseed cordial, hogsheads of 
liquors being common freight by the Philadelphia 
packets. The following are the names of the more 
prominent of the merchants of Salem from 1800 to 
1830 : 

Andrew Sinnicksou (who began business prior to 
the first date mentioned), William Cattell, Thomas 
Jones, Thomas Bradway, Thomas Andrews, Samuel 
Clement, Joseph Clement, Thomas Sinnickson, Wil- 
liam Mulford, Mulford & Cattell, John G. Mason, 
Jacob Mulford, Thomas W. Cattell, Cattell, Brown & 
Bassett, James Bartram, Bartram & Robinson, Gideon 



384 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Scull, Clement & Scull, Benjamin Acton, Patterson 
& Craven, Mulford & Son, Bacon & Wood, Samuel 
Denn, Sheppard & Wood, Henry Freas, David Ba- 
con, Clement Hall, Smith, Fithian & Maskell, Jones 
& Yorke, Budd & Thackary, David B. Smith, Smith 
& Peterson, William J. Shinn, Shinn & Elwell, and 
John Elwell. Several of the above-mentioned mer- 
chants were buyers of pork, beef, grain, and general 
country produce. Samuel Clement and Clement & 
Scull were large operators in pork, buying, packing, 
and shipping more than one hundred thousand pounds 
of hams, pork, and lard annually for several years. 
From 1825 to 1860, Thomas W. Cattell was a very ex- 
tensive dealer in lumber, making a specialty of white- 
pine, of which at times he handled from five hundred 
thousand to one million feet yearly. 

The merchants who have traded in Salem since 
1830 have been numerous, and as a class as enter- 
prising as tradesmen in other sections of the country. 
The city now contains a goodly number of stores of 
all classes, many of which are extensively stocked 
and liberally patronized. Among the leading mer- 
chants at this time are William H. Thompson, Jona- 
than H. Kelty, Henry J. Freas, dry-goods dealer.?; 
A. W. Sherron, Andrew E. Taylor, Isaac B. Law- 
rence, Richard P. Hiles, Hiles & Son, William B. 
Hooven, grocers; Craven & Brother, dealers in gen- 
eral merchandise; Eakin & Ballinger, Joseph Bassett, 
Joseph R. Lippincott, druggists. 

The Trades. — At the close of the Revolution good 
citizens generally were ready and anxious to settle 
down to the prosecution of their regular avocations, 
which had been interrupted during the trying period 
of the war. The blacksmith's, wheelwright's, tailor's, 
and joiner's crafts seem to have been well repre- 
sented from 1790 to 1830. As early as 1678 a son of 
William Cooper, the emigrant, is said to have begun 
blacksmithing in Salem, but we have no data from 
which to give the names of other local workers in 
iron prior to 1812. 

In somewhat irregular order follow the names of 
representatives of the various trades in Salem from 
that date up to 1830. Since the latter date merchants 
have been numerous and constantly changing: J. M. 
Bacon, Isaac Nicholson, Camp & Collins, James 
Camp, Edward Collins, John Lawson, Isaac Acton, 
James Bright, Elwood Kay, John Lawrence, black- 
smiths; John Collins, William Groff, William Sher- 
ron, Peter Blackwood, Joseph Hall, J. K. Chew, 
wheelwrights; Aaron Bevis, Stretch & Mongar, John 
Bailey, William B. Stretch, Benjamin Riley, Ephraim 
Haines, Isaac Wilson, Solomon H. Merritt, E. Reed, 
J. Burnett, tailors; Stephen Mulford, Henry Plough- 
man, John H. Cann, John Williams, Charles Bailey, 
George Barr, James Logue, Samuel Mulford, Wil- 
liam Acton, George Morrison, shoemakers; Ebenezer 
Smith, Thomas Sharp, Henry Dennis, Richard Jef- 
fries, Howell Smith, Joel Emley, carpenters; James 
Dennis, John W. Challiss, masons and plasterers ; 



Isaac T. Coffee, John and Charles Fithian, Dare, 

Thomas E. Mulford, Charles Clark, Boston Gosling, 
coopers ; Joseph Dewell, Horatio Lawrence, Robert 
Guestner, house- and sign-painters. 

Early in the present century Andrew Johnson and 
Maskell Mulford were cabinet-makers in Salem. The 
latter advertised to make " small and large spinningr 
wheels and bedstead-posts, etc." A little later were 
Isaac Fleming, Thomas McDonnel, James W. Mul- 
ford, Thomas Wainwright, Elijah Gilman, Hezekiah 
Hews, Japhet Somers, and George Bowen, cabinet- 
makers or coffin-makers, or both. Horatio Law- 
rence, William G. Beesley, and Robert Guestner were 
chair-makers. Stoughton & Belden were early tin- 
smiths, beginning business about 1821. Bacon Ware, 
watchmaker, had opened a shop in vSalem in 1819. 
Subsequent watchmakers and jewelers have been Al- 
burtis Somers, Jacob W. Mulford, Wheeler & Son, 
William Patterson, and others. Charles Rurasey was 
a silversmith and jeweler in Salem as early as 1820. 
J. Simpson was comparatively early, and for some 
years more or less extensively engaged in the manu- 
facture of brushes. Samuel Johnson was a weaver in 
Salem in 1816, and Theophilus Holding in 1819. 
Isaac Moss and Samuel Loomis were saddlers in 
Salem in 1812 and 1822, respectively. Thomas Sin- 
nickson, Jr., was one of the earlier of those engaged 
in the same industry of a somewhat later period. 

Vessel-Building was begun in Salem as early as 
1803, and from that time to 1840 was an important 
industry. Many sloops, several schooners, and other 
kinds of vessels were built and launched from time 
to time. The "Rebecca Lawrence" was built on 
Griffith Street, near the present terminus of Fifth 
Street, in 1823, and taken to the creek on large trucks 
drawn by thirty-six oxen. 

Early Manufactures. — The fact that Salem, by 
virtue of its location and surroundings, possesses many 
advantages which, if properly utilized, will render it 
conspicuous as a manufacturing town, has for one 
hundred and fifty years or more been recognized by 
the enterprising and progressive of her citizens. 
Tanning was probably the earliest important manu- 
facturing industry introduced in Salem. One of the 
earliest tanneries was established by a man named 
Ware. It was a small affair, which the proprietor 
afterwards sold to a man named Bevan, from whom 
it subsequently passed to John Tyler, and it has been 
owned by the Tyler family from about 1790 to the 
present time. At an early date William Tyler built 
on the William Davidson property a tannery, which 
was afterwards owned by some of his descendants. It 
is said there was an old tannery on this property when 
Tyler bought it. J. Keasbey was a tanner in Salem 
about the beginning of the present century. There 
was an early tan-yard in the rear of the large old 
brick house some time owned by Anne Curry, where 
the Thompsons and Actons formerly did business, 
and another also said to have belonged to the Actons, 



CITY OF SALEM. 



385 



back of the residence of Joseph Test. Richard and 
Benjamin Acton and Henry and Dallas Sinnickson 
were former tanners. This branch of industry is still 
carried on in Salem by W. Graham Tyler. 

A cupola and furnace and a factory for the manu- 
facture of earthenware were built as early as 1803. 
Asher Bailey was engaged in this industry for many 
years, and his goods supplied the larger part of South 
Jersey. Benjamin Acton, Sr., and, later, William S. 
Diamond continued the business, which is at present 
conducted by Thomas M. Diamond. 

The first foundry in Salem was put in operation 
about 1825, and ten years later was an establishment 
of considerable note. The proprietor was Samuel 
Allen, who manufactured stoves and mowing-machine 
castings, and did a general foundry business. 

Isaiah Wood, George M. Ward, Christian Book, 
Henry D. Hall, Thomas B. Stow, and others manu- 
factured soap estensively between 1830 and 1850, and 
different persons at different periods since that date 
have been more or less extensively engaged in the 
same branch of manufacture, which is not represented 
in Salem at the present time. The sawing of lumber 
and the manufacture of felloes was carried on at the 
landing near the foot of Fifth Street, in a large stone 
building erected by Clement Acton, and which was 
subsequently occupied as a starch-factory. Josiah 
Paullin introduced the manufacture of sash, doors, 
and blinds, and was succeeded by Jeffries & Vernon 
and others. The business is now continued by Wood- 
nutt & Bacon. 

As early as 1820 the manufacture of cigars and 
smoking and chewing tobacco and snuff was begun 
in Salem by Joshua Kirk, who received the raw ma- 
terial (tobacco in the leaf) by vessels plying regularly 
between Salem and Norfolk, Va. Thomas Trask, 
Thomas Sterritt, E. Walton, Joseph Blackwood, A. 
Fegenbush, and others soon afterward engaged in the 
same business. As far back as 1824 one of these es- 
tablishments regularly employed as many as fifteen 
hands. These enterprises subsequently ceased. At 
a comparatively recent date the manufacture of 
cigars has been introduced by Frazier & Ferrell, 
John W. Stanley, and Long & Westcott, who sever- 
ally employ from three to fifteen hands in the supply 
of a constantly increasing trade. 

An early, extensive, and important industry was 
the manufacture of hats from the native fur, the raw 
material consisting of otter, muskrat, coon, opossum, 
and rabbit fur. Delsic Keasbey, Caleb Wood, Enoch 
Reed, Clement Acton, Jervas Butcher, Joshua J. 
Thompson, and Thompson & Freas were successively 
or contemporaneously prominent in this industry from 
1815 to 1835. High-crowned or broad-brimmed 
Quaker hats of domestic manufacture were formerly 
in great demand, and some of the persons mentioned 
had numerous assistants and apprentices. 

Tyler's Tannery. — The tannery of W. Graham 
Tyler has been owned successively by different mem- 
2.5 



bers of the Tyler family since about 1790, when John 

■ Tyler, the great-uncle of the present proprietor, pur- 
j chased it of a man named Bevan,it having previously 

been owned by a member of the Ware family. This 
establishment has been several times remodeled and 
repaired, and considerable additions have been built 
thereto. Its products consist of belting and harness- 
leather, whole hides, rough-slaughter, and kip- and 
calf-skins. The raw material is drawn from Salem 
and the adjacent country. The tan-bark comes prin- 
cipally from the mountain districts of Pennsylvania. 
The capacity of this tan-yard is from two thousand to 
two thousand five hundred hides per year, but the 

I local supply does not warrant such an output. The 
capital involved is about twenty-seven thousand dol- 
lars. This is beyond all question the oldest manufac- 
turing enterprise now existing in Salem, and doubt- 

; less one of the oldest in South Jersey. 

The Glass Industry. — The most important inter- 
est of a manufacturing kind in the city, and one of 
the most prominent industries in South Jersey, is the 
Salem Glass- Works of Craven Brothers. 

Thia ^ntcrpriac wa &.^es i.ibliuli (j d in 1809 -by Henry 
D. Hall, Joseph D. Pancoast, and John V. Craven, 
who were associated under the firm-name of Hall, 
Pancoast & Craven. In 1878, Henry D. Hall with- 
drew from the firm, and the business was continued 

j by Pancoast & Craven until 1879, when Mr. Pancoast 
died. John V. Craven, the surviving partner, thus 
became sole proprietor, continuing the enterprise as 

' such until the fall of 1882, when Thomas J. Craven 

■ bought an interest in the works and business, and the 
firm of Craven Brothers was formed. 

This firm has two extensive gla^s-factories on Fourth 
Street and another at the foot of Third Street, and 
employ about three hundred and fifty hands in the 
manufacture of bottles and fruit-jars. The impor- 
tance of the business of this firm among the industrial 
and commercial interests of Salem is shown by the 
fact that it directly affords a means of maintenance to 
a number of people equal to about one-third the pop- 
ulation of the city. 

The Salem Transportation Company, an enter- 
prise in connection with the Salem Glass-Works, was 
organized in 1881, and built the tug " Anna" and two 
barges for the purpose of carrying freight between 
Salem and Philadelphia. The ofiicers are John V. 
Craven, president; Thomas J. Craven, secretary ; and 
P. Peppier, treasurer. 

After the close of the late civil war, Holz, Clark & 
Taylor erected buildings near the foot of Broadway and 
established a glass-house, which was for some time 
extensively employed in the manufacture of hollow- 
ware. Subsequently this firm suspended, and the 
property was bought at sheriff's sale by Prior & Lam- 
bert. In July, 1879, it was purchased by John Gay- 
ner, who employs about forty hands in the manufac- 
ture of glass shades and bottles. 

The Salem Oil-Cloth Works. — This enterprise, one 



386 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



of the most important in Salem, was established in 
1868 by the firm of Hall, Dunn & Hunt, who entered 
at that time upon the work of making floor oil-cloth. 
The works were located on Front Street, where they 
remained until May, 1879, when Mr. John H. Morris 
purchased the property on which the factories are 
now located. 

While under the ownership and control of Messrs. 
Hall, Dunn & Hunt the business grew to large pro- 
portions, and new and extensive buildings were 
erected. Subsequently the firm underwent a change, 
first by the retirement of Mr. Hall, leaving the firm 
as Dunn & Hunt, and finally by Mr. Dunn selling 
his interest to Mr. Hunt, who continued the business 
as W. E. Hunt until his failure in December, 1877, 
when his uncle, John H. Morris, purchased the raw 
materials, and with the assistance of Mr. S. W. Dunn 
continued the oil-cloth works until the purchase of 
the property on Broadway, near the " Reybold" land- 
ing, where large buildings were erected and the 
entire business removed thereto. The location is 
particularly fortunate with reference to all the ad- 
vantages offered by river navigation, freight being 
loaded within a hundred yards of the manufactory on 
vessels or the regular line steamers to Philadelphia, 
and by this means securing direct shipments to al- 
most any point in the country, a matter of no little 
importance alike to consignor and consumer. 

Mr. Morris, with all the latest improvements in 
machinery, a largely-increased force of men, a rich 
and varied assortment of elegant designs, and abund- 
ance of capital, conducted the enterprise until his 
death, when his son, William Morris, the present pro- 
prietor, succeeded, and the works were again enlarged 
to meet the increasing demand upon their manufac- 
turing capacity. The head of this concern is a native 
of Salem County and a man of extensive capital. He 
gives his attention to the business, and the policy of 
its management has been liberal and just, the natural 
result being that no institution in the city is regarded 
with greater favor or respect. Mr. Morris is ably as- 
sisted in the control of affairs by Mr. Samuel W. 
Dunn, who for many years was one of the owners of 
the old vvorks. Being thoroughly acquainted with 
every detail of the manufacture of oil-cloth, he is well 
qualified to take the immediate superintendency of 
the works, and to his wise and judicious manage- 
ment is due the success that has been attained. 

This establishment covers several acres, occupied 
by a large three-story franw printing building, and 
another of the same size for painting purposes. There 
are several other brick buildings in use, the whole 
works being divided into several departments, where, 
with the assistance of about one hundred hands, the 
manufacture of oil-cloth of all kinds is prosecuted 
with system and celerity. Every process in the manu- 
facture of finished oil-cloth is done here, with the single 
exception of the manufacture of the raw cloth. The 
paint, of which large quantities are used, is also manu- 



factured at the works, as well as patterns and designs. 
The cloth in its raw state first receives a coat of paint, 
spread over with niceness and precision, when it is 
allowed to thoroughly dry, and is then again passed 
through the same process several times. It is then 
taken to the operating-room, where it falls under the 
manipulation of skilled printers. The printing is 
done with a series of blocks, each representing a color, 
which must be placed on with considerable care, some 
patterns requiring the handling of eight or nine 
blocks to complete them. It is at this point that the 
skill of the workman is thoroughly tested, as any error 
will damage the printing. After printing the cloth 
is put through a prolonged process of drying, and at 
the completion of the operation is varnished by ma- 
chinery, then goes into the shipping department. 
This concern is the only one of the kind in South 
Jersey, and its reputation for producing first-class 
oil-cloth is wide-spread, reaching throughout the 
whole country. 

The Manufacture of Ice-Cream. — It is well 
known throughout New Jersey that Salem County 
produces the best milk and cream to be found in the 
market. In the midst of this wealth of dairy 
products there has sprung into existence an industry 
that is annually assuming greater proportions, and 
already employs a large number of hands, the manu- 
facture of ice-cream. 

The oldest factory engaged in this industry is that 
of John P. Bruna & Co., which was established in 
1852. This firm are the manufacturers of the cele- 
brated Salem County ice-cream, which now has a 
standing throughout the greater part of the State and 
the city of Philadelphia. 

The senior member of the present firm, Mr. Bruna, 
first commenced operations on a limited scale, and 
for many years manufactured only to supply a local 
demand. However, as the excellent quality of his 
cream became known the demand increased, and 
facilities were added to meet the growing trade. 

For several years Mr. Bruna was associated with 
Mr. John C. Mulford, under the title of John P. 
Bruna & Co., and during their continuance together 
their cream was shipped to all prominent points in 
South Jersey. Subsequently the firm was dissolved, 
and a few years later, in 1880, the old firm-title was 
renewed by the association of Mr. Joshua Wadding- 
ton with the business. 

At the present time the factory is located in a large 
frame building in rear of 192 and 194 East Broadway, 
where the firm has facilities for the rapid manufacture 
of its specialty. The capacity will reach fully three 
thousand quarts of ice-cream per day, and during the 
heated term this amount is frequently manufactured, 
and by railroad and steamboat distributed throughout 
the lower portion of the State and the river towns of 
Delaware. 

The firm is also extensively engaged in the manu- 
facture of butter, having all the improved machinery 



CITY OF SALEM. 



387 



for producing a very superior quality of this article, 
and possessing a demand for the full capacity of the 
works. Large ioe-houses in the vicinity of Salem are 
filled each winter, and when the supply is short, 
owing to a mild season, large consignments are 
received from iVIaine. 

In addition to the large quantity of ice used in the 
manufacture of ice-cream and butter, the firm are 
also suppliers of an extensive custom for it through- 
out the city. 

Mr. Bruna is one of the leading citizens of Salem, 
and outside of the above business is well known as 
the originator of enjoyable excursions from Salem 
and vicinity that at different times during the season 
visit the sea-shore. Mr. Waddington, during the 
greater part of his life, has been engaged in farming, 
and his thorough knowledge of dairying and the prep- 
aration of milk and cream for manufacturing pur- 
poses has contributed not a little to the success of the 
enterprise with which he is identified. 

Not more than twelve years ago, J. Q. Davis, whole- 
sale manufacturer of ice-cream, was engaged in a small 
building, manufacturing a limited quantity for a cor- 
responding limited retail trade. Notwithstanding 
that another establishment was engaged in manufac- 
turing a most excellent article, and producing more 
in a day than his trade would warrant him making 
in a month, he enlarged his facilities, and sought to 
enter the wholesale trade by personal solicitation, 
with the result that, as soon as the product of his 
small factory was tried, it was pronounced of quality 
equaling any manufactured. This success only stim- 
ulated Mr. Davis to greater exertions, and the next 
season witnessed considerable increase in his busi- 
ness, and the enlargement of his factory was a neces- 
sity. He then removed to desirable quarters on Mar- 
ket Street, convenient to the centre of the city for his 
retail trade. Mr. Davis erected a large one-story fac- 
tory, and fitted it with a steam-engine and all the 
modern appliances for the business. The saloon was 
handsomely fitted up, and a large retail trade was 
soon secured. Here he continued successfully, each 
year bringing greatly increased demand for his ice- 
cream, until 1880, when he purchased the present 
property, at 75 Market Street, about a half-square 
from the former location, and rebuilt the house, made 
attractive ladies' and gentlemen's saloon.s, and erected 
a large building in the rear for manufacturing pur- 
poses. The improvements added to it gave a pro- 
ducing capacity of three thousand quarts of ice-cream 
daily. The first floor of the factory is devoted to ice- 
cream, and the second to the manufacture of butter. 
Like the former department, that of butter-making 
has all the latest improved machinery, including 
cooling-pans, churns, etc., and under the immediate 
charge of an experienced and competent dairyman. 
A number of hands are employed, with competent 
superintendents, and the whole establishment is under 
the experienced and practical management of Mr. 



Davis himself. The trade extends throughout South 
Jersey, including many of the leading hotels at the 
watering-places on the Atlantic coast. 

F. Hand. & Son, carriage- and wagon-makers. — The 
individual members of this firm are Frank and Alex- 
ander Hand. The business was established by Frank 
Hand more than a quarter of a century ago, and the 
work turned out at this establishment finds ready sale. 
\ Coaches, carriages, phaetons, buggies, Jenny Linds, 
and vehicles of other styles are made. The works of 
■ the firm occupy a considerable area at 73 and 75 
\ Fifth Street, and consist of a large three-story build- 
: ing, to which within a few years has been added an 
) extensive show-room, with upper floors in use for 
general purposes. From eight to fifteen hands are 
employed. 
! Smith & Stepler, carriage-builders, 236 and 238 
East Broadway, are prominent among the carriage- 
; builders of Salem County. They employ several 
hands, and manufacture a general line of carriages 
and wagons, making a specialty of heavy farm-wagons, 
I which have an extended reputation. This enterprise 
j was established in 1850 by William Nicholson, who 
I was succeeded by Simon B. Smith, and he by Smith & 
Stepler. 

Fruit-Canning' and Pickling.— The oldest vege- 
table cannery in Salem is that controlled by Owen 
L. Jones. It was established about twenty years ago 
by Patterson & Lloyd, who were succeeded by Pat- 
terson & Jones. This firm continued the business 
! until January, 1882, when Mr. Patterson retired. 
Until eight years ago the works were situated "on 
i Church Street. At that time they were removed to 
their present location at the foot of Fifth Street. 
' Here are occupied a large four-story brick building 
' eighty by seventy feet, a frame store-house one hun- 
dred feet in length, and a large store-house at the 
wharf, the whole making an extensive and very com- 
plete canning establishment. The interior of these 
works is conveniently divided and arranged for the 
different processes of manufacture, and provided with 
: efficient machinery and appliances. This factory is 
i .wholly devoted to the canning of tomatoes. The 
reputation of the tomatoes packed by this house is 
high, and, notwithstanding the fact that new fac- 
tories are being started from time to time, the de- 
mand for them increases annually. The leading 
I brand, the "Trophy," is sought in the leading mar- 
' kets of America, and has found favor in Europe. 
During the canning season nearly one million cans 
of this brand are packed, giving employment to over 
two hundred hands. 
The Mason Pickling Company, whose business 
! was established and is continued under the manage- 
ment of Mr. George M. Ward, has been in existence 
about eight years, and has the reputation of supply- 
ing a superior quality of goods. Beginning with 
! small capital and limited facilities, the business grew 
' to such a proportion that Mr. Ward was at one time 



388 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



unable to supply the demand for the goods manufac- 
tured. The works, situated in the rear of Mr. Ward's 
residence, 75 West Broadway, below Third Street, 
were enlarged, aud the facilities for preparation and 
packing were increased many fold. He makes a 
specialty of supplying merchants, shippers, and fam- 
ilies with American chow-chow, American piccalilli, 
choice family pickles, Bordeaux sauce, and other 
choice preparations in the pickling line, put up in 
pint and quart jars. Cucumber pickles are put up in 
barrels, half-barrels, and quarter-casks, in vinegar, and 
ready for table use. Wherever known the goods of 
the Mason Pickling Company are standard. 

The Fenwick Canning-Works of Messrs. Starr & 
Brother were established in 1874 by Richard B. Starr 
and George Mecum. In 1875, Thomas B. Starr suc- 
ceeded Mr. Mecum, and the establishment has since 
been owned and managed by Starr & Brother. This 
firm confine their operations to tomato-canning ex- 
clusively, and their "Centennial" brand of goods is 
equal to the very best in the country. The proprie- 
tors determined to rest tlieir chances of success in 
business upon the merits of their product, which, as 
introduced into various markets, at once found favor 
with dealers and consumers, and at this time the 
" Centennial" tomatoes are shipped to all sections of 
the Union, and the firm enjoys a fine and increasing 
European trade. The capacity of the works is one 
million two hundred thousand cans per season, during 
which from two hundred and twenty-five to two hun- 
dred and seventy-five hands are em ployed. The works 
are located at the foot of Broadway, near the wharf. 

Hiles & Hilliard's North Bend Canning-Works, 
on West Griffith Street, opposite Front, was estab- 
lished in 1881, on the site of Newell & Grier's hay- 
press and hay and grain warehouse. It has a capacity 
of five hundred thousand cans per season, and during 
the tomato season affords employment to one hundred 
and seventy-five hands. The " Atlas" brand of toma- 
toes put up by this firm already commands a steady 
sale throughout the United States and Canada. 

The Salem Packing Company, consisting of John 
Lambert & Son, began business in 1881. Their fac- 
tory is a two-story building, one hundred and sixty 
by forty-eight feet, located northwest of Grifiith Street, 
between Third and a continuation of Second, and it 
has a capacity for packing one million cans per season. 
About two hundred thousand cans of tomatoes and 
some pears and peaches were put up during the 
season of 1881. The product of the season of 1882 
was about four hundred and fifty thousand cans, and 
one hundred and twenty hands were employed. 

HaU's Foundry. — About thirty-five years ago Ben- 
nett & Acton established a foundry at the corner of 
Fourth and Grifiith Streets, doing farmers' jobbing, 
and manufacturing a limited line of agricultural 
machinery. Mr. Bennett was accidentally killed 
about fourteen years ago, and the business passed into 
the sole ownership of Mr. Acton. In 1878, Henry 



D. Hall bought the establishment of Mr. Acton, aud 
has since done a general iron-founder's business, 
making a specialty of plumbers' castings, drain-, 
water-, and smoke-pipe, and employing at times as 
many as forty hands. 

The White Stone Mills. — Among the landmarks 
of Salem there are none more familiar to the older 
inhabitants than the well-known White Stone Flour- 
Mills, situated on Front Street, near the Penn's Neck 
Bridge. Built by the Salem Steam-Mill and Banking 
Company, some time previous to 1826, on the site 
wbicli that corporation bought, with the " Reybold" 
wharf, of David B. Smith in 1824, it has successively 
been purchased by subsequent owners, as follows : 
The Salem Steam-Mill and Manufacturing Company, 
March 20, 1826; William N. Jeff"ers, May 26, 1830; 
Isaac .Johnson, June 4, 1832; Harvey & Peterson, 
Sept. 24, 1836 ; Minor Harvey, March 1, 1841 ; Joshua 
Waddington, Feb. 21, 1857 ; Reybold Brothers, March 
17, 1857; Joshua Waddington, Jan. 28, 1860; John 
W. Mulford, Dec. 22, 1862 ; Joshua Thompson, Nov. 
13, 1873 ; Lewis & Thompson, Nov. 15, 1873 ; Charles 
F. Dubois, Jan. 15, 1879; Jacob Mounce, Sept. 1, 
1880, — the last-named purchaser being the present 
owner and operator. 

This mill is built of stone, as its name indicates, 
and is five stories high. It contains six run of stones, 
which are driven by a large steam-engine. Independ- 
ent of a large local trade, requiring two wagons to 
supply it, these mills have a growing demand from 
Delaware City, New Castle, Penn's Grove, and Chester, 
which constantly taxes its utmost capacity. Mr. 
Dubois, a member of the firm, is in charge, and 
his long acquaintance with milling in all its details 
thoroughly fits him to produce first-class flour, which 
he is enabled to do with the aid of the excellent 
facilities at his command. 

The Salem Fire Department. —The City Fire 
Department consists of a chief and three assistant 
engineers. The chief of the department is Richard 
T. Starr ; the assistant engineers are Albert Steiner, 
Robert D. Swain, and William H. Stow. There are 
three engine and hose companies and one hook-and- 
ladder company, the histories of which follow : 

The Union Fire Company, No. 1.— It appears that 
there was a fire company, having an engine in charge, 
prior to 1821, and at a meeting of the young men of 
the town of Salem, Dec. 5, 1821, for the purpose of 
adopting measures relative to the fire-engine com- 
pany, a resolution was adopted asking tlie members 
of that company to give up the control of the engine 
to the young men who were about to establish the 
present organization. On Dec. 12, 1821, the following 
persons assembled and organized the present com- 
pany: Josiah Miller, Jr., Sinnickson Tuft, Nathan 
Smart, Anthony Keasbey, John Cohorn, Isaac Z. 
Peterson, William A. Baker, Richard P. Thompson, 
Jonathan Cofl'ee, James Hall, Jacob W. Mulford, 
John Black, and Peter Blackwood. Josiah Miller 



CITY OF SALEM. 



389 



was elected president; Richard P. Thompson, secre- 
tary : and Isaac Z. Peterson, treasurer. Committees 
for various purposes were appointed and the organi- 
zation was completed. At a subsequent meeting 
John Cohorn, William G. Beesly.and O. B. Stougliton 
were elected engineers. A commodious engine-house 
was completed in January, 182.5, and the room in 
which the meetings of the company were held was 
given the name of Union Hall. The company applied 
to the Council and General Assembly of the State for 
an act of incorporation, which was passed Dec. 7, 
1825. The first meeting held after being incorpo- 
rated was on Jan. 9, 1826, when the following offi- 
cers were elected: Richard P. Thompson, president; 
Samuel Sherron, vice-president; James M. Hannah, 
secretary ; and Isaac Z. Peterson, treasurer. The fol- 
lowing were active members at that time : Richard P. 
Thompson, Samuel Sherron, Isaac Z. Peterson, James 
M. Hannah, William G. Beealy, William T. Mulford, 
Jacob W. Mulford, 0. B. Stoughton, John Corcoran, 
William A. Baker, Aaron L. Clement, John Smart, 
John Patterson, P. Heishon, Japhet Sommers, Josiah 
PauUin, John B. Tuft, Jacob Elwell, Samuel Lum- 
mis, John Yarrow, Anthony Maggee, Samuel Buck, 
Samuel Thompson, Jonathan Wood, Seth Smith, 
David Morris, Joseph Jacobs, Joseph E. Brown, 
James Wills, William Carpenter, George Griscom, 
Thomas Bond. The honorary members were B. 
Wright, William Bassett, Joseph Buck, J. Cofiee. 

In 1829 a new engine, costing three hundred and 
twenty-five dollars, was purchased, and the engine 
first in use was sold to a company at Hancock's 
Bridge, for one hundred and thirty dollars, during 
the following year. The new engine was evidently 
thought very powerful, as mention is made of throw- 
ing a stream over the very top of the spire of the 
court-house. The combined hose-carriage and bucket- 
wagon was built in the spring of 1840, at a cost of 
fifty dollars. At about the same time the company 
succeeded in getting the township committee to ap- 
propriate them one hundred dollars towards defray- 
ing expenses. This is the first record of any help 
from the township, all expenses being defrayed by 
the money received from the members of the com- 
pany in dues and fines, and voluntary contributions 
from the. citizens generally. On July 31, 1840, the 
engineers were empowered to enlist boys over fifteen 
years of age, not exceeding twenty in number, to 
take charge of the hose-carriage and buckets. In 
1846 an engine was contracted for and built by 
Agnew, of Philadelphia, at a cost of about eight 
hundred dollars, and some years later a small suction, 
engine was purchased in Baltimore and added to the 
apparatus of this company. These were, however, 
replaced by a fourth-class Silsby steamer in 1878, soon 
after the large conflagration that occurred in January 
that year. Since the introduction of the present 
system of water-works (there being sufficient force 
from the plug-streams to dispense with the use of 



i engines) the company has been divided into two 
hose companies, the steamer being used only to pump 
out cellars. There is now thirteen hundred feet of 
rubber hose, "Test" brand, in good order (the larger 
part having been purchased in 1882), in the possc.~- 
sion of the company. The fine brick building which 
they occupy, on Broadway near Market Street, was 
built in 1869. 

The Reliance Fire Company, No. 2.— In the early 
part of the year 1824 it was determined to procure an- 
other engine for the fire department, and at a meeting 
of some of the inhabitants of the town of Salem, held 
about April 29th of that year, a committee was ap- 
pointed to solicit contributions for the purchase of an 
engine. This committee in a short time succeeded in 
collecting the sum of $572.89. The first regular meet- 
ing of which there is record was held at the hotel of 
Ward Wilson on Jan. 28, 1825. Mr. Hedge Thomp- 
son occupied the chair, Aaron Ogden Dayton secre- 
tary. James Kinsey, Esq., a committee appointed at 
a former meeting to prepare a constitution, reported 
that the name of the company should be Reliance 
Fire Company, and a constitution was then and there 
adopted. At a meeting held Feb. 11, 1825, the follow- 
ing officers were elected : James Wainwright, presi- 
dent ; Thomas Sinnickson, vice-president; Aaron 
Ogden Dayton, secretary ; Thomas W. Cattell, treas- 
urer; Gideon Scull, Jr., Edward Smith, John Sin- 
nickson, Joel Fithian, engineers; Henry Dennis, 
Lewis Mairs, Thomas Sharp, Samuel Bassett, ladder- 
and-hook committee ; James Kinsey, Benjamin 
Archer, Edward Q. Keasbey, Hedge Thompson, com- 
mittee for security of goods. These were the first 
officers. In the mean time the engine had been pur- 
chased and housed in a barn in the rear of Wilson's 
Hotel, and the company seeing the need of a house, 
made application to the board of chosen freeholders 
for ground upon which to build, which application 
was granted and the house erected. In 1825 the 
company made application to the Legislature of the 
State for an act of incorporation, which act passed 
that body in December of that year. 

In the year 1834 a bell was purchased and placed 
on the house. On Nov. 18, 1839, a combined hose- 
carriage and bucket-wagon was purchased. The first 
hose purchased was in April, 1845, when one hundred 
and five feet of leather hose was procured, costing 
fifty cents per foot. For some years previous to 1852 
the company was not in a very prosperous condition, 
but early in that year a number of young men were ad- 
mitted, which caused a change for the better, and on 
May 7th of that year it was ordered to purchase a 
new engine, and a committee appointed to solicit con- 
tributions for that purpose. At a meeting held May 
13, 1853, it was ordered to purchase an engine costing 
fourteen hundred dollars. The engine was purchased 
at a cost of $1798.84, and it is at the present time in 
the house of the company, although of no actual use, 
owing to the water-works system of the city, but is 



390 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



doubtless in serviceable condition. In 1854 a new 
engine-house was built, at a cost of seven hundred 
dollars, which has since been replaced by a brick 
building, three stories high, with a tower at rear, in 
which hangs a bell weighing about twelve hundred 
pounds. The following were the officers of the com- 
pany in September, 1882 : A. Walton, president ; 
Benjamin Curry, vice-president ; Benjamin F. Wood, 
treasurer; Joel S. Bradway, secretary; William 
Kiger, chief engineer; Jeremiah Bacon, Jr., Howard 
Hewes, James McCaffrey, Frank Ahern, John Dwyre, 
engineers. 

The Washing'ton Fire Company, No. 3.— This 
company was originally known as the Fenwick Fire 
Company, and was organized in 1866. The first presi- 
dent was John Ramsey. Some time in 1880 a special 
meeting was called, when the name was changed to 
Washington Fire Company by nearly a unanimous 
vote of the members. The first engine in the possession 
of the company was the old Reliance engine, which 
was presented to them by the Reliance Fire Company. 
This was subsequently replaced by a powerful engine 
purchased from the Washington Fire Company of 
Wilmington, Del., at a cost of four hundred dollars. 
The first engine-house was a small affair. This was 
torn down in 1880, and replaced by a two-story brick 
building, surmounted by a cupola, in which hangs a 
small bell. The officers in October, 1882, were as 
follows: James H. Simpkins, president; Elwood 
Griscom, vice-president; T. C. G. Smith, secretary; 
Thomas Glynn, treasurer ; William H. Stow, .Jacob 
Ballis, S.French Banks, trustees; William P.Horner, 
John Horner, Aaron Lawrence, George Lawrence, 
George /aiser, engineers. 

The Liberty Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1, 
was instituted in 1866, but was made a permanent or- 
ganization on Feb. 19, 1867, when the following offi- 
cers were elected: Edward Calhoun, president; John 
Haverstick, vice-president ; George M. Diamond, sec- 
retary ; Albert Steiner, treasurer; William H. Kiger, 
Charles H. Thompson, C. A. Julius Johnson, William 
H. Bennett, Joseph H. Bilderback, directors ; Clement 
H. Fogg, George Hogan, Charles Fox, trustees. The 
following are the successive presiding officers : Charles 
Fowler, William H. Parks, John Hopkins, William 
H. Parks, Henry J. Hall, William M. Pyott, George 
Movvers, Richard T. Starr, George Mowers, Henry F. 
Bacon, William Launer. The officers in October, 
1882, were William Launer, president; Robert 
Gwynne, Jr., vice-president ; Joseph M. Bacon, sec- 
retary ; William J. Freas, recorder ; Albert Steiner, 
treasurer; James Bacon, Charles Smith, John Hop- 
kins, Wyatt Haines, Philip Launer, directors. 

The first apparatus of the company was received 
June 11, 1866. This truck (and outfit) was replaced 
by a lighter one, which was built to order in the 
spring of 1881, costing five hundred dollars. The 
brick building now occupied by the company was 
built in 1868. 



The Salem Water-Works. — In 1857 a charter was 
obtained authorizing the organization of a company, 
to be known as the Salem Water Company, with a 
capital of thirty thousand dollars, with liberty to in- 
crease it to fifty thousand dollars, the shares to be 
twenty-five dollars each. It does not appear that 
anything of importance ever resulted from this move- 
ment. Several later agitations of the water question 
led to nothing practical. One notable effort to obtain 
a water-supply for Salem was made in 1868. The fig- 
ures, however, frightened the people, and the water- 
works question was allowed to sleep the " sleep of 
death" for years. 

In the year 1880 the question was again taken up. 
Messrs. Charles W. Casper, M. P. Grey, W. Graham 
Tyler, and several citizens accidentally met one day, 
and the conversation in some way drifted to water- 
works, and the three then and there resolved to 
agitate the question once more, and if possible push 
the matter to a successful ending. In some way the 
" water-works fever" spread, and when the first water- 
works meeting was held in the Council chamber, on 
Monday evening, Aug. 23, 1880, it was well attended 
by prominent and representative citizens. Different 
systems of water-works were discussed, and the Holly 
system was recommended by an agent of the Holly 
Manufacturing Company, of Lockport, N. Y., who 
was present. The matter was not allowed to rest 
here, and those who took part iu the first meeting got 
up a petition and presented it to the City Council at 
its meeting held Aug. 28, 1880. 

The Council unanimously adopted a resolution 
authorizing the holding of an election on Sept. 21, 
1880, as to whether the city would avail itself of the 
act of 1876, entitled " An Act to enable cities to sup- 
ply the inhabitants thereof with pure and wholesome 
water." 

The result was five hundred and twenty-one for 
and one hundred and twenty-one against. Majority 
for water-works, four hundred. 

At the next meeting of City Council, held Friday 
evening, September 24th, a resolution was adopted 
calling for the appointment of a Water Committee, to 
consist of the mayor, two councilmen, and two citi- 
zens, with power to inspect water-works of other cities 
and ascertain what system of water-works could be 
most profitably used in Salem, and report the result 
of their examination to Council. The gentlemen 
composing that committee were B. F. Wood, mayor, 
Councilmen C. M. Eakin and George V. Anderson, 
and Messrs. Charles W. Casper and W. Graham 
Tyler. This committee reported to the City Council 
Feb. 26, 1881, presenting an estimate of the probable 
cost of constructing suitable water-works for Salem, 
the sum named being $75,163.90, and favoring Laurel 
Run, near Quinton, as a source of supply. 

The new City Council first met March 15tb, and at 
that meeting it was unanimously decided to build 
water-works, the work to commence as soon as possi- 



CITY OF SALEM. 



391 



ble. The new Water Committee was also appointed, 
as follows : B. F. Wood, mayor, chairman ; Council- 
men C. M. Eakin, George V. Anderson, William H. 
Lawson, J. C. Belden, Jr., Charles W. Casper, and 
W. Graham Tyler. 

This committee appointed Isaac S. Cassin, of Phil- 
adelphia, engineer of the works. The Water Com- 
mittee awarded the contract for building water- 
works to the Holly Manufacturing Company, of 
Lockport, N. Y., and the Common Council approved 
their action. 

The land for reservoir, engine-house, etc., having 
been secured at Laurel Run, it was surveyed July 
11th. The first shovelful of dirt toward the progress 
of the works was thrown that day. The work of 
building the dam and reservoir was commenced in a 
short time after the survey was made. The work of 
laying the pipe was continued through the winter, 
and the works were completed in April, 1882. As 
soon as the works were completed the mains for two 
weeks were subjected to a fire-pressure of one hundred 
and twenty pounds, so as to ascertain the " bad pipes." 
There were comparatively few leaks. The formal test- 
ing of the works took place on Wednesday, May 24th, 
in the presence of a large number of people, with a 
highly satisfactory result. Their capacity was found 
to be 1,054,080 gallons per twenty-four hours. 

The water-works are under the control of a Water 
Committee, consisting of Mayor C. S. Lawson and 
Councilmen Benjamin F. Wood and Charles W. Cas- 
per, who have the general management of affairs con- 
nected therewith. Their introduction and successful 
operation was gladly hailed by all enlightened and en- 
terprising citizens, and their convenience and utility 
for manufacturing and domestic uses receive almost 
hourly recognition. 

Physicians. — The following, among other phy- 
sicians, have practiced in Salem since 1800 : 



James Van Meter. 
Robert Van Meter. 
T. Rowan. 
Benjamin Archer. 
Thomas Beasley. 
E. Q. Keasbey. 
John B. Tuft. 
T. Ware. 

Hitchcock. 

C. Hannah. 
Q. Gibbon. 
Asa Smith. 
Armstrong. 



A. B. Lippincott. 
J. H. Thompson. 
T. Patterson. 

I. Preston. 

W. Wiley. 

Frank Bilderback. 

W. F. Stitts. 

C. Sherron. 

C. G. Abbott. 

Jackson. 

B. A. Waddington. 
A. F. Beckett. 



Attorneys. — Prominent among lawyers who have 
from time to time lived in Salem may be mentioned : 

Aaron Ogden Dayton. 
William N. Jeffers. 
Alphonso L, Eakin. 



Richard P. Thompson. 
F. L. McCuUoch. 
Kicliard S. Field. 
James M. Hannah. 
Henry T. Ellett. 
William S. Clawson. 
Andrew Sinnickson. 
Anthony Keasbey. 



Samuel A. Allen. 
Isaac Sinnickson. 
Allen McNabb. 
Edward Van Meter. 
Clement H. Sinnickson. 
William T. Hilliard. 
M. P. Grey. 
George Ingham. 
Charles Mecnm. 
I. 0. Acton. 
Morris H. Stratton. 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY, 

Friends' Societies. — As in everything else, 
Friends, or Quakers, took precedence in the institu- 
tion of religious services and observances in Fen- 
wick's colony. At the house of Samuel Nicholson, 
on West Broadway, in 1676, the first religious organ- 
ization in Salem Tenth was effected. The following 
is the record of this important event : 

" At a meeting held last day of the fifth month, 1676, it was unani- 
mously considered that the first second day of the week in the 6th 
month, that Friends do meet in the town of New Salem, in Fenwick's 
Colony, and all Friends thereunto, do monthly meet together, to con- 
sider of outward circumstances and business. And if such that has 
been convinced, and walked disorderly, that they may be in all gravity 
and uprightness to God, and in tenderness of spirit and love to their 
souls, be admonished, exhorted, and also reproved, and their evil deeds 
and practices testified against in the wisdom of God, and in the authority 
of truth, that may answer the witness of God within them. (Signed) 

"S.\MUEL Nicholson. "Richard Guy. 

" Robert Lanes. " Isaac Smakt. 

"Robert Wade. "John Fenwick. 

" Edward Wade. " Richard Johnson. 

" And others." 

June 2, 1678, Richard Guy, Edward Bradway, 
Isaac Smart, and Edward Wade were appointed 
a committee to select a place for a meeting-house 
and burying-ground. They were unsuccessful, and 
at a meeting Jan. 5, 1679, Edward Wade, James 
Nevill, John Maddox, and George Deacon were ap- 
pointed to treat with Samuel Nicholson and William 
Penton for their houses and plantations in Salem, and 
also " to see Ann Salter, widow of Henry Salter, 
about her lot of ground." At a meeting held in Feb- 
ruary, 1679, George Deacon, John Maddox, and 
Henry Jennings were appointed to take a view of 
Edward Bradway's house, and determine whether in 
their judgment it was suitable for a meeting-house. 
A minute was made at that time fixing upon the First 
and Fourth Days of the week for religious worship, the 
meetings to be held alternately at Samuel Nicholson's, 
Robert Zane's, and Richard Guy's. In December, 
1680, there was another committee appointed to en- 
deavor to purchase a lot of ground of Edward Champ- 
ney, on which to build a meeting-house, and for use 
as a burying-ground. A suitable lot could not be 
procured, and in August, 1681, Samuel Nicholson 
and his wife, Ann, deeded the whole of their sisteen- 
acre town lot, on West Broadway, "for the use and 
benefit of Salem Monthly Meeting forever, for a 
meeting-house and graveyard and other purposes." 

As soon as the deed for the above-mentioned prop- 
erty was given to the society, John Thompson, of El- 
sinboro, and Robert Zane, of Salem, were appointed 
to repair the house and fit it for occupancy by the 
society. About a year later the same persons were 
appointed to enlarge the meeting-house by adding 
sixteen feet to its length and making it higher and 
more commodious and convenient. For some reason 
this was not accomplished until 1683, at which time 
Benjamin Acton was appointed to build the addition. 
There was a proposition to have the floors of the 
house made of boards, but that measure failed, and 



392 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Feb. 27, 1687, Benjamin Acton and Thomas Wood 
were appointed to liave the entire building floored 
with clay, and to have it ready for occupancy before 
the Yearly Meeting should convene. This house was 
in use until 1700, when a brick structure was built east 
of the oak-tree in the present graveyard. The meet- 
ing increased in numbers so much that this house 
was not large enough to accommodate them, and in 
1770 members of Salem Monthly Meeting bought a 
lot on East Broadway of Thomas Hancock and Rob- 
ert Johnson, and erected thereon the commodious 
building now the house of worship of the Hicksite 
Friends, which was completed in 1772. 

The first Yearly Meeting was held at Salem, April 
15, 1684, and included the Friends of Haddoufield 
and Burlington. It vvas held at Salem and Burling- 
ton alternately, and was known as the Half Yearly 
Meeting. It was continued some years. At u Yearly 
Meeting held at Salem in 1693, George Keith ap- 
peared with his friends, and laid before the meeting 
their proposals for the settlement of the difl'ereuces 
among them. These were in the form of several 
propositions covering the points at issue, and discuss- 
ing the reasons for their adoption, which led to much 
controversy, and finally to the separation of many 
members from the society. The Friends who adhered 
to Keith were influential in the societj', and after the 
return of Keith to England became members of the 
Baptist Church. Andrew Griscom became reconciled 
with his former friends, and died a member of the 
society, and many of his descendants have been active 
and useful members thereof. 

In 1827, as is well known, the Society of Friends 
divided into two great parts, each claiming to hold 
the ancient doctrines of the sect. Both parties claim 
the venerable name of " Friends," but they bear 
titles they gave to each other. The relative strength 
of the two parties before and after the separation is 
thus set forth upon " Hicksite" authority : 

"Salem Quarterly Meeting, before the division, was composed of five 
Montlily IMeetings, ten meetings for worship, 1536 members. Salem 
Quarterly Meeting of Friends, since the division, is composed of four 
Monthly Meetings, ten meetings for worsliip, and 1238 members ; and 
that of the Orthodox Friends, three Monthly Meetings, four meetings for 
worship, and '19S members." 

The following statement, covering the same period, 
is from an " Orthodox" source : 

"Salem Quarterly Meeting, before the division, had five Monthly 
Meetings and ten meetings for worship, including 1603 members. Since 
the separation, Friends hold four meetings for worship and three 
Monthly Meetings, embracing 454 members. The Hicksites have 1145 
members, and liold five Monthly Meetings." 

The Hicksite branch retained and still occupy the 
old house of worship. The Orthodox Friends wor- 
shiped for some years in a school-house on Walnut 
Street. In 1835 they bought their present property 
on West Broadway, and in 1837 built their present 
brick house of worship thereon. Both societies con- 
tinued the use of the old graveyard. 

At this time the Orthodox Friends have one 



I Monthly Meeting and two meetings for worship, and 

1 a membership of fifty-three, and the Hicksite Friends 

1 have two Monthly Meetings and four meetings for 

■ worship, and a membership of two hundred. Friends 

early established schools in Salem, and two are now 

maintained by the Hicksite branch at the corner of 

East Broadway and Walnut Street. 

St. John's Episcopal. — In the number of those 
who accompanied John Fenwick to America, or who 
afterwards joined him and helped to establish his 
colony at Salem, it is highly probable there were 
some members of the Church of England, although 
most of his companions were of the same religious 
belief as himself, Quakers, or Friends. In answer 
to an appeal to the Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts, the Rev. John Holbrook 
was sent here as early as 1722. There is reason for 
the belief that some effort to organize a parish was 
made as early as 1714, but with what success cannot 
now be ascertained. The early records of the church 
are supposed to have been lost or destroyed during the 
Revolutionary war, when the building was occupied by 
British troops, and there is now no existing list of the 
names and numbers of the original members. It is 
known, however, that Benjamin Vining, Joseph Cole- 
man, George Trenchard, John Rolfe, Alexander Grant, 
James Sherron, and the Dunlap family were among the 
first Episcopalians. An organization having been ef- 
fected and the proper parish officers chosen, it is to be 
supposed that the name of "St. John's" was at the same 
time selected as the designation of the infant church, 
as that would be in accordance with Episcopal usage. 
There is a vague tradition that the first building was 
of wood (perhaps of logs), but after the arrival of 
Mr. Holbrook measures were taken for the erection 
of a brick church, which was accordingly built upon 
the spot occupied by the present church. It was sit- 
uated upon the east side of Market Street (then called 
Bridge Street), upon a lot containing about one acre 
of ground, conveyed by Samuel Hedge — " in con- 
sideration of the love which he bears to the Church 
of England as established by law" — to Benjamin 
Vining and Joseph Coleman, wardens, "for the sole 
use and behoof of the members of the Church of Eng- 
land, of the church of Salem." This deed is dated 
Feb. 5, 1727-28, and the original is now in possession 
of the vestry of St. John's. 

The churchyard was further enlarged in 1847 by 
the gift from Col. Robert G. Johnson and wife of a 
piece of ground containing about the sixth of an 
acre. 

The original building was a parallelogram, twenty- 
eight by thirty-eight feet. In 1812, at the revival of the 
parish, which had been in desolation since the Revo- 
lution, a considerable addition was made to it, and it 
so remained until it was succeeded by the present 
structure. It is well remembered by many of this 
generation, and many hallowed memories cluster 
around it. 



CITY OF SALEM. 



393 



In 1836, duriug the incumbency of the Rev. Dr. 

Mason, the corner-stone of the existing church edifice 
was laid, with the usual ceremonies, by Bishop Doane. 
The architect was William Strickland, of Philadel- 
phia. It was finished and consecrated in 1838. At 
that time the Rev. Edward G. Prescott was rector; 
Thomas Sinnickson and Daniel Garrison, wardens ; 
Richard P. Thompson, Jacob W. Mulford, James M. 
Hannah, Dr. Benjamin Archer, Joseph Kille, Dr. 
Thomas Rowan, Col. John Sinnickson, David B. 
Smith, and Oliver B. Stoughton, vestrymen. In 
1880 it was enlarged and greatly improved by the ad- 
dition of a recess chancel, an organ-chamber and 
robing-room, a beautiful memorial chancel-window, 
and other changes, which have made it one of the 
most attractive churches in West Jersey. The archi- 
tect was George W. Hewitt, of Philadelphia. 

The following list comprises the names of the minis- 
ters who have had charge of the church from the or- 
ganization of the parish until the present time. The 
list is probably incomplete, but it is believed to be as 
correct as it is now possible to make it. In the pro- 
ceedings of the Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts for the year 1722 it is stated 
that the society had paid ten pounds each to Messrs. 
Hesselius and Lidenius, Swedish missionaries in 
charge of Penn's Neck and Raccoon (as Swedes- 
boro was then called), for occasional services in 
Salem. These services were doubtless rendered pre- 
vious to the appointment of the Rev. John Hoi brook, 
who was sent as the society's missionary in 1722, and 
so continued until 1731. Whether he died or removed 
is not known. He was succeeded, in 1733, by the 
Rev. John Pierson, who had charge of the parish 
until his death, in 1747. His remains, together with 
those of his wife and child, lie in the churchyard. 
After Mr. Pierson's death, and some time between 
February, 1748, and February, 1749, the Rev. Mr. 
Thompson was appointed missionary at Salem, but 
in the following year removed to Chester, in Pennsyl- 
vania, where the society thought he could be more 
useful. After his departure the Rev. Eric Unander, 
Swedish missionary in charge of Raccoon and Penn's 
Neck, preached occasionally in Salem, but after about 
the year 1750 the church does not appear to have had 
the regular ministrations of a clergyman until 1774- 
75, when the Rev. James Barker officiated for six 
months very acceptably, as is stated by the wardens, 
Grant Gibbon and Thomas Sinnickson. From this 
time until 1792, so far as is known, St. John's was 
without a pastor. The events of the Revolution had 
separated the colonies from the mother-country, and 
one of the consequences of the establishment of our 
independence was the withdrawal of the aid which 
had been so generously extended to the struggling 
churches of America by the Society for the Propaga- 
tion of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. " To the nursing 
care and protection" of that venerable society during 
the first eighty-four years of its existence most of the 



I Protestant Episcopal Churches in America were in- 

! debted for their very existence. In 1792 and '93 the 

I Rev. John Grey was the minister in cliarge of St. 

I John's, Salem, and St. George's, Penn's Neck, which, 

like all the churches established by the Swedes, had 

at that time been incorporated with the Episcopal 

Church. 

There is another blank in the history of the parish 
from 1793 until about 1812, when, as before stated, 
the church was " enlarged and repaired in a neat and 
decorous style." It is reasonable to suppose that this 
was done in consequence of an increase of the con- 
gregation, and a renewal of the zeal and activity of 
the parish. Indeed, this is expressly stated to have 
been the case in a report made to the Convention in 
1813 by the missionary then in charge, but whose 
name has not been ascertained. In April, 1814, the 
Rev. Daniel Higbee, formerly of St. Andrew's, Mount 
Holly, was chosen by the wardens and vestry to take 
charge of St. John's, in connection with St. George's, 
Penn's Neck. He officiated accordingly once a fort- 
night until 1818, when the church again became 
vacant. In 1820 the Rev. Richard F. Cadle was 
elected to the pastorate, and from that time there has 
been a regular succession of ministers. In 1824, Mr. 
Cadle was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Smith, and 
he in 1825 by the Rev. Christian F. Cruse, who was 
followed in 1829 by the Rev. Henry M. Mason, D.D. 
From 1837 to 1844 the Rev. Edward G. Prescott was 
rector ; after him, until 1848, the Rev. William B. 
Otis; until 1853, the Rev. John S. Kidney, D.D. ; 
from 1853 until 1857, the Rev. Andrew B. Patterson, 
D.D. ; from 1857 to 1867, the Rev. Thomas F. Bil- 
lopp; from 1867 to 1871, Rev. William A. Holbrook ; 
from 1871 to 1882, Rev. George W. Timlow, D.D. 
The Rev. Charles M. Perkins is the present rector. 
The members of the corporation at this time are, 
besides the rector, Dr. J. H. Thompson and J, How- 
ard Sinnickson, wardens; Andrew Sinnickson, De 
Witt Clinton Clement, George A. Rumsey, George 
Mecum, John P. Bruna, W. Graham Tyler, Samuel 
Scott, and Martin P. Grey, vestrymen. 

First Baptist. — Some time in 1688, Rev. Elias 
Keach, pastor of the Baptist Church at Pennypack, 
Pa., visited this part of West Jersey, preached at 
Salem, Penn's Neck, and Cohansey, and found a 
number of Baptists there. 

About 1692, John Holme settled on Alloways 
Creek, a few miles from Salem. The same year Rev. 
Thomas Killingsworth moved into the immediate 
vicinity of Salem. Obadiah Holmes had moved into 
the Cohansey country in 1685. These three were all 
men of sterling worth and of commanding position 
in the community, and earnest, working Christians. 
They gave a happy moulding influence, and contrib- 
uted no little character and efficiency to the Baptists 
of West Jersey in their early history. 

After the coming of Mr. John Holme and Rev. 
Thomas Killingsworth services were held quite regu- 



394 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



larly at their houses. There were also yearly meet- 
ings held during part of this time. " The usual way 
of keeping them was two days at the house of Mr. 
Killingsworth and one day at the house of Mr. 
Holme." Services were continued somewhat in this 
way till the death of Mr. Killingsworth, which oc- 
curred in 1709. Some time after his death regular 
services were discontinued for a considerable time. 
" After some time Rev. Timothy Brooks, then pastor 
of the Cohansey Church, kept meeting among them 
somewhat regularly till his death in 1716." As they 
were still without a meeting-house, these services 
were held at private houses. Samuel Fogg, Daniel 
Smith, Edward Quintin, and others freely opened 
their houses for this purpose. After the death of Mr. 
Brooks it does not appear that there was regular 
preaching by any Baptist minister for about twenty 
years. " During this time most of the old members 
died off, but others were converted and united with 
the Cohansey Church. These, with those favorably 
disposed to Baptists, continued to travel to Cohansey 
to meeting until about 1741, when a few more mem- 
bers were added to the Cohansey Church from the 
vicinity of Alloways Creek and Salem, who, being 
desirous to have gospel preaching sometimes, did 
prevail with Mr. Nathaniel Jenkins, then the pastor 
at Cohansey, to come to them occasionally and assist 
them." 

Mr. Abram Garrison, Mr. Robert Kelsey, and Mr. 
Job Sheppard, of Cohansey, after some private trial 
by the church were admitted to the ministry, and 
they, especially Mr. Garrison, visited the Baptists here. 

And now, as meetings were more frequent, the com- 
mon hearers likewise increased, so that some conve- 
nient place for meetings was thought necessary, where- 
upon a proposal was made among them for building 
a meeting-house. A quarter of an acre of land was 
given for that use by Mr. Daniel Smith, between 
Salem and Alloways Creek, at a place called Mill 
Hollow, and a meeting-house was built thereon in 
1743. Mr. Sheppard alone for some three years held 
monthly services here. In December, 1748, by the 
urgent request of the brethren about Salem and Allo- 
ways Creek, Mr. Sheppard moved his family from 
Cohansey to Alloways Creek, and from that time, for 
the space of nearly six years, meetings were kept 
every week except when providentially hindered. 

Not long afterward the question of separating from 
the Cohansey Church and organizing a church at 
Mill Hollow came up for serious consideration. 
Finally the brethren at Cohansey were addressed on 
the subject and gave their assent, and on the 17th day 
of May, 1755, a church was organized there. 

The following were the nineteen constituent mem- 
bers, and their names are found signed to the church 
covenant: 



Job Sheppard. 
Ciitliarine Sheppard. 
Edward Quiriton. 



Temperance Quinton. 
Edward Keaabey. 
Prudence Keasbey. 



Abner Sims. 
Sarah Sims. 
John Ho]nie. 
Daniel Smith. 
Seth Smith. 
Samuel Sims. 
Joseph Sneatlien. 



John Whittal. 
Sarah Smith. 
Pbcebe Smith. 
Rachel Sneathen. 
Patience James. 
Keren-liappach Blackwood. 



Rev. Job Sheppard was their first pastor, and con- 
tinued in the pastorate until his death, March 2, 1757. 
The second pastor was Rev. John Sutton. He came 
in 1761, and remained only a few months. Rev. John 
Blackwell, the third pastor, came in 1763, and did not 
stay more than six months. In February, 1768, Rev. 
Abel Griffith became the fourth pastor, and remained 
until some time in 1775. His pastorate was followed 
by an interval of alniost nine years before another 
pastor was chosen. Patterson Vanhorn, the fifth 
pastor, began his duties in March, 1784, and closed 
them at his death, Sept. 10, 1789. The sixth pastor. 
Rev. Isaac Skillman, came Sept. 18, 1790, and re- 
mained during the balance of his life. He died June 8, 
1 799. Two years later. Rev. Horatio Gates Jones began 
his labors in Salem as the seventh pastor. During 
the interval of pastorates Rev. David Cooper and 
Rev. Mr. Jarman successively supplied the pulpit. 
Mr. Jones left in 1805 on account of ill health. After 
his resignation the church was without a pastor nearly 
five months, during which the pulpit was filled for a 
time by Revs. David Cooper and Obadiah B. Brown. 
The eighth pastor, Rev. Thomas Brown, was ordained 
at Salem, Feb. 15, 1806. In 1808 he accepted a call 
elsewhere. In eight months after Mr. Brown left 
Salem, during which time the church depended upon 
transient supplies. Rev. Joseph Sheppard, the ninth 
pastor, was called to the pastorate (March 28, 1809), 
and was ordained April 29th following. He continued 
the pastorate till April 1, 1829. The tenth pastor, 
Rev. Charles J. Hopkins, served the church from May, 
1829, to April 1, 1835. Rev. Thomas Wilks, the 
eleventh pastor, served from July 1, 1835, to March 
1, 1836 ; Rev. Samuel Nightingale, the twelfth pastor, 
fi-om March 25, 1836, to Sept. 25, 1837 ; the thir- 
teenth pastor. Rev. Samuel Smith, from Jan. 20, 1838, 
to Nov. 20, 1841 ; Rev. Silas C. James, the fourteenth 
pastor, from Jan. 1, 1842, to March 25, 1844; the fif- 
teenth pastor, Rev. John W. Gibbs, from April 20, 
1844, to April 1, 1847 ; Rev. James Smither, the six- 
teenth pastor, from April 1, 1847, to March 17, 1849. 
Rev. Robert F. Young, the seventeenth pastor, com- 
menced his labors Oct. 1, 1849, and remained till Oct. 
1, 1854. Aaron Perkins, D.D., the eighteenth pastor, 
was installed Feb. 1, 1855, and remained till July 1, 
1859. The nineteenth pastor. Rev. John R. Murphy, 
entered upon the pastorate Oct. 1, 1859. He was suc- 
ceeded by the twentieth pastor, Rev. Dr. San ford, who 
began his labors Feb. 16, 1872, and died Oct. 31, 1874. 
Rev. C. E. Cordo was called, and became the twenty- 
first pastor, April 4, 1875, and resigned Oct. 14, 1877. 
Rev. J. B. English, the twenty-second pastor, began 
his labors Feb. 24, 1878, and remained till Oct. 13, 



CITY OF SALEM. 



395 



1879. Rev. H. A. Griesemer, the twenty-third and 
present pastor, was called Jan. 19, 1881. 

The Sabbath-school connected with the church was 
commenced about 1819, and has generally been well 
sustained, and has proved an important aid in the 
work of evangelization. There was a Union school 
some years before 1819, in which members of the 
church were active workers. In 1850 an infant class 
was organized, thus securing the earlier attendance 
of the children on Sabbath-school instructions. There 
have also been various auxiliary organizations at dif- 
ferent times in the history of the church. 

July 4, 1869, letters were granted to seventy-two 
members of this church, of whom thirty- five were 
males, for the purpose of organizing another church. 
Subsequently these brethren were recognized as the 
Memorial Baptist Church, and as such their organiza- 
tion has since been known. 

The church and congregation met June 17, 1786, at 
the meeting-house at Mill Hollow, and resolved to 
become incorporated under this general law, and duly 
elected as trustees Thomas Sayer, John Holme, Ben- 
jamin Holme, Anthony Keasbey, Samuel Vance, John 
Briggs, and Howell Smith. July 3, 1786, these trus- 
tees were sworn into office, formally effecting the in- 
corporation, under the name of the "Trustees of the 
Anti-Pedo Baptist Society meeting in the town of 
Salem." This remained the corporate name until 
1860, when, by an act of the Legislature, it was 
changed to " First Baptist Church of Salem." 

The building of the second house of worship was 
probably begun in 1786. It was probably first occu- 
pied some time during 1789. Previously the church 
purchased a parsonage property. 

The temporalities of the church were thus reported 
in 1790: "1. The chief is a plantation of one hun- 
dred acres, with a good house and out-buildings on it, 
valued at twenty-five pounds per year. 2.. A tene- 
ment on the meeting-house lot, now let for twelve 
pounds. 3. The old meeting-house and lot near Quin- 
ton's Bridge." 

After several efforts to retain the property and can- 
cel the debt on the second meeting-house, the parson- 
age was sold between 1791 and 1799. The edifice on 
Yorke Street was a substantial brick house, with gal- 
leries on three sides. It was occupied by this church 
until 1846, and afterwards as a place of worship by 
the Second Baptist Church. In 1854 it was sold and 
torn down. The two lots first purchased on Yorke 
Street measured about two acres. A purchase in 
1794 added over an acre to these grounds. 

The town of Salem grew up nearer the creek than 
was anticipated when the second meeting-house was 
built, and thus in process of time that house was left 
quite in the suburbs of the present city. 

October 20th the trustees were directed to take a 
deed of the lot upon which the third meeting-house 
now stands, and a committee of twenty was appointed 
to solicit funds for building the house. March 16, 



1844, the building committee was appointed, and the 
work on the house was duly commenced. The house 
was dedicated Dec. 12, 1846, and thenceforth was the 
appointed place of the meetings of the church. Thus, 
after occupying their second house of worship about 
fifty-six years, and after nearly five years' considera- 
tion and labor in reference to another house, the 
church is found in their third and present meeting- 
house. This house, located on Broadway, in the very 
centi-e of the city, on a lot one hundred by three hun- 
dred feet, is a substantial brick structure, seventy-five 
by fifty feet, with pulpit recess and front portico. It 
is surmounted by a tower, containing bell and clock. 
In 1881 this building was improved at a cost of four 
thousand dollars, and a chapel was built in the rear 
at an expense of six thousand dollars. 

The present membership of this church is about 
five hundred and twenty-five. The Sunday-school 
has fifty-three ofiicers and teachers and about two 
hundred and sixty-five scholars. Its library contains 
four hundred and sixty-one volumes. The superin- 
tendent is R. F. Boon. 

Memorial Baptist. — This church was organized 
July 7, 1869, with the following constituent members, 
seventy-two in number, dismissed from the First Bap- 
tist Church of Salem : 



Thomas B. Stow. 

ElizabelhStow. 

Mary Stow. 

Epliraim J. Lloyd. 

Elizabeth Lloyd. 

Thomas M. Lloyd. 

Margaretta L. Lloyd. 

Jesse F. Bodine. 

Eliza Bodine. 

George W. Bodine. 

Charles C. Pierce. 

Ellen T. Pierce. 

Robert F. Y. Pierce. 

Smith Bilderback. 

Rachel Stanger. 
/Mrs. E. Bacon. 
i Miss E. Bacon. 

Joseph M. Bacon. 
, Eeory F. Bacon. 

W. H. Ballinger. 

Harriet Ballinger. 

William K. Freas. 

Isaac K. Butler. 

Maggie C. Butler. 

Martha Bilderback. 

Richard G. Stretch. 

Ellen F. Stretch. 

Jacob Bucher. 

Emma Bucher 

Albert L, Dooman. 

Anna W. Booman. 

Thomas S. Walker. 

Sarah S. Walker. 

Ann Walker. 

Emma J. Walker. 

S. W. Hackett. 



Elizabeth Casper. 
N. E. Treen. 
Thomas Butler. 
Mary Butler. 
Reuben J. Freas. 
Mary E. Freas. 
Sarah A. Freas. 
Edmund Smith. 
Charles Counsellor. 
Samuel Habermayer. 
Zilpha Habermayer. 
Anna Bell Casper. 
Anna W. Treen. 
John Q. Davis. 
Jemima Davis. 
Nathaniel McNeil. 
Horatio G. Davis. 
Anna C. Davis. 
Anna A. Davis. 
Henry J. Freas. 
f John S. Bacon. 
/_Sarah C. Bacon. 
John S. McCune. 
Mary A. McCune. 
Albert Steiner. 
John R. Stanger. 
Eliza J. M. Habermayer. 
Samuel Armstrong. 
Hannah Armstrong. 
Jane Mulford. 
Rachel Primrose. 
Joseph Griffey. 
Abigail Griffey. 
Enoch C. Mulford. 
Martha S. Mulford. 
Lydia McNeil. 



The corner-stone of the church on East Broadway 
was laid Aug. 3, 1870. The lecture-room was dedi- 
cated Jan. 1, 1871, and the audience-room upon the 
completion of the house of worship not long after- 



396 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



ward. This building is of bricl£, and cost two thou- 
sand three hundred dollars. It was repaired in 1881 
at an expense of two thousand two hundred dollars. 
Previous to its completion and opening meetings 
were held in the court-house. 

The pastoral roll of this church is as follows: First 
preacher, Rev. R. F. Young; first minister, Rev. H. 
H. Rhees, called Aug. 22, 1869, succeeded by Rev. H. 
G. Mason, July 3, 1870; Rev. A. C. Williams, March 
12,1876; Rev. C. W. Ray, Feb. 23, 1879; Rev. C. E. 
Cordo, Dec. 12, 1880, serving at present. 

The first Sunday-school superintendent was Mr. C. 
C. Pierce. The scholars now number one hundred and 
sixty-eight, and the library contains four hundred and 
twenty-four volumes. 

First Presbyterian.— In 1812, St. .lohn's Episcopal 
Church in Salem, which had fallen into ruins, having 
become a burrow for rabbits and a resting-place for 
swallows, was repaired, and from 1812 to 1820, Pres- 
byterian ministers preached as occasion offered, and 
Episcopalians and Presbyterians worshiped together. 
In 1820 the Presbyterians were excluded. They 
therefore withdrew and held religious meetings for a 
time in the academy building and jn the court-house. 
At the suggestion of Col. Johnson, preparations were 
at once made to organize a Presbyterian Church and 
erect a building for its worship. 

Col. Johnson and these gentlemen entered with en- 
thusiasm into the enterprise of establishing a Presby- 
terian Church in Salem. Their energy and liberality 
were shown in the fact that four hundred dollars were 
collected in one day, — a large sum for the times and 
for the few who were interested, — and in the further 
fact that the corner-stone of the new building was laid 
March 6, 1821, and the building itself was completed 
and opened with religious services July 14th of the 
same year. This building was of brick, thirty by 
fifty feet, with a gallery across the northern end. It 
was located on what is now Grant Street, and on the 
southern side of the Presbyterian cemetery. Col. 
Johnson contributed half an acre of ground for its 
site, which is now part of the cemetery. He also 
gave twelve hundred dollars, or nearly one-half of 
the cost of the building, which was two thousand 
four hundred and forty-three dollars. The remainder 
was contributed by the Van Meter brothers, Messrs. 
John Congleton, and Matthias Lambson, various citi- 
zens of Salem, both town and county, and others. 

Besides half an acre of land and nearly half the 
cost of the building, Col. Johnson gavetiie mahogany 
pulpit now in use in the lecture-room ; Dr. R. H. 
Van Meter gave the stove, Mrs. Ruth Van Meter gave 
the pulpit hangings, and a bookseller in Philadelphia 
gave the pulpit Bible. When the building was erected 
Grant Street was not laid out. It was approached 
from a road that entered Market Street between Mas- 
kell Ware's house and the Episcopal Church. It 
pointed north therefore, and not south as afterward, 
while the steeple was also on the north end. 



In 1881 or 1832 pews with cushions were put into 
it, the seats having previously been plain benches 
with backs. The cost was six hundred and sixty-two 
dollars. These pews are now in use in the lecture- 
room. 

In 1835, as the congregation increased, it was again 
improved and enlarged ; twenty feet were added to the 
length, makingitseventy feet long, and giving room for 
twenty new pews. The floor was raised three feet, and 
the ground under the front end was dug out four feet, 
forming a basement lecture-room, which was used for 
Sabbath-school and weekly meetings. These improve- 
ments cost three thousand dollars. 

In 1838 an organ was placed in it at a cost of four 
or five hundred dollars, of which Calvin Belden gave 
one-half. Public worship was held in this old church 
for the last time the second Sabbath of October, 1856, 
but its bell continued to call the people to worship 
in the new church until the last Sabbath in Decem- 
ber, 1857. This bell was sold to the Fenwick Fire 
Company. 

The first Presbyterian Church in Salem was organ- 
ized by a committee of the Presbytery of Philadel- 
phia, on the 13th of November, 1821, four months 
after the dedication of the building. 

The church was organized with six members, and 
the following persons were transferred to this church 
by the dissolution of the church at Penn's Neck : 
Sarah Lambson, Sarah Kean, Martha Burden, John 
Congleton, Sarah Congleton, and Sarah Lumly. 
Robert H. Van Meter, Samel Burden, Robert Mc- 
Millen, and Lydia McMillen were among the earliest. 
The following were ordained as ruling elders, viz. : 
Samuel Burden, Robert McMillen, and Robert H. 
Van Meter. 

Jan. 24, 1822, an election for trustees resulted in 
the choice of James Bartram, Dr. James Van Meter, 
Dr. Edward J. Keasbey, Joel Fithian, Samuel Copner, 
Samuel Dunn. 

The Presbytery furnished supplies for the pulpit 
until the fall of 1822. The trustees then employed 
Rev. Moses T. Harris, from Philadelphia, who per- 
formed pastoral duties until October, 1823. In No- 
vember, 1823, Rev. John Burtt was invited to preach 
as stated supply for six months. At the end of this 
time he received the unanimous call of the congrega- 
tion to become their pastor, and was ordained and 
installed June 8, 1824. The congregation agreed to 
give Mr. Burtt three hundred dollars and his fire-wood, 
and find him a house to live in. 

During Mr. Burtt's ministry a pastor's library, 
valued at fifty dollars, adapted to his special tastes 
and wants, was presented to the church by Elias 
Boudinot, Esq. A Sabbath-school library, valued 
at twenty-five dollars, was also presented by Miss 
Ellet, of New York. Some of the books of the pas- 
tor's library remain, while those given by Miss Ellet 
formed the nucleus of the Sabbath-school library. 

In 1830, after the dismissal of Mr. Burtt, Rev. A. 



CITY OF SALEM. 



H. Parker became stated supply for one year. It 
was during Mr. Parker's ministry the church received 
a legacy of nearly one thousand dollars in bank stock 
from Mr. John Congleton. The church building was 
also repaired at this time. 

Mr. Parker was succeeded in 1832 by Rev. Amsi 
Babbit, who continued as stated supply for eighteen 
months. After him came Rev. Thomas Amerman, of 
New York, who remained only five months. These 
three last-named ministers were stated supplies and 
not settled pastors. 

Rev. Alexander Heberton, of Kingston, Luzerne 
Co., Pa., was installed as pastor Dec. 15, 1834. Mr. 
Heberton's ministry continued six years. During 
this period the church building was enlarged, car- 
peted, rededicated, and an organ was purchased and 
placed in it. Mr. Heberton's salary was three hun- 
dred and seventy-five dollars a year. 

Very soon after Mr. Heberton left, the Session in- 
vited Rev. J. I. Helm to preach to the congregation. 
Mr. Helm began his labors June 25, 1840, and con- 
tinued as stated supply until Oct. 1, 1842. Then a 
call was regularly made out for his services as pastor, 
and he was installed Oct. 17, 1842. 

Mr. Helm's pastorate continued nearly twelve 
years, including his term as stated supply. During 
this time a library for the use of the congregation 
was established, chiefly through his efforts. Bliss 
Prudence I. Keasbey bequeathed one thousand dollars 
towards the erection of a new building that was in 
contemplation. Dr. James Van Meter also bequeathed 
a farm in Pittsgrove township, the income of which 
is to be perpetually used to sustain the preaching of 
the gospel. Dr. Van Meter's will was not witnessed, 
and the legacy could not, therefore, be legally 
claimed ; but his son, Dr. Thomas J. Van Meter, 
gave a deed of the property to the church, in accord- 
ance with his father's wishes. 

In 1847, and largely through the efforts of the 
ladies of the congregation, the building was pur- 
chased which is now occupied as a parsonage. The 
cost was two thousand eight hundred dollars. Twelve 
hundred dollars were raised by a general subscription, 
and six hundred dollars contributed by the ladies' 
sewing society. This sum of eighteen hundred dol- 
lars was paid when the deed was drawn ; the balance, 
one thousand dollars, was paid at different times, but 
the mortgage was canceled May 4, 1852. 

Mr. Helm was dismissed April 20, 1852. Rev. 
Daniel Stratton, of Newberne, N. C, was called at a 
meeting held June 23, 1852, and was installed Oct. 
14, 1852. His ministry continued fourteen years, and 
ended with his death, Aug. 24, 1866. 

The present beautiful building was erected during 
Mr. Stratton's ministry. The corner-stone was laid 
with appropriate ceremonies July 17, 1854. Records 
of the church, religious and city papers, with other 
documents of interest were deposited in a case, sur- 
mounted by a white stone slab, in which was cut 



the date of the founding and building of the church. 
This was the corner-stone. The architect was John 
BIcArthur, of Philadelphia; the mason, Richard C. 
Ballinger, of Salem ; the builder, A. Van Kirk, of 
Trenton. Its dimensions are forty-eight feet wide by 
eighty-six feet long ; height of steeple, one hundred 
and eighty-four feet; cost, twenty-seven thousand 
dollars. It was dedicated Oct. 15, 1856. The names 
of those who gave the largest amounts for this build- 
ing are Calvin Belden and family, Reuben Hinch- 
man. Rev. Daniel Stratton and family (including one 
thousand dollars from Miss H. E. Hancock), Mrs. 
Margaret Rumsey and family, Thomas W. Cattell and 
family, and Dr. Thomas J. Van Meter and family. 
The sums contributed by these donors amounted to 
$13,773.50. Sabbath-school was first held in the new 
building the second Sabbath of November, 1856. 
November 11th the first weekly lecture was held in 
it, and Thanksgiving was observed in it November 
20th. Dec. 28, 1866, the congregation elected Rev. F. 
W. Brauns, of the Presbytery of Baltimore, as their 
pastor, at a salary of fifteen hundred dollars a year, 
with the use of the parsonage. Mr. Brauns was in- 
stalled April 25, 1867, and after a ministry of sixteen 
months accepted a call to the Seventh Presbyterian 
Church, Cincinnati. 

In 1867 the ladies, with the consent of the trustees, 
and aided by a committee of gentlemen, repaired and 
enlarged the parsonage, at an expense of two thou- 
sand five hundred dollars. 

The church was without a pastor for six months 
after Mr. Brauns left. During this time the pulpit 
was supplied under direction of the Session. Jan. 25, 
1869, the congregation unanimously called Rev. Wil- 
liam Bannard, D.D., of the Presbytery of Albany, 
N. Y. He was installed April 27, 1869. His min- 
istry has thus far extended over thirteen years. The 
church building has been improved and repaired at 
a further cost of four thousand dollars, while a goodly 
number have been added to its membership, and its 
prosperity has at least equaled that of any previous 
period of its history. 

The Sabbath-school has been an important element 
in the success and growth of this church. The pres- 
ent library contains four hundred volumes. Mrs. 
Ruth Van Bleter, the first superintendent, held the 
office until the election of Calvin Belden, who re- 
signed in 1856, and was succeeded by Henry B. Ware, 
who died in July, 1875. W. N. Bannard was elected 
in October, 1875, and served until Aug. 3, 1879. The 
present superintendent, Richard Kelty, was elected 
Dec. 28, 1879. The school has on its roll one hun- 
dred and twenty-three scholars and teachers, of which 
its infant class numbers fifty. 

The property of this church may be summed up as 
follows: A ho'use of worship, which cost originally 
twenty-seven thousand dollars, and has been refitted 
at considerable expense; a parsonage worth six thou- 
sand dollars ; a farm in Pittsgrove valued at ten 



398 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



thousand dollars, yielding an annual income of five 
hundred dollars; and a fine cemetery on Grant Street. 
The officers of the church have been as follows : 
Elders, Samuel Burden, Robert McMillan, Robert H. 
Van Meter, Robert G. Johnson, James Van Meter, 
David Johnson, Isaiah Wood, George C. Rumsey, 
Calvin Belden, John Wetherby, Henry Freeman, 
Thomas W. Cattell, Moses Richman, Henry B. Ware, 
Reuben Hinchman, John P. Moore, (iuinton Gibbon, 
Henry M. Rumsey, William B. Robertson, Thomas 

B. Jones, William Richman, Benjamin R. Kelty ; 
Trustees, James Bertram, James Van Meter, Edward 
J. Keasbey, Joel Fithian, Samuel Copuer, Matthias 
Lambson, Samuel Dunn, Thomas F. Lambson, George 

C. Rumsey, John Lawson, Charles Hannah, William 
J.Shinn, Calvin Belden, Thomas W. Cattell, Thomas 
J. Van Meter (declined), Reuben Hinchman, George 
B. Robertson, John Lawson, William Patterson, Wil- 
liam B. Robertson, Maskell Ware, D. Wolcott Belden, 
John V. Craven, Albert W. Sherron, Henry M. Rum- 
sey, John P. Moore, Charles W. Casper, Caleb 
Wheeler, John C. Belden, Henry D. Hall, George 
Hires, Clifford M. Sherron, B. F. Wood. 

First Methodist EpiscopaL — Methodism was in- 
troduced in Salem about 1774, when Daniel Ruff 
visited the town and preached in the court-house. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Salem was 
founded about 1784. The men chiefly engaged in 
the work were Henry Stubbins Firth, John McClas- 
key, Cornelius Mulford, Hugh Smith, Benjamin Ab- 
bott, Isaac Vanneman, John Murphy, and Levi Gar- 
rison. 

In 1784 the first house of worship of this church 
was built, largely liy the liberality of Henry Stubbins 
Firth, on Margaret's Lane, now Walnut Street. The 
Methodists asked assistance from members of other 
religious denominations, among them persons belong- 
ing to the Society of Friends. The matter was dis- 
cussed in the Friends' Quarterly Meeting, some 
Friends objecting to contribute, believing that they 
could do so only in violation of the testimony that 
the society always held against aiding "a hireling 
ministry." It was stated in the meeting that the 
preachers of the " new sect," as the Methodists were 
called, received only a passing support for their ser- 
vices; and after a general expression of opinion it 
was decided by the society that such members as felt 
free to contribute might do so unreservedly. After 
the church was completed and dedicated, Benjamin 
Abbot was baptized therein ; for, although he had 
then been preaching twelve years, in consequence of 
the ministry not having been oi'dained he had not 
been baptized. 

Up to this time Salem had been a preaching station 
on the West Jersey Circuit. In 1788 the Salem Cir- 
cuit was formed. Rev. James O. Cromwell was ap- 
pointed presiding elder, and Joseph Cromwell, Na- 
thaniel B. Mills, and John Cooper were appointed to 
the circuit. In 1789, Salem Circuit had Simon Pile, 



Jethro Johnson, and Sylvester Hutchinson as preach- 
ers. This was in all probability a " six weeks' cir- 
cuit," embracing all West Jersey below Burlington. 
During this year there was a powerful work of regen- 
eration on the circuit, which increased its class and 
church membership from six hundred and eighty to 
nine hundred and thirty-three, the latter number 
being reported in 1790. During that year the circuit 
was divided and Bethel Circuit was formed, Joseph 
Cromwell and William Dougherty riding the now 
smaller Salem Circuit. Judging from the returns in 
the minutes of the Annual Conference, there was not 
much done for the succeeding five years. In 1796 
Salem Circuit returned four hundred and seventy-six 
members. Rev. John McClaskey was presiding elder; 
the preachers were Robert McCoy and Peter Vannest. 
In 1797, William McLenahau and Benjamin Fisler 
rode Salem Circuit, which reported a membership of 
four hundred and fifty-two. The preachers of Salem 
Circuit in 1799 were Richard Swain and Wesley 
Budd. The latter was denominated " a masterly 
preacher." He was a man of a cultivated mind, 
quick discernment, and an extensive knowledge of 
human nature, but, unhappily, he is said to have 
afterwards made a shipwreck of his character, happi- 
ness, and hope. In 1800, Richard Swain and R. 
Lyon were appointed to the Salem Circuit. 

About this time the Salem station was largely in- 
creased in membership. Among the new converts 
were three brothers, Jacob, William, and Maskell 
Mulford, who came to Salem from Greenwich, Cum- 
berland Co., where their parents were members of the 
Presbyterian Church. From this date the congrega- 
tion increased steadily and quite rapidly, and in time 
the old frame building on Walnut Street was not 
large enough to accommodate them, and in 1826 they 
concluded to erect a brick edifice, which was 'com- 
pleted and dedicated in 1838. The attention of the 
writer has been drawn to a document, of which the 
following is a literal copy, which will be found quaintly 
interesting and historically valuable in this connec- 
tion. It is written on what was once evidently the 
fly-leaf of an old account-book, and on the back are 
the words, " To whom may find it" : 

" Salem, rebrnary 2l8t, 1838. 
"We the under sign was the cal-penters that finished the Methodist 
E. Church in Margarets Lane. 

" Charles W. Robberts the Arch. Joel C. Emley maater-worliniiin the 
boas built the Pulpit. 

"Kev. JefJei-son Lewis the station minister ) Emley & Smith the under 
in Salem at the finishing of the Church. J takers. 

("Charles Sharp) help to 
I John H.Kelly J finishe 
f Horasha Lawrence 1 " 
t Painter) 

David E. Williams began the church in March, 
1836. Rev. Abraham Owen was then stationed at 
Salem as the minister. 

It was in 1826 that Salem became a regular station. 
At that time one hundred and five members were re- 



CITY OF SALEM. 



399 



ported. Bev. John Ledman was the first pastor. His 
successors have been Revs. Thomas Ware, 1827; John 
Potts, 1828 ; Abraham Owen, 1835 ; Jeft'erson Lewis, 
1837-39; Thomas McCarroll, 1839-42; George F. 
Brown, 1842, 1843; D. W. Bartine, 1843-45; S. Y. 
Monroe, 1845-47 ; James H. Dandy, 1847-49 ; James 
0. Rogers, 1849-51 ; Jefferson Lewis, 1851-53 ; W. E. 
Perry, 1853-55; George Hughes, 1855;=57; Samuel 
Vansant, 1857-59; John W. Hitchman, 1859-61; 
R. V. Lawrence, 1861-63; J. B. Graw, 1863-65; H. 
M. Brown, 1865-68 ; P. Cline, 1868-70; W.W.Chris- 
tine, 1870-72 ; J. W. Hickman, 1872-75 ; Willis Reeves, 
1875-78; William E. Boyle, 1878-79; B. C. Lippin- 
cott, 1879-81 ; and G. H. Neal, the present pastor, 
since 1881. 

In 1882 the church numbered about four hundred 
members, the Sunday-school three hundred and fifty 
scholars and thirty-six officers and teachers. The 
Sunday-school library contained four hundred and 
seventy-five volumes. 

Broadway Methodist. — The lot upon which this 
church was built was purchased in 1856, the church 
edifice commenced in 1858, and finished the succeed- 
ing year. It is a handsome and substantial brick 
structure. On Feb. 22, 1859, it was organized by 
one hundred and fourteen persons, members of the 
Walnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church, now 
called the First Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The first minister until the following March, under 
the presiding elder, was Rev. George W. Finlaw. The 
first from Conference was Rev. W. H. Jeffrys, who 
remained two years. His successors, with their re- 
spective terms of service, have been as follows : 

Revs. R. A. Chalker, two years; C. E. Hill, two 
years ; C. K. Fleming, two years ; J. S. Heisler, three 
years ; G. K. Morris, three years ; W. H. Pearne, two 
years ; C. W. Heisley, three years ; J. R. Westwood, 
three years; R. Thorne, Jr., the present pastor, is 
now in the second year of his service. 

The following have been the superintendents of the 
Sunday-school since its organization : 

T. V. F. Rusling, N. Dunn, E. W. Dunn, J. R. 
Lippincott, and B. Patterson, who now holds that 
office. 

St. Mary's Roman Catholic. — The first Catholic 
service in Salem was conducted May 17, 1848, by Rev. 
E. Q. S. Waldron, of Philadelphia, in a room of a 
private house. After this Salem was visited about 
once a month by different priests from Philadelphia, 
until near the close of the year 1851, though at times 
appointments were not kept and meetings were some- 
what irregular. 

Late in 1851, Rev. John McDermott was sent by 
the bishop to be the first resident priest. The room 
formerly in use being now too small to accommodate 
the congregatioii, a hall over a blacksmith-shop at the 
corner of Griffith and Ward Streets was used. Some 
of the early members were Patrick Stewart, Patrick 
McDonald, Dennis Mahoney, Patrick McCabe, Jere- 



miah Murphy, Patrick Gunn, Richard Crean, Jere- 
miah Riordan, David and Edmund Hays, Martin, 
James, and Thomas McGrath, James Ryan, Thomas 
and Michael Murphy, Jolin Foley, Walter and Patrick 
O'Brien, William O'Brien, Patrick Row, James Den- 
ning, Michael Hogan, Patrick Littleton, Jeremiah 
and Daniel Sullivan, Christian McAleer, Patrick 
Carroll, Patrick, John, Michael, and Thomas Coffee, 
Samuel Donahue, Matthias and Peter McGee, Peter 
Callahan, Richard Smith, Michael Maher, John 
Hoffman, John Cummiskey, John McBride, and other 
members of most of the families to which these per- 
sons belonged. 

Rev. John McDermott remained three years and a 
half. His successors and their several terms of ser- 
vice have been as follows: Revs. Cornelius Cannon, 
fifteen years ; Secundinus Pattle, six years and a half; 
James McKernan, three years and a half, leaving in 
November, 1879, and the present pastor, Rev. P. .7. 
Dennis. 

The corner-stone of the house of worship of this 
church was laid in the spring of 1852, and the build- 
ing, a beautiful and capacious stone structure, was 
completed and dedicated before the close of that year. 
It has a seating capacity of three hundred and fifty, 
and is valued at five thousand dollars. There is a 
graveyard in the rear. In 1853 the house adjoining 
the church was bought as a pastoral residence. Some 
time afterward an adjacent house was purchased, and 
the two were connected by converting the alley which 
formerly separated them into a hallway, opening 
into either. The parsonage is valued at fifteen hun- 
dred dollars. The school-house was built in 1863. It 
is a frame building, standing within the church 
grounds, and is valued at eight hundred dollars. A 
day-school and a Sunday-school are taught. The 
pupils number eighty-five. The teachers are two 
Franciscan Sisters, belonging in Philadelphia. The 
pastor is always superintendent of the Sunday-school, 
the library of which contains three hundred volumes. 
The total membership of St. Mary's is about four 
hundred and fifty. A frame chapel was built in 
Woodstown by this parish, aided by local Catholics, 
in 1872. Prior to that time services had been held in 
a private house. The congregation there numbers 
about one hundred and fifty. 

Colored Churches. — The large colored population 
of Salem early found means to organize a religious 
society of Methodistic faith, which came in time to 
be known as the United Societies. A meeting-house 
was built about 1802, but was never entirely fiuished, 
and was destroyed by fire. The society later pur- 
chased the old Mill Hollow Baptist house, and moved 
it to a lot on East Broadway which was given them 
by Robert G. Johnson. It is now used as a school- 
house for colored children, having been replaced by 
a brick structure. 

In 1817 there was a division in the society, and a 
! large number of the members withdrew and organ- 



400 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



ized a new church, which has had a continuous ex- 
istence. Its house of worship is in the township of 
Elsinboro, just outside of the city limits. 

LODGE AND SOCIETY HISTOET. 

Salem Lodge, No. 19, F. and A, M., was probably 
the firstseoret society organized ia Salem. It resigned 
its charter some time after 1826, in consequence of the 
adverse influence of Anti-Masonic sentiment during 
the few years following the mysterious disappearance 
of William Morgan. Communications were held in 
the building now the store of William H. Lawson, 
on West Broadway, which was formerly known as 
"Masonic Hall." 

Excelsior Lodg-e, No. 54, F. and A. M.— This 
lodge was instituted under a charter granted Jan. 19, 
1868, to Joshua J. Bates, W. M. ; Thomas V. F. Rus- 
ling, S. W. ; George W. Robertson, J. W. ; Oliver B. 
Stoughton, Treas. ; Samuel G. Cattell, Sec. ; William 
H. Jeffries, S. D. ; Isaac C. Peterson, J. D. ; T. Jones 
Yorke, M. C. ; and Adam H. Sickler, Tyler. Excelsior 
Lodge meets in the Garwood building, and is (Sep- 
tember, 1882) officered as follows : W. H. Lawson, 
W. M. ; John H. Kelty, S. W. ; Benjamin Wescott, 
J. W. ; Joseph Bassett, Treas. ; Josepli D. Ferrell, 
Sec. ; John Lambert, C. ; Stiles McHenry, S. D. ; 
Clement Kelty, J. D. ; John Perrine, Henry F. Bacon, 
and John G. Garwood, M. S. of C. ; John G. Garwood 
and J. .1. Thompson, Stewards; George Morrison, 
Tyler; and William H. Lawson, George Hires, Jr., 
and Charles S. Lawson, Trustees. 

Washington Lodge, No. 21, I. 0. 0. F., was 
organized July 21, and chartered Aug. 3, 1843. The 
first ofiicers were Isaiah Wood, N. G. ; Thomas W. 
Mulford, V. G. ; John Hambly, P. G. ; William C. 
Mulford, Sec. ; Charles W. Roberts, Treas. The offi- 
cers serving in September, 1882, were John L. Haynes, 
N. G. ; James J. Tyler, V. G. ; William Ough, Treas. ; 
Charles F. Lippincott, Rec. Sec. Meetings weekly in 
Garwood's building. 

Fenwick Lodge, No. 164, I. 0. 0. F., was insti- 
tuted Dec. 18, 1871. The following were the charter 
members : 



T. V. F. Rusling. 
William B. Robertson. 
Charles H. Chew. 
Samuel Prior. 
Charles C. Clark. 
Charles S. Lawson. 
John W. Long. 
Maurice B. Elton. 
John P. Bruna. 
John S. Armstrong. 
William K. Matlack. 



Benjamin Acton. 
Joseph Bassett. 
Joseph Miller. 
Samuel Scott. 
Alfred L. Sparks. 
Samuel W. Dunn. 
Charles W. Casper. 
Frank M. Acton. 
"William M. Kiernann. 
George P. Ogden. 
William E. Hunt. 



The following were tlie first officers : Frank M. 
Acton, N. G. ; William M. Kiernann, V. G. ; John 
W. Long, Sec. ; Charles W. Casper, Treas. The offi- 
cers in September, 1882, were as follows : A. C. Young, 
N. G. ; J. H. Bacon, V. G. ; George A. Githens, Per. 
Sec. ; Charles W. Bell, Rec. Sec. ; Frank M. Acton, 
Treas. This lodge meets every Tuesday evening in 
Garwood's building. 



Active Lodge, No. 2101, G, U. 0. of 0. F. (Col- 
ored), was organized April 19, 1880; meets on the 
first and third Mondays of each month in Garwood's 
building. The following were the charter members : 
T. H. Lee, G. H. Giles, D. D. Turner, M. S. Major, 
R. E. Moore, W. G. Major, G. W. Craig. The first 
officers were George H. Giles, N. G. ; T. H. Lee, V. 
G. ; D. D. Turner, Per. Sec. ; W. G. Major, Treas. 
The following are the names of the successive pre- 
siding officers : G. H. Giles, T. H. Lee, M. S. Major, 
! R. E. Moore, J. P. Giles. The officers in September, 
1880, were J. P. Giles, N. G. ; George Jackson, V. G. ; 
D. D. Turner, Per. Sec. ; W. G. Major, Treas. 

Salem Encampment, No. 10, 1. 0. 0. F., was or- 
ganized under a charter granted Dec. 26, 1844. Sub- 
sequently it ceased to work, and surrendered its char- 
ter in 1856, but resumed again upon the revival of its 
charter, reorganizing Dec. 21, 1869. At this time the 
charter members were William P. Chattin, Robert 
Gwynne, T. V. F. Rusling, William Ough, John 
Lord, Charles L. Scott, John Miller, Patrick Rocap, 
and Charles H. Chew, all members of the encamp- 
ment under the former organization. The following 
were the officers in September, 1882: C. P., John W. 
Foster; S. W., William H. Crow; J. W., William 
Launer; H. P., William Ough; Treas., F. M. Acton ; 
Scribe, George A. Githens ; 0. S., Alexander Hand ; 
L S., B. C. Curry; G., J. C. Hornblower. 

Salem Degree Lodge, No, 8, I. 0. 0. F„ was in- 
stituted March 22, 1872, with William B. Robertson, 
D. M. ; Joseph D. Ferrell, D. D. M.; William U. 
Kelty, Sec. ; and Charles W. Casper, Treas. Both of 
these bodies meet in Garwood's building. 

American Star Council, No. 21, 0. U. A. M.— 
This council of the order of United American Me- 
chanics was chartered May 1, 1868, and meets in 
Washington Hall. The original members were: 



William Carney. 
William H. P. Ward. 
S. D. Edmunds. 
Samuel F. Hill. 
George M. Foster. 
Adam C. Knight, 
Samuel L. Bell. 
Charles B. Acton. 
Mason M. Bennett. 
William S. Davis. 
Washington Wright. 
William H. Bennett. 
Benjamin L. Cook. 
Edward G. Ward. 
John Tracy. 
George W. Jess. 
Charles H. Williams. 
William Carmelia. 
Andrew D. Jackson. 
John Carmelia. 
Samuel H. Stiles. 
Josiah H. Bowen. 
Francis J. Reinfried. 



Goldsmith P. Hall. 
James B. Ludwick. 
Benjamin C. Currie. 
John L. Brown, 
Robert D. Swain. 
John Ridgway. 
Charles B, Souders, 
Charles F. Nichols, 
Charles P. Miller, 
Wilbur Chew, 
Samuel B, Corliss, 
Richard M. Simpkins, 
John Q, Davis, 
Ephraim Wright, 
John C, Colgan, 
William Wheeler, 
Robert Younker, 
Miller P, Garrison, 
Burris Plummer, 
Benoni Jlills, 
Thomas J, West, 
Samuel Davenport, 
Isaac S, Mayhew, 



The following officers were serving in September, 
1882 : C, T. J. West; V. C, W. M. T. Mafflin ; R. 8., 
Ephraim Wright; A.R.S., J. R. Davis; F. S., George 



CITY OF SALEM. 



401 



A. Githens; Treas., Joseph Bassett; Ind., George 
Dilks ; Exam., George Dunn ; I. P., William G. Clark ; 
O. P., Charles Wolverton. 
[, Forest Lodge, No, 7, K. of P.— Forest Lodge was 
instituted Feb. 27, 1868, with the following-named 
charter members : 



Benjamin F. Wood. 
William SmasUey. 
Francis E. Bennett. 
Charles S. Mullica. 
William S. Burgess. 
Spencer (J. Ctiallis. 
Pemberton Pierce. 
John S. McCnne. 
Charles H. Chew. 
William R. Robiugon. 
John C. Coote. 
Elnathan Vanneman. 
Samuel Cole. 
John J. Thompson. 
Samuel Hill. 
Nicholas R. Treen. 
Eichard P. Hilea. 
Henry J. Freas. 
David H. Bogge. 
John T. Garwood. 
George P. Ogdeu. 
John G. Ballinger. 
William H. Pierce. 
John Hill. 
Albert Steiuer. 
Horatio S. Packard. 
William C. Counsellor. 
Isaac B. Lawrence. 
Charles M. Bacon. 
Edward Smalley. 

The first officers were as follows : Charles H. Chew, 
V. P. ; Benjamin F. Wood, C. C. ; William Smashey, 
V. C. ; Francis E. Bennett, M. at A. ; Pemberton 
Pierce, K. of E. and S. ; John S. McCune, M. of F. ; 
Spencer C. Challis, M. of E. ; William S. Burgess, 
O. G. ; Charles S. Mullica, I. G. ; William R. Mat- 
lack, John G. Ballinger, John S. Bacon, Trustees. 
The officers serving in September, 1882, were William 
Launer, P. C. ; A. B. Kirk, C. C. ; John W. Stanley, 
V. C. ; John P. Price, K. of R. and S. ; Joseph Mil- 
ler, M. of E.; J. Milton Townsend, P.; Wilbert 
Reeves, M. at A. ; A. H. Stevenson, I. G. ; Charles 
Opal, 0. G. ; J. A. Davis, William H. Lasher, R. D. 
Swain, Trustees. This lodge meets in Washington 
Hall. 

Salem Conclave, No. 36, Independent Order of 
Heptasophs, was instituted Oct. 11, 1881, with char- 
ter members as follows : 



Henry F. Sickler. 
Samuel Dilmore. 
Joseph C. Bowker. 
Jesse F. Bodine. 
John R. Carpenter. 
Stephen Counsellor. 
Charles G. Bailey. 
George Bacon. 
Isaac N. Morton. 
William Breece. 
Samuel Rutherford. 
John S. Bacon. 
Robert S. Bunting. 
Benjamin C. Groff. 
Lemuel Reynolds. 
Charles M. Bisbing. 
Samuel R. Morton. 
John M. Iredell. 
William It. Siiimp. 
Joseph W. Allen. 
William Parsons. 
Christian Schaefer. 
William R. Matlack. 
John M. Wright. 
Smith B. Sickler. 
Charles F. Brown. 
William Nicholson. 
Dillwyn B. Hancock. 
William P. Robinson. 
George TI. Brown. 



Benjamin F. Wood. 
Joseph Baj^sett. 
Charles S. Lawson. 
William H. Thompson. 
B. A. Waddington. 
Benjamin Patterson. 
John G. Ballinger. 
Wilbur F. Springer. 
Walter W. Acton. 
Joseph Miller. 
David Koppenheim. 
William P. Robinson. 



Stiles McHenry. 
William H. Lawson. 
Richard T. Starr. 
J. C. Hornblower. 
William H. Lasher. 
O. G. Abbott. 
Joseph D. Ferrell. 
Charles T. Lippincott. 
Christian Schaefer. 
Samuel W. Dunn. 
D. Harris Smitli. 
John T. Garwood. 

The following-named officers were serving in Sep- 
tember, 1882 : A., W. H. Lawson ; P. A., C. S. Law- 
26 



son ; Prov., J. C. Hornblower ; Sec, J. D. Ferrell ; 
Fin., Charles F. Lippincott ; Treas., W. W. Acton ; 
Prel., Christian Schafer ; Ins., W. P. Robinson ; W., 
Stiles McHenry ; S., D. Harris Smith ; Trustees, E. 
T. Starr, W. H. Thompson, and J. C. Hornblower. 
The conclave meets in Garwood's building. 

Lafayette Post, No. 69, G. A. R.— Lafayette Post 
was organized by Col. A. S. Noros, May 25, 1882, with 
the following-named officers, yet serving (September, 
1882) : P. C, Daniel Whitney ; S. V. C, Benjamin 
Dilmore; J. V. C, Robert J. Summerill ; Q. M., Jo- 
seph Bassett; C, Joseph Rich; Surg., William B. 
Willis ; O. of the D., F. M. Acton ; O. of the G., 
John S. Eva ; Q. M. S., Alfred B. Shute. Meetings 
are held in Reliance Hall. 

AUoways Tribe, No. 7, 1. 0. of R. M., meets in 
Reliance Hall. It was instituted Sept. 26, 1853, with 
the following charter members : Charles Daniels, 
David R. Reed, Elnathan Vanneman, Joseph B. 
Biddle, Patrick C. Rocap, Thomas Lazalere, Calvin 
B. Camp, and Thomas Mason. The first officers in- 
stalled were David B. Reed, S. ; Charles Daniels, Sen. 
Sag. ; Elnathan Vanneman, Jun. Sag. ; Joseph R. 
Biddle, Proph. ; Martin Miller, K. of W. ; Patrick 
R. Rocap, C. of R. In September, 1882, the officers 
were as follows: S., John Hopkins; Sen. Sag., George 
Campbell ; Jun. Sag., Samuel Rutherford ; Proph., 
Frederick Smith ; C. of R., John C. Coote ; Asst. C. 
of R., William Eckel; K. of W., Clinton Kelty. 

Evening Star Lodge, No. 15, Lady Masons, was 
instituted in October, 1871, with the following-named 
charter members : 

Mary Ann Rich. Abigail Foster. 

Mary Ann Ward. Emeline Biddle. 

Sarah Tussey. Lydia Dole. 

Alice H. Edwards. Sarah Snitcher. 

Sallie E. Mills. Delilah Calhoun. 

Juchel Jones. Mary A. Senders. 

Susan C. Edwards. Jemima Kelty. 

Rebecca W. Swain. Maggie Pyatt. 
Ann E. James. 

Meetings are held in Garwood's building. 

Martha Washington Council, No. 3, Daughters 
of America, was instituted under a charter granted 
June 16, 1869. The following were the charter 
members : 

Sarah P. Mason. Mary Jane Jamison. 

Lizzie Hill. Lydia Smith. 

Caroline R. Corliss. Emeline Biddle. 

Eliza Bodine. Susan Daveuport. 

Sarah Tussey. Sallie Mills. 

Martha Bennett. Rebecca W. Swain. 

Rachel Daniels. Sally Stratton. 

Mary B. Stepler. Rosetta Mills. 

Annie Wright. Amanda Mills. 

Maggie Anderson. Sarah E. Finch. 

Emeline Miller, Sarah Fox. 

Harriet Nichols. Anna C. Ludwick. 

Abhie Hurley. Rachel Maul. 
Bboda Davis. 

This society meets in Washington Hall. 

The United Firemen's Beneficial Association, of 

Salem, was instituted May 22, 1871, with the follow- 
ing constituent members : 



402 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



A. Steiner. 

J. Hopkins. 

A. B. Hall. 

R. D. Swain. 

J. P. Bacon. 

H. J. Hall. 

A. H. Stephenson. 

J. C. Smith. 

W. D. Walters. 

C. M. Bacon. 

J. Woodeide. 

J. PentOD. 

T. Kelly. 

J. B. Parsons. 

S. Spears. 

A. Foster. 

C. F. Phimer. 

E. Lnniley. 

W. S. Gibson. 

J. S. Bacon, 

J. Lawson. 

P. Stepler. 

J. Sheppartl. 

■\V. H. Bates. 

J. Caffery. 



H. L, Bacon. 
J. J. Walker. 
J. Bolles. 
B, Leonard. 
W. H. Eckel. 
G. M. Foster. 
S. Hogate. 
J. Link. 

T. M. Birchmill. 
T. .J. West. 
W. Mifflin. 
E. Situs. 
G. Campbell. 
J. Conusellor. 
J. D. Mifflin. 
J. H. Risley. 
A. Olilsun, 
M. Sharp. 
J. M. Miller. 
R. T. Starr. 
J. W. Sauley. 
I. H. Bacon. 
S. L. Zane. 
J. Hughes. 



The following were the first officers elected : E. D. 
Swain, jjresident; H. J. Hall, vice-president; David 
Carney, recording secretary ; A. B. Hall, financial 
secretary ; Albert Steiner, treasurer. 

The Fen wick Club. — This is a social organization, 
and its membership is limited to twenty. It was 
formed Oct. 23, 1848, with the following members : 



Thomas Sinnickson. 
John H. Sinnickson. 
Col. John Sinnickson. 
Samuel H. Clement. 
Andrew Sinnickson. 
Jonathan Ingham. 
Lewis S. Yorke. 
Thomas Jones Torke. 
James S. Hannah. 
Dr. J. H. Thompson. 



Samuel Harbert. 
Mason Van Meter. 
Benjamin Acton. 
Jacob W. Mulford. 
George W. Garrison. 
Samuel Prior. 
Charles Hornblower. 
Richard P. Thompson. 
James Brown. 



The ofiicers elected were Jacob W. Mulford, presi- 
dent ; Jonathan Ingham, secretary ; Benjamin Acton, 
treasurer. The officers for 1882 were Mason Van 
Meter, president; John V. Craven, secretary; Frank 
M. Acton, treasurer. The rooms of this club are in 
Mitchell's building. 

The Jeflferson Club was organized Nov. 17, 1881. 
This is a social club, composed of young men of the 
Democratic party, and is the headquarters of that 
party in this city. They occupy the second fioor of 
Sherron's building. The following were the first offi- 
cers : Joseph M. Bacon, president ; Henry F. Bacon, 
Edward Calhoun, vice-presidents ; Frank P. Casper, 
secretary; R. Gwynne, Jr., corresponding secretary; 
James A. Riordan, financial secretary ; P. J. Driscoll, 
treasurer ; William J. Freas, George M. Morris, J. 
Schwartz, Isaac Z. C. Gosling, Joseph H. Bell, execu- 
tive committee. The officers in October, 1882, were 
as follows: Joseph M. Bacon, president; Henry F. 
Bacon and Edward Calhoun, vice-presidents ; Frank 
P. Casper, secretary ; E. Gwynne, Jr., corresponding 
secretary; Edward Calhoun, financial secretary ; Isa- 
dore Schwartz, treasurer ; George M. Morris, William 



J. Freas, Isaac Z. C. Gosling, Joseph H. Bell, Edward 
H. Dare, executive committee. 

The Salem Social Club has rooms on East Broad- 
way, next door to the Nelson House. It was organ- 
ized March 15, 1877, with I. 0. Acton as president, 
D. Harris Smith as secretary, and John C. Belden, 
Jr., as treasurer. The officers for 1882 were I. 0. 
Acton, president; J. K. Chew, vice-president; R. 
Gwynne, Jr., secretary and treasurer. 

Salem Lecture Hall. — A small hall over the store 
on the " Star Corner," another over the court-house, 
and Rumsey's Hall, on East Broadway, were for many 
years the best accommodations Salem alforded to 
amusement caterers and seekers. The last is a com- 
modious hall, but was thought to be scarcely in keep- 
ing with the enterprise and progress of the city. For 
years previous to 1881 the advisability of erecting a 
new public ball was advocated, but it was not until 
April of that year that any measures to that end were 
actually taken, when four citizens solicited subscrip- 
tions to build a hall which it was intended should be 
a credit to the city. April 13, 1881, a stock company 
was formed under the laws of the State, to be known 
as " The Salem Lecture Hall Company." Its mem- 
bers were : 



Constant M. Eakin. 
Thomas Sinnickson, Jr. 
Joseph Bassett. 
J. C. Belden, Jr. 
Jonathan Ingham. 
J. V. Craven. 

E. H. Bassett. 
George Mecum. 
W. H. Thompson. 
■W. Graham Tyler. 
1>. Harris Smith. 

F. M. Acton. 

J. R. Lippincott. 



R. T. Starr. 
William Morris. 
Richard Woodnutt, 
Benjamin Acton. 
Clayton Wistar. 
George Hires. 
M. P. Grey. 

A. H. Slape. 
Thomas B. Starr. 

B. F. Wood. 
S. W. Dunn. 
Ellen Mecum. 



Constant M. Eakin was elected president ; D. Harris 
Smith, secretary ; F. M. Acton, treasurer; and Con- 
stant M. Eakin, B. F. Wood, Thomas Sinnickson, Jr., 
W. H. Thompson, and J. C. Belden, Jr., directors, 
and all have so served continuously since. The hall, 
on Walnut Street, is a brick structure fifty feet by 
eighty, elegant of exterior and interior, and is sup- 
plied with the conveniences common to all first-class 
theatres throughout the country. It cost twelve thou- 
sand dollars, and was opened Dec. 27, 1881. May 
26, 1882, the interior was nearly destroyed by fire. 
It was immediately repaired, and was reopened in 
August, 1882. 

Hotels. — The Garwood House, on Market Street, 
is the oldest public-house in Salem. In 1800 it was 
kept by James Sherron. It has since been kept by 
Thomas Parke, P. D. Parke, Calvin Camp, and John 
G. Garwood. The next in order of age is the Nelson 
House. Its successive keepers have been William 
Conrow, Michael Hackett, David Nichols, Ward Wil- 
son, Isaac Hackett, Benjamin T. Mulford, John Mul- 
ford, Joseph Davis, Peter Kean, Samuel Kean, Wil- 
liam H. Nelson, Richard Sailor, Samuel Plummer, 



L 






l/^A^ 



CITY OF SALEM. 



403 



Jackson Br_vant, and Charles C. Ford. Scliaefer's 
Hotel was opened by Charles Schaefer, the present 
proprietor, in 1865. A hotel known as the Mansion 
House has been kept by Isaac Hackett, B. Smith, 
William AValraven, Benjamin Lore, and Mrs. Lore. 
A public-house was kept on Market Street by Ward 
Wilson, in a building now a dwelling. Thomas An- 
drews and John Collins successively kept a tavern 
in a house on Broadway opposite Front Street, re- 
cently torn down. Isaac Wilson kept the ■" Yellow 
House," on Broadway below Front Street. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



COL. ROBERT GIBBON JOHNSON. 

Col. Eobert Gibbon Johnson, the subject of this 
memoir, was born at Salem, N. J., July 23, 1771, and 
died at New Haven, Conn., Oct. 2, 1850. He was 
descended from a long line of English ancestry, the 
first of the name on American soil being his great- 
grandfather, Eichard Johnson, who was among the 
earliest settlers in what, under the Proprietorship of 
Fenwick, was known as Salem Tenth. He emigrated 
from Surrey, England, in 1674, the year previous to 
the arrival of Fenwick, the great Proprietor, and 
became the purchaser of a large tract of land in that 
portion of West New Jersey which Lords Berkeley 
and Carteret had granted to John Fenwick, the Chief 
Proprietor. 

Richard Johnson must have been imbued with the 
spirit of adventure so rife in the seventeenth century, 
for he came hither the sole male representative of his 
family at the early age of twenty-five years; was pos- 
sessed of abundant means, and was the scion of an 
old and honorable family of landed gentry. A sufii- 
cient guarantee of this fact is the silver seal, engraved 
with the " Johnson Coat of Arms," still preserved by 
his descendants. He represented the western division 
of New Jersey in the Provincial Assembly during the 
years 1707-8-9; was appointed judge of the courts of 
Salem County by Gen. Robert Hunter, and continued 
in that office until the time of his death, which oc- 
curred in 1719. He was also an influential member 
of the Salem Monthly Meeting of Friends, and took 
an active part in erecting the first brick meeting- 
house in their ancient graveyard in 1700, to which he 
subscribed £15. There he and his wife, Mary Grover 
Johnson, were afterwards buried. His quaint old 
homestead, erected in the year 1690, is still standing, 
and is owned and occupied by his descendants of the 
fifth generation. 

Robert Johnson, the only grandson of the preceding i 
Richard and father of Col. Johnson, was also a 
prominent man of his generation, and was born in 
the year 1727. His parents dying in his infancy, he 
was brought up by his uncle, John Pledger, on the 
Netherland plantation, which was the original tract I 



of land purchased by the emigrant John Pledger, 
ancestor of the above. Robert Johnson's attachment 
to the spot where his childhood and infancy had been 
spent was so great that, when he arrived at years of 
maturity, be purchased it from his uncle's heirs, and 
thenceforward made it his home, and dying bequeathed 
it to his descendants. It has only recently passed out 
of the family, having been in their possession for up- 
wards of two hundred years. He married for his 
second wife Miss Jane Gibbon, daughter of Nicholas 
and Ann Gibbon, of Salem. 

Eobert Johnson held the judgeship of Salem 
County for eighteen years. His first appointment, in 
1763, came from under the hand and seal of William 
Franklin, the last colonial Governor under George 
I., and his final one, in 1776, from William Liv- 
ingston, the first Governor under the American in- 
dependent Constitution of New Jersey. He con- 
tinued to hold the olBce until 1787, and died a few 
years later in his seventieth year, leaving a widow 
and two children, viz. : a daughter, who afterwards 
became the wife of Capt. Andrew Sinnickson, and an 
only son, the subject of this memoir. 

Col. Robert Gibbon Johnson was the only child of 
Eobert Johnson and Jane Gibbon, his wife. He was 
born on the Netherland plantation, about one mile 
distant from Salem, July 23, 1771. 

His early school-days were passed in Pitt's Grove, 
under the care of the Rev. William Schenck, a Pres- 
byterian clergyman, who planted in the tender mind 
intrusted to his care those germs of Christian faith 
and Presbyterian polity which in his after-life led to 
the development of the Presbyterian element in his 
native town. He was afterwards placed under the 
care of Mr. William Thompson, of Newark, Del., and 
remained with him until prepared to enter the fresh- 
man class in Princeton. The degree of A.B. was con- 
ferred upon him September, 1790, by the venerable 
Dr. John Witherspoon, then president of Princeton 
College. He graduated with the intention of prose- 
cuting the study of the law, but the whole tenor of 
his life was at this time providentially changed, and 
his parents being extensive land-owners, he turned 
his attention to agricultural pursuits, which remained 
his chosen occupation for half a century. 

In the twenty-third year of his age he was ap- 
pointed paymaster of the Second Regiment of the 
New Jersey brigade, commanded by Gen. Joseph 
Bloomfield (afterwards Governor of the State), to aid 
in suppressing the revolt in Western Pennsylvania, 
commonly called the Whiskey Insurrection. 

In 1796 he was appointed one of the commissioners 
of the loan-office, a position involving great honor 
and trust ; and in the same year received a commis- 
sion from Richard Howell, then Governor of the 
State, as captain of a troop of horse ; and two years 
later, from the same officer, a commission as major of 
cavalry'. His father having died about this time, he 
removed with his mother into the town of Salem, and 



404 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



occupied the dwelling of his maternal great-grand- 
father, Alexander Grant. In 1798 he was married to 
Miss Hannah Carney, daughter of Thomas Carney, 
Esq., of Penn's Neck, a young lady of great personal at- 
tractions and handsome fortune ; and a few years later 
built the handsome residence on Market Street, which 
he occupied during his whole after-life. His wife dying 
young, he again married Miss Juliana E. Zantzinger, 
daughter of Paul Zantzinger, Esq., of Lancaster, Pa., 
and granddaughter of Rev. Thomas Barton. Of his 
four children by his first wife, two only survived him, 
viz., Anna G. Hubbell, widow of F. W. Hubbell, Esq., 
of Philadelphia, and the late Col. Robert C. Johnson, 
of Salem. In 1809, Col. Johnson received from Gov- 
ernor Williamson a commission as lieutenant-colonel 
of cavalry, and in 1817 the rank of full colonel was 
bestowed upon him. In 1883 he was appointed judge 
of the courts of Salem County, a position which he 
held for several terms. He was also for many years 
trustee of the college at Newark, Del., and director 
and trustee of the theological seminary at Princeton. 
He was also a member of the State Legislature in 1825. 

Col. Johnson, while filling public offices, was not 
forgetful of the interests of his native town, nor of 
his duties as a Christian. For many years of his life 
he was a regular attendant upon the Episcopal Church 
in Salem, and contributed to its support, and while he 
felt a respect and reverence towards all denominations 
that profess the name of Christ, his convictions had 
for a long time led him to prefer the Calvinistic doc- 
trines and simplicity of worship adopted by the Pres- 
byterian form of belief; but it was not until the year 
1820 that he, with a few other gentlemen, saw the 
pathway open to the formation of the First Presby- 
terian Church in Salem. He donated half an acre of 
his ancestral property to the enterprise, and the foun- 
dation of a modest church edifice was soon laid. In 
the following year (1821) the little church was dedi- 
cated to the worship of Almighty God. He shortly 
afterwards connected himself with the church, was 
appointed first elder in 1823, and continued to be its 
benefactor. The primeval church has long since dis- 
appeared, and given place to a more pretentious build- 
ing, in better keeping with the march of improvement, 
the spirit of the times, and the increase of the con- 
gregation ; but the little "God's Acre," the quiet 
resting-place of the sleepers awaiting the resurrection 
morn, will ever remain a monument to the honored 
donor. 

Col. Johnson has also the honor of being the first 
local historian of his native county, and for many 
years the only one. 

The " History of Salem," by Robert G. Johnson, 
published in 1839, is a standard local work. Although 
a small volume, it embraces in a concise manner the 
history of over one hundred and fifty years, — ^from 
the year 1663 to the year 1830. 

The value of this little book cannot be overesti- 
mated, for in it Col. Johnson has rescued from ob- 



livion many notable facts and incidents, thus render- 
ing them historic, and giving as a legacy to future 
generations a memorial of the deeds and memories 
of their ancestry. 

He was a born antiquarian, and at an era when a 
love and reverence for things and ideas of the past 
were considered a subject for derision ; but in defiance 
of the views of his neighbors he collected together 
many rare and valuable manuscripts, which, except 
for his fostering care, would have been lost to the 
present generation. He had long been an ardent and 
enthusiastic advocate of the scheme for forming an 
historical society in New Jersey, the constitution of 
which was framed in the year 1845. He was elected 
its first vice-president, which office he held until the 
time of his death, and he entered heartily into the op- 
erations and interests of the society, notwithstanding 
his advancing years. His original biographical sketch 
of " John Fenwick, Chief Proprietor of Salem Tenth," 
read before a meeting of the Historical Society at 
Elizabethtown, in 1846, is rich in valuable informa- 
tion and historic incident of those early times when 
the beautiful and cultivated State of New Jersey was 
a teeming wilderness. On this occasion the thanks 
of the society were presented to the venerable vice- 
president " for his interesting memoir, and for the 
example set, so worthy of imitation by all the mem- 
bers, of devotedness to the best interests of the 
society." 

He was a most active and generous contributor, 
and his donations to the archives were not only valu- 
able, but varied and numerous. We may note a very 
few of the most curious : 

"John Fenwick's will, dated Aug. 7, 1683." 

"Certificate of John Fenwick's membership of the 
church whereof Mr. John Goodwin is pastor, Feb. 4, 
1649." 

" Three original letters to John Fenwick from his 
wife, Mary, bearing dates Aug. 27, and Aug. 31, 
1678, and February, 1679, London." 

" The counterpart (.signed by Penn) of release from 
John Fenwick to William Penn of all his interest in 
West New Jersey, excepting 150,000 acres, dated 
March 23, 1682."" 

" Three deeds from the Indians to John Fenwicke 
for lands in West New Jersey." 

" The grants and concessions of Lords Berkeley and 
Carteret to the inhabitants of New Jersey, February, 
166'J^65, the original copy on parchment, a roll nearly 
nine feet long." 

" An exemplification at the request of John Fen- 
wick, Esq., of the grant from Charles II. to James, 
Duke of York, of New Jersey, beautifully engrossed 
on parchment." 

This noble life was, however, drawing to a close. He 
met with the Historical Society at Morristown during 
the fall session for the last time, and journeyed East- 
ward with the intention of visiting friends in New 
England; he was seized with a sudden illness, and 



;^ 




^ngJ^byAKIiitcyil^ 



y/C'^ . '^y^:,c^^^^c,!x^ ^^^ 



CITY OF SALEM. 



405 



breathed his last at New Haven, Conn., September, 
1850, aged seventy-nine years, in full confidence and 
trust in his Redeemer. He lived to a ripe old age, 
enjoying moderately good health, and in the full vigor 
of his mental faculties. He was a man of varied 
literary tastes and proclivities ; had gathered around 
him a copious and select library, and was in the en- 
joyment of the friendship and constant correspond- 
ence of men of kindred spirits, such as Rev. Drs. 
Miller, Ely. Janeway, and Murray, of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, Bishop Croes, and Dr. Staughton, also 
Chief Justice Kirkpatrick, Hon. Samuel L. Southard, 
Nicholas Vandyke, and many others, distinguished in 
their various professions and the literary world. 

The hospitality and heartfelt welcome which was 
ever to be found within his cheerful mansion was 
freely opened to all, strangers as well as friends, the 
rich and the poor, the grave and the gay. His kind- 
ness and benevolence of heart were well known and 
appreciated, and many are still living to whom he 
extended the hand of patronage and sympathy. He 
was keenly alive and active in the employment of 
every means that would raise the mental and moral 
status of humanity, and as one of the few objects to- 
wards that end, he was one of the chief promoters of 
the establishment of a " public library" in Salem, 
which has now become quite a flourishing institution. 
He was also remarkable for his physical culture, and 
was during his life a skillful and intrepid equestrian. 
Even after he had reached his " threescore years and 
ten," he still took great delight in horsemanship, and 
rode in the same erect and fearless manner that had 
characterized his youth. 

His venerable appearance is still familiar, with 
his silvery locks, old-fashioned queue, and ruffles, a 
style of dress to which he remained attached, and 
which seemed so congenial with his dignified mien and 
noble bearing ; but Lis personal attractions lay chiefly 
in his refined and courteous manners, his placid coun- 
tenance beaming with that love and charity which 
were the gentle reflux of his happy Christian spirit. 
His remains rest with those of his forefathers, who 
sleep in that beautiful spot dedicated to the repose 
of the dead which surrounds St. John's Episcopal 
Church in Salem. 



THOMAS SINNICKSON. 
Thomas Sinnickson was a lineal descendant of the 
seventh generation of Andreas Sinnickson, origin.- 
ally spelled " Seneca" (as stated by Companion Holm, 
in his "History of New Sweden"), the original 
ancestor of the family in this country. The family 
is of Scandinavian origin, and one of the oldest in 
the southern section of New Jersey. They emigrated 
from Sweden, it is supposed, in 1638, and settled in 
Delaware, and subsequently, about 1645, came over 
into New Jersey. The line of descent down to and 
including the subject of this sketch is, viz. : Andreas^, I 



Andreas'-, Andrew^ (whose patronymic, by deed dated 
in 1688, is spelled Senixson), Sinnick* (by deed in 
1730 Sinnickson), Andrew'', Andrew''', and Thomas'. 
AndreasSinnickson'-, following the humane and honor- 
able policy of the Swedes in their treatment of the 
aborigines, purchased a large tract of land in that sec- 
tion of the country known under the Indian name of 
" Obisquahasit," and now known as Lower Penn's 
Neck, of the natives about the above year, 1645, and 
made his settlement thereon. Soon after the arrival of 
John Fenwick, in 1675, to take possession of his tenth 
of West Jersey, he secured of the new proprietor a 
quit-claim of his tract in consideration of the payment 
of a yearly rental of three shillings. Generation after 
generation of the family continued to occupy this and 
other lands acquired by them in Penn's Neck, and 
some of the descendants of the first settler are still in 
possession of portions of the ancestral tract. 

From the time of their first settlement the Sinnick- 
sons have manifested the strongest and brightest char- 
acteristics of the Scandinavian race, and have held a 
prominent and honorable relation to the material, 
social, and educational development of the section 
of country in which they located. Since the early 
part of the eighteenth century the representatives of 
the family have been engaged not only in agricultural, 
but other pursuits in life. 

Andrew Sinnickson"' held oflBce under the colo- 
nial government, filled the position of judge of 
the court and justice under George III., and during 
the trying days of the American struggle for inde- 
pendence was in earnest sympathy with the cause of 
liberty and justice. He died Aug. 20, 1790, aged 
about seventy years, leaving to his heirs a large and 
valuable landed estate. 

Thomas Sinnickson, his eldest son, performed active 
service in the Revolutionary war, and commanded a 
company in the Continental army. Because of his 
writings and bitter opposition to British tyranny, he 
was outlawed by Lord Howe, and a reward offered 
for him dead or alive. At the organization of the 
national government he was a warm supporter of 
Alexander Hamilton, and the leader of the Federal 
party in his section during the administration of^ 
"Washington and the elder Adams. He frequently 
represented Salem County in the State Legislature, 
was a member of the First Congress of the United 
States, which met in New York City, and also of 
Congress from 1796 to 1798. For a number of years 
he was treasurer of Salem County, justice, and judge. 
He resided during the greater portion of his life in 
Salem, where he also engaged in mercantile business. 
He left a large real and personal estate. Thomas 
Sinnickson, son of Andrew" and Margaret Johnson 
Sinnickson, was born on the ancestral estate of his 
family in Lower Penn's Neck on Dec. 13, 1786, and 
died in Salem on Feb. 17, 1873. His father was a man 
of sterling character, an ardent patriot during the 
Revolution, and- during life devoted his attention 



406 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



solely to the cultivation of his lauded estates. His 
maternal ancestor, Richard Johnson, was one of the 
earliest colonial judges of Salem County. He re- 
ceived only a limited English education, supple- 
mented by slight instruction in the Latin language, 
and left school at the early age of fourteen. Enter- 
ing the store of his uncle, Thomas Sinnickson, as a 
clerk, he remained with him for several years in that 
capacity, and subsequently was admitted into part- 
nership with him. He retired from business early 
(1819), devoting himself during the remainder of his 
life to the management of his patrimonial property 
aud to agricultural pursuits, in which he took great 
pleasure. During his entire life, after attaining man- 
hood, he held an intimate relation to the development 
of the material and social affairs of his native county, 
holding many positions of trust and responsibility. 
He served as the presiding judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas for several years, and also as a judge 
of the Court of Errors and Appeals of New Jersey, 
the highest judicial tribunal of the State. He repre- 
sented Salem County in the State Legislature, and 
subsequently as a member of the National Congress 
at Washington. He was possessed of a fine physique 
and strong nerve, for which he was largely indebted 
to his Scandinavian ancestry. His judgment in both 
public and private affairs was excellent, and he acted 
as the adviser of many of his friends, and as trustee, 
guardian, and administrator of several estates. He 
was a man of strict honor and integrity, a consistent 
member and judicious officer of St. John's Episcopal 
Church of Salem for many years, and was held in 
general respect and esteem throughout a long and 
busy life. Politically, he was one of the leaders of 
the old Federal party in Salem County for many 
years, and subsequently an eminent Whig and Re- 
publican, aud a warm supporter of the Union cause 
during the second national struggle for independence. 
He married, Oct. 18, 1810, Elizabeth, daughter of 
John and Mary Brinton Jacobs, of Chester County, 
Pa. She was born Aug. 3, 1786, and died Aug. 19, 
1849. Their children were Dr. John J.; Margaret, 
who married Thomas J. Yorke, of Salem ; Charles, 
for many years a coal merchant in Philadelphia; 
and Andrew, a well-known and respected lawyer in 
Salem. 

CHARLES PERRIN SMITH. 

Charles Perrin Smith, late of Trenton, N. J., where 
he resided for more than a quarter of a century, was 
born in the city of Philadelphia. His father, George 
Wishart Smith, of Virginia, married Hannah Carpen- 
ter Ellet, of Salem County, N. J. At the period of his 
marriage he was a resident of Talbot County, Md., 
but subsequently removed to Philadelphia, where his 
demise shortly occurred. His mother returned to 
Salem, N. J., where she continued to reside until the 
close of life. 

Mr. Smith's paternal branch descends from the 



founders of the commonwealth of Virginia. They 
intermarried with the Calverts, Singletons, Moseleys, 
Dudleys, Hancocks, Lands, Scantlings, Perrins, Wish- 
arts, and other prominent families. 

George Wishart Smith was the son of Perrin 
Smith and Margaret Wishart. His grandparents 
were Charles Smith and Margaret Perrin. The origin 
of the Perrins of Virginia is associated with the 
Huguenot colony of that State. Samuel, eldest 
brother of Gen. George Washington, married the 
widow of a Virginia Perrin. 

The Wisharts were early in the colony. Margaret 
Wishart's brother Thomas lost his life in the army 
of the Revolution, and another brother, George, was 
captured by the enemy and never returned. Perrin 
Smith suffered greatly in the destruction of property 
by the conflagration of Norfolk, the despoiling of his 
plantation, and the carrying away of his negroes by 
the British and refugees. George Wishart Smith was 
an officer in the Maryland line during the war of 
1812-15, and actively engaged in resisting the enemy 
on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and their ad- 
vance upon Baltimore. He took part at the head of 
his command in the repulse of the enemy at St. 
Michael's, by which action that part of the State was 
relieved from further invasion. 

Hannah Carpenter Ellet, mother of the subject of 
this sketch, on her paternal side was a direct descend- 
ant of Governor Thomas Lloyd and Samuel Car- 
penter, two of Penn's most distinguished coadjutors 
and intimate friends (vide " Lloyd and Carpenter 
Lineage," Watson's Annals, Proud's History, etc.). 
The former was the first President of Council and 
Governor for about nine years, or as long as he would 
serve; and thejatter treasurer of the province, mem- 
ber of Council, and first shipping merchant of Phil- 
adelphia. Watson says, " The name of Samuel 
Carpenter is connected with everything of a public 
nature in the early annals of Pennsylvania; I have 
seen his name at every turn in searching the records. 
He was the Stephen Girard of his day in wealth, 
and the William Sansom in the improvements he 
suggested and the edifices which he built. . . . He 
was one of the greatest improvers and builders in 
Philadelphia, and after William Penn the wealthiest 
man in the province." 

Governor Thomas Lloyd was an eminent member 
of the Society of Friends, who left Wales on account 
of religious persecution, and, with his family, joined 
Penn in the colonization of Pennsylvania. He was 
possessed of very superior attainments, and enjoyed 
the advantages of collegiate education at Oxford 
University. His mother was Elizabeth Stanley, of the 
distinguished Stanley-Derby family ; and his father, 
Charles Lloyd, of Dolobran, a descendant of Aleth, 
Prince of Dyfed, and the long line of British princes, 
whose records, yet extant, on the column of Eliseg, 
date back to the middle of the sixth century (vide 
Burke's Genealogy, Powysland Historical Collection, 






■^^yTL'^l^.t^-l^ 0?^7<L^C^&^ 



i 



CITY OF SALEM. 



407 



etc.)- Their alliance with Norman Earls, the Lords 
De Charletons and Powys, was through Sir Eoger 
Kynaston, knight, and his wife. Lady Elizabeth Grey ; 
and with Humphrey Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester, 
through his daughter Antigone, wife of Sir Henry 
Grey, Earl of Tankerville and Powys, and mother 
of Lady Elizabeth Kynaston. The Lloyds were also 
descended through the Greys, De Charletons, and 
Hollands, Dukes of Kent, from Margaret, daughter 
of Philip le Hardie, King of France, and queen of 
Edward I. of England. Their genealogy, as pre- 
sented in the Kynaston (Hardwick) pedigree, Mont- 
gomeryshire Historical Collection, etc. (transferred 
to the Lloyd and Carpenter Lineage), seems com- 
plete as it is unchallenged. The Lloyd of Dolobran 
shield of arms (1650) displays fifteen quarterings, im- 
paling the Stanley arms of six quarterings (vide au- 
totype copy in " Powysland Collection," vol. ix. page 
339). The annals of the race abound with references 
to Crusaders, knights banneret, the battle-fields of 
Agincourt, Poictiers, Crecy, and many other events 
illustrating the most brilliant chapters of English 
history. 

Governor Thomas Lloyd's daughter Rachel mar- 
ried Samuel Preston, of Maryland, but who was mayor 
of Philadelphia in 1711. Their daughter Hannah mar- 
ried Samuel, eldest son of Samuel Carpenter, Penn's 
coadjutor. Thence through the Ellets, recently of 
engineering aud ram-fleet fame, to Hannah Carpenter 
Ellet, mother of the subject of this sketch. 

Hannah Carpenter Ellet's maternal branch de- 
scends from John Smith, Fenwick's colleague in the 
settlement of West Jersey, a man of large posses- 
sions. He is said to have also been one of Fenwick's 
executors. Thus the family is historically descended 
from the founders of three American States, Virginia, 
Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. With this prelimi- 
nary reference to its origin, we will proceed to give a 
summary of the life of one of its descendants. 

The subject of this sketch removed to Salem, N. J., 
at an early age, where he became thoroughly identi- 
fied with the community. The considerable means 
inherited were placed by the executor in the Bank of 
Maryland at Baltimore, and in the course of a few 
days lost by the total failure of that institution. The 
tenor of his life was thereby changed, and he was 
thrown upon his own exertions for a livelihood. Dur- 
ing his minority he enjoyed the social and educational 
advantages of the community ; he accustomed himself 
to writing for the press, and was ofiicially connected 
with the Lyceum, at that period scarcely inferior to 
any institution of the kind in the State. Whatever, 
under Providence, he subsequently achieved was 
through indomitable zeal and self-reliance, prompted 
by conscientious appreciation of duty. Upon attain- 
ing his majority he became editor and proprietor of 
the National Standard, and also soon afterwards of the 
Harrisonian. Through industry and perseverance, 
without either financial or editorial assistance, he 



achieved success, and liquidated the incumbrance 
upon his establishment. He fully participated in the 
enthusiasm and duties of the Harrison Presidential 
campaign. Among other measures he earnestly ad- 
vocated the policy of encouraging manufactures in 
Salem, the erection of the lunatic asylum at Trenton, 
the abolition of imprisonment for debt, the more 
thorough establishment of common schools, and fur- 
nishing of relief and employment to the poor. He 
availed himself of every occasion to inculcate prin- 
ciples of temperance and morality. He was origin- 
ator and president of the Whig Association of Salem, 
took a prominent part in organizing the Salem Insur- 
ance Company, and also the Building Association (of 
each of which he became a director), and the first to 
advocate the formation of the County Agricultural 
Society, of which he was the secretary. His almost 
unanimous election as member of the board of free- 
holders, and appointment as director in a Democratic 
city, was deemed no ordinary compliment. He was 
captain of the National Guards, at the time the only 
military organization south of Trenton, and also 
judge-advocate of the Salem Brigade. At the period 
of the famine in Ireland he recommended the estab- 
lishment of an efiicient relief committee, and fully 
identified himself with all efforts in achieving sub- 
stantial results. During the war with Mexico he ad- 
vocated furnishing troops and supplies to conquer an 
early and honorable peace. 

In 1843 he was united in marriage with Hester A., 
daughter of Matthew Driver, Esq., of Caroline County, 
Md. In 1844 the editor of the Standard was con- 
fronted by a formidable opposition, upon which was 
conferred all the official patronage of the county, but 
it had the efiect of developing additional energies, and 
eventually extending the influence and prosperity of 
his journal. His advocacy of political principles was 
enthusiastic ; the county, which had previously been 
regarded as very doubtful, became reliable, and for 
seven years followed the lead of the Standard. The 
editor was ever desirous of moderation, but he de- 
clined no challenge, and when necessary his blows 
were trenchant and effectual. He served on the 
Whig County Committee for about eleven years, and 
whenever important or difficult work was to be accom- 
plished he hesitated not to assume the burden and 
responsibility, let who might hold back. Many acts 
indicative of zeal and energy might be adduced, but 
lack of space forbids. When an alleged alliance be- 
tween the Democrats and managers of the leading 
railroad corporation of the State became apparent by 
the nomination of John R. Thomson for Governor, 
the Standard was the first to sound a general alarm, 
and seconded by the Whig press, a furor of opposition 
was raised, which resulted not only in Mr. Thomson's 
defeat, but in placing every branch of the State gov- 
ernment in the hands of the Whig party. Never was 
there a victory more complete. 

It was during an annual visit to the sea-shore, in 



408 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



1847, that he gathered a large amount of valuable 
information in reference to the then exceedingly 
inefficient condition of the so-called life-saving ser- 
vice. It was dependent upon volunteer boat crews, 
imperfect apparatus, and widely-scattered stations. 
Mr. Smith's statements, based upon facts thus directly 
obtained from practical surfmen, were published in 
New Jersey, Philadelphia, and elsewhere, and there 
are reasonable grounds for the opinion that the re- 
newed interest and favorable action of Congress, 
which soon afterwards followed, was measurably pro- 
moted through this agency. He also, the same year 
(1847), wrote and published articles in favor of the j 
construction of a railroad from Salem to Philadelphia. 

Accepting the advice of personal and political 
friends, he permitted his name to be presented to the 
Whig County Convention of 1848 in connection with 
the nomination to the surrogacy. He was unex- 
pectedly and strongly, but unsuccessfully, opposed in 
convention by the influential chairman of the Whig 
County Committee, who was himself the only other 
candidate for the nomination. This opposition was 
carried into the canvass, and greatly aided the Demo- 
cratic candidate. Thus in the usually closely con- 
tested county, and the total absence of party means 
and appliances, the threats and predictions of the 
chairman of the committee and his especial party 
allies were but too well founded. Notwithstanding 
these discouragements the candidate performed his 
entire duty. He was defeated by an exceedingly 
small majority, " with his back to the rock and his 
face to the foe." It was generally admitted that he 
suffered neither in influence or reputation. The vote 
cast for him was, with but two exceptions, the largest 
ever before cast for any candidate in the county. 

In 1851 he retired from the editorial profession, but 
his interest and exertions to forward public measures 
were in no manner abated. About this time he made 
a tour of some six thousand miles through the West 
and Northwest, of which he published a graphic ac- 
count, replete with statistics and other valuable in- 
formation. It was at the period of organizing the 
Territorial government of Minnesota, under Governor 
Ramsey, when the Indians were aggressive, and evi- 
dences of civilization beyond St. Paul very few. At 
the First District Convention of 1852 he was urged 
to accept the nomination for Congress, and notwith- 
standing the fact that he was not nor could not be a 
candidate, Salem County cast for him all of her votes. 

Still further impressed with the importance and 
feasibility of developing the resources of West Jersey 
by the construction of a railroad, he resumed his ad- 
vocacy of the measure by writing and publishing a 
series of carefully prepared articles. These he fol- 
lowed by calling a public meeting entirely upon his 
oiim responsibility. It required great effort to command 
.success. He was secretary of the meeting, and also 
chairman of a committee charged with the duty of 
holding meetings in other counties of the district. 



He continued to publish articles in advocacy of the 
measure. At one of the subsequent meetings, before 
invitations had been issued for stock subscriptions, 
the Camden and Amboy Railroad Company, through 
its agents, assumed charge of the enterprise. Under 
their auspices followed not only the divergement of 
the route without regard to the interests of Salem, — 
a divergement which left that city far in the rear of 
other towns, — but a clear and successful effort to use 
the influence thus acquired for ulterior purposes. It 
was generally understood that such of the members 
of the subsequent Legislature who aided in forwarding 
those purposes by their votes would be rewarded by 
re-election. Accordingly, Senator Wallace was re- 
nominated by the Democrats of Salem County ; the 
Temperance party, fanned into unusual activity, 
nominated a wealthy merchant and practiced public 
speaker, and the subject of this sketch (who had been 
vigorously proscribed by railroad influence, and for 
a long period withstood the assaults of six compliant 
newspapers) was unanimously nominated by the 
Whigs and National Americans on the first ballot. 
He had no aspirations for the position, but was willing 
to join issue against these formidable odds to test pub- 
lic sentiment. Besides the above-mentioned influ- 
ences, he had to contend with the opposition of Whig 
railroad adherents and the so-called "Native Amer- 
icans," who ineffectually opposed his nomination in 
convention. The Whig County Committee was also 
so greatly influenced by railroad interests that they 
either rendered the organization inoperative or ag- 
gressive. The election followed, and victory won ! 
Against the Whig senatorial candidate broke the full 
force of the tempest. The vote of the Democratic 
city of Salem was particularly gratifying. His ma- 
jority there was tiuice as large as ever before cast for any 
candidate under any circumstances. The "History of 
the West Jersey Railroad" (Camden, 1868), of a semi- 
oflicial character, while seemingly willing to ignore 
outside influences, states, " Mr. Charles P. Smith, ex- 
editor of the Standard, took a very active part in the 
incipient movements, acting as secretary of the first 
meeting," etc. Again, " The series of articles calling 
attention to the subject were written by Mr. Charles 
P. Smith." ..." Mr. Smith also called the meeting 
on his own responsibility." Also, " Mr. Charles P. 
Smith, when senator, gave the matter (the Salem 
branch) his personal attention, and his name appears 
as one of the corporators." [After the lapse of many 
years it lias at length been found necessary to adopt 
very nearly the same route contemplated b}' the orig- 
inal friends of the road.] 

Upon the meeting of the Legislature, Mr. Smith, 
at the request of the " Opposition" caucus, repai.red 
to the " Native American" conference, and after many 
hours' exertion retired, accompanied by a member of 
Assembly from Cumberland and another from Salem, 
thus affording the Opposition the requisite ma,iority to 
elect Mr. Parry Speaker, and secure all the other offi- 



CITY OF SALEM. 



409 



cials of Assembly. This was the senator's first service 
in Trenton. He hesitated not to risk his status in 
the party as the only means of securing for it a sub- 
stantial triumph. In the Senate he was assigned po- 
sitions on the educational committee and treasurer's 
accounts. As there was no comptroller, his duties in 
the treasury were arduous and responsible. It was 
measurably through his influence as a member of the 
educational committee that the bill to establish the 
State Normal School was reported and passed. At 
the ensuing session his services were equally efficient 
in saving the measure from repeal. Among his most 
important bills were those against bribery at elec- 
tions, and providing employment for the poor. He 
earnestly advocated the construction of the " Air- 
Line Railroad," not in opposition to any other cor- 
poration, but as necessary to the development of the 
interior of the State. The measure had been sanc- 
tioned by the Assembly, and after much opposition 
obtained a footing in the Senate. When the time for 
final action arrived the Senate chamber was densely 
crowded by officials and attaches of the joint com- 
panies; the Assembly was nearly deserted, and the 
Speaker upon invitation took his seat at the side of 
the president of the Senate. There were but three 
avowed friends of the measure among the senators, 
and it became necessary for the senator from Salem to 
advocate the bill. Senator Franklin was selected to 
reply, but after a few sentences he advanced across the 
chamber, and taking the senator from Salem by the 
hand, complimented him on the success of his effort. 
The vote stood nine for the bill, lacking but two of a 
majority. In this contest the inexperienced senator 
from Salem was combated for many weeks by not only 
the personal efforts of the railroad managers and at- 
torneys, but all other influences and appliances usual 
on such occasions. He was without any extraneous 
assistance, and not even acquainted with the corpora- 
tors named in the bill. 

The senator from Salem declined following the lead 
of special bank agents, having twenty-one applica- 
tions for recharters in charge, but discriminated in 
favor of localities where banks were unquestionably 
required. He was chairman of a committee to inves- 
tigate charges of bribery, and he introduced and se- 
cured the passage of a bill to equalize the price of 
public printing with that paid throughout the State. 
Another of his measures was the enactment of the 
charter of the Salem Branch of the West Jersey Rail- 
road, the only route then permitted by the controll- 
ing influences of the Legislature. He introduced 
resolutions and was chairman of a joint committee to 
ascertain and recommend measures for the better pro- 
tection of life and property on the coast, and opened 
correspondence with the Governors of the sea-board 
States to secure their influence with the general gov- 
ernment. He also collected an additional amount of 
information in regard to the requirements of the ser- 
vice from practical men residing near their coast. 



This he embodied in a report, including full consid- 
eration of the subject of erecting a breakwater on 
Crow Shoal, near the mouth of Delaware Bay. The 
report was published in Washington and elsewhere, 
and attracted the attention of government. Most of 
the suggestions were subsequently adopted. 

As somewhat indicative of influence and industry, 
it may be stated that during his senatorial term he 
secured the enactment of twenty-one laws, besides the 
adoption of various resolutions, all introduced by 
himself. He was also instrumental in securing the 
passage of measures introduced by others. Among 
the subjects in reference to which he addressed the 
Senate were the frequent exercise of the veto, bribery 
at elections, the Air-Line Railroad, the popular refer- 
ence temperance bill, the printing bill, a bill to protect 
traders against absconding shipmasters, and the in- 
discriminate chartering of banks. His remarks were 
generally published throughout the State. 

In 1S56 he was appointed a member of the National 
American State Committee. The same year, as a dele- 
gate to the " Fusion State Convention" and a member 
of the committee to select permanent officers, he nomi- 
nated and, against determined opposition, succeeded 
in reporting Hon. William L. Dayton as president of 
the convention. Mr. Dayton's decidedly Republican 
speech on taking the chair first turned the attention 
of the Republican party to him as an available can- 
didate for the Vice-Presidency, and he was soon 
afterwards nominated. 

In the course of the legislative session of 1857, 
Governor Newell nominated Hon. William L. Dayton 
for the position of attorney-general, and the subject of 
this sketch as clerk of the Supreme Court, — the 
former as a Republican, and the latter as a Whig and 
National American. He removed to Trenton in 1867, 
where the oath of office was administered by Chief 
Justice Henry W. Green. This terminated Mr. 
Smith's senatorial duties. His record indicates that 
his consistency and integrity of purpose were fully 
maintained ; and it is scarcely necessary to say that 
during the remarkable period he was not overawed 
by threats or swerved by favors. 

In 1859, Mr. Smith was appointed a member of the 
" Opposition" State Executive Committee. His col- 
leagues were Richard S. Field, Jacob W. Miller, John 
P. Jackson, George S. Green, Andrew K. Hay, Bar- 
ker Gummere, and Edward K. Rogers. He was suc- 
cessively reappointed (with the exception of one year 
when he declined) for ten years, most of the time flU- 
ing the position of chairman of the committee. The 
term included the entire period of the war of the Re- 
bellion, and Involved a degree of labor and responsi- 
bility which few were willing to share. 

In 1859 a meeting was called at New Brunswick 
by the " Native Americans" to select time and place 
for nominating an independent gubernatorial candi- 
date. This meant the defeat of Governor Olden and 
election of the Democratic candidate. Mr. Smith 



410 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



determined, against strong protestations, to attend 
and influence the action of this convention. He 
planned the movement, summoned his friends, I'e- 
paired to New Brunswick, and after a vigorous and 
exciting contest adjourned to Trenton, where they 
finally succeeded in securing the indorsement of Mr. 
Olden, the "Opposition" candidate. A portion of 
the " Americans" reassembled and nominated Peter 
I. Clark, who, in reply to a letter addressed to him 
by Mr. Smith, gave his unqualified adhesion to Mr. 
Olden. Governor Olden was elected, and became the 
war Governor of New Jersey. Defeat in preliminary 
measures would have brought Mr. Smith's political 
career to a close ; and New Jersey might have proved 
anything but loyal in the great emergency which so 
soon followed. The Stale Gazette at that time did not 
hesitate to acknowledge the obligation the Opposition 
party of the State was under to Mr. Smith and his 
colleagues, who had achieved this important service. 
Prior to the assembling of the Chicago Convention 
in 1860 there was a determined etfort made in New 
Jersey to obtain delegates in favor of William H. 
Seward for the Presidency. Mr. Smith, deeming it 
impossible to attain success with this candidate, con- 
ceived the plan of influencing the State Convention 
in favor of Mr. Dayton, and thus holding the vote of 
the State until it could be made available in behalf 
of some other candidate. He submitted the plan to 
Mr. Thomas H. Dudley, who agreed to co-operate, 
and it was successfully carried out. Had it not been 
for this incipient movement in New Jersey, and its 
heroic consummation by Mr. Dudley at Chicago, Mr. 
Seward would certainly have been nominated, and 
almost as certainly defeated. President Lincoln 
recognized New Jersey's services by nominating Mr. 
Dayton as Minister to France, and Mr. Dudley as 
consul at Liverpool. All the details of this matter 
have hitherto been published, and their correctness in 
every respect is unimpeached. 

Governor Newell's administration was confronted 
by a hostile Senate, who refused to confirm his sev- 
eral nominations for the position of chancellor, and 
for a year the State was without an ofiicial of that 
description. Mr. Smith, on his own responsibility, 
suggested the name of Chief Justice Green for the 
position, obtained his assent, and paved the way for 
confirmation through his intimacy with Mr. Herring, 
president of the Senate. At the ensuing session joint 
resolutions amendatory of the Constitution, providing 
for the abolition of the Court of Chancery, the elec- 
tion of the judiciary and State officials by the people, 
and possibly other radical changes, were not only 
sanctioned by the Senate, but reached the third read- 
ing in the Assembly. The defeat of this measure 
was brought about through Mr. Smith's tact and en- 
ergy after all others had abandoned opposition as 
futile. He also initiated the proceedings, and as- 
sisted very fully in carrying out the details, which re- 
sulted not only in the discomfiture of the " Native 



American" factionists of the First District, but in 
securing for Mr. Lincoln's administration a Union 
representative in Congress. 

Mr. Smith's duty at the outbreak of the Rebellion 
was clearly defined. He was an ardent friend of the 
Union from the first, offering resolutions in the City 
Hall meetings as early as January, 1861, calling upon 
the government to vindicate its authority and adopt 
stringent measures to save the Union. He employed 
his entire personal and ofiicial influence in encour- 
aging the wavering, calling public meetings, and ap- 
pealing to the patriotism of the people through the 
medium of the press. When Mr. Lincoln paused at 
Trenton on his way to be inaugurated in Washing- 
ton, Mr. Smith was selected to take charge of the 
official delegation from Philadelphia, and he other- 
wise fully participated in the ceremonies at the State 
capital. 

On the 16th of April, 1861, Mr. Smith formally 
addressed a letter to Governor Olden, earnestly prof- 
fering his services to the State and nation for any 
duty whereby they could best be rendered available. 
The Governor accepted his offer, and promised em- 
ployment. It having transpired that Fort Dela- 
ware was liable to be captured by disloyalists, Mr. 
Smith was dispatched to Philadelphia to take such 
action in arousing the authorities as he might deem 
necessary. Through his representations, based on 
information of a reliable nature transmitted to him, 
the fort was garrisoned by the Commonwealth Ar- 
tillery, and the danger averted. He also procured 
tents for the unsheltered regiments through Gen. 
Patterson, and medical and surgical supplies through 
Gen. Wool. The following service was referred to 
by the adjutant-general in his annual report: Mr. 
Smith was hastily dispatched to New York, and 
under extraordinary circumstances procured nearly 
twenty-five thousand rounds of musket-ball cartridges 
and one hundred thousand percussion-caps for the 
four regiments already en route for the seat of war, 
and placed it on board the flotilla at midnight during 
the prevalence of a severe storm. The ammunition, 
transportation, etc., were only obtained through most 
persistent efforts, and solely upon his personal responsi- 
bility, at a period when neither the New York authori- 
ties or railroad companies would extend credit to the 
State. He was frequently dispatched to New York, 
. Philadelphia, and Washington on important missions, 
passing down the Potomac in front of the enemy's 
batteries, visiting our camps in Virginia, and, in 
brief, proceeding everywhere and doing everything 
required of him. He made a midnight trip to Wash- 
, ington while the enemy were crossing the Potomac 
! above that city, and rumors of burning bridges and 
cavalry raids were rife along the route, and he disre- 
garded warnings to leave Washington while there 
was yet time until he had faithfully performed his 
duty. His visits to the War Department were emi- 
nently successful, and on one occasion, as informed, 



CITY OF SALEM. 



411 



he saved for the State seventy-five thousand dollars 
through tact and energy in obtaining interviews with 
tlie Secretary of War at critical and seemingly im- 
possible periods. These journeys were generally 
dernier ressnrfs, and were always successful. Governor 
Olden, in expressing his acknowledgments, emphat- 
ically remarked, " You have performed for the State 
important service, and relieved my mind of great 
anxiety ;" and again he was characterized in the 
Executive Department as one who never failed. 
Among other services he was instrumental, at the 
request of the Governor, in retaining Hexamer's 
famous battery in the service of the State after it had 
resolved, and was already striking tents, to take ser- 
vice in New York. A very brief delay, and the heroic 
record of this battery would not now form one of the 
most brilliant chapters in the military history of the 
State. 

Mr. Smith was a member of an important com- 
mittee of the great Sanitary Fair in Philadelphia, a 
member of the Camden Auxiliary Sanitary Commit- 
tee, and, under appointment, organizer of the Trenton 
branch of the New Jersey Sanitary Commission. As 
indicative of Governor Olden's confidence, he in- 
trusted to him the nomination of ofiicers for one of 
the best regiments raised in West Jersey, and he 
named all, save chaplain and surgeon, from colonel 
to quartermaster's sergeant. His recommendations 
for other regiments were invariably successful, and 
not a few of our gallant officers were indebted to him 
for substantial favors. In addition to his official and 
political duties, he accepted command of the Trenton 
Artillery, a well-disciplined corps raised at the State 
capital for any emergency. It was at that time the 
only organization of the kind in the State, and it is 
scarcely necessary to add that the members were not 
only highly patriotic, but in full accord with Gov- 
ernor Olden's administration. Assisted by Mr. 
Joshua Jones, he organized the Union League of 
Trenton, and his efibrts to sustain it were unceasing. 
His name is the first on the roll of about one thousand 
members, and at times he filled nearly every official 
position. Mr. Smith was also vice-president of the 
State Loyal League, and frequently for a consider- 
able period performing executive duties of that im- 
portant association. It is unnecessary to refer more 
particularly to his services, sufiice it to say he re- 
sponded to every call, and assumed every responsi- 
bility required. They were performed unostenta- 
tiously, without the stimulus of promotion, public 
recognition, or reward of any kind, save the conscious- 
ness of patriotic duty ; and it may properly be stated 
that all the expenses incurred were discharged from 
his private means, the State not even having been 
asked or expected to furnish traveling commutation. 
At the darkest period of the war, when the most con- 
fident doubted a favorable result, prompted alone by 
patriotic motives, he invested all of his available 
means in government funds. 



In 1862, Governor Olden renominated Mr. Smith, as 
a Union man, to the position of clerk of the Supreme 
Court, assuring him he had entertained no other pur- 
pose from the first. 

The close of the Rebellion found the Union party 
in greatly improved condition, not only on account 
of the return of the soldiers, but the iclat ever at- 
tendant upon success. Mr. Smith originated the plan, 
and carried it fully into effect, of collecting the names 
and address of eight thousand doubtful voters, to each 
of whom he personally addressed, through the mail, 
most patriotic appeals. He also effected a perfect 
organization of the party by the selection of an ap- 
proved committee in every ward and township of the 
State. At the ensuing gubernatorial convention Mar- 
cus L. Ward was nominated against great opposition. 
During the canvass the chairman of the State Com- 
mittee, in the performance of undoubted duty, found 
it necessary to assume a position which, however 
prejudicial it may have been to his personal interests, 
unquestionably insured Mr. Ward's election and saved 
the party, whereupon those who had failed to co- 
operate with him demanded his supersedure as clerk 
of the Supreme Court. The gage thus cast down by 
what had become a powerful official oligarchy was 
taken up without a moment's hesitation. Whether it 
was the unusual spectacle of an individual contend- 
ing single-handed against the combined oflScial in- 
fluence of the State, or from whatever cause, it soon 
transpired that the mass of the Union party and the 
legal profession, whom he had so long served, were 
unmistakably in accord with him. In due time his 
testimonials were forwarded to Governor Ward. 
They embraced (with but three exceptions) the unani- 
mous recommendation by counties of the bar of the 
State, irrespective of party affiliation, the unanimous 
recommendation of the Union editors of the State, 
the cordial recommendation of the bankers, manu- 
facturers, merchants, and citizens of Trenton ; also 
of the senators and members of Assembly of the 
First Congressional District and the county of Mer- 
cer, the most prominent Union men and officials of 
various counties, and of every township of Salem 
County en masse; the unanimous recommendations of 
the justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the 
Court of Errors, of the State and City Union Leagues, 
the Union State Executive Committees, etc. Included 
in the testimonials were those of the chief justice, 
chancellor and two ex-chancellors, six ex-Governors 
and three prospective Governors, ex-United States 
senators, and, in brief, every possible influence save 
that which had combined to effect his supersedure. 
These testimonials substantially bound are cherished 
with honest pride as a diploma for the faithful per- 
formance of responsible duties, and far more accept- 
able than the retention of any oflicial or political 
position. They are remarkable for containing the 
autographs of nearly every member of the bar, the 
entire judiciary, and every Union editor of the State 



412 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



at an exceedingly interesting period of her history. 
Their presentation to the Governor was followed by 
a single interview, and that by renomination and 
unanimous confirmation. The Republican party now 
had control of every branch of the State government. 
It was emphatically at thp zenith of power, and under 
ordiniu-y circumstances the supremacy might have 
been indefinitely prolonged. The chairman of the 
State Executive Committee, after repeated and dis- 
heartening efforts to discharge his duty to regular 
gubernatorial and congressional candidates, against 
not only entire lack of co-operation, but positive ob- 
struction on the part of those who assumed to control 
the influence while they avoided the responsibilities 
of the party, repeatedly but ineffeotuallj' tendered 
his resignation. In no manner is he to be held re- 
sponsible for the disasters which subsequently ensued. 

Among other duties discharged by him was that of 
taking charge of and entertaining Secretary of State 
Seward, Private Secretary Lincoln, and others of the 
government committee on the occasion of the recep- 
tion of Minister Dayton's remains on their arrival 
from Europe. 

Mr. Smith was appointed and took charge of the 
ceremonies incident to entertaining and escorting the 
delegation of loyal Southerners through New Jersey; 
and in 1S65 he was chairman of two important com- 
mittees to receive and entertain the returning soldiers 
at a grand banquet in Trenton. He also, through 
the medium of the press and a public meeting, en- 
tirely on his own responsibility, broke the Republican 
legislative caucus, and prevented the annexation of 
Mercer County to a hopeless Democratic congres- 
sional district. To this entirely unselfish act the 
Republicans are indebted for subsequent success in 
the Second District. Immediately after the disas- 
trous election of November, 1867, Mr. Smith assumed 
the responsibility (although not that year a member 
of the committee) of inaugurating a movement in 
favor of the nomination of Gen. Grant for the Presi- 
dency. The object was to re-establish confidence in 
the thoroughly demoralized party. The movement 
met with considerable opposition, and was denounced 
by correspondents of the New York press. Mr. 
Smith struggled against all obstacles, performed per- 
sonally nearly all of the details of duty, and achieved 
great success. The Trenton Opera-House was crowded 
by an audience of fifteen hundred, and the programme 
fully carried out. Gen. Grant then and there unques- 
tionably received his first nomination for the Presi- 
dency. It is unnecessary to follow the subject of this 
sketch through a period of subsequent efforts to main- 
tain the success and integrity of the party. His term 
as clerk of the Supreme Court having expired in 
1872, he gladly relinquished the position (the duties 
of which had increased fivefold) to a Democratic 
successor, thus yielding to the fate of war, but not to 
injustice. Every department of his intricate and re- 
sponsible office was left in perfect order. 



The passage of the act for compulsory education, 
and the last and seemingly impossible vote requisite 
to sustain Governor Bedle's veto of a bill involving 
the unnecessary expenditure of several millions of 
dollars, are due to Mr. Smith's efforts. He was also 
appointed to succeed Governor Olden as one of the 
commissioners to enlarge the State-House. Although 
the appropriation was exceedingly small, the edifice 
was not only substantially constructed, but an unex- 
pended balance of appropriation returned to the treas- 
ury. The commissioners received no compensation, 
but were commended by the Governor in his annual 
message. He also participated in the Centennial 
celebration in Trenton ; the plan and, with incidental 
aid, most of the details (except those especially per- 
taining to the ladies) were intrusted to him. The 
affair was regarded as the most brilliant and success- 
ful of the kind ever attempted in the State. 

Mr. Smith's early editorial training wedded him to 
the pen, and in his leisure hours he gladly turned 
to literature. Besides contributing to the press, he 
has achieved literary reputation in this country and 
Great Britain. Among flattering recognitions may be 
mentioned his election as a member of the distin- 
guished Powysland Historical Society of Wales, cor- 
responding member of the New England Historic and 
Genealogical Society of Boston, and honorary mem- 
ber of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Many 
of the principal colleges and public libraries solicited 
and received copies of his historical, genealogical, 
and biographical works. He visited Wales in re- 
sponse to cordial invitation from the secretary of the 
Powysland Society, and was entertained and con- 
ducted through the most attractive portions of that 
beautiful and historically interesting country. He 
has been remembered as a friend by the soldiers, who 
have made him honorary member of several of their 
associations, and decorated him with their badges ; and 
on personal grounds he was tendered the position of 
aide-de-camp by the Governor. 

After retiring from office he twice made extensive 
tours through the most interesting portions of Europe 
(of which he published accounts), and also various 
journeys in the United States and Canada. He was 
always fond of aquatic life, and on board of his yacht 
cruised ten summers through the sounds and bays and 
along the Atlantic coast, thereby becoming familiar 
with the sea in all its phases. He was very domestic 
in his habits, in the later years of his life rarely taking 
part in public affairs unless impelled by a sense of 
duty. His fondness for art induced him to decorate 
his home with many specimens, and an extensive 
library afforded him a resource of pleasure he was 
loath to relinquish. He was long a member of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, and for several years a 
delegate to the Diocesan Convention. In the midst 
of a busy life he was called away on Jan. 27, 1883, 
and an active and useful career was closed. The en- 
tire bar of the State was summoned by the clerk of the 




.V_"-,T,it21?^i' ^'. 3£R7L-1L'' 



p^^tiii^ii^i^ 




CITY OF SALEM. 



413 



Supreme Court to attend his funeral at Trenton, the 
Senate also adjourned for the same purpose, and a 
large number of prominent and distinguished men 
honored the occasion with their presence. 



REV. DANIEL STRATTON. 

Eev. Daniel Stratton was for about fourteen years 
pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Salem. 

The present church building was erected during 
his ministry. On the right hand of the pulpit in this 
church is a mural tablet inscribed as follows : 

Our Pastor. 

To tbe 

Eev. "Daniel Stratton, 

for fourteen years 

the faithful and beloved 

pastor of this Church, 

This Memorial is erected 

by his bereaved 

Congregation. 

Born Sept. 28, 1814. 

Died Aug. 24, 1866. 

He being dead 

yet speaketh. 

Mr. Stratton was born in Bridgeton, Cumberland 
County (sixteen miles from Salem), Sept. 28, 1814. 
He entered the sophomore class at Princeton in 1830, 
and was graduated when nineteen years of age, in 
1833. He began his course in the Theological Semi- 
nary at Princeton in 1834, but was compelled by ill 
health to leave in his third year and go to Union 
Seminary, in Virginia, where he finished his studies, 
and was licensed to preach April 13, 1837, by the 
Presbytery of West Hanover, in that State. 

In the mean time he had taught for nearly a year 
at the academy in Salem ; and in the fall of that 
year he married Miss Eleanor C. Hancock, eldest 
daughter of Morris Hancock, Esq., of that city. 

He began his work as a preacher of the gospel at 
Newberne, N. C, where he stayed for fifteen years, 
when he was called to the Presbyterian Church in 
Salem, and came back to finish his course where he 
had begun it. 

His ministry of fourteen years in this city was a 
very successful one, and the memorial inscription 
above quoted represents more nearly than is some- 
times the case the true feeling of the congregation 
to which he had so long ministered. 

The best results of the life-work of so faithful and 
earnest a pastor and preacher as Mr. Stratton is not 
to be seen at all in this world ; but the silent elo- 
quence of such a life as his is more efficient than that 
of any spoken words. 

Mr. Stratton died on the 24th day of August, 1866, 
and was buried in the graveyard of the Presbyterian 
Church, not far from the school where he had taught 
and the church that he had attended thirty years 
before. 




JOHN POWELL MOORE. 
John Powell Moore, son of John Powell and Jane 
Westcott Moore, was born in Sayre's Neck, Fairfield 
township, Cumberland Co., N. J., Dec. 16, 1832, and 
was the second of several children. His father was a 
farmer by occupation, and the family an old one in 
Cumberland County. 

With only a common school education to prepare 
him for the business of life, Mr. Moore, in 1850, at 
the age of eighteen, removed to Salem, N. J., and en- 
tered the store of Thomas W. Cattell, a hardware 
merchant on Market Street, who was also at that time 
postmaster. In that position he remained for several 
years, faithfully discharging his duties to his employ- 
ers and winning the approbation of the public by his 
application to business, his uniform urbanity of man- 
ner, and correct moral deportment. 

In 1856, J. P. Moore and Samuel G. Cattell entered 
into partnership with Thomas W. Cattell, under the 
firm-name of Thomas W. Cattell & Co. Mr. Samuel 
Cattell retiring from the business after a few years, 
the firm continued as Cattell & Moore until 1866, when 
Alexander G. Cattell, Jr., took the place of Thomas 
W., and the firm became Moore & Cattell. At the 
expiration of three years the partnership ended, and 
John P. Moore assumed the business, in connection 
with the agency of several life and fire insurance 
companies, and remained at the old stand until his 
death, Jan. 2, 1879. 

Throughout his entire life Mr. Moore confined him- 
self closely to business, and held aloof from public 
and political affairs. Outside of mercantile pursuits, 
he devoted all his energies to thesupportof the cause 
of religion and the interests of the First Presbyterian 
Church of Salem, with which he united March 31, 
1858, during the pastorate of Eev. Daniel Stratton. 
In that relation he was active, efficient, and useful, 
and was ordained elder of the same church Oct. 9, 
1864. He took great interest in the Sabbath-school 
cause, and was teacher in the adult department for 
many years. He was especially successful in inter- 
esting young men in the church, and by a peculiar 
magnetism impressed them with the importance and 
value of religion as a factor in the successful pursuit 
of the affairs of life. Through his influence many 
young men were led to unite themselves with the 
church, his class of eight joining it about the same 
time. 

Later he was made superintendent of the primary 
department, which position he faithfully filled as 
long as his health permitted. He had the rare gift 
of interesting as well as instructing the little ones, 
and he fully realized how important the trust com- 
mitted to his care. 

For a number of years he was secretary of the 
Salem County Bible Society, and held many offices 
of trust in the church. He led an active and useful 
life, and in the community in which he dwelt was 
held in great respect for his integrity and upright- 



414 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



ness, and his sprightly and genial manner. He was 
devoid of all ostentation, and strove only to perform 
the humble duties of a good citizen, lending a cheer- 
ful support to all worthy enterprises, yet uniformly 
declining public places and honor. 

In 1872 he was awakened to the fact that he was 
an invalid, and until the time of his death he devised 
ways and means to at least keep pace with fatal dis- 
ease, spending many months from home and business, 
and finding great benefit from a sojourn in a more 
healthful climate. 

His decease, while still in the prime of life, occa- 
sioned universal regret to the friends among whom 
he lived and labored, and by whom his rare qualities 
and wide usefulness will be aft'ectionately cherished 
as long as the incense of memory burns on the altar 
of hearts that loved him. 

He married, Dec. 29, 1858, Mary V., daughter of 
Job and Catharine A. Stretch, of Salem County, who 
survives him at this date (1883) with four of their 
seven children, viz. : Harriet Newell Moore, Jane 
Westcott Moore, John Powell Moore, Frederick 
Brauns Moore. 

THOMAS JONES YORKB. 

Thomas Jones Yorke was a descendant in the fourth 
generation of Thomas Yorke, the ancestor of the pres- 
ent Yorke family in the United States, who emigrated 
from Yorkshire, England, about the year 1728, and 
passed the greater part of his life in the iron business 
at Pottstown, Pa. He was a justice of the peace of 
Pottstown in 1745, and in 1759 was appointed by 
Governor Denny judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas. In 1747 he served as lieutenant-colonel in 
the French and Indian war, and in 1757 and 1758 
represented Berks County, Pa., in the Provincial 
Assembly. Soon after he removed to Philadelphia, 
and was appointed to a judicial position by the Eng- 
lish government. He was married three times, and 
left a large number of descendants. The line of de- 
scent, down to and including the subject of this 
sketch, is Thomas \ Andrew-, Louis', and Thomas 
Jones Yorke''. The family was an old and promi- 
nent one in English history, Beverly Hall, near 
Ripon,in Yorkshire, being the family seat. Thomas 
Yorke, an ancestor of the emigrant, served three 
times as high sheriff during the reign of Henry VIII., 
and Joseph Yorke, uncle of the emigrant, was Lord 
Mayor of Dover, and ambassador to The Hague in the 
reign of George II. 

Sir John Yorke, Knt., was Lord Mayor of London, 
and was one of the trustees named in the will of 
Richard Whittington (so well known in nursery 
story) to manage his hospital. He had ten sons, 
two of whom, Edward and Edmund, became vice- 
admirals in the English navy, and received the 
honor of knighthood. There is little doubt that 
Thomas was descended from one of the sons above 
named, as he (Thomas) named his eldest son, who 



was wounded in a naval engagement early in the 
Revolution, Edward. He was connected with Lord 
Gambler, one of the Lords Admiralty of England. 

Andrew Yorke, grandfather of our subject, was 
born in the city of Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1742, and 
located in Salem, N. J., in 1773. He engaged in 
trade in the old brick building that is still standing 
on the corner of Yorke and Magnolia Streets. At the 
commencement of the Revolutionary war he took an 
active part in favor of the colonies, and was an aid 
to Gen. Newcomb during that trying struggle. He 
died at Salem in 1794. Louis, his second son, mar- 
ried Mary, daughter of Thomas Jones, an early 
merchant of Salem, and soon thereafter located in 
the village of Hancock's Bridge, where he engaged 
in store-keeping. He died in Philadelphia in 1809. 

Thomas Jones Yorke, son of Louis and Mary Jones 
Yorke, was born at Hancock's Bridge, Salem Co., on 
March 25, 1801. Having received a substantial Eng- 
lish education at the Salem Academy, he entered the 
store of his grandfather, Thomas Jones, in Salem, as 
a clerk, and in 1817 the counting-house of James Pat- 
ton, a leading shipping merchant of Philadelphia. 
Four years later he returned to Salem, and entered 
into mercantile business with his uncle, Thomas Jones, 
Jr., under the firm-name of Jones & Yorke. This 
business he continued until 1847, when the pressure 
of other affairs, public and private, compelled him to 
relinquish it. Having held various local oflices in 
Salem County, his broader public career was begun 
in 1835, when he was chosen to represent the county 
in the State Assembly. The year following he was 
elected member of Congress from his district, taking 
his seat in 1837, and continuing a member until 1843. 
During his term of office occurred the famous " Broad 
Seal war," and it was also while he was in the House 
that Morse made his application to Congress for aid 
in building the first line of telegraph. He was one 
of the number who voted for the appropriation of 
forty thousand dollars for the construction of the 
Baltimore and Washington line. In 1853 he was 
elected a member of the board of directors of the 
West Jersey Railroad Company, and was made secre- 
tary and treasurer of that organization. He held these 
offices until 1866, when he was elected president of the 
road, and continued to direct the affairs of the com- 
pany with great success until 1875, when he resigned 
from official connection with the road, continuing, 
however, to remain a director. In his management 
of the affairs of the Cape May and Millville Railroad 
Company, and of the West Jersey Express Company, 
of both of which organizations he was also president, 
he maintained a policy of liberality and progressive- 
ness, and urged the same spirit in the conduct of the 
West Jersey Mail and Transportation Company, in 
that of the Salem Railroad Company, the Swedesboro 
Railroad Company, and the Camden and Philadel- 
phia Ferry Company, in all of which corporations he 
was a director. 





^tT/^n^ "C><^J<C»>i9^»^ 



\ 



CITY OF SALEM. 



415 



Besides holding the various positions already men- 
tioned, Mr. Yorke was for more than twelve years 
president judge of the Court of Common Pleas of 
Salem County, and discharged the duties of the place 
with ability and success. During the late war he was 
in warm sympathy with the Union cause, and sup- 
ported with a willing hand all measures of a progres- 
sive and elevating character in the community in 
which he lived until his demise, on April 4, 1882. He 
was twice married, — first to Mary A., daughter of 
Jonathan and Elizabeth Smith, of Bucks County, Pa., 
who died young, leaving one son, Louis Eugene 
Yorke; and, secondly, to Margaret Johnson, daughter 
of Thomas and Elizabeth Jacobs Siunickson, of 
Salem, who survives him. Of this union were born 
five children, viz. : Mary A., widow of De Witt Clin- 
ton Clement, of Salem ; Elizabeth S. ; Thomas J. ; 
Margaret J., who became the wife of Dr. J. B. Par- 
ker, of the United States navy ; and Caroline P. 
Yorke, who married William F. Allen. 

His eldest son, Louis Eugene Yorke, was educated 
as a civil engineer at the Eensselaer Polytechnic In- 
stitute, of Troy, N. Y., and was subsequently em- 
ployed on the Pennsylvania Railroad, Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad, and in 1860 was engineer on the 
Bergen tunnel. Resigning that position, he entered 
the United States volunteer army as a member of the 
Seventh Regiment of New York, and served with that 
organization during the term of its enlistment. He 
subsequently entered the regular army, and was com- 
missioned a captain in the Fourteenth United States 
Regiment. He was with Sherman in his march to 
the sea, was wounded in the Arkansas campaign, and 
at the end of the war, when holding the brevet rank 
of colonel, resigned his commission and resumed his 
profession. He died in Cincinnati in 1873. 



WILLIAM CARPENTER. 

The Carpenter family of Philadelphia and Salem 
County, N. J., trace their origin in this country to a 
period about the close of the seventeenth century. 
The Philadelphia branch are descended from Samuel 
Carpenter, and the New Jersey family from Joshua, 
the brother of Samuel. Watson's " Annals" informs 
us that Samuel Carpenter was one of the greatest im- 
provers and builders in Philadelphia, and with the 
exception of his associate, William Penn, was at one 
time the wealthiest man in the province. He was a 
member of the Society of Friends, and one of Penn's 
commissioners of property. His brother Joshua was 
also a prominent early resident of Philadelphia, and 
an engraving of his elegant residence, which occupied 
a portion of the site of the Arcade building, is to be 
seen on page 376 of Watson's " Annals." 

Joshua Carpenter subsequently removed to the 
State of Delaware, where he ended his days. His 
grandson William married Mary, daughter of Jere- 
miah and Jane Powell, and had four children, viz. : 



Mary, Powell, William, and Abigail. Of these, Wil- 
liam married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Eliza- 
beth Ware, born March 2, 1763, and a few years after 
that event rented a large farm in Elsinboro township, 
Salem Co., of Samuel Nicholson, Sr. There he passed 
the remainder of his life. His children were seven 
in number, viz.: Samuel, Mary (who married Thomas 
Hancock, of Elsinboro), Abigail (who became the 
wife of John Goodwin, of Elsinboro), William (the 
subject of this memoir), Elizabeth (who married Wil- 
liam Thompson), Powell, and Sarah Carpenter. 

William Carpenter, to whom these lines are dedi- 
cated, was born in Elsinboro township, April 4, 1792, 
and died May 18, 1866. He received only a common 
school education, and was thrown upon his own re- 
sources early in life by the sudden death of his father. 
After experiencing the trials and privations incident 
to a life of hard labor and close attention to the ardu- 
ous calling of a tenant-farmer in those days, he finally 
located on the Thomas Mason property in Elsinboro, 
and resided thereon for the long period of twenty- one 
years. He then purchased, in 1846, the Samuel Brick 
farm, in the same township, now occupied by his son, 
William B. Carpenter, and lived there until his re- 
moval later in life to Salem, where he closed his days. 
He was a man of decided convictions, plain in his 
tastes and habits, straightforward in his dealings, of 
strict integrity, and held in general respect through- 
out a long and busy life. He was a regular attendant 
upon the meetings of the Society of Friends. He 
married Mary, daughter of Abner and Mary Beasley, 
and had children, — Elizabeth W. (wife of Joseph P. 
Thompson), Powell (deceased), Anna M. (deceased), 
William B., Morris H., and John M. Carpenter. 



RICHARD MILLER ACTON. 
Richard Miller Acton is a descendant in the sixth 
generation of Benjamin Acton, the ancestor of the 
family in Salem County. The line of descent is 
Benjamin\ Benjamin. Jr.^ (1695), John* (1728), 
Clement*, Benjamin », and Richard M. Acton" (1810). 
Benjamin^ is believed to have emigrated from Lon- 
don about the year 1677, and soon after that date is 
mentioned in connection with the public affairs of 
Fenwick's colony. He was a tanner and currier by 
trade, an occupation in which many of his descend- 
ants also engaged, and also a land surveyor. In con- 
nection with this latter calling he is very frequently 
mentioned in the early records of the colony. He 
purchased a lot of sixteen acres of John Fenwick, 
on Fenwick Street, now East Broadway, and erected 
his dwelling-house thereon, where he continued to 
reside until his demise. He was elected the first re- 
corder of the town of New Salem at the time of its 
incorporation, in 1695, and in 1705 was one of the 
commissioners and surveyors in laying out a public 
road from Salem to Maurice River. In 1709, in con- 
nection with John Mason and Bartholomew Wyatt, 



416 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Sr., he laid out a public highway from Hancock's 
Bridge to the town of Greenwich. He subsequently 
did a large amount of surveying for the heirs of 
William Penn in Salem Tenth, besides being busily 
engaged in other public and private surveys through- 
out his life. He married in 1688 or 1689, and had 
children, — Elizabeth (1690), who married Francis 
Reynolds; Mary (1692), who became the wife of 
William Willis ; Benjamin, Jr. (1695), Lydia (1697), 
and Joshua (1700). 

Benjamin, eldest son of Clement and Hannah H. 
Acton, father of the subject of this sketch, married 
Sarah, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth W. Miller, 
of Mannington, and had a family of ten children, 
viz. : Richard M., born Feb. 2, 1810 ; Clement, born 
Jan. 8, 1813; Benjamin, born September, 1814 ; Han- 
nah Hall, born Feb. 10, 1816, married Samuel P. Car- 
penter, of Mannington ; Elizabeth W., born Sept. 
28, 1818, became the wife of Franklin Miller, of 
Mannington ; Cbarlotte, born July 9, 1821, married 
Richard Wistar, of Mannington ; Casper W., born 
Sept. 18, 1828 ; Letitia, born July 17, 1825, married 
John Wistar ; Sarah Wyatt, born Sept. 3, 1827, be- 
came the wife of Emmor Reeve; and Catharine, 
born June 22, 1829. 

Richard Miller Acton was born in Salem, Feb. 4, 
1810. His earlier education was derived at the com- 
mon schools of his native place and at the Friends' 
Academy at Westtown, Chester Co., Pa. At the age 
of sixteen he was apprenticed to learn the tanning 
and currying trade at Wilmington, Del. After attain- 
ing his majority he returned to Salem, and establish- 
ing business for himself on the corner of Market and 
Howell Streets, continued to follow the occupation of 
a tanner and currier until 1847. For a portion of 
this period his brother Benjamin was associated with 
him as a partner. Since that date he has lived in re- 
tirement in his native place, devoting his time to ag- 
ricultural pursuits and to the discharge of the public 
duties that devolved upon him. He has always taken 
a deep interest in local aflFairs, and for more than 
twenty years served as a member of the board of 
trustees of the public schools of Salem, a portion 
of that time holding the position of president of the 
board. He was appointed by Governor Randolph 
a member of the State Board of Education of New 
Jersey, and served in that body for several years. He 
has been a director of the Salem Library Association 
since 1845, and is president of the association in 1883. 
He is also president of the Salem Gas Company. He 
was for many years a director of the Salem County 
Mutual Insurance Company, and is a director of the 
Salem Railroad Company, now under lease to the 
West Jersey Railroad Company. Politically, he has 
served on the board of chosen freeholders, and in 
other local ofSces. In 1864 he was elected to repre- 
sent Salem County in the Senate of the State, and 
discharged the duties of that important place with 
fidelity and to the general satisfaction of his constit- 



uency for three years. During the trying days of the 
great Rebellion he supported the Union cause by vote 
and influence, believing that the integrity of the na- 
tion was assailed and our national liberties threat- 
ened. In religious affairs he has been a life-long 
member of the Orthodox branch of the Society of 
Friends. He is recognized as one of the most useful 
and estimable of the citizens of Salem, and is held in 
general respect. He married, on April 14, 1835, Han- 
nah Hancock Mason, of Elsinboro township, and a 
descendant of John Mason, who emigrated from Eng- 
land to America in 1683, and soon after located at 
Salem, where he became one of the large land-own- 
ers of the new colony. In 1696 he erected a. substan- 
tial brick dwelling in Elsinboro township, where he 
removed, and which is now owned by Mrs. Richard 
M. Acton. Of the three children of Richard M. 
Acton and Hannah H., his wife, only one survives, 
viz., Mary Mason, wife of William C. Reeve, of 
Salem. 

JOHN HUMPHRIES MORRIS. 

The Morris family has been prominently identified 
with the county of Salem since its first settlement. 
Christopher Morris, grandfather of the subject of this 
memoir, resided at Sharpstown at an early day, where 
he filled official station for many years, and was a man 
of influence and prominence. He had three children, 
— William, Rachel, and Martha. The former was the 
father of our subject, and for a long period of time 
carried on the business of a merchant and general 
trader at Sharpstown. He also engaged in farming, 
and was a man of character and influence. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Humphries, and had a family of eight 
children, of whom John H. Morris was the oldest. 

The latter was born in Penn's Neck township, Salem 
Co., July 21, 1814, and died Sept. 17, 1879. He en- 
joyed only an ordinary English education, and was 
early inured to a life of toil upon a farm. Soon after 
attaining his majority he began farming on his own 
account in Mannington township, and continued to 
engage in agricultural pursuits until 1863, when he 
retired from active labor and took up his residence in 
Salem. In December, 1877, he purchased the interest 
of W. R. Hunt, successor of Hall, Dunn & Hunt in 
the oil-cloth works which they were operating in 
Salem, and embarked in the business of a manufac- 
turer. In May, 1879, he purchased the Fenwick Oil- 
Cloth Works, at the foot of Broadway, and, assisted 
by the practical advice and experience of S. W. Dunn, 
erected on their site the extensive buildings now oc- 
cupied by the Salem Oil-Cloth Works. There he en- 
gaged in the manufacture of oil-cloth until his demise, 
when he was succeeded by his son, William Morris, 
the present owner. 

Mr. Morris never aspired to public place, although 
he filled the leading ofiices of his township during his 
residence there. He was a warm supporter of the 
war, and in earnest sympathy with the Republican 






'..e/y-7 



7y/ 



I 





\(3A^ 



CITY OF SALEM. 



417 



party throughout his life. He was a mau of decided 
convictions, earnest, energetic, and industrious, in- 
clined to economy and frugality, and of modest pre- 
tensions and tastes. In all his business transactions 
he ever manifested the strictest integrity, and was 
held in general respect for his uprightness of charac- 
ter. He married Mary H., daughter of Mark Stretch, 
and had a family of four children, of whom only 
William Morris attained adult age. The latter has 
inherited his father's estate and business as well as 
many of his sterling characteristics. He married 
Lydia, daughter of Joseph Waddington, and has one 
daughter, Mary H. Morris. 



JOHN TYLER. 



The Tyler family of this country are descended from 
ancient English stoct, their ancestors having come 
with William the Conqueror into England, and fought 
at the battle of Hastings in 1066. Six hundred years 
later three brothers of the name emigrated to America, 
one of whom settled in New England, another in Vir- 
ginia, becoming the ancestor of ex-President John 
Tyler, and the third, William, located in West Jersey 
about 1688. He purchased of John Champney a 
large tract of land on the north side of Monmouth 
River, part of the two thousand acres deeded in 1676 
by John Fenwick to James Champney and his wife, 
Priscilla Fenwick Champney. He was the ancestor 
of the branch of the family represented by the sub- 
ject of this sketch, the line down to and including 
John Tyler being as follows: William Tyler', Wil- 
liam-, SamueP, William*, and John^. 

William Tyler' brought with him to this country a 
certificate from his friends and neighbors in England, 
certifying that "he hath been ready and willing to 
contribute to the service of truth, as opportunity hath 
offered and occasion required, and that as to his deal- 
ings with the world, he has been punctual and of 
good report as far as any of us know or have heard, 
and we know nothing of debts or other entanglements 
OH his part, but that he may with clearness prosecute 
his intended voyage." He married, in 1676, Joanna 
Parson, and had four children born in England, 
namely, Mary (1677), William (1680), John (1682), 
and Joanna (1684). His first wife died soon after 
their arrival in this country, and he married a second 
wife, Elizabeth, who bore him three children,— Cath- 
arine (1690), Philip (1692), and Elizabeth (1694). 
He engaged in farming and tanning throughout his 
life, and died about 1701. By his will he bequeathed 
a larged landed estate to his sons, William and John, 
and left the former as guardian of the younger chil- 
dren. 

William Tyler' married Mary Abbott, sister of 

George, the emigrant, and had six children, viz. : 

William' (1712), Edith (1714), Eebecca (1716), Mary 

(1718), James (1720), and Samuel (1723). He died 

27 



in 1733, leaving to his children a large landed prop- 
erty. 

Samuel Tyler, youngest son of William Tyler- and 
Mary, his wife, was born Oct. 26, 1723. When about 
eighteen years of age he apprenticed himself to Ben- 
jamin Acton, of Salem, to learn the tanning business. 
Soon after the expiration of his apprenticeship he sold 
his property on Alloways Creek, inherited from his 
father, and purchased the property at the upper end 
of Salem, since known as Tyler Street. In the deed 
of purchase, dated 1746, the house is called " a new 
brick house," making it at the present time more 
than one hundred and thirty-seven years old. Here 
he carried on the tanning business. In 1751 he mar- 
ried Ann Mason, granddaughter of John Mason, the 
emigrant, and had five children, viz.: William* 
(1752), John (1756), Mary (1756), Samuel (1758), 
and Eebecca (1764). He died Nov. 26, 1778, and his 
wife Feb.-23, 1777. 

William Tyler* administered upon his father's es- 
tate, and, according to the law as it then existed, was 
entitled to all the real estate. He was not unmind- 
ful, however, of his brothers and sisters, but assigned 
them a share of their father's property. In 1792 he 
married Beulah Ridgway, who died shortly after 
without issue. In 1796 he married for a second wife 
Catherine, daughter of Hugh Low, of Philadelphia, 
of whom were born John (1797), Hannah G. (1798), 
Hugh L. (1800), Mary (1801), Annie (1805), and 
William (1806). He was a man of retiring dispo- 
sition, of few words, and was considered honest and 
impartial in his dealings with his fellow-men. He 
died in 1823, and his wife in 1825. The latter was a 
discreet and sensible woman, of warm sensibilities 
and devoted piety. 

John Tyler, son of AVilliam and Catharine Low 
Tyler, the subject of this memoir, was born May 28, 
1797. He received only an ordinary English educa- 
tion, and about the time of attaining his majority 
entered the employ of his uncle, John Tyler, in 
Salem, to learn the tanning business. He continued 
with his uncle until the death of the latter, and shared 
in the distribution of his estate. During the greater 
part of his life he carried on successfully the tanning 
enterprise established by his uncle, and for a period 
of nearly sixty years occupied the family mansion on 
Fifth Street, adjoining the tannery. He was a man 
of decided convictions, plain in his habits and tastes, 
a regular attendant upon the First Day meetings of 
the Society of Friends, and held in general respect 
and esteem for his integrity and uprightness of char- 
acter. Never demonstrative or ostentatious, he took 
an active interest in 'public affairs, supporting the 
men and measures he believed best for the general 
good, yet declining to occupy public office himself. 
He was one of the active promoters of the Salem Li- 
brary Association, and president of that organization 
for a number of years. He was also one of the organ- 
izers of the Salem Gas Company, and treasurer of the 



418 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



company from the time of its establishment until his 
death. He took much interest in the project of intro- 
ducing water into Salem, advocating the artesian sys- 
tem of boring. He was also fond of tree-culture, 
ornamenting and beautifying his surroundings by 
setting out young trees and otherwise improving his I 
property to gratify his natural taste. In his younger i 
days he was fond of walking, and upon one occasion : 
made a pedestrian excursion into Canada from Salem, j 
He was a close observer of things and events around 
him, devoted to travel, a great reader, and possessed | 
of an excellent memory. ; 

He had a thorough knowledge of the origin and 
line of title of the real estate of his locality, and 
knew the metes and bounds of many of the county 
estates. His recollection of local historical facts was 
also extended and correct, and he was especially 
familiar with the early history of West and South 
Jersey. He passed away, amid general regret, on 
July 31, 1880. He married, in 1832, Dorothea Gra- 
ham, daughter of Joseph Hoskins, originally from 
New Jersey, but a subsequent resident of Radnoi', 
Pa., where she was born. The two children born of 
the union were Catharine Low Tyler, who died un- 
married, and W. Graham Tyler. The latter served 
as president of the Board of Education for a number 
of years, is treasurer of the Salem Gas Company, a 
director of the Salem Library Association, and a 
member and oiBcer of St. John's Protestant Episco- 
pal Church of Salem. He carries on the tanning 
establishment that has been operated by the family 
so many years on Fifth Street. 



CHAPTER LXVL 

TOWNSHIP OF ET.SINBORO.i 

Geographical. — Elsinboro is located in the .south- 
west part of the county, and is bounded north by 
Lower Penn's Neck and the city of Salem, east and 
south by Alloways Creek, and west by the Delaware 
River. Reedy Island lies opposite its southern ex- 
tremity. 

Topographical and Statistical. — This is the 
smallest of the townships of Salem County, contain- 
ing only seven thousand eight hundred and eight 
acres, much of it marsh and " marsh-meadow" land, 
and fifty-six farms. The soil is similar to that of 
neighboring townships, and the variety of produce 
common to the latter is grown. In 1881 the assessed 
valuation of real estate was $423,714. The value of 
personal property was .$186,849. The total taxable 
valuation was $495,568. The total indebtedness was 
$123,995. The number of voters was one hundred 
and fifty-one. The poll-tax amounted to $144, the 
school tax to $1253, and the county tax to $1189. 



Original Purchases and Settlement.^ — Robert 

Windham bought of John Fenwick one thousand 
acres of land, bounded on the north by Salem, and on 
the west by Salem Creek. This purchase was made 
in 1675. On that property a colony of English from 
New Haven, Conn., made a settlement in 1640, but 
it wa3 of short duration. The Indians greatly har- 
assed the colonists, and the following year the pleu- 
risy became an epidemic among them. Some histo- 
rians have written that more than one-half of the 
colony fell victims to the malady, and the remaining 
part left and returned to New England. 

It appears that when Robert Windham died he left 
one daughter. She married Richard Darkin, a young 
man who had recently arrived from England. Rich- 
ard was one of the most active and useful young men 
in the colony. He was a zealous Friend, and took a 
conspicuous part in the religious meetings of his sect. 

Richard Darkin in his will left his land to his two 
sons, John and Joseph Darkin. John, the eldest, 
had the homestead. In 1720, John erected a new 
brick dwelling, which is still standing. Joseph Dar- 
kin, the youngest son, built a brick dwelling on his 
share of his father's property, which is yet in toler- 
able repair. 

The Windham estate was all kept in the family 
during four or five generations, and at this time there 
are about four hundred acres held by Robert Wind- 
ham's descendants. 

Adjoining the Windham estate is a tract of land 
called Middle Neck, containing about five hundred 
acres. It was purchased by Isaac Smart, who came 
to this country in company with Fenwick. Soon af- 
terward he built a house and settled there. 

Richard Guy, cheesemonger, from the parish of 
Stepney, Middlesex, England, one of the earliest em- 
igrants, purchased one thousand acres of land of John 
Fenwick, bounded on the northeast by Isaac Smart's 
land, and southwest by Delaware Bay, extending 
down the bay to Fort Elsborg. 

In 1682, Richard Guy sold one-half of the said 
tract to John and Andrew Thompson, two hundred 
and fifty acres to each, and they settled thereon. John, 
the eldest, erected a brewery and manufactured beer 
extensively and, it is said, profitably for the Phila- 
delphia and New York markets. John, grandson of 
James Thompson, sold the land that he inherited, 
and removed to Delaware. The property Andrew 
Thompson purchased is owned by one of his descend- 
ants at the present time. 

Richard Guy sold the balance of his land to Samuel 
Carpenter, of Philadelphia, who erected a country- 
seat near the bay, and a few years afterwards sold the 
property to Redroe Blorris, son of Lewis Morris, of 
England, who bought a large quantity of land ad- 
joining his fir.st purchase, and died in 1701, leaving 



I By M. 0. Bolfo. 



" Much of the material for this chapter was contributed by Thomas 
Shourds. 



TOWNSHIP OF ELSINBORO. 



419 



three sons, Joseph, David, and Lewis Morris, who 
each inherited four hundred acres. Joseph and Lewis 
Morris left children. David married and had chil- 
dren, but they died before their father, who left his 
farm to his half-brother, John Hart. In 1765, Hart 
sold it to Col. Benjamin Holme. There is but a small | 
portion of the Morris land that is not now owned by 
any of his descendants. j 

Roger Milton owned a considerable tract adjoining | 
the Morris land. 

There was a survey made in 1686 of two thousand 
one hundred and thirty-four acres of land, including 
what is now known as Mason Point and other lands i 
and meadows adjoining, and it was called " Anna's i 
Grove." John Mason purchased one thousand acres 
of this land. The upland is considered as fertile as 
any in the county of Salem. Mason built a large 
brick mansion in 1704. One-half of the original 
Mason estate belongs to the family at the present 
time. 

Adjoining Mason's land William Hancock pur- 
chased a large tract of " Anna's Grove," and in 1705 
built a large brick dwelling not far from John Mason's 
mansion. Only a small portion of said land belongs 
to the family at this time. 

Samuel Nicholson, the eminent pioneer, purchased 
two thousand acres of the Proprietor in 1675, adjoin- 
ing Anna's Grove on the southwest, John Smith's land 
on the northeast, and the lands of Robert Windham 
on the west. Samuel and his wife, Ann, left Salem 
and settled in Elsinboro. Their place of residence 
was near Alloways Creek. He died in 1693, devising 
his real estate to his eldest son, Samuel, and his young- 
est son, Abel Nicholson. 

Samuel Nicholson died when a young man, and 
left his share of his father's estate to his brother, Jo- 
seph Nicholson, who had married, and resided near 
Haddonfield. In 1696, Joseph sold more than one- 
half of his land to George Abbott, the progenitor of 
the Abbott family, who later made other purchases 
of land of the Nicholsons. The property was held 
by the Abbott family for five generations. 

Samuel Stubbins bought the balance of Joseph 
Nicholson's estate, built thereon, and ended his days 
there. His son, Henry Stubbins, became the owner, 
and he having no children left the farm to his nephew, 
Henry Stubbins Firth. 

John Smith, of Amblebury, came to this country in 
1675, and purchased two thousand acres of the Pro- 
prietor. About two-thirds of this land lay in Elsin- 
boro, the remainder in Lower Alloways Creek, the 
township line running obliquely across the tract. 
There are living numerous descendants of John 
Smith, but none of them own any part of his original 
purchase. 

William Hancock, son of the pioneer William Han- 
cock, of Lower Alloways township, having at the 
death of his mother inherited her personal property 
and no real estate, purchased five hundred acres of 



land in Elsinboro, adjoining lands of John Mason on 
thesouth, Samuel Nicholson on the east, Rudoc Morris 
on the west, and Isaac Smart on the north. In 1705 
he built a large brick house, which was torn down a 
few years ago by Richard Grier, the present owner of 
the property, and a large frame house was erected on 
its site. 

There are several ancient houses in Elsinboro. 
Among them are the following: Amos Harris', built 
by John Darkin about 1720 ; Richard Waddington's, 
built by Isaac Smart in 1696 ; Richard M. Acton's, 
built by John Mason in 1696, the addition in 1704; 
and a house built by Abel Nicholson in 1722, now in 
tolerable repair. 

Prominent families in Elsinboro from 1800 to 1830 
were the Carpenters, Counsellors, Corlisses, Dallases, 
Foggs, Fosters, Goodwins, Holmeses, Harrises, Halls, 
Hancocks, Freases, Kirbys, McGuays, Millers, Mor- 
rises, Nelsons, Scattergoods, Sheppards, Thompsons, 
Tindalls, Waddingtons, and Wards. 

Revolutionary History. — Among the names of 
those designated by Col. Mawhood, in his historical 
letter to Col. Hand, written at Salem in the early 
part of 1778, as especial objects of his unmanly ven- 
geance was that of Col. Benjamin Holme, of Elsin- 
boro, one of those to whom was directed the threat 
to "burn and destroy their houses and other prop- 
erty, and reduce them, their unfortunate wives and 
children, to beggary and distress." This gentleman 
was a strong and influential Whig, and an officer in 
the " rebel" service so dreaded by the enemy that 
Lord Howe offered one hundred pounds for him 
" dead or alive." 

Chagrined at his lack of success at Quinton's 
Bridge and elsewhere in Salem County, Col. Maw- 
hood send a party of soldiers from Salem on an ex- 
cursion into this township, and, probably in pursu- 
ance of special orders, they went to Col. Holme's 
farm, four miles out of Salem, drove his wife and 
family out of doors, pillaged his propertj', and set 
his dwelling on fire, thus, so far as Col. Holme was 
concerned, executing Mawhood's threat as literally 
as possible. 

After peace was declared the colonel re-erected his 
buildings, resumed possession of his property, and 
lived to an advanced age, much respected by his 
neighbors and acquaintances. 

A clock, which was taken out of the house by Col. 
Mawhood prior to the destruction of the buildings, 
and by him carried to New York, was years afler- 
wards found there and bought by a descendant of 
Col. Holme, and is now owned in the family, and 
stands in a residence in Salem, keeping as good time 
as upon the day of the raid into Elsinboro. 

Organization. — The Indian name of all or a por- 
tion of Elsinboro was " Wootsessungsing." It was 
originally called Elsborg, its present name having 
been derived from that of the Swedish fort, " Helsing- 
borg," or " Elfsborg," early erected within it.s limits. 



420 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



It was one of the constituent townships of Salem 
County ; its original boundaries are not recorded, but 
they are said to have embraced only eight hundred 
acres at a period probably considerably anterior to 
its survey into a township. It was incorporated by a 
revised " Act incorporating the inhabitants of town- 
ships," approved April 14, 1846. 

Civil List. 

TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 



1799-1S09, 1816-21. Samuel Brick. 
1810-16. John G. Holmes. 
1822-28. Anthony Nelson. 
182H-37. Clement Hall. 
1838-39. William H. Nelson. 
1840-43. John H. Patrick. 
1844-49. Jonathan Scattergood. 



1860-52. Joshua Waddington. 
1853. Richard Grior. 
1864-66. Ehenezel- P. Wallen. 
1S67-7I. Samuel Powell. 
1872-78. Evan Loper. 
1879-81. James B. Nicholson. 
1882. Joseph H. Steward. 



ASSESSORS. 



1799-1808. Morris Hall. 
1809. Thomas Mason. 
1810-12. William Wayman. 
1813-16. Joseph Hall. 
1816. Benjamin Griscom. 
1817-20. Anthony Nelson. 
1821-24. Clement Hall. 
1825-27. George Grier. 
1828-36. William Hall. 
1836-41. Thomas Shonrds. 
1842^3. John Powell. 
1644-47. John H. Patrick. 



1848-62. Richard Waddington. 
186.3-55. William T. Goodwin. 
1856-58, 1866-69, 1875. Joshua 

Waddington. 
1869-61. Samuel Powell. 
1862. Morris Hall. 
1863-66, 1870. Wm. B. Carpenter. 
1871-74, 1876. Jesse Patrick. 
1877. George C. Patrick. 
1878-80. Morris H. Bassett. 
1881-82. Edward S. Carll. 



COLLECTORS. 



1799-1813. Thomas Hancock. 
1814. Thomas Mason. 
1816. Anthony Nelson. 
1816-17. John Thompson, Jr. 
1818-22. Benjamin Tindall. 
1823-26. Samuel Pancoast. 
1827. David Grier. 
1828-30. William Carpenter. 
1831. Elkanah Powel. 
1832-33. David Stretch. 
1834-36. Thomas Shourds. 
1836-41. John Powel. 
1842-47, 1872-76. Joseph Foster. 



1848-60. William T. Goodwin. 
1851. Mark Stretch. 
1862. Daniel Hires. 
1863-64. John D. Hires. 
1855-67. Charles H Plummer. 
1S6S-60. Sbeppard Harris. 
1861-63. John M. Brandiff. 
1864. David Banks. 
1865-67. William Morrison. 
1868-70. Isaac Allen. 
1871. Henry Foster. 
1876-82. Richard M. Acton. 



CONSTABLES. 



1799. Edgar Brown. 

1800. John Walker. 

1801. Joshua Thompson. 

1802. David Maul. 

1803. Joh Sayre. 

1804. Samuel Brick. 
1806. William Goodwin. 

1806. Samuel Hall. 

1807. Joseph Holiday. 

1808. John G. Holmes. 

1809. Samuel Maul. 

1810. Samuel N. Thompson. 
1811-12. Davis Nelson. 
1813-14. Samuel Ward. 
1816-16. William Pyfrius. 
1817. Andrew Smith. 

1818, 1820-26, 1828-29. E. Powel. 
1819. Benjamin Tindall. 
1822. Thomas Waddington. 
1824. James L. Camp. 
1826-27. William Hall. 
1830, 1832-33. Joseph Foster. 
1831. David Stretch. 



1834, Andrew Thompson. 
1836. Hiram Findley. 

1836. John Hall. 

1837. John M. Sinnickson. 

1838. Joseph Corliss. 

1839. Benjamin S. Holmes. 
1840-41. Emariah Foster. 
1842^8. Joel Simkins. 
1849, 1865-68. Daniel Maul. 

1850. John Morrison. 

1851, 1869-76. David S. Counsellor. 
1852-53. William H. Brown. 
1854-66. Joseph Foster, Jr. 
1857-60. John M. Brandiff. 

1861. Hiram Shoemaker. 

1862. George Stretch. 

1863. Josiah Smith. 

1864. Thomas Waddington. 
1876. Stretch Harris. 
1877-78. D. W. C. C. Taylor. 
1879-80. Samuel Ansink. 
1881-82. John P. Fox. 



1799-1801. William Goodwin. 

1799-1809, 1815-22. Thomas Han- 
cock. 

1799-1809, 1824, 1847, 1860-62. C. 
Hall. 

1800-3, 1811-14. Joseph Hall. 

1802, 1804-9. Darkin Nicholson. 

1799-lsOO, 1803-4. Richard Smitli. 

1805-15. Jonathan Waddington. 

1806-22. John Thompson. 

1810. Samuel Brick. 

1810-14. John G. Holmes. 

1814-15. Benjamin Griscom. 

1816. 1826. Andrew Thompson. 
1816-17. Davis Nelson. 
1816-17, 1823-25. William Hall. 
1816-22, 1827-31. Aaron Wadding- 
ton. 

1818-22,1827-31. Samuel Pancoast. 
1818-28. Anthony Nelson. 
1823-24, 1826. Henry Freas. 
1823-24. Woodnut Pettit. 

1825. 1827. William Carpenter. 
1826-26. David Griei'. 

1826. William Thompson. 

1826, 1S2S-39. Andrew Smith. 

1829-31. Morris Hall, Jr. 

1829-35. John Powell. 

1832-39. William Nelson. 

1832-42. Thomas Shourds. 

1832-39. Joseph Black. 

1836-37. David Stretch. 

1838^0. Samuel Lippincott. 

1840-42. Joseph Corliss. 

1840-42. Joseph Naylor. 

1841^2. John H. Patiick. 

1843-47, 1864, 1869-66, 1870, 1874. 
Richard Waddington. 

1843^6, 1861, 1853. Henry Miller. 

1843-46, 1848-49, 1864. Joshua Wad- 
dington. 

1843-49. Jonathan Scattergood. 

1843-46. John Hall. 



[ 1847. Thomas Fogg. 

1,1847-50, 1862-68. Henry Miller. 

j 1848-51, 1866-58, 1866-69. Joseph 

1 Waddington. 

I 1840. Ephraim Scudder. 

; 1849-52. Charles B. Beeves. 

i 1860-62, 1856-61, 1879-80. William 

B. Carpenter. 
' 1860-53. Joseph Foster. 
I 1852,1855. John D. Hires. 

1853-54. Lewis M. Goodwin. 

1863. Sheppard Harris. 
I 1854. William Brown. 

1854. 1862-68. Joseph Foster, Jr. 

1855. Richard Cook. 
1866. James Robinson. 

1856. John G. Taylor. 
1856-69. Casper W. Thompson. 
1866-59. David Counsellor. 
1869-62. Hiram Harris. 
1869-61. Morris Goodwin, Jr. 
1862-63. John S. Newell. 

1863, 1870-72, 1876-82. A. Smith 



1863. Joshua Thompson. 
1864-66. Richmond Brown. 
1864-76, 1877-78. Samuel Powell. 
1866,1876-80. Joshua Waddington. 
1866-67. Samuel P. Smith. 
1867-68. Samuel C. Springer. 
1868-69, 1877. John G. Holmes. 

1869. Francis G. Wallen. 

1870. William T. Goodwin. 
1870-71. William Morrison. 
1871-75, 1881-82. Amos Harris. 

1871. Isaac Allen. 

1872-73, 1878. R. Henry Holmes. 
1872, 1875-76. J. F. Foster. 
1873-76. John Counsellor. 
1873, 1876. B. M. Acton, Jr. 
1877-78. William Richmond. 
1881-82. Ernst A. Waddington. 



John 



1799-1800. Clement Hall. 
1801-7. Richard Smith. 
1801-2. Joseph Hall. 
1803-10. Darkin Nicholson 
1808-15, 1817, 1826-30. 

Thompson. 
1811, 1813-24. Morris Hall. 
1812, 1848-49. Joseph Thompson. 
1816, 1818-28. Anthony Nelson. 
1837-38. William Hall. 
1831^0. William Carpenter. 
1837-38. John Hall. 
1839-60. William H. Nelson. 
1840-47. Joseph Foster. 
1841-44, 1846-60. Benjamin S 

Holmes. 
1846. David Stretch. 

1861. William S. Goodwin. 
1861-52. William H. Nelson. 

1862, 1868-60. Joseph Wadding 
ton. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 

1863-55. William B. Carpenter. 
1863-56. Charles B. Reeves. 
1866-57. Clement Hall. 
1856-58. John H. Patrick. 
1869. Jonathan H. Corliss. 
1860-62. Casper W. Thompson. 
1861. Johnson Freas. 
1862-63. Richmond Bro\yn. 

1863. Hiram Shoemaker. 
1864-66. John S. Ne»ell. 

1864. Sniith Robinson. 
1865-67. David R. Hires. 
1867-68, 1882. John M. Brandiff. 
1868-69. Joshua Thompson. 
1869-70. Samuel C. Springer. 
1870-72. John G. Holmes. 
1873-76. A. Smith Reeves. 
1876-78. Amos Harris. 
1879-81. Samuel Powell. 



1799-1802. William Wilson. 
1799. John Craft. 

1799. Samuel Abbott. 
1803, 1816-22. Thomas Hancock. 

1800, 1803-10. Darkin Nicholson, 
1803-6. Joshua Thompson. 
1803-9. John G. Holmes. 
1807-9. Joseph Hall. 



COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL. 

1810. Morris Hall. 
1810, 1823. Samuel Brick. 
1811-13. Thomas Mason. 
1811-12. Joseph Thompson. 
1811-16. Hezokiah Hewes. 
1813-15. Benjamin Griscom. 
1817-22, 1827-32. Samuel Pancoast. 
1816. Davis Nelson. 



TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALLOW AYS CREEK. 



421 



1816. Antbony Nelson. 

1817-22, 1827-38. .\aron Wadding- 
ton. 

182:!-2o. Woodimtt Pettit. 

1823-24, 1826. Henry Frens. 

1824. John Thompson. 

1825-32,1.810^1. Andrew Smith. 

1825-26. David Grier. 

1833-46, 1848-54. Wm. Carpenter. 

1833-38, 1840-41. Joseph Black. 

1S39, 1844-45. William Thompson. 

1839. John 51. Sinnickson. 

1842-43, 1847, 1SG2-63. Benjamin 
S. Holmes. 

1842-61. William H. Nelson. 

1846^7, 1856, 1869. Richard Wad- 
dington. 

1848-65. Clement Hall. 

1852, Joseph Dunham. 

1853-54. Charles B. Eeeves. 

1866. John D. Hires. 

1856. John H. Patrick. 

1856-58. Samuel Powell. 



I 1856-53. William Goodwin. 
I 1857-58. Jonathan H. Corliss. 

18.59. Joshna Waddingtou. 
! 1859-61. Hiram Shoemukei-. 
i 1860-61. Johnson Freas. 
I 1860-63, 1867-69. David Hires. 
I 18G2-64. Joseph Waddington. 
' 1864^65. Morris Goodwin, Jr. 

1864-66, 1878-81. Samuel P. SmitI 

1865-66. John W. Branditf. 

1866-67. Ephraim Patrick. 

1867-69. Charles Loper. 

1868-70. Morris G. Fowser. 

1870. Jesse Patrick. 

1870-75. Amos Harris. 

1871-72. Cliarles H. Ehvell. 

1871-72. Evan Loper. 

1873-75. John G. Holmes. 

1873-80. Joseph M. Weatherby. 

1876-82. Joseph Foster, Jr. 

1876. Isaac Allen. 

1881. Henry Acton. 
> 1882. B.Frank Holmes. 



Public Schools.— It is thought that there have 
been educational advantages in Elsinboro for more 
than one hundred and fifty years. As long ago as 
that there was one school near the centre of the 
township. The names of teachers are not remem- 
bered. It was a " pay school," supported by tuitions 
or equivalent contributions. 

Elsinboro, under the public school law of the State, 
is divided into two school districts, called and num- 
bered as follows : Union, No. 2, aud Elsinboro, No. 3. 
Church. History. — There is only one church edifice 
in Elsinboro, a small building almost on the border 
of the city of Salem, in which worship a small con- 
gregation of colored Methodists, mostly resident in 
Salem. 

Throughout the township the various religious' de- 
nominations are represented, but church-goers are 
compelled to attend divine services either at Salem, 
Hancock's Bridge, Quinton, or Allowaystown. 

There was a Friends' Meeting, which disbanded 
more than one hundred years ago. 

Industrial Pursuits.— Farming and market gar- 
dening form the chief pursuits of the people of Elsin- 
boro. Much of the land is not tillable on account of 
its swampy nature, but many thousand acres have 
been reclaimed by judicious drainage, and measures 
employed for keeping the tide from overflowing 
them. "Tide-banks" were thrown up in Elsinboro 
at a very early date. 

On Mill Creek a tide-mill was early constructed by 
David Morris and Thomas Hancock. It was not in 
operation more than fifteen or twenty years. 

At one time, in a comparatively early period in its 
history, there were four breweries or distilleries in 
the township, known as John Thompson's, Nichol- 
son's, Morris', and George Abbott's. 



CHAPTER LXVII. 

TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK.' 

Geographical. — This township forms the soutli- 
western extension of Salem County. Its boundaries 
are as follows: Elsinboro, Salem, and Quinton on the 
north and northeast; Stow Creek and Greenwich 
(Cumberland Co.) on the south and east; and Dela- 
ware River on the south and west. 

Topographical and Statistical.— In form this 
township is very irregular. It has an area of twenty- 
four thousand eight hundred and eighty-five acres, 
considerable of which is unfit for cultivation, twelve 
thousand acres being salt marsh, lying along the 
Delaware between Alloways and Stow Creeks. Three 
thousand acres is reclaimed meadow-land. The sur- 
face is level, the soil is a dark loam, and in some 
parts clay abounds. In the western portion peat- 
beds have been worked. The township contains one 
hundred and sixty-four farms, and the usual variety 
of grain and vegetables is produced. 

Lower Alloways Creek township is drained by 
Alloways and Stow Creeks in the north and south 
respectively, both flowing into the Delaware, which 
washes its western boundary, and also receives as 
tributaries, within the borders of the township. Mad 
Horse and Hope Creeks, and other small streams 

i having their source in the marshy belt bordering the 

i river. 

j Good' roads are plentiful in the tillable major por- 

j tiod of the township, and the inhabitants, numbering 
..thirteen hundred and seventy- four in 18S0, are enter- 
prising and progressive, and possess a degree of ac- 

j tivity and intelligence necessary to insure the success 

i of a community. 

The real estate of Lower Alloways Creek township 
was assessed at §653,770 in 1881, the personal prop- 
erty at $380,784, and the total indebtedness was 
§249,715. The number of voters in the township was 

1 339. The poll-tax amounted to $300, the school tax 

i to §1984, and the county tax to $1882. 

i Original Purchasers and Early Settlement.^— 

; The largest portion of this township was purchased 

i from the Proprietor by those who came to America 
from 1676 to 1683. 

Henry and Anne Salter bought 10,000, Edward 
Wade 1000, Robert Wade 500, William Hancock 
1000, Christopher White 1000, Edward Bradway 
1000, and John Malstafi" 1000 acres. 

Below the Salter line, adjoining Stow Creek, Wil- 
liam Bradway, son of Edward, purchased 900 acres. 
John Smith, of Ambelbury, owned 700 acres north 

' of Alloways Creek, adjoining Smith's land. 

John Fenwick deeded 2000 acres to his daughter 

i Priscilla, the wife of Edward Champney. Edward 

! and his wife sold several hundred acres to George 



> By M. 0. Kolfe. 



- Contributed by Thomas Shourds, Esq. 



422 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Deacon. The land was bounded on the west by John 
Smith's land. George Deacon sold his land to Abel 
Nicholson, about 1685, and removed to Burlington 
Count)'. 

Abel Nicholson left the Deacon property to his son, 
John Nicholson. 

Edward Wade disposed of all of his land in Allo- 
ways Creek township, transferring 300 acres to his 
nephew, Charles Oakford, 500 acres to Nathaniel 
Chambless, and the residue to William Waddington, 
a young man who had recently arrived from England, 
and who was the progenitor of the large family of the 
Waddingtons who reside in Salem County at this 
time. Part of the family sold the homestead about 
fifteen years ago. 

Robert Wade, brother of Edward, sold 500 acres to 
Anthony Page, and he in 1685 sold the same tract to 
Joseph Ware for forty-seven pounds. The greater 
part of it is owned by members of the Ware family 
at this date. 

Edward Wade deeded 150 acres to his brother, 
Samuel Wade, who became quite a distinguished 
man in the first settlement of this county, and whose 
sons, Samuel and Joseph Wade, were the progenitors 
of some of the most prominent men ever reared. in 
South Jersey. 

William Hancock arrived in this county in 1677, 
and took possession of his allotment, which was sur- 
veyed for him by Richard Hancock, who at that time 
was Feuwick's surveyor. William Hancock died in 
1779, and left two sons, John and William Hancock. 
He left all his real estate to his widow, Isabella Han- 
cock, and she subsequently sold one-half of the Han- 
cock allotment to John Maddox, and he sold part of 
it to his son-in-law, James Denn, and the balance 
to Jeremiah Powell, in 1700. No part of the Denn 
property is in the family at this date. Jeremiah 
Powell, Jr., sold some 300 acres, in 1733, to Edward 
Chambless Hancock. Part of the Jeremiah Powell 
purchase, lying on the creek, is still owned by the 
Powell family. 

Isabella Hancock left 500 acres of the allotment to 
ber eldest son, John Hancock. The latter built the 
bridge across Alloways Creek, opposite his property, 
about 1705, and in 1707 the Salem County Court 
appointed commissioners to " lay out a public Jiigh- 
way from Salem, by John Hancock's new bridge, to 
the town of Greenwich." John Hancock died a 
young man. He left one son, William Hancock, who 
possessed more than common abilities. In addition 
to what he inherited, he accumulated large landed 
estates in Elsinboro and Lower Penn's Neck, and was 
one of the leading politicians of his time, serving as 
a member of the Legislature for twenty years in suc- 
cession. He was killed in his own house by the 
British in 1778. 

Christopher White's estate adjoined Hancock's on 
the east. He too was an important man at the time 
of the settlement of this township. He built on his 



property, in 1690, the first large brick dwelling in 
South Jersey. The brick of which it was constructed 
were brought from England. It was taken down in 
1854, at which time there was not a crack in the walls. 
The property was inherited by his grandson, Josiah 
White, who sold it to Joseph Stretch, about 1730, and 
removed to Mount Holly, Burlington Co. 

Edward Bradway's allotment lay to the east of 
White's land. It appears that Edward Brad way 
never resided on his property in Lower Alloways 
Creek. He deeded three hundred acres of it to his 
daughter Mary, wife of William Cooper, the balance 
to his two sons, Edward and William Bradway, who 
sold a large portion of it to John Beasley, whose 
name attached itself to the locality long known as 
Beasley's Neck. None of the property remains in 
either the Bradway or Beasley families. 

There is no evidence that John MalstafF ever re- 
sided on his land. He sold it to different parties. 
Richard Johnson, of Salem, bought five hundred 
acres, which extended into what is now Quinton 
township. 

Anna Salter sold part of her ten thousand acres to 
different persons. Neal Daniels was a large pur- 
chaser. Among the buyers were the Barbours, Na- 
thaniel Cambless Hancock, John Mason, and John 
Thompson, of Elsinboro, and John Briggs, but fully 
one-half of the Salter allotment passed into the pos- 
session of " squatters." 

Isaac Sharp, of Mannington, purchased nineteen 
hundred acres of Anna Salter, the greater part of it 
salt marsh, lying on the bay side, and one hundred 
acres of " fast" land. 

The above-described allotments and purchases are 
believed to include all of the land in Lower Alloways 
Creek township, and it is thought all of the prominent 
settlers have been mentioned. 

Following are the family names of prominent resi- 
dents of Lower Alloways Creek township from 1800 
to 1830 : Allen, Abbott, Bradway, Butcher, Bowen, 
Brown, Baker, Carll, Corliss, Beasten, Denn, Dubois, 
English, Fogg, Finlaw, Findley, Fox, Garrison, Gibb, 
Grier, Hildreth, Harris, Hancock, Hewes, Jayne, Jag- 
gard, Morrison, Maskell, McCallister, Mulford, Nel- 
son, Powell, Plummer, Peterson, Steward, Stretch, 
Simpkins, Smith, Shourds, Thompson, Tracy, and 
Turner. 

Organization. — The territory now embraced in 
Lower and Upper Alloways Creek and Quinton was 
formerly known as " Monmouth Precinct," and orig- 
inally contained sixty-four thousand acres. In 1760 
an act was passed by State authority giving the in- 
habitants of Alloways Creek, as the territory had 
then come to be known, power to divide the town- 
ship, a measure which was effected by the following- 
named commissioners, the last mentioned of whom 
acted as surveyor : Benjamin Thompson, of the Upper 
District; John Stewart, of the Lower District; and 
Elnathan Davis, of Cumberland ; and since that time 



TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK. 



423 



there have been two townships, known as " Lower" 
and "Upper Alloways Creek," the former being rec- 
ognized as the parent division. The name Alloways 
was given in memory of Alloways, the Indian chief. 

Civil List. — Unfortunately, there are no township 
books of record to be found in the oflBce of the present 
township clerk, except the minutes of the meetings of 
the township committee since 1860, and inquiry of 
the felerk and of other well-kaown citizens falls to 
elicit any information as to the existence of earlier 
or more complete records. 

The Township Committeemen since the date 
named have been as follows : 



I860, 1870. Samuel Patrick. 
1860-61, 1876. Eobert Batcher. 
1860-61. Abner Patrick. 
1860, 1870. Thomas Shourds. 
1860-62. Lewis S. Carll. 
1861-62. James Baker, Jr. 
1861-62, 1864^65, 1869-70. Kichard 

Irelan. 
1862-63. James T. Kobinson. 
1862-64, 1878. Jesse Patrick. 
1863, 1867-68, 1871-73. Jas. Baker. 

1863. Edmund Cox. 
1863-65, 1873-7.'). Peter Harris. 
1864^65. James H. Fogg. 

1864. William Fowser. 
1865, 1877. Jeremiah Powell. 
1865, 1867-68. Amos Harris. 
1867-69, 1880-82, Ephraim Carll, 

Jr. 
1867-68. Joseph B. Findlaw. 



I867-C9. Enos P. English. 
1809. Job Stretch, Jr. 
1869-70. Charles Hires. 
1870-72, Waddington Bradway. 
1871-73. Luke S. Fogg. 
1871-73, 1877-78, Wm. H. H, Carll. 
1871-72. Richard Stretch. 
1873. Richard M, Davis. 
1874-76. Job S. Dixon. 
1874-76, Edward W. Smith, 
1874-76,1877-78, Morris S, Fowser, 
1874-75. Thomas A. Maskell. 
1876. Richard Freas. 
1876-78. Quinton P. Harris, 
1877-79, Henry Elwell, 
1879-80, W, Winfleld Patrick, 

1879, Isaac N, Davis. 

1830-82. Waddington B. Ridgway. 

1880. Benjamin Allen, 
1881-82. Mark T. Billiard. 



Burial-Places. — The Society of Friends opened 
the first burial-place in the township, in 1684, north 
of Alloways Creek. The second was opened by the 
Presbyterians, on Stow Creek, about 1760. About 
1770 the Baptists established a cemetery adjoining 
the one last mentioned, which has loag included it. 
The Friends purchased land and opened a second 
graveyard near Harmersville, about 1780. About 
1830 the Methodists prepared a burying-ground be- 
tween Hancock's Bridge and Harmersville, near the 
latter place. It is thought that early in the history 
of the township burials were made by some families 
on their homesteads. Such graves, if any there were, 
have disappeared. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Hancock's Bridge, — The most important point in 
Lower Alloways Creek township, historically and in 
some other respects, is Hancock's Bridge, a village 
pleasantly situated on Alloways Creek, distant five 
miles south from Salem and fifty-four miles south 
from Trenton. It contains a post-office, a Friends' 
meeting-house, a Methodist Church, a canning estab- 
lishment, two stores, an undertaking and furniture- 
shop, a blacksmith- and wheelwright-shop, and a 
goodly number of dwellings, the most interesting 
structure being the old Hancock house, in which oc- 
curred the atrocious massacre by the British during 
the Revolution, elsewhere referred to in this work at 
length. 



There have been three stores, old and well known, 
kept at Hancock's Bridge, which have, from their 
location, come to be known as the "upper," "mid- 
dle," and " lower" stores. The former is now closed. 
Among merchants who have traded there have been 
Thomas Reeves, Dubois & Van Meter, John H. Lam- 
bert, William Bradway, Richard Waddington, John 
Welch, Luke S. Fogg and John H. Patrick, Samuel 
Patrick, William Waddington, Edward S. Carll, Carll 
& Hires, and Carll & Brother. The following are 
well-remembered occupants of the " middle" store : 
Charles Mulford, William Bradway, Plumraer & 
Thompson, William Morrison, Jarvis Hires, Evan 
Jenkins, James Bradway, Charles M. Carll, Abner 
P. Fox, and Githen & Irelan. James Butcher is the 
present one. Martin Bradway, William C. Laning, 
Jason Ogden, Carll & Denn, and John Carll occupied 
the " lower" store prior to 1859. Since that date Wil- 
liam E. Scudder has been proprietor. At different 
times there has been a store kept on the south side of 
Poplar Street. The first merchant there was William 
Waddington, who had several successors, one of 
whom, Jacob Acton, was followed by Joseph Kline, 
who was the last, the store having been closed for 
nearly two years. A historical store in Salem County 
was the early store of William Hancock and Joseph 
Thompson, both of whom were killed in the massacre 
of 1778. 

There have long been blacksmiths and wheelwrights 
plying their trades in the village. Among these may 
be mentioned William Dunn, Joseph Powelson, and 
John Sheppard, the present representative of these 
crafts, who has kept open shop for ten years. 

J. M. Smith, furniture dealer and undertaker, began 
business in Hancock's Bridge in 1850. 

From time immemorial until the abolition of licenses 
throughout this part of the county there was a tavern 
in the village. Its occupants and keepers have been 
so numerous as to baflie any attempt to give their 
names. 

Hancock's Bridge has long been a shipping-point 
for country produce. In this branch of trade James 
Butcher and Lewis Carll are engaged somewhat ex- 
tensively. 

Harmersville. — Harmersville, near the old Log- 
town settlement, with which it is sometimes con- 
founded, was named in honor of Ebenezer Harmer, 
who married a woman of property, and located there 
some thirty years ago or more. He opened a store, 
in which he was succeeded by Jesse Carll, William 
Carll, Samuel Halliday, and the present proprietor, 
William Carll. Another store has for some time been 
kept by Joseph Kline. Thomas Ale and James 
Stackhouse are blacksmiths, Frederick Trullender a 
machinist and wheelwright, and Charles Denn an 
undertaker. These persons transact the business of 
the place, which, besides the buildings occupied by 
them, contains about a dozen dwellings and a school- 
house. 



424 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



Canton. — Canton is a pleasant village and post- 
town, situated near the southeastern boundary of the 
township, nine miles south of Salem. It was formerly 
known as New Canton. 

There was early a store where Josiah Paulin'.s 
house now is, and which was torn down about 1838 
or 1840. It was occupied, at different times, by Isaac 
English, Dr. David Jayue (who was born at Han- 
cock's Bridge, and lived there and at Canton previous 
to his removal to Philadelphia), George Githens, 
Samuel Githens, William Plummer, and others. The 
first store at the Corners was kept by Joseph Hancock, 
and later by William W. Lawrence and Richard Green. 
The present merchant there is John P. Sheppard, who 
began to trade in 1877, and bought the old Methodist 
Church and converted it into a store in 1879. Another 
store is kept by Isaac N. Davis. In the lower part of 
the village a store was early kept by Frank Pearce 
(colored). Daniel Hood and Richard Stretch have 
been later merchants in that quarter. 

Former wheelwrights were Thomas Sayres and 
others. James Zane is the present one. 

Canton has two stores, a Baptist Church, a canning 
establishment, a wheelwright-shop, a school-house, 
and about a dozen dwellings. 

Public Schools.^ — Lower Alloways Creek is divided 
into Franklin District, No. 4; Harmersville District, 
No. 6 ; Canton District, No. 7 ; Friendship District, 
No. 8 ; Cross-Roads District, No. 9. 

The subject of education was one that early 
entered into the minds of the people of the town- 
ship, but in former times, when the population was 
sparse and the houses few and far between, the same 
facilities for education did not exist that do now. 
The school-houses, which were generally poor affairs, 
were only kept open during the winter season, and 
the child who wished more than the customary 
winter quarter generally had to go elsewhere to get 
it. Then, as now, some few of the wealthy residents 
sent their children away to some boarding-school to 
be finished, but that was the exception and not the 
rule. The mode of raising money previous to the 
time of the adoption of the present State law was 
for each township to raise such sura as was thought 
sufficient for the purpose, in addition to the amount 
appropriated by the State, which sum was appor- 
tioned among the different schools by the town super- 
intendent of schools, who had general charge of ail 
the schools in the township. The schools were under 
the control of trustees, five in number, who each had 
charge of a single school. The money which was 
raised by tax was first apportioned by the town super- 
intendent, and then the trustees apportioned to each 
scholar attending his share of said public money, 
and the balance of the amount needed to pay the 
expenses of said scholar was paid by the pupil him- 
self. In looking over some old documents in our 

1 Contributed by tbe late Samuel C. Pancoast. 



possession we find that the amounts charged the 
scholars for tuition from the year 1839 to 1850 was 
two dollars per quarter, and the amount of township 
tax for the same time was often not over two dollars 
per year ; this, with the interest arising from the sur- 
plus revenue and school fund, making about four 
hundred dollars per year. There were seven school 
districts in the township previous to 1846, but in that 
year the township school committee (ofiicers who had 
charge of the schools previous to the day of town 
superintendents) set off another district, known as 
District No. 8. This committee was the last ap- 
pointed previous to the change in the law. The 
members were Ephraim Turner, Thomas Shourds, 
and William Powell. The first two, who are quite 
aged, are living at the present time; the latter died 
many years ago. The first town superintendent was 
Benjamin I. Harris, and the last one Samuel C. Pan- 
coast, who was the incumbent when the office was 
abolished. The first school-houses in the township 
were generally built by subscription. The old 
school-house on Alloways Creek Neck was built in 
that manner, the ground being donated by Mark 
Stewart. This old building stood in the woods near 
Hancock's Bridge, and was moved down the Neck in 
1824. 

The first trustees were Joseph Pancoast, Edward 
Waddington, Joseph Bowen, Benjamin Harris, and 
Mark Stewart. Probably Joseph Pancoast was the 
first teacher, and after moving to Philadelphia in 
1828, he came back in 1850, and was again a trustee 
of said school for several years. The old school- 
house in the village of Hancock's Bridge was also 
built in the same manner, one of the principal con- 
tributors being an aged Friend, residing in the neigh- 
borhood, named Joseph Thompson, who also assisted 
in building a school-house in the yard belonging to 
the Society of Friends, adjoining their meeting-house 
in the village of Hancock's Bridge. This school, 
after the change in the school law depriving them 
of the benefits accruing from the public money, was 
abolished. Thomas Shourds for many years was a 
very active and energetic trustee of this school, which 
turned out many good scholars, some of whom made 
excellent teachers. Among the teachers of this school 
were Allie H. Paul, Annie T. Shourds, Elizabeth 
Shourds, Mary Bradway, Cornelia Hancock, Lydia 
C. Woodward, of Unionville, Chester Co., Pa., Han- 
nah Croasdale, from Pennsylvania, and Annie T. 
Pancoast, from Philadelphia. This undoubtedly 
was the best school in the township at that time, 
and the equal probably of any in the county. 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOKY. 

Friends. — A regular meeting of Friends was held 
at the house of James Denn from 1679 to 1685. The 
further history of the Friends' Society in Lower Allo- 
ways is thus given by Thomas Shourds, Esq. :' 

2 History of Fenwitli's Colony, pp. 397, 39S. 1876. 



TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALLOWAyS CREEK. 



425 



"In the year 1684, Edward Champney and John 
Smith each deeded half an acre of ground to Chris- 
topher White and Samuel Wade, — one for a meeting- 
house, the other for a graveyard. The ground was a 
corner of each of their lots on Monmouth River. The 
same year Salem Monthly Meeting of Friends agreed 
with Christopher to build a meeting-house on one of 
the said lots, the cost of the building not to exceed 
forty pounds. He was also directed to clear a road 
from the King's Highway to the meeting-house, for 
which he charged ten pounds more. In 1685 the first 
religious meeting was held there, and so continued 
until 1718. The greater part of the members resided 
on the south side of the creek, and there being no 
bridge at that period, they were put to great inconve- 
nience in getting to meeting. Joseph Ware gave the 
Friends a lot of ground on his plantation on the south 
side of the creek, the deed having been given in 1717. 
As soon as the meeting-house was finished the mem- 
bers on the north side of Monmouth River were at- 
tached to Salem Particular Meeting. The families 
were the Abbotts, Stubbinses, Mosses, and Tylers. 
The meeting-house was abandoned about that time, 
but the graveyard was used for a number of years 
after the meetings ceased to be held at that place. 
The Friends subsequently purchased a lot of ground 
on the south side of the creek, near Harmereville, 
for a burying-ground, which has been the principal 
place of interment up to this time. A number of 
persons, however, have been buried in the ancient 
graveyard since the members of the society in a 
measure abandoned it. Such families as the Wad- 
dingtons, Hancocks, Carlls, and a few others were 
desirous to be laid with their ancestors. The princi- 
pal families that were members of Alloways Creek 
Meeting at the time alluded to were the Whites, 
Bradways, Denns, Wares, Chamblesses, Oakfords, 
Wades, Danielses, Hancocks, Stretches, Barbers, and 
several others. Friends continued to hold their meet- 
ing in the house built ou the Ware property until the 
year 1756. In 1758, William Hancock deeded a lot 
of ground to the members of Alloways Creek Par- 
ticular Meeting for a meeting-house site, as it was a 
more convenient location. The house was built at 
two different periods of time, the oldest portion in 
1756, the new, as it is called, in 1784." 

Among prominent speakers in the Friends' Meet- 
ings in Lower Alloways Creek was James Daniels, 
who made a tour of Europe, and was regarded as a 
man of uncommon ability and unquestioned piety. 
Edward Bradway and Anna Bradway, his wife, were 
speakers of note. The name of Rachel Hancock will 
not soon he forgotten. The present speaker, a woman 
of exceptional brilliancy of thought, noted for the 
beauty and force of her language, is Mary Bradway, 
a sister of Thomas Shourds. 

The membership of this society has fallen off con- 
siderably during late years, and does not now number 
more than thirtv-five. 



Presbyterians. — The records of the Presbyterian 
Church once located at Logtown, near Harmersville, 
seem to have been irretrievably lost. Johnson says 
this church was founded in 1750, and that the most 
prominent members were James Sayre, Joseph 
Hildreth, Richard Moore, a man named Woodruff 
(thought by Thomas Shourds to have been Thomas 
Woodruff), and Thomas Padgett, Jr. Solomon Du- 
bois, a young man from Pittsgrove, Henry Wood, 
George Grier, Sr., and a few others became members. 

The church was supplied occasionally by Revs. 
Faithoute, Hunter, Smith, Eaken, and Schenck. In 
1797, Rev. Nathaniel Harris became pastor, surren- 
dering the charge in 1800, and removing to Trenton. 
In 1801 the Rev. David Edwards, from Wales, as- 
sumed the pastoral relation, remaining until 1805, 
when he removed to Cape May. 

It is not thought that the membership of this so- 
cietj' was at any time large. The house of worship 
was taken down about sixty years ago. 

Baptists. — Records dated March 29, 1809, show that 
steps were taken by the Baptist residents of the neigh- 
borhood of New Canton preparatory to the erection 
of a meeting-house. It is recorded that on March 12, 
1812, " the neighborhood met at meeting-house to 
choose trustees." It is supposed Rev. Henry Smal- 
ley, pastor of the Cohansey Baptist Church, and Rev. 
Joseph Sheppard, of the Salem Church, preached in 
the neighborhood occasionally, hence the erection of a 
place of worship before the constitution of a church > 
and in this house, which occupied the site of the 
present building, the constituent members gathered 
and the council of Nov. 12, 1812, convened. 

Oct. 17, 1818, twenty-six persons from the Salem 
Baptist Church, and five from the Cohansey Church, 
aggregating thirty-one, were dismissed to form the 
nucleus of the new organization. The following are 
the names of the constituent members; From the 
Salem Church: Abraham Harris, Joseph Elwell, 
William Simkins, John Mulford, John Findley, Jere- 
miah Anderson, Rachel Vanhizle, Elizabeth Sayre, 
Elizabeth Mulford, Mary Elwell, Mary Simkins, 
Phebe Finley, Eleanor Anderson, Orpha Emerson, 
Mary Harris, Mary Mills, Sarah Boon, Hannah Grif- 
fith, Hannah Anderson, Rachel Mulford, Hannah 
Simkins, Naomi Stretch, Hannah Dilks, Ruth Ash- 
ton, Anna Bowen, Mary Mills. From Cohansey 
Church: Robert Watson, Charles Mulford, Hannah 
Watson, Mary Simkins, Hannah Corliess. 

The council, consisting of Rev. Henry Smalley and 
Rev. Joseph Sheppard, convened Nov. 12, 1818. Mr. 
Smalley preached, and it is said "all things were 
done decently and in order." On the afternoon of 
the same day, Abraham Harris and John Mulford 
were chosen deacons, and Charles Mulford was elected 
clerk. 

Previous to the constitution of the church there 
seems to have been an understanding with Thomas 
J. Kitts, of Wilmington, Del., that he should act as 



426 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



supply, with a view to the pastorate. Nov. 17, 1818, 
Rev. Mr. Kitts brought a letter of dismission from 
the Wilmington Church, and December 8th following 
he was ordained pastor of tlie Canton Church. Dur- 
ing his pastorate a board of trustees was chosen, con- 
sisting of John Mulford, Joseph Ewell, James 
Butcher, David Bowen, and Charles Mulford. A 
communion service and table were presented by the 
Salem Church. Robert Watson was chosen deacon 
in place of John Mulford, and Charles Mulford suc- 
ceeded David Bowen as clerk. Aug. 19, 1819, it was 
resolved to apply for admission to the New Jersey 
Baptist Association, and a letter was prepared and 
delegates were appointed. Rev. Mr. Kitts closed his 
labors March 11, 1820. 

April 8, 1820, Rev. John P. Cooper was called as a 
supply for one year. The relation was continued, 
and he remained three years and ten months. Feb. 
24, 1824, Rev. Ebenezer Jayne, of Tuckahoe, became 
pastor, at a salary of one hundred and twenty dollars 
for the first year, at the expiration of which time the 
relation was continued by unanimous vote, and he 
remained two years and three months, dying in the 
pastorate. A monument near the church bears this 
inscription : 

" Elder Ebenezer Jayne, born Feb. 19, 1754 ; died 
while pastor of this church, May 27, 1826, in the 
seventy-fifth year of his age." 

April 7, 1827, Rev. John P. Thompson, of the Port 
Elizabeth Church, became pastor, and remained three 
years and two months. During his pastorate a spirit 
of unkindness, which seems to have originated years 
previous, was fully disclosed, and the council recom- 
mended by the Association in 1827 to settle this diffi- 
culty was refused by a resolution passed Feb. 9, 1S28, 
declaring it "against the independence and dignity 
of the church, and contrary to Scripture and dis- 
cipline." He having removed from the immediate 
vicinity. Rev. Mr. Thompson was granted a letter to 
Cohansey Church, June 12, 1830. July 10, 1880, 
Enoch M. Barker, a licentiate of the Woodstown 
Baptist Church, became supply, and on June 8, 1831, 
a council was called for his ordination. He closed 
his labors March 9, 1833. During his pastorate it 
was agreed to rent the pews, and Ephraim Turner was 
appointed clerk. Rev. John P. Cooper served as 
supply four months, when Rev. John Miller, of Al- 
lowaystovvn, was called as supply for one year, and 
became pastor, and so served four years and nine 
months. During this period the church voted to 
withdraw from the New Jersey Association because 
it had permitted changes in the articles of faith. 

Towards the close of Rev. Mr. Miller's pastorate 
the church became divided in their views and feel- 
ings concerning him, and a council was unanimously 
called, by whose decision both parties agreed to 
abide. The decision was disregarded by the Miller 
faction, however ; a division occurred, and the mi- 
nority, with the pastor at their head, left the church. 



After time had been given these disaffected members 
for reflection, and an opportunity to return afforded 
them, by advice of the former council. Rev. John 
Miller and over thirty others were excluded from the 
communion and fellowship of the church, Aug. 12, 
1837. These and their adherents erected a house of 
worship near by, adopted the Old School confession of 
faith, Rev. Mr. Miller became pastor, and services 
were held regularly for some years. After Mr. Mil- 
ler's resignation other preachers occupied the pulpit, 
but the interest subsided, and eventually the building 
was sold, removed, and devoted to school purposes. 
For about a year succeeding the separation, Ephraim 
Turner, a licentiate, already referred to, with John 
P. Cooper and John Huston, supplied the pulpit, and 
at the expiration of that time Rev. William Ruddy, 
of Philadelphia, became pastor, and was instrumental 
in reuniting the church with the New Jersey Baptist 
Association. The old frame church gave way to a neat 
and substantial brick structure, forty feet by sixty, and 
the asperity and bitterness of the past were greatly al- 
j layed during Mr. Ruddy's four years' pastorate. Rev. 
j William G. Nice, from Philadelphia, was pastor from 
I July 7, 1842, to March 21, 1846. Rev. William 
! Bowen, of Friskville, N. Y., was called as supply for 
j a year, and became and continued pastor until March 
j 25, 1849. Sept. 8, 1849, — the church having in the in- 
terval been supplied by Rev. Joseph N. Folwell and 
Ephraim Turner, — Rev. George Sleeper, of Medford, 
I N. J., accepted the pastorate, and served with much 
success. He resigned March 11, 1855, and died in 
Vincent, Chester Co., Pa., March 19, 1866. 

Henry B. Shermer served some months as supply. 
Oct. 13, 1855, Rev. WilliamPike, of Balligomingo, Pa., 
accepted a call, and was pastor until March 25, 1859. 
May 7th, following, Rev. Samuel C. Dare, a licen- 
; tiate of the Pittsgrove Baptist Church, was received 
as supply, and was ordained and installed as pastor 
June 9th, the relation continuing until Sept. 25, 1863. 
Rev. William C. Cornwell, of Philadelphia, was pas- 
tor from Nov. 15, 1863, to February, 1866 ; Rev. Jere- 
miah W. Marsh, of Bloomingdale, N. J., from April 
7, 1866, to Dec. 10, 1869. Jan. 10, 1870, Eugene Mans- 
field Buyrn was called as supply, bringing a letter of 
dismissal from the Twelfth Baptist Church, Philadel- 
phia. In 1870 the Association held with the church 
of Woodstown refused to recognize him as an accred- 
ited minister, and to place his name as such on the 
records. Notwithstanding this he was called as pas- 
tor November 12th, by a large majority ; but, owing to 
the dissatisfaction of the minority and his unsettled 
relations with the Association, he resigned, and was 
dismissed by letter to Newton, Md., Jan. 7, 1871. 
Rev. Samuel Hughes, of Camden, was pastor from 
May 13, 1871, to March 9, 1872. Rev. E. M. Barker, 
of Blackwoodtown, N. J., who had served the church 
1830-33, was called, by a unanimous vote, March 24, 
1872, and resigned May 4, 1874. During his pastorate 
a new roof was put on the church and a pulpit recess 



TOWNSHIP OF LOWER PENN'S NECK. 



427 



added. Charles Warwick, a licentiate from Cape 
May, was a supply for a time. Frank Spencer, a li- 
centiate of the West Meriden, Conn., Baptist Church, 
became a supply Dec. 7, 1874. He was ordained and 
installed as pastor March 18, 1875, and resigned after 
a successful administration March 10, 1877. The 
succeeding pastor was Rev. M. Moore Fogg, who 
was called immediately upon the resignation of Rev. 
Mr. Spencer. His successor was the present pastor, 
Rev. Charles P. De Camp. 

The present membership of this church is nearly 
four hundred, and besides the " Home" or Canton 
Sunday-school, there are connected with it schools 
known as the Hill Neck, Cross-Roads, Harraersville, 
Harmony, and Stow Creek Sunday-schools ; the prop- 
erty, consisting of the house of worship, parsonage 
and sexton's house, and five acres of land, being lo- 
cated in an agricultural section, with a large ter- 
ritory surrounding it unoccupied by other Baptist 
Churches. 

Methodists. — Formerly there was a Methodist 
Church at Canton. Tiie society was regularly organ- 
ized and owned a house of worship. Owing to causes 
not necessary to name here the society gradually grew 
weaker and weaker, till its existence was nearly nomi- 
nal, and a few years ago the church edifice was sold 
and converted into a store. 

The Methodists of Hancock's Bridge and Harmers- 
ville and surrounding country purchased a lotatHar- 
mersville, of Peter Stretch and wife, in 1833, and built 
a church thereon. The society purchased a second lot 
of Richard Medford and wife, at Hancock's Bridge, 
in 1849, and the present house of worship has been 
standing since about that date. 

Industrial Pursuits. — The leading industry of 
this township has long been agriculture. The soil 
of the township is measurably productive. Much 
labor has been expended in reclaiming marshy lands. 
The inhabitants dwelling on both sides of AUoways 
Creek, in 1697, obtained a law authorizing the erection 
of a dam to stop out the creek a few rods above Han- 
cock's Bridge. It was completed, but, as the result 
of neglect, broke, and was never afterwards repaired. 
Since then millions of tons of wood and lumber have 
passed over the site of this ancient dam, and many 
vessels have been built farther up the creek and floated 
down past this place. 

The canning-factory of Messrs. Garrison & Shep- 
pard, at Canton, was established in 1881. The prin- 
cipal product is canned tomatoes. A large and in- 
creasing business is done, and from fifty to ninety 
hands are employed during the season for canning, 
and several in the tin-shop manufacturing cans. 

Messrs. Starr Brothers, of Salem, in 1882 put in 
operation a canning establishment at Hancock's 
Bridge. The factory proper is a building one hun- 
dred and twenty-two feet by sixty-two. An annex, 
measuring fifty-two feet by thirty, with twenty-two- 
feet posts, is used as a packing-room. The enterprise 



of the proprietors of this establishment and its favor- 
able location combine to render it one of the leading 
canning-houses in the county. 

There was an early tide-mill on Cooper's Creek, in 
Beasley's Neck. 

For more than one hundred and fifty years there 
have been two water-mills in the township for grind- 
ing grain. The first was erected by ,Tohn Mason, of 
Elsinboro. He purchased two hundred and fifty 
acres of Annie Salter, situated on the upper branch 
of Stow Creek, and erected a flourlng-mill about 1702. 
His son, Thomas Mason, sold the land and mill to 
Samuel Wood about 1740. The latter, at the time of 
his death, willed the property to his eldest son, Jon- 
athan Wood, who left it to his son, William Wood. 
The latter sold the farm to William Bradway, and 
the mill and pond to his uncle, John Wood, father 
of the late John Smith Wood. John Wood left it to 
I his grandson, John Wood Maskell, and at the death 
j of the latter it passed to Thomas Maskell. 

Judge John Brick, who resided on the lower branch 
of Stow Creek, called Gravelly Run, erected a flour- 
ing-mill there in the early part of the last century. 
Some time after the death of Judge Brick, which oc- 
curred about 1758, his heirs sold the mill to John 
Wood, son of Samuel Wood, and at the death of 
John Wood, his son, John Smith Wood, became the 
owner. In the division of the property of John 
Smith Wood, the mill and the land adjoining it were 
set off" to Lucy Wood, his daughter, the wife of Dr. 
Clark, of Woodbury. 

About 1790, Edward Bradway purchased of Jere- 
miah Powell the right to a natural pond on Powell's 
land, and the privilege of cutting a ditch from the 
pond to the creek, so that flood-tide could fill the 
former from the latter, the returning water being- 
utilized to run a grist-mill. This establishment was 
never in favor with the inhabitants, and never did an 
extensive business, and about the year 1814 it was 
abandoned, and the site reverted to its former owner. 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 

TOWNSHIP OF LOWER PBNN'S NECK.i 

Situation and Boundaries. — This is the most 
westerly township in the county, and the larger por- 
tion of it is virtually an island. It is bounded north 
by Upper Penn's Neck, east and south by Salem 
Creek, which separates it from Manuington, Salem, 
and Elsinboro, and west by the Delaware River. 

Descriptive. — Lower Penn's Neck contains an area 
of thirteen thousand five hundred and eighty-one 
acres, most of which is available, being well adapted 
to grazing and market gardening. The township con- 

1 By M. 0. Rolfe. 



428 



HISTOEY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



tains one hundred and twenty-one farms, and the soil 
is rich, and on tlie margin of the Delaware are large 
strips of marsh-meadow lands. Some of the finest 
cattle in the county are raised here, and large quanti- 
ties of vegetahles have long been produced for the 
Philadelphia marl^ets. 

The Delaware River flows along the western side of 
this township, and an artificial canal about two miles 
long has been cut at the extreme north, connectiug 
the Delaware with Salem Creek, which flows along 
the eastern and southern borders, saving a circuitous 
navigation of about twenty-five miles, and surround- 
ing the township with water, except a few hundred 
rods at its northwestern corner. Mill Creek and Bal- 
dridge's Creek and other small streams have their 
sources in the township, emptying their waters into 
the Delaware River and Salem Creek. 

Well-traveled roads traverse the township in all 
directions, farms and farm buildings have a thrifty 
aspect, and Lower Penn's Neck may be regarded as 
one of the most prosperous townships iu Salem 
Cotinty. Its inhabitants, numbering thirteen hun- 
dred and thirty-four in 1880, are industrious and en- 
terprising. 

The assessed valuation of personal property in 
Lower Penn's Neck in 1881 was §325,387; its real 
estate was assessed at li?626,889 ; its total debt amounted 
to $213,276 ; its voters numbered 350. Its poll-tax 
amounted to S238 ; its school tax, S1868; and its 
county tax, $1773. 

Original Purchases and Settlement.'— -Lower 
Penn's Neck was settled by Europeans, probably 
earlier than any other part of Saiem County. Here 
the Finns and Swedes made a settlement as early as 
1638 or 1640. 

At Finn's Point the Swedes built a fort. That it 
was primitive in conception and rude in construction 
may well be imagined. In the vicinity of its site, 
opposite Fort Delaware, is the present Finn's Point 
battery. At this place lived, at a later date, Lasse 
Hendricks, Stephen Yearnans, Erick Yearnans, and 
Matthias Spackleson, from whom John Fenwick pur- 
chased one thousand acres of land, called Pampian's 
Hook, where he conceived a project, which was never 
executed, of laying out a town to be called Finnstown 
Point. Erick Yearnans Fenwick was appointed bailiff 
over the bailiwick of West Fenwick, now Penn's 
Neck. 

Among the early comers to this township were 
several Dutch families, some of whose descendants 
were conspicuous in after generations. 

" The Sinnickson family is one of the oldest in 
South' Jersey. Originally they spelled their name 
Cenca, corrupted to Sinaker. There is no definite 
account that I know of fixing the year when Anders 
Seneca left Sweden and settled on the shores of the 
Delaware, but circumstances convince me that he and 

1 Partially from ilata contributed by Thomas Sliourds. 



his family came in company with Minuit, the first 
Governor of New Sweden, in 1638. Anders Seneca 
had two sons born in Sweden, Broor and Anders. At 
what period Anders Seneca, Jr., came and settled on 
the eastern shore of the Delaware is uncertain, but it 
is safe to presume that it was soon after their arrival 
in this country, for Anders Nilson, Jonas Nilson, 
Michael Nilson, Hans Peterson, Van Nemans (now 
Vanneman), and several other families were inhab- 
itants of Penn's Neck as early as 1640, and the Dahlbo 
family were likewise residing on the eastern shore of 
the Delaware about that period. . . . Broor Seneca 
and his family, I think, made a home on the western 
shore of the Delaware River. . . . Anders Setieca, 
Jr., . . . bought a large tract of land at Obisquahasit, 
now known as Penn's Neck, of the natives, and set- 
tled thereon ; that being about thirty years prior to 
Fenwick's arrival with his English colony. . . . Wil- 
liam Gill Johnson bought land in Penn's Neck of 
William Penn and Michael Lecroa in 1684. . . . AVil- 
liam Gill Johnson left two sons, who inherited his 
property, Thomas and John Gill Johnson. Thomas 
died in 1721, leaving a widow and six daughters. . . . 
The widow of Thomas Gill Johnson married Thomas 
Miles about 1723. Thomas and his wife bought of 
Christina, Rhina, and Alice (sisters of Mrs. Miles) 
their shares of the lands inherited from their father. 
Andrew, the son of Sinnick Sinnickson, was the first 
of the family to write his name Sinnickson. 

" He and his brother John, in 1734, purchased large 
tracts of meadow- and wood-land of the heirs of Wil- 
liam Penn, as the following order, given to Thomas 
Miles, the deputy surveyor for James Logan, will 
show: 'An order to Thomas Miles to survey to Sin- 
nick and John Seneca the marsh called Mud Island, 
and one hundred acres of land adjoining to their 
other tracts, and for William Philpot the point of 
land and marsh between his plantation and Salem 
Creek, and for OwneiSerds Stanley, Mayant Bilder- 
back, and Thomas Bilderback one hundred acres at a 
place called Hell Gate. Dated 7th of Fourth Month, 
1733. The price of the mar.sh is five and twenty 
pounds and one hundred acres of wood-land, thirty 
pounds for a hundred acres clear of quit-rents.' An- 
drew Sinnickson (3d) held important ofiices in the 
colonial government in the town and county in which 
he dwelt. He filled the office of judge of the court 
and justice under George HI., and was an ardent 
Whig during the American Revolution. He died 
20th of Eighth Month, 1790, aged seventy years, 
leaving to his heirs a large real estate. . . . Thomas 
Sinnickson, the eldest son of Andrew (3d), took an 
active part in the Revolutionary war, and commanded 
a company in the Continental army. On account of 
his writings and bitter opposition to British tyranny 
he was outlawed by Lord Howe, and a heavy reward 
was offered for him dead or alive. At the organiza- 
tion of this government he warmly approved of Alex- 
ander Hamilton's views, and hence he became the 



TOWNSHIP OF LOWER PENN'S NECK. 



429 



leader of the Federal party in this section of country 
during the administrations of Washington and the 
elder Adams. He frequently represented this county 
in the State Legislature, was a member of the First 
Congress of the United States, which met in New 
York City, and also a member of Congress from 1796 
to 1798. For a number of years he was a judge and 
a justice, and likewise county treasurer. Andrew 
Sinnickson (4th) was an ardent Whig. During the 
American Revolution he raised a company of men, 
and commanded them at the battles of Trenton and 
Princeton. After the war was over he held a com- 
mission as judge and justice, and lived to an old age 
greatly respected.'" 

The above extracts speak of the settlement of the 
original Lower Penn's Neck, Siunickson, and other 
pioneers, and of later Sinnicksons and others, who 
were conspicuous in their day and generation, notably 
during the struggle for American freedom. In all 
generations to the present Sinnicksons have been 
among the wealthy and prominent men of the town- 
ship and county, much of the land purchased by 
Anders Seneca, Jr., now being in possession of his 
descendants. 

The Dunns are an old family in Lower Penn's Neck. 
Soon after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, by 
order of Louis XIV., in 1684, many Huguenots emi- 
grated to this country to avoid persecution. Among 
them were two brothers, Zaccheus and Thomas 
Dunn, most probably natives of Alsace or Lorraine. 
The former settled in Pilesgrove; the latter located 
in Penn's Neck, and had numerous descendants. 
In 1689 he bought one hundred acres of land of Wil- 
liam Penn, which was surveyed to him by Richard 
Tindall, and which adjoined lands of Hans Cornelius 
and Widow Hendricks, near Finn's Point. He was 
a Calvinist, and some of his descendants, with the 
Copners and other families, organized the old Pres- 
byterian Church at Pennsville. Another Huguenot 
family which became prominent in the township and 
county were the Jaquetts. 

Thomas Miles was an eminent surveyor, and be- 
came conspicuous as early as 1725. He did consid- 
erable surveying in Penn's Neck, Mannington, and 
the lower part of Gloucester County, for the heirs of 
William Penn. He owned and lived on a farm op- 
posite New Castle, Del. His son, the Francis Miles 
elsewhere referred to, inherited this farm, and, dying 
without heirs, left it to the township for the support 
of public schools. The place is under the supervision 
of a trustee appointed by township authority. 

Thomas Lambson was a large owner in Lower 
Penn's Neck. The Garrison family owned one thou- 
sand acres, extending from the river to Salem Creek. 
The family own considerable land bordering on the 
river at the present day. The first Swedish Church 
was built on the. Garrison property in 1742. Steven 

1 History of Fenwick's Colony, p. 188, H seq. : Thomas Shourds. 



Baldwin owned one thousand acres, bounded by the 
river and Salem Creek. It was located near Salem, 
and was bounded on the northeast by Richard Tin- 
dall's land. 

In 1676, John Fenwick gave to his daughter Eliza- 
beth and her husband, John Adams, all that tract of 
land located in Penn's Neck, and known at this time 
as Sapaney. 

Fenwick Adams, son of John, married, and settled 
on his father's property in Penn's Neck. 

The Powers family came into the township a few 
generations since, and have been influential and 
well known, having been conspicuous in connection 
with religious and public affairs. 

The Copners were an ancient family in Lower 
Penn's Neck, and, with the Dunn and several other 
families, were prominent members of the Presby- 
terian Church near Pennsville, though Samuel, son 
of Joseph Copner, late in life joined the Friends' So- 
ciety, and devised one-half of his property to the So- 
ciety of Friends. 

The following are the names of conspicuous fami- 
lies and persons resident in Lower Penn's Neck be- 
tween 1800 and 1830 : 

Aplin, Biddle, Brewer, Beaver, Batten, Corson, 
Congleton, Callahan, Craven, Dunn, Dilmore, Dick- 
inson, Dauser, Elwell, Findley, Gibbon, Griscom, 
Garrison, Humphreys, Johnson, Jenkins, Kasson, 
Kille, Lloyd, Lambson, Lippincott, Loomi.s, Matsou, 
Nickerson, Orr, Peterson, Redstrake, Ridgeway, 
Rork, Sinnickson, Sparks, Steelman, Shourds, Tin- 
dall, Thompson, Vickers, Vining, Ware, Wright. 

The names of representatives of the before men- 
tioned and other families who have been prominent 
during a later period will be found in the civil lists, 
and in the accounts of various local interests with 
which they have been identified. 

Organization. — The territory now comprising the 
townships of Upper and Lower Penn's Neck and 
Oldman's was originally included in one township, 
called West Fenwick, but the name was changed to 
Penn's Neck, in honor of William Penn, soon after he 
became interested in the Proprietary management of 
a portion of what was at first part of Fenwick's 
"tenth," or colony. The division of the township 
was effected some years later, the precise date not 
being now obtainable, and the township of Lower 
Penn's Neck was thus erected. 

Civil List. — The following is as complete a civil 
list as the historian was able to compile from records 
in the ofiice of the township clerk. If any of the 
township minute-books of a date previous to the year 
1840 are in existence it is not known where they are 
to be found. 

TOWNSHIP CLEEKS. 

1840-41. SyWanus B. Sheppard. 1846. Isaac Lippincott. 

1842, 1844-45. Henry W. C. Snit- 1847-60. Jonathan E. Moore. 
Cher. ' 1851. John M. Powers. 

1843. Alphens Bilderback. 1852-54. John Casperson. 



430 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



1865. William A. Casper. 
1856-57. Isaac C. Griscom. 
1868-69. T. G. Dunn. 

1860. William R. Snitcher. 

1861. Joseph B. Yonker. 

1862. 1S64. John P. Newcomb. 

1863. Samuel Leioy. 

1865, 1869. Cliailes Casperson. 



1866, 1870-71. Albert P. Moors. 
1867. Samuel N. Blwell. 
1872-73. Samuel H Callahan. 
1871-70. William T. Garrison. 
1877. John Ehvell. 
1878-79,1881-82. Charles W.Dunn. 
1880. Samuel U. Ehvell. 



ASSESSORS. 



1840-46. Joseph Lippincott. 

1847. Henry W. C. Snitcher. 

1848-53. James E. Dunham. 

1864, 1857, 1873-74. James M. Pow- 
ers. 

1866, 1858, 1869-72, 1877. Jonathan 
E. Moore, 

1866. Jeremiah Davis. 



1859-60. Edward Hancock. 
1861-62. Thomas G.Dunn. 
1863-64, 1866-67. Charles Casper- 
son. 
1866. Joseph A. Kidd. 
1876-76, 1879-82. Samuel Lecroy. 
1878. Epbraim Fowler. 



COLLECTORS. 
1840-41, 1860-52. John G. Elwell. ' 1861-62. .\aron Biddle. 



1842-43. William Dunn. 
1844-49. Thomas Torton. 
1853. Jonathan E. Moore. 
1864. Thomas Brown. 
1855-67. Joseph B. Yonker. 
1858-59. William Callahan. 
1860. Benjamin A. Snitcher. 



1863. Thomas Brown. 

1864. Jacob M. Mitchell. 
1865-67, 1869-74, 1877>'-78. Samuel 

Lecroy. 
1S76-77. Henry White. 
1879. William T. Garrison. 
1880-82. Jonathan T. Turner. 



COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL. 

1861. Jonathan E. Moore. 
1863-65. John Casperson. 
1863-64. William Newell. 

1862. Samuel E, Snitcher. 
1862. Thomas J. Battin. 
1862. Isaac Fowler. 
1866-67, 1869-70, 1872-74. Powell 

Smith. 
1867. Edward D. Redstrake. 

1869. Paul Jaqnett. 

1870. Joseph Benner. 

1871. Henry White. 
1871. Edward Busby. 
1871-72, 1874. Samuel D. Hewitt. 
1872-77. Samuel Urion. 
1876-76. Hance Jaquett. 
1876-82. William Newell. 
1878-82. William T. Garrison. 



1840-41. Thomas F. LamhsoD. 
1840-42, 1849-63, 1855-58. Samuel 

Lippincott. 
1840-41. Benjamin Griscom. 
1842. Tobias Casperson. 
1842,1858,1873. Martin Patteraon. 
1843-46. James Newell. 
1843-48. William A. Dick. 
1847-49, 1860. Joseph T. Locuson. 
1849. John G. Ehvell. 
1849-63. William Dunn. 
1854. Joseph Wright. 
1854. Samuel Dunn. 
1854. James Haltou. 
1855-58. Jonathan Scattergood. 
1859-60, 1866. John T. ^Vhite. 
1859-60. Reuben Hinchman. 
1861, 1877-82. James S. Johnson. 
' 1861, 1863-67, 1869-70. William R. 

Freas. 

CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 



1840-42. Mark Stretch. 
1840-42. Thomas D. Bradway. 
1843. Henry Freas. 
1843. John Casperson. 
1844-45. William A. Dick. 
1844-45, 1851-54. Alpheus Bilder- ' 
back. I 

1846. Joseph T. Locuson. 
1847-48. James Newell. 

1847. William Dunn. 
1848-49. Isaac Lippincott. 
1849-53. John V. Hill. 
1850. Thomas Torten. 
1854-65. Samuel Urion. 
1866, 1868. William A. Casper. 
1856-57. Aaron Biddle. 
1856-57, 1861-62, 1866, 1876-77. P. ' 

Jaquett. 

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 



1868-59. Benjamin Hewitt. 
1859-60. Isaac Fowler. 
1860-61. William Callahan. 
1863-67, 1871. Benj. H. Jenkins. 
1863-64, 1867. Firman Carpenter. 
1862. John Callahan. 

1865. Joseph Davis. 

1866. James fl. Seagrave. 
1869-70. Joseph A. Kidd. 
1869-70. Hiince Jaquett. 

1872, 1878. James S. Johnson. 

1873. David W. Lloyd. 
1874-75. William H. Callahan. 
1879, 1881. Richard D. Battin. 
1880. John V. Tuft. 
1882. William J. Casper. 



1840-41, 1851-52, 1869. Thackara 

Dunn. 
1840^1. Benjamin Lloyd. 
1840-41. Joseph T. Locuson. 



1840-41. Peter Jaquett. 
1840-41. Thomas F. Lambson. 
1842-45, 1864. William A. Dick. 
1842^6, 1848-53. James Newell. 



1842-50. John Casperson. 

1843-46, 1861-63. Samuel Lippin- 
cott. 

1842-43. Henry Freas. 

1844-46. James P. Fogg. 

1846-49. William K. Seagrave. 

1846-47. George Hancock. 

1847-49. Isaac Lippincott. 

1847. George Suitcher. 

1848-49. Alpheus Bilderback. 

1860. Henry W. C. Snitcher. 

1860. Matthias German. 

1851-52, 1868, 1861. Jonathan E. 
Moore. 

1851, Isaac Snitcher. 

1852, 1854. Paul Jaquett. 
1853-54. John Johnson, 
1853-54. John G. Elwell. 

1853, Joseph Baker. 
1864-67. Martin Patterson. 
1865-57, 1859. Reuben Hinch- 
man. 

1855. William Patterson. 
1855-67. John V. Hill. 
1855-56, 1860. John M. Powers. 
1856-57. J. Howard Sinnickson. 
1858, 1860. Thomas I. Battin. 
1858, 1865-67, 1869-71 , 1873-82. W. 

Newell. 
1858. Joseph B. Yonker. 

1858, 1861, 1863-65. Hauce Ja- 
quett. 

1858, 1862. Joseph T. Locuson. 

1859. William Powers. 



1869-60, 1862-64, 1866-67. John T. 

White. 
1860. Edward Dickinson. 

1860. William A. Dick. 

1861. 1865. Henry Keen. 

1861, 1866-67. James S. Johnson. 
1861, 1863-64. Robert T. Seagrave. 
1862-64, 1867. Edward D. Red- 
strake. 
1863-64, 1870. John Liudsay. 

1862. William Callahan. 
1862. Michael Powers. 

1865. Joseph W. Cook. 
1866-66. John C. Hillman. 

1866. Benjamin Jenkins. 

1867. Thomas Callahan. 
1869-77. Samuel Urion. 
1869-71. Henry White. 
1869. Charles Lindsay. 
1869, 1872. Edward Stout. 
1870-72. TheophiluB Fox. 
1871-72, 1876-79. Charles Casper- 
son. 

1872-74. Smith B. Siclen. 
1873-75. John H. Jenkins. 
1873-77, 1881. James S. Johnson. 

1875. Morris B. Elton. 

1876. Edward Stout. 

1877. John V. Tuft. 

1878. Richard Smith. 
1878. Jonathan E. Moore. 
1878. William T. Garrison. 
1879-82. Henry Sinnickson. 
1880, 1882. John Callahan. 



CONSTABLES. 



1840. David Palmer. 

1841. William Dunn. 
1842-43. Sylvauus B. Sheppard. 
1844,1853. Thomas Brown. 
1846. Benjamin Griscom, Jr. 
1846. Samuel Callahan. 

1847, 1862. Travis Jenkins. 
1848. Charles B. Newell. 
1849-51. Jacob M. Mitchell. 
1862. Henry White. 
1854. Joseph Yonker. 



] 1856-57, 1860-61. John Caspsraon. 

j 1858-59. John L. Carpenter. 

I 1869. John Callahan. 

' 1863. William W. Somers. 

I 1862. Elijah Wheaton. 

i 1864. Edward Stout. 

I 1865-66. David S. Patten. 

1867. Charles Brown. 
I 1869. John L. Carpenter. 

1870-78, 1880-81. Saml. D. Hewitt. 
! 1879,1882. Edmund H. Lawrence. 



1 To fill vacancy caused by the death of Henry White. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1869. William A. Dick. ; 1869, 1879. Samuel Urion. 

1859, 1864. Reuben Hinchman. . 1870. Hance Jaquett. 

1864. Jonathan E. Moore. ' 1879. Daniel J. Garrison. 

1866, 1869. Samuel Lecroy. 

SCHOOL COMMITTEEMEN. 
1840-46. James Newell. 1842-44. Benjamin Lloyd. 

1840-41. William Johnson. i 1845-46. John Casperson. 

1840-46. William A. Dick. ' 

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 
1847-63. James Newell. 1861, 1863, 1866. Daniel J. Qarri- 

1854-57. Alpheus Bilderback. son. 

1868. Jonathan Scattergood. - 1864, 1867. Wm. H. Gilmore. 

1859-60, 1862. Martin Patterson. 1866. Robert T. Seagrave. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Pennsville. — Pennsville Is the principal village in 
Lower Penn's Neck township. It lies on the bank of 
the Delaware, directly opposite New Castle, seven 
miles northwest from Salem, and fifty-eight from 
Trenton. There is a ferry here, and boats ply fre- 
quently between Pennsville and Ngw Castle during 
the summer season, the steamers running between 
Salem and Philadelphia also touching at this point. 



TOWNSHIP OF LOWER PENN'S NECK. 



431 



Here a ferry was established, and crossing to New 
Castle, Del., was regular as early as 1800. This ferry 
was kept up, and accommodation to travelers was in- 
creased by connection with Salem by regular stage 
crossing the river, and meeting a steamboat at New 
Castle from Philadelphia, as early as 1822. Richard 
Craven was the proprietor of the stage-line and the 
landlord of the hotel at the ferry. Two hotels were 
supported at this point from 1822 to 1836, and quite 
an extensive store carried on a grain, produce, and 
general country trade as early as 1817. 

In 1839 or 1840, Jacob Ridgway, of Philadelphia, 
purchased of the heirs of David Ware, deceased, the 
tract of about six acres formerly known as Craven's 
Ferry and built a wharf and erected thereon a large 
brick grain-house. He also built a large brick dwell- 
ing with a store attached, and two double frame 
dwellings for tenant-houses. The brick dwelling was 
occupied by Thomas Craven, and one of the frame 
houses by Bloomfield H. Moore, and the two kept the 
brick store under the firm-name of Craven & Moore. 

John V. Hill, of Salem, succeeded Craven & Moore, 
and did quite an extensive mercantile and grain busi- 
ness for two or three years, and was succeeded by 
John G. Elwell in both branches of business, when 
the aforesaid tract was sold by the heirs of Jacob 
Ridgway, deceased, to Capt. John Johnston, Thomas 
D. Bradway, and William A. Dick. The store was 
then kept by Joseph B. Yonker and Charles H. Brad- 
way, under the firm-name of Yonker & Bradway. 

In 1860 the brick store and dwelling were pur- 
chased by Aaron Biddle, and the store was kept by 
him until his decease in February, 1881. Charles 
Lloyd then occupied the premises from March 25, 
1881, to March 25, 1882. In March, 1882, Jonathan 
Y. Turner, administrator of Aaron Biddle, deceased, 
sold the premises to William H. H. Wheaton, and 
they are now occupied by him. 

Johnson, Bradway, and Dick sold several building 
lots, and then sold the balance of said tract to Jacob 
M. Mitchell and Charles B. Newell. Some time there- 
after the property was divided, each party taking to 
the middle of the road, and also to the middle of the 
wharf Mitchell built a frame grain-store at the end 
of his side of the wharf, also a frame dwelling with 
a store attached, and carried on the grain and general 
store business for some years, and then removed to 
Salem. 

William Callahan bought of Mitchell his brick 
house and store, and half of the wharf and the grain- 
store, and traded in grain and general merchandise a 
short time. He failed, and the property passed into 
the hands of John Mulford, of Salem, and was by 
him conveyed to B. H. Pitfield, of Philadelphia, by 
whom it is still held. Mitchell recently sold the 
dwelling and store and other buildings to Samuel 
Lecroy, the present occupant. 

The public -house known as the "Silver Grove 
House" is owned by the the Franklin Loan and 



Building Association of Salem, and kept by Charles 
Brown. An old tavern on its site was long ago kept 
by Richard Craven, who gave his name to a ferry 
formerly in existence here. It was built about sev- 
enty-five years ago, by Frank Philpot, one of a family 
of that name who owned land at " the ferry" then, 
and it has had numerous successive keepers. About 
1865 it came into the ownership of .Joseph A. Kidd, 
who rebuilt and enlarged it, and set out the fine 
grove adjacent to it. 

There was for some years, until twenty-five years 
ago or thereabouts, a tavern about three hundred 
yards north of the present hotel. Its last keeper was 
Elisha Wheaton, and it is now a farm-house. 

On the Kinsey farm, just northeast of the village 
proper, but usually included in Pennsville, were early 
three or four houses known as Kinseyville. 

The present merchants at Pennsville are Messrs. 
Samuel H. Ballinger, Samuel Lecroy, W. H. H. 
Wheaton, and Harry W. D. White. The village con- 
tains a school-house, a Methodist Episcopal Chapel, 
the usual variety of small mechanics' shops, a hotel, 
and a population of one hundred and two. It was 
named by Jacob Ridgway, its founder. 

Harrisonville. — Harrisonville, for some unknown 
reason sometimes called " Pigs-eye," is a small hamlet 
in the southern part of the township, about two miles 
from Salem. It contains a school-house, a store, kept 
by Joshua Davis, the blacksmith-shop of Minor H. 
Fox, and about half a dozen dwellings, and it is said 
to have been named in honor of ex-President William 
Henry Harrison. 

Public Schools. — Lower Penn's Neck township is 
divided into five school districts, known and num- 
bered as follows : Harrisonville District, No. 10 ; Finn's 
Point District, No. 11 ; Centre District, No. 12 ; Penns- 
ville District, No. 13 ; and Church District, No. 14. 

The schools of this township are very good, com- 
paring more than favorably with those of some of the 
other townships in the county. 

One name never to be forgotten among those of the 
friends of free schools in Salem County is that of 
Francis Miles, who gave considerable property to be 
devoted to establishing and maintaining schools for 
the poor children of the township, and in whose mem- 
ory the citizens of Lower Penn's Neck erected a monu- 
ment over his last earthly resting-place in the old 
Presbyterian burying-ground. 

CHDKCHES. 

St. George's Episcopal Churcli.— This church is 
the outgrowth of an ancient Swedish Church, the 
date of the organization of which is unknown. For 
a number of years the inhabitants of New Sweden on 
the eastern shore of the Delaware belonged to the 
Swedes' Church at the mouth of Christiana Creek, on 
the western shore. At that time the prominent Swe- 
dish families in Salem County were the Neilsons, Jo- 
ansons, Sinakers, Ericksons, Hendrickses, Yearnances, 



432 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



and others. The Jaquetts and other families of French 
Protestants also lived in the vicinity, and are thought 
to have taken an interest in this church. 

It has been stated that the Swedes' Church, on the 
site of the present Episcopal Church in Lower Penn's 
Neck, was erected as early as 1714 on ground deeded 
to the organization by Hans Jaquett. In that year 
Abraham Liudenius was appointed pastor, and served 
until 1724, when Petrus Tauberg and Andreas Win- 
drufa succeeded him, and divided their labors be- 
tween the church at Penn's Neck and that at Eaccoon, 
as Swedesboro was then called. 

Johnson says that Andreas Windrufa died in 
1728, and that John Sandin succeeded Petrus Tau- 
berg in 1748, and died that year, and was followed 
by Erick Unander, who continued until 1756. Next 
came John Lindenius, son of Abraham Lindenius, 
the first pastor. John Wicksell officiated from 1763 
to about 1773. His successor was Rev. Nicholas Col- 
lin, who was the last of the Swedish ministers, and 
served until about the time of the close of the Revo- 
lution. In 1789 it is said that Rev. John Wade was 
officiating and that a vestry was then chosen, and the 
church was organized and modeled after the present 
Protestant Episcopal order. 

Owing to the lack of satisfactory records, it is not 
possible to follow the history of this church in detail 
from that time to the present. It came to be known 
as St. George's Episcopal Church of Penn's Neck. 
Formerly the congregation was large, now it is small. 
Having gone to decay, the old wooden building gave 
place to a brick church in 1808, which has since 
undergone necessary alterations and repairs. Among 
early Protestant Episcopal rectors were Revs. Gray 
and Higby. The names of succeeding ones for many 
years cannot be obtained. Rev. William B. Otis was 
appointed in 1879, and was succeeded by the present 
rector. Rev. William Matthias. 

Presbyterian Church. — The Penn's Neck Presby- 
terian Church was founded about 1748. It is not 
certain whether a minister and other officers were 
appointed or chosen until 1778, when Rev. Samuel 
Eaken assumed control of affairs. Some of the early 
members were Tobias Copner and his family and the 
Dunn and Lambson families. The Philpots, Nevils, 
AVrights, Lippincotts, Stanleys, Burdens, Healeys, 
and Congletons of that section were also identified 
with it, and tradition says Thomas Miles and his 
son Francis, and others. 

Rev. Samuel Eaken was pastor until the close of 
the Revolutionary war. The church was without a 
regular pastor until 1797, but was occasionally sup- 
plied by clergymen from a distance. Rev. Nathaniel 
Harris was pastor from 1797 to 1800, when he removed 
to Trenton. His successor was Rev. David Edwards, 
who resigned and went to Cape May in 1805. 

The church edifice stood within the present some- 
what uncertain limits of Pennsville, and its location 
is indicated pretty accurately by the churchyard, 



which still remains in use, and in which lie the bones 
of early members and their descendants. It long 
since disappeared so entirely that not a vestige of it 
remains. John Copner, the son of Tobias Copner, be- 
came a member of the Society of Friends in his old 
age, and many of the large and influential family of 
Dunn have left the sectarian associations of their an- 
cestors, most of them identifying themselves with the 
Methodist Church. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — About 1782 or 
1783 the first Methodist class was formed in Lower 
Penn's Neck, by Benjamin Abbott, and it met in an 
old log house belonging to an aged man named Swan- 
son, who with his wife, Catharine Casper, Elizabeth 
Dixon, Sarah Bright, William Bilderback and wife, 
and a few others constituted the class. Swanson 
was the class-leader. 

One of the earliest preachers recollected was Eze- 
kiel Cooper. Richard Swayne traveled through that 
part of the country, succeeding Cooper, and being too 
poor to buy a horse, made his way on foot. Richard 
Sparks, a principal member of the Presbyterian Church, 
out of curiosity went to hear the Methodist preachers, 
and shortly joined the little band. Mr. Swanson dying 
soon after, Mr. Sparks was made class-leader. As 
Rev. Mr. Swayne was one day trudging along through 
the woods, carrying his saddle-bags on his arm, Mr. 
Sparks met him and inquired why he did not get a 
horse. The reply was that he was " too poor to buy 
one." " I have a horse I will sell," said Sparks. " I 
have no money to pay for it," returned Swayne, "but 
at home I have a few sheep I could exchange for it." 
" I want some sheep," said Sparks, " and I'll trade 
with you." They soon made the exchange, and 
Brother Swayne rode off on his horse, and Sparks 
received the sheep in due time as pay for it. This 
incident fairly illustrated the inconveniences under 
which the circuit preachers labored in the pioneer 
days of Methodism. 

Some years afterward the people began the erection 
of a frame church, which was in an unfinished state 
for years, but they held quarterly meetings, and Ben- 
jamin Abbott, a local preacher named Stratton, and 
others were present from time to time, and revivals 
were frequent and fruitful for many years. There 
i are no records to be found which throw much light 
J on the history of this organization prior to the re- 
! building of the house of worship in 1844, during the 
pastorate of Rev. Sedgwick Rusling. 

The pastors since the close of Mr. Rusling's labors 
have been the following: 

Revs. Matthias German, Thomas Christopher, 
David Duffel, George Hitchen, David Graves, Bar- 
tholomew Weed, Henry B. Beadle, George F. Downs, 
William Margerum, Levi Roads, Joseph C. Summerel, 
William Boyle, Samuel M, Hudson, Samuel C. Chat- 
ten, Garnet Tullis, Hamilton H. Norris, Jacob T. 
Price, Calvin C. Eastlack, and the present incumbent, 
Edwin J. Lippincott. 



TOWNSHIP OP MANNINGTON. 



433 



The property of this church, including the house 
of worship, a large wooden structure, the parsonage 
and land, is valued at fifteen thousand dollars. 

The present trustees are William Newell, Edward 
Q. Powers, Charles Powers, Ephraim Fowler, Samuel 
Elwell, Harris Wright, and John M. Powers. The 
stewards are Jonathan Turner, Samuel Lecroy, James 
T. Baker, Samuel Powers, George Hancock, Elijah 
Powers, Joseph L. Davis. 

There are two Sunday-schools connected with this 
church, one known as the " church school," under 
thesuperintendency of Ephraim Fowler, which meets 
in tlie church, and one known as the " Pennsville 
School," which is superintended by Samuel Lecroy, 
its sessions being held in the chapel at Pennsville, 
which was erected in 1881, and which is occupied for 
prayer-, class-, and business-meetings, and for other 
purposes for which it is not deemed advisable to open 
the church. 

Burial-Plaees. — It is probable that the first inter- 
ments in this township were made by the Swedes, in 
the vicinity of Finn's Point. 

In the old Presbyterian burying-ground at Penns- 
ville are many old monuments, and many are to be 
seen in the Episcopal churchyard in the north part 
of the township. Yet in both of these burial-places 
are graves, unmarked and long forgotten, which were 
doubtless made from a quarter to half a century be- 
fore the earliest one which still retains a headstone 
bearing a decipherable inscription. There have been 
many buried in the Methodist churchyard, but no 
ancient headstones are to be seen there. 

On Finn's Point, opposite Fort Delaware, is a gov- 
ernment burying-ground, which was opened during 
the war, and in which are interred soldiers and polit- 
ical prisoners who have died at the fort. 

In the old Presbyterian burying-ground is a mon- 
ument bearing the following inscriptions : 

(1) "Francis Miles, Born October 1st, 1727, Died 
May, 1768, aged 41 years." (2) " By his deeds has he 
perpetuated his name as the friend of poor children." 
(3) " Ye who are reaping the fruit of his benevolence, 
forget not your benefactor." (4) " As a Tribute to 
his memory this monument is erected by the Inhab- 
itants of Lower Penn's Neck." 

Industrial Pursuits.— The principal employment 
of the citizens of Lower Penn's Neck has always 
been agriculture. The township contains no fac- 
tories, and its few mechanics' shops are referred to in 
the sketches of Pennsville and Harrisonville. 

A windmill was early in operation at Kiuseyville. 

In 1840, Jacob Ridgway, of Philadelphia, took 
steps toward the establishment of a cotton-factory at 
Pennsville, but died before he had accomplished any- 
thing worthy of note in an industrial way. 

Fort Delaware and Finn's Point Battery.— On 
an island in the Delaware River opposite this town- 
ship, and belonging to the State of Delaware, is Fort 
Delaware, which became famous during the late war 
28 



as a place of detention for political prisoners. Finn's 
Point Battery is opposite Fort Delaware, on the west- 
ern border of Lower Penn's Neck. The works here 
are in an incomplete state and entirely ungarrisoned. 
A small tract of land embracing this locality, which 
is owned by government, also includes the burial- 
place elsewhere referred to. 



CHAPTER LXIX. 

TOWNSHIP OF MANNINGTON.i 

Situation and Boundaries. — Mannington is cen- 
trally distant from Salem six miles, and contains an 
area of twenty-two thousand four hundred and thirty- 
nine acres. Its population is two thousand two hun- 
dred and twenty-nine. It has an average length of 
about eight miles, and an average width of about five 
miles. It is located nearly in the centre of the county 
north and south, though considerably west of a cen- 
tral position, all points considered, and is bounded 
north by Upper Penn's Neck and Pilesgrove, east by 
Pilesgrove, south by Upper Alloways Creek and 
Quinton, southwest by Salem, and west by Lower 
Penn's Neck. 

Descriptive. — Salem Creek, Fenwick Creek, and 
Manning's Run have their courses fully two-thirds of 
the distance around this township. Swedes' Run and 
Mannington Creek flow centrally across the township 
from east to west, and Keasbey's Creek cuts off" its 
southwest corner. Home Run rises northeast of the 
centre, and flows westwardly to Salem Creek, at a 
point north of the latter's junction with Mannington 
Creek. 

The soil of Mannington is a rich loam, and marl is 
found in some parts. Grass and wheat and other 
cereals are raised in goodly quantities. Fruit culture 
has long been a prominent interest. The surface is 
generally level, though somewhat undulating in some 
parts. The highest point is Mannington Hill, south 
of the centre. 

Mannington is well provided with good roads, 
1 which afford communication with surrounding town- 
j ships, villages, and cities, and the Salem Branch of 
' the West Jersey Railroad crosses its southern por- 
tion. Until recently the terminus was at Claysville, 
in this township, separated from Salem by Fenwick's 
Creek. 

Mannington township was evidently, in the year 
of Fenwick's arrival (1675), almost exclusively a 
forest of oak. Here the Proprietor, his daughters, 
and those who had cast in their lot with him in his 
new venture settled. Here his bones lie, his "grave 
unhonored and unsung," and (shame to the past and 
present generations !) no head.stone or monument has 

1 By M. 0. Bolfe. 



434 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



been erected to his memory. Mannington became a 
cleared and fertile land by the industry of the hardy 
pioneers and the succeeding generations, and by the 
census of 1830 made the best showing for agricultural 
productions of any township in the State. Besides 
wheat, corn, oats, and potatoes, much flax was raised 
and wool grown. Every farm produced the raw 
material, and many manufactured their own Iiemp 
and woolen goods. 

The assessed valuation of property in Mannington 
in 1881 was as follows: Personal property, $700,715; 
real estate, $1,381,905; and its total debt was $457,080. 
Its voters numbered 539. Its tax was as follows: poll, 
$489 ; school, $4110 ; county, $3898. The number of 
farms in 1880 was 207. 

The Salem County almshouse is located in this 
township. 

Early Purchases and Settlement.' — Mannington 
was named in honor of Maueio, or Manning, a friendly 
Indian chief, once resident within its borders. Early 
it was sometimes referred to as " Manning's Town." 

In 1676, John Fenwick turned his attention to pro- 
viding homes for his children, and accordingly di- 
rected Richard Hancock, his surveyor, to lay out and 
survey two thousand acres in Upper Mannington for 
Samuel Hedge, Jr., and his wife Anne, which land 
came to be known as " Hedgefield." 

In 1683, John Fenwick left his home in Salem and 
went to Samuel Hedge's, there to be cared for by his 
favorite daughter, Anne Hedge, in his last days, for 
he died shortly afterwards, at the age of sixty-five. 
At his request he was buried in the Sharp family 
burying-ground, on the farm of Elmer Reeve. 

Samuel Hedge, Jr., was a son of Samuel Hedge, a 
merchant and citizen of London. To be a citizen at 
that time required a person of wealth and influence to 
have the privilege of voting for members of Parlia- 
ment. It was the opinion of some persons that there 
was an attachment formed between Samuel Hedge, Jr., 
and Anne Fenwick while they botli yet tarried in 
their native land. They were married in Salem in 
the spring of the year of their removal to Manning- 
ton, where they lived until in 1685, when, having 
been appointed one of the executors of his father-in- 
law's will, and having been appointed by Fenwick to 
carry out his plans for laying out streets in Salem and 
Cohansey, Hedge removed to Salem, and built a brick 
house on Broadway, where both he and liis wife died 
between 1694 and 1697. 

In the first half of the last century Jedediah Allen 
purchased John Rolph's estate in Mannington. It 
contained five hundred acres, and lay south of Man- 
nington Creek, adjoining Job Ridgway's land. At liis 
death the property was divided equally between his 
sons Jedediah and David. 

John Pledger and Hippolite Lefevre purchased six 



1 The data for this sketch was contributed to a considerable extent 
by Thomas Shourds. 



thousand acres of John Fenwick in 1675. This land 
bordered on Fenwick's Creek and Pledger's Creek, 
one of the branches of Fenwick's Creek, and in- 
cluded what is known as Quaker Neck. There is 
but a small part of this fertile land that belongs to 
the descendants of the first purchaser. 

Richard Woodnutt became the owner of two hun- 
dred acres by purchase or by marrying Mary, daugh- 
ter of John Pledger, as is supposed. 

Adjoining Woodnutt's land James Whitney bought 
a tract of the Proprietor. 

Edmund Weatherby became the owner of a large 
farm, through his wife, daughter of John Pledger. 

Bartholomew Wyatt purchased twelve hundred 
acres adjoining Weatherby's land, which was equally 
divided by his son Bartholomew between his two 
children, Bartholomew and Sarah, wife of Richard 
Wistar, of Philadelphia. The Wyatt property is 
divided into five or six farms, but not one of them at 
present belongs to any of the Wyatt family. 

Adjoining the Wyatt tract was James Sherron's one 
thousand acres. James Sherron, during the days of 
the Proprietor, was a high constable. He resided on 
his farm, and there kept a jail for the confinement of 
prisoners in his charge. He was killed by one of them 
with a hatchet, for which the prisoner was tried and 
executed. 

East of Sherron's allotment John Vining owned 
two hundred and fifty acres of land, on which he re- 
sided until his death. Vining was one of those who 
assisted in organizing the Episcopal Church in the 
town of Salem. He was very popular with the in- 
habitants of the infant colony, and there was a great 
demonstration of the people at his funeral. He was 
buried in the Episcopal churchyard in Salem. 

Mannington Creek was the largest branch of Salem 
Creek. That part of the township east of it was early 
called Upper Mannington. " Hedgefield," a tract of 
two thousand acres, previously referred to, was 
bounded by Mannington Creek on the west, and a 
small tributary known as Hedge's Creek on the east. 
On this land Samuel Hedge and wife located in 1677. 
In 1685, Samuel and his wife sold one thousand acres, 
or one-half of the allotment, to John Smith, of Smith- 
field. The said land remained in the Smith family 
for five generations. There is none of it belonging 
to members of the family now. In 1720 Samuel Fen- 
wick Hedge, the grandson of Samuel Hedge (1st), sold 
five hundred acres to William Nicholson, of Elsin- 
boro. In the same year he sold the balance to Thomas 
Mason. There is no part of the above tracts of land 
remaining in the first purchasers' families at this 
date. 

Near the head of Mannington Creek, Samuel Jen- 
nings, of Burlington, owned two thousand acres, part 
of which was in Upper Alloways Creek. 

Richard Brick, third son of Judge John Brick, 
owned five hundred acres of the Jennings estate, 
and resided thereon until his death. He was an ex- 



TOWNSHIP OF MANNINGTON. 



435 



tensive farmer, and a tanner and currier. His only 
son, John Brick, died, leaving no heirs, and the 
property was purchased by his cousin, Joshua Brick 
and Isaac Townsend, of Port Elizabeth, and by them 
conveyed to Jesse Boyd. Samuel Brick, youngest son 
of John Brick, Sr., married and left issue. His son 
Samuel, the father of Joshua Brick, of Upper Penn's 
Neck, was a tanner and farmer, and lived a number 
of years on his cousin John's estate. 

East of Hedge's Branch, William Hall, Jr., sou of 
Judge William Hall, owned two thousand acres of 
land. He built a large brick dwelling early in the 
last century, still standing in good repair. No part 
of this large landed estate is owned now by any of 
the Hall family, except the old mansion, together 
with about one hundred acres of land adjoining. 
Samuel L. J. Miller, of Mannington, is the owner, 
being of the sixth generation from William Hall, Jr. 

The following relative to Col. Edward Hall will be 
found interesting: 

" Edward Hall, the youngest son of William Hall, 
Jr., was considered above mediocrity in physical and 
mental abilities. His affability and pleasing address 
secured him many friends among a large circle of ac- 
quaintances. His first wife was a Willis, and by her 
he had one son, named Howell. At the commence- 
ment of the Revolutionary war he abandoned the re- 
ligious society of which he and his ancestors were 
members and enlisted in the army. There are many 
anecdotes of his sayings and doings while he was in 
the service of his country. I will mention two which 
are well authenticated by tradition. 

" The army under Col. Hand was at Cohansey 
Bridge, which is now Bridgeton. Edward, on his way 
down to join it, met his intimate friend, John Eeeve, 
about his own age, who was a public minister, on his I 
way to attend Salem Quarterly Meeting. After the 
usual salutation, John remarked, — 

" ' Edward, I notice thee is dressed in soldier's 
clothes.' 

" ' I am,' replied Hall, after consideration. ' I came 
to the conclusion it would be right for me to fight for 
my country.' 

" John then replied, — 

"'If thee thinks it is right, it may then be thy 
duty. I hope God will be with thee. I bid thee 
good-by.' 

"They then separated, and did not meet again 
until the war was ended. 

" Soon after he went to the army he was made 
a colonel in the West Jersey militia. It was the prac- 
tice in those days among some of the tanners, when 
they had a quantity of leather on hand, to take a load 
down among the inhabitants of the sea-shore, and 
trade it for raw-hides. Samuel Austin told of one of 
his adventures during the war. He left his home in 
Mannington with a load of leather, which he had fre- 
quently done before, and proceeded to Egg Harbor 
with it. There were at that time several vessels be- 



longing to England anchored in the bay, one of them 
having a quantity of boxes of tea aboard. The offi- 
cer told him he would exchange a few boxes of tea 
for leather. The love of great gain which is predomi- 
nant in the human family made him yield to the temp- 
tation. Thinking he could evade the authorities, he 
covered up the tea with some hides he purchased, and 
started for home. Inadvertently he came by the way 
of Bridgeton, where the American army was quar- 
tered, and was soon stopped by some of the soldiers 
to search his load. He declared his innocence, but 
they told him their orders were to search all wagons 
that came from the sea-shore, and began to throw off 
his hides. At this juncture Col. Hall came out of the 
tavern and saw Austin, and then told the men to put 
his load on again, and said, — 

" ' He is a neighbor of mine and a true patriot.' 

" He then called Austin in to take a drink with 
him before he proceeded on his journey. Samuel said 
it was the first and last time he ever undertook to 
traflSc in contraband goods, and he always felt grate- 
to Col. Hall, although he did it ignorantly, for his 
timely interference, as it prevented him from losing 
his team and load, arid likely his life." ^ 

Adjoining the Hall land on the east, Anthony 
Sharp, who lived near Bristol, England, purchased 
five thousand acres, about one thousand acres of 
which lay in Mannington, the balance in Pilesgrove. 

The almshouse of the county of Salem, and about 
two hundred and forty acres attached to the institu- 
tion, formerly belonged to the Sharp family. Near 
the almshouse is the Sharp family graveyard, in 
which John Fenwick was buried in 1683. In the 
southeast part of Sharp's allotment Anthony deeded 
one thousand acres to his nephews, Thomas and Isaac 
Sharp, most of which was located in Mannington. 

Edward Wade's land was located west of Hedge- 
field, and bounded by Fenwick Grove on the south- 
west. 

Thomas Mason married Prudence, the only child 
of Edward and Prudence Wade. After their death 
Thomas and Prudence Mason became the owners of 
much excellent land. They had several children. 
The oldest son was James Mason, who inherited a 
large portion of his parents' property. He married 
Ann, the daughter of Abel and Mary Nicholson, of 
Elsinboro. James Mason and wife had no issue. 
James left the largest portion of his landed estate to 
his nephew, James Mason Woodnutt. At present no 
part of the Mason or Woodnutt property belongs to 
the family. 

Fenwick's Grove, the favorite country-seat of John 
Fenwick, contained six thousand acres. It was a 
point of land that lay between Salem and Manning- 
ton Creeks. 

William Griscom and Rachel, daughter of John 
Denn, were married in 1773. For a time William 

1 History of Fonwick's Colony, p. 100 : Thomas Shourds. 



436 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



Griscom was a saddler at Hancock's Bridge, in Lower 
Alloways Creelc, but after a few years he purchased a 
farm in Mannington, and there he and his wife lived 
until their death. " Their oldest son, John Griscom," 
says Shourds, " commenced teaching school in early 
life, and subsequently married a young woman by the 
name of Haskins, and had several children. After 
her death, and in his old age, he married Rachel 
Denn, of Salem, daughter of John and Rhoda Deiin, 
who is still living. Many years of his life he taught 
school in the city of New York, and was considered 
one of the best scholars in that city. He was elected 
a Professor iu Chemistry. When he was past middle 
age he went to Europe, where his reputation as a 
scholar preceded him. On his arrival in England he 
was at once introduced among the literary people of 
that kingdom, also on the Continent, — France, Bel- 
gium, Germany, and the Netherlands. When he re- 
turned home he published an account of his travels, 
called his ' Tour in Europe,' which was much read at 
the time, and greatly admired for its easy and beautiful 
language. . . . Soon afterwards he traveled through 
most of the cities and towns of the Eastern and Middle 
States, lecturing on Joseph Lancaster's system of 
education in common schools. The plan was gener- 
ally adopted. He might be considered the father of 
that system in this country, as Joseph Lancaster was 
in England. His letters addressed to his mother 
during her last illness, while she was suffering with 
that loathsome disease, cancer, will always reflect 
great credit on his memory for the kind and sympa- 
thetic feeling they expressed to a kind and affectionate 
parent in her great affliction." 

Whitten Cripps was an early property - owner in 
Mannington. John Denn, who had been a hatter at 
Hancock's Bridge and Salem, bought the Cripps 
estate and removed there. His son John succeeded 
him as its owner. He died past eighty, having had a 
successful career. 

About two thousand acres of the Pledger and Le- 
fevre allotment of six thousand acres, now known as 
Quaker Neck, came into the possession of Benjamin 
Wyncoop, an Englishman, who is thought to have 
purchased it of the heirs of Hypolite Lefevre. A 
house built by one of the family at the beginning of 
the last century is still standing on the property now 
of George Griscom. At the time of the Revolution 
all the land between Stone Bridge and the Salem line, 
then called " the Neck," was covered with heavy tim- 
ber, and was long after referred to as " Wyncooji's 
Woods." Wyncoop sympathized with the British 
cause, and through fear that his property might be 
confiscated offered it for sale. 

Ebenezer Miller, Jr., purchased a farm of Wyn- 
coop. Richard Ware, of Alloways Creek, bought 
and lived to the close of his life on the Josiah Wistar 
farm. Mark Miller, his brother, bought the David 
E. Davis place. William Abbott, from Elsinboro, 
bought the farm and ended his days where Samuel 



Abbott, his grandson, now lives. Benjamin Wright 
bought the Joseph Waddington farm, and devised it 
to Benjamin Wright, his grandson. The Millers came 
from Cumberland County, and ILved on the farms 
purchased as above mentioned. Josiah Miller, the 
second son of Ebenezer, about 1774 purchased a 
large tract of land in Lower Mannington, the south- 
ern portion of James Sherron's one-thousand-acre 
allotment, which at his death was divided between 
his sons, Josiah and Richard. 

William, the son of Abel and Mary Nicholson, of 
Elsinboro, who was born in 1703, became the owner 
of five hundred acres of " Hedgefield," where he built 
a brick mansion which is still standing. Some old 
houses in Blannington have been referred to. The 
following on this subject is appended : 

" There are a number of ancient dwellings stand- 
ing in Mannington. About a mile from the city of 
Salem is a large brick house with a double roof, built 
by John Pledger, Jr., in 1727. In Upper Manning- 
ton, on the property which is now owned by James 
J. Pettit, is an ancient brick dwelling, built in 1722 
by Samuel Mason, son of Thomas Mason, who bought 
the property of Samuel Hedge (4th) in 1720, being a 
part of Hedgefield. Farther up the Mannington 
Creek there is another brick mansion, built by Wil- 
liam Nicholson, son of Abel Nicholson, about 1730. 
Near this ancient dwelling once stood the property 
of Samuel Hedge, and the place where the build- 
ing formerly stood is quite visible at the present day. 
It is a venerated spot, because there, in the autumn of 
1683, John Fenwick left this world of care and per- 
plexities. The property is now owned by Dr. Thomas 
and his wife, Joan Dickinson. Not far from the 
Nicholson house stands a large brick house on the 
southern part of Hedgefield, built by Samuel Smith, 
son of John Smith, of Smithfield, about 1718. The 
said house stands near the King's Highway, laid out 
from Salem to Burlington. Near the straight road 
from Mannington Hill to Woodstown, about five 
miles from Salem, stands a large brick dwelling, built 
by William Hall, Jr., in the year 1724. According to 
the record in the family Bible of the Halls, John 
Smith, of Amblebury, died in that house. Elizabeth, 
the wife of William Hall, Jr., was his great-grand- 
daughter. He was one hundred and six years old and 
a few days over at the time of his death, which event 
took place in the beginning of 1731. He was born in 
the county of Norfolk, England, 20th of Third Month, 
1623, and lived in his adopted country nearly fifty 
years." ' 

Prominent families in Mannington from 1800 to 
1830: Allen, Austin, Abbott, Anderson, Ale, Aplin, 
Armstrong, Bassett, Barber, Bilderback, Baker, Brick, 
Black, Bell, Bennett, Ballinger, Benner, Carpenter, 
Denn, Dickinson, EUet, Elliott, Emley, English, 
Friedland, Freas, Franklin, Fox, Githens, Hall, 

1 History of Fenwick'e Colony : Shonrds. 



TOWNSHIP OF MANNINGTON. 



437 



Haines, Harris, Hilliard, Hillman, Johnson, James, 
Jaquett, Kidd, Kean, Kigor, Lawrence, Murray, 
Morrison, Miller, Mitchell, Pettit, Peterson, Robin- 
son, Ridgway, Sheppard, Seagrave, Shreve, Stanley, 
Smith, Stephenson, Tylerj Thompson, Treadway, 
Townsend, Woodnutt, Wright, Welsh, Woodsides, 
Wood, Wister, Wyatt, Webber. 

Organization. — Mannington Precinct originally 
contained twenty-eight thousand acres. The town- 
ship was at first called East Fenwick, and received 
its present appellation, Anglicized from the Indian 
word " Maneto," at an unknown date. It was one of 
the constituent townships of the county. 

Civil List. — Below is as complete a civil list as the 
records of Mannington contain the data for, showing 
the result of the annual township elections from 1820 
to 1882, inclusive : 

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 

184&-49. Samnel Hall. 

1851-66, 1862-64. Edward Bilder- 
back. 

1851, 1856-57. Champion Atkin- 
son. 

1852-53, 1855-56, 1864-67. Edward 
H. Bassett. 

1854-55. Thomas B. Jones. 

1857-59, 1865, 1867. Aaron A. Fogg. 

1857, 1864-65. John Layton. 

1857. Joseph K. Cliew. 

1858-60, lS6a. S. Bacon Sheppard. 

18n9. Henry Richman. 

1859. David Pettit. 

1859-60, 1878-80. C. W. Acton. 

1860-64, 1873, 1879-81. Josiah 
VVistar. 

1860-63, 1871-73. Jonathan 
Grier. 
I 1861-62. John H. Morris. 

1863. William Wehber. 

1864-66. Richard Wislar. 

1865-66. Elisha Bassett. 

1866-69, 1880-81. Collins Allen. 

1867-70. William C. Sheppard. 

1867-70. Joiin R. Zerns. 

1868-70. Samuel P. Allen. 

1868. George C. Mulford. 

1870-74. Thompson Hinchmau. 

1871-79. George A. Peterson. 

1871-77. Samuel T. Lippincott. 

1871-72. David E. Davis. 

1874-75. A. M. P. V. H. Diokeson. 

1874-75. Benjamin Griscom. 

1875-76. Empson Atkinson. 

1876. Davi.l F. Grier. 

1876-78, 1882. John T. Bassett. 

1877-78. Aafon Lippincott. 

1S82. Robert J. SummeriU. 



1820-21. 1823. Maurice Hall. 
1820-26, 1831-32. Clayton Wistar. 
1820-22, 1824-26. Joseph Bassett. 

1820. Samuel Austin. 
1820, 1822. Nathan Wright. 
1821-23. William F. Miller. 

1821. Fnrman Mulford. 
1822-23,1834-41. Samuel Allen. 
1823-26. James Peterson. 
1824-29. Joseph Hancock. 
1824-26. Jedediah T. Allen. 
1827-30. Reuben Robinson. 
1827-30. Woodnut Pettit. 
1827-29. William Peterson. 
1827-31. James Newell. 
1830-36. George Hall. 

1830. Henrj- Kijier. 

1831. John Armstrong, 

1831. James Lippincott. 
1832-42, 1867. David Bassett. 

1832. Benjamin Tyler. 

1832. Chailes Bennett. 
1833-45. Casper Wistar. 

1833. Robert R. Sheppard. 
1833.' William Seagraves, Sr. 
1834-37, 1839-41. Robert P. Rob- 
inson. 

1837. Thomas Dunn. 

1838, 1846-49. Th-mas J. Casper. 

1838-41. Isaac B. Lawrence. 

1842-45. William Carpenter. 

1842-44. John Armstrong. 

1842-56, 1860-62. Samuel P. Car- 
penter. 

1843. Elisha Bassett. 

1844-56, 1869-70, 1877-78. Samuel 
Abbott. 

184o-.t4. J..hn Fowler. 

1846-47. Thomas Dickinson, Jr. 



B. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 



1820-21. John Denn. 
182U-22. Joseph Bassett. 
1822-24. William Hall. 
1823-24,1827-28,1830. LottHinch- 

man. 
1825-26. Jonathan Bilderback. 
1825-29. Joseph Hancock. 
1829-30. Josiah Miller. 
1831. James Newell. 
1831. James Peterson. 
1832-38. Woodnut Petit. 
1832-35. Joseph Bassett, Jr. 



1836-39. 
1839^4. 
1840-41. 
1842^3. 
1844-45. 
184.5-51. 
1846-47. 
1848-53. 
1852-56. 
1854-66. 
1856-57. 
1857-59. 



Dr. Charles Swing. 
James Robinson. 
Robert P. Robinson. 
David Stretch. 
Henry Webber. 
Samuel P. Carpenter. 
Thomas J. Casper. 
John Fowler. 
Richard Wistar. 
Thomas B. Jones. 
William Lawrence. 
William A. Baker. 



1858-60. John H. Morris. 
1S6II-61. Samuel P. Allen. 
1861-63. John T. Bassett. 
1862-64 Richard T. Fogg. 
1864-67. Barclay Griscom. 
1865-70. Casper W. Acton. 



1868-70. James J. Pettit. 
1872-73. David F. Grier. 
1874. Edward H. Bassett. 
1875-77. Collins Allen. 
1878-81. Richard Bassett. 
1882. Henry B. Richman. 



1820. Samuel Austin. 

1821-23. Morris Hall. 

1824-:M, 1845-49. John Armstrong. 

1835-37. Thomiis J. Casper. 

1838-42, 1850-52. Samuel Hall. 

1843-44. Thomas Dickinson, Jr. 

1855. .lohn W. Wright. 



ASSESSORS. 

1853-54, 



1865-' 



1856, 
B. Grier. 
1857. John S. Armstrong. 
1858-62, 1873. James J. Pettit. 
186:!-64. Edward Hall. 
1874-76. James H. White. 
1877-82. David F. Grier. 



COLLECTORS. 



1820-21. William J. Shinn. 
1822-31. David Bassett. 
1832-34. Jonathan Freedland. 
1835-:16. Woodnutt Pettit. 
1837-40. Robert Newell. 
1841-54, 1856. Joseph R. Chew. 



1820-21. William Shourds. 
1822-26. Jedediah T. Allen. 
1827-37. Samuel Hall. 
1838-40. James M. Woodnutt. 
1841-47. Samuel P. Carpenter. 
1848-51, 1853. Joseph C. Sheppard. 



1855. John Layton. 
1857-58. Peter Smith. 
1859,1861-62, William SummeriU. 
186:)-65. William Srratton. 
1866-73. Benjamin Bowen. 
1874-82. Woodnutt Pettit. 

CLERKS. 

1854-62. William C. Sheppard. 
1863. Joseph B. Wistar. 
1864-70. Woodnutt Pettit. 
1872-75. Clarkson Pettit. 
1876-82. Bbenezer S. Mulford. 



1820-22, 1824. John Armstrong. 

1820. Joseph Nichols. 

1821. Job Shreve. 

1822. Artis Seagraves. 

1823. William Taylor. 

1823. Samuel Jones. 

1824. David Smith. 

1825. Josiah Miller. 

1825. Joseph Hancock. 

1826. Elisha Bassett. 

1826. Jacob Stanger. 

1827. James Peterson. 
1827. Jedediah T. Allen. 
1828-29. Samuel Seagraves. 
1828-29. James Stanger. 
1830-32, 1834-37, 1839-41. 

Stanger. 
1830-37. Thomas J. Casper. 
1833. James Bright. 

1838. Robert Newell. 

1839. Charles Benner. 
1842,1847^8. David F. Stanger. 



CONSTABLES. 

I 1843-46. Joseph Benner. 
i 1843-50, 1875, 1877, 1879. John 
Noble. 
1849. Thomas Fonsbury. 
1851, 1858. Charles B. Robinson. 
1852-53. Noah Robinson. 

1854. John Casper. 

1855. John W. Wright. 

1856. Nathaniel C. Stanger. 
1859-62. Joshua W. Wible. 
1860-68. William Stratton. 
1863. Maurice B. Elton. 
1863. Benjamin Stratton. 
1863. Samuel Rogers. 
1869, 1877-78. Thomas Lippincott. 

David I 1870-73. Edward Hall. 

[ 1872-74, 1876. Joseph H. Webber. 
1876. Benjamin Bowen. 
1878-80. David P. Elwell. 
1880-81. Thomas R. Johnson. 

1881. William Fox. 

1882. Josiah Miller. 



COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL. 



1820. Maurice Hall. 
1820. Joseph Bassett. 

1820. Jedediah T. Allen. 
1821^1. Elisha Bassett. 
1821-25. Casper Wistar. 

1821. William Hall. 

1822. Joseph Hancock. 
1823-33. Josiah Miller. 
1826-45. James R.ibinson. 
1834-39. Clayton Wistar. 
1840-41. Isaac B. Lawrence. 
1842-46, 1860. William A. Baker. 
1 842-.'>4. Joseph Bassett, Jr. 
1846-53. Joseph C. Sheppard. 
1847, 1849-54. Joseph R. Chew. 
1854-56,1874-78. Wm. C. Sheppard. 
1855-57. Joseph Lippincott. 
1855-57. John Layton. 

18.57-58. Peter Smith. 
1867. David Bassett. 
1858-59, 1860-64. J. B. Grier. 



1858-59,1876-79. Casper W. Acton. 
1859-62, 1865. William SummeriU. 
1863-66. William Stratton. 
1864. Thomas H. Wright. 
1866-66. David Pettit. 
1867. Aaron Lippincott. 
1867-70. Benjamin Bowen. 
1868, 1877-78. Josiah Wistar. 
1868-69. Samuel P. Carpenter. 
1869-70. Thomas P. Bond. 
1870-74. Wyatt W. Miller. 
1872-73. Joshua Thompson. 
1872-74. Thomas B. Jones. 
1875-76. Barclay Griscom. 
1875. Joseph R. Hackett. 
1879. Josiah Wistar. 
1879-81. John T. Bassett. 
1880-82. William H. Acton. 
1880-82. Samuel T. Lippincott. 
1882. Walter D. Griscom. 



438 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



SURVEYORS 
1820. Thomas Lippincott. 
1S20-22, 1836-36. George Hall. 
1821-23. Isaac McAllister. 
1823-24. Joseph Hancock. 
1824, 1833-34. Caspar Wistar. 
1825-28, 1832. Josiah Miller. 
1825-34. John Armstrong. 
1829-31. Woodnutt Peltit. 
1835-37. Charles Bennett. 
1837-38. Thomas Dunn. 
1838-39. Joseph Bassett, Jr. 
1839-41. Asher Buzby. 
1840-41. Elisha Bassett. 
1842-45. Caleb Lippincott. 
1842-45. William Carpenter. 
1843. William A. Baker. 
1846-51. Richard Wistar. 



OF HIGHWAYS. 

1846-47. David Vanneman. 
1848-50, 1852. Samuel Hall. 
1852-56. Samuel Abbott. 
1853-56, 1860-62, E, H. Bassett. 
1857. Charles Benner. 
1857-59. Joshua Thompson. 
1858-62. William C. Sheppard. 
1863. James J. Pettit. 
1863. Samuel P. Alleu. 
1864-67. Richard Bond. 
1864-72. Morris R. El well. 
1868-73, 1876-82. T. H. Wright. 
1873-74. Woodnutt Pettit. 
1874. David S. Kiger. 
187.5-80. Thompson Hinchman. 
1881-82. Robert J. Summerill. 



JUDGES OF 
1820-24. William Hall. j 

1821-23,1825-27. Furman Mulford. ; 
1828- 9. Joseph Hancock. ! 

1830-31. Henry Freaa. 
1832-36. George Hall. 
1837^0. John Armstrong. 
1841-13. David Bassett. 
1842. Thomas Dickinson, Jr. 
1844-49. Asher Buzby. 
1860-51. Richard Wistar. i 



ELECTION. 

1852-66. Samuel P. Carpenter. 
1867-61, 1863-66. John H. ZornS. 
1869-70, James J, Pettit. 

1873, Jonathan B Grier, 

1874. Edward H Bassett. 
1874-77. Wyatt W. Miller. 
1876. David F. Grier. 
1S78-79. Jonathan B. Grier, Jr. 
1880. Robert J. Summerill. 
1881-82. Joshua Thompson. 





SCHOOL COMMITTEEMEN. 


1830-31, 


James Newell, 


1838. Robert Newell. 


1830-37. 


William F.Miller. 


1838-45. Samuel Hall. 


1830-32. 


.Tonathau Bilderhack, 


1839^4. Thomas Dickinson, Jr 


1831-37. 


Woodnutt Pettit. 


1839-43. Samuel P. Carpenter. 


1831-33 


Charles Bennett. 


1842-47. Samuel Abbott. 


1832. H 


3nry Freas. 


1842-44. David Allen. 


1833-37. 


Clayton Wistar. 


1844. Samuel Prior. 


1833-37. 


Nathan Wright. 


1845-47. Joseph Bassett, Jr. 


1833-38, 


Dr, Charles Swing. 


1846-47. Harrison Wright. 



TOWN SUPERINTENDENTS. 
1848. David Allen. : 1857. Thomas Sparks. 

1849-60, 1853-64. S. P. Carpenter. | 1858-59. David Pettit. 
1861-.52. Edward Allen. j 1860-64. Joseph R. Hackett. 

1855-66. John J. Bassett. I 1866-67. George 0. Mulford. 

Industrial. — The leading industry of Mannington 
is agriculture. Much of the soil is of excellent 
quality, well adapted for raising all kinds of cereals. 
English grapes have been cultivated somewhat ex- 
tensively. The land in Mannington is said to yield 
larger crops to the acre than are grown generally in 
any other township in Salem County. The nearness 
of Salem affords a ready market. 

Formerly the manufacture of liquors from apple- 
cider was a prominent interest, and it is said there 
were seven or eight distilleries in operation at once. 
Among the distillers were William Anderson, Samuel 
Hall, William A. Baker, and others. The only such 
enterprise at this time is that of Elton Eogers, near 
Halltown. Some of the other distilleries referred to 
were located in the same vicinity. 

A windmill was erected in this township before 
the Revolution. It stood on the hill at what is now 
known as " Claysville," and did all the work of man- 
ufacturing flour, feed, etc., for ten miles around. 
This building was taken down in 1826. 

The first water-power grist-mill in the county was 



erected at Mill Hollow, on one of the branches of 
Pledger's Creek, by William Forest, in 1692. It was 
abandoned more than a hundred years ago. 

Thomas Mason built a grist-mill, supplied with 
power by a branch of Pledger's Creek, which did a 
good business during his life, and was kept in repair 
and operated by his son, James Mason, until the 
death of the latter, who left it to his wife's niece, 
Ann Nicholson. This lady married Hill Smith, of 
Elsinboro, who kept the mill in running order during 
his life. The head of Pledger's Creek filled up so 
rapidly that the water-power was destroyed and the 
mill abandoned about sixty years ago. Situated in a 
grain-producing section, it had long enjoyed a good 
patronage. 

Fertilizers.^A new enterprise for Salem County 
is the manufacture of phosphate, an industry of this 
character now being in progress in Quaker Neck, 
under the management of Joseph Waddington & Son. 
A building for the purpose has recently been erected 
on Mr. Waddington's farm, and the necessary ma- 
chinery put in for the manufacture of what is known 
as "Smith's Phosphate." 

An important trade has been long had in marl, 
with which the northern portion of Mannington 
abounds. It was discovered in 1836 by Joseph Bas- 
sett, who began to dig and sell it to the farmers 
around about. His trade kept pace with the increase 
in confidence with which the marl was regarded by 
those who used it, gradually growing to important 
proportions, and the marl-pits, now the property of 
Mr. Bassett's heirs, constitute one of the most valua- 
ble business interests in this section. Another marl- 
bed is located on the Richard Hiles property, and is 
owned by William Slape. 

A limekiln, now the property of Clarkson Lippin- 
cott, has been some years in operation on Fenwick's 
Creek, near the bridge connecting Mannington with 
Salem. Here is also a landing and a coal-wharf be- 
longing to Dunn & Zerns. Henry B. Richman has 
a second limekiln and landing, established a few years 
ago on Salem Creek, and known as Webber's Hill 
landing. Two steam-barges stop there daily during 
the season of navigation. 

Mannington has long been noted for its fruit, 
which grows luxuriantly, and for the fine varieties of 
bearing and ornamental trees cultivated there. Sam- 
uel Reeves had an early nursery near Mannington 
Hill, from Which fifteen thousand peach-trees were 
sold in one season as long ago as 1832. The cele- 
brated " Centreton Nurseries" of Mr. Clark Pettit 
were established by David Pettit in 1837, and by him 
owned and cultivated successfully most of the time 
until 1867. Frank Pettit became the proprietor 
about ten years ago, and soon sold them to the 
present owner. These nurseries are very extensive 
and of wide-spread reputation, and Mr. Pettit is also 
well known as a breeder of " Jersey Red" hogs and 
fancy poultry, which he ships to all sections of the 



TOWNSHIP OF MANNINGTON. 



439 



United States and Canada. H. T. Shoemaker, of 
this townsliip, is also a prominent nurseryman, his 
business being of recent establishment. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Maimington Hill,— The principal village in Man- 
nington in point of historic interest is Mannington 
Hill, which is situated on a slight elevation near the 
centre of the township. It contains within its some- 
what uncertain boundaries a goodly settlement, com- 
prising among its inhabitants many persons of thrift 
and enterprise. 

The most prominent and interesting feature in the 
history of the village is an episode which occurred 
during the Revolutionary war, and which is thus re- 
lated in the "Historical Collections" of Messrs, Bar- 
ber and Howe: 

"During the American Revolution, a small party 
of the enemy, at night, broke into a house occupied 
by a Mr. Ambler, in this village. The family con- 
sisted of the old gentleman and wife and two daugh- 
ters. The party, on entering, commanded them to 
keep perfectly quiet, and not to lift their hands from 
under the bed-clothes on pain of being murdered. 
After rifling the rooms of the valuables and such 
articles as they could conveniently carry, they de- 
camped." 

This house was rebuilt, and was afterwards long 
Joseph Sheppard's residence. 

Vessels early landed at Mannington Hill, and there 
was a store-house, probably two hundred years ago, 
on the farm now owned by the heirs of David Pettit. 

On the James J. Pettit farm the Bines sisters, four 
maiden ladies, kept a store for many years, as is sup- 
posed, until 1826. They are said to have dealt in a 
great variety of merchandise, including about every- 
thing demanded by the people of those days, and to 
have dispensed whiskey wholesale and retail in such 
quantities as paid them right royally. Later mer- 
chants at "the hill" were Joseph Nicholson, John 
Lawrence, and Mrs. David Bassett. 

From time immemorial Mannington Hill has been 
the scene of the labors of the blacksmith and the 
wheelwright. Among local blacksmiths during the 
past sixty years may be mentioned Jacob Freas, 
Ebenezer Lott, David S. English, Furman Wood- 
sides, Richard Robinson, Joseph K. Chew, and the 
Foxes, Mark, Minor, and Elwood, the latter being 
the present blacksmith. Enoch Allen, Isaac Wood, 
David Peterson, Howell Hoffman, Samuel Barnet, 
George Sheppard, and George Fox, the latter now 
carrying on business, are mentioned as among the 
most prominent wheelwrights during a like period. 

Up to twenty years ago several shoemakers succes- 
sively located at Mannington Hill, remaining for a 
greater or less time respectively. The last of these 
was Samuel Snellbaker. His predecessor was Jacob 
Curlin. 

There was long ago a tavern where Elwood Fox 



now lives. It closed its doors upon the public in 
1824. 

WelehvUle, — This is a hamlet southwest of Man- 
nington Hill, on the road to Claysville, containing a 
store, a blacksmith-shop, and a wheelwright-shop, a 
few dwellings, and a building known as "the town 
hall." 

Welohville was named in honor of Morris Welch, 
who opened a store there about 1846. Six years later 
he was succeeded by Wood Van Meter, who died about 
1854, and whose widow sold the store to Richard Du- 
bois, who was succeeded, in 1880, by Benjamin Bowen, 
who sold out to J. Harvey Robinson in 1881. 

The building occupied by the wheelwright- and 
blacksmith-shops was erected by Joseph C. Sheppard 
in 1848. About 1849 he sold the wheelwright-shop 
to Samuel Barnett, and the blacksmith-shop to 
Charles Seagrave. Both shops had other occupants 
later, and about twenty-five years ago were purchased 
of John Armstrong, the then occupant, by William 
Fox, the present owner. 

Halltown, — This is an old hamlet, in the north 
part of the township, and it was the locality of the 
residence of the Hall family, of Mannington, a well- 
remembered representative of which was John Hall. 
It was formerly known as " Hall's Corners." 

One of the early residents there was a Dr. Dixon, 
who built a house, which is still standing, at a date 
too remote to be named by the best-informed inhab- 
itants. The school-house lot is a part of the prop- 
erty once owned by him. 

A store was built there in 1840 by Jeremiah Fox, 
who kept it until 1843. He was succeeded by Thomas 
J. Casper, Holmes Wright, Samuel Benner, John 
Casper, Lynn & Patterson, and John Layton, who 
became proprietor in March, 1856, and not long 
thereafter the building was burned. Mr. Layton re- 
built the store, and kept it until his death. Dayton 
Riley then purchased the property and for a time 
kept the store, but it soon passed into the possession 
of Samuel P. and Collins Allen, who were his backers 
in what proved to him an unsuccessful enterprise. 
William and Furman Mattson later kept the store. 
The present proprietor is William Payton. 

In 1840, Thomas Fousburg built and opened a 
wheelwright-shop. Thomas Wright removed to Hall- 
town in 1851, and in 1853 built a wheelwright-shop, 
and in 1855 bought the Fousburg property, leasing a 
blacksmith-shop belonging to the "store property," 
then owned by Thomas J. Casper, which he occupied 
until 1875, when he erected his present shop. From 
1875 to 1878 John Ballinger and William Wilson 
successively occupied the blacksmith-shop vacated 
by Mr. Wright. 

Marlboro,— Marlboro is a hamlet largely popu- 
lated by colored people, which grew up near the marl- 
pits in the northwest part of the township as the 
result of the trade there established in marl, as else- 
where stated. Thomas Marshall, a colored man. 



440 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



opened a small store there in 1839, and upon his 
death was succeeded by one Scott, also colored. 
Samuel J. Moore, a colored man, succeeded Scott, 
and continued business there until 1880. 

Benjamin Abbott became proprietor of this stand 
in 1880, and sold out to Edward Kiger in 1881. A 
post-office was established in 1880, with Abbott in 
charge. Edward Kiger is the present postmaster. 
Another store was established by Thomas F. Lippin- 
cott in 1878. 

Marlboro is scattered over considerable territory, 
and contains two colored Methodist Episcopal 
Churches, the two stores referred to, and several 
dwellings, most of them small and all of them un- 
pretentious. This place was formerly known as 
Marshallville, in honor of Thomas Marshall. 

Claysville. — Claysville is an unimportant hamlet, 
across Fenwick Creek from Salem, and until 1882 de- 
rived some distinction from the fact of its being the 
terminus of the Salem Railroad, recently extended 
into the city. 

It is inhabited chiefly by colored people, though 
several respectable white families also reside and own 
property there. 

It contains three stores, a blacksmith-shop, a wheel- 
wright-shop, a school-house, a Methodist Church (col- 
ored), and about twenty-five dwellings. 

One store was opened, about 1852, by Lizzie Nickens 
(colored), who still keeps it. The store of John Noble 
was opened by the present proprietor about 1 856. The 
building which has been occupied since 1870 by Daniel 
Burton (colored) as a store was built about that time 
by Burton & Reynolds (colored), with a view to open- 
ing it as a hotel ; but failing to obtain a license, Rey- 
nolds withdrew from the enterprise and Burton estab- 
lished the store he has since kept. 

The blacksmith-shop was established by Furman 
Woodsides about 1832. Richard Ernest took pos- 
session in the spring of 1882. The wheelwright-shop 
was opened many years ago by Joseph R. Chew, and 
has been occupied by Joseph Harrison since tbe 
spring of 1882. 

Acton Station. — By this name is known a flag- 
station on the Salem Railroad, in the southern part 
of this township, whence much milk is shipped by 
farmers to Camden and Philadelphia. 

Public Schools. — The earliest schools in this town- 
ship were established at Mannington Hill and at Hall- 
town. They and some of those established later in 
other neighborhoods were " pay-schools," organized 
on the basis of a stated tuition per scholar, payable 
by ])arents to teachers. 

Under the public school laws of New Jersey, Man- 
nington is divided into nine school districts, known 
and numbered thus : Claysville, No. 15 ; Wyncoop, 
No. 16; Red School, No. 17; Haines' Neck, No. 18; 
Halltown, No. 19; Concord, No. 20; Centreton, No. 
21; Swedes' Bridge, No. 22; Mount Zion, No. 23. 
The number of children of the school age in the 



township is six hundred and eighty-one, and four 
male and seven female teachers are usually employed. 
A Well-Remembered Murder. — A most diaboli- 
cal and brutal murder was perpetrated near Halltown, 
in this township, on Nov. 11, 1852. A woman named 
Mary Treadway, about thirty-two years of age, was 
the victim, and upon circumstantial evidence of a 
strong character, her husband, Samuel Treadway, 
was charged with the murder. She had been living 
about two months previous to her death in the family 
of Edward Bilderback as a servant, having separated 
from her husband, owing to his bad temper and vio- 
lent treatment. He had been convicted and sen- 
tenced to a short term of imprisonment, some time 
previous to the murder, on the charge of assault and 
battery and threatening the life of his wife. His 
sentence expired about two weeks previous to the 
murder. On the evening of the day mentioned, she 
was standing at a kitchen window at Mr. Bilder- 
back's, washing dishes, when a shot was fired from 
without, which took effect principally in her left 
breast. She immediately exclaimed, "Oh, I am 
shot!" and staggered through the sitting-room into 
the parlor, where she died in about twenty minutes. 

A coroner's jury was summoned, and a post-mortem 
examination was made. Forty-four large shot were 
found in and on the body, one of which had penetrated 
the right ventricle of the heart, and was the imme- 
diate cause of death, although sufficient other inju- 
ries were made to have produced that result. The 
deceased was enceinte at the time of death. The jury 
rendered their verdict that the deceased came to her 
death by gunshot-wounds, believed to have been in- 
flicted by her husband, Samuel Treadway. 

In the mean time the husband was arrested and 
lodged in prison. He was fully committed for trial, 
and was tried in December following, condemned, and 
sentenced Jan. 1, 1853, to be hanged March 1st ensu- 
ing. He made a confession of his crime January 11th, 

; which was published soon afterwards, and he was 
hanged as sentenced, after making a statement of the 
circumstances which led him to the commission of the 
crime. 

A Mastodon Unearthed.— In August, 1869, while 
Mr. Joseph R. Hackett was digging marl near Swedes' 
Bridge, in Mannington township, on what was for- 
merly the Lewis Bradway farm, he unearthed part of 

; the skeleton of a mastodon, the head alone of which 
weighed over four hundred pounds, and measured 
across two feet ten inches, and in length six feet. The 
other parts found were in proportion. The following 

' fall Mr. Hackett exhibited the remains at several agri- 

! cultural fairs, and subsequently sold them to the State 

! of New Jersey. 

i Burial-Places. — Mannington enjoys one distinction 
which must long make it a point of great interest in 
West Jersey, and especially to all thoughtful residents 
within the borders of Fenwick's colony : it contains 
the last earthly resting-place of the great Proprietor. 







CASPAK WISTAK. 



TOWNSHIP OF MANNINGTON. 



441 



John Fenwickdied athis son-in-law, Samuel Hedge's, 
in Upper Mannington, late in 1683, and at his own 
request his body was interred in the Sharp family 
burying-ground, now included in the Elmer Reeve 
farm, near the county almshouse. The grave is un- 
marked by any monument, and is knownto but few 
persons. 

Early interments were made here and there on 
farms. Many interments, especially among Friends, 
are made at Salem. There are small burying-grounds 
in Haines' Neck and at Marlboro, in the yards of the 
colored churches, and at the almshouse is a lot where 
paupers are buried. There is no cemetery of note or 
importance as such in the township. 

Religious. — Mannington depends on Salem and 
other points outside of its limits almost entirely for 
church privileges, there being no place of worship in 
the township belonging to white residents. This 
township was the first point of settlement in the 
county for free negroes, and in the early days almost 
every farmer had black servants or slaves. The col- 
ored race in Mannington has been as prolific as it is 
found to be elsewhere, and at this time it is not an in- 
significant portion of the population, numerically. In 
different sections several colored churches have grown 
up, and have been sustained through varying fortunes. 
The members belong to different sects of colored 
Methodists. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CASPAR WISTAR. 

Among the early emigrants to the province of 
Pennsylvania was Caspar Wistar, the ancestor of the 
present Wistar family. He was born in the Elector- 
ate of Heidelberg, Germany, in the year 1696, and 
arrived in Philadelphia in 1717, where he married 
Katharine Johnson, of Germantown, in 1726. He 
carried on the business of button-maker, and some 
specimens of his handiwork are still preserved by his 
descendants. His surplus profits were judiciously in- 
vested in real estate, on what is now North Broad 
Street, Ridge Avenue, etc., Philadelphia, which with 
the extension of the city rapidly increased in value. 
Some of these lots still remain in possession of the 
family. 

Their son Richard, who was the oldest of seven 
children, was born 1727, and married Sarah, daughter 
of Bartholomew Wyatt, a resident of Mannington 
township, Salem Co., N. J., in 1751. Richard resided 
in Philadelphia, but purchased numerous tracts of 
land in the township of Upper Alloways Creek, 
Salem Co., amounting in all to between two thousand 
and three thousand acres. Some of these old deeds 
are quite curious, being, in most cases, accompanied 
with a regularly-executed lease for the tract pur- 
chased, dated one day previous to the deed. He es- 
tablished a glass-factory about one and a half miles 



above the present village of Allowaystown, which 
was one of the first, if not (he first ia the country, 
and was successfully carried on for many years, 
having an abundance of timber and excellent sand 
in the immediate neighborhood. 

The children of Richard and Sarah Wyatt Wistar 
were Caspar, Bartholomew, Richard, John, Caspar (a 
second son), who became a very eminent physician in 
the city of Philadelphia; Thomas, Elizabeth, and 
Catharine. John, who was born in 1759, married 
Charlotte, daughter of Cleayton and Mary Newbold, 
of Mansfield, Burlington Co., N. J., and settled on 
the farm in Mannington township recently owned 
by the late Thomas S. Bacon, and which was a por- 
tion of a large tract owned by his grandfather, Bar- 
tholomew Wyatt. He was a man of scerling integrity 
and uprightness of character, and very useful in his 
neighborhood. He had eight children who lived to 
maturity and married, — Mary, who married Isaac 
Davis, of Philadelphia ; Bartholomew, whose wife 
was Susan Lawrie, and who resided in Philadelphia, 
where he became a successful merchant; Cleayton, 
whose first wife was Mary Stevenson, and who after- 
ward married Martha Reeve; Caspar, our subject, 
who married Rebecca Bassett; Hannah, who married 
Dr. Theophilus E. Beesley, who afterward removed 
to Philadelphia; Charlotte, who married Jonathan 
Freedland ; Catherine, who married Thomas Evans, 
of Philadelphia; and John, whose wife was Margaret 
Newbold. 

Several of the children of Caspar and Rebecca 
Wistar died young, five of them living to maturity, 
viz. : Sarah, who married Samuel Abbott, and now 
living in Salem, N. J. ; Mary, who married Caspar 
W. Thompson, of Salem, N. J.; Katharine, who is 
the wife of Job Bacon, of Greenwich, Cumberland 
Co., N. J. ; Caspar, who married M. Emma, daughter 
of Aaron A. Fogg, and who now resides in Philadel- 
phia; and Joseph B., who married Annie, daughter 
of James Brown, formerly a resident of Salem. 

Caspar Wistar was born in Mannington township, 
on the farm now occupied by George Acton, on Feb. 
4, 1795. He received an ordinary English education, 
and after the death of his father succeeded him on 
the old Wyatt homestead. About 1825 he built the 
house now occupied by Andrew Griscom, where he 
resided until his removal to the city of Salem in 1861, 
successfully pursuing the business of a farmer, his 
place being a pattern of neatness and comfort. He 
was a man of decided convictions, a warm and sym- 
pathetic friend, exerting a strong influence in the 
locality in which he passed a long, useful, and exem- 
plary life ; plain in his habits and tastes, and an 
earnest and consistent member of the Orthodox 
branch of the Society of Friends. 

The remainder of his days were spent in Salem in 
peaceful retirement, dying in the fullness of years, 
and amid the general regrets of his friends, Jan. 31, 
1872. His widow is still living in 1883. 



442 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



SAMUEL ABBOTT. 

George Abbott, with his two brothers aod sister 
Mary, emigrated from England to New England, and 
after a short sojourn there, with his wife Mary and 
sister Mary, took up a residence in the township of 
Elsinboro, Salem Co., N. J., in the year 1690. In the 
year 1696 he purchased of Joseph Nicholson one 
hundred and thirty-six acres of land, lying on the 
north side of Monmouth River, now known as Alloways 
Creek, it being the lowest farm situate on the north 
side, to which were added various piec&s and parcels 
of land in succeeding years. In 1704 he erected a 
brick house, and in 1724 an addition also of brick. 
This house is still standing in good repair. It re- 
mained in the Abbott family to the fifth generation, 
a period of one hundred and fifty years. 

The children of George and Mary Abbott were 
Benjamin, Hannah, George, Sarah, Rebecca, Samuel, 
and Mary. The will of George Abbott, which was 
admitted to probate in 1729, devised his real estate to 
his son, Samuel Abbott, and divides his personal 
property between his two daughters, Hannah and 
■Rebecca Abbott, the other children having died be- 
fore their father. Mary, his widow, survived him 
eighteen years, and died in 1747. Rebecca married 
into the Howell family of Gloucester County. Han- 
nah died before her mother. 

Mary Abbott, sister of George, the emigrant, mar- 
ried William Tyler, Jr., whose father emigrated from 
England in 1685, and had a family of six children. 
Samuel Abbott, sixth child of George, the emigrant, 
born 1712, and the only male descendant, married in 
1733, Hannah Foster, born Oct. 21, 1715, daughter of 
Josiah and Amy Foster, of Burlington County, N. J., 
and had three children, — George, William, and Re- 
becca. He died Nov. 25, 1760. He was a minister 
in the Society of Friends, whose exemplary and 
Christian life gained him a good report among men. 
Hannah, his widows, married Samuel Nicholson, of 
Elsinboro, and died in 1793. William Abbott, second 
child of Samuel Abbott, born April 4, 1737, married 
Rebecca, daughter of William and Elizabeth Tyler, 
of Salem County, N. J., and had three children, — 
Samuel, George, and Josiah. 

William, their father, after an active life as a farmer, 
died in January, 1800, aged sixty-three years. Re- 
becca, widow of William Abbott, died July 28, 1806, 
aged sixty-four years. 

Samuel Abbott (2d), eldest son of William and Re- 
becca Abbott, born Nov. 27, 1763, married Marcia 
Gill, daughter of John and Amy Gill, of Haddoufield, 
N. J., and had four children, — William, Rebecca, 
Hannah, and Sarah. His wife died Jan. 2, 1798. On 
Jan. 10, 1809, he married his second wife, Martha, 
daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann Ogden, of Pitts- 
grove township, Salem Co. Of this union were born 
five children, — ^Mary Ann, Lydia, Samuel (3d), 
George, and Martha, who became the wife of Samuel 
S. Willetts, of Haddonfield, N. J. Samuel Abbott 



(2d) was a successful business man, a consistent mem- 
ber of the Society of Friends, identifying himself 
firmly with its interests. He died April 14, 1835, 
aged seventy-two years. His widow died May 4, 
1848. Samuel Abbott (3d), whose portrait appears 
in this work, was born on the 14th of March, 1815. 
He was brought up on the home farm, obtaining 
much of his education at the Salem Academy, and 
afterwards at Westtown Boarding-School, Chester 
County, Pa. ; also at a school taught by John Bul- 
lock at Wilmington, Del. After the death of his 
father, in 1835, he assumed the responsibilities of the 
business of the farm, and for a period of near fifty 
years made agriculture the main business of his life. 
In May, 1879, he removed to Salem, N. J., and re- 
tired from business. When the construction of the 
Salem Railroad, to connect with the West Jersey, 
was agitated in 1857, he took an interest in its accom- 
plishment, and upon the organization of the company 
I was elected a director, and in 1881, after the death of 
' Benjamin Acton, was chosen president. He married, 
May 6, 1846, Sarah, eldest daughter of Caspar and 
Rebecca Wistar, and has four children, viz. : Mary 
Ann, wife of Josiah Wistar ; Samuel, who is now re- 
siding in Florida; Rebecca W., wife of Charles W. 
Warrington, of Philadelphia; and Katharine W. 
Abbott. 



CHAPTER LXX. 

TOWNSHIP OF OLDMAN'S.i 

Situation and Boundaries. — Oldman's is the most 
northerly township in Salem County, and the latest 
organized. It is bounded north and northeast by 
Woolwich (Gloucester County), east by Pilesgrove, 
south by Upper Penn's Neck, and west by the Dela- 
ware River. 

Descriptive and Statistical.— Oldman's contains 
eleven thousand seven hundred and eighty-two acres. 
The surface is level. The soil is a dry sandy loam, 
which yields good results if properly cultivated. The 
principal products are rye and Indian corn, though 
all the cereals grow profusely, and fruits and vegeta- 
bles abundantly. There is very little unimproved 
laud, and none not susceptible to redemption. 

The statistics of property valuation, indebtedness, 
and taxation, as returned by the assessor in 1881, are 
here presented : Valuation of real estate, $584,755 ; 
valuation of personal property, $354,200 ; total debt, 
$248,410 ; number of voters, 375 ; amount of poll-tax, 
$339 ; school tax, $1746 ; county tax, $1657. 

Near Pedricktown, in this township, is a valuable 
j bed of shell-marl, which has yielded large quantities 
j of that excellent fertilizer. It has been employed ad- 
vantageously in neighboring townships, having been 

> By M. 0. Eolfe. 



TOWNSHIP OF OLDMAN'S. 



443 



found most beneficial to light and sandy soil, in the 
culture of grass and grain, when applied in quanti- 
ties of about ten two-horse wagon-loads to the acre. 
In opening the pits, a bed of oyster and other shells 
at irregular distances from the surface (varying from 
three to twenty feet) presented itself, measuring about 
three feet in thickness. Beneath it is a considerable 
mass, composed of black earth and shells, known as 
gunpowder marl, which is not in as high repute as the 
stratum before alluded to, which when exposed to the 
air disintegrates rapidly, and is considered in its pul- 
verized form nearly equal to guano for the purposes 
of artificial fertilization. 

The Delaware River washes the township on the 
west, receiving several tributaries which rise in the 
central part. Oldman's Creek flows along the north- 
eastern, northern, and northwestern borders, from the 
eastern extremity of the township to the point where 
the stream is lost in the Delaware. Ash Creek is a 
tributary in the northern part, which has its source 
in some small streams rising north and west of Ped- 
ricktown. 

The Delaware Shore Railroad crosses Oldman's 
southwesterly, terminating at Penn's Grove, in Upper 
Penn's Neck, and the various portions of the town- 
ship are connected with each other and points be- 
yond by a convenient number of good wagon-roads. 

Settlement.' — That portion of Oldman's lying con- 
tiguous to the boundary between it and Upper Penn's 
Neck was early settled by the Swedes. Those por- 
tions bordering the Delaware River and Oldman's 
Creek, and extending inland, were purchased by 
early English landholders and emigrants. 
■ John Haddon, a Friend, resident in England, 
bought four thousand acres of John Fenwick, ex- 
tending from Salem Creek to Oldman's Creek, and 
lying partially within the present township limits, 
bordering on Pilesgrove. 

Haddon never came to America, but empowered 
John Estaugh, who married Elizabeth Haddon, to 
have this property resurveyed in 1733. Estaugh sold 
fourteen hundred and fifty acres to Harman Richman 
about that time, and the balance of the tract was dis- 
posed of a short time afterwards, and the whole was 
subsequently transferred to difierent later comers, 
from whom it has passed to present owners. 

Roger Pedrick, the progenitor of the numerous 
Pedrick family of Oldman's and other portions of 
Salem County and New Jersey, came from St. Paul's 
Parish, England, in 1662, and located near Salem. 
The Indians burned his cabin, and, in 1675, he pur- 
chased of John Eldrige one thousand acres of land 
on Oldman's Creek, in the present township of Old- 
man's. The consideration was only five pounds, or 
two and a half cents per acre. The tract embraced 
the present site of the village of Pedricktown. 

1 Some of the data for this article was contributed by William H. Ped- 
rick and Thomas Sliourds, Esqs, 



The only son of Roger Pedrick was named John, 

and he inherited the entire purchase, which was yet 
unbroken at the time of the death of the pioneer, 
leaving it to be divided between six sons and two 
daughters. Elihu Pedrick, grandson of John and 
William Somers, the paternal and maternal grand- 
fathers of William H. Pedrick, Esq., of Pedricktown, 
became the owners of as much of the tract as had 
not been sold at the time they assumed possession. 
By them and their heirs much of the land has been 
sold, but William H. Pedrick, Esq., now owns one 
hundred and thirty acres of the original purchase of 
Roger Pedrick, it having been owned in the family 
two hundred and seven years. 

The Somers family were comparatively early set- 
tlers, and some members of it have been prominent 
citizens. 

Edward Mecum, Cornelius Copner, Thomas Lamb- 
son, Thomas Baldwin, and William Hewes were 
among the first English emigrants who purchased 
lands in the upper district bordering on Oldman's 
Creek. Hewes purchased a large tract direct from 
Penn in 1689. It was surveyed by Richard Tindall, 
in accordance with an order of James Nevill, of 
Salem. His great-grandson, Hezekiah Hewes, was 
a cabinet-maker and undertaker in vSalem as early as 
1780, and he continued in business as much as twenty 
years. 

George Clark's ancestors probably first located in 
Gloucester County, but he became a large landholder 
in the vicinity of Auburn. Thomas, his son, was born 
in 1742, and married Deborah, daughter of Thomas 
Denny. George, one of their sons, located on his 
father's property near Auburn. 

John Scull is supposed to have emigrated from 
Holland to America about 1660, and located on Long 
Island, N. Y. His son, John Scull, located at Great 
Egg Harbor as early as 1690. 

Gideon Scull, Jr., his grandson, came to the site of 
Auburn, which was for more than sixty years known 
as ScuUtown, where he engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits, dying in 1825. He had nine children, most of 
whom became useful and influential in different walks 
of life, some of the sons making their marks as men 
of business, and some of the daughters marrying into 
well-known and respectable families. Sarah James 
Scull was born in 1759, and died in 1836. She was a 
recommended minister of the Society of Friends. 
The family belonged to Pilesgrove Monthly Meeting. 

Thomas Lambson and Thomas Baldwin have been 
referred to as among the pioneers. Thomas and Ann 
Lambson came to America in 1690, and are supposed 
to have located near Salem Creek, in what is now 
Upper Penn's Neck. They had numerous children, 
many of whom became well known in what is now 
Oldman's township, and had their residence within 
its borders. Thomas Baldwin did not long remain in 
Salem County, soon removing to Chester County, Pa. 

The last of the race of red men who inhabited the 



444 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



wilds of what is now Salem County died in this town- 
ship in 1828 or 1829. He was known as Indian Tom, 
and lived in a cabin at the north end of Bradford's 
Swamp. Samuel Lynch and his neighbor, S. Ped- 
rick, both of whom were boys in 1776, believed that 
Indian Tom was unintentionally left, when a child, 
upon the removal of his tribe from this section. 

Organization. — The following is a copy of the 
more important portions of " An Act for the division 
of the township of Upper Penn's Neck, county of 
Salem, and to create a new township of the same, to 
be known as Oldman's township," approved Feb. 7, 
1881: 

"l. Be it fnact£d by the SinaUi and General Atwembly of the Slate of New 
Jersey, That all that part of the township of Upper Penu's Neck, in the 
couuty of Salem, lying within the following boundaries, to wit: Begin- 
ning at the middle of Oldman's Creek, being the east corner of said town- 
ship, and corner of Pilesgrove township, and running along said town- 
ship line until it intersects the middle of the Courses Landing road; 
thence down the middle thereof to a public road from the Pilesgrove 
line, near Atwood's house; thence down the middle thereof (1) north 
tifty-two and three-quarters degrees west thirty-seven chains, seventy- 
five links ; (2) north twenty-three degrees, forty minutes west thirty- 
seven chains, twenty-five links; (;l) north thirty and one-half degrees 
west eeventy-one chains, seventy-five links; (4) north thirty-nine de- 
grees, forty minutes west seven chains, twelve links; (5) north thirty- 
three and one-half degrees west nine chains to a public road leading 1 
from Perkintown to the forked hickory ; thence north fifteen degrees 
west about one and a half miles to the Delaware River Railroad, where ' 
it intersects Weps Hook Run, and from thence rnnniug down the middle 
of the main stream thereof, along its general windings, to the Delaware 
River, being about one mile ; thence square out in the Delaware River ! 
to the ship-channel; thence up the main ship-channel to opposite the 
mouth of Oldman's Creek ; thence square in until it intersects the Salem 
and Gloucester Counties' line in the middle of said creek, and from ' 
thence running up the middle of the main stream thereof, along its gen- i 
eral wiuding-s, about twenty-one miles to the place of beginning, shall 
be and hereby is set off from the township of Upper Penn's Neck, in the 
county of Salem, and made a separate township, to be known by the 
name of ' The Township of Oldman's.' " 



Civil List.- 

for 1881-82 : 



-The following were the officers elected 



Township Clerk, Asa G. Turner; Judge of Election, John S. Hampton ; 
Inspectors of Election, Robert C. Pedrick, Joseph L. Horner; As- 
sessors, James Sweeten (1881), Benjamin F. Straughn (1882); Col- 
lector, Samuel M. Hunt; Commissioners of Appeal, Thom.as S. 
Weatherby, William H. Pedrick, David Taylor; Chosen Freeholder, 
Edward H. Green ; Surveyors of Highways, William 11. Mattson, 
Denman Layman; Constables, John Hewitt, William P. Titns; 
Townsliip Committee, Alexander L. Justice, Jacob Stiles, Benjamin 
W. Cheeseman; Overseers of Poor, John Hewitt, William P.Titus; 
Pound-keepers, Silas Pedrick, Abraham Curry. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Pedricktown. — Pedricktown, the largest village in 
this township, was named in honor of the pioneer, 
Roger Pedrick, whose extensive possessions embraced 
its site. It is located northeast of the centre of the 
township, in the midst of a good agricultural country, 
near the Delaware Shore Railroad, enjoys a good 
local trade and a fine shipping trade in dairy and 
garden products, and has a population of four hun- 
dred and five. 

The first store was kept by Hudson Springer from 
early in the present century until about 1838. He 
was succeeded by Ira Bradshaw. In 1844, Bradshaw 



was succeeded by Samuel Bassett, he by William 
Gregory, in 1846, and Gregory by Daniel Lamplugh 
in 1852. In 1860, Lamplugh built a new store oppo- 
site Odd Fellows' Hall. His successors there have 
been William Biddle, Charles S. Plunimer, and 
James Pedrick, who keeps a restaurant. Benjamin 
Pedrick occupied the old store after Lamplugh's re- 
moval, and was succeeded by Stephen Straughn, 
William Allen, and others, until the establishment 
passed into the ownership of James Sweeten, ten 
years ago, and so remained until 1882, when Sweeten 
was succeeded by G. Spitzer. After removing from 
the Lamplugh store, Charles S. Plummer built a 
store, which he has since occupied. 

The first blacksmith was John Dennis, who was 
succeeded by Reuben S. Pedrick, and the latter by 
Alfred Stetsler, blacksmith and wheelwright. Thomas 
Pedrick and Charles Saxton were early wheelwrights ; 
Joseph E. Pedrick is a present well-known represen- 
tative of that trade. 

Joel Haines was an early tavern-keeper. Among 
his successors, Samuel Lynch, John Somers, John 
Sooy, and Samuel Bond are well remembered. There 
has been no liquor license granted in Pedricktown for 
any length of time since previous to the war, and 
consequently tavern-keeping there was found unprof- 
itable, and has been long abandoned. The old building 
has been destroyed by fire. 

Pedricktown contains about one hundred dwell- 
ings, a school-house and hall, two churches, several 
stores, shops, and business-places, and a flouring-mill 
doing a large business. Much produce is shipped to 
Philadelphia. 

Auburn. — Auburn is located on Oldman's Creek, 
in the extreme southeast part of the township. It 
was formerly known as ScuUtown, in honor of the 
Scull family, who were formerly large property- 
owners and leading citizens there. It contains one 
store, a coal-yard, one church, a school-house, and 
about fifty dwellings, and has a population of a little 
over two hundred. 

The first store was opened at an early date by 
Gideon Scull, who was succeeded, about 1825, by his 
son David. Among the best-remembered of subse- 
quent comparatively early merchants at the old stand 
have been Samuel Bolton, who kept a lumber-yard 
in connection with the store, William Groff, Winfleld 
S. Love, French & Morgan, James Morgan, and 
John Leap. Since Leap ceased business the store 
has changed hands quite frequently. It is now kept 
by Samuel Taylor. Formerly there was a store at 
the upper end of the village, which was kept by 
Mark Mayhew and others. 

The Sculls early built a blacksmith-shop, which 
was rented to various occupants, well remembered 
among whom were James Hoffman and Samuel Lott. 
The present blacksmith at the old forge is Robert Al- 
corn. Joseph Poiilson occupies another blacksmith- 
shop of later erection. 



i 



TOWNSHIP OF OLDMAN'S. 



445 



A coal-yard is kept by John Sivel, who contem- 
plates the early establishment of a brick-kiln. Dur- 
ing the season two tugs ply between Auburn and 
Philadelphia, employed in the shipment of produce. 

Pedricktown Station. — This is a hamlet nearPed- 
ricktown, on the Delaware Shore Railroad, which has 
grown to its present proportions since the construc- 
tion of the railway mentioned. It contains a depot, 
a store and restaurant, kept by Samuel L. Pedrick, 
and the grain and sweet potato warehouse of John 
Burk, who does an extensive business. 

Perkintown. — Perkintown is a hamlet lying south 
of Pedricktown, and contains only a few houses. For- 
merly there was a church here, which was converted 
into a school-house. The residents are farmers. 

Five Points. — This is the name of a hamlet at the 
intersection of several roads just beyond the western 
limits of Pedricktown. It contains a church, a school- 
house, and several dwellings. 

Industrial. — The energies and capital of the citi- 
zens of Oldman's are mostly invested in the cultiva- 
tion of grain, fruit, and garden produce, and as an 
agricultural township it takes high rank. 

In various parts of the township are sundry black- 
smiths' and wheelwrights' shops, mentioned else- 
where. Formerly lumbering and a trade in wood was 
carried on to some little extent. 

The most extensive business conducted within the 
township borders is that of Messrs. William Justice 
& Sons, of Pedricktown, manufacturers of flour and 
feed, dealers in grain, coal, lumber, and hardware, 
shippers of sweet potatoes and other produce, and 
agents for the sale of guanos, super-phosphate, and 
crude fish. This firm handles about twenty-two thou- 
sand barrels of sweet potatoes, and grinds about 
twelve thousand five hundred bushels of wheat and 
about the same amount of corn yearly, doing an an- 
nual business of one hundred and forty thousand dol- 
lars. 

The grist-mill now the property of this firm was 
built by William H. Pedrick in 1849, and owned by 
William H. Pedrick and by Justice & Pedrick until 
1860. It has since been owned by William Justice 
& Co., 1860-64; Justice, Diament & Co., 1864-65; J. 
H. Diament & Co, 1865-66 ; Justice & Vanderbilt, 
1866-67 ; William Justice, 1867-71 ; William Justice 
& Son, 1871-79; William Justice & Sons, 1879-82. 

A change of the mill by the introduction of rollers, 
now contracted for, will increase its capacity to one 
hundred barrels of flour and feed each per diem. 

CHUECH HISTORY.l 

Friends' Meeting. — The Friends early worshiped 
at Pedricktown, in the school-house, which was re- 
moved, and the present frame meeting-house built 
about 1812. The upper part of the building was 
added about 1859. 



1 For reference to early Baptist interests in Oldman's, see liistorj of 
the Pittagrove Baptist Churcli, 



This society is connected with the Pilesgrove 
Monthly Meeting. Priscilla Lippincott, of Auburn, 
preaches every First Day, and a Monthly Meeting 
is held on the first Sunday of each month. 

Among the early Quaker families in this vicinity 
the Pedricks, Somerses, Ridgways, Erwins, Hahnses, 
Greens, Goodwins, Snodens, Kirbys, Perkinses, and 
others were prominent, and the Hugheses and Owenses, 
from Gloucester County, were early attendants. 

The Former Church at Perkintown.— Tlie his- 
tory of Methodism in Perkintown is the history of 
what a single earnest effort may do. In 1792, Ben- 
jamin Abbott and David Bartine traveled Salem Cir- 
cuit. Mr. Abbott was invited to preach in a log- 
house, the home of John Strimple, about half a mile 
from the present school-house. 

In the " Life of the Rev. Benjamin Abbott" we 
find the following: "An appointment had been made 
in Upper Penn's Neck by John Ffirth, at the house 
of John Strimple, a neighborhood famous for vice 
and immorality, where they had no regular preach- 
ing nearer than ten or twelve miles. I was informed 
that when this appointment was made there were some 
persons present who were nearly men and women 
grown who had never heard a gospel sermon. When 
the day came John Ffirth met me at Murphey's 
Church. We set off, and on my way thither my 
mind was solemnly impressed with these words, ' I 
have a message from God unto thee' (Judges iii. 20). 
We went to William Barber's, where we dined. 
When we arrived at the place we found a large con- 
gregation -assembled ; for, in consequence of the nov- 
elty of a Methodist meeting, and the talk of an in- 
tended interruption by dissolute persons, the people 
had generally got together." The leader of a rude 
band had anchored his vessel in the Delaware, in 
order to attend this meeting, and had sworn that he 
never meant to weigh anchor again until he had 
driven every Methodist out of the Neck. He was 
there with his company prepared for fight. Mrs. 
Hews, an old Quaker woman, encouraged Mr. Abbott 
not to be afraid. He poured out the terrors of the 
law upon him, until he was glad to get out of the 
house. As he passed out a Quaker gentleman said 
to him, "Thou hast met with thy match." Mr. Ab- 
bott says, " While I was praying for him God con- 
vinced a woman of sin, and with her husband joined 
society. Blessed be God, notwithstanding all the 
malice of men and devils, we had a solemn and prof- 
itable time. Soon after a society was formed, and 
they became a precious people." Some years after 
the organization of the society a frame building was 
erected to accommodate the people. In 1832 the 
present brick building was built. 

Perkintown was once the centre of Methodism for 
miles around, as there was no Methodist Church 
near. Churches springing up at the surrounding 
centres of population — Auburn, Penn's Grove, and 
Pedricktown — drew so heavily upon this society as 



446 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



to completely exhaust it, and in 1866 it ceased to be 
a regular preaching-place, and the church was con- 
verted into a school-house. 

Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church, Auburn. 
— The present building, called New Ebenezer Church, 
was built in 1842. The old Ebenezer Church stood 
just over Oldman's Creek, in Gloucester County, and 
had stood there and was used as a house of worship 
for nearly half a century, but was demolislied when 
the present one was built. 

The society at Auburn was organized nearly eighty 
years ago. This and " Old Pilesgrove," three miles 
below, were the only preaching-places in all this sec- 
tion of country. 

Auburn was originally an appointment on what 
was called Bridgeport Circuit of the New Jersey Con- 
ference, and was supplied with preachers from the 
Methodist Episcopal Conference General. Two mar- 
ried men were sent, one living at Bridgeport and the 
other at Auburn. 

Among early pastors were S. Y. Monroe, D.D., 
afterwards a presiding elder and secretary of the 
Church Extension Society of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, who was killed on the cars between New- 
ark and Jersey City in 1866 ; Eev. S. E. Post, who 
was presiding elder on the Camden District, 1877-81 ; 
Rev. J. S. Heisler, who was presiding elder on the 
Bridgeport District, 1874-78; Rev. J. I. Corson, Rev. 
J. C. Summerell (deceased). Rev. G. H. Tullis, Rev. 
S. M. Hudson, Eev. James Vansant, and Rev. Edwin 
Waters. 

In 1864 Auburn was made an independent station, 
with Rev. Joseph L. Roe as pastor. His successors 
have been Revs. P. Y. Calder, G. W. Dobbins, S. S. 
Bellville, N. MacNichol, S. H. Asay, Firman Robbins, 
and the pi-esent pastor, J. P. Connelly. 

Some of the original members were Elias Jester 
and wife, James and Sarah Hoffman, John and Eliza- 
beth Butcher, Malachi Horner, Sr., and wife, Joseph 
Humphreys, Sr., Benjamin Heritage, and Jonathan 
Matson, all deceased. 

Rev. Jonas, for several years a traveling preacher, 
but now dead, was a member and local preacher here ; 
also Rev. Jesse T. Humphreys, now a traveling 
preacher in New York. S. T. Horner, now a travel- 
ing preacher in Minnesota, was a member of this so- 
ciety also. Some of its early members still living are 
Elisha Horner, Joseph E. Roberts, of Camden, and 
Malachi Horner and wife. 

The present officers are Enoch Shinn, local preacher ; 
trustees, Malachi Horner, Joseph L. Horner, Elias 
Horner, J. M. Given, 8. H. Given, A. N. Curry, B. 
W. Cheesman ; class-leaders, John M. Given and 
Malachi Horner, Sr. 

The membership is eighty. The Sunday-school has 
thirteen officers and teachers, and seventy-fivescholars. 
Jonathan Matson was superintendent many years, and 
latterly Rev. E. Shinn, but at present Elias Horner is 
in charge of the school. 



Pedricktown Methodist Episcopal Church. — 

The house of worship of this society was built in 
1860. There had been services in the school-house 
twenty-five or thirty years previous to this time. 
Ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church came 
and preached once in two weeks. The people gen- 
erally went to worship at the Methodist Episcopal 
Churches at Perkintown and Centre Square. Up to 
the year 1865 the Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Pedricktown formed a part of Auburn Circuit. In the 
same year Pedricktown and Centre Square were organ- 
ized into a charge, and they continue thus. At the 
time of the creation of the church Rev. Samuel Hud- 
son was pastor. His successors have been as follows; 
Revs. M. C. Stokes, 1865-67; J. J. Graw, 1868-69 ; 
Noah Edwards, 1870-72 ; James Moore, 1873 ; Jacob 
Price, 1874-76 ; George Hitchens, 1877 ; James Van- 
sant, 1878-79; John Morris, 1880-81; John Wagg, 
1882. During the pastorate of Rev. M. C. Stokes the 
parsonage was built, which has been occupied by the 
successive pastors since. 

First German Baptist Church of Pedricktown. 
— A Sunday-school was organized among the German 
residents at and near Pedricktown in 1856, and in 
1859 a church under the above name was formed, and 
a small frame house of worship was erected at Five 
Points, all under the ministrations of Rev. Casper 
Schlag. The constituent members of the society were 
Caspar Schlag, Barbara Schlag, Jacob Hees, Matteus 
Schneider, Eseiptina Schneider, John Herti, Jacob 
Schleich, Dorothe Schleich, and John Schafer. 

The first trustees were Caspar Schlag, John Herti, 
John Schafer, Jacob Schleich, and Jacob Hees. Rev. 
Mr. Schlag has been pastor since the organization of 
the church. The present membership is thirty-one. 

Methodist Protestant Church, Pedricktown.— 
A Methodist Protestant Society was organized at 
Pedricktown, and twenty yeai-s or longer ago a house 
of worship was built, which was dedicated by Rev. 
Thomas H. Stockton. This is a station on the Bridge- 
port and Pedricktown charge, which formerly in- 
cluded Penn's Grove. Among pastors of a compara- 
tively recent date have been Revs. J. W. Laughlin 
and Isaac McDowell. During the past year the pul- 
pit has not been regularly filled. 

Public Schools. — This township is divided into five 
school districts known as Districts Nos. 44, Auburn ; 
45, Pedricktown ; 46, Literary ; 47, Brick ; 53, Per- 
kintown. 

The schools are well kept and fairly attended, and 
take rank with the best in other similar townships. 

Burial-Plaees. — The earliest burials in this town- 
ship were made on the farms of the settlers. There 
are two public burying-grounds. One of these is the 
Methodist churchyard at Pedricktown ; the other is 
located in the southern part of the township. That 
at Pedricktown contains some early graves. The 
other is not large, but holds the remains of some who 
died in that section years ago. 



TOWNSHIP OF PILESGROVE. 



447 



SOCIETIES. 

Winona Lodge, No. 131, 1. 0. 0. r„ of Pedrick- 
town, was instituted Sept. 29, 1868, witli tlie follow- 
ing-named charter members: Benjamin F. Strauglm, 
Jonathan H. Bradway, James P. Stanton, Charles 
0. Pedrick, David Kille, and Thomas H. Robinson. 
The first officers were Benjamin F. Straughn, N. G. ; 
T. H. Eobinson, V. G. ; Charles O. Pedrick, Sec. ; J. 
H. Bradway, Treas. The successive Noble Grands 
have been as follows : T. H. Robinson, R. S. Pedrick, 
Edward Urion, J. H. Bradway, Charles 0. Pedrick, 
S. M. Layman, David Kille, W. L. Justice, S. M. 
Hunt, C. C. Barber, Joseph E. Pedrick, George R. 
Myers, W. Hewett, H. C. Springer, S. Sparks, J. Cor- 
son, J. W. Norton, J. K. Justice, William F. Hunt, 
S. M. Hunt, N. N. Jordan, J. B. Ware, A. Stetser, 
James Sweeten, Martin Carney. In September, 1882, 
the officers were as follows : J. B. Ware, N. G. ; C. P. 
Corson, V. G. ; T. H. Robinson, Sec; E. Urion, 
Treas. Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings each 
week. 

Logan Tribe, No. 37, 1. 0. R. M., was instituted at 
Pedricktown, Feb. 28, 1873, with the following charter 
members : C. 0. Pedrick, David Kille, C. T. Shiun, 
J. W. Norton, William H. Park, Charles Pedrick, C. 
Munion, Asa Pedrick, O. T. Justice, S. R. Justice, S. 
M. Layman. C. O. Pedrick was chosen Sachem ; S. R. 
Justice, S. S. ; O. T. Justice, T. S. ; C. F. Shinn, C. 
of R. ; N. N. Jordan, K. of W. ; and J. W. Norton, 
P. The successive presiding officers have been O. T. 
Justice, William H. Park, S. M. Layman, C. C. Bar- 
ber, C. F. Shinn, David Kille, G. W. Jordan, H. T. 
Gruff, I. Harbert, Thomas Roberts, E. L. James, M. 
Gaventa, and E. C. Troll. The tribe numbered thirty- 
three members in the fall of 1882, and meetings were 
held regularly, Thursday evenings, in Odd-Fellows' 
Hall. 



CHAPTER LXXL 

TOWNSHIP OF PILESGROVE.' 

Situation and Boundaries. — Pilesgrove is one of 
the northern tier of townships in Salem County, and 
is bounded on the north by parts of Woolwich and 
Harrison townships (Gloucester Co.). on the east by 
Upper Pittsgrove, on the south by Upper Alloways 
and Mannington, and on the west by Upper Penn's 
Neck and Oldman's. 

Descriptive, — This township is centrally distant 
northeast from Salem ten miles. It is about eight 
miles long and about five miles broad, containing an 
area of twenty-one thousand seven hundred and 
eighty-four acres. The surface is level, the soil a 
rich, clayey loam, is very productive of wheat, oats, 

1 By M, 0. Kolfe. 



corn, and rye. Here and there are valuable deposits 
of marl, which is extensively employed as a fertilizer 
in various parts of the county. There is probably 
less than a thousand acres of unimproved land in the 
township. The farms number two hundred and forty. 

Oldman's Creek flows along the northern border of 
Pilesgrove, dividing it from Gloucester County, and 
Salem Creek has its source in the eastern part, where 
it is formed by the confluence of several small streams, 
and pursues a southwesterly course through Woods- 
town and Sharptown, affording good water-power at 
those and other localities, receiving Nekomis Run 
and other minor streams from the south and north. 

Pilesgrove has a population of three thousand four 
hundred and ninety-eight. Its people are thrifty and 
enterprising, education and religion are well advanced, 
and, socially and politically, this is one of the most im- 
portant townships in the county. 

The township is abundantly provided with well- 
kept and much-traveled roads, and the Salem Branch 
of the West Jersey Railroad crosses its southeast 
corner, with a station at Yorketown, affording a con- 
venient shipping-point for produce, and placing Piles- 
grove and contiguous townships in more direct com- 
munication with the outside world than many other 
portions of the county. 

In 1881 the assessed valuation of real estate in 
Pilesgrove was §1,824,750, and the personal property 
was assessed at §1,195,050, showing it to be the 
wealthiest township in the county, the city of Salem 
only surpassing it in its property valuation. Its total 
indebtedness was $684,200, the number of its voters 
878, its poll-tax $761, its school tax $5905, and its 
county tax $5601. 

Settlement.' — Pilesgrove originally contained 
eighty-four thousand acres, and it was reduced in 
area by the formation of Pittsgrove, about the time 
of the Revolution. It derived its name from Thomas 
Pile, an eminent Friend, who purchased ten thousand 
acres there, as early as 1676, through his friend, Rich- 
ard Guy, a pioneer in Elsinboro. 

The following is the receipt of John Fenwick, 
given in this transaction. It is quaint and curious 
and of much historical interest: 

" Received, the one and thirtieth day of the month, called May, One 
thousand, six hundred and seventy-tive, of and from Richard Guy, of 
the Parish of Stepney, alias Stebunheath, in the county of Middlesex, 
Cheesemonger, the full sum of fifty pounds Sterling, which is the same 
sum of fifty pounds mentioned and expressed in a certain Deed Poll 
bearing even date herewith, and made from me, John Fenwick, late of 
Binfield, in the county of Berks, within the kingdom of England, Es- 
quire, and chief proprietor of the one moyetie or halfe parts of the Tract 
of Land within the Province of New Casaria, or New Jersey, in America, 

to the said Richard Guy. 

"By me, Fenwick. 
Witnesseth present, 

" Peter Hoff. Edward Wade. 

Samuel Nicholson. Thomas Anderson. 

Richard Morgan. Edmund Warner. 

John Smith. Richard Noble. 

Edward Champney. James Garfildser." 



■ Portions of this sketch were coutribiited by Thomas Shourds, Esq. 



448 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



This land was surveyed by Richard Noble in 1676. 

Thomas Pile is described as " a citizen and up- 
holsterer of the "city of London." He soon came to 
America and located upon his purchase. It does not 
appear that he had any sons, but he had three daugh- 
ters, one of whom, Elizabeth, married Judge William 
Hall, of Salem, in 1688. It is thought he died before 
1690, his name not being mentioned in the records of 
any transaction after that date. It is believed Wil- 
liam Hall came into possession of considerable prop- 
erty by his wife, some of it, doubtless, lying in Piles- 
grove. 

About 1730, Isaac Sharp emigrated from Ireland to 
America, and took possession of six hundred acres of 
land at Blessington, now called Sharpstown, which 
had been settled on him by his father. He brought 
the frame of his house from Ireland. The site where 
he erected it is known to this day among old residents 
of the township as " The Park," and is located on the 
farm of Joseph Robinson. He had a birthright in 
the Society of Friends, and was a member as long as 
he lived. He is thought to have died prior to 1770. 
In 1741 he was appointed judge of the court of Salem 
County by George II. The following is a copy of his 
commission : 

" George the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, 
and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and to our trusty and well- 
heloved Isaac Sharp, Esq., Greeting: We, reposing especial tiiist and 
confidence in your integrity, prudence, and ability, have assigned, con- 
stituted, and appointed, and we do by these presents assign, constitute, 
and appoint you, the said Isaac Sharp, to be our officer. Judge of Infe- 
]-ior Court of Common Pleas, to be held in and for our county of Salem, 
in our Province of New Jersey, giving and hereby granting to you, the 
said Isaac Sharp, lull power and authority to exercise all power and 
jurisdiction belonging to the said Court, and to hear, try, and deter- 
mine all causes and quarrels which is recognizable in our said Court, 
and to award execution thereon accordingly. In testimony whereof we 
have caused the Great Sea! of our Province of New Jersey to be here- 
unto affixed. Witness our trusty and well-beloved Lewis Morris, Esq., 
Captain General and Governor-in-Chief over our said Province of Nova 
Cesarea, or New Jersey, and the territories thereon depending in 
America, and Vice Admiral in the same, and at our city of Perth Amboy, 
the sixteenth day of August, in the eighteenth year of our reign, Anno 

Domini 1741. 

" Holme." 

" Anthony, the youngest son of Isaac Sharp, of 
Sharptown, espoused the part of the patriots during 
the Revolutionary struggle. He lay concealed in the 
barn while the British were in the neighborhood of 
his house, and Samuel Humphreys, the progenitor 
of the present family of Humphreys, then a small 
boy, carried provisions to him in his place of refuge. 
He, however, emerged from his retreat, and went with 
Dr. Ebenezer Elmer (the father of Judge L. Q. C. 
Elmer, of Bridgeton) to Fort Ticonderoga, to partici- 
pate in the engagements on the frontier. It was here 
that, although a Quaker, he attained the rank of col- 
onel in the army ; and his name now stands coupled 
with the above grade on the roster of the officers of j 
the American forces. When driven from their home, I 
the silver plate and other valuables of the Sharps 
of Sliarptown were conveyed across the Delaware 
River to their relatives, the Delaneys, who resided at 



Wilmington, Del. The man who rowed the boat was 
named Jonas Keen, and he related the circumstance 
on his death-bed as one that had made a deep impres- 
sion on his memory. He lived to the very advanced 
age of ninety years, and has descendants now re- 
siding in Salem." ' 

Edward Sharp, Isaac the emigrant's second son, 
married Martha, daughter of Col. Mark Thompson, 
of Gloucester County, of Revolutionary memory. The 
family of Jacob Thompson Sharp, M.D., formerly of 
Salem, are the only surviving representatives of the 
family of Isaac Sharp, all of whose children, except 
Edward, Dr. Sharp's father, died without issue. Dr. 
Edward S. Sharp, of Salem, is a son of Dr. Jacob 
Thompson Sharp. 

Isaac Sharp's younger brother, Joseph, also lived at 
Sharptown, and perhaps came to America with or 
soon after his brother. By his will, made in 1734, 
Isaac Sharp first gave to his sons, Isaac and Joseph, 
all his. remaining lands in West Jersey. 

William Sharp, the younger brother of Anthony 
Sharp, father of Isaac, was born in Gloucester, Eng- 
land, and married a woman named Covert, and had 
a son Thomas, who came to America. To this nephew, 
in consideration of the latter looking after his estate 
in New Jersey, Anthony granted one thousand acres 
of land, of which the Salem County almshouse farm 
is a part, some years before the opening of the eigh- 
teenth century. Isaac Sharp, son of Thomas, built, 
early in the last century, a large brick dwelling, which 
is still to be seen in good repair on the farm of Wil- 
liam Austin. The remains of a large deer park, simi- 
lar to that of Isaac Sharp, of Sharptown, is visible 
in the vicinity of the old mansion mentioned. This 
Isaac Sharp was an active member of the Salem 
Friends' Meeting, and one of the justices of the Salem 
Court, 1709-39. His descendants are not numerous, 
and it is a fact worthy of note that no part of the 
large landed property of the Sharps is at this time 
owned by any of their descendants. 

Jacob, son of Restore and Hannah Lippincott, lo- 
cated in Pilesgrove, where many of their descendants 
are now living. In this township live also many de- 
scendants of Samuel Lippincott, a " public Friend," 
a son of Freedom and a grandson of Richard Lippin- 
cott, who is thought to have been the pioneer in 
America of that family. Samuel Lippincott was a 
well-known citizen as early as 1725. 

Joseph Coles settled on a farm near Richman's 
Mills, lived there, and reared a family, which has 
grown to be very numerous in the township. 

John Davis emigrated from Wales, and settled on 
Long Island. He belonged to the sect called "Sing- 
ing Quakers," worshiped daily on a stump, and was 
very pious and consistent. He lived to the age of 
one hundred years. About 1705, some years before 
his death, he moved with his family to Pilesgrove 



1 History of Fenwick's Colony, pp. 246, 247 ; Shourds. 



TOWNSHIP OF PILESGROVE. 



449 



township, where Woodstown now is. His eldest son, 
Isaac, came to New Jersey first, John soon after with 
his family. David, the sou of Isaac, became promi- 
nent, and his descendants are the most numerous. 
He was appointed by the Legislature a justice of the 
peace, and subsequently was judge of the Salem 
County courts. He was one of the four Friends who 
assisted in organizing the Pilesgrove Meeting, about 
1724 or 1725, previous to which time Friends in 
Pilesgrove were members of the Salem Meeting. At 
the time of his death be was sixty years old. His 
residence was in Pilesgrove, where he owned consid- 
erable property. 

Samuel Carpenter, of Philadelphia, bought one 
thousand acres of land in Pilesgrove, and sold a por- 
tion of it to John Wood, of Woodbury, who left it to 
his son, Jaconias Wood, the reputed founder of 
Woodstown, where it is said he built the first house. 

The Barnes family was an ancient one, and it num- 
bers extensive landholders in Pilesgrove. 

Elisha Bassett, son of William Bassett, came with 
his father from Boston in 1691, and bought a farm 
near Woodstown, on which he lived until his death, 
at the advanced age of one hundred and one. 

Samuel Ogden purchased a farm near Woodstown, 
on which he and his wife ended their days, she in 
1819, aged sixty -six, he in 1821, aged about seventy- 
six. 

After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in 
1684, two brothers, named Zaccheus and Thomas 
Dunn, thought to have been natives of Alsace or 
Lorraine, came to America with other Huguenots, 
seeking protection in flight from religious persecu- 
tion, and Zaccheus Dunn settled in the upper part 
of Pilesgrove. He had a son Zaccheus, who was born 
in 1698. Seven of his children married and reared 
families. 

David Bacon, a bachelor, and formerly a merchant 
in Salem, was a son of -John and Elizabeth Bacon, of 
Cohansey, and was born in the first third of the last 
century. He removed to Woodstown, and ended his 
days there, leaving a legacy to Pilesgrove Monthly 
Meeting with which to erect the school-house now 
known by his name. 

One of the most prominent families that have fig- 
ured in the history of the northern part of Salem 
County during the past one hundred and fifty years 
or more is that of the Richnians, now very numer- 
ous, and for the most part well-to-do and highly re- 
spected. The progenitor was John Eichman, a native 
of Germany, who emigrated to this country at an 
early day. He located in Pilesgrove township, and 
followed the milling business during his lifetime, 
leaving his property to his sons, Isaac and Abraham, 
the grandfathers of the older Richmans now living. 
Abraham and John Richman were long prominently 
identified with the leading interests of the township, 
especially that portion contiguous to Richman's mills, 
which were erected by them in 1833. 
29 



During the period from 1800 to 1830 the following- 
named families were prominent in Pilesgrove: 



Antrim. 

Allen. 

Alston. 

Ale. 

Alderman. 

Avis. 

Borton. 

Bib-hop. 

Brick. 

Bilderbacli. 

Ballinger. 

Barnes. 

Borden. 

Cailbopper. 

Cawley. 

Cook. 

Conover. 

Carey. 

Casper. 

Cole. 

Clark. 

Coots. 

Conklin. 

Davis. 

Dickinson. 

Dare. 

Duell. 

Dickson. 

Dean. 

Engle. 

Evans. 

Elwell. ' 

Fithian. 

Gordon. 

Gray. 

Gardiner. 

Humpiireys. 

Horner. 

Hewitt. 

Hunt. 

Ivins. 



Johnson. 

Knisell. 

Kiger. 

Lippincott. 

Lowiie. 

McCallister. 

Morgan. 

Moore. 

Mayhew. 

Miller. 

Null. 

Nixon. 

Pierson. 

Peterson. 

Pyle. 

Prickett. 

Pissant. 

Peak. 

Pancoast. 

Eiley. 

Eisley. 

Kichnian. 

Robbins. 

Boot. 

Kidgeway. 

Shull. 

Scull. 

Smith. 

Seagreaves. 

Taylor. 

Torton. 

Titsworth. 

Tilemary. 

Vernon. 

Ulings. 

Yarrow. 

Yardley. 

Woolman. 

Waters. 

Wood. 

White. 



The following will be found interesting as showing 
who were the male adult citizens of Pilesgrove thirty- 
six years ago : 

" Names of voters at an election held in the township of Pilesgrove, 
in the county of Salem, on the 3d day of November, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-six, for a Member of Con- 
gress, Member of the Genera! Assembly, Sheriff, and three Coroners : 



John D. Smith. 
L. D. Love. 
Morris Elwell. 
Richard Turner. 
William McAltioner. 
Israel R. Clawson. 
Samuel Headley. 
Benjamin Wright. 
Jarvis Lewis. 
Joshua Madara. 
Hosea Fitbian, M.D. 
James M. Reed. 
George Davis. 
John Dickinson, Esq. 
John H. Lippincott. 
Israel Hewitt. 
Robert Hewitt. 
Job Kirby. 
John J. Dickinson. 
John T. Allen. 
John Harris, 8r. 
David Jess. 
Lemuel Daugherty. 



Samuel Somers. 
Abb Birdsal. 
George R. Watson. 
William Richman. 
Clark Pierce. 
N. H, lirown. 
Jonathan Riley. 
Smith Dare. 
Charles T. Haines. 
James Paucoast. 
John Buran 
William L. Hampton. 
Stacy Peterson. 
Samuel Jaqnette. 
George Peterson. 
James F. Price. 
Henry H. Hewitt. 
Lewis Malford. 
Robinson Conklin. 
Matthew Ripper. 
Joseph L. Risley. 
Charles Jordan. 
James R. Thompson. 



450 



HISTORY OF SALEM COtfNTY. 



John Costill. 


John Bacon. 


Richard Mulford. 


David Fries. 


Joliu Wallace, Jr. 


Ira Ale. 


Smith Tomlinson. 


Elisha Conover. 


David S. Austin. 
John Butclier. 
David Banks. 


Isaac Abbott. 
Samuel Morris. 
D. Baker. 


Thomas Mullica. 
Lemuel Butler. 
Will am H. Reed. 


Joseph P. Armstrong. 
Edward Haines. 
John Fogg. 


Thomas Lippincott. 
Juseph Hoffman. 


John Cook. 
Morris Peak. 


Samuel Timberman. 
George Null. 


Samuel Moore. 
Silaa D. Tinker. 


William M. Cawley. 


David Brooks. 


Joseph B. Hunt. 


S. M. Lippincott. 


Josepli Ezmore. 
Winlock C. Latchera. 


William H. Murphy. 
John A. Carman. 


John Hunt. 
Ephraim Waters. 


S. H. Bradway. 
Charles Costill. 


\V. S. Clawson. 


Nicholas Hiles. 


Isaiah D. Clawsou. 


James Brooks. 


Eval Ricbman. 


William C. Nicholas. 


Lorenzo C. Keen. 


Edward Pancoast. 


Thomas Dolbow. 


John P. Barker. 


James Curry. 


Matthew Morrison. 


William Riley. 


Samuel M. Coles. 


James McAllister. 


A. C. Richman. 


TliomaB LumI). 


Samuel Blorgan. 


J. Matthias Moore. 


Benjamin Vincent. 


Joseph B. Smith. 


Andrew Dixon. 


Job Prickett. 


Hugh Grimshaw. 


Samuel Humphreys. 
Samuel Scagnives. 
Joseph Uriou, Sr. 
Ephraim Moore. 


Charles Clark. 
James Titus. 
William Coles. 
Thomas Coles. 


Charles Sealey. 
Joseph Matlock, Sr. 
Ezekiel Rose, Sr. 
John Powner. 


Matthias R. Miller. 
Charles Baker. 
Willard Jones. 
Thomas McAllister, Jr. 


David G'lsling. 


Samuel 0. Stratton. 


John Winsor. 


James Shinn. 


Allen Wallace. 


Thomas Stratton. 


James Abbott. 


Joseph Madara. 


Thomas Edwards. 


Isaac Sbute. 


H. Whitaker. 


Anderson Seagraves. 


Samuel Headly, Jr. 
R. Davis. 


Richard Matlock. 
Mark Scull. 


John Fox. 
John Riley. 


John Layton. 
Isaac Scull. 


Ephraim S. Colea. 


William Stratton, Jr. 


James Banks. 


Charles Pancoast. 


Smith Hewitt. 


William Sickler. 


Jesse Winsor. 


Jacob Keeper. 


John P. Adams. 


David Hannahs. 


Samuel Hillmau. 


John L. Johuson. 


Moses Rid) man. 
Samuel Dickinson. 
Martin Carney. 


Daniel Keen. 
Jacob Banks. 
Jacob Nelson. 


Jiinies Sayers. 
Adam Moncriff. 
.^ David Paulin. 


George Clark. 
Amos Busby. 
Aaron Luallen. 


Job Ridjj:way. 
Thomas Enoch. 
Silah High. 
Joseph Uritin, Jr. 
James Miitlock. 


Daniel Ware. 
Richard Gordon. 
Moaes Ale. 
Benjamin Abbott. 
Samuel Duell. 


Reeves S. S. Dyer. 
Joseph Peterson. 
R. Dickinson. 
Barkley Edwards. 
Joseph L. Duell. 


Elijah Horner. 
Jehu Allen. 
John Ogdeu. 
Joseph Engle. 
Clement Padgeth. 


Robert C. Podrick. 


J. W. Richman. 


Robert Hewitt, Jr. 


Ben Morgan. 


David Davis. 


Michael Null. 


Samuel Borton. 


N. Y. Lippincott. 


Edward Clark. 


John Hewitt. 


William Lippincott. 


William Pancoast. 


Jonathan Dickinson. 
Joseph Robinson. 
Abram Woolman. 


Joseph Heritage. 
Richard Barnes. 
H. McAllister. 


William Sauford. 
Samuel Wible. 
William Morris. 


Bolt Butes. 
William Barker. 
Michael Allen. 


Joseph Bainea. 
John Carter. 


John Hiles. 
John T. Ricbman. 


David C. Pancoast. 
Joseph J. Rowe. 


William Parker. 
Thompson R, Allen. 


Andrew Peck. 
James Jess. 
Nathan Taylor. 
Moses Keen. 
A. B. Wood. 


Malacha Horner. 
Joseph Cawley. 
Israel Applegate. 
John Crispin. 
Bartholomew Coles. 


LeviEldridge. 
Samuel Ernest. 
James W. Wiess. 
Henry Wiley. 
Charles McAllister. 


Abner LaCroy. 
Elias Mattson. 
John Hubs. 
Charles Cailhopper. 
William Austin. 


G. W. Barton. 


John P. Porch. 


Samuel White (2d). 


Isaac White. 


William Nelson, Jr. 


Clement Wiliitts. 


Nathaniel Serrance. 


Michael Jenkins. 


Elias Stiles. 
Josiah Davis. 


Joshua Lippincott. 
Amos Peterson. 


Joseph Humphreys. 
Thomas McAllister. 


E. K, Cole. 
Richard Gosling. 


Joseph K. Riley. 
Jacob C. Davis. 
William Nelson, Sr. 
James H. White. 


Josiah Duflfuld. 
Joseph Horner. 
Samuel Goforth. 
M. D. Dickinson. 


John D. Price. 
Isaac Hurf. 
David Applegate. 
Isaiah W. Richman. 


Samuel Rose. 
William Borton. 
Isaac Flitcraft. 
James Robins. 


Samuel Lippincott. 
Natliauiel Robbins. 


John Jess. 
John S. Fry. 


Bartholomew Cole. 
Aaron Edwards. 


Isaac Richman. 
Thomas Keen. 


Samuel Madara. 
William Uarmer. 


Stephen Murphy. 
Allen Moore. 


Chalkley Coles. 
Milton Mattson. 


Joshua Lippincott. 
Samuel Plummer. 


Amasa Gamble. 
Josepii MorgaQ. 


Joseph Turner. 
George Coats. 


Robert Mount. 
John Dare. 


Thomas Ale. 
Joseph Coles, Sr. 


James Lowrie. 


John Keeper. 


Josiah Engle. 


Norton Moore. 


Josiah Fox. 


Eli Kirby. 


James Tufrey. 


Charles Kirby. 


Joseph Matlock, Jr. 
Isaiah R. FUtcraft. 


Charles String. 
Josiah Crispin. 


J;icob Taylor. 
Enoch Boon. 


John W. Clark. 
William G. Lacy. 


Oliver Riley. 


William Miller. 


Abram Lawrence. 


Matthew Klwell. 


Henrj' Gardiner. 


William Prickett. 


Daniel Lawrence. 


Isaac Balliuger. 


Henry Riley. 


John Carney. 


James Grinor. 


Jeremiah Sayres. 


Samuel Mayhew. 
Jacob Davis. 


Samuel Carney. 
Page Crispin. 


John Gosling. 
Benjamin Hiles. 


S. P. Paul. 
Thomas Haines. 


Seth Holston. 


Chains Haines. 


Richiird Kirby. 


Elisba Wallace. 


Charles Swing. 


Joseph Colea, Jr. 


Charles Lnudenslager. 


Isaac Janu^s. 


Albirtus Soniers. 


Uz Coles. 


Jacob H. Davis. 


James B. Heritage. 


Philip Haines. 


Ananias Keen. 


Thomas Bend. 


Nosh Uriou. 


Edward Fisher, 


Samuel H. White. 


Thomas L. Petei"sou. 


Josiah Shute. 



TOWNSHIP OF PILESGROVE. 



451 



Jacob HuDt, M.D. 


Samuel White. 




1858-60. Ephraim S. Coles. 


1865. James M. Seagreave. 


Edward B. Knight. 


Samuel Brooks. 




1858-50. James C. Pancoast. 


1866-68. John TI. Lippincott. 


William Black. 


Ezekiel Rose, Jr. 




1800-64. Robert P. Robinson. 


1867-70. Richman Coles. 


Daniel Adams. 


Joseph Reeves. 




lSGl-63. Samnel Borton. 


1869-73. Samuel M. Lippincott. 


Stephen Jess. 


Thoma.s Brown. 




1S62. John Hunt. 


1874-80. Horatio J. Stow. 


Charles Green. 


Reuben Miriot. 




1864, 1866. Barclay Edwards. 


1881-82. Charles B. Humphreys. 


William W. Redrew. 


William Peterson. 




1866. Paul Jaquette. 




Anthony Reeves. 


Eben Reeves. 








Benjamin Stinger. 


David Edwards. 




JUSTICES OF 


THE PEACE. 


John Riden. 


Maxon Sims. 




1850. E. C. Pedrick. 


1874. Eichard F. Turner. 


Samnel Ayers. 


Enos Davis. 




1850. Joseph Harker. 


1875. James A. Biley. 


Peter Conover. 


Joseph I. Clark. 




1850. Daviil M. Baker. 


1875-76. Edmund Royal. . 


William M. Earnest. 


Andrew Thompson. 




1850. Isaac Shute. 


1879. Jonathan P, Cawley. 


Joseph Harker. 


Jones Hiles. 




1854. Abraham E. Richman. 


1880. John Holmes. 


Richard Vinson. 


William HaU. 




1870-75. John Holmes. 


1881. Hughes Crispin. 


flooper Fisher. 


Gideon Largfry. 




1870-75. Samuel Humphreys. 


1881. John W. Goforth. 


Clarence D. Mayhew. 


_; .E. R. Bullock. 




1870. Asa Reeves. 




William Bradway. 


Joseph L. Richman. 








Albert Vanmeter. 


John McAltioner. 




COMMISSIONEES OF APPEAL. 


Jacob Hooven. 


Benjamin Fish. 




1850. Joseph Turner. 


1863-64, 1866-70, 1872. Robert Hew- 


Elam Hitchner. 


Samuel Ballinger. 




1860-62. Edward Haines. 


itt, Jr. 


James Woolman. 


James Robinson. 




1850. Eichman Dickinson. 


1864, 1866-70, 1872. Ephraim S. 


Oakford Nixon. 


Robert P. Robinson. 




1861-64,1867,1872-73. Jonathan P. 


Coles. 


Asahel Borton. 


Henry Kiger. 




Cawley. 


1865. William R. Freas. 


Richard Lacy. 


Hedge Sims. 




1851-62. William Austin. 


18G5. Powell Smith. 


Thomas R. Adams. 


Maskell Reed. 




185G-58. Joseph Reeve. 


1865. John Casperson. 


Edwin Royal. 


Josiah Ballinger. 




1859-62. Thomas R. Coles. 


1869-70, 1872-74. Samuel Borton. 


John Cawley. 


A. W. Wood. 




1863-64, 1866, 1876-82. Samuel M. 


1873-74. Henry Richman. 


James T. Grenilds. 


William Pedrick. 




Lippincott. 


1875-78. Barclay Edwards. 


Thomas Barber, Jr. 


J. C. Weatherby. 






1879-82. Theodore Holton. 


Joseph Dare. 


Benjamin Elwell, 








John Woolman. 


William English. 




CONSTABLES. 


Joseph T. Coles. 


Francis Dimon. 




1850-61. William Nelson. 


1862-74. Charles F. Grotf. 


James Davis. 


, E.I.Bennett. 




1850. James M. Reed. 


1872. Thomas B. Parker. 


Samuel Dickinson. 


Newcomb Daniels. 




1852-56. Thomas Long. 


1873-81. Isaac Conover. 


William Moore. 


Samuel Johnson, Sr. 




1857-58. George Watson. 


1875-78. George W. Barton. 


Denns Peterson. 


Joseph B. Hiles. 




1859. Benjamin Abbott. 


1879. Henry Gardner. 


Smith Simkins. 


William-Ramho. 




1860. John H. Branditf. 


1880. Charles Avis. 


John Stanlcup. 


David Carney. 




1861. William B. Boultinghouse. 


1881. Charles B. Robinson. 


Samnel Pancoast. 


William White, Jr. 








Thomas Morris. 


Albert Mattson. 




TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 


Israel Kirkbride. 


P. D. Park. 




1850. Joseph Barnes. 


1862. Uz Coles. 


" The p.jll closed precisely at 7 o'clock p.m., and the whole number of 


1850. James Woolman. 


1863-64. D. C. Pancoast. 


votes polled is four hundred and thirty-eight votes. 




1850-61. Joseph Harker. 


1853, 1864, 1866. Thos. Lippincott. 


(Signed) 


" Jonathan Cawley, Judge, 


1860-51. Henry Richman. 


1864. Charles B. Robinson. 




" Thomas Lippincott. 




1850-61. William Sandford. 


1865-66. James D. Lawson. 




"John Woolman. 




1S51-55. James Lawrie. 


1865, 1867-74. Isaac Scull. 


" Attest : James T. Gkenilds, Clerk. 




1851. John E. Lippincott. 


1865-06. A.sa Reeves. 


" Of the above list of voters one hundred and ninety-six are 
deceased." 


now 


1852-65. Jonathan Cawley. 


1866-67. David M. Baker. 








1852. Michael Null. 


1867. Israel A. Hewitt. 


Organization. — Pilesgrove was one of the orig 


inal 


1852-58. William S. Clawson. 
1S52-56. Ephraim S.Coles. 


1867. Isaac McAllister. 

1868. William Moore. 


townships of Salem County, and was named, as 


be- 


1853, A. Uillman. 


1868. Ira Reeves. 


fore stated, in honor of Thomas Pile (or Pyle). 


lts 


1854-55. Alward W. Hillman. 


1868, 1876-82. Samuel Borton. 


area was early greatly reduced by the organization of 


1856. Charles Cailhopper. 
1856-58, 1863. Charles Clark. 


1868. Lewis K. Van Hyst. 
1869-72, 1874-76. James Abbott. 


Pittsgrove from its territoi 


y. 




1866-58. William Austin. 


1869. Amos Buzby. 


Civil List. — Owing to the absence of early records 


1856. Edward B. Humphreys. 


1869. Gideon Layton. 


the historian is not able to 


comoile a civil list of this 


1857-58. David Colson. 


1870. Enos Davis. 


township for years previous to 1848. The following 


1857-69. Joseph K. Biley. 
1859-60, 1876-82. R. Hewitt, Jr. 


1870. Charles L. Springer. 
1871-73. Lippincott Coles. 


is as complete as it has been found possible to m 


ake 


1869, 1864. Eli Kirhy. 


1871-73. Stacy F. Deacon. 


it since the year mentione 


d: 




1859. William M. Cawley. 
1861-62 Amos Strang. 
1859. Oliver Riley. 


1871-73. Charles P. Swing. 
1873. Richard Kirby. 
1874-77. Theodore Holton. 


CLERKS. 




1860-62. John W. Dickinson. 


1875. William Clark. 


1850,1852-57,1865-71. William M. 


1872-75. James E. Elley. 




1861-67,1869-75. Wni. Coles, Jr. 


1876-78. William Coles. 


Cawley. 


1876-79. John W. Lippincott. 




1860. David M. Davis. 


1876-78. Isaac J. Eichman. 


1851. William S. Clawson. 


1880. J. M. C. Richman. 




1S60. Thomas E. Coles. 


1878-80 Charles B. Humphreys. 


1858-64. Mahlon D. Dickinson. 


1881-82. Charles F. Pancoast. 




1860-61. Josiah M. Humphreys. 
1862-63, 1865. William Hewitt. 


1881-82. Charles Eichman. 


CHOSEN FR 


BEHOLDERS. 








1848-50. W.D. Clawson. 


1852-54. Ewalt Eichman. 




JUDGES OF 


ELECTION. 


1848-51. Robert P. Robinson. 


1853-57. Samuel Morris. 




1851-53, 1856-63. E. C. Pedrick. 


1875-82. William H. Reed. 


1851. Isaiah D. Clawson. 


1855-56. Joseph Reeves. 




1854. Peter Beckett. 


1877-82. Barclay Edwards. 


1852. Henry Eichman. 


1867. Allen Wallace. 




1864-66, 1868-74. Isaac Scull. 





452 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



SUEVEYOES OF HIGHWAYS. 
1850. P. D. Park. 1800-66. Samuel S. Dean. 

1850-59. William M. Cawloy. ! 1867-72. Eobert Hewitt, Jr. 

1851-74. Morris Peak. 1873-82. John H. Wiiggins. 

1855. Joseph Keeve. , 1S75-82. Hughes Crispin. 



ISoO. John White. 
1351-63, 1856-57. Mahlon D. Dick- 
inson. 
1854-55. James M. Eoed. 
1858-60,1865-07. John W.Goforth. 
1861-62. John Cook. 



COLLECTOES. 

1863-04. Charles G. Dickinson. 
1868-70. John Borton. 
1871-73. Isajic McAllister. 
1874-77. Charles D. Coles. 
1878-80. John H. Turner. 



18S1-82. George B. Grier. 



1850-52. Eobert Vanneman. 
1863-56, 1858. Thomas Long. 
1867, 1859. Ephraim S. Coles. 
1860-64. Smith Hewitt. 



ASSESSOES. 

1865-06, 1808, 1872-78. Mahlun D. 

Dickinson. 
1809-71. Edward S. Davis. 
1879-80. James S. Engles. 
1881-82. J. M. C. Kichman. 



TOWNSHIP SUPEEINTENDENTS. 
1850-56. James Lawrie. 1860. David M. Davis. 

1856-59. Joseph K. Eiley. 



1862-07. James Woolmaii. 



Public Schools. — The educational history of Piles- 
grove dates bacl^ to nearly the time of its settlement. 
Schools of a primitive kind were established by the 
pioneers soon after their arrival. They were taught 
in log houses, sometimes in residences, by the old- 
fashioned itinerant pedagogues, and if they were not 
as thorough and as systematic as the schools of today, 
they were of a character well calculated to sow the 
seeds of educational progress, which have since borne 
abundant fruitage. 

The " pay-school" system was early introduced as a 
means of general education, and in time, through the 
fostering iniiuence of the school law of the State, the 
public school system of the present day developed 
itself. Districts were formed from time to time, each 
under the care of competent and duly-elected com- 
mitteemen, who in time gave place to the township 
superintendent, an office now some years extinct. 

The districts now number seven, known and num- 
bered as follows : 24, Laurel Hill ; 25, Sharptown ; 
26, Woodstown ; 27, Eldridge's Hill ; 28, Friendship ; 
29, Union Grove; 80, Morgan. 

Industrial. — The soil of Pilesgrove is of the first 
quality, and is cultivated by as progressive and intel- 
ligent a class of farmers as are to be found in any 
section of New Jersey. This township was early 
noted for its productiveness in wheat, corn, oats, flax- 
seed, hay, and potatoes. All kinds of farm and gar- 
den produce are raised, and meet with ready and 
remunerative sale in the markets of South Jersey and 
Philadelphia. 

Lumbering was an early industry, and several saw- 
mills were built in various parts of the township. 
One of the earliest of these was that of Moses Rich- 
man, at Richmanville, which was burned about sixty 
years ago. 

About 1829 a fulling-mill was built at Richman- 
ville by Moses Richman. It was converted into a 
foundry about 1859, having been idle for about ten 
years previously, and the property having been sold 



to Iredell Butcher. The foundry went into disuse 
about twelve years ago. 

Abraham and John Richman built a grist-mill in 
1836, which is known as "the Richman Mills." It 
is located near Richmanville, and is owned by Abra- 
ham Richman, who has long leased it to different 
parties, among them Francis Diament, Isaac Dia- 
ment, and Jonathan Webster. The latter has oper- 
ated it during the past six years. 

Dickinson's mills, built by Dr. Thomas P. Dickin- 
son in 1852, and first run by Ephraim Cole, who has 
been in possession since that time, except during ten 
years, in the course of which it was at different times 
in the occupanc)' of William Filer, Barzillai Smith, 
and Albert Mounce. In 1873, Mr. Cole admitted a 
son to a partnership in the enterprise, and since that 
date the mill has been run by Ephraim Cole & Son. 
It is now owned bj' Joanna Dickinson, widow of the 
late Dr. Thomas P. Dickinson. By the side of this 
I mill formerly stood a saw-mill, which was built long 
! previously to the erection of the grist-mill, and was 
taken down nearly thirty years ago. On the same 
site was formerly a mill known as Davenport's mill, 
in honor of an owner of long ago. Asa Antrum and 
Samuel Dickinson later owned it, until the property 
passed into the hands of the late Dr. Thomas P. Dick- 
inson. 

The Oliphant mill, at Sharptown, was built by Dr. 
Sharp in 1847, and was first run by Smith Hewitt. 
Thomas Sparks, Richard Sutton, and Parvin Lloyd 
successively had possession until 1862, when Samuel 
Oliphant assumed control. In 1872 his son, Aaron 
M. Oliphant, became a partner in the business, which 
has since been conducted by S. & A. M. Oliphant. 

A foundry was early established at Eldredge's Hill 
by Edward Hanes, who was succeeded by his son, 
Thomas Hanes. During the past twenty-five years 
the business has been conducted by John Hanes, 
another son of its founder. Agricultural and mill 
machinery are manufactured here, and some engines 
have been made. 

A number of sloops for carrying Cordwood were 
built at Sharptown between 1815 and 1830. Marl 
was discovered in the township about Woodstown 
and elsewhere and used as a fertilizer as early as 1820. 

■ VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

The Borough of Woodstown.— Woodstown bor- 
ough is pleasantly located near the head-waters of 
Salem Creek, nine miles from Salem, about twenty- 
j five miles from Philadelphia, and fifty-five miles from 
I Trenton, and has only recently been separated from 
1 Pilesgrove. Around about it lies the richest agricul- 
tural section of Salem County. Its business is large, 
j and is drawn mostly from the upper portion of Salem 
and the lower section of Gloucester Counties, and is 
I chiefly limited to mercantile trade. Few towns are 
1 more invitingly built, the residences being, as a rule, 
'■ attractive, and many of them surrounded by large 



TOWNSHIP OP PILESGROVE. 



453 



lawns. During the past few years this place has been 
brought into considerable prominence through the 
excellent and interesting fairs held there by the 
"West Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Asso- 
ciation of the Counties of Salem and Gloucester. 
N. J.," during the continuance of which the town is 
a scene of much bustle, activity, and animation. 

There stood until recently a large tree in the vicinity 
of the Hicksite Friends' meeting-house, around which, 
tradition says, the British soldiers stacked their arms 
while pausing in their passage through the village 
on one memorable day of the Revolutionary period. 
This spot is pointed out as one of considerable his- 
torical interest. 

The village is quite ancient, and derived its name 
from Jackanias Wood, an early settler, who built the 
three-story brick house, now standing and in good 
condition, owned and occupied by William H. Reed. 
Other early settlers were David Davis, Zaccheus Ray, 
Bateman Lloyd, Gen. Isaiah Shinn, James Risley, 
and John Pym. 

The following notice of Woodstown appeared in 
" Gordon's Gazetteer," 1834 : 

"Woodstown, p.-t., and village, of PileBgrove t-ship, Salem Co., upon 
the Salem Creek, 10 miles E. of the town of Salom,161 N. E. from W. C, 
and 65 S. of Trenton. The town contains about 150 dwellings, 2 taverns, 
and 6 stores, 3 schools, 1 Friends' meeting, 1 Baptist, and 1 African Meth- 
odist Church. In the neighborhood of the town there are some valuable 
marl-beds, and tlie use of marl has much improved the agriculture of the 
t-sbip." 

Manufactures. — A flour-mill was early built by 
John Groff, and it is still standing, owned and 
operated by Charles B. Clark. A few years after the 
building of this mill, Abraham McAltioner erected 
a woolen-mill on Chestnut Run, near Lippiucott 
Weatherby & Co. 's lumber-yard. About 1830, shortly 
after the death of Mr. McAltioner, it was removed 
and converted into a dwelling, which is yet in good 
repair. Traces of the old dam across the run are still 
to be seen. The abandonment of this enterprise was 
due to the failure of the stream to supply adequate 
water-power. 

Alexander Dean, who was a resident of Woods- 
town about ninety years ago, manufactured nails by 
hand in a shop on Main Street, on the site of a house 
owned by Mrs. Allen Hires, and standing nearly 
opposite the residence of his son, Samuel S. Dean. 

Seventy years ago George HoUinshead had a watch- 
maker's .shop on Main Street, where Isaac Ballinger 
now lives. About the same time a tannery stood on 
the Samuel C. Dickinson lot. It was for many years 
the property of Samuel Dickinson, by whom it was 
torn down. A man named Wallace is said to have 
been a former owner. Jonathan Riley had a black- 
smith-shop on Main Street, on the lot now owned by 
Dr. Jaquett, who lives in the residence, since remod- 
eled, formerly occupied by Mr. Riley. During the 
active years of his life he carried on an extensive 
business, often employing several helpers and appren- 
tices. A wheelwright-shop was kept sixty years ago 



near the site- of the residence of Mrs. Flitcraft, 
almost opposite Riley's shop, by Anthony Waters, 
who followed his trade there many years. 

As early as 1816 there was a wheelwright-shop on 
the site of the house of Deanius Peterson, on Main 
Street. It was occupied by Francis Cassidy until his 
death, about ten years later. 

Samuel Somers was probably the earliest regular 
cabinet-maker in the village, and for many years 
occupied a shop near the junction of Marlton and 
Main Streets. After the death of Cassidy, the 
wagon-maker, about 1826, he occupied the shop 
where he had formerly carried on business. Deanius 
Peterson became his partner in 1837, and succeeded 
him in business in 1889, continuing until 1856. 
About 1850, Francis Armstrong opened a shop on 
the Salem road (now Commerce Street), near Main 
Street, and continued business there until the estab- 
lishment burned, a few years later. Henry N. Mul- 
ford was a later cabinet-maker, from about 1860 to 
1873, part of the time occupying a building now the 
residence of C. S. Scott, on Main Street. He was 
succeeded by John Turner, who has since been in 
the business, bis shop being on Main Street. 

The well-known foundry of Edward Hanes was 
established by its present proprietor about eight years 
since. It is well located and liberally patronized, 
and does a general foundry business. Mr. Hanes is 
a man of great ingenuity and fine mechanical ac- 
quirements, and his inventive mind has conceived a 
number of curious and useful contrivances which 
have excited the wonder and admiration of persons 
who have seen them. 

Woodstown contains two canneries. The older of 
these, that of Grier & Wallace, was established in 
1881, and has so far done a large and successful busi- 
ness. The second was opened in 1882, by Dickinson 
& Lippincott, and has begun what promises to be a 
career of success. 

Merchants. — The earliest merchants were David 
Davis and Gen. Isaiah Shinn. John Pyne and 
James Risley also had early stores. Davis' store 
was in the western part of the village. Gen. Shinn 
kept a store on Main Street, in a building now 
owned by Miss Emeline Shinn, continuing in trade 
until his death. The store was later leased by Jacob 
Madara, Israel Reed, and David Bacon. James Ris- 
ley's store was at the junction of Salem and Bullitt 
Streets, near the present store of James D. Lawson. 
After his death he was succeeded by his son, Joseph 
L. Risley, who kept the store until his death, when 
it passed into the possession of Joseph K. Riley, who 
tore down the building and erected a new one on its 
site, and at the same time other contiguous ones oc- 
cupied by several of the leading merchants of Woods- 
town in their several lines of trade. On the site of 
the Hunt Block Joshua Madara kept a general store, 
and was succeeded by Joseph Heritage and others. 
Later the establishment was converted into a hard- 



454 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



ware-store by John and Charles Dickinson, who sold 
out to John Hunt. In 1869 the building was burned. 
In its place Mr. Hunt immediately built the large 
brick block which has since borne his name, a por- 
tion of which he rented, occupying the corner store 
with a large stock of hardware. He died in 1879, and 
since 18S0 the store has been occupied by Lippincott 
& Pancoast. The first occupants of the other store in 
this building were Peterson & Hollinshead, who were 
succeeded by Lippincott & Hollinshead. Fifty or 
sixty years ago there was a small store where Nathan 
Thomas' general store now is, which was kept by a 
Mrs. White. Other merchants of the past and pres- 
ent may be named as follows : Jacob Davis, Thomas 
Davis, David M. Davis, James Lawrie, Hopkins & 
Clement, David Bacon, John Bacon, Jacob Urion, 
Thorn & Moore, and Grier & Wallace. The present 
druggists are Messrs. Foster and Borton & Andrews. 
The last-mentioned firm succeeded Omar Borton. The 
shoe trade is represented by Joseph K. Riley. Edward 
Davis, and Thomas RufF. 

Public-Houses. — The oldest public-house in Woods- 
town for a long time was the Washington Hotel. It 
had many owners and occupants during the many 
years of its existence, one of the later of whom was 
Joseph G. French, who sold it to C. 0. Ford in 1868. 
Mr. Ford kept it until 1881, and in the spring of that 
year converted it into three stores. 

A public-house, known as the Farmers' and Drovers' 
Hotel, long stood opposite the Washington House. 
In the summer of 1868 it gave place to the hotel at 
present owned and kept by Samuel French, which 
was built by Jacob B. Keeley, and kept by him 
about five years. He' was succeeded by F. B. Elkin- 
ton & Brother, and they by F. B. Elkinton, who was 
succeeded by Samuel French, the present owner. 

Stage-Lines. — Railroads. — This was a prominent 
stopping-place for the stages between ' Salem and 
Philadelphia. About 1835, Joseph Cook established 
a stage-line from Woodstownto Penn'sGrove, connect- 
ing at the latter place with the boats plying between 
Salem and Philadelphia. About the same time a 
stage-line was established between Greenwich, Cum- 
berland Co., and Philadelphia, through Woodstown. 
Henry Graham was the owner. The stages made 
two trips weekly. About 1849, Jackson Briant es- 
tablished a daily line of stages between Woodstown 
and Philadelphia, leaving Woodstown in the morn- 
ing, and returning in the evening. Since the opening 
of the Salem Railroad stages were run in connection 
with the trains at Yorktown Station, three miles dis- 
tant. W. B. Hitchner was proprietor of this line. 
After the opening of the railroad from Woodbury to 
Swedesboro a daily line of stages was run from Woods- 
town to Swedesboro, six miles distant. 

The completion of the railroad from Swedesboro 
through Woodstown to Salem has placed Woodstown 
in direct railway communication with Philadelphia 
and points beyond, an advantage it should have had 



twenty years ago, and it will doubtless add much to 
the growth, prosperity, and wealth of the place, and 
bring into market for building purposes the available 
land adjacent to the present built-up portions. 

Educational. — The public schools of Woodstown 
are elsewhere referred to. The place has two private 
educational enterprises which are worthy of especial 
mention. One of these, the Woodstown Academy, a 
boarding- and day-school for both sexes, is under the 
care of A. C. Norris, A.M., one of the best educators 
in the State, and has a wide reputation. During the 
summer vacations Professor Norris usually prepares 
a large class for teaching. The other is the private 
school of William H. Reed, who has been long and 
successfully engaged in teaching, and is the present 
mayor of the borough. 

Incorporation. — In 1878 petitions were circulated 
and a private bill presented to the State Legislature 
to incorporate the village of Woodstown as a borough. 
This bill failed to pass on account of a decision of the 
Supreme Court, pronounced that winter, to the effect 
that under the amendments to the Constitution special 
legislation of that nature was unconstitutional. The 
bill was revised so as to be general in its features, and 
in that shape was passed by the Legislature, and ap- 
proved by the Governor, April 5, 1878. An election 
under the provisions of the act was held in Septem- 
ber, 1878, and the people voted against incorporation 
by a majority of thirty-five, on a total vote of two 
hundred and sixty-three. The project was aban- 
doned until 1882, when a petition was presented to 
the Board of Freeholders asking for the appointment 
of an election to determine the question of incorpora- 
tion with the following boundaries : 

" Beginning at a walnut-tcee on the nortlierly side of the Woodstown 
and Mullica Hill turnpike, near the farm-house of late Samuel Pan- 
coast; thence a straight course to the bridge over a water-course on the 
Woodstown and Swedesboro turnpike, near the house of John Quirk; 
thence a straight couree to the bridge over the same water-co\irse where 
it crosses the Woodstown and Auburn road, near the farm-house, late 
.Joseph Peterson's; thence a straight course to the old Woodstown and 
Sharptown road, at the corner of William Kilpatrick's meadow, for- 
merly the Dickinson marl-meadow, also a corner of Elizabeth B. Caw- 
ley's meadow; thence a straight course, crossing Salem Creek and the 
Sharptown and Salem roads, to the bridge over Nikomi's Run, at the 
foot of Hungry Hill, near John Holmes' farm-house, on the road from 
Woodstown to AUowaystown; thence a straight course to the intersec- 
tion of the Woodstown and Daretown road with the road from Dickin- 
son's mill to the AUowaystown road aforesaid, near the farm-house of 
Sarah and Mary H. Dickinson ; thence a straight course to the begin- 
ning." 



The petition was signed by the following: 

W. M. Morrison. 
E. S. Davis. 
James D. Lawson. 
Daniel Ware. 
J. H. Turner. 
J. E. Jaquett. 
William Z. Flltcraft. 
A. C. Norris. 
Nathan Thome, 
John L. Allen. 
John C. Neusteal. 
Thomas M. Taylor. 
Thomas M. White. 



Edward Wallace. 
Joseph K. Riley. 
Samuel Berton. 
Omar Borton. 
George M. Andrews. 
William B. Kirby. 
Elias Mattson. 
Joseph Turner. 
Isaiah 0. Shinn. 
E. S. Fogg. 
J. T. Taylor. 
William Taylor. 
A. E. Ricbman. 



TOWNSHIP OF PILESGROVE. 



455 



Edward Snellbuker. William Nixon. 

Isaac B. Coled. Lewis B \Vrij;bt. 

J. W. Wible. Israel Conover. 

William S. Guforth. Charles Boon. 

William B. Foster. Robert KulT. 

J. H. Peterson. Thomas Ruff. 

^ John Wallace. Barclay Edwards. 

S. H. Weatherby. L. A. D. Allen, M.D. 

George B. Grier. Charles Smith. 
Joseph B. King. 

The petition was granted, and the following was 
the result of the election, as certified by the inspectors : 

"The whole number of names on the poll-list was 233; the number 
of ballots cast was 233 ; the number of ballots cast 'for incorporation' 
was 133 ; the number of ballots cast ' against incorporation' was 100 ; the 
number of ballots re.jected was none : the majority ' for incorporation' 
was 33." 

The first election of borough officers was held Oct. 
3, 1882, with the following result: Mayor, William 
H. Reed; Councilmen, Isaac K. Lippincott, Janres 
D. Lawson, John H. Turner, Elam Hitohner, Edward 
S. Davis, and Joseph B. Cobb. 

The First National Bank of Woodstown.— The 
First National Bank of Woodstown was organized 
Feb. 16, 1864. Its certificate of authority was granted 
April 4th, and it began a regular business July 25th 
of that year, in a house occupied by C. M. Fogg, on 
Salem Street, continuing there until its removal to 
its new banking-house, October 25th following. The 
original directors were William J. Shinn, Edward 
B. Humphreys, John H. Lippincott, Elijah B. Hor- 
ner, John W. Dickinson, Samuel Borton, Samuel H. 
Weatherby, Samuel Black, and James Benezet. The 
first ofiicers were William J. Shinn, president; C. 
Carroll Lippincott, cashier; and Charles M. Fogg, 
teller. 

Cashier Lippincott died in August, 1867, and 
Charles M. Fogg, the teller of the bank, was chosen 
his successor, and Edward Wallace was chosen teller. 
President Shinn died in February, 1868, and Edward 
R. Bullock succeeded him as director and president. 
In March of the same year Edward Wallace resigned 
his position as teller in order to engage in other busi- 
ness, and William Z. Flitcraft was chosen to fill the 
vacancy. Charles M. Fogg continued as cashier until 
January, 1871, when he resigned and was succeeded 
by William Z. Flitcraft, and Isaiah C. Shinn was 
chosen teller. 

The present directors are Edward R. Bullock, 
Samuel H. Weatherby, Samuel Borton, Samuel Moore, 
Samuel S. Dean, Jesse Lippincott, Nathan Thorne, 
Isaac K. Lippincott, and James Benezet; ami the 
ofiicers are Edward R.Bullock, president; William 
Z. Flitcraft, cashier ; and Isaiah C. Shinn, teller. 

The capital of the bank is §75,000; the surplus is 
$50,000 ; and the undivided profits at this date' are 
820,893.65. 

Sharptown. — This is an ancient settlement, his- 
torically known as having had a camp established 
near it by the British during the Revolution. John- 

!W 

1 Sept. 29, 1882. 



son, in his little "History of Salem," states that the 
British troops, consisting of from twelve hundred to 
fifteen hundred men, encamped there on the night of 
March 16, 1778. It derived its name from the Shar]i 
family, elsewhere mentioned, who located in the 
vicinity during the pioneer period of the history of 
the county. 

Who the very first business men in Sharptown were 
is now unknown to any one. Doubtless various small 
enterprises of commerce or industry were established 
there from one hundred to one hundred and fifty 
years ago. Sixty years ago Peter Bilderback kept a 
store on the site of the store of Messrs. Wriggins & 
Brocker. About fifty years ago he was succeeded by 
Noah and John Humphreys. Four or five years later 
they gave place to William and James Hunt. Later 
Isaiah W. Richman and Edward B. Humphreys oc- 
cupied the old building successively. The present 
store-house at this .stand was erected a few years ago 
by the present proprietors, who have a good trade 
with the farmers around about. 

Charles Elkinton built the store now occupied by 
Elton Rogers & Son, and leased it successively to 
Henry Wood, Gideon Allen, Ellis Smith, and Henry 
M. Wright. It was closed by an auction sale at the 
end of AVright's occupancy, and was not again opened 
until purchased by Elton Rogers, about four years 
ago. 

For some years before the late rebellion, Albert 
and Robert Van Meter had a store at the upper end 
of the village, where Edward Kirby's market now is. 
After trading four or five years they abandoned the 
business, and the building was converted into a 
dwelling. 

At the lower end of the village a store was kept 
over forty years ago by Isaac McAllister, and later, 
until finally closed, by George A. Robbins & Henry 
Wood, and George A. Robbins & Robert P. Robinson. 
About the same time a store was opened on the oppo- 
site side of the street by Samuel Humphreys. He 
was succeeded by Matthias Swing and Benjamin Lip- 
pincott, and later he again traded there until suc- 
ceeded by Mrs. Mary Robbins. This store was closed 
thirty years or more ago. 

There were, years ago, two public-houses in Sharp- 
town. One of them, not now in existence, was kept 
by Adam Cook, about sixty years ago. The other has 
had many successive keepers, and has been open, with 
varying fortunes most of the time for many years. It 
is not now a licensed hotel, and it is kept by George 
Elkinton. 

The various mechanical trades usually represented 
in similar villages have been long plied in Sharptown 
by men the names of whom have many of them been 
forgotten. Samuel Plummer was a wheelwright here 
for many years. George W. Barton's name is also fa- 
miliar in connection with this branch of industry. A 
wheelwright well known at the present time i.s Charles 
Avis. Joseph Peak, Borden Crammer, and Isaac 



456 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Stretch were well-remembered former blacksmiths. 
William B. Turner and Samuel Lott are the village 
Vulcans now. Among shoemakers, past and present, 
may be mentioned George A. Robbins, John Bee, Ed- 
mund Royal, Richard Gordon, Richard P. Gordon, 
John Miller, and Thomas Hewitt. The harness-shop 
of Nathan Kidd was established in 1849. 

Sharptown may now be reckoned among the most 
prominent of the smaller villages of Salem County. 
It contains two general stores, a hotel, one church, a 
public scliool, a grist-mill, and a goodly number of 
dwellings. The population is about two hundred and 
fifty, and evidences of thrift and prosperity abound. 

Yorketown. — Yorketown is a pleasant little vil- 
lage in the southeastern part of the township, on the 
Salem Branch of the West Jersey Railroad, about 
three miles from Woodstown, and ten from Salem. 
It has grown up within the past twenty years. The 
first house of any importance erected here was the 
residence of John S. Elvvell. The land on wliich it 
stands was owned at the lime of the construction of 
the railroad by John H. Cann, who surveyed it into 
village lots, and sold them as opportunity offered. 
The place was named in honor of Judge T. Jones 
Yorke. 

The first store in Yorketown was built by Joseph 
and Asa Reeves, who sold out, in 1866, to Isaac Mc- 
Allister. Wilbert Richman, a since well-known mer- 
chant, entered Mr. McAllister's employ as a clerk, 
and was later admitted to a partnership in his busi- 
ness, succeeding him as sole owner about twelve years 
ago. The store now owned and occupied by Mr. 
Richman was built by Isaac McAllister, who removed 
to it from the one he had previously purchased of the 
Reeveses. 

A second, and the only other store in Yorketown 
besides Richman's, was built by John S. Elwell, in 
1877, and was owned and managed by him until the 
spring of 1882, when he was succeeded by his son-in- 
law, George W. Watson. 

A hotel was built and opened in 1863, by William 
S. Boultiughouse, who sold it to Thomas McAllister 
about 1866. Mr. McAllister kept it a few years, and 
has since leased it to Samuel Gasling, Benjamin 
Free, William Nelson, Jacob Beck, and Heury Van 
Meter. 

There was formerly a blacksmith- and wheelwright- 
shop owned by John H. Cann, who is now a resident 
of Alloways. Both buildings have disappeared. 

The brick and tile manufactory of Aaron Haines & 
Sons is the most important interest, located princi- 
pally just within the township of Upper Alloways 
Creek, near Yorketown. 

The two stores, the hotel, and the brick and tile 
manufactory mentioned, two school-houses, a chapel, 
a colored Methodist Church, a post-office, a depot 
and express- and telegraph-office, and a few scatter- 
ing dwellings make up the sum total of the village, 
which has a small but thrifty population. 



Richmanville. — This is a hamlet about a mile 
north of Yorketown, containing three or four dwell- 
ings, a store, and a blacksmith-shop. One of the 
most prominent residents is Mr. C. Kirby, formerly 
long extensively engaged in the meat trade, now a 
well-known farmer. This place was the locality of * 
the settlement of the Richman family, mentioned 
elsewhere. 

The saw-mill, fulling-mill, and foundry formerly 
located here are referred to in the sketch of the 
industries of Pilesgrove township. A store was 
opened by Joseph Harker about thirty years ago. It 
had several subsequent occupants, and while occu- 
pied by Charles M. Miller it was burned, in March, 
1878. Among^ former merchants at this old stand 
were Benjamin Dubois, Ca.pt. William Main, and 
David Banks. The store of Moses M. Richman was 
built and opened by the present proprietor in the 
spring of 1878. 

There have at different times been several black- 

! smiths at Richmanville. The most prominent among 

them was Iredell Butcher, now living near by, but for 

a long time out of the trade. The present blacksmith 

is Artis C. Seagrave. 

Other Settlements. — Bushtown, Duel's Corners, 
and Eldridge's Hill are the local names of settle- 
ments in various parts of the township, which are 
scarcely entitled to consideration as hamlets. Mill- 
town is the name given to the locality of the Rich- 
man grist-mill, near Richmanville. Baileytown is a 
cluster of buildings east of Salem Creek, which is 
included in Woodstown borough, but was formerly 
so called. 

SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS. 

Woodstown Lodge, No. 158, I. 0. 0. F., was in- 
stituted Aug. 9, 1871. The following named were the 
charter members : Albert Walton, Alfred Mounce, 
Charles Clark, William Taylor, F. B. Elkinton, 
George Hann, F. M. Borden, William H. Kirby, I. 
C. Shinn. The first officers were F. M. Borden, 
N. G. ; Charles Clark, V. G. ; I. C. Shinn, Sec; 
William Taylor, Treas. The successive Noble Grands 
have been as follows : F. M. Borden, Charles Clark, 
T. C. Dubois, William H. Kirby, Charles D. Coles, 
I. C. Shinn, J. E. Jaquett, and John H. Turner, In 
September, 1882, Israel Renner was N. G. ; J. E. 
Jaquett, V. G. ; Franklin Flitcraft, Sec. ; and James 
Abbott, Treas. 

Eagle Lodge, No. 64, K. of P., of Sharptown, 
was instituted Dec. 4, 1871, with the following charter 
members and first officers : 

Henry Gardiner, 0. C. ; Charles D. Heritage, V. C. ; Henry B. Rich- 
man, 51. A.; Charles S. Springer, M. E. ; ,T. H. Groff, K. K. ; John 
Wriggins, M. F. ; Lewis F. Vanhist, P.; William P. Barton, Charles 
P. Swing, William M. Kiley, John M. Mills, Richard HntchinsoD, 
J. Nelson Curry, Charles P. Keen, Elton Rogers, Charles G.Slauluch, 
John B. Humphreys, Joseph Avis, Thomas Wright, Heury Lacy, 
Charles B. Robinson, Eleazer Smith, John N. Miller, Richard S. 
Crispin, and Joseph Reeves. The principal otRcers serving in Sep- 
tember, 1SS2, were John M. Mills, C. C. ; Chambeis S. Conover, V. C. 



TOWNSHIP OF PILESGROVE. 



457 



Harmony Council, Ho. 56, 0. U. A. M— This 

society was instituted at Woodstown, Jaa. 11, 1871. 
The charter members were 



T. M. Taylor. 
Frederick Borden, 
T. Greeu. 
David Stuts. 
D. F. Bradway. 
Joseph Taylor. 
H. Sncllbiiker. 
Charles Adkineon. 



K. Snellbaker. 
0. P. Keeves. 
M. F. Edwards. 
J. B. Cobb. 
John H. Turner. 
Mark Kirby. 
Isaac Conover. 
Jeremiah Smith. 



The first oflBcers were T. M. Taylor, C. ; D. F. 
Bradway, V. C. ; J. B. Cobb, R. S. ; Jeremiah Smith, 
A. R. S. ; Frederick Borden, F. S. ; E. Snellbaker, I. ; 
John H. Turner, Ex. ; J. Tyler, I. P. ; T. Green, O. 
P. ; C. P. Reeves, Treas. The officers in September, 
1882, were as follows: E. Sibley, C. ; Benjamin 
Nixon, V. C. ; T. M. White, R. S. ; I. B. Coles, A. R. 
S. ; E. Snellbaker, F. S. ; T. M. Taylor, I. ; William 
Seagraves, Ex. ; Elmer Wible, I. P. ; Josiah Daniels, 
O. P. ; Joseph Turner, Jr. Ex. C. ; Joseph Taylor, 
Sr. Ex. C; Joseph S. Taylor, S. M. White, N. R. 
Daniels, Trustees. The following are the names of 
the successive presiding officers : 



John Deuchle. James S. Engles. 

Robert R. Alcorn. George Watson. 

Frank Green. 'William Jess. 

Jacob Urion. Asa Reeve. 

Cliarles J. King. Nathaniel R. Smith. 

Joseph Nichols. George Kliugstine. 

Cooper A. Money. W. B. Hitchner. 

The following were the first officers: Charles L. 
Watson, S. ; William M. Walters, S. S. ; Edward T. 
Davis, J. S. ; William Brown, P.; George Watson, 
C. of R. ; Cooper A. Money, K. of W. The follow- 
ing officers were .serving in September, 1882 : William 
Ferguson, S. ; William M. Walters, S. S. ; Charles 
Knoar, J. S. ; James S. Engles, P. ; Edward S. Davis, 
C. of R. ; Samuel Broadway, K. of W. 

John D. Foster Post, No. 57, G. A. R.— The post 
was organized in September, 1881. The following 
were the charter members : ' 



T. M. Taylor. 

D. E. Bradway. 
J. H. Turner. 
J. B. Cobb. 

J. W. Otinger. 
Joseph S. Taylor. 
N. R. Daniels. 
T. M. White. 

E. Snellbaker. 



M. F. Edwards. 
Joseph Turner. 
Levi Pricket. 
William Brown. 
Elisha Reed. 
Charles Keen. 
Israel Conover. 
Edward Sibley. 



Regular meetings are held in Riley's Hall, Tuesday 
evening of each week. 

Woodstown Lodge, No. 138, F. and A, M,— This 
lodge was organized Feb. 3, 1874, with the following 
charter members : A. M. P. V. H. Dickeson, Howard 
Bassett, L. A. D. Allen, James D. Lawson, John H. 
Peterson, Henry B. Richman, Benjamin F. Straughn, 
Francis H. Walker, Robert G. Sheppard. 

The following were the first officers : A. M. P. V. 
H. Dickeson, W. M. ; Howard Bassett, S. W. ; L. A. 
D. Allen, J. W. ; James D. Lawson, Treas. ; John 
H. Peterson, Sec. The names of the successive pre- 
siding officers are as follows : A. M. P. V. H. Dicke- 
son, L. A. D. Allen, Howard Bassett, Charles D. 
Coles, Edward Wallace, N. Y. Lippincott, Charles H. 
Richman. In September, 1882, the officers were 
Charles H. Richman, W. M. ; Isaac C. Dubois, S. W. ; 
Richman Coles, J. W. ; James D. Lawson, Treas. ; 
John H. Peterson, Sec. 

Meetings are held on or after the full moon of each 
month, and two weeks thereafter. Place of meeting, 
Masonic Hall. 

Mosacsa Tribe, No. 42, I. 0. R. M.— This society 
was organized in 1872, with the following charter 
members : 



William Brown. 
William M. Walters. 
Charles L. Watsoo. 
John W. Goforth. 



Edward S. Davis. 
Robert Keen. 
John Green. 
Joseph B. King. 



James S. Engles. 
Israel Renner. 
John H. Peacock. 
Jacob jMoure. 
Moses R. Banks. 
Jonathan Shull. 
John Neusteal. 
Benjamin Maull. 
Elisha W. Reed. 



Edward B.Sibley. 
Joseph Commith. 
Uriah Gilraan. 
William M. Blorrisou. 
Elmer Ogden. 
John Maxwell. 
John Fox. 
Henry Rodrien. 



The following officers were serving in September, 
1882: John Neusteal, C. ; Israel Renner, S. V. C. ; 
Benjamin Maull, J. V. C. ; James S. Engles, A. ; 
Joseph Commith, Q,. ; Uriah Gilman, S. Meets every 
Thursday evening in Temperance Hall. 

Pilesgrove Library Association.— The Woods- 
town Library Company was instituted March 31, 
1810, and incorporated May 12, 1814. There are no 
records extant which throw any light on its subse- 
quent history for many years. It was in existence in 
1851, and its directors were Jonathan Cawley., Samuel 
Lippincott, D. C. Pancoast, Joseph Barnes, Josiah 
Eugle, and David M. Davis. It seems to have ceased 
to be soon afterwards. 

About the year 1858, Lavinia T. Reed, residing 
near Woodstown, began to canvass the project of a 
library among her acquaintances, the result of which 
was that quite a number of the citizens of Woodstown 
interested in such matters agreed to become members 
of a library organization by payment of a member- 
ship fee of one dollar, and several donations of books 
were made. Many of these books may now be seen 
upon the shelves of the library, bearing upon the fly- 
leaves the names of the donors, long since gone to 
rest. Some of them bear the label of the old Woods- 
town Library. Mrs. Reed also organized a course of 
lessons on history, which continued for nearly a year, 
an admission fee of five and ten cents being charged ; 
the proceeds at the end of the course amounted to 
about forty-eight dollars, which sum was turned over 
to the treasury of the library and expended in books 
and necessary appliances. 

In January, 1860, the project had attained sufficient 
hold to warrant the formation of a regular society. 
A constitution was prepared by Dr. I. D. Clawson 



458 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



and William M. Cawley, and submitted and adopted 
at a meeting held in the old town hall, Jan. 7, 1860, 
lit which meeting the following officers, etc., were 
elected : President, Hon. William S. Clawson ; Vice- 
President, Eev. Chester Bridgman ; Secretary, Wil- 
liam M. Cawley; Purchasing Committee, Hon. I. D. 
Clawsou, David D. Hollingshead, Isaac V. Dickinson, 
Laviniu T. Reed, Elizabeth B. Hinchraan ; and at a 
subsequent meeting held Jan. 28, 1860, Daniel AVare 
was appointed librarian, and Omar Borton treasurer. 

At the meeting last mentioned it was reported that 
_over eighty books had been collected, and further do- 
nations were promised, and that an interview had been 
had with Smith Bowen, who had willingly granted 
the use of a lot free of expense on which to erect a 
library building. The lot offered was the same that 
is now occupied by the post-office building, and it 
was held vacant by Mr. Bowen, ready for the occu- 
pancy by the association, for a number of years. It 
was further reported that seventy-five dollars in money 
and labor had been subscribed towards the expense of 
the building, and Dr. Clawson gave information that 
a large number of congressional works, public docu- 
ments, etc., which were obtained by him during his 
service in Congress, were at the disposal of the asso- 
ciation. These books were accepted and ordered to 
be removed to the shelves of the library in the town 
hall, and formed the basis of the present large and 
valuable collection of public papers owned by the as- 
sociation. 

During the following winter a literary society was 
formed by the ladies of the library association and 
others, under the auspices of which several lectures 
were delivered by the clergymen of Woodstown. The 
proceeds amounted to seventeen dollars, and were 
donated to the library treasury. A proposition was 
made about this time to William S. Clawson to erect a 
building on the lot offered by Mr. Bowen, taking a 
lien upon it until the association should be able to pay 
the debt. To this he agreed, and arrangements to that 
effect had been partially made. The library associa- 
tion was to collect and pay into his hands all the funds 
they could obtain, he becoming responsible for the bal- 
ance until the association should relieve him by pay- 
ment. But the death of Judge Clawson, in the spring of 
1861, in connection with the exciting incidents of the 
war, put an end not only to this project, but to all other 
efforts in behalf of the library. In the mean time 
the library had been removed to a front room in the 
house of Daniel Ware, who had kindly consented to 
receive the same, the town hall being no longer avail- 
able, and there it remained until after the war in care 
of his daughter, Pauline S. Ware, who acted as libra- 
rian. 

In 1865 a successful attempt was made to revive 
the long dormant interest in the library. The annual 
meeting wa^ held in 1866, and William H. Reed was 
elected president; John S. Barnes, vice-president ; and 
William Cawley, secretary. The Daniel Webster 



Club, of Woodstown, made a proposition to unite 
their library with that of the Pilesgrove Association, 
asking in exchange for their books a membership in 
the library for each member of the club. The prop- 
osition was accepted, and the library increased thereby 
over one hundred volumes. 

Pursuant to authority granted by the association, 
the executive committee in 1866 removed the library 
and furniture from Mr. Ware's house to the store of 
John H. Peterson, who was appointed librarian, at an 
annual salary of fifty dollars, the books being acces- 
sible at all times during business hours. At the an- 
nual meeting in 1867, C. C. Lippincott, John S. 
Barnes, and William H. Reed, a committee pre- 
viously appointed, presented a draft of a revised con- 
stitution, which was adopted. The constitution in- 
creased the membership fee to two dollars and fifty 
cents, and the annual dues to fifty cents, and pro- 
vided also for life memberships on the payment of 
ten dollars, such life memberships to be clear of all 
dues and assessments. At this meeting the following 
officers were elected under the new constitution : 
President, William H. Reed ; Vice-President, I. V. 
Dickinson ; Secretary, John S. Barnes ; Directors, I. 
D. Clawson, Daniel Ware, Lavinia T. Reed, Susan 
W. Scull, Mrs. E. C. Hires. During this year the as- 
sociation sustained a severe loss in the death of C. 
Carroll Lippincott, the treasurer. In 1868 the asso- 
ciation was incorporated under the general laws of 
the State of New Jersey, by the name of " The Piles- 
grove Library Association." The following gentle- 
men were elected trustees for the purpose of incorpo 
ration : I. D. Clawson, I. V. Dickinson, William H. 
Reed, Charles H. Richman, John S. Barnes. 

At the annual meeting of 1870 the constitution 
was amended by changing the membership fee from 
two dollars and fifty cents to three dollars, and the 
annual dues from fifty to seventy-five cents, and the 
number of shares of stock in the association was 
limited to one hundred. During this year the asso- 
ciation purchased a small frame building, then stand- 
ing on the site now occupied by John H. Turner's 
store and residence, and the books were removed 
thereto. John S. Barnes was elected librarian, and 
performed the duties of the office until 1872. 

At the annual meeting of 1871 the offer of a site 
for the library building on the lot adjoining the 
Friends' meeting-house was accepted, and it was 
ordered that the building be removed thereto as soon 
as convenient. This proposition met with consider- 
able opposition, but was carried by a small majority, 
and in the spring of 1871 the removal was effected. 
At the annual meeting of 1872, William H. Reed was 
elected president ; I. V. Dickinson, vice-president ; 
William H. Pancoast, secretary ; L. A. D. Allen, treas- 
urer; I. D. Clawson, Daniel Ware, William Z. Flit- 
craft, George W. Smith, and Van R. Tindall, directors. 

At the first meeting of the board Mr. Barnes ten- 
dered his resignation as librarian. William H. Pan- 



TOWNSHIP OP PILESGROVE. 



459 



coast was elected in his stead, at an annual salary of 
ten dollars, and filled the office until the following- 
March, when he resigned that office together with the 
secretaryship, and William Z. Flitcraft was elected 
secretary and librarian in his stead, and acted as 
librarian, assisted during a portion of the time by his 
brother, Isaiah Flitcraft, until April, 1875, without 
compensation. 

During 1872 the association was called upon to 
mourn the death of Vice-President Isaac V. Dickin- 
son, who had been identified with the organization 
from the beginning, nearly all the time serving in 
some official capacity. 

April 29, 1875, at a meeting of the association, a 
committee appointed to present a revised constitution 
embodied several material changes, which brought 
the association into closer conformity with the laws of 
the State governing library corporations. This con- 
stitution was adopted, and it is still in force without 
change. By it the annual meeting now falls in April 
instead of January, and at the meeting April 29, 
1875, the following board of trustees was elected : 
William H. Reed, Dr. L. A. D. Allen, William Z. 
Flitcraft, O. B. McCurdy, Hannah C. Lord, Mrs. E. 
B. Humphreys, John S. Barnes, and pursuant to the 
modified constitution the trustees, at their first meet- 
ing, held May 1, 1875, elected the following officers, 
who were ex officio officers of the association also : 
President, William H. Reed ; Secretary, William Z. 
Flitcraft; Treasurer, Dr. L. A. D. Allen. Isaiah 
Flitcraft was engaged as librarian, and served as such 
for a short time. At the expiration of his term of 
service Mrs. I. V. Dickinson filled the office gratui- 
tously until June 8, 1877. Mrs. Joanna Flitcraft was 
chosen as her successor, and has served continuously 
to the present. 

At the meeting of the board of trustees, held April 
23, 1877, William Z. Flitcraft resigned his position as 
trustee, and Dr. I. D. Clawson was elected trustee to fill 
the vacancy, and John S. Barnes, secretary, until the 
annual meeting, which was held April 25th in the 
public school room. At this meeting William H. 
Reed, Daniel Ware, Edward Wallace, O. B. McCurdy, 
L. A. D. Allen, John S. Barnes, and J. E. Jaquette 
were elected trustees, and the board organized by 
electing Messrs. Reed, Barnes, and Allen as presi- 
dent, secretary, and treasurer respectively. 

At the annual meeting in 1880, William H. Reed, 
Daniel Ware, Edward Wallace, O. B. McCurdy, Isaac 
K. Lippincott, J. E. Jaquette, and E. S. Fogg were 
elected trustees, and the board organized by electing 
Reed, president; Fogg, secretary; and Jaquette, 
treasurer. A committee of five was appointed at 
this annual meeting to devise ways and means for 
the purchase of a suitable lot and erection of a build- 
ing, all progress on the part of the library being ap- 
parently blocked for the want of accommodations, 
the miscellaneous books now numbering nearly eight 
hundred, and the congressional works between eleven 



hundred and twelve hundred volumes. It was re- 
solved in December to extend the privileges of the 
library to persons not members of the association by 
granting permits to take books at a weekly fee of five 
cents per volume, such permits to be issued by any 
trustee to whom application might be made. The 
plan was found to work well. At the annual meeting 
of 1881 the committee on lot and building reported 
no progress, and were discharged, and the matter of 
additional accommodations for the library was re- 
ferred to the trustees for such action as they might 
deem advisable. To purchase a lot and erect a build- 
ing seemed impossible. In this emergency Joseph 
K. Riley, a member of the association, offered the 
board a lease for five years of the commodious rooms 
over his shoe-store, at the low rent of twenty-five dol- 
lars a year. This ofier was accepted, and in May, 
1881, the library was removed to its present quarters. 
The library now contains eleven hundred and two 
volumes; the congressional works number twelve 
hundred more. Some of them are of great value as 
historical and scientific records. From time to time 
festivals and entertainments of various kinds have 
been given, with more or less success, for the benefit 
of the library. 

The Pilesgrove Dairy Association.— The object 
of this association is the manufacture of milk into 
butter and cheese and other dairy products. It was 
organized Jan. 31, 1881, with stock valued at six 
thousand dollars, divided into six hundred shares. 
Richman Coles was elected president; Charles Coles, 
secretary ; and John W. Dickinson,, treasurer. An 
ice-house and cheese-factory were erected near Ricli- 
manville, and the association went into active opera- 
tions, which have been crowned with success beyond 
the most sanguine expectations of its officers and 
members. 

CHURCH HISTOEY. 

Hioksite Friends.' — The records of this society do 
not contain the exact date at which it was originally 
organized,' but it is thought to have come into exist- 
ence about 1724 or 1725. The first meeting-house 
stood near the site of a dwelling-house on the south- 
east corner of the lot belonging to the society. It 
is said to have been a small building, and the date 
of its erection cannot now be ascertained. The present 
brick meeting-house was built in 1785, and a Monthly 
Meeting was established in 1794 by a division of the 
Salem Monthly Meeting. The most prominent male 
members of the new meeting were not mentioned in 
the records of that day. Of the female members, who 
seem to have been in the ascendency, Elizabeth Bas- 
sett, Mary CoUeston, and Ann Somers were appointed 
elders, and Mary Ogden and Sarah Lippincott, over- 
seers. 

In 1827 and 1828 occurred the division of the old 
society into two branches, known respectively as the 

1 Written from diita furnislied by Samuel Borton, of Woodstown. 



460 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Hicksite and the Orthodox branches. Of these the 
Hicksite was the stronger, numerically and finan- 
cially, and by mutual agreement it retained the ven- 
erable meeting-house, which it occupies to this day. 

About 1846 it was arranged to hold two of the four 
Salem Quarterly Meetings annually at Woodstown, 
and about this time, to meet the demand for more 
room, an addition of fifteen feet was built to the meet- 
ing-house. 

The present membership of Pilesgrove Particular 
Meeting is about three hundred and ten; that of 
Pilesgrove Monthly Meeting, including Pilesgrove 
and Woolwich Preparatory Meetings, is about four 
hundred and ninety. 

Orthodox Friends.' — At the division in the Piles- 
grove Meeting, the Orthodox branch was much 
weaker than the Hicksite branch, and in considera- 
tion of the difference in numbers, the old house of 
worship was formally transferred by mutual agree- 
ment to the Hicksite branch. 

In 1828 the Orthodox Friends erected the small, 
unpretentious frame meeting-house they have occu- 
pied to this day, on Union Street, near Elm. The 
principal early members of this branch were Gideon 
Scull and his son,s, Daniel and David, and their fami- 
lies, and William P. and Samuel Lippincott and their 
families. The descendants of these men and mem- 
bers of other (amilies with which they have inter- 
married have down to the present time been the most 
conspicuous members of this society, which at that 
time was not more than a score of members. John 
H. Lippincott and family, now of Haddonfield, were 
long members, and a son of John H. Lippincott 
(Joseph K. Lippincott) is a resident near Woodstown, 
and has been a lifelong member of note. Another 
former member who will not soon be forgotten was 
Sarah Ann Allen, also now of Haddonfield. 

Rebecca Hubbs was an early minister, and was 
many years in service. Later ministers of ability, 
zeal, and influence were Hepzibah Brooks and Sarah 
Scull. 

Meetings are held every First Day, or Sunday, and 
every effort consistent with the rules and practice of 
Orthodox Friends to make them interesting and in- 
fluential is put forth. 

Old Pilesgrove Methodist Church. — No authentic 
history in detail of the old Pilesgrove Methodist 
Episcopal Church is obtainable at this date. It is 
supposed to have been organized very early, probably 
not long after the organization of the First Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Salem. In the absence of rec- 
ords, and after such a lapse of time, it hjis not been 
found possible to present the names of early mem- 
bers or to give a list of the successive preachers, or 
even to name any of those who led meetings there in 
the early days. 



1 Written from data furnished by Miss Friscilla Lippincott, of Woods- 
town. 



A small " class" is naturally supposed to have been 
first formed, and in time a school-house, near the site 
of the present old church, is said to have been the 
successor of the houses of one or two zealous mem- 
bers as a place of holding meetings when Pittsgrove 
became a station on the old Salem Circuit. Later a 
house of worship (a "one-story frame house, with a 
small gallery in front") was built, which in time gave 
place to that at present standing, unused and rapidly 
going to ruin. In time this became the chief station 
on a charge which included Woodstown and other 
points in the vicinity. A graveyard was opened 
close by, and in it repose the bodies of most of those 
who early worshiped here. 

Years passed, and the second church began to need 
repairs, and the centre of population in this section 
had shifted to Sharptown, where an enterprising class 
of Methodists had grown up under the protection of 
the old organization, and about 1830 meetings began 
to be held in the school-house in that village more 
and more frequently, and the old church was occu- 
pied less and less often, until the organization of the 
Sharptown Church, and the erection of a house of 
worship there in 1833, led to a final closing of its 
doors. 

Methodist Episcopal Church of Sharptown. — 
During a few years prior to 1833 preaching was 
gradually transferred from the old Pilesgrove Church 
to Sharptown, where meetings were held in the school- 
house. Rev. John Walker, Rev. Solomon Sharp, and 
other old-time preachers officiated, and the services 
were attended by most of the church-going people 
living in Sharptown and its vicinity. 

In 1833 a formal church organization was effected 
through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. Walker, 
William Morris, and others. Among the prominent 
early members were the following-named persons and 
their families in whole or in part: William Morris, 
Charles Bennett, Joseph Matlack, Jonathan Harvey, 
Richman Dixon, Robert P. Robinson, and Samuel 
Hillman. 

The neat brick church now in use was built in 
1835, and dedicated and formally opened in the fall 
of the same year. It cost about five thousand dol- 
lars. 

For some years after organization, Sharptown 
Church was connected, with others, with the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church of Woodstown, and was min- 
istered to by the pastors of that body. The first 
stationed pastor of this church was Rev. D. W. Bar- 
tine, in 1838. His successors have been Revs. Ford, 
Day, McDougall, A. K. Street, John Stockton, John 
Crouch (assisted by Rev. John S. Heisler), William 
B. Osborne, Joseph Ashbrook, J. G. Crate, C. K. 
Fleming, D. C. Hancock, J. Souders, Furman Robins, 
S. Townsend, J. H. Boswell, D. J. Lippincott, and 
W. H. Pearne, the present pastor. 

The trustees of this church, elected in September, 
1882, were Morris Peak, Robert P. Robinson, Charles 



TOWNSHIP OP PILESGROVB. 



461 



B. Humphrey, John N. Miller, Artis Seagraves, Henry 
B. Richman, and William B. Ridgway. 

The Haines' Neck Church.— About 1832 a small 
church edifice was built by a class of Methodists 
worshiping at Haines' Neck. Principal among the 
number may be mentioned Joseph Jaquett, a local 
preacher, John Stanley, Sr., Joseph Steward, the 
Abbotts, the Regers, the Bivenses, the Slapes, Rich- 
ard Hiles, and others. This is a station on the 
Shurptown charge. 

Woodstown Methodist Episcopal Church. — 
Woodstown became a regular appointment about 
1825, and was served by the ministers on the Salem 
Circuit. They preached in a school-house, not now 
standing, then located back of the present academy 
or town hall. 

Previous to this time the place was visited occa- 
sionally by Methodist ministers. Benjamin Abbott, 
in his autobiography, mentions visiting and preach- 
ing at Woodstown. The society originally numbered 
about a dozen members, as follows : Nicholas Hiles 
and wife, John Butcher and wife, T. Stratton and 
wife, Hepsibah Barnes, Margaret Strong, Hugh Sharp 
and wife, Rachel Shinn, and one or two others whose 
names are not now obtainable. 

In 1834 the society had grown to a membership of 
about one hundred. At this time the first house of 
worship was erected. In 1838, Sharptown and Woods- 
town were set off from the Salem Circuit as a separate 
charge. In 1852 Woodstown became a station by 
itself, and the church was ministered to during a part 
of 1852 and a part of 1853 by Jonas Chew, a local 
preacher. Since then the following-named pastors 
have been successively appointed : 

185t. MuUeu. 

1854. H. S. Bishop. 
1866-57. B. F. Woolston. 
1858-59. J. P. Handy, M.D. 
1860-61. S. Townsend. 
1862-63. K. Thorn, Jr. 
1864. A. E. Kallard. 
186.5-66. G.K. Morris, D.D, 

In 1856 and 1857 the present house of worship was 
erected. It is a commodious structure, plain in its 
exterior, without steeple or tower. The audience- 
and lecture-rooms are models of neatnesss and con- 
venience. 

Rev. Mr. Handy died while pastor of the church. 
He was a graduate in medicine, and was considered a 
man of brilliant talent. His remains lie under a 
small shaft in the yard in front of the church edifice. 

Methodism in this community has had a steady 
and substantial growth. Interesting revivals have 
occurred from time to time, and the church life 
throughout has been vigorous. This is now one of 
the strongest Methodist Episcopal Churches in the 
county. It has a membership of about two hundred 
and seventy-five, and the Sunday-schools uuraber 
about one hundred and fifty, officers, teachers, and 
scholars. 



1867-69. E.Green. 

1871-72. J. W. Hicliman. 

1873. Charles H. Whitecar, D.n. 

1874-75. S. F. "Wheeler. 

1876-78. P. Cline. 

1879-81. H. M. Brown. 

18 — . Joseph G. Crate, A.M. 



Baptist Church of Woodstown.— The imperfect 
manner in which the early records were kept has 
made it impossible to give as detailed a statement of 
the organization and history of the church as may 
seem desirable. It appears that fourteen Baptists 
from Salem and one from Cohansey met at Woods- 
town, N. J., July 24, 1822, and organized as a regu- 
lar Baptist Church. Rev. William B. Maxwell was 
pastor from Aug. 29, 1822, till March 26, 1823. Jan. 
24, 1824, Rev. John T. Cooper was invited to supply 
the church for one year. The minutes do not show- 
how the pulpit was supplied during the next five 
years. Oct. 23, 1830, Rev. William Bacon was settled 
as pastor of this church. During his pastorate the 
church organized a temperance society, April 11, 1832. 
The temperance pledge was also inserted in the 
church covenant December 1st of the same year. 

Feb. 18, 1838, Mr. Bacon resigned, after a pastorate 
of eight years, and a call was extended to Rev. John 
F. Felty, at a salary ot three hundred dollars per 
annum. Rev. Mr. Felty also preached once a week 
at Sharptown and Sculltown. He resigned Sept. 15, 
1838. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Wilson, 
April 6, 1839. Mr. Wilson resigned March, 1840. 

About May 3, 1840, Rev. C. C. Parks became pas- 
tor, at a salary of three hundred and fifty dollars. 
Nov. 6, 1841, Mr. Parks tendered his resignation, to 
take effect March 1, 1842. Dec. 1, 1841, the first 
mention is found on the minutes of a Sabbath-school, 
though one was in existence at a much earlier day. 
Jan. 7, 1843, Mr. D. Mead was called as pastor. He 
resigned Jan. 6, 1844. July 6, 1844, the church ex- 
tended a call to Mr. J. P. Baldwin, which was ac- 
cepted on condition that the church wait until the 
last of August in order that he might finish his stud- 
ies and receive his degree with his class. Mr. Bald- 
win was duly ordained Dec. 17, 1844, and proved an 
efficient pastor. He died suddenly while on a visit 
to Philadelphia, Dec. 12, 1845, and was buried in the 
Baptist cemetery at Woodstown. May 2, 1840, an 
invitation was extended to Rev. A. J. Hires to sup- 
ply the pulpit for an indefinite period, and he con- 
tinued until March, 1847. Rev. J. Perry Hall was 
called as pastor March 27, 1847, and commenced his 
labors April 1st, which continued until Nov. 1, 1850. 
Dec. 4, 1850, Rev. C. Brinkerhoff was called, and con- 
tinued as pastor until March, 1854. November, 1854, 
it was voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. A. 
Harvey. May 81, 1856, he tendered his resignation 
as pastor, which was accepted. 

Nov. 1, 1856, Rev. E. C. Ambler accepted a call to 
the pastorate. His labors closed March 4, 1859. 
During this pastorate, in 1858, a lecture-room was 
added to the church. Sept. 4, 1859, Rev. W. E. Cor- 
nell was invited to become pastor of this church. His 
pastorate continued until the first Sabbath in January, 
1861, after which he was invited to supply the church 
for an indefinite period. April 27, 1861, Henry B. 
Shermer was called. His pastorate continued until 



462 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



May 10, 1863. July 3, 1864, Rev. J. D. Meeson be- 
came pastor of the church, and so continued until 
June 1, 1865. For two years and eleven months fol- 
lowing the church was without a pastor. Rev. Mr. 
Hires acted as supply most of the time, but was fol- 
lowed by Rev. E. P. Barker as stated supply. May 
3, 1868, Rev. S. C. Dare became pastor, at a salary of 
eight hundred dollars and the use of the parsonage. 
During his pastorate a baptistery was put in the 
church. He resigned July 18, 1869. Nov. 28, 1869, 
Rev. James Thorn was called, and entered the field 
January, 1870. His labors as pastor ceased the last 
of December, 1871. May 5, 1872, a call was extended 
to Rev. F. B. Greul. He continued as pastor until 
Jan. 18, 1874, when he resigned. The church was 
then supplied by various preachers until Sept. 6, 1874, 
when a call was extended to Rev. P. S. Vreeland. He 
continued as pastor until Sept. 30, 1876, when he sev- 
ered his connection with the church. April 22, 1877, 
a call was extended to Rev. J. W. Sullivan. During 
the year 1878, Sallie B. Ale, on her decease, willed 
her house to the church for a parsonage. Rev. E. I. 
McKeever was called Aug. 4, 1878. Jan. 23, 1881, he 
tendered his resignation, which was not accepted. It 
was again presented February 5th, to take effect the 
10th instant, and was accepted. April 10, 1881, Rev. 
E. Dallas Stager was called, virtually by a unanimous 
vote, there being but one negative. Mr. Stager's pas- 
torate was abruptly terminated. Entering the pulpit 
on Sunday, Nov. 20, 1881, apparently in usual health, 
he was stricken with apoplexy while in the midst of 
his sermon, and in a few moments was dead. Rev. 
Charles Kain, who has recently retired from the pas- 
torate at Mullica Hill, and is residing in Woodstown, 
proposed to supply the pulpit for three months, on 
condition that the salary of the late pastor might be 
continued to his family. Shortly after the termina- 
tion of this engagement, the church extended a call 
to Rev. J. E. Wilson, which was accepted, and on the 
20th of July he commenced his labors. The officers 
of the church are : Pastor, Rev. J. E. Wilson ; Dea- 
'cons, J. Bradway, D. Peterson, Josiah M. Battin, 
James B. Hackett, P. G. Souder, M.D. ; Clerk, M. D. 
Dickinson ; Treasui-ei', Samuel Bradway ; Trustees, 
J. Bradway, D. Peterson, J. M. Battin, S. H. Brad- 
way, J. R. Hackett, Joseph Turner, R. S. F. Oilman ; 
Sunday-school Superintendent, Joseph Turner. 

The Presbyterian Church of Woodstown.— The 
Woodstown Presbyterian Church was organized Nov. 
22, 1855, with a membership of eight, consisting of 
the following-named persons: Mrs. Elizabeth Grim- 
shaw, Miss Esther Grimshaw, Miss Ann Grimshaw, 
Mrs. Mary M. Reed, Mrs. Harriet Elwell, Mrs. H. M. 
Jervis, Miss E. M. Jervis, and Dr. James B. Ware. 
Dr. Ware was chosen the first ruling elder of the 
church. 

Previous to the organization of the church. Rev. 
E. H. Snowden labored for three months at Woods- 
town, Swedesboro, and Mullica Hill, in the year 1853. 



In June, 1854, Rev. Allen H. Brown began an ap- 
pointment at Woodstown, and continued his services 
at intervals till October, 1855. 

Rev. T. B. Jervis became stated supply of the 
Woodstown and Swedesboro Churches in October, 
1855, and served in that capacity till October, 1856. 
He was succeeded by Rev. John L. Grant, who also 
served as stated supply for one year, from April, 
1857, till April, 1858. 

In 1859, Rev. Chester Bridgeman took charge of 
the congregations of Woodstown and Swedesboro as 
stated supply, and in the autumn of that year was 
installed as their first pastor. His pastorate was 
continued till November, 1863. 

In September, 1864, Rev. William Cornell was 
called as pastor of the Woodstown Church, and con- 
tinued as such till the autumn of 1867. 

In April, 1868, Rev. R. J. Burtt was installed as 
pastor of the Woodstown Church, and served as stated 
supply of the Swedesboro Church, having the charge 
of both congregations until May, 1872. 

In September, 1872, the present pa.stor. Rev. 0. B. 
McCurdy, was called by the congregation, and was 
ordained and installed its pastor Nov. 6, 1872. 

The church edifice, located on Main Street, near 
the centre of the village, was erected in 1857, and 
Dec. 3, 1857, it was dedicated. It is a neat frame 
building, with a seating capacity of about four hun- 
dred. The church property is valued at six thousand 
dollars. 

Before the erection of the church, meetings for wor- 
ship were held in the town hall. Since its organiza- 
tion the church has maintained a steady progress, 
gradually increasing in strength, until now its mem- 
bership numbers over one hundred, and includes 
some of the leading citizens of the community. It 
is active in its missionary work. 

Soon after its organization its Sabbath-school was 
established, with Elder John S. Barnes as its first 
superintendent. It has a membership of over one 
hundred, and its library contains some five hundred 
volumes. Its present efficient superintendent is Dr. 
Joseph E. Jaquette. 

The church has three elders, John R. Alderman, 
James H. Webber, and Charles Richman, and one 
deacon, Ebenezer P. Wallen. Its trustees are Dr. 
Uriah Oilman, John R. Alderman, Joseph H. Web- 
ber, Ebenezer P. AVallen, and Charles Richman. 

It takes an active interest in all that pertains to the 
welfare of the community, and is aggressive in its 
work. 

Catholics-There has for years been a Catholic 
element of considerable importance in the population 
of Woodstown, and it has long been amission station 
of St. Mary's parish, Salem. Among those who were 
early prominent in Catholic affairs here were Patrick 
Manning, Christian Hope, Cornelius Mulochill, 
Thomas Purtle, John and James McCrane, and 
others. 



i 




"yjiU^^-Z^^^^i^^i^t^ ^^^^ 



I 





TOWNSHIP OF PILESGROVE. 



463 



Up to ten years ago services were held by the 
pastors of St. Mary's in a private liouse in Woods- 
town. In 1872 the present small frame chapel was 
built, at a cost of about one thousand dollars. Ser- 
vices are held by Rev. Father P. J. Dernis, of Salem, 
on sixteen Sundays during the year. The congrega- 
tion numbers about one hundred and fifty persons. 

The Yorketown Chapel. — At Yorketown is a neat 
frame chapel, which was built in 1870, by the Baptist 
Church of Pittsgroye, though citizens of Yorketown 
and vicinity were liberal subscribers to the building 
fund. Occasional meetings are held here by the 
pastor of the church mentioned, and at times minis- 
ters of other denominations preach. 

Churches of Colored People. — There being a 
considerable number of colored people in Pilesgrove 
who were too remote from Salem to regularly attend 
services at the colored churches there, it was some 
years ago deemed advisable by some of the foremost 
among them to provide suitable places of worship in 
their midst, and accordingly a society was organized 
at Yorketown, and another near the southern bound- 
ary of the township, and in due time churches, 
small and inexpensive, but suitable to the demands 
upon them, were erected in both localities mentioned. 
These churches, which are known as Mount Zion and 
Mount Olivet, are on the Marlboro (Mannington) 
charge, and under the care of its pastor. At Bailey- 
town, which is really a portion of Woodstown, there 
is another colored Methodist Church. 

Burial-Places. — Early burials were made on the 
farms of some of the landholders, and it was not 
until some time after improvement begun that there 
was any public burial-place in the township. There 
are' now several belonging to the various religious 
societies of Woodstown, the opening of which fol- 
lowed closely upon the organization of the churches 
to which they severally belong. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



BARTHOLOMEW COLES. 
Thomas Coles, the father of the subject of this 
biographical sketch, was an active farmer, and also 
conducted a lumber-mill. He was of English ante- 
cedents. His son Bartholomew was born July 7, 
1785, at Coles' Mills (near Williamstown), Camden 
Co., N. J., and after receiving the advantages of a 
common school education superintended his father's 
mills. He later engaged in farming employments. 
On the 12th of January, 1809, he married Hannah 
Whisler, daughter of Thomas Whisler, and had chil- 
dren, — Thomas (deceased), Uz, William (deceased), 
Bartholomew, Chalkly, Joseph, Stacy (deceased), and 
Ira. Harris married Mary HurfF, and had children, 
— Elizabeth, Tauzon, Anna, Martha, Clawson, and 
George Hurff. Uz married, first, Hannah Ballinger, 



to whom were born children, — Jane B., Anna, and 
Isaac B. He married, a second time, Mary Holdcraft, 
and had children, — Mary, Sarah, Araminta, and Ella. 
William married Louisa Whitaker, and had children, 
— Nancy and William W. Bartholomew married Re- 
becca Horner, to whom were born children, — Thomas 
(deceased), Anna, Charles E., Eleanora, George H., 
Evelina, Martha Ann, and Stacy. Chalkly was united 
in marriage to Martha Ann Coles, and again to Eliza- 
beth Horner. Their children are Maggie and Clar- 
ance, the latter of whom is deceased. Joseph mar- 
ried, first, Sarah E. Moore, whose children are Emma, 
Lillie, and Hannah, and second, Postrema GrofT. 
Stacy married Lydia Duell, whose son is named John 
D. Ira married Ann Adcock, and has no children. 
Mr. Coles, though in advanced years, still retains 
both his mental and physical vigor, and engages with 
all the energy of youth in the labor of the farm. He 
is in his political principles a Republican, though not 
an active worker in the field of politics. The death 
of Mrs. Coles occurred April 2, 1870. 



GEORGE W. BARTON. 



Ex-Sheriff George AV. Barton, son of Christopher 
and Susan Barton, was born in Philadelphia, Dec. 
20, 1820. His paternal ancestors were Irish, and he 
was of Swedish descent on his mother's side. His 
father was a shoemaker. George attended the com- 
mon schools of the city. When he was sixteen years 
of age he apprenticed himself to Thomas Stanley, 
a carriage-maker. After completing his trade, he 
worked a year as journeyman. In the fall of 1842 
he came to Sharptown, Salem Co., and began the 
carriage business for himself, which he continued 
until 1866. In the fall of 1878 he was elected sheriff 
of Salem County. 

After completing his term of three years he served 
as deputy sheriff a year under his successor. He 
has for a number of years been constable, and held 
other places of trust, all of which he has filled with 
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the pub- 
lic. On the 15th of December, 1839, Mr. Barton 
married Priscilla Conklin, of Philadelphia, and by 
her had four children, two of whom are living, — 
Susan, who married Persho B. Sprague, and is the 
mother of three children, namely, Mary E., Lydia 
F., and Gertrude America ; and William W., who 
married Sarah, daughter of Stacy F. Deacon, of 
Mount Holly, by whom he has two children, — Lizzie 
and George W., the latter named for his grandfather 
Barton. 

Mr. Barton's wife, Priscilla, died March 14, 1857, 
and he afterwards married Mary, daughter of Josiah 
Ale, of Salem County. Within the past nine years 
Mr. Barton has purchased two fine farms, besides his 
home and other property at Sharptown, where he 
' and wife now reside. 



464 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



JOSIAH MONROE BATTEN. 

Josiah Monroe Batten, son of Thomas J. and 
Hannah A. Batten, of Salem County, was born June 
24, 1849. His ancestors on both sides came from 
SWeden,and were prominent among the early settlers 
of Swedesboro. His father was a farmer and justice 
of the peace, besides holding other township offices. 
He died in May, 1876. His wife survived him a year. 

The subject of this sketch was educated at the 
Academy of Salem and at the State Normal School 
at Trenton. When twenty years of age he began 
teaching school near Pedricktown, Salem Co. He 
taught at Penu's Grove, Atlantic City, and other 
places for a number of years. 

On Christmas-day, 1873, Mr. Batten married Su- 
sanna Nelson, daughter of Rev. Jacob and Mary 
Banks. They have two children, — Roland Nelson 
and EflSe Banks. He is now residing on the farm 
that has been in his wife's family since the latter part 
of the seventeenth century. Her great-grandfather I 
was an officer in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Batten 
formerly belonged to the Republican party, but is 
now a Prohibitionist. He is a deacon in the Baptist 
Church of Woodstown, of which church his wife is 
also a member. 

ALLEN FLITCRAFT. 
Allen Flitcraft, son of Isaiah Flitcraft, was born in 
Salem County, N. J., ou 11th day of 1st mo., 1825, of 
honorable parentage, who were members of the Soci- 
ety of Friends. His father was a representative 
farmer. The subject of this sketch remained on his 
father's farm until eighteen years of age, securing a 
moderate education in the public schools of his neigh- 
borhood. A portion of the time was under the tuition 
of Felix Smith, a competent teacher. His scholastic 
education w-as completed at the boarding-school of 
Joseph Foulke at Gwynned, Pa., deriving there a 
knowledge of the higher mathematics which enabled 
him to make astronomical calculations for the Friends' 
Almanac. At an early age he began teaching a dis- 
trict school. By close application and study he quali- 
fied himself for instructing in all the English branches 
{also taught French and Latin), and at the age of 
thirty became principal of Eldridge's Hill Boarding- 
School. He was a good disciplinarian, a thorough 
and practical teacher, fitting and qualifying students 
from various sections of the Union, some of whom 
are now holding prominent and responsible positions. 
He was a hard worker for a number of years, and the 
mental strain attending that kind of labor produced 
a disadvantageous effect upon his nervous system, and 
he was obliged to discontinue. He afterwards con- 
nected himself with the Provident Life and Trust 
Company of Philadelphia, and has been thus en- 
gaged for the past seventeen years. In his twenty- 
first year he was united in marriage to Phebe Ann, 
daughter of William Zorns, of Plymouth, Montgom- 
ery Co., Pa. With this estimable lady he lived for 



more than thirty years, and had a .large family of 
children, five of them living to maturity. The eldest, 
William Z., is cashier of the First National Bank of 
Woodstown. 

Allen Flitcraft's birthright of membership in the re- 
ligious Society of Friends was always appreciated and 
valued to a great extent, and being faithful as well as 
obedient to impressions received early in life, he was 
led to appear in the ministry, and at the age of forty- 
one was recommended as such . by the society. lu 
1876 he was married a second time to Sarah B. Booth, 
a talented and cultured lady, and daughter of Wil- 
liam Booth, of Chester, Pa., where he has since re- 
sided. 



CHAPTER LXXII. 

TOAVNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE.' 

Geographical. — Pittsgrove is the most easterly 
township in Salem County. It is bounded north 
by portions of Franklin and Clayton (Gloucester 
County), east by Landis (Cumberland County), 
south by Deerfield (Cumberland County), and west 
by Upper Pittsgrove. 

TopograpMcaL — The surface of Pittsgrove is gen- 
erally level, though somewhat undulating in some 
parts. The soil is gravelly loam, and, properly cul- 
tivated, is as productive as any portion of the county. 
The township contains two hundred and nineteen 
farms. The usual variety of crops is grown, and the 
gathering and marketing of sumach-leaves was for- 
merly au important industry. By the judicious use 
of marl and other fertilizers land formerly considered 
nearly valueless and left unimproved and uncultivated 
has been redeemed and now yields abundant harvests. 

As early as 1814 an act of the General Assembly 
was passed to enable the inhabitants to open and clear 
the navigation of Muddy Run. This stream flows 
in a south course to Centreton, where it receives the 
Indian Branch, Palatine Branch emptying into it 
north of that point; thence it pursues a southeasterly 
course, nearly parallel with the southern boundary of 
the township, emptying into the Maurice River, which 
forms Pittsgrove's eastern boundary. The streams 
mentioned, with Dry Branch, a tributary to Maurice 
River at the northeast corner of Pittsgrove, and some 
small brooklets, form the natural drainage of the 
township. 

The West Jersey Railroad traverses the southwest 
portion of the township, forming a junction with the 
Salem Branch at Elmer, on the western border, north 
of the centre. The New Jersey Southern Railroad 
crosses the southeastern corner. 

The principal highways in and through Pittsgrove 
are known as the Porchtown, the Malaga, the Willow 



I By M. 0. Eolfe. 





Cy <:Z.^U.^-^'^^ 



TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGKOVE. 



465 



Grove, the Daretown, the Bridgetoii, the Willow 
Grove and Centreville, the Buck, and the Maul's 
Bridge roads. 

The area of this township is 28,341 acres, and its 
population in 1880 was 1777. In 1881 the valuation 
of its real estate was $475,000, and of its personal 
property $216,500. Its voters numbered 481, and its 
poll tax amounted to $425 ; its school tax was $1188, 
and its county tax $1127. 

Settlement. — A large area of Pittsgrove was un- 
settled and unimproved until within a few years, but 
lately a spirit of progress has manifested itself, and 
thousands of trees have been felled, and many acres 
of previously unprofitable land have been put under 
cultivation. Broad Neck, in the southern and eastern 
part of the township, was formerly regarded as a deso- 
late section, and its few scattering inhabitants were 
not noted for their enterprise, or for being very unex- 
ceptional citizens. That portion of the township em- 
bracing Elmer and Centreton was early inhabited by 
a thrifty and highly respectable class of people. 
Much of the land in this township and Upper Pitts- 
grove was originally taken up by speculators, promi- 
nent among whom were Daniel Coxe, of Burlington, 
and Judge William Hall, of Salem, who sold much 
land to actual settlers. 

Among the earliest settlers in Pittsgrove was the 
Hitchner family, branches of which are to be found 
at this time in almost every surrounding township. 
Who was the original settler of that name does not 
appear, but in the records of this and contiguous 
townships the name is conspicuous in several genera- 
tions to the present. 

John Pym was early on the site of Elmer, where he 
owned considerable propertj', and rebuilt a primitive 
grist-mill, elsewhere referred to. He is said to have 
been one of the most progressive and enterprising 
men of his day and generation. His possessions 
passed into other hands, and none of his name are 
known to live in the vicinity. 

About 1756, John Johnson and his wife, Jane, em- 
igrated from Ireland, and having considerable means 
at his disposal, he located a large tract of land in 
this township and settled thereon. In his native 
country he had been a Presbyterian minister. He is 
not thought to have preached in America. 

His son, Isaac, born in 1772, was an uncommonly 
active and enterprising man. He often said while 
young that he was determined to own more acres of 
land than his father possessed at the time of his 
death. This ambition he more than realized, owning, 
not far from Daretown, in Upper Pittsgrove, six hun- 
dred acres of excellent land, and large tracts else- 
where, besides two flouring-mills and much other 
valuable property. One of the most influential men 
in Salem County, he was chosen to the ofiice of 
sheriff, and was prominently identified with numerous 
public and private interests of importance. 

Another son of John Johnson the pioneer, James, 
30 



the oldest, was perhaps as prominent as any, serving 
in the colonial army in the Revolution. He was a 
man of superior mental and physical endowments, 
and of great energy, and was regarded as one of the 
most successful farmers in the county. John, the 
son of James, followed the sea in early life, and was 
captain of the ship " Josephine," trading between 
Philadelphia and New Orleans. When past middle 
age he settled in Lower Penn's Neck, on a farm left 
him by his father. Isaac Johnson, another descend- 
ant of the pioneer, lived to an advanced age. An 
active and influential man in business and political 
circles, he served the county as sheriff", and was other- 
wise prominent. Descendants of John and Jane 
Johnson have intermarried with many of the leading 
families of the county, and are to be found widely 
disseminated throughout the State and beyond its 
limits. 

Jeremiah Stull, a descendant of John StuU , of Upper 
Pittsgrove, lived near Deerfield, Cumberland Co., 
and owned a large tract of land extending into Pitts- 
grove. He was well known and influential, and did 
much to advance the interests of Centreton and vicin- 
ity, where he was an extensive property-owner, and 
built a house for public worship, which fell into dis- 
use as such, and was presented by him to the Odd- 
Fellows' lodge of that village. 

William Loper, of Upper Pittsgrove, owned much 
land extending into Pittsgrove. His son, Seth Loper, 
is a prominent citizen of Elmer. 

A large tract of land in the township was owned by 
John Elwell, of Elmer, who was a blacksmith and 
wheelwright. After his death his property passed by 
purchase into possession of David Hitchner, whose 
heirs sold many lots, on which considerable of the 
village stands. 

The contracted limits of the territory settled during 
the pioneer or early history of this township, and the 
extensive purchases of some of the early comers 
renders the list of those entitled to consideration as 
pioneers comparatively small. The settlement of the 
vast extent of the township south and east of its cen- 
tre is of such recent date as to preclude any extended 
treatment of it in connection with its early occupa- 
tion. Among those who have acquired property in 
this section may be mentioned the Langleys, the 
Richardses, the Rowans, the Scotts, the Farnsworths, 
the Kandles, the Englishes, the Garrisons, the Leaches, 
the Edwardses, the Harrises, the Parvins, the Crea- 
mers, the Richmans, the Gartons, the Ackleys, and 
the Dunhams. 

The Van Meter family, whose progenitors originally 
located in Upper Pittsgrove, have representatives 
living and owning land in that portion of Pittsgrove 
contiguous to the Upper Pittsgrove line. Some of 
the Van Meters, of Pittsgrove, have been and are 
among the best known and most influential of its 
citizens, taking a prominent part in the conduct of 
township affairs. 



466 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Prominent among the families of Pittsgrove and 
Upper Pittsgrove during the period 1800-30 were 
those of Antrum, Ackley, Avis, Adcock, Adams, Bur- 
roughs, Babcock,. Brown, Coombs, Conover, Clark, 
Crompton, Cook, Dare, Davis, Davenport, Elwell, 
Ewing, Evans, Estlack, Foster, Fish, Garrison, Gar- 
ton, Gray, Gordon, Hitchner, Harker, Heinson, 
Hampton, Ivins, Johnson, Janvier, Jarman, Jordan, 
Kendall, Krom, Loper, Mayhew, Moore, Mattison, 
Montgomery, Newkirk, Nutter, Nichols, Orr, Potter, 
Peacock, Richman, Reeves, Russell, Swing, Sheppard, 
Thompson, Taylor, Huliugs, Husted, Huliok, Urion, 
Whittaker, and Wick. 

In the southeast part of this township a colony of 
Russian Jews located in the summer of 1882. On 
account of their nearness to Vineland, Cumberland 
Co., they are sometimes referred to collectively as 
" the Vineland colony." 

Organization.— Pittsgrove was set off from Piles- 
grove at an early but unknown date, and named in 
honor of the famous English statesman and orator, 
William Pitt, before he accepted the earldom of Chat- 
ham. Upper Pittsgrove was subsequently formed by 
its division. 

Civil List. — We here present as complete a civil 
list as we have been enabled to compile. It will be 
found to contain the names of those who have been 
prominent in township affairs during the past thirty 
years. 



TOWNSHIP 
1850-61, 1873, 1878, 1880-82. Rich- 
ard Langley. 
1860-51, 1874. Wm. B. Rogers. 
1850-61, 1856-60. Jacob Hitchner. 
1850-52. James H. Trenoliard. 
1850, 1854^7. Henry Kandle. 

1851. David Sithens. 
1S52. John K. Nichols. 

1852. Adam Kandle. 

1852. Peter Deal. 

1852, 1854-57. John M. Husted. 

1853, 1856, 1877-78. David Hitch- 
ner. 

1853. John Kandle. 
1853. Michael O.xenbaker. 

1853. Matthias Hitchner. 
1853-55. John Mayhew. 

1854, 1862-63. J. H. Olark. 
1854. M. C. Miller. 

1856. John P. Garton, 

1866-.57. John Hughes. 

1856-60, 1866-67. Samuel Ackley. 

1868. James 6. Ford. 

1858, 1863-64. Felix S. English. 

1868-61, 1863-67. Keubon Langley. 



COMMITTEE. 

1869, 1801, 1873-76, 1877-79. James 
F. Anthony. 

1869. William H, Ward. 
1860-62, 1868-72. Jacob R. Shimp. 

1860, 1862-63, 1865, 1867-72, 1879- 
82. Robert M. Hitchner. 

1861, 1875. D,mi Edwards. 
1861-64, 1868-74. J. Hitchner, Jr. 
1862, 1865. Samuel Allen, Jr. 
1865. Hiram Strang. 

1865. Daniel Hitchner. 
1866-71, 1874-75, 1877-73. Elam 

Dunham. 

1866. Robert M. Ward. 

1867. Arthur G.Parvin. 
1868-69, 1872, 1876, 1877-79. C. 

Ackley. 

1870. George F. Olark. 

1871. James Gardner. 

1872. Henry J. Smith. 
1873-74. Andrew J. Smith. 

1873. Thomas Murphy. 
1875. William .Marshall. 
1877. James M. Duffleld. 
1880-82. David Hitchner. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 



1848, 1851-53. John Johnson. 
1849-50. John H. Clark. 
1849-52. David Sithens, 
lS5:j-55, 1862-64, 1868-70. Jacob 

Hitchner. 
1854^56. John K. Nichols. 
1866-58. Jonatlian S. Whittaker. 
1857-58. John Kandle. 
1859-61. John Gamble. 
1859-60. John Hughes. 



1861-63. Samuel Ackley. 
1864-66, 1871. Coombs Ackley. 
1865-67. Daniel Christy. 
1867. William B. Rogers. 
1868-71. Hiram Strang. 
1872. John Ackley. 
1873-76 Samuel Henry. 
1877-78. Oliver?. Hitchner. 
1879-80. Robert P. Christy. 
1881-82. James Burroughs. 



TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 
1850-52. Joseph H. Trenchard. 1867. Jacob M. Kandle. 

1853-66. Robert M. Hitchner. I 1868. John M. Kandle. 

1857-69. David V. M. Smith. ! 1869. Clark Iredell. 

1860-62, 1871-73, 1879-81. Jacob : 1870. Jacob Hitchner. 
. Wick. i 1874-76, Edward H. Loper. 

1SC3-G5. Harmon Hitchner. j 1877-78. James W. Colder. 

1866. Daniel Hitchner. j 1882. Hiram Vanmeter. 

ASSESSORS. 

1863-66. Samuel V. Jones. 
1866-68. Thomas Mni-phy. 
1869-71. Isaac Johnson. 
1872. Jesse T. Humphrey. 
1873-75. David Hitchner, Jr. 
1877-82. Martin V. Haines. 



1850. Jacob Hitchner. 
1851-63. Henry Kandle. 
1854-56. John Kandle. 
1857-59, Robert M. Hitchner. 
1860-61. Feli.x S. English. 
1862, Charles W, Jones. 



COLLECTORS. 



1850-52. John Kandle. 
1853-56. Daniel Hitchner. 
1866-68. J. r, Gaiton. 
1859-61. John K. Nichols. 
1862-64. David Edwards. 
1865-67. Jacob R. Shimp. 



1868-70, Joseph Jones. 
1871-73. Charles F. Hitchner. 
1874-75, 1881. Wm. W. Johnson. 
1877-79. Jacob Hitchner (3), 
1880-82. Clinton Johnson. 



COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL. 



1860, 
1850. 
1850, 
1861- 
1851- 
1851- 
1853, 
1854. 
1854, 
1S65- 
1856. 
1855, 
1867- 
1867. 
1858. 



1855-57. John Hughes. 
David Sithens. 
Henry Kandle. 
•64. Matthias S. Miller. 
63, 1866. Jacob Hitchner. 
62, 1870. Richard Langley. 
John Mayhew. 
Lemuel Parvin. 
1859-60, 1862-66. S. Hann. 
■67. John S, Watson. 
John H. Clark. 
1858-59, Matthias Hitchner. 
■68, 1862-63. John K. Nichols. 
Benjamin Pedrick. 
Jaraes G. Ford. 



1859, 1861, 1882. Elam Dunham. 
1860. William B. Rogers. 
1860-61. Joseph II. Miller. 
1862-65, 1871-73. Elias Hulings. 
1864-65. Henry C. Allen. 
1866-69. Samuel Colder. 
1866, 1868-70, 1874-76. D. Christy. 
1867-69. Coombs Ackley. 
1870-73. William M. Kandle. 
1871-73. Thomas Murphy. 
1874-76, 1877-78. Frederick Fox. 

1874, David Garton. 

1875, 1877-82, George V. Olark. 
1877-81. Samuel Dunham. 
1879-82. Samuel Henry. 



1850. Joel P. Langley. 
1861-52, John Mayhew. 
1853, 1858-62. James P. Garton. 
1864-66. David V. M. Smith. 
1856. ■William Elwell. 
1867. McKendry Richman. 
1863-64, 1870-71, 1879. J. Wick. 
1866-66. Casper Richart. 



CONSTABLES. 

1867-68, Thomas N. Gaston. 
1869. Clark Iredell. 
1872-73. Daniel Christy. 

1874. Thomas Murphy. 

1875. Adam Kandle, Jr. 
1877-78. Samuel J. Christy. 
1880-81. Clinton Johnson. 
1882. William W. Johnson. 



I 



TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS. 
1850-64. J, Sheppard Whitaker. ^ 1867. Charles F. Hitchner. 
1865-66. Elmer D. Christy. 

JUDGES OF ELECTION. 



1850,1854. Michael Oxenbaker. 

1861-53. Samuel Colder. 

186.6-56. Peter Deal. 

1867, 1859-61. John S. Watson. 

1S68. Michael Potter. 

1862-64. John Gamble. 

1865-66, 1871. Jacob Hitchner, Sr. 



1872. Hiram Strang. 
1872. Thomas Murphy. 
1873-74. David Garton. 
1875. Daniel Christy. 
1877-78. Elwood H. Loper. 
1879-82. David Beckett. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1864. Jesse T. Humphrey. [ 1866. William B. Rogers. 

1866,1875,1880. Robert M. Hitch- 1808,1873. Richard Langley. 
ner. I 1881. William W. Golder. 

SURVEYORS OP HIGHWAYS. 



1850-63, Michael Oxenbaker. 
1860-52. James H. Trenchard. 
1853, 1850-68, 1860-65. Matthias 

Hitchner. 
1864-55, 1866-70. Samuel Hewey. 
1854-56. John Hughes. 
1866-68. John S. Watson. 
18.^9. James Kandle. 



1859. Daniel Hitchner. 

1860. Michael Potter, Jr. 

1861. Lemuel Parvin. 
1862-72. Adam Kandle. 
1871. James Gardner. 
1872-75, 1877-82. John Ackley. 
1874-76, 1877-82. James K. Pottei-. 



TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE. 



467 



CHURCHES. 

Olivet Methodist Episcopal Church. — Olivet 
Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1788, 
and a house of worship was soon thereafter erected, 
which was rebuilt in 1851, and is yet standing in 
good condition, a large wooden structure of the plain, 
old-fashioned kind. 

This church is on the charge which includes it 
and the Elmer and Friendship Churches, and which, 
until 1843, was connected with a large circuit, and 
was ministered to by circuit-riders. 

The first regular pastor was Eev. Matthias German, 
in 1843. The following mentioned have been his 
successors in the order named : Revs. Noah Edwards, 
Joseph Atwood, John W. McDougall, Joseph Gas- 
kell, Abraham Gearhart, Levi J. Roads, Charles W. 
Heisley, Samuel Hudson, Joseph Summerill, James 
Morel), Samuel Johnson, Charles W. Heisley, H. S. 
Norris, M. C. Stokes, Edward H. Deurelle, J. B. 
Turpin, J. H. Hilenman. 

The following are the present trustees : Frederick 
Eft, Joseph H. Miller, Jacob Wick, Henry K. Dubois, 
Daniel H. Eft, David Hitchner. 

Willow Grove Methodist Episcopal Church.— 
At Willow Grove, on the 'eastern border of the town- 
ship, is a small wooden church which affords a place 
of worship to a Methodist society, the members of 
which live in the neighborhood and in adjacent parts 
of Cumberland County. Meetings have been held 
there with more or less regularity for some years. 
The lack of records precludes the possibility of en- 
tering more into detail concerning this organization. 

Methodist Episcopal Church at Elmer. — Since 
1843 Elmer has been the abiding-place of the pastors 
of the charge, including, at this time, the Elmer, 
Friendship, and Olivet Churches. There was oc- 
casional preaching in the school-house for many 
years, and for some time prior to 1868 regular Sun- 
day evening services were held there. 

In 1868 the erection of a frame church was begun, 
which, with the lot on which it stands, cost about 
eight thousand five hundred dollars. The basement 
was ready for occupancy and was dedicated in Feb- 
ruary, 1869. The upper part was finished aud dedi- 
cated in May, 1871. The first dedication was by Rev. 
C. W. Heisley, the second by Eev. H. S. Norris. 

The pastors since the erection of the church have 
been Revs. C. W. Heisley, H. S. Norris, M. C. Stokes, 
Edward H. Deurelle, J. B. Turpin, and J. H. Hilen- 
man, the present incumbent. Previous to the date 
mentioned services were conducted by the pastors of 
the charge above referred to, whose names are given 
elsewhere. 

The present trustees are Henry Coons, William 
Marshall, William Overs, Rufus W. Smith, Samuel 
Christy, Clinton Johnson, Joseph M. Garrison. 

The Elmer Presbyterian Church,— The Elmer 
Presbyterian Church was organized in November, 
1879, with the following constituent members : Calvin 



Anderson and wife, William Middleton, William 
Erwin and wife, Mrs. Joseph Jones, Mrs. William 
Heighten, Miss Maggie Curry, Theodore Rogers and 
his wife and two daughters, and Ellis W. Pedrick and 
his wife and two daughters. 

Prior to June, 1881, the church was ministered to 
by supplies, and it has never had a regularly installed 
pastor, though Rev. AVilliam D. Smith was a resident 
minister from June, 1881, to June, 1882, when he was 
succeeded by Rev. H. R. Eundall. 

A fine frame church was built in 1880 and 1881, and 
dedicated in September of the latter year. 

The present board of trustees is composed as fol- 
lows : Dr. A. B. Woodruff, Dr. C. F. Hitchner, Wil- 
liam B. Hitchner, E. C. Harris, .Ellis W. Pedrick. 

Divine Worship at Centreton.— A building now 
standing in the outskirts of the village of Centreton 
was erected by Jeremiah StuU for use as a meeting- 
house for such of the citizens of Centreton and vicinity 
j as might desire to gather there from time to time. 
j Falling into disuse as a church it was presented by 
Mr. StuU to Grotto Lodge, No. 69, I. 0. O. F., by 
which body it has since been occupied as a lodge- 
room. 

Burial-Places. — The old burying-ground in the 
rear of Olivet Methodist Episcopal Church, north of 
Centreton, is deserving of historical record. Here 
lie the bones of many who died in this township more 
than a century ago, the headstones to some of these 
graves being so ancient as to render their inscriptions 
illegible. 

Educational. — The earliest schools in this town- 
ship were kept in log houses, and were similar to the 
" select" schools of a later date. These were followed 
by the public schools, which were at first conducted 
on the tuition system. Under the public school law 
of New Jersey the township is divided into seven dis- 
tricts, known and numbered as follows: 

64, Elmer; 65, Greenville; 66, Centreton; 67, 
Upper Neck; 68, Lower Neck; 69, Charity; 70, 
Good Hope. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Elmer. — The most important point in Pittsgrove, 
in a business sense, is Elmer, on Muddy Run, at the 
junction of the West Jersey and Salem Railroads, 
nearly on the boundary line between Pittsgrove and 
Upper Pittsgrove. It was formerly called Pittstown. 

Improvement and growth began at the present 
lower part of the village, that now important portion 
lying upon and near the two railroads mentioned not 
having come pi'ominently into existence until the 
construction of the West Jersey Railroad, which was 
opened in 1862 between Woodbury and Bridgeton. 

The nucleus of the town was the old log grist-mill, 
in the lower part of the village, elsewhere referred to. 
The " old red tavern" was built at so early a date 
that the name of its builder cannot be recalled. It 
was kept sixty years ago by Enos Sithens, and later 
by Henry Hasted, Isaac Elwell, Mrs. Catharine Cos, 



468 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Wharton Elwell, Samuel Langley, and others, and 
abandoned and torn down as much as twenty-five 
years ago, after having been occupied as a store by 
Samuel Langley, and as a sumac-factory by Joseph 
Jones. 

A store was kept half a century or more ago by 
John Loper, whose successors have been Samuel 
Riley, Joseph Jones & Sons, I. & C. Johnson, Daniel 
Hitchner, James M. Reed, James M. Reed & Son, 
and, since the spring of 1882, Aubrey Reed. 

A store was opened about twenty-five years ago at 
the lower end of the village by John S. Watson, and 
by him sold to Joseph Jones, who replaced the old 
building by a new one, in which he carried on a 
business in connection with that at his " upper" 
store. Some years ago he sold the enterprise to 
Johnson & Christy, who leased the building, and 
continued the business until succeeded by William 
Johnson, in 1881. In the fall of the same year Mr. 
Johnson was succeeded by David Nichols. 

About the time of the completion of the West Jer- 
sey Railroad Messrs. Strang & Ackley opened a store. 
They were succeeded by Hiram Strang. A store was 
opened by Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, who succeeded her 
husband in charge of the village post-oflSce during 
the late war, and has held the office since. Her son, 
Rufus Smith, is now a partner in the business. An- 
other store was established by Isaac Johnson some 
years ago. The store of George H. Woodruff is of 
later date. 

The first drug-store was opened by Hitchner & 
Iszard, who were succeeded by Hitchner & Hanes, 
and they in turn by T. J. W. Phillips. A second 
drug-store is that of Julius Wilcox. Other mer- 
chants in various lines are J. W. Barber, dealer in 
hardware, tin, and stoves ; Cochran & Surran, dealers 
in agricultural implements; Steelman & Wentzell, 
clothiers; George Grotchen, tobacconist ; and Lizzie 
Hitchner and Sarah Berry, milliners. 

The tavern at the lower end of the village was 
built, and for some years kept, by Isaac Johnson. 
Among subsequent landlords may be mentioned 
Jesse P. Dilks, John Stephenson, Hope Williams, 
Hiram Strang, Brown, Barzillai Prickett, Wil- 
liam Bate, Bruigstein, and Oliver P. Hitchner, 

the present occupant. A restaurant and boarding- 
house is kept by James Vansant at the upper end 
of the village. 

There have been many successive wheelwrights, 
blacksmiths, and shoemakers in the village within 
the memory of the oldest inhabitant. The present 
representatives of these crafts are E. E. Long and 
Dennis Rodden, wheelwrights ; David Beckett, Wil- 
liam Long, and Thomas P. Rogers, blacksmiths ; 
Casper Pfefer, William Coblentz, and Thomas P. 
Wriggins, shoemakers. 

The resident professional men are Drs. Woodruff, 
Hitchner, and Chee.sman ; and Abram Cochran, at- 
torney. 



Business interests of Elmer not previously referred 
to are the following : William Johnson's and John 
Ackley's grist-mills, John Ackley's steam saw-mill, 
Joseph Gibson's marble-yard, Seth Loper's lumber- 
yard, the spindle-factory of Hitchner & Colling (in 
course of erection), the harness-shop of William H. 
Kirby, Jonathan Brooks' and Frank Beckett's meat- 
markets, the dairy of James B. Anthony, Charles 
Surran's livery-stable, a harber-shop, and lesser en- 
terprises. A canning-factory was formerly in opera- 
tion here. 

Elmer is situated in the midst of a very fine farm- 
ing country. It is rendered attractive by its neat 
dwellings, well-graded streets, and an abundance of 
shade-trees and shrubbery. The beautiful lake on 
the eastern boundary has a bold shore, and affords 
good angling, boating, etc. The village is a growing 
one, the citizens being enterprising, and having al- 
ready formed a Board of Trade, that offers, free of 
rents, desirable locations near the station to parties 
starting manufacturing purposes. Rent and taxes 
are reasonable, and labor plenty ; churches, schools, 
and society are upheld strictly. The many trains 
north and south give the village considerable ac- 
tivity, and provide facilities to reach the prominent 
points of the country with but little delay. This vil- 
lage was named in honor of Judge L. Q. C. Elmer, of 
Bridgeton, who was instrumental in securing the 
establishment of its post-office. 

Centreton, sometimes called Centreville, is a small 
village on Muddy Run, at its confluence with Indian 
Brook, seventeen miles southeast from Salem. It 
contains one store, a hotel, a school-house, a former 
church edifice, a grist-mill, a saw-mill, a wagon-shop, 
and a blacksmith-shop, and has a population esti- 
mated at two hundred and fifty. 

A tavern was kept in Centreton early by a man 
named Cox. ' Some of his successors have been Abra- 
ham Stull, Thomas Whittaker, Daniel Bowen, John 
W. Husted, Frederick Fritz, and the present occu- 
pant, Samuel F. Pancoast. 

An early merchant was Isaac Abbott. George 
Carpenter built, and for many years kept, a store. 
Thomas Whittaker opened a store, and after a time 
James H. Trenchard became his partner. After the 
death of Mr. Whittaker, John Couch engaged in 
trade at the old stand. His successors have been 
Charles & Brooks, Clark Iredell, and Richard R. 
Miller, the present merchant. 

Of blacksmiths and wheelwrights there have been 
several. For some time these crafts have been rep- 
resented in the Golder family, the present blacksmith 
being William Golder, Esq., and the present wheel- 
wright, J. W. Golder. The grist-mill and saw-mill 
elsewhere referred to are the property of Charles D. 
Moore. 

Formerly considerable business was done at Cen- 
treton, and it was a point of more than its present 
importance. 



TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE. 



469 



Palatine is a station on the Bridgeton Branch of 
the West Jersey Railroad, in the southwestern part 
of the township. It contains a depot, a small store, 
and a few dwellings, the population not exceeding 
fifty, all told. 

Bradway. — By this name is known a hamlet in the 
southeastern part of the township, the chief claim of 
which to distinction is that it is a station on the New 
Jersey Southern Railroad. 

Willow Grove is a country neighborhood on Mau- 
rice River, on the eastern border of the township, 
containing a church, a school-house, and a few dwell- 
ings. 

Industrial. — The earliest industrial enterprises 
were the first of the numerous grist- and saw-mills 
which have been erected in this township. 

The grist-mill at the lower end of Elmer, formerly 
called Lower Pittstown, was built at an early date by 
a man whose name cannot now be ascertained. It 
was originally constructed of cedar logs, but it was 
rebuilt, more than half a century ago, by John Pym, 
who erected the long-familiar frame building. It has 
since been owned successively by Johnson & Adcock, 
Isaac Johnson, John Johnson, and the present pro- 
prietor, William Johnson, grandson of Isaac and son 
of John Johnson. It has been several times reno- 
vated and reconstructed, is provided with three runs 
of stones, and has steam-power, which is used only 
during times of low water. - 

The Centreton grist-mill was built some time in the 
last century by Jeremiah Stowell, who also built a 
saw-mill, and for a time had a carding- and woolen- 
mill, which he ran in connection with the other mills. 
The carding- and woolen-mill disappeared long since. 
The grist-mill and saw-mill have been several times 
repaired and remodeled. The property passed into 
possession of James H. Trenchard, who was suc- 
ceeded in its ownership by Thomas Elwell, and the 
latter, in 1880, by Charles D. Moore. The grist-mill 
has three runs of stones, and does a good business. 

The Dealtown mill, at Dealtown, a neighborhood 
between Centreton and Palatine, was built a few 
years ago by James L. DufEeld, its present operator. 
It has three runs of stones, and is fairly patronized by 
the surrounding farmers, besides doing a good mer- 
chant business. A former mill on this site was built 
by Benjamin Haywood, and by him converted into a 
husk-grinding mill, which was abandoned before the 
erection of the present grist-mill. 

A stock company, organized at Elmer, erected and 
put in operation, some years since, a canning-factory. 
For reasons not necessary to mention the enterprise 
was not successful, and in 1878 the building was sold 
to John Ackley, who converted it into a steam grist- 
mill of good capacity, adding a steam saw-mill in 
1882. 

A saw-mill was built on Muddy Run, about 1847, 
by Lemuel Parvin, and was long since abandoned. 
Another early saw-mill was known as Creamer's mill. 



On its site Enoch and Joel Garrison built a mill about 
ten years ago. The following saw-mills are now in 
constant or periodical operation in various parts of 
the township : John Ackley's, Coombs Ackley's, 
Ackley & Garrison's, George Leach's, William Ward's, 
James L. Duffield's, and J. Stevenson's. 

Many years ago Joseph Jones had an establishment 
at Elmer, where he prepared sumach for market. 

A somewhat extensive factory, now in course of 
erection at Elmer, is the spindle-factory of Messrs. 
Hitchner & Cotting, about to be removed from Upper 
AUoways township to that village on account of, the 
shipping facilities it affords. This enterprise will 
give employment to numerous skilled workmen, and 
cannot but add to the importance and population of 
Elmer, and increase the prosperity of the entire town- 
ship, through the increased market which it will 
create for produce of various kinds. The buildings 
of Messrs. Hitchner & Cotting will be large and sub- 
stantial, and work upon them is progressing rapidly. 

About 1812 an oil-mill was established in this town- 
ship. The raising of flax, both for the fibre and oil, 
was for many years carried on extensively in this and 
adjacent townships. 

LODGES AND SOCIETIES. 

Grotto Lodge, No. 69, 1.0. 0. F., of Centreton. 

— This lodge was instituted Dec. 30, 1847, with the 
following charter members : J. Sheppard Whittaker, 
James H. Trenchard, James Johnson, George W. 
Huste.d, and Simon Hawthorn. 

The first officers were J. Sheppard Whittaker, N. G. ; 
James H. Trenchard, V. G. ; James Johnson, Sec. ; 
George W. Husted, A. Sec. ; Simon Hawthorn, Treas. 

The following have been the successive Noble 
Grands : 



H. Trencbard. 
Simon Hawthorn. 
Edmund Dubois. 
Samuel Golder. 
Ethan Trenchard, 
John W. Husted. 
ElweU Nichols. 
Ephraim Garrison. 
George N. Rogers. 
Theodore Rogers. 
Frederick Fox. 
James S. Simkins. 
Hiram Hughes. 
H. C. Allen. 
Jacob R. Shimp. 
Gideon B. Carman. 
Robert Elwell. 
Daniel B. Mayhew. 
William B. Trenchard. 
Clark Iredell. 
Vl^illiam H. Iszard. 
Albert J. Harker. 
Allen S. Carman. 



Israel Brown- 
Thomas Murphy. 
William W. Golder. 
John H. Thorp. 
Robert Golway. 
Jacob Ballinger. 
James Burroughs. 
Adam Handle. 
George H. Deal. 
Thomas W. Husted. 
James Craig. 
Joseph P. Simkins. 
Julius Wilcox. 
David N. Creamer, 
B. E. Miller. 
Peter Nichols. 
Thomas Reeve, Jr. 
Luke Sooy. 
Thomas M. Barracliff. 
George C. Shull. 
John H. Davis. 
Isaac Sigars. 
William M. Ott. 



The officers in September, 1882, were Samuel Cal- 
kin, N. G. ; Frank Seabrook, V. G. ; J. W. Golder, 
Sec. ; Frederick Fox, Treas. 

Elmer Lodge, K. of P. — This lodge was instituted 
Feb. 16, 1875. The first officers were Seth Loper, 



470 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



C. C; Andrews Eidgway, V. C. ; Dr. William H. 
Iszard, P. C. ; John Thorp, Sec. ; Abraham Cothern, 
M. of F. The present officers (September, 1882) are 
Henry Ackley, C. C. ; Adam Kandle, V. C. ; Thomas 
C Curry, P. C. ; Joseph M. Hitch ner, Sec. 

Union Grove Division, No. 74, S. of T.— Union 
Grove Division of the Sous of Temperance was or- 
ganized at Elmer, Aug. 28, 1847, with the following 
charter members : Joseph Newkirk, Moses Richman, 
Jr., Joseph Jones, J. F. Langley, William Becket, 
Richard B. Heward, Charles H. Greg, Samuel D. 
Hitchner, David Sithens, John Mayhew, Joseph A. 
Swing, and Jeremiah M. Everingham. The follow- 
ing officers were serving in September, 1882 : Julia 
Woolman, W. P. ; Susan Peachy, W. A. ; Louisa 
Garwood, R. S. ; Edmund Newkirk, F. S. ; Randolph 
McFarland, Treas. 

Zelo Lodge, No. 149, I. 0. 0. F.— This lodge was 
instituted Aug. 2.5, 1870, with the following charter 
members and officers : H. S. Dubois, N. G. ; William 
S. Cassady, V. G. ; William H. Iszard, Sec. ; Henry 
Coombs, Asst. Sec. ; R. M. Hitchner, Treas. The 
present officers are T. G. Stephenson, N. G. ; A. L. 
Steer, V. G. ; William H. Kirby, Sec. ; A. Cochran, 
Treas. 

A Sad Tragedy.— On Jan. 7, 1853, in Pittsgrove, 
a most distressing casualty occurred in the family of 
Mr. Elam Foster. While talking about the ap- 
proaching execution of Treadway at Salem, a little 
son inquired of his father how people were hanged. 
The father took a handkerchief and putting it around 
his sou's neck showed him. Some time afterwards, in 
the absence of his parents, the boy took a handker- 
chief and proceeded to experiment with an infant sis- 
ter lying in the cradle, and suspended her until she 
was dead. 



Meeting, and for six years of the Monthly Meeting, 
and for many years superintendent of First Day Meet- 
ing at Woodstown. He is a trustee of the Walnut 
Grove School, in Upper Pittsgrove township, as also 
of the Bacon Academy, of Woodstown, which posi- 
tion has been held for several years. 

Mr. Woolman was a faithful supporter of the Re- 
publican party until 1878. An honest, earnest lover 
of the human race, his maiden ballot was cast against 
slavery, and while a vestige of that institution re- 
mained he never failed by voice or vote to oppose it. 
When, however, that contest was over he did not lay 
down his armor, but enlisted in the warfare against 
the rum traffic. 

For a long time Mr. Woolman labored on in the 
belief that the party of his choice would array itself 
against the "gigantic crime of crimes." Finding 
himself again and again disappointed, he severed 
his allegiance from his party in 1878, and, with a few 
others, became the nucleus of the Prohibition party 
in his county. A ticket was nominated that fall, and 
Mr. Woolman was chosen as their candidate for As- 
sembly in the First District of the county. The next 
year, contrary to his wishes, he was again nominated 
for the same office, and the greatly increased vote 
proved the confidence of the people in his ability and 
integrity. 

In the following year, 1880, he was made the nom- 
inee of his party for Congress. Two years later he 
again served the cause of temperance by permitting 
himself to be renominated. He received at that elec- 
tion nearly six times as many ballots as were cast for 
him two years before. During the five years that he 
has labored with the Temperance party in his State 
and county he has always proved mild and conser- 
vative in counsel, but positive and unswerving in 
action. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



REUBEN WOOLMAN. 

Reuben Woolman, the subject of this biographical 
sketch, is the son of a tanner, and of English ances- 
try. His grandfather came to Salem from Burling- 
ton County in 1805. He was born in the village of 
AVoodstown, N. J., Oct. 16, 1837, and received his 
educational training at home, with the exception of 
a term at Swain's boarding-school, in Chester County, 
Pa. In 1857 he began active life as a teacher in Salem 
County, and continued thus employed for a period of 
two years. 

He was, in 1862, married to Miss Rebecca W., 
daughter of Richard Matlack, of Eldridge's Hill, 
Salem Co. Their children are Maribell, Julia T., 
Hamlin, Alexis E., John M., Joseph, and Abbie. 

Mr. Woolman in his religious predilection adheres to 
the creed and worship of the Society of Friends. He | 
was for four years clerk of the Preparative Friends' ' 



MICHAEL POTTER. 

Mr. Potter is the son of Henry Oxinboker, who 
emigrated from Germany to America, and his wife, 
Christine Mooney, who was a resident of the northern 
part of New Jersey. The former was a potter by 
trade and known as " Henry the Potter," from which 
his later name was derived. Their son Michael was 
born in 1784, and is consequently in his one hun- 
dredth year. He erected his present home in 1811, 
and has since that date resided on the same spot. 
During that year he was married to his wife, Lydia, 
who died June 25, 1863. To this marriage were born 
the following children: John W. Potter (deceased), 
Matthias R. Potter, Jacob Potter, Henry Potter, 
Emeline Pancoast, Hannah Kandle (deceased), 
Ephraim K. Potter (deceased), Charlotte Sharp, 
Lydia A. Clark, Michael Potter, Jr., and James K. 
Potter. 

The ensuing table, computed by one of his friends, 
perpetuates some most interesting facts regarding his 
family and descendants. 




o^'^'t/ ^^^ 



I 



>\ a 

I 







R. M. HITCHNKR. 




i 




LA.^t'<^^x:P-i^y\.^ 



TOWNSHIP OF QUINTON. 



471 



. g. c. Living. Dead. 



Michael Potter, Sr 

Lydia Potter 

J. W. Potter 10 

M. R.Potter 11 

Jacob Potter 3 

Hannah Kandle 11 

Henry Potter 6 

Emeline Pancoast 11 

E. K. Potter 3 

Charlotte Sharp 10 

Lydia A. Clark 8 

M. Potter, .Tr 12 

J. K. Potter 5 

90 



28 
16 
3 
13 
4 
3 



81 



39 
30 



11 
16 

6 
17 
12 
19 

7 

191 



44 



Of his living representatives there are himself. 1 

Sons and daughters 8 

Sons-in-law and daughters-in-law 9 

Grandchildi'on 90 

Great-grandchildren 81 

Great-great-graudchildren 2 

Total living 191 

Total dead 44 

Grand total descendants 235 

Mr. Potter for forty years followed the business of 
floating lumber, an occupation which developed ex- 
traordinary powers of endurance, and conferred upon 
him a reputation as the most agile and skillful wrest- 
ler of his day. He was a militia officer in the Third 
Company of the Salem Brigade during the war of 
1812, but not called into active service. He has lived 
through the term of every President of the United 
States with the exception of the present one, and has 
seen the administration of twenty-one Presidents. 
He was born three years and two months before the 
adoption of the Constitution, and has handled many 
dollars of the Continental money, some of which he 
has retained. Mr. Potter is in his political creed a 
thorough Democrat, and as firm an exponent of the 
principles of the party as when he first voted the ticket. 
He is in his religious belief a Methodist, and was for 
more than sixty years sexton of the church of which 
he is still a member. He has been accustomed to wel- 
come his numerous family on the anniversary of his 
birth, and on these occasions exhibits unusual vigor 
of mind and body. 



RORERT M. HITCHNER. 
Squire Hitchner is the son of David Hitchner, a 
farmer, whose ancestors were of German descent, and 
was born at Elmer (formerly Pittstown), Salem Co., 
Feb. 20, 1828. His education was derived from the 
common schools of the neighborhood, after which he 
engaged in the labor of the farm. At the age of 
nineteen he became a teacher, and for six successive 
years followed this pursuit during the winter months. 
He was in 1850 married to Miss Elizabeth A., daugh- 
ter of Samuel Garrison, and is the father of children, 
— Joseph M., who was educated at the South Jersey 
Institute, in Bridgeton, and has been for ten years 
telegraph operator and agent of the West Jersey 
Railroad Company at Elmer Station ; John F., a 
farmer, married to Miss Rebecca Garwood, whose 
children are Elsie and Blanche ; and Phebe C, mar- 
ried to Omer H. Newkirk. Squire Hitchner, who is 



in his political faith a strong Democrat, has found 
time, aside from his farming employments, to devote 
to the public service, and has in bis various oificial 
positions acquitted himself with ability. He hns 
served as notary public, commissioner of deeds, jus- 
tice of the peace for a period of twenty consecutive 
years, and held various township offices. He has 
also been surveyor and conveyancer since his twenty- 
first year. His business capacity and legal knowl- 
edge are frequently called into requisition in the ad- 
justment of estates. Squire Hitchner has not only 
witnessed, but participated in the growth and devel- 
opment of his native town, and been an extensive 
dealer in real estate. His enterprise and business 
capacity have placed him among the foremost citi- 
zens of his township. 



CHARLES P. ATKINSON. 

Charles P. Atkinson, son of Abbot and Mary At- 
kinson, was born in Deerfield, Cumberland Co., Jan. 
29, 1827. His ancestors belonged to the Society of 
Friends. His father was of English descent, and by 
occupation a farmer. His education, previous to en- 
tering upon his medical studies, was obtained in the 
schools of his neighborhood. In the spring of 1865 
he graduated from the Philadelphia University of 
Medicine and Surgery. He immediately began, and 
still continues, the practice of his profession. In 
1850 he married Phcebe, daughter of David and 
Ruth Van Meter, of Pittsgrove township. They 
have three children, — Ruth Anna, Charles Summer- 
field, and Frank T. Charles S. married Mary E., 
daughter of Thompson N. Garton, by whom he has 
one daughter named Reginia. 

In the spring of 1878, Dr. Atkinson became inter- 
ested in the study of politics. A convert to the prin- 
ciples of the Greenback party, he was by them 
nominated the next fall for the Assembly. In 1881 
he was their candidate for the State Senate, and for 
four years has been chairman of their county organi- 
zation. Both as a worker and as a writer in the 
Greenback cause, he has proved himself a man of 
spirit and ability. He has been for forty-one years 
a consistent member of the, Methodist Episcopal 
Church. His family at the present time are all re- 
siding with him at Palatine, Salem Co. 



CHAPTER LXXIII. 

TOWNSHIP OF QUINTON.i 

Statistical. — Quinton contains 13,523 acres, and 
its farms number 127. In 1880 it had a population of 
1392. Its financial statistics in 1881 were as follows : 

1 By M. 0. Rolfe. 



472 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Valuation of real estate, §568,677 ; valuation of per- 
sonal property, $226,222 ; total debt, $146,699 ; voters, 
361; poll tax, $333 ; school tax, $1639; county tax, 
$1555. 

Geographical and Descriptive.— Quinton is situ- 
ated in the southern part of the county, and is 
bounded north by Mannington, northeast by Upper 
Allovvays Creek, southeast by Stow Creek (Cumber- 
land County), and southwest and west by Lower 
Alloways Creek. 

The length of Quinton from northwest to south- 
east is about eight miles ; its breadth is about three 
miles and a half. The soil is of the clayey and sandy 
loam common to this section of the county, and a 
variety of vegetables, cereals, and fruits are success- 
fully grown. In various localities are sand- and 
gravel-pits and marl-beds. The surface is generally 
level, but is marked in the centre by slight eminences, 
known as Borden's and Turnip Hills. 

Alloways Creek crosses the northern part, and Stow 
Creek is formed on its southern border by the junction 
of Horse and Sarah Runs with the stream which is 
its source proper. Deep Run just cuts its eastern 
border, north of its centre, and other small streams 
aid in its drainage. 

Settlement.' — Tobias Quinton, in honor of whom 
this township was named, was one of the early emi- 
grants to Fenwick's colony. He purchased a large 
tract of land, embracing the present village of Quinton 
south of Alloways Creek, and another extensive tract 
adjoining. He died in 1705, leaving a son, Edward. 

Farther down the stream Richard Johnson bought 
five hundred acres, and he owned other considerable 
tracts at Salem and elsewhere in the county. When 
a young man, in 1675, he landed at Fort Elsborg (in 
Eisinboro) from the ship " Joseph and Benjamin." 
He was a man of ability, and at different times ren- 
dered great assistance to the Proprietor. In 1682 he 
married Mary Grover, at Salem. They had three 
children. Mr. Johnson died in 1719, and his property 
passed to his son, Robert Johnson. It has passed out 
of the possession of the family, and is now mostly 
owned by Thomas Yorke, Samuel Kelty, and Hires 
&Co. 

Adjoining the Johnson tract John Chandler owned 
two hundred and fifty acres, which he obtained by 
purchase from Fenwick. 

South of the Chandler tract, and extending to the 
Cumberland County line, ISTathaniel C. Hancock 
owned one thousand acres. 

East of Quinton's Bridge, one or more members of 
the Walker family bought a goodly tract, part of 
which is in the possession of one branch of the family 
at this time. 

South of the village, in the latter part of the last 
century, Capt. William Smith possessed considerable 



1 Much valuable material in this article was. contributed by Thomas 
Shourds. 



land, which he had inherited from his father, a good 
share of which is now owned hy his descendants. 
Capt. William Smith commanded a company of the 
American militia which led the advance when the 
British troops quartered at Judge Smith's house, on 
the north side of Quinton's Bridge, were attacked by 
order of Cols. Hand and Holme. He was forced to 
retreat, however, there heing a greater number of the 
enemy's troops in ambuscade than his commander 
anticipated, but he accomplished his retreat with 
credit, and to the satisfaction of his superior officers. 
His horse was shot and killed under him during the 
engagement. 

Among those owning land on the north side of the 
creek, bordering on the line between Quinton and 
Lower Alloways Creek townships, was William Tyler, 
who, as early as 1684, purchased seven hundred and 
fifty acres of Edward and Priscilla Fenwick Champ- 
ney, which remained in possession of the Tyler family 
for five generations. 

Tyler was a native of England. He brought with 
him the following certificate of character and stand- 
ing: "Whereas William Tyler, of Walton, in the 
county of Somerset, yeoman, intends to transport 
himself and family into the province of Pennsylva- 
nia, in America, if the Lord will, and has desired a 
certificate on his behalf. We, therefore, whose names 
are subscribed, do hereby certify that the said Wil- 
liam Tyler hath profes,sed the truth for several years 
past, and that we do not know hut that his conversa- 
tion hath been answerable to his profession, and that 
we do know that he hath been ready and willing to 
contribute to the service of truth, as opportunity 
hath offered and occasion required, and that as to his 
dealings with the world he has been punctual and of 
good report as far as any of us know or have heard, 
and we know nothing of debts or other entangle- 
ments on his part, but that he may with clearness 
prosecute his intended voyage. In testimony whereof 
we have hereunto subscribed our hands. Dated the 
eleventh day of the Seventh month, called September, 
in the year 1685. Signed by Edward Chanyles, Wil- 
liam Lidden, Thomas Howell, John W. Ridder, and 
ten others." 

He was a farmer and tanner, and is thought to 
have died in 1701, his will having been made early 
in 1700, and witnessed by William Hall and John 
Firth. His descendants became well-known citizens 
of Quinton and adjoining townships. 

East of the Tyler purchase, bordering on the 
creek, Daniel, son of John Smith, of Amblebury, 
bought one thousand acres. He built and lived on 
the property that was owned by the late Ann Simp- 
son. He had three sons. John, the eldest, inherited 
the homestead. Daniel Smith, Jr., owned a large 
farm adjoining. He was one of the followers of 
George Keith, and afterwards became a Baptist. 
None of the name now owns any portion of the orig- 
inal purchase. 



TOWNSHIP OF QUINTON. 



473 



One of the early English immigrants was Abner 
Penton, who bought one thousand acres of the Pro- 
prietor. 

In the south part of the township, bordering on 
Cumberland County, was a small and scattering settle- 
ment of the Seventh-Day Baptists. Prominent among 
these families were the Ayreses, who were perhaps 
entitled to the credit of leadership among their pe- 
culiar sect. The Davis family has also been promi- 
nent in that section during several generations. 

Organization. — The following is the first section 
of " An Act to set off a new Township in the County 
of Salem, to be called the Township of Quinton :" 

"1. Be it enacted by the Senate and Genert-al Aasembly of the State of New 
Jersey, That all that part of the township of Upper AUoways Creek, in 
the county of Salem, lying within the boundaries and description fol- 
lowing, to wit: Beginning at a corner where the lines of Upper AUo- 
ways Creek township and Lower Alloways Creek township meet on the 
north side of Alloways Creek, near the farm of Thomas J. Hancock, 
running thence northwardly along the present division line between 
the said townships to the corner where the four townships of Upper Al- 
loways Creek, Lower Alloways Creek, and Elsinboro, and the city of 
Salem meet; thence eastwardly and northeastwardly, following on the 
present dividing line between the townships of Upper Alloways Creek 
and Mannington, crossing the road leading from Salem to Quinton, and 
to the Quaker Neck road to the middle of the road leading from Salem 
to Allowaystown, at or near the village of Middletown ; thence in a 
southeastwardly coui-se parallel with the long boundary line between the 
townships of Upper Alloways Creek and Lower Alloways Creek in a 
straight line to the division line between Salem and Cumberland Coun- 
ties ; thence southwardly and westwardly along the said division line 
of said counties to the corner of the townships of Upper Alloways 
Creek and Lower Alloways Creek and the county of Cumberland ; 
thence northwestwardly in a straight line on the long boundary line 
between the said townships of Upper Alloways Creek and Lower Allo- 
ways Creek to the north side of Alloways Creek; thence down said 
creek along the north side thereof, following the several courses of the 
same, to the place of beginning, shall be and hereby is set off from the 
township of Upper Alloways Creek and made a separate township to be 
called and known by the name of ' The Township of Quinton.' " 

This act was approved Feb. 18, 1873. 

Civil List. — The first annual township meeting in 
Quinton was held March 14, 1873. The following 
civil list, embracing the period since that date, is 
nearly complete, and embodies all the data to be found 
in the township records ; 

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 



1873-74. John G. Hummell. 
1873-75. Stephen Smith. 
1873-74. Stephen E. Allen. 
1873-74. Samuel Hackett. 
1873-74. Samuel Patrick. 
1875-76. Lewis Sclieible. 
1875-77. John Mullica. 
1875, Phineas Smith. 
1875-79. Charles L. Smith. 



1876-78. Robert Griscom. 
1876-77. Charles H. Walker. 
1877-80. Isaac Davis. 
1878, 1880-82. Dr. A. G. McPher- 

son. 
1878. P. A. Hannah. 
1879-82. John G. Eowser. 
1871, 1882. Gilbert Ayres. 



1873-78. Josiah T. Hiirris. 



ASSESSORS. 

I 1879-82. Lewis Sylvester. 

COLLBCTOKS. 



1873. Charles Hires. 
1871-76. William Patrick. 



1877-78. Stephen Smith. 
1879-82. Robert B. Griscom. 



CONSTABLES. 



1873-75. Jonathan Platts. 
1876-77, 1879. Jonas Lounsbury. 
1878. Daniel Whitney. 



1880. George Pierpont. 

1881. John H. Trude. 

1882. Theodore M. Birchmiere. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 
1873. John Anderson. I 1876-79. Phineas Smith, Sr. 

1874-75, William Shimp. I 1880-82. Lewis Fox, Sr. 



JUDGES OF ELECTION. 



1873-75, David P. Smith. 
1876. John G. Hummell. 
1877-78. Lewis Sylvester. 



1879-81. James E, Fox. 
1882. Leonard Murphy. 



OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. 
1873-75. Jonathan Platts. \ 1880. George Pierpont, 

1876-77, 1879. Jonas Lounsbury. 
1878, Daniel Whitney. 



1881. John H. Trude. 

1882. Theodore M. Birchmiere. 



TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 
1876-79. Abner P. Fox. I 1881-82. Henry L. Davis. 

1880. E, H, Byrn. I 

COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL. 
1876. Isaac Davis. 1878-82. Charles B. Reeves. 

1876-77. Evan Jenkins. 1879-81. William B, McPherson. 

1876-82. John Anderson. 1882. Eli Hitchner. 

1877-78. Uz Ayres, 

Public Schools. — Under the operations of the 
public-school system of New Jersey, Quinton town- 
ship is divided into four school districts, known as 
Independent District, No. 40 ; Harmony District, No. 
41 ; Union District, No. 42 ; and Quinton District, 
No. 43. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Quinton's Bridge. — The only village in this town- 
ship is Quinton's Bridge, located on Alloways Creek, 
in the northern part. 

This is an ancient settlement, which was made 
famous in the days of the Eevolution by events else- 
where narrated. 

An early merchant was Benjamin Allen, who sold 
his stock at auction about 1815, and who had been 
in trade there some years, as is supposed. His suc- 
cessor was Francis Brewster, father of Hon. Benjamin 
Harris Brewster, who was born in the village during 
his father's business career there. A man named 
Norman became the village merchant about 1824, 
and about 1825 was succeeded by John H. Lambert 
and Sinnickson Tuft. Their successors have been 
as follows, at about the dates mentioned : David 
English, 1828; Hezekiah Wright, 1832; Jeremiah 
Dubois and Edward Van Meter, 1836; Ephraim C. 
Harris, 1839 ; Ephraim C. Harris and Stephen Smith, 
1840; Stephen and David P. Smith, 1844; David P. 
Smith, 1849 ; David P. Smith and George Hires, Jr., 
1851 ; George Hires, Jr., 1860. This store has since 
been owned and managed by the proprietors of the 
Quinton Glass- Works, or members of that firm. 

On the west side of the main street James E. 
Newell kept a store sixty-five years ago or earlier. 

In 1871, Mr. S. C. Sheppard built, and has since 
occupied, his store on the west side of the street. 

A tavern was early kept on the west side of the 
street by Jeremiah Davis, which one or two old resi- 
dents remember to have seen illuminated in 1814, in 
celebration of the declaration of peace between the 
United States and Great Britain, after the close of 
the war of 1812-14. On the east side of the street. 



474 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Stephen Smith was an early tavern-keeper. His suc- 
cessors were Charles O'Hara, Jeremiah Davis, Ercu- 
rius Davis, and others about the years following: 
William Young, 1829; Euel Bonham, 1831; Isaac 
Wilson, 1834; Samuel Paulin, 1835; Benjamin Remp- 
ton,1836; Joseph Dowell,1839; John D. Davis, 1841 ; 
George Bee, 1840; William Smith, 1846; Washington 
Smith, 1850; William Shimp,1852; Lewis Fox, 1854; 
Daniel Keen, 1856; Philip Keen, 1861; and Daniel 
Keen from 1864 until the abolition of license, a few 
years since. It is now kept as a temperance house 
by Sylvanus Murphy. 

Quiuton now contains two general stores, the an- 
cient hostelry above referred to, a wheelwright- and 
blacksmith-shop, a Methodist Church, a good public 
school, gnd the extensive glass-factory of Messrs. Hires 
&Co. 

The population is estimated at nearly five hundred, 
and is largely made up of the operatives in the glass- 
works and their families. The village has a cleanly, 
thrifty, well-to-do appearance, and it is the boast of 
some of its leading citizens that not a loafer nor idle 
man resides within its limits. 

CHURCHES. 

The Old Baptist Church at Mill Hollow.— Of 

this ancient and long-extinct church Thomas Shourds 
wrote as follows : 

"The Baptists of this section were connected with 
the church at Cohansey. Timothy Brooks, pastor of 
theCohansey Church, preached occasionally for them 
up to the time of his death, in 1716. Their meetings 
were frequently held at the house of Edward Quinton. 
After the death of most of the old members the new 
converts united with the Cohansey Church, and at- 
tended the mother-church until about the year 1741. 
After the membership from the vicinity of Alloways 
Creek and Salem became more numerous they pre- 
vailed upon Nathaniel Jenkins, pastor of the Cohan- 
sey Church, to come and assist them occasionally. 
About this time three of the younger members of the 
church, who lived at Cohansey, Abraham Garrison, 
Robert Kelsey, and Job Sheppard, were called to the 
ministry, and were permitted to visit and preach to 
the branches of the church. About this time the 
Baptists turned their attention towards building a 
meeting-house. A quarter of an acre of land was 
given them by Daniel Smith, Jr., lying between 
Salem and Quinton's Bridge, near the King's High- 
way that led to Maurice River. The place was called 
Mill Hollow, and a meeting-house was built there in 
1743. IntheTwelfth month, 1748, by theurgentrequest 
of the congregation of the new church. Job Sheppard, 
their minister, moved his family from Cohansey to 
what is known at this time as the township of Quin- 
ton. They held regular meetings every week. It 
was not until sixty-five years after the commencement 
of Baptist meetings in and around Salem, and twelve 
years after they had built their church at Mill Hollow, 



that the church was constituted. It appears that in 
1754 the question of separation from the Cohansey 
Church and organizing a new church at Mill Hollow 
came up for serious consideration. The members of 
the church made an appeal to the mother-church to 
that effect. Their brethren at Cohansey, after some 
time for consideration, sent the following answer : 

"*To our dear brothers in and near Alloways Creek, being in chnrcli 
membership with ws: "We, the Church of Christ, and Cohansey, baptized 
upon profession of our faith, liolding and maintaining the baptism of 
believers by immersion, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the 
body, and eternal judgment, return this to you as our answer.' 

"Then followed the consent that the Baptists of 
Salem and Alloways Creek, who met at Mill Hollow, 
should form a distinct gospel church. The names of 
the following constituent members are signed to the 
church covenant: Job Sheppard (pastor), Catharine 
Sheppard, Edward Quinton, Temperance Quinton, 
Edward Keasbey, Prudence Keasbey, Abner Sims, 
Sarah Sims, John Holme, Daniel Smith, Jr., Seth 
Smith, Samuel Sims, Joseph Sneathen, John Whit- 
tall, Sarah Smith, Phebe Smith, Rachel Sneathen, 
Patience James, and Kerenhappuch Blackwood. 
This was the first Baptist Church constituted within 
the present limits of Salem County. The Baptists 
continued to hold their meetings at Mill Hollow 
until about 1790, when the old meeting-house was 
sold and moved into Salem, and used as a barn for 
several years. The colored Methodists bought it 
finally, and removed it to their lot on Fenwick 
Street, where they used it as a place of worship until 
recently. It stands now in the rear of their new 
brick church, and is used at this time as a school for 
colored children."' 

Seventh-Day Baptists. — In the latter part of the 
eighteenth century a few families who believed that 
the seventh day was the Sabbath, and therefore 
" kept it holy," settled in the lower part of this town- 
ship, and soon erected a frame church, on a lot pur- 
chased ofi" a farm owned by a Mr. Ayars, half a mile 
east of the Quinton and Bridgeton turnpike. 

A second generation grew up, married, and settled 
farther south in Quinton, and in contiguous portions 
of Cumberland County, and the building was removed 
to a lot near the county line ; and about thirty-five 
years ago it gave place to the present frame structure, 
with a brick basement, which stands about a hundred 
yards southeast of the former site. 

Successive pastors of this church have been Revs. 
Davis, Clawson, Crandall, Wheeler, Walter B. Gil- 
lett (supply), Joseph Morton, Randolph, Joseph Mor- 
ton (a second time) ; and the church, now without a 
pastor, contemplates soon calling a young graduate ot 
the Alfred (New York) University. 

The Sabbath-school numbers eighty scholars. 

Methodist Episcopal Church of ftuinton. — A 
Methodist class was organized in Quinton's Bridge 

1 History of Fenwick's Colony, pp. 408-10: Shourds, 1876. 



TOWNSHIP OF QUINTON. 



475 



in 1864, by Rev. J. B. Graw, then pastor of the South 
Street Methodist Church of Salem. Later Rev. C. 
H. Brown held special meetings in the school-house, 
which resulted in the addition of a number of mem- 
bers to the class. 

In 1869 a church was built under the management 
of Rev. John S. Gaskill, who supplied the pulpit 
three years, and was followed by Rev. C. W. Corson, 
who, after remaining a year and a half, was trans- 
ferred to the New York Conference. 

During the succeeding six months the church was 
without a regular preacher, but the pulpit was sup- 
plied by local preachers, and a series of meetings was 
conducted by Benjamin Jones, of Bridgeton. The 
pastor of the Allowaystown Church, Rev. John B. 
Westcoat, filled the pulpit one year. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. C. W. Malsbuary, who served one 
year. The next pastor was Rev. C. P. Cassaboon, 
who remained three years. Revs. N. J. Wright, 
J. L. Nelson, and William Burley followed, each re- 
maining one year ; Rev. C. R. Smith, two years ; and 
the present pastor, Rev. D. Stewart. 

The house of worship thus far in use has recently 
been torn down, and a new one is in course of erec- 
tion, which will be larger and more convenient. 

This organization numbers one hundred and four- 
teen members, and the Sunday-school in connection 
therewith has an average attendance of one hundred 
scholars. 

Berry's Chapel. — By this name is known a small 
chapel in this township, where a scattering colored 
population hold occasional meetings. 

ftuinton Glass-Works. — The above mentioned is 
the principal and nearly the only noteworthy indus- 
trial interest in the township. It was established 
in 1863 by Messrs. D. P. Smith, George Hires, 
Jr., John Lambert, and Charles Hires. The firm 
continued as originally organized only one year, Mr. 
Smith retiring from the concern in 1864. In 1868 
Charles Hires sold Jiis interest to George R. Morrison. 
In the next year Mr. Lambert also retired, followed 
by Mr. Morrison in 1870, Mr. George Hires pur- 
chasing the interest of the latter. In 1871, Mr. 
Charles Hires again became a member of the firm, 
which then became known as Hires & Brother. In 
March, 1874, the firm-name was changed to Hires, 
Prentiss & Co. In 1876, William Plummer, Jr., was 
admitted to membership, and the firm has since been 
styled Hires & Co. 

The Quinton Glass-Works, with the dwelling- 
houses occupied by employes, cover an area of about 
seven acres, and are conveniently situated on the 
south bank of Alloways Creek, thus enjoying un- 
surpassed facilities for the transportation of products 
and material ; and the company own a steamer, 
which plies between Philadelphia and Baltimore and 
Philadelphia and New York, as the exigencies of 
their business may demand. 

Window-, coach-, and picture-glass are made, and 



the works have an annual capacity of three million 
feet of glass. One of the most prominent features of 
the establishment is a Belgium oven, the entire cast- 
ings of which were imported from Europe, and which 
produces a quality of glass nearly equal to the French 
plate, and certainly superior to any other of Ameri- 
can manufacture. Throughout the works are ad- 
mirably arranged, and every detail of the business is 
under the supervision of members of the firm, who 
are well versed in the intricate and multiform pro- 
cesses attendant upon glass-making ; and the products 
of the Quinton Glass-Works find a ready market in 
nearly every State in the Union, the California trade 
being particularly extensive. The company fur- 
nished much glass for use in the erection of the 
Centennial buildings in Philadelphia in 1876. 

About one hundred and fifty hands are employed, 
most of whom live in neat cottages belonging to the 
company. In addition to the glass-works proper, 
Messrs. Hires & Co. have a steam grist-mill, an ex- 
tensive general store, and other convenient auxilia- 
ries to their immense business. The different de- 
partments of the factory are two melting-furnaces, 
flattening-houses, a "pot-room" (where the pots for 
blowing purposes are manufactured of imported clay), 
an engine-housie, containing a twenty horse-power 
engine, which propels the blowing apparatus, and a 
packing-box manufactory. 

The proprietors are gentlemen well and favorably 
known in Salem and neighboring counties. Hon. 
George Hires, Jr., was sheriff of Salem County, and 
he is the present State senator from his district. 

Other Industries. — As early as 1740 one of John 
Chandler's sons built a grist-mill, which was later long 
known as John Wood's upper mill. The mill now 
leased by Phineas Smith, located nearly on the line 
between Quinton and Upper Alloways Creek, has 
long been owned by Stephen and Josiah Reeves, 
father and son. 

Formerly ship-building was carried on quite ex- 
tensively in that part of the township bordering on 
Alloways Creek. 

The agricultural interests of Quinton are not so far 
advanced as those of some of her sister townships, 
yet it contains some good farms and a portion of it is 
considered quite productive. Considerable market- 
gardening is done, and the extensive canneries at 
Canton, Hancock's Bridge, and Salem, all within 
easy access to the farmers of Quinton, have created a 
demand for tomatoes and other cannabic goods, which 
are cultivated more and more extensively every year. 
Hay and the cereals are grown. Farms are being 
improved by the enrichment of the soil and the rota- 
tion of crops. 

Burial-Places. — The oldest burial-place in Quin- 
ton is on the site of the former Seventh-Day Baptist 
churchyard, a little more than a mile north of the 
southern boundary of the township. The only other 
public burying-ground is the present Seventh-Day 



476 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Baptist churchyard, near the county line. Some 
graves were made at a very early date on farms, but 
most of them have been obliterated, and their loca- 
tions forgotten. 



CHAPTEE LXXIV. 

TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ALLOWAYS CREEK.' 

Geographical. — Upper Alloways Creek township 
is situated in the south part of the county, bordering 
on Cumberland County, and is bounded northwest 
by Mannington, northeast by Pilesgrove and Upper 
Pittsgrove, southeast by Deerfield and Hopewell 
(Cumberland County), and southwest by Quinton. 
It has an area of eighteen thousand nine hundred 
and thirty-four acres, and contains two hundred and 
four farms, mostly well cultivated. 

Topographical and Statistical.— The surface of 
this township is generally level, though in the south- 
east somewhat rolling. The soil in the northeast is 
a stiff clayey loam, and soil of this character pre- 
dominates throughout the township, except in the 
southeast, where it gives place to sand and gravelly 
loam. 

The fine timber and wood produced by Upper 
Alloways Creek township was thus written of by 
Gordon, in his " Historical Gazetteer," in 1832 : " The 
forest known as ' the Barrens' runs through this 
township, producing much white-oak and pine-wood 
for market, which finds its way to Philadelphia by 
Alloways Creek." 

North, Middle, and South Branches flow together 
in the northern part, forming Alloways Creek, which 
runs northwestwardly, receiving Carlisle Run be- 
tween Remsterville and Allowaystown, and Deep 
Run below the latter place. These, with some small 
tributaries and some creeks flowing south into Cum- 
berland County, provide ample drainage and suffi- 
cient water-power for local demands. 

The township has a convenient number of roads 
in good condition, and is traversed from ea^t to west, 
nearly parallel with its northeastern boundary, by the 
Salem Branch of the West Jersey Railroad, on the 
line of which, within the township, are stations 
known as Oakland, Mower's, and Alloways Sta- 
tions. 

Evidences of thrift abound on every hand. The 
population of the township was nineteen hundred 
and seventeen in 1880, and in 1881 its financial sta- 
tistics were as follows : Valuation of real estate, 
$628,300 ; amount of personal property, $405,300 ; 
total debt, $300,500; total taxable valuation, ?783,- 
100; number of voters, 472; amount of poll-tax, 
$428 ; of school tax, $1853 ; of county tax, $1758. 

1 By M. 0. Kolfe. 



Original Purchases and Settlement.^ — Upper 
Alloways Creek was first settled by members of the 
Society of Friends. 

William Thompson, son of Andrew Thompson, of 
Elsinboro, purchased a large tract of land on the 
south side of Alloways Creek, and there' he settled. 
There was a bridge erected across the creek at an early 
date, and the village that was built on William Thomp- 
son's land was known as Thompson's Bridge until 
about fifty years ago, when the name was changed to 
Allowaystown. 

William Thompson had four sons, — Thomas, Ben- 
jamin, Joseph, and William Thompson. All of them 
were active business men ; each of them owned a farm 
at Allowaystown, inherited from their father, and 
many of their descendants were among the most re- 
spectable citizens of Salem County. 

Richard Wistar, son of Casper Wistar, of Philadel- 
phia, who came from Germany, was the progenitor 
of the Wistar family in this country. His eldest son, 
Richard, purchased of Hall and Cox several thousand 
acres of timbered land about two miles above Allo- 
waystown. He built a glass-house on this land and 
manufactured window-glass. He resided in Phila- 
delphia, but he engaged Benjamin Thompson to over- 
see and carry on the business for him, employing Ger- 
man glass-blowers, from whom are descended many 
of the inhabitants of the township. The glass-works 
have been abandoned more than a century, and the 
greater part of the Wistar lands have been sold to 
other parties. The family of the Wistars still own 
several hundred acres of the original tract, principally 
woodland. 

Wade Oakford, one of the first emigrants, purchased 
five thousand acres of land lying south of the Thomp- 
son land, except that part near Alloways belonging 
to Jonathan House, who is a lineal descendant of 
Wade Oakford, and who owned several hundred acres 
of the original purchase. All the rest of the large 
tract of land has been sold to oth^r persons. 

On the north side of the creek, one mile below Allo- 
ways, Joseph Fogg, one of the early emigrants, and 
the progenitor of the large family by that name in 
this county, purchased and located on a large tract 
of land. He had three sons, — Joseph, Daniel, and 
Samuel Fogg. The place where Joseph first located 
on the creek has gone under the name of Fogg's Land- 
ing for more than one hundred and fifty years. 

Adjoining the Fogg property John Holme, from 
Philadelphia, took up two thousand acres of land. 
The Holme family became conspicuous in the early 
annals of Salem County. 

The Freas family have long been prominent in 
Upper Alloways Creek. Their progenitor was Jacob 
Freas, who emigrated from Germany, and purchased 
considerable land, embracing the locality now known 
as Freasbui'g, and settled thereon in the early part of 

2 Coutributed by Thomas Shourds, Esq. 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ALLOWAYS CREEK. 



477 



the eighteenth century. Henry Freas and other de- 
scendants have taken a leading part in township 
affairs, and have been identified with important pub- 
lic and private interests. 

Lewis Dubois, from Ulster County, N. Y., came to 
West Jersey and purchased one thousand and ninety- 
one acres of land in Upper Alloways Creek township 
and elsewhere. His first purchase was three hundred 
and fifty acres, in 1726, of Joshua Wright, part of the 
Wasse tract of five thousand acres on the borders of 
the head-waters of Alloways Creek, which tract had 
been bought by William Hall, of James Wasse, of 
London, in 1706. Solomon Dubois, youngest son of 
Jacob Dubois, and a native of Pittsgrove, purchased 
lands in Alloways Creek township. 

The above paragraphs are believed to contain men- 
tion of all of the early settlers in this township. Their 
family names are, most of them, well known through- 
out the county at this time, and their descendants 
have, many of them, been useful, influential, and 
reputable citizens. 

As has been seen, a great impetus was given to set- 
tlement and the development of local interests by the 
early planting of an important manufacturing enter- 
prise in the township, which was long ago swallowed 
up in the past. Though several enterprises of local 
importance have had a more or less successful exist- 
ence at different periods, the township has not since 
been distinctly a manufacturing one, agriculture being 
the leading interest. 

The following are the family names of prominent 
residents of Upper Alloways Creek township from 
1800 to 1830: Allen, Ayres, Applegate, Blackwood, 
Bee, Burroughs, Ballenger, Conklyn, Camp, Caruthers, 
Eft, English, Evans, Emmel, Frazier, Fowser, Fries, 
Fogg, Fox, Garton, Gosling, Hitchner, House, 
Harker, Hannah, Hopkins, Ivins, Jdslyn, Jarman, 
Johnson, Jenny, Kerlin, Keen, Lloyd, Lambert, 
Mickle, Mowers, Miller, Mason, Nelson, Norton, Ott, 
Paden, Penton, Purnell, Remster, Ray, Reeves, 
Souders, Smith, Sickler, Shough, Scott, Sheppard, 
Simpkins, Stretch, Sigers, Smalley, Stockton, Tim- 
merman, Thompson, Wentzell, Walker, Wright, and 
Watson. 

Organization, — Upper Alloways Creek township 
was set off from Alloways Creek by Commissioners 
Benjamin Thompson, John Stewart, and Elnathan 
Davis, under the provisions of an act passed in 1760, 
authorizing the division of the last-named township. 
The township of Quinton was erected from the terri- 
tory of Upper Alloways Creek in 1873. 

Civil List. — As complete a civil list is presented 
below as can be compiled from the records of the 
township, all records of annual township elections 
prior to 1817 being missing : 

ASSESSOES. 
1817, 1822. James Melear. : 1825-27, 1832. Ellis Ayres. 

1818. Benjamin Thompson. , 1828-31, 1833, 1835-36. Charles 

1819-21. Zaccheus Hay. Hogbin. 

182a-24. William M. Dunham. [ 1834. Thomas B. Wood. 



1837. John Gosling. 
1838-41, 1844-52. Philip Eemster. 
1842-43. William C. Lambert. 
1853-54. Ephraim C. Harris. 
1855-57. William House. 
1858-59. George Remster. 
1860-62. James F. Watson. 



I 186.3-65. Smith Remster. 
1866-67. David Harris, Jr. 
1868-70. Jacob House. 
1871-73, 1878-82. Charles Johnson. 
1874-76. Hiram Sweatnam. 
1877. John C. English. 



1817-23. Howell Powell. 
1824-29. David Siving. 
1830-31. Thomas B. Wood. 
1832-38. Stacy Lloyd. 
1839-41, 1846^6. Charles Hogbin. 
1842^3. John Shimp. 
1844. Samuel W.Miller. 
1847-49. Smith Biliierback. 
1850-53. Charles F. Moore. 



COLLECTORS. 
18B4-5G, 



1870-72. Furman Went- 



zell. 
1857-59. Jonathan L. Brown. 
1860-62. Joseph C. Lambert. 
1863, 1867-69. Edwin Stretch. 
1864-66. Aaron Wentzell. 
1873-74. Charles Hitchner. 
1875-77. James R. Barker. 
1879-82. Gould S. Hitchner. 



TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 



1817. Charles Hogbin. 
1818-19. George W. Ballinger. 

1820. James Thompson. 

1821. Empson Haines. -^^ 

1822. Ziba Ray. 

1823-26. John G. Ballinger. 
1827-28, 1831-32. Wm. W. Wood. 
1829-30. Zaccheus Ray. 
1833-37. Philip Remster. 
1838^10, 1844-15. William C. Lam- 
bert. 



1841. John Gosling. 
1842-43. Smith Bilderback. 
1846-49. William House. 
1850-52. George Remster, Jr. 
1853-62, 1868-71. William B.Wills. 
1863-65. William P. Elkinton. 
1866-67. Jacob House. 
1872-73. Joseph Stretch. 
1874-75. J. W. Cobb. 
1876. Jacob House. 
1877-82. Enoch A. Wentzell. 



CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS 



1817-19. James Bay. 

1817-28, 1830-31, 1839-41. Stacy 

Lloyd. 
1820-21, 1832-37. Stephen Reeves. 
1822-30, 1838. Josiah M. Reeves. 
1829, 1831. Burroughs Vanmeter. 
1832-33. Thomas B. Wood. 
1834^3, 1845^8, 1852, 1866-67. 

John H. Lambert. 
1842-51. George Remster. 
1844. Josiah Cortelyou. 
1849, 1854-t6. Jonathan House. 
1850-52. Smith Bilderback. 
1853. Thomas Bilderback. 
1853. John Blackwood. 



1854. Maskell Moore. 
1855-57. Zaccheus Timberman. 
1857. Jeremiah N. Watson. 
1858-60. William P. Hitchner. 
1858-60. Charles .Applegate. 
1861-63. William Shimp. 
1861-63. David Garton. 
1864-66, 1876-78, William House. 
1864-66. David Harris. 
1866-69. Furman Wentzell. 
1868-70. William Robinson. 
1870-72. John Hitchner, Jr. 
1873-75. Joseph Remster. 
1879. Jacob P. Reeves. 
1880-82. Jeremiah N. Watson. 



I 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 



1817-18. Zaccheus Ray. 

1817-19, 1823-25. John Freas. 

1817-21. Philip Fries. 

1817-18, 1820. Oliver Smith. 

1817-19. Stephen Reeves. 

1819. James Newell. 

1819. Ziba Ray. 

1820-21,1828. John G. Ballinger. 

1820-22. Samuel Peterson. 

1820-25. Sheppard Blackwood. 

1821-23, 1833. James Campbell. 

1822-23, 1830-31. Ellis Ayres. 

1822. James Kay. 

1823-26, 1828, James Patterson. 

1824-25, 1827. George Freas. 

1824, Williiim Young, 

1825-26, Judah Heritage. 

1826-27, 1831-35. William Walker. 

1S26. Charles Hogbin. 

1826. Burroughs Van Meter. 
1827-58. George Remster. 

1827, James Mason. 

1827. James H. Toung. 
1828-30. John Nelson. 

1828. Isaac English. 

1829. John A. Watson. 
1829, Samuel Paulin. 



1829, 1839-78. Jonathan House. 
1830-32. William W. Wood. 

1830. George Jarman. 
1831-38. Henry J. Fries. 

1832, 1842-44, 1847-54. Oliver 
Smith. 

1833. John Shimp. 
1834-51. Isaac B. Van Meter. 
1834-38, 1865, 1859-60. William 

Robinson. 
1838-43, 1845-46. Adam H. Sickler. 
1839-41. Andrew Kemster. 
1844. John P. Smith. 
1845, 1852-62. Johnson Hitchner. 
1846-49. Joseph C. Lambert. 
1850-51. Enos P. Reeves. 
1852. John Blackwood. 
1853-54. Chambless Agglegate. 
1856-57. William P, Hitchner, 

1856. Richard G, Hadley. 

1857. James F. Watson. 
1858-60, 1863-64. John Sickler. 
1858-60. Charles H. Powell. 
1861-62. William B. Willis. 
1861-62. John H. McKeever. 
1861-64, John H, Lambert. 
1863-64, 1875-78. J. Hitchner, Jr. 



478 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



1863-64, 1866-69. Zacchous Tim- 

berruan. 
1865-69. David H. Dare. 
1865-71. David Sliimp. 
1865. Tliomas Sinipkins. 
1865-67. James J. Tyler. 
1868-72. Stephen E. Allen. 
1870-72. George E. Morrison. 
1870-72. Hiram Sweatman. , 

1872-74. William A. Miller. 
1873-75. Joshua D. Mickle. 



1873-78. John Siokler, Jr. 
1873-78. Richard Banks. 
1876-77. David B. Ackley. 

1878. Daniel McD. Hitoliner. 

1879. Ephraira Garrison. 
1879-81. Joel E. Coleman. 
1879-81. William P. Hitchner. 
1880-82. Joseph Eemster. 
1882. David A. Halter. 

1882. Samuel V. Jones. 



CONSTABLES. 



1817. Benjamin Ray. 
1817-22,1825-28,1831. George Gos- 
ling. 
1818-22. Benjamin Kelly. 

1823. Blij.ih Davis. 

1823-24, 1827, 1829. Philip Rem- 
ster. 

1824, ZihaRay. 
1825-26. Samuel King. 
1828. Isaiic Stretch. 
1830-32. William F. Smith. 

1830. Matthias Hepner. 

1831. Mark Ayres. 

1833-36, 1S42-43. Isaiah Conklin. 
1833-34. Jarvis Simms. 
1833-.34, 1836. Thomas Evans. 
1835-37. Lemau Loper. 
1835. Charles G. Garrison. 
1837-39. John Shimp. 

1838. William S. Young. 

1839. Edward Van Meter. 



1840. William Fries. 
1840-50. Elkannah Powell. 

1841. Charles Jinny. 
1844-45. Smith Bilderback. 
1846-50. Joseph S. Jacobs. 
1851-52. William Shimp. 
1851-56. Horatio J. Stow. 
1851. Joseph S. Cake. 
1853-56. David Ewens. 
1857-59. Benjamin M. Ferguson. 
lSGO-62. Isaac Moore. 
1860-61, 1861-67. Daniel Kean. 
1862-64, 1870-72, 1878-83. Furman 

Wentzell. 
1865. Thomas Simpkins. 
1868-69. Edward Stretch. 
1869-72. Benjamin 0. Robinson. 

1873. Henry F. Jarman. 

1874. Charles Hitchner. 
1875-77. James R. Barker. 



COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL. 



1817. James Sims. 
1817, 1819, 1829-34. Burroughs 
Van Meter. 

1817, 1822, 1827-28. John Black- 
wood. 

ISIS. Adam Conch. 

1818. William Smith. 

1818. Thomas Guest. 

1819. Daniel Penton. 

1819. Sheppard Blackwood. 
1820-21. Ellis Ayres. 
1820-21. EnosPaulin. 

1820. David Fogg. 

1821. Benjamin Thompson. 
1822-34. Stephen Rewes. 
1822- J3. John G. Ballinger 
1823-24. William Walker. 

1824. George Remster. 
1825-20. Philip Fries. 

1825. 1828. Zaccbeus Ray. 

1826. Frederick Miller. 

1827. James Patterson. 
1829. Benjamin Wood 
1830-36. Henry J. Fries. 
1836-36 John A. Watson. 
1835-51. Isaac B. Van Meter. 



Lam- 



1837. Philip Remster. 
1837-38. Daniel Vanneman. 
1S3S-41. John Gosling. 
1839-41, 1859-62. John H. 

bert. 
1842-46. Adam H. Sickler. 

1842. Joseph Camp. 

1843. Ellis Ayres. 

1844. Maskell Ware, Jr. 
1845-51, 1866-78. Clias. H. Powell. 
1847-54. Oliver Smith. 

1852-57. John Sickler. 
1852-53. John Blackwood. 
1854. Johnson Hitchner. 
1855-69, 1861-62. Smith Remster. 
1855-00, 1863-64. Andrew Johnson. 
1858, 1862, 1860-82. Zaocheus Tim- 
berman. 

1860. David Miller. 

1861. John Hitchner. 
1863-65. Zaccheus Ray. 
1863-65. Joseph Remster. 
1865-78. John B. Dunham. 
1866-79. Joseph C. Lambert. 
1879-82. William Simpkins. 
1870-82. Joseph Stretch. 



SCHOOL 
1829-40. Isaac English. 
1829-33. Josiah M. Reeve. 
1S29-34. Nicholas Olmstead. 
1833-35. Judah Herritage. 
1833-35. Phineas Smith. 
1833-36. Daniel Penton. 
1633-36, 1840. George Jarman 
1833-36,1839. Henry J. Fries, 
1834-35, 1838. William F, 
1835-37. John Watson. 
1835. Samuel Vanlear. 
1836-37. Thomas J. Yarrow. 
1836-37, 1841-44. Ellis Ayres, 
1836-37. William Bowen. 



COMMISSIONER,?. 

1836. Thomas Mullica. 

1837. Nathaniel Lawrence. 
1837. Thomas Evans. 
1838-39. John H. Lambert. 
1839. Adam H. Sickler. 

1839. John Gosling. 

1840. 1842-44. Stacy Lloyd. 
1841^5. Epbraim S. Harris. 

1841. William Brown. 

1845. Albert J. Harker. 
1845-46. Joseph C. LaBibert. 
1845-46. William C. Lambert. 

1846. Providence Ludlam. 



TOWN SUPERINTENDENTS, 
1847-49. Joseph C. Lambert. 
1850-52. William House. 
1853-57. George Remster. 
1858-60. David Shimp, Jr. 



1864. Joseph H. McKarson. 
1865-66. John Lambert. 
1867. Aaron Wentzell. 



Emanuel's Churcli, Freasburg.— This is the only 
Lutheran Church in this section, and it was estab- 
lished in 1748. 

The constituent members were families named 
Freas, Frollinger, Meyer, Hayn, Born, Wentzell, 
Mackassan, Heppel, Bidman, Dillsshoever, Souder, 
Kneist, Tobal, and others. Jacob Freas, the emi- 
grant, is said to have been very prominent in effecting 
the organization. 

These people were mostly employed at Wistar's 
glass-works, near Alloway, and were among the earliest 
residents in the township. 

The church records were kept in German until 
1832, when Rev. Mr. Harpel took the oversight of 
them. In 1836 he was succeeded by Bev. Mr. Bey- 
nolds. Revs. Duy and Town followed. The present 
pastor is Rev. A. W. Lentz. 

Friends. — Friends early worshiped in this town- 
ship, and had a meeting-house opposite the village of 
Alloway, which was abandoned about seventy years 
ago. 

Union Chapel, Pentonville. — At Pentonville a 
small brick chapel was built, and dedicated in 1882. 
It is known as the "Union Chapel," and is occupied 
by Christians of all denominations as occasion pre- 
sents itself. 

Baptist Church of AUoway. — It is nearly or quite- 
three-quarters of a century since the initial efforts wei'e 
made towards the establishment of Baptist worship in 
Allowaystown, as the village was then and until re- 
cently called. During a period of about twenty years, 
the First Baptist Church of Salem occupied Alloways- 
town as an " out-station." 

The first meeting-house was built in 1821, the clay 
being dug and the bricks of which it was constructed 
burnt upon the lower end of the lot upon which it 
stood. The size of the edifice was forty feet by thirty- 
five. It was of the old-fashioned style of church archi- 
tecture, consisting of only one room, having galleries 
on the sides and in front. 

Revs. Joseph Shepherd, John Cooper, and Charles 
J. Hopkins were the earliest preachers there, and it 
was as the result of their labors that the church was 
built and a regular organization effected, May 4, 
1830, with twenty-six members, twenty-five of whom 
were dismissed from the First Baptist Church of 
Salem. For some months after this date Rev. Charles 
J. Hopkins supplied the pulpit, adding twenty-two to 
the membership of the church by baptism, and organ- 
izing the Sunday-school, which has had an uninter- 
rupted existence since. 

The first call to the pastorate was given to Rev E. 
M. Barker, in 1832. He served one year, during which 
five members were baptized into the church. Rev. 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ALLOWAYS CREEK. 



479 



John Miller was the second pastor, coming in 1833, 
and resigning in 1834, adding four members by bap- 
tism. During bis pastorate eleven members seceded 
to identify themselves with the long-extinct "Old 
School" or " Anti-Mission" church of Canton. Rev. 
Charles J, Hopkins again supplied the pulpit for a 
time, baptizing five. 

In 1S35, Rev. Mr. Ferguson was called for six 
months, accepted, and remained a year, during 
which five were added by baptism. After an inter- 
regnum, in 1838, Rev. N. Stetson held special meet- 
ings and acted as supply, after which he was pastor 
one year. So marked were the results of his labors 
that there was an accession of eighty-three to the 
membership. In 1839, Rev. Ezekiel Sexton accepted 
a call to the pastorate, remaining three years, and 
adding sixty-eight to the membership. Rev. Charles 
Kain supplied the church for a time, during which 
twenty-two were baptized, and later thirteen more 
were added, under the temporary ministration of 
Rev, W. A. Ray. Rev. Levi J. Beck was pastor for 
a few months in 1843, during which year Rev. Wil- 
liam Maul began a three years' pastorate, adding 
three by baptism. In 1847, Rev, F. T. Cailhopper 
was ordained in Allowaystown and installed as pas- 
tor. During his seven years' service forty-eight were 
added by baptism. Rev. William A. Roney became 
pastor in 1854, but resigned in a year on account of 
ill health. 

In 1856, Rev. James Trickett, of Pennsylvania, ac^ 
cepted a call to the pastorate. Under his adminis- 
tration plans for remodeling the meeting-house were 
formed and means provided for carrying them out, 
but the memorable panic of 1857 prevented their 
consummation at that time. He remained four 
years, during which the church received an acces- 
sion of sixty-three members by baptism. After his 
departure, Rev. G. M. Conderon supplied the pulpit 
for a few months. Rev. Charles Cox was the twelfth 
pastor, coming in 1861 and remaining four years, 
adding twenty-one members. In 1865, Rev. A. H. 
Bliss was called to the pastorate. During his service 
sixty-seven were baptized, and the remodeling of the 
meeting-bouse was again agitated and accomplished 
at a cost of six thousand dollars. The old house was 
torn down, except a portion of the walls, which were 
raised to admit of a basement above ground. The 
size of this edifice is sixty by thirty-five feet. 

Rev. J. E. Bradley was next called, settling as pas- 
tor in 1873, serving two years and eight months, and 
baptizing thirteen. In March, 1876, Rev. Matthew 
M. Finch was called, and remained one year. June 
24, 1877, Rev. James Walden became his successor, 
and resigned, after baptizing seven, in February, 
1880, The present pastor. Rev. James Trickett, was 
recalled to the church in 1880, after an absence of 
twenty years. Former deacons of this church were 
William Walker, J. D. Sithens, J. D. Simpkins, John 
Lambert, W. W. Harwood, Thomas Bilderback, 



David Bowen, Henry Powell, James Freaa, and 

James Burch. The present deacons are James Arm- 
strong, Samuel Wright, Joseph Plummer, and James 
English. During a portion of its existence the church 
was aided by the State Convention, having received 
$180.10 from its funds. It has returned to the same 
fund .$365.51, and has given $1220.13 to missionary 
objects. The total number of baptisms has been 447 ; 
highest number reported to the Association was 214, 
in 1843. The present membership is 197. 

Methodist Episcopal Church of Alloway.— This 
society was incorporated on the 12th day of February, 
1820, with David String, Samuel Keane, Thomas El- 
dridge, John Tracy, Zaccheus Ray, trustees. 

In 1821 a brick church was erected on the site of 
the present one, which was remodeled in 1869. Fol- 
lowing are the names of those who contributed to- 
wards the original edifice, spelled as they appear 
upon a record made in 1820 : 

George Jarnian. 

William N. Jefferous. 

Charles J. Keed. 
' Henry Sheppard. 
' Jolin Johnson. 



Thomas Eldridge. 
Zaccheus Ray. 
Samuel Keane. 
David String. 
Edward B. Gibbs. 
John Tracy. 
En OS Woodruff. 
John Coleman. 
Peter String. 
John Eldridge. 
Jiinies Armstrong. 
Daniel Shough. 
Thomas Fox. 

" — Jacob Hews. — 

Joel Yapp, 

.Jacob Fox (blacksmith). 
Isaac Bunn. 
Joseph Gibbs. 
Jacob Hitchner. 
William Erwn. 
Jacob Walter. 
Peter Errirkson. 
Bichard Gibbs. 
Matthew Morrison, Jr. 
Philip Sepps. 
Jesse Early. 
William Adams. 
Elijah Adams. 
John G. Ballinger. 
Samuel King. 
Benjamin Timberman. 
^John HewB.— ""^ 
Benjamin Kelly. 
John Sparks. 
Howel Powel. 
John Gosling. 
Amasa Ayars. 
George Kemster. 
Thomas Kelly. 
Phebe Gibbs. 
Mary Gibbs. 
Philip Freas. 
Josiah M. Beeves. 
John Gruff, Jr. 
Judah Herritage. 
Clement Willis. 
John Camp. 
Benjamin Allen, 
James Stanger. 
Daniel Cartey. 
Joseph Elwell. 
John S. Wood. 



Frederick Miller. 
Jacob Mulford. 
Patrick Fields. 
Thomas W. Cattail. 
Daniel Coleman. 
William Van Hart. 
David Johnson. 
John Aborn. 
William R. Fithen. 
Anthony Nelson. 
Jacob Fox (farmer). 
Aaron 0. Dayton. 
Richard Stockton. 
Mullica Horner. 
John Armstrong. 
Edward Waddington. 
Jonathan Richman. 
Joseph Lippincott. 
James Butcher. 
Jonathan Belten. 
Aaron Waddington. 
Michael Hackett. 
John Hackett. 
William J. Sbinn. 
Joseph McLvaue. 
Hedge Thompson. 
David Cairl. 
Morris Hall. 
William Swing. 
James Biddle, 
John Holmes. 
James Jessup. 
Empson Haines. 
Benjamin Archer. 
George Freas. 
Joseph Newkirk. 
William Waddington. 
Jeremiah Stnll. 
Daniel Garrison. 
Obadiah Robbins. 
William Harris. 
Stacy Lloyd. 
John Elwell. 
Andrew Blinoh, Sr. 
Cbambliss Allen. 
William Porch. 
John Davis. 



480 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



Matthiiis Hichman, 
James Kinaey. 
John Grutf. 
Daniel Sbimp. 
James Stephenson. 
John Easier. 
James Harris. 
Groome Arey. 
Peter Hitchler. 
Sheppard Blaclcwood. 
Jonatlian Honae. 
Vinuing Hill. 
Andrew Alsten. 
Joseph Jaquett. 
Edmnnd Wright. 
Samuel IBlmore. 
Closes Lambson. 
Oliver Smith, 
Israel K. Clawson. 
James Kay. 



Jonah Garriaon. 

William S. Stockton. 

John Creamer. 

William Lummis. 

Jerediah Dubois. 

John Waters. 

Jonathan Woodnutt. 

Joseph Collins. 

John Sinuickson. 

Thomas Sinnickson. 

Allen Smith. 

James Kedrow. 

Burhanks Staughton. 

James McGill. 

Luther Gamble. 

Frances S. Wiggins. 

■William Rossell (chief judgn). 

Edward Stout. 

Richard Petherbridge. 

John Blackwood. 



Eev. Thomas Neal preached at Allowaystown in 
1819, and Eev. Thomas Ware in 1820 and 1821. The 
latter was the first regular pastor. His successors 
have been as follows : 



1850. James Long. 
1861-62. Charles S. Downs. 
1863-54. Joseph Atwood. 
1867-58. John McDougall. 
1861-62. Samuel F. Wheeler. 
1863-64. James Yansant. 
1865-06. Thomas D. Sleeper. 
1867-69. Willis Keeves. 

1870. William Margarum. 

1871. Furman Robbius. 
1872-74. Johu B. Westcoat. 
1875-76. Dickinson Moore. 
1877. Samuel P. Cassaboon. 
1878-80. John S. Price. 

1881. Charles W. Livezey. 

1882. John W. Morris. 



1822. Albert White. 
1823-24, 1835. Edward Stout. 
1825-26. Solomon Sharp. 
1827-28. John Walker. 

1829. William Williams. 

1830. Jacob Gruber. 

1831. Jesse Thompson. 

1832. W. Burroughs. 
1833-34. William Folk. 

1836. Nathaniel Chew. 

1837-38. Charles T. Ford. 
1839-40. Jacob Loudenslager. 
1841^2. Thomas G. Stewart. 
1843-44. Noah Edwards. 
1845-46. Socrates Townsend. 
1847. Matthias German. 
1848^9. Abraham Gearhart. ! 

Prior to 1853 this station was one on a circuit so 
large as to necessitate the employment of assistant 
pastors. Below are the names of those so employed. 
They were most of them young in the ministry at 
the time of their service, and some of them have 
since attained prominence in the church : 

1819-20. Edward Page. 

1821. Samuel Cox. 

1822. James Adkins. 

1823. Richard Petherbridge. 

1824. Anthony Atwood. 

1825. McCIorm. 

1826. Thomas Davis. 

1827. James Moore. 

1828. Thomas Sovereign. 
1829-30. Sedgwick Kusling, 
1831. W. Burroughs. 

1833. J. Bizey. 

1834. John L. Talft. 

1835. Thomas Christopher. 

1836. William Loomis. ' 

Nazareth Methodist Episcopal Church of Wat- 
son's Corners. — The leading early members of this 
organization were Jacob Loudenslager, Thomas Stew- 
art, the McKeevers, Keans, Fraziers, Watsons, and 
others, and Rev. Messrs. Loudenslager and Stewart 
were the early preachers and among the earlier 
pastors. 



1837, 1845. William Rogers. 
1838. William A. Brooks, 
1839-40. Joseph B. McKeever. 

1841. George A. Eeybold. 

1842. Abram Owen. 

1843. Elwood H.Stokes. 

1844. Samuel Vausant. 

1846. Samuel Parker, 

1847. Caleb Fleming. 

1848. James R. Bryan. 

1849. Thomas H. Wilson. 

1850. Dayton F. Reed. 

1861, William V. Darrow. 

1862. John C, Atkinson. 



A brick church edifice was erected in 1841, about 
forty feet south of the site of the present brick struc- 
ture, which was built in 1868, and, with the ground 
and other church property, is valued at ten thousand 
dollars. 

The church has a membership of about sixty, and 
the attendance at stated meetings is good. The 
present pastor is Rev. Joseph E. Willey. The Sun- 
day-school, under the superintendency of Lewis 
Sayre, is in a flourishing condition. 

The present trustees are John M. Smith, Aaron D. 
Harris, Samuel D. Kean, William Simkins, Azariah 
Dickson, Amos Heritage, Joshua D. Mickle, Jere- 
miah S. Watson, and Samuel V. Jones. 

Educational. — The early schools in Upper Allo- 
ways Creek township were supported by the volun- 
tary payment of tuition by parents, and were called 
" pay-schools." These gave way to the public schools 
under the operation of the public school law of the 
State. 

The township is divided into seven districts, which 
are named and numbered as below : 32, Horse Branch ; 
33, Friesburg; 34, Franklin; 35, Washington; 37, 
Alloway ; 38, Pentonville ; 39, Fisher. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS, 

Alloway. — The principal village in Upper Allo- 
ways Creek township is Alloway, situated on Alloways 
Creek, in the western part. 

The original name of this locality was Thompson's 
Bridge, an appellation which it received in honor of 
Benjamin Thompson, who at one time owned most of 
the land in the vicinity. It later came to be known 
as Allowaystown, a name it bore until June 1, 1882, 
when it was contracted to Alloway. 

The first three houses in the village were built by 
the Oakford family, and were of the style of archi- 
tecture, examples of which are referred to as " hip- 
roofed brick" buildings. They were some time since 
torn down to make room for more modern structures. 

Among the early store-keepers, Samuel Keen and 
Thomas Guest were prominent. Their old stores have 
disappeared. 

The name of the first keeper of the frame tavern is 
not known. James Ray first did the honors of the 
brick hotel. Henry Freas, a descendant of Jacob 
Freas, kept the other many years, and he is the ear- 
liest remembered landlord. 

The first resident physician was William Bacon, 
M.D., who relinquished his practice in 1830. He was 
succeeded by the well-known Dr. Thomas J. Yarrow, 
who continued to practice until his death in July, 
1882. The present practitioners are Drs. Lemuel 
Wallace and W. Lloyd Ewen. 

Alloway, which is one of the most enterprising towns 
of its size in Salera County, now contains one hundred 
and forty-six dwellings, two churches, a school-house, 
and various buildings, in which different branches of 
trade and manufacture are carried on, and has a pop- 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ALLOWAYS CREEK. 



481 



Illation of six hundred and two. Its business inter- 
ests may be summed up as follows : 

Three general stores, two groceries, one hardware- 
store and depot for agricultural implements, one tin- 
and hardware-store, three butchers, four blaclvsmiths, 
two wheelwright-shops, one shoe-store, three shoe- 
shops, two harness-stores, two restaurants, one milli- 
ner, one hotel, one conveyancer (master in chancery) 
and notary public, two physicians, two carpenters and 
contractors, one grist-mill, one canning-factory, one 
chair manufacturer, one brush manufacturer, and one 
lumber-yard. 

Watson's Corners. — Watson's Corners is a hamlet 
containing a church, a store, a blacksmith- and wheel- 
wright-shop, a shoe-shop, and cigar-store, and a dozen 
dwellings, more or less. The population is estimated 
at fiity-six. 

John F. Watson settled on the Dayton E. Kean 
farm in 1825, and about 1832 moved thence to prop- 
erty he owned at the " Corners." Here James F. 
Watson built and opened a store in 1838. It has 
since had several occupants, the present one being 
Samuel V. Jones. 

William Simpkins, the present blacksmith, began 
business here about 1840. 

For a place of its size and surroundings, Watson's 
Corners is in a flourishing and progressive condition. 

Freasburg^, — This hamlet is named in honor of 
Jacob Freas, the German emigrant, who settled there, 
and it contains a church, which he was prominent in 
founding, and about half a dozen dwellings. It is 
situ.ated in the east part of the township, south of 
Watson's Corners, and about four miles from Alloway. 

Stockinsftown. — This is a country neighborhood a 
little noi'th of the centre of the township, extending 
for some distance along several roads. 

Remsterville.— -By this name is known a hamlet, 
including a grist-mill and a few dwellings, which is 
sometimes called Remster's Mills. It is located be- 
tween Stockingtown and Alloway. 

Pentonville. — Pentonville, a small hamlet in the 
western part of the township, contains a brick-yard, a 
few dwellings, an'd a Union chapel. It was named in 
honor of Daniel Penton, a former well-known resi- 
dent. William Hitchner, his son-in-law, now owns 
and lives on a portion of his former possessions, much 
of which, after passing through the hands of different 
parties, is now owned by Joshua Scott, the proprie- 
tor of the brick-yard. Stores here were formerly 
kept by John Ridgway, Jonathan Butcher, Charles 
Crispin, Jesse McKee, and William Hitchner. 

Industrial History.— In 1742 or 1743, Richard 
Wistar, of Philadelphia, the owner of considerable 
land in Upper Alloways Creek, constructed and put 
in successful operation, about two miles above Allo- 
way, the second glass-works in the United States, the 
first one, in Massachusetts, having been running 
there about four months. Mr. Wistar's time being 
very fully occupied in looking after his extensive 
31 



estate in Philadelphia, he employed Benjamin 
Thompson, son of William Thompson, of Alloway, 
and a young man of great business capacity, to be 
the superintendent of the glass-factory, a position 
which Thompson filled creditably and successfully 
until the establishment was abandoned, more than a 
hundred years ago. The only visible relic of this 
business is a portion of a house standing near the 
old site, which house was built at the time the busi- 
ness was being prosecuted. 

Alloways Creek and its several branches having 
always afforded a good water-power, there have long 
been saw-mills and grist-mills in the township. 

A grist-mill was early erected near Allowaystown 
by John Holme, from whom it passed, by purchase, 
to Josiah M. Reeves & Brothers, who built a new 
dam farther down stream, and dug a long water- 
course to enable them to build a grist-mill and a 
saw-mill in Alloway village, which they accomplished 
in 1822. This property was owned later by Dallas 
■Peeves and others, passing to the ownership of 
Francis Diament. It is now owned and operated by 
Diament & Son. It contains six runs of burrs and 
does an extensive business. 

At Remsterville a grist-mill was early built by 
Richard Wistar, who sold it to William Craig, who 
was in possession of it many years, during which it 
was known as Craig's Mill. After Craig's death the 
property was sold, and at length passed into the hands 
of George Remster, who rebuilt it about 1856. It was 
owned by George Remster, Jr., after the death of 
George Remster, Sr., till the death of the former. It 
was bought of the executors of George Remster, Jr., 
about 1866 by John Hitchner, the present ovvnei', who 
repaired it and increased its manufacturing capacity. 

Stephen Reeves was an early owner of the Ballin- 
ger flouring-mill. It came into possession of John G. 
Ballinger, who was succeeded by Stephen Ballinger, 
the present owner,. who rebuilt it. 

On a branch that empties into the main stream 
below Alloways is a flouring-milL long known as the 
Stephen Reeves mill. It was built by one of the 
Oakfords. John Van Culin married his daughter and 
became the owner. 

Almost from the beginning of settlement there 
have been saw-mills in the township. At this time 
there are four, owned by John Hitchner, Diament & 
Son, Jeremiah N. Watson, and Aaron Haines, all of 
moderate capacity, which have been operated succes- 
sively by changing proprietors. 

The extensive canning-factory of John H. Davis, 
at Alloway, was established by the present proprie- 
tor in 1871. The business has grown to such propor- 
tions that two hundred thousand cans of fruit and 
vegetables are put up in a season. 

A factory for the manufacture of spindles for use 
in cotton-mills, which has been an industrial feature 
in this township, has recently been removed beyond 
its limits. 



482 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



Jacob Thackra established a brick-yard at Penton- 
ville about 1844. Later John Bee opened another 
near by. After a time Thackra ceased business. Bee 
sold out to James Fogg, and the latter to Joshua Scott. 
Another brick-yard was established by Smith B. Sick- 
ler, and sold to Mason M. Bennett, from whom it 
passed to Joshua Scott in 1882. Mr. Scott now con- 
trols the entire brick manufacture of Pentouville, and 
does a large and increasing business. 

The brick and tile manufactory of Aaron Haines 
& Sons, in the northern extremity of the township, 
is virtually in the somewhat uncertain boundaries of 
Yorketown, in Pilesgrove, and is often referred to as 
one of the industries of that village. It was estab- 
lished by an Englishman whose name is not now re- 
called, some twenty-five or thirty years ago. Event- 
ually it became the property of Asa Reeves, on 
whose farm the yard was located. Aaron Haines be- 
came a part owner, and in 1867 sole owner, admitting 
his son, David F. Reeves, to a partnership in the con- 
cern a few years ago. 

The large steamship "Columbus," which plied be- 
tween Philadelphia and Cliarleston, S. C, and the 
"Stephen Baldwin" and many lai'ger schooners, were 
built near Alloway by the Messrs. Reeve in the early 
part of this century. 

Burial-Places. — The oldest public burial-places 
in this township are the Lutheran churchyard at 
Freasburg and the old Friends' graveyard near Allo- 
way. The next in point of antiquity is the grave- 
yard in Alloway belonging to the First Baptist Church 
of Salem, in which are buried Baptists who died in 
the township prior to the organization of the Alloway 
Baptist Church, and in which many interments have 
since been made. The churchyards of the Methodist 
and Baptist Churches of Alloway are next in order of 
age. Another, opened later, is the churchyard of the 
Methodist Church at Watson's Corners. Many of the 
early residents are said to have buried their dead on 
their farms, and a number of such primitive burial- 
places have long since disappeared. 

LODGES. 

There was formerly a lodge of Freemasons at Allo- 
way. It has been extinct fifty years or more. A lodge 
of United American Mechanics flourished for a time, 
and a lodge of Good Templars also had a somewhat 
brief existence there. A division of Sons of Tem- 
perance, formerly large and influential, is still under 
organization in that village. 

Alloway Lodge, No. 187, I. 0. 0. F., was insti- 
tuted at Alloway July 7, 1875, with A. M. P. H. 
Dickinson, Jacob House, Jonathan House, Jr., Rich- 
ard Trenchard, James R. Barker, Samuel Ray, and 
Gould S. Hitchner as charter members. The first 
officers were A. M. P. H. Dickinson, N. G. ; Richard 
Trenchard, V; G. ; Gould S. Hitchner, T. ; Jonathan 
House, Jr., W. ; Jacob House, P. S. The following 
are the present oflncers : Joseph Donnell, N. G. ; 



George W. Pearson, V. G. ; John Hitchner, T. ; 
Charles Johnson, W. ; Jacob House, P. S. 

Franklin Grange. — A grange bearing the above 
designation was organized at Watson's Corner some 
time since. The grange numbers thirty members, 
and the number is constantly receiving additions. 
The following persons were chosen officers : M., H. 
Lawrence; O., E. Garrison; L., William Miller; S., 
H. Sweatman ; A. S., G. Garrison ; C, A. Dickinson ; 
T., A. Garrison; T., N. R. N. Emmell ; G. R., C. 
Shimp ; C, Mrs. E. Sweatman ; P., Mrs. A. Garrison ; 
F., Mrs. E. Mickle ; L. A. S., Mrs. R. Garrison. 



CHAPTER LXXV. 

TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PENN'S NECK.i 

Situation and Boundaries.— Upper Penn's Neck 
township is situated in the northwest part of the 
county, and is bounded on the north by Oldman's, on 
the east by Pilesgrove, on the south by Manningtou 
and Lower Penn's Neck, and on the west by the 
Delaware River. 

Descriptive and Statistical. — The area of Upper 
Penn's Neck is ten thousand eight hundred and thirty- 
one acres. The surface is generally level. The soil is 
a light sandy loam, productive of the variety of grains 
and fruits common to this portion of New Jersey, the 
leading cereals being corn, wheat, and rye. 

On the northwest the township is watered by the 
Delaware River and some inlets and small tributary 
brooks, along its southern border by Salem Creek, and 
centrally by Game Creek and Two-Penny Run and 
confluent tributaries to the latter two. 

In 1880 the population of Upper Penn's Neck, 
including what is now Oldman's, was 3362. The as- 
sessed valuation of real estate in the township, as now 
bounded, was $645,804 in 1881 ; the valuation of per- 
sonal property was $349,454; its total indebtedness 
was $200,514. It had 580 voters; its poll tax was 
$523, its school tax $2009, and its county tax $1906. 
It contained 254 farms in 1880. Good wagon-roads 
traverse the township in all directions. 

Settlement.'^ — In common with Lower Penn's Neck, 
Upper Penn's Neck was largely settled in the pioneer 
period of its history by the Swedes. 

The Swedish family of Neilson were large land- 
holders. Henry Neilson, the progenitor of the family, 
owned sixteen hundred acres, extending from the Del- 
aware River to Salem Creek. 

Another ancient family of Swedish descent are the 
Dolbows, who once possessed large tracts of land. 
There are a number of persons t)f the name still resi- 
dents of the township. 

> By M. O. Eolfe. 

* The bistoriau ia indebted to Tbooias ShourdB, Esq.. for assiatauce in 
the pieparatlou of this chapter. 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PENN'S NECK. 



483 



Lucas Peterson, son of Erick Peterson, was the 
owner of much land in Upper Penn's Neck. He was 
also a Swede, and many members of his family have 
become well known and influential in various walks 
of life. 

Thomas Carney was born in Ireland in 1709, and 
emigrated about 1725, with William Summerill, to 
America, marrying Hannah, daughter of John Proc- 
tor, of Penn's Neck. He was a large landholder, his 
possessions, located along the Delaware, extending to 
Game Creek. Thomas Carney died in 1784, and Han- 
nah, his wife, in 1778. Both are buried in the Epis- 
copal churchyard in Lower Penn's Neck. " When 
quite young," wrote Thomas Shourds, " I heard sev- 
eral aged people speak of the benevolence of Hannah 
Carney. By tradition she was in the practice of getting 
her husband to slaughter a fattening bullock occa- 
sionally in the winter. Then she, with a boy to drive 
for her, with a pair of oxen and a cart filled with meat 
and flour (there were no spring-wagons in Salem Tenth 
in those days), would go into the woods of Obisquahas- 
set, among the poor and laboring classes, who lived in 
small log dwellings, and there, on a cold North 
American winter day, she would dispense to them 
both flour and meat according to their necessities. 
And, above all, she was enabled, by the kindness of 
her manner and expressions, to encourage the de- 
spondent and administer by kind words to the sick 
and afliicted among them." ^ 

At the death of Thomas Carney (1st) he left two 
sons, Thomas and Peter Carney, and two or three 
daughters. He devised his property to his sons. 
Thomas Carney, Jr., left one daughter to inherit his 
large estate, who married Robert G. Johnson, of 
Salem. Peter Carney, the brother of Thomas, left 
two daughters, one of whom married Benjamin 
Cripps, of Mannington, the other John Tuft, of 
Salem. Naomi, the eldest daughter of Thomas Car- 
ney (1st), who married John Summerill (1st), did 
not inherit any of her father's property ; but her 
descendants now, after a lapse of nearly a century, 
own the larger part of the landed estate once belong- 
ing to her two brothers, Thomas and Peter, including 
several large and valuable farms. 

The Summerills are an ancient, well known, and 
numerous family of Upper Penn's Neck. The most 
reliable account of this family states that William 
Summerill, in company with Thomas Carney, emi- 
grated from Ireland about 1725, locating in Penn's 
Neck. Soon after his arrival he bought a large tract 
of land, extending from Game Creek, near its source, 
to Salem Creek, much of which is to this day owned 
by his descendants. He and Mary, his wife, resided 
on the property now owned by Rebecca Summerill 
Black and Benjamin Black, her husband, which the 
former inherited from her father. The old mansion- 
house was burned during the Revolution by a ma- 



1 History of Fen wick's Colony, p. 108. 



rauding party from the British fleet lying in the 
Delaware, opposite Helm's Cove. In the possession 
of a member of the Summerill family is a large 
iron pot which passed through the fire on that 
occasion. 

John Summerill married Naomi, daughter of 
Thomas and Mary Carney, of Carney's Point, and 
owned and lived on the homestead property pre- 
viously referred to, dying comparatively young. 

John Summerill (2d) married Christiana Holton 
and had nine children. He was a successful farmer, 
and left much excellent land in Upper Penn's Neck 
at his death, in 1854, aged nearly eighty. 

John Summerill (3d), son of John (2d), was a man 
of flue abilities and a well-known politician. He was 
elected to the State Legislature when quite young, 
and later to the State Senate. He married Emily 
Parker, and died in 1865, aged sixty-two. William, 
the third son of John (3d), married Hannah Vanne- 
man, and resides at South Penn's Grove, formerly 
Helm's Cove. He is a man of worth and prominence, 
and has long been identified with important public 
and private interests, holding the offices of judge of 
the Salem County courts and director of the Canal 
Meadow Company. 

John Stephenson, the great-grandson of Samuel 
Jennings, emigrated from Burlington County to 
Upper Penn's Neck, but after a few years' residence 
there removed to Mannington. 

The Lambson family is an ancient one in Upper 
Penn's Neck. Thomas and his wife, Ann Lambson, 
came to America in 1690, locating in this township. 
Matthias Lambson of the present century owned and 
lived in the ancient brick dwelling near Salem Creek, 
built by his ancestors in 1730. 

In 1800, Upper Penn's Neck township, though im- 
mediately on the Delaware, was very sparsely settled. 
Still a public-house was licensed. This was located 
at the " Cove." Subsequently, previous to 1830, pub- 
lic-houses were licensed at Pedricktown, Sculltown, 
and " Biddle's," and there were stores at the three 
first-named places. The prominent families in this 
township, then including Oldman's, from 1800 to 
1830, were the following : 

Adams, Allen, Bevis, Biddle, Barber, Black, Bar- 
ton, Batten, Borden, Corson, Carney, Cook, Diver, 
Doughton, Danser, Dawson, Davenport, Dolbow, El- 
well, English, Fisher, Flanagin, Franklin, Guest, 
Green, Goodwin, Hunt, Harris, Holton, Humphreys, 
Helms, Johnson, Jaquett, Kean, Kiger, Kidd, Kirby, 
Lynch, Layman, Lamplugh, Leap, Moore, Nichols, 
Orr, Peterson, Patterson, Pyle, Pedrick, Pitman, 
Richards, Ridgway, Summerill, Springer, Simpkins, 
Sayres, Somers, Sparks, Scull, Taylor, Urinson, 
Vickery, Wright, White, and Williams. 

Organization. — This township was erected by the 
division of the former township of Penn's Neck,^ at a 

- See chapter on the organization of Lower Penn's Neck. 



484 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



date not known. Its territory was reduced by the 
organization from its area of Oldman's township in 
1881. 

Civil List. — The records of the annual town-meet- 
ings in Upper Penn's Neclv prior to 1842 are not in 
possession of tlie clerk, and are not known to be in 
existence. Following is a civil list from 1842 to 
1882, inclusive: 

CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS. 
1842-54. Thomas Flaiiagiu. 
1842-45. William Miilford. ) 

1846-48. William Summerill, Jr. 
1S19-66, 18GI, lS61i-68. Robert 

Walker. 
1856-66. Stacy D. Liiyton. [ 

1857-59, 1860. Jacob Sailor. j 

1857-58. Joseph Couper. 
1850-00. Isaac Wright. 
lSGn-61. John PetersoD. 



1S62. Moses Wright. 
1802. Howard Green. 
1863-i;4. George W. Bevis. 
186;i-04. Henry White. 
1867-68, 1870. William Lawrence. 
1870-71, 1874-78. Henry Barber. 
1872-73. John Summerill. 
1879-80. Charle.<; G.Alborn. ' 

1881. A. F. Layton. 

1882. William S. Avis, 



JUSTTCES OF THE PEACE. 
1862. Alfred T. Jester. 
1862, 1867, 1877. John K. Londer- 

bick. 
1862. Jonathan H. Bradway. 
1865, 1870, 1880. H. H. Do Grofft. 



1870. Malachi Horner. 
1870, 1S75, 1S80. William H. Fed- 
rick. 
1875. James S. Hannali. 



TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 



1842^44. William Summerill, Jr. 

1845-46. David Guest. 

1847-50. Benjamin F. McCollister. 

1851-55. John M. Springer. 

1854. Josiali Dolbow. 

1856-61. William Tussey. 

1862. Joseph R. Elkinton. 

1863, Charles D. Heritage. 
1864-68. K. H. De Grotft. 



1870-71,1874. James Cunningbam. 

1872. Engene E. De Grotft. 

1873. Walter S. Springer. 
1876-70. Benjamin F. Straughn. 
1877. William V. Layton. 
1878-79. John W. Trumbull, 
1880-81, Job Bevis. 

1882, William F. Yeager. 



TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 



1842-46, John Summerill, Sr. 
1842-57, George Peterson, 
lS42-4:i. Job Bevis. 
1842-46. David Wiley. 
1842-45, Hudson A. Springer. 
1844-47. Daniel Vanneman. 
1844, 1848-54. Thomas Flanagin. 
1845-61. Gabriel Dolbow. 
1847, 1856-64, James Hoffman. 
1847-56. John Summerill, Jr. 
1848-52, 1867-68. Richard Somers. 
1852-61, 1864-72, 1878-82. William 
Summerill, Jr. 

1855, 1865-68, 1870-71. Joseph H, 
Clark. 

1866-58, John Diver. 

1856. Thomas C. Holton. 
1857-61, 1863-68, 1870-71. Charles 

Slape, Sr. 
1859-60, David Guest. 
1859-62, 1873. J, M, Springer, 
1861-62. Isaac Wright, 
1862, 1873, Josiah A, Brick. 
1862. Jacob Stiles. 



1862. Samuel S. Thompson. 

1863. Stacy D. Layton, 
1863-64. John C. Peterson. 
1863, William Tussey. 
1864-68, 1870-75. Joseph Cooper. 
1865, Charles Humphrey, Sr. 
1866-71, E, B, Horner. 
1872-76. H. H. De GroSft. 

1872. Thomas Weatherby. 
j 1872. D, D. Diver. 
1873-76. Robert Walker. 
1873-78. J. R, .lustus. 
1874-76. Jonathan Mattson. 
1874, Joseph K. Weatherby. 
1875-78. John A. Featherer. 
1877. J"hn Perry. 
1877-78. Gideon Allen. 

1877. Jacob Featherer. 

1878. Stacy D, Layton. 

1879. Samuel Given. 
1879-80. William Lawrence. 

1880. William Tnssey. 
1881-82, George W. Bevis. 
1881-82. George W. Hewitt. 



ASSESSORS. 
1842, 1844, 1860, 18o4-o6, 1867-68. I 1862. S. R. Leap. 



Thomas C, Price, 
1843, 1845. David Smith. 
1846^7, 1849. William F. Walker. 
1848. Matthew N, Dubois. 
1851. WooJburn Mnlford. 
1852-63, J. K, Louderback. 
1856-67. Samuel Eain, 
1S58-.59. Thomas C, Holton. 
1860-61. John S. Locke. 



1863-64. Alfred T, Jester, 
1865-66, William Tnssey. 
1870-71. H, H, De Grofft. 
1872, 1875-76. William Lawrence. 
1873-74, Charles D, Heritage. 
1877-78. Jacob Sailor, 
1879-80 George W. Hewitt, 
1880-82. George S. Kille. 



COLLECTORS. 



1842-44. Gabriel Dolbow. 
1845-47, Thomas Flanigan. 
1848-49. William Summerill, Jr. 
1860-51, 1863-64, Jas. H, Clark. 
1852-53. Charles Slape. 
1854-55. Isaac Wright. 
1866-57. Alfred Siuipkins. 
1858-59. George Dolbow. 



186"-61. William P, Somers. 
1862, Borden Danser. 
1865, Samuel C, Springer, 
1866-67, Samuel Rain. 
1868. Joseph L, Horner, 
1870-71, Daniel V. Summerill, 
1872-74. E. A. Vanneman. 
1875-82. Josiah Summerill. 



CONSTABLES. 



1842-52, 1854, 1856, 1860-63, 1873- 

74. Shadrach Pedrick. 
1842. Thomas Robbins. 
1843-44, Matthew N. Dubois. 
1845-46. Robert Simpkins. 
1847. James S. Stratton. 
1848, 1865-58. William Holton. 
1851. Alfred Simpkins. 
1853-54. Thomas D. C. Smith, 
1853. Shedlock Pancoast. 
1865. William F. Hunt. 



1867-59. David Hillman. 
1860-64. George Dolbow. 
1865-74, 1876-77, 1882. Josiah A. 

Kidd. 
1875. Daniel Bourn. 

1877. William P. Titus. 
1878-80. Alfred Layton. 

1878. Samuel Stanley. 

1879. Bartino Flanagin. 

1880. Albert Stetser. 

1881. Uriah Biddle. 



SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 



1847-49, 1864-57, 1859-61, 1863-67. 

J. K. Louderback. 
1850-53. Thomas Reeves, 



1858. Mayhew Johnson. 
1862. John S. Locke. 



SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 

1842-46. William F. Hunt. 
1842-43. .lames E. Dunham. 
1842-45. William C. Mnlford. 



1844-40. Benjamin F. McAllister. 
1846. William Summerill. 



Public Schools. — The earliest schools in Upper 
Penn's Neck were held at Penn's Grove and vicinity, 
and were conducted upon the well-understood pio- 
neer "pay-school" system. School commissioners 
were elected for many years prior to 1847, and school 
superintendents from that date until 1862. Under 
the system at present in vogue throughout New Jer- 
sey, this township is divided into five school districts, 
known as Central District, No. 48 ; Cove District, No. 
49 ; Wright District, No. 50 ; Wiley District, No. 51 ; 
Penn's Grove District, No. 52. 

The schools of Upper Penn's Neck are well con- 
ducted and kept in comfortable buildings, and com- 
pare favorably with the other public schools through- 
out Salem County. 

Methodism in Penn's Grove,— The only religious 
worship in Upper Penn's Neck is held by two Meth- 
odist organizations, known as the Methodist Episcopal 
and Methodist Protestant Churches of Penn's Grove. 
The first mentioned dates back to the beginning of 
the religious history of the township. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church. — Many years 
before Methodism in Penn's Grove assumed an or- 
ganic form prayer- and class-meetings were occasion- 
ally held in private houses by the few Methodists 
scattered through the country, holding their member- 
ship either at Perkintown or Pilesgrove, appointments 
on the Swedesboro Circuit that have long since been 
absorbed by the surrounding centres of population. 

The Swedesboro Circuit was formed in 1833, with 
Eev. Kichard Petherbridge as presiding elder, and 
Eevs. John Walker and AVilliam H. Stephens as 
preachers in charge. 

Within a circuit of three miles from Penn's Grove 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PENN'S NECK. 



485 



only the following Methodist families lived at that 
time : John Holton's, John Summerill's, Daniel Van- 
neraan's, Bartholomew Stiles', John Boqua's, and 
James S. Springer's. In 1834 the Helm's Oove 
school-house was built, and religious services were 
held therein. John Boqua, a local deacon, who lived 
about a mile away, and was a member of the Piles- 
grove Church, with other local preachers and es- 
horters, held regular religious services on Sunday 
afternoons. 

Rev. William H. Stephens died in the fall of 1833, 
and was succeeded by Kev. Robert Lutton. In 1835, 
Revs. William Williams and Josiah F. Canfield came 
on the circuit, and the Cove school-house was placed on 
the list of appointments. The traveling preachers each 
held services once in four weeks on Monday evenings. 
In January, 1836, the first class was formed, consisting 
of John Boqua, Martha Boqua, his wife, Hannah, 
Catharine, and Ann Boqua, his daughters, and Daniel 
Vanneman, Hannah, his wife, Mary Flanagan, and 
Rebecca Sack, with John Boqua as leader. About 
this time Rev. R. E. Morrison was appointed to the 
circuit, and Rev. Josiah F. Canfield was reappointed. 

In 1837, Rev. R. E. Morrison was reappointed to 
the circuit, with Rev. George Jennings as his col- 
league. 

Revs. John K. Shaw and Edward Stout came on 
the circuit in 1838. In May the Sunday-school was 
organized, with James Denny as superintendent. He 
met with strong opposition, but with the help of a 
few earnest workers succeeded in establishing the 
school. Among the teachers were Ann Boqua, Re- 
becca Sack, Thomas Holton, and Ann Summerill. 
The following year Revs. John K. Shaw and Abra- 
ham I. Truitt served the circuit. In 1840, Rev. George 
A. Reybold was appointed, andRev. Abraham I. Truitt 
reappointed to the charge. 

Revs. Sedgwick Rusling and J. W. McDougall 
were appointed to the circuit in 1841. This year the 
Harmony school-house was built, on ground given by 
Joseph Guest, near the site of the present Penn's 
Grove public school building, and a second Sunday- 
school was organized to meet in the new building, 
which was more convenient for a number of children 
than the Cove school-house had been. In 1842, Rev. 
Sedgwick Rusling was reappointed, with Rev. Noah 
Edwards as his colleague. The appointments to the 
circuit in 1843 were Revs. Thomas G. Stewart and S. 
Y. Monroe. 

On the 26th of August, 1843, James Denny, Robert 
Walker, William Lock, David Smith, and James D. 
Simpkins were elected trustees. In November, at the 
Cove school-house, Daniel Vanneman and William 
Summerill were chosen additional trustees. The 
board immediately organized, with William Sum- 
merill as president, and Daniel Vanneman as treas- 
urer, and assumed the name of Emmanuel Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Penn's Grove, filing a certificate 
of incorporation. Feb. 22, 1846, on a lot purchased of 



John Smith, a brick church, forty-five feet by thirty- 
seven, was completed, at a cost of about two thousand 
two hundred dollars, by James D. Simpkins, builder, 
and Clement A. Borden, mason. 

In 1845, Revs. Joseph Atwood and John S. Beeg'.c 
were appointed to the circuit, and were returned in 
1846. The two Sunday-schools were united, chiefly 
through the instrumentality of Augustus Cann, who 
was the first superintendent of the school thus formed. 
His successors have been John Daniels, Jacob Stan- 
ton, J. K. Louderback, J. H. Clark, J. P. Bennett, 
and W. H. Bilderback. In 1847 and 1848, Revs. 
Mulford Day and James Long were appointed to the 
circuit. They were succeeded in 1849 by Revs. A. K. 
Street and Joseph Gaskill. In 1850, Penn's Grove and 
Pennsville were detached from the circuit and be- 
came a separate charge, known as Penn's Neck, where 
the parsonage was located. Rev. George Hitchens 
was the first pastor, and served two years. In 1852 
and 1853, Rev. David Graves was appointed to the 
charge. He was a radical and, some thought, a 
violent temperance advocate, and he created a great 
sensation upon that question. 

Rev. Bartnolomew Need was pastor in 1854 and 
1855. 

In 1856 and 1857, during the pastorate of Rev. H. 
B. Beegle, there were numerous accessions by conver- 
sion. In 1858 and 1859, Revs. C. S. Downs and Levi 
Herr were on the charge. In 1860 Penn's Grove was 
detached from Penn's Neck, and became a separate 
charge, with Rev. George Hitchens as pastor. He 
was reappointed in 1861. 

Rev. Hamilton S. Norris was pastor in 1862 and 
1863, and enjoyed a prosperous pastorate. In 1864 
and 1865, Rev. James F. Morell was pastor. In 1866, 
Rev. Joseph Ashbrook came on the charge, and was 
the first pastor who remained three years. Rev. Jo- 
seph G. Crate became pastor in 1869, and also re- 
mained three years. Rev. S. Townsend was pastor 
in 1872 and 1873. The Harmony school-house, 
where prayer- and class-meetings had long been held, 
was now soldp subjecting the society to the expense 
and inconvenience of renting a suitable place for 
such meetings. 

In 1877, Rev. J. H. Payran became pastor. Rev. J. 
B. Turpin succeeded Rev. Mr. Payran in 1880, and he 
is the present pastor. The aflairs of the church have 
prospered under his management. The present mem- 
bership is 456, and the combined Sunday-schools in- 
clude 65 ofiicers and teachers and 555 scholars. The 
church property is valued at $3000. 

Methodist Protestant Church. — In 1860, Joseph 
Guest and a number of others withdrew from the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Penn's Grove and 
formed a Methodist Protestant Society, which wor- 
ships in the " Mariners' Bethel," at the corner of 
Harmony and Penn Streets, which was built in 1861 
by Mr. Guest, and purchased by this organization in 
1873. 



r 



486 



HISTORY OP SALEM COUNTY. 



This society has been signally active and persever- 
ing, and has fairly won such success as it has had. 
From the iirst it has had an efficient Sunday-school, 
and through it has raised considerable sums of 
money, which has been used for the advancement 
of its spiritual and material interests. 

Formerly this was a station on the Bridgeport, 
Penn's Grove, and Pedricktown Circuit, and was 
served by the pastors of that circuit. Since it be- 
came a charge the following pastors have served it 
in the order named : Revs. J. W. Laughlin, 1872-73 ; 
W. Irvine, 1873-74; Jacob M. Freed, 1874-76; 
George S. Robinson, 1876-78; J. W. Laughlin, 
1878-79; John L. Watson, 1879-82. 

Penn's Grove. — The only village in Upper Penn's 
Neck is Penn's Grove, which includes the old village 
so called and Helm's Cove, or South Penn's Grove, as 
it is now known. Previous to the year 1829, Penn's 
Grove contained only one house, and that is now a 
part of the store-house on Main Street occupied and 
owned by S. R. Leap. There was a frame house on 
what was known as Pogue's fishery, on the Pogue 
farm, at the upper end of Penn's Grove, now owned 
by Joseph Guest, and also a small cabin was situated 
near where Layton's slaughter-house now stands. 
There was a landing about where the present bridge 
or pier stands, whence cordwood and other produce 
was shipped. The river-front above and below the 
landing was grown up with briers and bushes at high- 
water mark. 

There was also a public landing for the purpose of 
loading and shipping cordwood on Pogue's farm. 

During the winter of 1828 and 1829 a company was 
organized, called the Wilmington and New Jersey 
Steamboat Company, of which Joseph Bailey, of Wil- 
mington, Del., was the president. This company, the 
members of which were citizens of Wilmington and 
New Jersey, purchased a piece of land of Andrew 
Dolbow and others, on which they erected a bridge, 
by driving posts and planking them over, to enable 
steamboats to land, and the same year they built a 
steamboat called the " New Jersey," 'a small side- 
wheel boat, which ran from Wilmington to Penn's 
Grove a number of years. The first captain of the 
boat was Josiah Abbot, of Wilmington, who built 
the bridge for the company. 

The company erected the brick tavern-house now 
owned by C. Elkinton, and had it licensed as a hotel 
the same year, and Mr. Wolf, of Wilmington, was the 
first landlord. About the same time a public road 
was laid out from the foot of the bridge to the Ped- 
ricktown and Cove road. 

The bridge was a frail structure, and the ice car- 
ried the greater part of it away the first or second 
winter after it was built. After rebuilding it, the 
company in a few years sold the bridge and house to 
Isaac Hurtf, and in 1848 Charles Elkinton purchased 
them both, and improved the bridge by sinking piers 
and building a solid stone wall a part of the distance 



from the shore ; but during the winter of 1854 the ice 
swept away all of the structure except the piers and 
stone wall. 

Mr. Elkinton declining to rebuild the bridge, a 
stock company was formed, for the benefit of the 
community, known as the " Penn's Grove Pier Com- 
pany," which bought the bridge of Mr. Elkinton, 
Oct. 6, 1855, and it is still in possession of the same. 

From the time of the foundation of the Wilming- 
ton and New Jersey Steamboat Company the village 
began slowly to improve. The land where the prin- 
cipal part of the village now stands was owned by 
Isaac HurfT and Joseph Guest, and at the death of 
Mr. HurfT his heirs sold all the property belonging to 
them in building lots to diflTerent individuals at a pub- 
lic vendue. 

There has been for a long time one licensed hotel 
in the place, and for a short period there were two. 
French's Hotel is a well-kept and popular house, 
and is well filled with boarders in the summer sea- 
son. It is a noted place for excursions from Phila- 
delphia, Wilmington, and other places during the 
summer, there being a fine grove in connection with 
it. Joseph G. French, the present proprietor, took 
possession in 1869. The travel by steamboats to and 
from the place is very great. One boat runs regu- 
larly from Wilmington, and makes from one to four 
trips a day. Two boats usually make daily trips 
from Salem to Philadelphia, stopping at Penn's 
Grove each way, and frequently there are several 
boats at a time landing excursionists upon the 
pier. Four freight-boats are engaged in carrying 
truck and different kinds of marketing from Penn's 
Grove to Philadelphia. A railroad was built from 
Woodbury to Penn's Grove in 1876, and there are 
four daily trains each way, carrying the mails each 
way twice. There has been a stage-line from Woods- 
town to meet the boats ever since the Salem boats 
have been stopping at Penn's Grove. 

The fishing interest is a business of considerable 
importance, and brings a large amount of money into 
the place, and furnishes employment for quite a 
number of persons. The fishing is not confined to 
shad and herring, for quite a business is carried on 
in sturgeon-catching, for which purpose a large house 
or factory has been erected, where the sturgeon are 
prepared in a marketable form, frozen, and kept in 
a proper condition until shipped to the Philadelphia 
and New York markets. Most prominent among 
those identified with the fisheries are Brukens & 
Dikeman, William A. Sack, Torton & Blohm, and 
Charles A. Dolbow. 

The place contains several general stores, a hard- 
ware-store, two carriage- and wheelwright-shops, two 
blacksmith-shops, two shoe-shops, one bakery, two 
barber-shops, one tobacco-store, four saloons, two 
coal-yards, one limekiln, two livery-stables, one 
butcher, and, in the fall and winter, two meat-stands, 
two pool-rooms, a ship-yard, and two millinery-shops. 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PBNN'S NECK. 



487 



The Odd-Fellows own a large hall, in which is a 
large lecture-room. There are two churches, one 
Methodist Episcopal and the other Protestant Meth- 
odist, and one public school, in which three teachers 
are employed. 

Among the best-known business men not mentioned 
elsewhere are S. R. Leap & Brother, William Denny 
& Brother, George S. Shannon, merchants; William 
H. Bilderback, dealer in hardware; Theophilus Paul- 
lin, William Denny, wheelwrights ; Samuel Cothern, 
James Cunningham, blacksmiths ; John Hennen- 
meyer, George Stanton, shoemakers ; Dr. M. Johnson, 
Alfred Robbins, druggists ; James W. Loughlan, 
editor and publisher; Henry Barker, proprietor of a 
limekiln and coal-yard ; James S. Hannah. 

A few years ago a newspaper was started, called 
The Penn's Grove Record. It aims to give the local 
news, and is published weekly by James W. Laughlan. 

South Penn's Grove, formerly " Helm's Cove," 
about a half-mile down the river, is a much older 
business place than Penn's Grove. The land was 
formerly owned by one Helms, from whom the place 
took its name. 

There have been four licensed hotels in the place, 
but not over two at one time. The names of the dif- 
ferent landlords who kept inns are Edmund Adams, 
James McCollister, William Lawrence, Furraan Fen- 
ton, Charles Dolbow, Charles Bilderback, John Diver, 
and Catharine Diver & Sons, who, in 1837, closed the 
hotel and invited their neighbors to help take down 
the sign-post. Theirs was the last hotel in the place. 
South Penn's Grove contains at this time one store. 
The old store-house was built by Adam Harbeson 
near a century ago, and kept by him for some time. 
Samuel Borden succeeded him, and after him Michael 
Walker and Daniel Vanneman. James Sherron pur- 
chased the property and kept a store for some time, 
and in 1829 sold it to John Summerill, Sr., who, with 
his son, John Summerill, Jr., commenced business 
under the name of Summerill & Son. The firm con- 
tinued for some time, when the elder Summerill with- 
drew his name, and the business was conducted by 
John Summerill, Jr., who about this time enlarged 
the business. 

Previously it had been a small country store. He 
now added grain,, lumber, coal, cordwood to his other 
business, and became interested in vessel property, 
and continued up to the time of his death, which 
occurred in 1865. After his death his son, John Sum- 
merill, and Samuel B. Holton conducted the business 
four years, when the latter withdrew from the firm, 
and Joseph C. Summerill and John Summerill, sons 
of John Summerill, went into business under the firm- 
name of John Summerill & Brother. 

There has been a ship-yard upon the Catharine 
Diver property, along the shore, as long as the oldest 
inhabitants have any recollection. The place in former 
years had a public landing, where hundreds of cords 
of wood were piled for shipment to Philadelphia. 



There is now a wharf at the foot of the main street, 
whence packets run during the season to Philadel- 
phia with all kinds of produce, and from which are 
landed lumber, coal, and other merchandise. 

There has been a blacksmith-shop in the village 
for some thirty years. It was established by William 
S. Dayton, and after his death Thomas Norcross oc- 
cupied it for two or three years, since which Albert 
Fox has conducted the business. A wheelwright- 
shop was established in the place by Theophilus 
Paulin, about the same time the smithery was started, 
and has been occupied at diflFerent times by Augustus 
Jacobi, Chester Dilks, and others. 

The business of gill-fishing in Helm's Cove is car- 
ried on quite extensively. Some eighteen nets are 
fished by the inhabitants. The cost of each net and 
boat is about two hundred and fifty dollars. They 
earn from three hundred dollars to one thousand dol- 
lars each yearly, and each net furnishes employment to 
two, sometimes three, men. There are about thirty- 
five houses in the village of South Penn's Grove, and 
about two hundred inhabitants. 

Industrial and Commercial.— The principal in- 
dustry of the township at large is agriculture. The 
soil is well adapted to raising sweet potatoes, melons, 
and other truck, all of which are produced in abun- 
dance and shipped to market daily through the 
season. Wheat, rye, and corn are grown in large 
quantities for export. Many tomatoes are raised. 

There was from a comparatively early period a 
small ship-yard at Penn's Grove. It has not been in 
existence for many years. Occasionally, however, a 
shallop or other small boat is built there. From time 
immemorial there has been a ship-yard on the Cath- 
arine Diver property, at South Penn's Grove. Major 
Denny was the first builder there, and continued the 
business while he lived, in connection with his sons, 
David and James, and after the death of the elder 
Denny, about 1825, James conducted the business 
until 1845, when John Fawcett and James Lock oc- 
cupied the yard for some time, after which the firm 
of John and Peter Fawcett took and retained pos- 
session of the yard until the death of the latter, in 
1878. Since that time John Fawcett and Joseph 
Dougherty have conducted the business. 

Ever since the beginning of improvements in this 
township measures have been frequently adopted to 
drain marshy lands and to improve navigation. As 
early as 1783 an act was passed to enable owners of 
swamp and marsh-meadow lands to repair banks, and 
since that day much money has been expended, with 
considerable success, both in a private and a public 
manner, to reclaim submerged or marshy territory. 
The canal from Salem Creek to the Delaware, across 
the southern extremity of Upper Penn's Neck and 
the northern part of Lower Penn's Neck, was pro- 
jected in 1801, and completed in its present prac- 
ticable form, after several failures, about thirteen or 
fourteen years ago. It serves the double purpose of 



488 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



draining low lands and shortening the navigation to 
the Delaware. 

The firm of John Sumnierill & Brother are heavy 
dealers in lumber and shingles. Their coal trade is 
also very large. Nearly all the grain produced in 
this section of the country is put on the market by 
this firm, who have handled one hundred and thirty 
thousand bushels of corn in a season, that being the 
surplus product of this vicinity. Gilling-twine forms 
an important part of their business, the firm being im- 
porters of the golden Irish gill-thread. They sell an- 
nually several thousand pounds. The office of Sum- 
merill & Hires, importers of Orchilla guano, is at 
South Penn's Grove. The firm is composed of the 
firms of John Summerill & Brother, of Penn's 
Grove, and Hires & Co., of Quinton. 

Few towns are more desirably situated for the suc- 
cessful prosecution of the canning business than 
Penn's Grove. It is surrounded by an abundance of 
land admirably adapted for the growth of fruits and 
vegetables, while the peculiar composition of the 
soil imparts to them a rare richness. Especially is 
this so of the tomato, which here gains a rich flavor 
that heavier land does not bestow. And then the 
town itself is sufficiently populous to provide the 
large number of hands the industry requires, while 
the river and railroad afford easy access to markets. 

Acting upon these facts, in 1879, D. Peterson and 
F. W. Tussey, under the firm-name of Peterson & 
Tussey, started a small factory for the canning of to- 
matoes, more as an experiment than as a permanent 
business, though with the idea of continuing and en- 
larging the enterprise should the patronage of the 
farmers and the laborers warrant it. 

The first year the pack did not exceed five thousand 
cans. The name of the brand was " Standard." In 
1880 the firm was enlarged by the admission of John 
Summerill & Brother and Josiah Summerill, the firm- 
name changed to Summerill & Co., and the brand 
was changed to " Jersey's Favorite." New buildings 
were erected and every facility introduced for a larger 
pack, which reached sixty thousand cans. In 1881, 
J. C. Summerill, Sr., purchased the interests of Peter- 
son & Tussey, the original firm. More buildings 
were erected, a new boiler of fifty horse-power put in, 
the best canning-machinery purchased, and every 
facility for the prompt handling of the goods and 
the safety and general comfort of the laborers intro- 
duced. That year the pack exceeded one hundred 
and sixty thousand cans, for which a market .was 
readily found. In 1882, at the decease of J. C. Sum- 
merill, Sr., his interest was taken by Joseph J. Sum- 
merill. During this year everything that experience 
has shown to be necessary has been added, so that 
this now ranks as one of the most complete canning 
establishments in the State. The interior of the works 
is conveniently arranged for the difierent processes of 
manufacture, and is light and well ventilated, and 
provided with the most efficient machinery for the 



prompt doing of work in every department. This 
firm packs nothing but " cold hand-packed" tomatoes, 
and warrant every can for one year after being packed, 
so that their trade-mark is a sufficient guarantee to 
the consumer that he is receiving the best in the 
market. 

They contract with the farmers to grow tomatoes 
for them, picking nothing bjit the best and that of 
uniform quality. During the canning season from 
seventy-five to one hundred hands are employed. 
Quality is always packed in preference to quantity, 
and so good is the reputation of the brand that "Jer- 
sey's Favorites" are eagerly sought after in Philadel- 
phia, New York, Baltimore, London, and other large 
markets. 

The fisheries, which form no inconsiderable part of 
the industrial interest in Upper Penn's Neck, are 
referred to elsewhere. 

A Remarkable Incident— The history of Upper 
Penn's Neck would be incomplete without a narra- 
tion of the following wonderful event: In the fall of 
1837 a menagerie was being conveyed from Wilming- 
ton to Penn's Grove by the steamboat " New Jersey," 
en route for Salem. The boat had to make two trips 
to bring the entire show across. It was dark. A large 
elephant was brought over the first trip. The custom 
of the showmen was to drive the elephants, after land- 
ing, up the road, there to wait until the whole caravan 
was ready to move forward. On this occasion the ele- 
phant, instead of waiting, started on and took tlie up- 
river road, and after continuing a short distance 
turned off' in a by-road through the woods, crossing 
the property of John Holton and the Biddle farm, to 
the Pedricktown road, thence making his way up that 
road a short distance to a gate opening upon a pri- 
vate way across the farm of Rinear Latchem. This 
led into the woods and swamps known as Quillytown, 
a wild region of country with few inhabitants. 

The elephant stayed in the woods that night and 
the next day. The following night he came back by 
the way he had gone the night before, when he had 
broken all obstructing gates and fences in his pas- 
sage. When he arrived at Penn's Grove, not having 
had his regular meals, it is supposed he had a good 
appetite. Noah Humphreys, the hotel-keeper, had a 
small building for the storage of feed. The elephant 
knocked in one side of this building and ate what 
oats he wanted, then went along the shore above the 
pier, where lay a small bateau above high-water mark. 
Whether the anchor was in the boat or not is not 
known, but the elephant took the boat from the shore 
and half-way across the river, where it was found 
anchored the next morning. The elephant having 
left it, he struck out alone for the Delaware shore, and 
landed at Quarryville about sunrise. 

The workmen at the quarry had just come to their 
work, when an Irishman saw him coming ashore. 
He exclaimed, "Be jabers, there comes a sea-hoss !" 
The elephant had a short piece of chain around his 




^^^^^ /^^/^ 



-ll 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PENN S NECK. 



489 



leg, with which the workmen fastened him to a small 
tree when he came out of the water, and claimed him 
as a prize, and refused to let the owner have him un- 
less he paid them fifty dollars, which he refused to 
do, but offered a barrel of whiskey instead. The 
workmen refused the whiskey, and the owner had to 
go to New Castle and get the sheriff in order to obtain 
possession of his property. The quarrymen received 
nothing. The elephant was brought over on the boat 
and taken to Woodstown, where the show was on ex- 
hibition that day. 

LODGES. 

Mural Lodge, No. 86, 1. 0. 0. F., of Penn's Grove, 

was instituted Dec. 14, 1848, with the following char- 
ter members: Woodburn Mulford, P. G. ; James M. 
Saunders, Thomas Reeves, Benjamin F. McCallister, 
Frank D. Mulford, P. G. 

The first ofiBcers installed were Thomas Reeves, 
N. G.; J. M. Saunders, V. G. ; B. F. McCallister, 
Sec. ; Woodburn Mulford, Treas. 

The officers serving in September, 1882, were R. 
M. Featherer, N. G. ; John D. Harris, V. G. ; H. M. 
Iflanagin, Rec. Sec. ; E. P. Barnart, Per. Sec. ; Sedg- 
wick R. Leap, Treas. 

The lodge numbers eighty-five members, and meets 
every Thursday evening. 

Paradise Encampment, No. 41, I. 0. 0. F., of 
Penn's Grove. — This encampment was instituted 
Nov. 16, 1869. In September, 1882, the principal 
officers were as follows: C. P., John W. Trumbull; 
S. W., U. B. Biddle; J. W., H. M. Flanagin; Scribe, 
C. G. Aborn; Treas., J. Featherer; H. P., J. F. 
Layton. 

Union Lodge, No. 38, K. of P. — This society was 
organized under a charter dated Jan. 12, 1870, with 
the foUowinff-named charter members : 



S. R. Leap. 
J..Q. A. Denoy. 
John B. Lloyd. 
William Lawrence. 
Benjumiu Shivers. 
Charles Bowen. 
Samuel B, Holton. 
Edward Kobinson. 
David R. Leap. 
John P. Burnett. 
Alfred Sinipkins. 
Thomas Norton. 
Jacob Cable. 



Jeremiah S. Hagen. 
Henry Barber. 
John Simpkins. 
Joseph G. French. 
Joseph R. Elkinton. 
John G. Peterson. 
Joseph B. Yonker. 
George Elkinton. 
James E. Smith, 
Parker Fenemore. 
John W. Thompson. 
James A. Denny. 
S. D. Stultz. 



Following are the names of the principal officers 
serving in September, 1882: C. C, Joseph Whitaker; 
V. C, Joseph Robbins; K. of B. and S., George W. 
Bevis ; M. of F., James Cunningham. 

Viola Council, No. 20, Jun. 0. U. A. M.— Viola 
Council of the Junior Order of United American 
Mechanics was instituted June 11, 1873. The charter 
members were the following : 

Willard Shriner. Ernest Bright. 

Burroughs Smith. Richard Layton. 

Joseph Diver. Frank Featherer. 

William Smith. Howard Hewitt. 

Joseph T Cross. William Higgins. 
Elwood Pusaey. 



The principal officers in service in September, 1882, 
were: C, Joseph Paulin ; V. C, Norval Leap; Rec. 
Sec, Job Bevis. 

Acton Post, No. 33, G. A. E — Actou Post, No. 
33, Grand Army of the Kepublic, was instituted Nov. 
8, 1879, with charter members as follows : 



H. H. De Grofft. 
Isaac P. Simpson. 
George Cook. 
James Holter. 
George M. Pyle. 
John S. Lloyd. 
John E. Wilson. 
William H. Harris. 
H. B. Biddle. 
James P. Butler. 
Peraberton Pierce. 
Samuel P. Ward. 
Elias Black. 
John M, Walker. 
Henry M. Flanigan. 
James F. Layton. 



Jeremiah S. Biddle. 
Thomas J. Wliite. 
Charles English. 
Philip Dink. 
Charles Somers. 
Alfred Simpkius. 
James Armstrong. 
Adam Jess. 
Jesse Hulton. 
Joseph Murphy. 
James Murphy. 
John Moore. 
William Borden. 
Daniel Myers. 
James Moore. 



The more prominent officers were as follows in the 
fall of 1882: C, H. H. De Grofft; S. V. C, Charles 
Pierson; J. V. C, S. P. Ward; Q. M., D. C. Simp- 
kins; Adjt., J. S. Biddle. 

Samaria Lodge, No. 14, Masonic Ladies, of 
Penn's Grove. — Samaria Lodge was instituted Aug. 
12, 1870, with the following charter members: 



Bhoda H. Davis. 
Keziah Somers. 
Caroline D. Burden. 
Anna M. Jordan, 
Mary E. Louderback. 
Kate Justice. 
Mary A. Layton. 
Caroline V. Fawcet. 
Kachel Ballinger. 
Hannah M. Norton. 
Anna T. Hannah. 
Sarah Morris. 



Mary C. Vanneman. 
Elizabeth Davis. 
Mary S. Cable. 
Mary Locke. 
Mary J. Dolbow. 
Margaret De Grofft. 
Elma A. Cunningham. 
Mary Smith. 
Sarah Hogan. 
Maria Biddle. 
Margaret Robinson. 
Susan W. McCombs. 



Penn's Grove Conclave, No. 34, I. 0. H.— Penn's 

Grove Conclave of the Improved Order of Heptasophs 
was organized Sept. 23, 1881, with the following 
constituted members : 



J. W. Laughlin. 
J. R. Elkinton. 
John Groff. 
G. H. Elkinton. 
Moses Hughes. 
William F. Yeager. 
Samuel Denny. 
W. H. Denny. 



A.F. Layton. 
J. Q. A. Denny. 
Jacob Smith. 
Joseph G. French. 
B. Blohm, Jr. 
P. Pierce. 
Wilmer Clark. 
S. H. Leap. 



In September, 1882, its officers were the following : 
S. H. Leap, Arch.; W. H. Denny, Prov. ; Samuel 
Denny, Sec. ; William F. Yeager, Chan. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



HON. HENRY BARBER. 
The subject of this sketch is the son of Samuel and 
Hannah Barber. He was born in the township of 
Upper Penn's Necls, Salem Co., July 12, 1820. His 



490 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



father was of English descent, and by occupation a 
tailor. His ancestors on his mother's side were Ger- 
man. When he was twelve years old his father died, 
leaving his widowed mother with ten small children. 
His educational advantages were limited to the 
schools of his neighborhood. In 1843 he married 
Charlotte, daughter of Rev. William Smith. He had 
by her only one child, Charles S., who died in his 
nineteenth year. 

On March 3, 1852, he married Sarah Jane, daughter 
of John and Elizabeth Boyd, of Wilmington, Del. 
His second wife is still living, by whom he has had 
two children, Frank P. and John S. John died in 
June, 1877. On March 30, 1875, Frank married Mary 
C, daughter of Franklin and Ellen Beckett. He 
died three years later, leaving one child, Harry S., 
who, with his mother, resides in the family of Mr. 
Barber. 

In the early part of his life Mr. Barber was a 
farmer, but subsequently turned his attention to the 
lumber business and contracting. In 1848 he re- 
moved to Wilmington, Del., and engaged in the ice 
business, but in a few years returned to Penn's Grove, 
in his native township, and entered into the coal and 
lime business. He has also continued his interest in 
agriculture, and still owns near the village a fine 
farm which is in a high state of cultivation. His 
fellow-citizens have proved their esteem for him by 
often calling him to fill places of honor and respon- 
sibility. 

In 1868 he was elected a member of the board of 
freeholders for the township of Upper Penn's Neck, 
and continued to occupy the position for several 
years. In 1879 he represented the First District of 
Salem County in the Assembly. He was re-elected 
to the sessions of 1880 and 1881. In the latter ses- 
sion he served on the Committee on Riparian Rights 
and joint Committees on Treasurer's Accounts and 
Printing. During his service of three terms in the 
Legislature, such was the consistent determination 
expressed by Mr. Barber to promote the common 
good of the State by advocating the passage of just 
and equitable laws, that he has been again unani- 
mously nominated by the Democratic party a can- 
didate for the Assembly. 



CHAPTER LXXVI. 

TOWNSHIP OP UPPER PITTSGROVE.i 

Situation and Boundaries. — Upper Pittsgrove is 
situated on the northern border of the county, east of 
the centre, and is bounded as follows : North by Har- 
rison and Clayton townships (Gloucester Co.), east 
by Pittsgrove, south by Deerfield (Cumberland Co.) 
and Upper Alloways Creek, and west by Pilesgrove. 

1 By M. 0. Rolfe. 



Its area is 21,422 acres, and its population in 1880 
was 2100. 

Topographical and StatisticaL— Like most New 
Jersey townships, Upper Pittsgrove is irregular in 
form. The surface of the land is generally level, but 
in some portions slightly undulating. The soil is a 
light gravelly loam, susceptible of a high degree of 
cultivation if treated artificially. Many thousand 
acres of formerly useless land have been redeemed, 
and now take rank among the most productive lands 
of the county. 

Oldman's Creek flows along a portion of the north- 
ern border, and several small streams have their 
sources in the township, radiating irregularly from 
near the centre, aiding in the drainage of the land, 
and affording small water-powers here and there. 

The township is traversed in all directions by 
well-kept roads, connecting it with various points in 
Salem, Gloucester, and Cumberland Counties and 
beyond. 

The Salem Branch of the West Jersey Railroad, in 
its course from Elmer to Salem, crosses the township, 
with a station at Daretown. 

The financial statistics of Upper Pittsgrove for the 
year 1881 were as follows : Valjiation of real estate, 
•$1,063,800; valuation of personal property, .$627,570; 
total indebtedness, $422,825; polls, 559; poll tax, $510; 
school tax, $3206 ; county tax, $3041. 

Early Land Purchases and Settlement.^ — Most 
of the land lying within the bounds of the two Pitts- 
grove townships was taken up by land speculators. 
Daniel Coxe, of Burlington, and Judge William 
Hall, of Salem, were the principal purchasers. 

In 1714, Messrs. Coxe and Hall extended an invi- 
tation to a colony who had lately arrived in the State 
of New York, and had located temporarily in Ulster 
County, to come on their lands in Salem County, rep- 
resenting the excellent quality of the soil and its 
adaptability and the local conveniences and sur- 
roundings, and offering favorable terms to all who 
would become land-owners and settlers on the tract. 
The colony sent some of their number to view the 
land and take careful account of the advantages and 
disadvantages of the locality, as well as to confer 
with the proprietors concerning prices and credits, 
with instructions to accept the offer of Messrs. Coxe 
and Hall, on behalf of the colony, if the committee 
should be satisfied that the proposed measure was 
likely to prove of benefit to the expectant settlers. 

Large tracts were purchased by the committee, in 
pursuance of further instructions of the colonists, and 
several families moved on their new possession in 1714 
or in the spring of 1715. Prominent among these 
settlers were the Van Meter and the Dubois families, 
who took up three thousand acres, and the Newkirks, 
Garrisons, Barnetts, Craigs, Dunlaps, Aldermans, and 



2 Some valuable data embodied in this chapter was furnished by 
Thomas Shourds, Esq. 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PITTSGEOVE. 



491 



Mayhews, all of whom were liberal purchasers. The 
Coombs and other families soon followed. It is a fact 
somewhat remarkable that a majority of the residents 
of Upper Pittsgrove at this time are descendants of 
those colonists who first made openings in the forests 
of the township nearly one hundred and seventy years 
ago, the different families having intermarried during 
successive generations, until the outgrowth has been 
a relationship so complicated as to defy the most ex- 
pert genealogist. 

A few of the colonists had been residents of Ulster 
County, N. Y., for some time; most of them had but 
quite recently arrived in America when they removed 
from Ulster County to Salem County. Among the 
former class w^as the Van Meter family, who had emi- 
grated from Holland between 1650 and 1660. There 
were three brothers Van Meter among the emigrants 
from New York. Joseph settled in Monmouth County, 
and John and Isaac came on to Upper Pittsgrove. 
The earliest record of the name to be seen in the 
county clerk's office in Salem is dated 1714, and is 
evidence of the purchase of three thousand acres of 
land by the Van Meters and Duboises from Daniel 
Coxe, of Burlington. These parties divided their 
lands by the compass, the Van Meters taking a tract 
lying to the s.outh of a certain line, and the Duboises 
the balance of the joint purchase, lying to the north 
of said line. The Van Meters were noted for their de- 
sire to extend their landed possessions, and they con- 
tinued to purchase until they owned a large portion 
of the land, extending from the " overshot mill," in 
Upper Alloways Creek, near Daretown, southerly to 
Fork Bridge, about six thousand acres in all; and 
most of the titles of the present owners go back to 
those held by the Van Meters. 

Isaac Van Meter had a son Garrett, who married a 
daughter of Judge John Holme in 1774. He emi- 
grated to Virginia with his family, and some of his 
descendants live there still. John Van Meter left a 
son Henry, who was the ancestor of all, or nearly all, 
of the Van Meters now living in Salem County. He 
was married four times. The following-named chil- 
dren are mentioned in his will : Joseph, Ephraim, 
John, David, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Jacob, and Benja- 
min. Of these, Jacob Van Meter removed to Genesee 
County, N. Y., and died, leaving a family, and Ben- 
jamin Van Meter settled early in life on his ancestral 
estate, and was a useful man in his time. He mar- 
ried Bathsheba, daughter of Capt. James Dunlap, of 
Upper Pittsgrove. He died in 1826 ; his wife in 1831. 
Their children were James, Mary, Ann, Sarah, Eras- 
mus F., Robert H., and Bathsheba. James became 
a physician, began practicing his profession at AUo- 
waystown, and soon removed to Salem, where he had 
a very extensive practice, especially among Friends, 
dying in 1847, aged eighty. His son, Thomas Jones 
Van Meter, also graduated as a physician, but never 
practiced to any extent. Benjamin Van Meter was 
the owner of several slaves, but becoming convinced 



of the unholiness of human bondage, he liberated 
them all a few years prior to his death ; but he had 
been so gentle and considerate a master that some of 
them refused to leave him, and lived out the remain- 
der of their lives on his homestead. 

The other parties to the purchase of John and 
Isaac Van Meter in 1714 were Jacob Dubois and his 
sister. The latter and the Van Meters conveyed 
twelve hundred acres to Jacob Dubois, as his por- 
tion, in 1716. Barrett Dubois, his son, settled in 
Upper Pittsgrove, having previously been married 
in New York State. Catharine, his daughter, was 
born in 1716; Jacob, in 1719, and he married 
Janette Newkirk in 1747. He was a prominent 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and a deacon, 
and one of the trustees to whom the deed was given 
for the ground to erect a church on. Lewis, third 
son of Jacob, was born at Hurley, Ulster Co., N. Y., 
in 1695, and married Margaret Janson in 1720. He 
came to West Jersey in company with his brother 
Barrett, and soon owned one thousand and ninety-one 
acres of land in Upper Alloways Creek. He and his 
wife were among the first members of the Presbyte- 
rian Church of Pittsgrove when it was organized in 
1741, when, for forty shillings, he sold the trustees 
two acres of land on which to build a church ; and in 
1761 he sold fifty acres for a parsonage, for seventy- 
five pounds proclamation money, in addition to the 
fifty acres the church purchased of Abraham New- 
kirk in 1744. 

The Elwell family of Upper Pittsgrove have had a 
large influence both in religious and civil society. 
Jacob Elwell, the emigrant, was born in England in 
1700, and located in Pilesgrove soon after his arrival 
in this country. Jacob Elwell died in Pittsgrove at 
the age of seventy-three, leaving numerous de- 
scendants. 

Capt. James Dunlap, of Upper Pittsgrove, was 
the son of Capt. James Dunlap, Sr., of Penn's 
Neck, whence the Dunlaps came from Delaware. 
The family are supposed to be of Irish descent. 
James Dunlap died in 1758. 

The names of early members of some of these and 
other families who were identified with churches at, 
their organization in Upper Pittsgrove, and are most 
of them reasonably supposed to have been residents 
of the township, are as follows: Baptist (1771), John 
Mayhew, Sr., William Brick, Jacob Elwell, John 
Dickinson, Cornelius Austin, Samuel Brick, Johanna 
Mayhew, Eleanor Nelson, Esther Hewes, Hannah 
Elwell, Matthew Aarons, Pamannah Garton, Fulida 
Hudson, Matthias Dickinson, Phebe Nelson, Reu- 
hama Austin, and Rachel Brick. Presbyterian (1741), 
Rev. David Evans and the families Dubois, Van 
Meter, Newkirk, and Mayhew. Later the Coombs 
and other families united with the last-named society. 

Judge David Davis, third son of John Davis, a 
prominent early resident of Pilesgrove, and one who 
left the impress of his character on the township and 



492 



HISTOKY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



county, owned a large tract of land near the Presby- 
terian Church in Pittsgrove, on which he built a 
roomy and substantial brick house, which is still 
standing, and in which he lived until his death, at 
the age of sixty. His wife, Dorothea Cousins, an 
Englishwoman, lived to the age of ninety-six. Thomas 
Chalkley wrote that in 1740 lie had a religious meet- 
ing at the house of David Davis, and benches were 
brought from a neighboring meeting-house, which is 
presumed to have been the old log Presbyterian 
Church, which stood near by. He further stated that 
the meeting was large, and the people were orderly. 

Organization. — Upper Pittsgrove was set off from 
Pittsgrove by an act of the Legislature approved 
March 6, 1846. 

Civil List. 



CHOSEN 
1S46, 1849. Judah Foster. 
1S47. Jonathan Bnrroughs. 
1S46-48. Isaac Jolnison (2d). 

1848. Charles Brown. 
1849-50. James Van Meter (2d). 
1S60-51. Samuel S. Dean. 
1850-52. Harman Ricbmau. 
1852-53. Josepli Cook. 
1853-54. Benjamin F. Johnson. 
1854-55. Ananias G. Richer. 
1855-56. Samuel Dubois. 

185G, 1S5S. Benjamin F. Dean. 
1857. Isaac Johnson. 

1857. James Ilurst. 

1858. Cornelius Nowkirk. 

1849. Israel Couover. 
1849. William Loper. 
1860. Leonard Swing. 



FREEHOLDERS. 

186(1. James A. Dare. 

1861. Robert P. Robinson. 

1S61. Samuel Borton. 

1862,1866-07. John W. .Tanvier, 

1862, 1864-65. Isaac J. Newkirk. 
1 1863. Francis A. Campbell. 
j 1863. 'William Beckett. 
\ 1864, 1875. Charles F. H, Gray. 

1865. Henrj' H. Richmaii. 

1866-07. James Coombs. 

1808-09. William A. Coombs. 

1868-70. John Bishop, 

1871-72. Allen Moore. 

1873-74. William A. Wood. 

1876-78. Hiram Strang. 

1879. William Newkirk. 

1880-81. M. F. Riley. 

1882. Hiram W. Smith. 



CLERKS. 



1846-48, 1870-71. Clement New- 
kirk. 



COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL. 



1846, 1850. Thomas Harding, Jr. 
1846-47, 1849. Samuel Dean. 
1846-47, 1849, 1856-66, 1860, 1880. 
William A. Coombs. 

1847. Thomas Peacock. 

1848. John Martin. 
1848. George Dickinson. 

1848. 1858, 1866. David Dean. 

1849. John Vanmeter. 

1850-52, 1863-65. Joseph C. Nelson. 
1850-52. William Loper. 
1860. Joseph Newkirk. 

1850. Charles Brown, 
1850, 1867. Garrett Dubois. 
1851-53, 1855-66, Joseph Foster, 
185:3-54. John C. Ricbmau. 

1S53, 1868-74, 1876, 1879. James 

Coombs, 
1854-56, Isaac Johnson. 
1854. Samuel Dubois. 
1857. Jeptha Hampton. 
1857-58. Robert Patterson. 
1857-58. Leonard Swing. 
1869. Zaccheus Bassett. 
1869. Benjamin C. Sithen. 
1859. John K. Alderman. 



1860-61. John Bishop, 
1S60-61. Benjamin Elwell. 
1861-62. Jonathan Dubois. 
1862. Isaiah A. Dare. 
1862. Rollins L. Foster. 
1863-64, 1876-78,1880-81. Harman 

Kichman. 
1863, 1876-78, 1880-81. Jas, Hurst. 
1864-65, John Baldwin. 
1866. John B. Harris. 
1866. John Gaunt. 

1866. John Dilks. 

1867. Bartholomew Coles. 
1868-74. Enoch Mayhew. 
1868-73. Samuel Martin. 

1874, Elmer Gaunt, 

1875, John B. Dunham. 
1875. Joseph C. Lambert. 
1875. Charles H. Powell. 
1877-78. Ebeuezer L. Sheppard. 
1879. Samuel M. Johnson. 

1879. Charles Hitohner. 

1880, Adam S. Graff. 
1881-82. Ambrose Whitaker. 
1882. James MoFarland. 
1882. Edward Buzby. 



SCHOOL COMMITTEE. 
1846. Jerediali Dubois. | 1846. Wallace Taylor. 

1846. Jeremiah Foster. 



SURVEYORS OF 
1846-48, 1850, 1866, 1866. Ambrose 

Whitaker. 
1846-47, 1867-58, 1861-62. Henry 

Harding 
1848-50. Garrett Prickett. 

1849, Seth Loper. 

1860-51, 1863, John PinyarJ. 
1861. Martin Nixon, 
1852. Il.arman Kichman, Jr. 
1852-53. William G, Kelly. 
1863-54, 1869, William B. Brown. 
1854. Damon T. Dickinson. 
185,5-56, Andrew Serran, 
18.57-58. William A. Coombs. 
1869. Francis B, Harris. 
1807-08, 1873-76, 1879-81. Henry 
Coombs. 

1867. John A. Newkirk. 
1807, 1872. Francis B. Harris. 

1868, 1882. Jerediah Dubois. 

1868, 1870-71. Adam S, Graff, 
1868-09, 1871, Charles Campbell, 

1869. Charles C. Garrison. 
1869-71. Furman Wentzell. 

TOWNSHIP 

1846-47. Leonard Swing. 

1840. Thomas R, Clement. 

1846,1861. Jonathan Burroughs. 

1846, 1855-56, 1808. Garrett Prick- 
ett. 

1846^7, 1849, 1859. Matthew N. 
Foster. 

1847, 1850, Jeptha Hampton. 

1847. Charles Brown. 

1847, 1859. Cornelius D. Newkirk. 
1848^9, 1859. .lonathan L. Swing. 

1848, Jeremiah Foster, 
1848, 1861-62. John B. Alderman. 
1848. Harman Richman. 
1848, 1861-62, Cornelius Dubois. 
1849-60, 18,57-68, 1802, James A. 

Dare, Jr. 
1849-60. Edward Dubois. 
1849,1851,1867. David S. Dean. 

1850. Isaac Johnson (2d). 
1850, 1854-55. William Loper. 
1860, 1852-53. William Beckett. 
1850. George Dickinson. 
1850, 1852. John Dilks. 
1850. George R. Martin. 
1850. George W. Janvier, 
1851-62, William M, Newkirk. 
1851-52. Samuel Garrison. 
1852. Ananias G. Richer. 
1863. Heniy P. Ketchum. 
1863-64, 1864-65. Abijah Dubois. 
1863. Clement B. Richman. 
1854-65, 1867-59, 1861. J. W. Jan- 
vier. 

1853-65, 1867-58. Samuel R. Riley, 
1854. John Wilson. 
1856. Peter Beckett. 
1866. Robert Patterson. 
1866. William Urion. 



HIGHWAYS. 
1369,1871. John Mayhew. 
1870, 1876. William Sayres. 
1870. David Hewitt. 
1872-74, James McFarland. 
1S72. Isaac Newkirk. 
1872-73. George Coombs. 
1873-74. Allen Moore. 
1874. Bennett G. Pancoast. 

1874. Robert J. SummeriU. 
1876, 1877. Charles F. Newkirk. 
1875-76, 1878, Wm. M. Newkirk. 

1875. Clement Newkirk. 
1876-78. Joseph L. Richman. 
1870 Charles R. Burt. 

1876. Jacob Sarish. 
1877-78. Charles Hitohner. 

1878, James T. Mayhew. 

1877. Joseph Ackley. 

1879. David B. Elwell. 
1879. Millard F, Riley. 
1880-82, Benjamin D. Brooks. 
1880-81. Hiram W. Smith. 
1882. Henry J. Dubois. 



COMMITTEE. 
1850. William Cooper. 
1866,1858,1860. Thomas B.Moore. 
1867-68. Benjamin C. Sithen. 
1859. Samuel Johnson. 
1860-61. Garrett Dubois. 
1860-61, 1800. Clarence M. 
Streeper. 

1801. Benjamin F, Dean, 

1802, Samuel Edwards. 

1862. Benjamin Elwell. 

1863. Matthias Kandle. 
1863-66. Damon T. Dickinson. 
186.3-64. Helon Foster. 
1863-06. Moses T. M. Garrison. 

1863, Elijah Dubois. 

1864. Josiah Gar\vood. 

1864. Isaac J. Newkirk. 

1865, Benjamin F. Burl. 

1865, Benjamin Robinson. 

1806. Francis M. Swing. 
1866-67. Enoch Mayhew. 

1866, 1876-78. Jacob H. Mean. 
1866, Abraham E. Swing. 

1807, 1871-73. John B. Mounce. 
1849-60, 1853-54. Henry Newkirk. 
1851-62. Benjamin 0. Sithens. 
1856, William Richman, 
1857-69. Moses Thomas, Jr. 
1860-61. Albert Coombs. 
1862, George Coombs. 
1863-64. William R. Tinker. 
1865. Charles S. Elwell. 
1866-67. Jerediah Dubois. 
1868-69, 1873, David B. Elwell. 
1872. Charles R, Burt. 
1874-75, 1884. Joseph N. Gray. 
1870. Oliver Alderman. 
1877-80. A, D. Richman. 
1882. T. C. Avis. 



ASSESSORS. 



1840-47. James Coombs, 
1848, 1853-64. William Richman, 
1849, Wallace Taylor. 
1860-61. Matthew N. Foster. 
1862. Edmond Dubois. 
1866-50, 1862-63. C. D. Newkirk. 
1867-58. Garrett Dubois. 
1859-60. David Sithens. 



1861. Moses Thomas, Jr. 
1804-65. Joseph L. Richman. 
1806-67. Joseph Newkirk. 
1808-73 Abram Cochran. 
1874-76. David B. Elwell. 
1877-80. Charles R. Burt. 
1881-82. Omar H. Newkirk. 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PITTSGROVE. 



493 



TOWN SUPERINTENDENTS. 



1848. Thomas R. Clement. 
1849-52, 1863-64. Nathaniel 

Swing. 
1850, 1858-62. James Coombs. 



1853-54. William A. Wood. 
185.5-56. Ebeuezer L. Sheppard. 
1865-66. Henry H. Ehvell. 
1867. Abrara Cochran. 



JUDGES OF ELECTION. 



1846, 184n. Charles Brown. 

1847, Jeremiah Foster. 

1848, 1859-60. Isaac Johnson (2d). 
1850. Joseph C. Nelson. 

1850, 1857-58. Judah Foster. 
18.51. George Dickinson. 
1852. Daniel R. Ackley. 
1853-54. Peter Beckett. 
1855-56. Hariiian Bichman. 

1861. Edward Loper. 

1862. Leonard Swing. 



1863-65. William Riehman. 
1866. Samuel Edwards. 
1869,1871. Francis B. Harris. 
1869-70. John B. Monuce. 
1869-70. Samuel D. Hitehner. 
1870. William Curry. 
1872. Benjamin F. Dean. 
1873-74. David Dean. 
1875-76, 1878-80. D. P. Cochran. 

1881. Joseph L. Riehman. 

1882. Adam S. GraD". 



1846. Nathaniel G. Swing. 
1847, 1862. Garrett Dubois. 
1848-49. Joseph Foster. 
1850-51, 1866-57. Wallace Taylor. 
1852. Samuel D. Hitehner. 
1853-54. Garrett Pickett. 
1855. John C. Riehman. 
1858. Joshua Lippincott. 
1860-61. Cornelius D. Newkirk. 



COLLECTORS. 

■ 1863. William Stratlon. 
1864. Benjamin F. Burt. 
1865-66. Francis A. Campbell. 
1867-68. Muses T. M. Garrison. 
1869-73. John M. Krom, 
1874-75. George M. Ehvell. 
1876-81. George W. Riehman. 
1882. William M. Avis. 



CONSTABLES. 

1864, 1877-78. David Danelsbeck. 
1865-66. James J. Mead. 
1867-70. Daniel S. Clark. 
1873-74. David P. Cochran. 
1875-76,1879-80. Thomas Munyon. 

1881. Lewis S. Vanlear. 

1882. J. H. Mayhew. 



1846^7. Joseph Jones. 
1848-50. Ananias G. Richer. 
1862. David V. M. Smith. 

1853, John Wiltsie. 

1854, 1871-72. Aaron Shoulders. 
18.55, 1862-63. Franklin Beckett. 
1856. John G. Ayres. 
1857-61. John B. Mounce. 

Schools. — That the emigrants who first settled 
Upper Pittsgrove were families of advanced thought 
and much intelligence is evidenced by the educational 
advantages which they early introduced, by the es- 
tablishment of a good school, which afforded a thor- 
ough and full course of instruction for that time, and 
was in charge of competent and zealous instructors. 
Parents from long distances sent their children to 
this school, and men who became distinguished in 
the State were proud of the learning they acquired 
at the "Pittsgrove College," as it was called. The 
primitive public schools were " pay-schools," sup- 
ported by the contribution of stated tuition from 
parents. The early school-houses were built of logs. 
Improvements were introduced one after another, and 
in time the public school system of New Jersey was 
adopted throughout the township. Under this system 
Upper Pittsgrove is divided into ten districts, known 
and numbered as follows : 

Whig Lane District, No. 54; Centre District, No. 
55 ; Independence District, No. 56 ; Washington Dis- 
trict, No. 57 ; Jefferson District, No. 58 ; Friendship 
District, No. 69; New Freedom District, No. 60; 
Walnut Grove District, No. 61; Monroe District, 
No. 62 ; and Union District, No. 63. 

The schools of Upper Pittsgrove are provided with 
good accommodations, are well conducted and well 
attended, and take high rank among the public 
schools of Salem County. 



Burial-Places. — It is said some few early burials 
in this township were made in private graveyards, 
which have long since disappeared. 

There are three public burying-grounds in Upper 
Pittsgrove, all of which were opened early, though 
the Presbyterian churchyard at Daretown doubtless 
antedates the two others, — the Pittsgrove Baptist 
churchyard near Daretown, and Friendship (Meth- 
odist) churchyard, in the northeast part of the town- 
ship. All of them contain old head-stones, and many 
early graves entirely unmarked. 

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. 

Daretown. — This is an ancient settlement and 
post-town, located in Upper Pittsgrove, near the 
Pilesgrove line. It is principally noted as contain- 
ing the site of the old Pittsgrove Presbyterian 
Church, which was constituted April 30, 1741. It 
enjoys the advantage of being on the line of the 
Salem Branch of the West Jersey Railroad, thirteen 
miles northeast of the county-seat. 

There was little suggestive of a village here prior 
to the completion of the railroad, though a store had 
been built by James Riehman in 1857. Mr. Rich- 
man was succeeded by Joshua Lippincott in 1865, 
and the latter by James R. Robinson in 1868. Sam- 
uel Allen, the present proprietor, bought the business 
of Mr. Robinson in 1871, and built an addition to the 
building in 1879, by arrangement with Mrs. Eliza D. 
Riehman, widow of James Riehman, who owns the 
premises. 

Isaac Pedrick was proprietor of the first blacksmith- 
shop. Eli Harris opened a blacksmith-shop in 1866, 
and in 1868 sold out to Asa D. Long. In 1878 the 
latter was succeeded by Alfred Riger, the present 
blacksmith, who built and opened his wheelwright- 
shop in connection in 1875. 

The village also contains the machine-shop of Dr. 
Joseph Cook and the distillery of Jacob Wies. 

Whig Lane. — Whig Lane is a hamlet in the north- 
west part of the township, and is so known from the 
fact that during the Revolution the owners of land 
thereabout were almost unanimously outspoken 
Whigs. The name was early applied to consid- 
erably more territory than is embraced within the 
settlement now so called, the patriot residents living 
for a mile or so along the road running nearly east 
and west through the hamlet. 

Benjamin Pedrick opened a wheelwright-shop here 
in 1830. His successors were M. Shaw, John Bald- 
win, Yost Elwell, Joseph Redrae, and Washington 
Wright until the shop was closed in 1880. 

The blacksmith-shop at Whig Lane was built by 
Harmon Riehman, and by him occupied until his 
death in 1875, when it became the property of William 
Riehman, who leased it from 1875 to 1879 to Thomas 
Mills, who was succeeded by Oliver J. Ziegler, the 
present occupant. 

The first store was established in 1852, by William 



494 



HISTOKY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



A. Wood, and at his death, in 1877, passed into the 
owuerahip of his son, Charles Wood, the present pro- 
prietor. A second store was opened in 1855, by Jo- 
siah Eichman, who owned and managed it till 1863. 
Thomas Eichman was proprietor from 1863 to 1868, 
after which the building was closed until 1870, when 
William Eichman, Jr., the present proprietor, took 
possession. 

Pole Tavern. — By this name is known a hamlet 
located a little easterly from and about midway be- 
tween Daretown and Whig Lane. It derives its name 
from the fact that a liberty-pole has long stood in the j 
central part of'the settlement, before the old tavern, j 
which is traditionally claimed to mark the site of the j 
first liberty-pole ever erected in New Jersey. The 
name of the post-office here is Pittsgrove. 

The tavern, the fame of which is, by local nomen- 
clature, linked with that of the pole just referred to, 
is thought to have been part of it standing at least a 
century, but its early history is lost in the past, and 
traditions concerning it are shadowy and uncertain. 
It had numerous successive landlords years ago, 
among whom were Peter Ludlow, Jacob Smith, and 
William Middleton. Joseph M. Downan, the pres- 
ent " mine host" of the ancient hostelry, took pos- 
session in 1869. 

This place contains two stores. One of them was 
established by Jacob Hitchner, who sold out to 
George M. Elwell a few years ago. In 1876 it was 
purchased by the present proprietor, Samuel Martin. 
Mr. Martin is postmaster. The other store was for- 
merly occupied by Henry H. Eichman and H. C. 
Sweatman. The present owner is Charles K. Rich- 
man. 

A blacksmith-shop was built by Joseph Fox in 
1876, and is now occupied by him. Another, and 
the older of the two, has been in possession of Frank 
Seibert since 1864. In 1872, Mr. Seibert purchased 
a wheelwright's business of Edward Loper, who had 
established it in 1867. 

Besides the interests mentioned, a prominent one 
is the tannery of Gottlieb Kress, elsewhere referred j 
to. 

Monroeville. — This settlement, sometimes referred 
to as Monroe Station, is a flag-station on the West 
Jersey Railroad, in the northeastern part of the town- 
ship. It contains a few dwellings and the store of 
James McFarland, who has been trading there for 
some years, and has been a resident since 1845. The 
station here is a great convenience to adjacent parts 
of this and adjoining townships. 

Swing's Corners. — Swing's Corners, named in 
honor of the Swing family, of whom N. G. Swing has 
been long a well-known local representative, is a ham- 
let situated at the crossing of two roads, near the south- 
ern line of the township. It contains several dwell- 
ings and a small store. Wheelwrights and black- 
smiths have plied their trades there from time to 
time. 



Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church^ was constituted 
April 30, 1741. This is the oldest Presbyterian or- 
ganization in Salem County, and was originally called 
Pilesgrove. 

The following are the original members as they 
appear in the old church records : 



Isaac Van Meter. 
Hannah Van Meter (his wife). 
Henry Van Meter (their son). 
Sarali Van Meter (their danghter). 
Cornelins Newltirk. 
Eachel Newllirk (hig wife). 
Abraham Newltirlc (their son). 
Barnet Dubois. 

Dubois (his wife). 

Lewis Dubois. 

Margaret Dubois (his wife). 

Anna Dubois (their daugliter). 

Garret Dubois. 

Margaret Dubois (his wife). 

John Miller. 

Mary Moore. 

Francis Tully. 

Hannah Tully (his wife). 

Eleazer Smith. 

Mary Smith (his wife). 

William Alderman. 

Abagail Alderman (his wife). 

Jeremiah Garrison. 

Mary Garrison (his wife). 

John Rose. 



Mary Rose (his wife). 

Simeon Sparks. 

Jane Sparks (his wife). 

Thomas Sparks (their son). 

Elizabeth Sparks (their daughter). 

Richard Sparks. 

Elizabeth Sparks (his wife). 

John Craig. 

Mai-y Craig (his wife). 

Sarah Carr. 

William Millar. 

Mary Sherry. 

Nathan Tarbel. 

Priscilla Tully. 

Hugh Moore. 

Hannah Moore (his wife). 

Phoebe Conklin. 

Peter Haws. 

James Dunlap. 

Elizabeth Dunlap (his wife). 

Jacob Dubois, Jr. 

Joshua Garrison. 

Sarah Garrison (his wife). 

Joast Millar. 



The membership of the church at the present time 
is three hundred and three, composed chiefly of the 
descendants of the original members. 

The first church building was a log structure, like 
most of those erected in those early days. It stood 
near the middle of the old graveyard, but there are 
no records to show either the date or cost of its 
erection. 

The second building was of brick, erected in the 
year 1767, and it is still standing in a good state of 
preservation. This house was built during the pas- 
torate of the Rev. Nehemiah Greenman. 

The third church building, in which the congrega- 
tion now worships, was completed in 1867, during the 
pastorate of Eev. E. P. Shields. It is a large and 
imposing brick edifice, and cost, including furniture, 
about twenty-five thousand dollars. The following 
persons composed the building committee : Charles 
Wood, Enoch Mayhew, John R. Alderman, John W. 
Janvier, and George Coombs. The trustees of the 
congregation at the present time (November, 1882) 
are John Sweatman, William T. Richman, John 
Campbell, Ephraim Garrison, Charles Hitchner, 
Oliver Alderman, and Samuel Allen. 

The congregation owns a large and convenient 
parsonage with ample grounds attached, which is 
most eligibly located near the church. 

There are good reasons for believing that this lo- 
cality enjoyed preaching by Presbyterian ministers 
for some time before the organization of the church. 

The first settled pastor was the Rev. David Evans, 

1 By Rev. J. D. Riindolph, pastor. 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PITTSGROVE. 



495 



a native of Wales, who organized the church and 
ministered to it till his death, in 1751. 

The second pastor was the Rev. Nehemiah Green- 
man, who was ordained and installed in 1753, and 
labored here till his death, in 1779, a period of twenty- 
six years. During the thirty-two years following the 
congregation was ministered to by Eev. William 
Schenck, Rev. Mr. Glassbrook, Rev. Isaac Foster, 
Rev. Mr. Laycock, Rev. Buckley Carle, and Rev. John 
Clark, though there are no records to show how long 
they respectively labored. 

The Rev. George W.. Janvier was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor May 13, 1812, and labored here till laid 
aside by the infirmities of age in the year 1858, a 
period of forty-six years. This was the longest pas- 
torate in the history of the church, and produced the 
deepest impression upon its life. Thefe was steady 
growth and prosperity throughout his entire ministry, 
and the records show the remarkable fact that during 
the six months immediately following his resignation, 
and while he was still consenting to supply the pulpit 
until a suitable successor could be found, there were 
added to the church on profession of their faith sev- 
enty persons, many of whom are among the active 
members of the church at the present day. Another 
special work of grace was enjoyed during Mr. Jan- 
vier's ministry in the year 1842, when seventy-eight 
persons united with the church. 

Mr. Janvier was succeeded in 1858 by the Rev. E. 
P. Shields, who labored here till 1870, a period of 
twelve years. His successor was the Rev. William 
A. Ferguson, whose pastorate extended from 1871 
till 1881. During both these pastorates the church 
enjoyed steady growth and prosperity and several 
seasons of special reviving. 

The present pastor. Rev. J. Davidson Randolph, 
has just entered upon his labors, having been installed 
on the 15th of June last (1882). 

It is a remarkable fact that five of the pastors who 
have served this church, viz., David Evans, N. Green- 
man, Isaac Foster, Buckley Carle, and George 'W. 
Janvier, are buried side by side in the old grave- 
yard ; they sleep in the midst of those to whom they 
preached. But few congregations enjoy the privilege 
of having the graves of so many pastors in their 
midst. 

The following persons have filled the oiHce of ruling 
elder in this church from its organization till the 
present time : 



Leuuard Swing. 
Ebenezer Harris. 
Richard Burt. 
Thomas Harding. 
Samuel D. Krom. 
Garret Dubois. 



Enoch Maybew. 
Joseph L. Kichman. 
Benjamin F. Burt. 
Adam S. Graff. 
Bichard B. Ware. 



Isaac Van Jileter, 
Barnet Dubois. 
William Alderman. 
Eleazer Smith. 
Gideon Conklyn. 
Matthew Dubois. 
David Dubois. 
Jacob Dubois, Jr. 
-Tames McCluog. 
Joseph Van Meter. 
Hosea Lawrence. 
Isaac Harris 



Abraham Dubois. 
Eleazer Mayhew. 
Benjamin Van Meter. 
Jeremiah Dubois. 
John Stratton. 
John Mayhew. 
Jeremiah Foster. 
Abraham Swiug. 
Erasmus Van Meter. 
Jonathan L. Swing. 
Moses Richman. 
Gilbert H. Craig. 



There are at present three Sabbath-schools main- 
tained in the bounds of the congregation, the aggre- 
gate membership of which is about two hundred and 

fifty: 

There is a Ladies' Missionary Society and also a 
Ladies' Mite Society, both of which are vigorous and 
efficient organizations. 

Pittsgrove Baptist Chiurch.— Rev. Robert Kelsay 
began his labors in Pittsgrove about 1741, and a good, 
substantial meeting-house was built in 1743. 

In 1771, when the record of the Pittsgrove Branch 
began, seventeen members of the Cohansey Church 
applied for letters of dismission, to become united 
with the Pittsgrove Baptist Church. Their names 
were John Mayhew, Sr., William Brick, Jacob Elwell, 
John Dickison, Cornelius Austin, Samuel Brick, Jo- 
hannah Mayhew, Eleanor Nelson, Esther Hewes, 
Hannah Elwell, Matthew Arons, Pauianna,h Garton, 
Fulida Hudson, Matthias Dickinson, Phebe Nelson, 
Reuhama Austin, Rachel Brick. They were consti- 
tuted into a regular gospel church on the 15th day of 
May, 1771. 

" Then is recorded their church covenant, consist- 
ing of ten articles, prepared for thera by Mr Kelsay, 
and which continued to be used as such until 1867, 
when, to be in conformity with sister churches, the 
manual by J. Newton Brown was adopted." 

The church takes its name from the township in 
which it is situated. Its location is on the road run- 
ning from Daretown to Woodstown, and half a mile 
distant from the former place. 

An act of incorporation was secured for the church 
on the 6th of March, 1786, and John Mayhew, Wil- 
liam Brick, William Dickson, John Kelly, Samuel 
Rose, David Nichols, and Jacob Wright were made 
the trustees. 

The first house used for worship was made of logs 
and stood in the graveyard, on the same spot where, 
in 1743, the frame meeting-house was built, during 
the pastoral labors of Rev. Robert Kelsay. It was 
of quite moderate size, but a very substantial struc- 
ture, and after serving this church for over a century, 
in 1844 was sold to and used by the colored people 
for a house of worship. The present brick house was 
built during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Kain, in 1844, 
at a cost of two thousand two hundred dollars. 

In 1771 a comfortable dwelling-house and other 
buildings were built on the parsonage lot of sixty 
acres. At some subsequent period a part of the land 
was sold, leaving about thirty acres, which continues 
to be the Baptist parsonage of Pittsgrove. It is situ- 
ated about two miles from the meeting-house, near 
Pole Tavern. 

Rev. William Worth was ordained pastor May 16, 



496 



HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY. 



1771. This relation he held until 1796. In 1803 he 
was excluded for heresy, having long been a Univer- 
salist. 

The names of the members of the church adhering 
to the Baptist confession of faith in 1803 were Su- 
sannah Elwell, Catherine Harris, Reuhama Austin, 
Anna Robinson, Tabitha Mayhew, Mary Nichols, 
Susannah Garrison, Lovica Elwell, Elizabeth Atkin- 
son, Priscilla Blue, Abigail Joslin, Reuhama Moore, 
and Rachel Robinson. Rachel Brick, about this 
time, declared her adherence to them. Reuhama 
Austin and Rachel Brick are the only constituent 
members surviving. 

During the time from 1803 until 1827 they were 
dependent on the occasional services of visiting 
brethren for the preaching of the gospel ; nor from 
the scanty records can it be told how often these 
visits were made. 

In 1818 they petitioned the Association to aid them 
with supplies, that they might celebrate the Lord's 
Supper at least three times a year. In compliance 
with this request, Messrs. Smalley, Thompson, May- 
Ion, Clark,.and Mulford preached for them at stated 
intervals. 

The second pastor. Rev. William Bacon, united 
with the church by letter from Salem in May, 1827, 
and was at once called to the ministry. He was or- 
dained in August, 1829. 

On April 9, 1831, Mr. Bacon divided his labors 
between the churches at Pittsgrove and Woodstown, 
and preached for both until 1833, when he assumed 
charge of the Woodstown Church alone. 

The third pastor. Rev. William Pollard, was called 
to the pastorate of the church June 7, 1833. He 
retained his connection with the church two years. 

John S. Eisenbrey, the fourth pastor, commenced 
his pastorate in October, 1837, and continued until 
March, 1842. He preached statedly twice on the 
Sabbath in the meeting-house, morning and evening, 
while on Sabbath afternoons he preached alternately 
at Deerfleld, Pennytown, Washington school-house, 
near AUowaystown, and at the parsonage, and 
sometimes he went out in the pine woods to a dis- 
tance of twenty miles to preach. He was a faithful, 
energetic pastor, and a zealous advocate of temper- 
ance. Conjointly with his pastoral labors he farmed 
the parsonage, taught the district school and a class 
in music. 

In the spring of 1842 the church extended a call 
to Charles Kain, Jr., a licentiate of the Moorestown 
Baptist Church, to become their pastor. His pastor- 
ate was very successful. 

The present house of worship was erected and 
sixty-one persons baptized into the fellowship of the 
church during the pastorate of Mr. Kain. 

After having visited the church, Rev. William F. 
Brown was called to take pastoral charge of it in 
March, 1847, and was ordained pastor in August of 
the same year. While he was their pastor the 



church built a new dwelling-house on the parsonage 
and repaired the other buildings. He closed his 
labors with the church in March, 1850. 

The seventh pastor, Rev. Abel Philbrook, began 
his pastoral labors in February, 1851, and closed 
them in February, 1854. 

In May, 1854, Rev. Daniel Kelsay began his labors 
with this church, and continued to be their pastor 
for the ten succeeding years. He was born in Green- 
wich, Cumberland Co., and was grandson of the Rev. 
Robert Kelsay, so closely identified with the history 
of the older Baptist Churches of West Jersey, and 
particularly with that of Pittsgrove. 

Rev. A. B. Still, the ninth, united with the church 
and began his pastoral labors on Oct. 1, 1864. After 
a pastorate of nearly three years he closed his labors 
and removed to Danville, Pa. 

Rev. Levi Morse, from Newton, N. J., was settled 
as pastor from Nov. 18, 1867, to April 2, 1871. 

To Rev. Charles A. Mott the church gave a call in 
July, 1871. It being accepted, he at once began his 
pastoral labors, and was ordained on the 15th of 
August, following. He resigned his charge in Janu- 
ary, 1874, which became effective on the 1st of April, 
1874, following. 

On the third Sabbath of July, in compliance with 
an invitation from the church, the twelfth pastor, 
Rev. Morgan Edwards, began his pastoral labors with 
the Pittsgrove Church. On Aug. 1, 1874, the church 
extended to Mr. Edwards a call to become pastor. 
He accepted, and remained until December, 1874. 
Rev. Levi Morse again became pastor in 1875, and 
continued the relation until the spring of 1878. July 
16, 1878, Rev. John J. Reeder became pastor, serving 
the church until November, 1880. Rev. T. G. Deuch- 
field acted as supply in 1880 and 1881. For a year 
past the church has been without a pastor. 

The present deacons of this organization are C. F. 
H. Gray, S. D. Hitchner, Thomas R. Coles, and E. L. 
Sheppard. 

Friendship Methodist Episcopal Church. — Ben- 
jamin Abbott was the father of Methodism in Salem 
County, and was certainly one of the most remarkable 
men of his generation. He married in early life and 
located in Pittsgrove township. His wife was a 
member of the Presbyterian oi-ganization centering at 
Daretown, and he occasionally went with her to 
church. In the fall of 1772, in the fortieth year of 
his age, he was converted, under the preaching of 
Abraham Whiteworth. 

At that time he was a hired laborer for Benjamin 
Van Meter, a prominent farmer in the neighborhood, 
who, according to tradition, employed him solely on 
account of his muscular strength, for otherwise he was 
objectionable, being at times intemperate, and while 
so quarrelsome. There lived in the same neighbor- 
hood John Murphy, a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and a man of considerable intellect and ex- 
tensive reading, whose house appears to have been a 



TOWNSHIP OF UPPER PITTSGROVE. 



497 



home for the Methodist itinerants, and one of their 
earliest preaching-places in the county. 

After a time Mr. Murphy united with the Meth- 
odist Society, which was formed at his house anterior 
to that of any other Methodist organization in the 
county. His friends opposed this action strongly, 
but he appears to have taken it solely on account of 
a conviction . that he would be more useful as a 
Methodist than as a Presbyterian. Returning from 
a meeting at Murphy's, Abbott's wife is said to have 
been converted, subsequently leaving her Presbyte- 
rian alliance and becoming a Methodist. Otliers 
took similar action. Converts were made among 
those who had previously not been professors of re- 
ligion, and from year to year the organization gained 
in strength, spiritual, financial, and numerical. About 
the beginning of this century a small one-story log 
church was built, which later gave place to better 
accommodations. 

On the site of Murphy's house was erected, in 

1862 and 1863, a comfortable church, which was 
dedicated Jan. 22, 1868. 

This station had been for many years connected 
with the several circuits which from time to time in- 
cluded it, and was ministered to by many of the cir- 
cuit preachers, mentioned elsewhere in connection 
with other early societies in other townships. In 

1863 it was on the Pittsgrove and Woodruff charge. 
At this time it is connected with the Elmer and 
Olivet Churches, a similar relation having been sus- 
tained years ago, prior to its connection with the 
Woodruff Church. In 1843 the first regular pastor 
was appointed to the Friendship, Elmer, and Olivet 
Churches in conjunction. This was Rev. Matthias 
German. The following-mentioned pastors have suc- 
ceeded him in the order named : Revs. Noah Ed- 
wards, Joseph Atwood, John W. McDougall, Joseph 
Gaskell, Abraham Gearhart, Levi J. Roads, Charles 
W. Heisley, Samuel Hudson, Joseph Summerill, 
James Merell, Samuel Johnson, Charles W. Heisley, 
H. S. Norris, M. C. Stokes, Edward H. Deurelle, J. 
B. Turpin, and J. H. Heilenman. 

Industrial.— George M. Elwell established a dis- 
tillery at Daretown a number of years ago, which, 
since his decease in 1873, has been owned by his 
widow, and operated by Jacob Wies. 

In 1879, William Cook established a small ma- 
chine-shop at Daretown and operated it about eigh- 
32 



teen months, since the expiration of which it has been 
closed. It is now owned by Dr. Joseph Cook. Steam- 
engines and saw-mills were manufactured, and two 
ice-machines, one of which has been operated at 
Selma, Ala., by Clayton & Cook. 

Eighty or one hundred years ago a tannery was es- 
tablished at Pole Tavern. The first occupant of whom 
any present resident has any knowledge was Joseph 
Cook, who was succeeded by Joseph Ketcham. El isha 
Heritage was proprietor from about 1849 to about 
1855, and Henry Rouser later until 1857, when the 
present proprietor, Gottlieb Kress, took posses- 
sion. 

The several blacksmiths and wheelwrights now fol- 
lowing their avocations in this township, as well as 
many of their predecessors, have been mentioned. 

The agricultural interests of Upper Pittsgrove are 
well advanced, and in most parts of the township are 
to be seen farms vying in beauty of location, neat 
appearance, and productiveness with any in the 
county. Fruits, vegetables, melons, tomatoes, and 
the various cereals are raised in abundance. The 
land in Upper Pittsgrove was heavily timbered for 
some time after settlement began, and much labor 
was expended in the early days in subduing the for- 
ests and clearing the soil of obstructions to tillage. 
When placed under cultivation the land yielded large 
crops of wheat, rye, and Indian corn, but for lack of 
proper rotation of crops, after a time, became ex- 
hausted and measurably worthless. At this unfavor- 
able period in the agricultural history of the town- 
ship, many of the earlier farmers became di.ssatisfied, 
sold their " worn-out" lands, and removed to more 
inviting fields of labor. Those who purchased of 
them did so with the full knowledge that the land 
was greatly deteriorated, and at a price which was 
probably fixed in accordance with this fact. But 
they and the older settlers who stuck to the old 
ground where their forefathers had lived and flour- 
islied, were soon rewarded by the discovery of marl 
in Pilesgrove, in quantities suflScient for its needs and 
those of Upper Pittsgrove and portions of other adja- 
cent townships. The free use of this, and the frequent 
growth of clover, that great restorer of deteriorated soil, 
eventually brought Pittsgrove to its present status as 
one of the finest cereal-producing townships in the 
county. A larger yield of English grapes is obtained 
here than in any other part of South Jersey. 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LXXVII. j 

I 
DESCRIPTION. I 

I 

j 

Cumberland County is the most southerD | 
county, excepting Cape May, in the State. It is 1 
bounded on the northwest and north by Salem 
County, on the northeast by Gloucester and Atlantic, 
on the southeast by Cape May, and on the southwest 
by Delaware Bay. It is about thirty miles long, east 
and we.st, and about twenty-eight miles in its greatest 
breadth, north and south. Its surface is generally 
level, sloping gradually to the diflferent streams which 
pass through it. 

Streams. — The principal of these are Maurice and 
Cobansey Rivers. Maurice River has its rise in 
Gloucester County, and passing out of that county 
becomes the boundary line between Pittsgrove town- 
ship, Salem Co., on the west, and Landis township, 
in this county, on the east, and then crosses through 
the eastern portion of Cumberland to the Delaware 
Bay. Its general course is almost directly south, and 
its whole length is about forty-five miles, and with its 
■branches it drains a basin of about three hundred 
and sixty square miles. The Cobansey has its rise in 
Salem County, and flowing a southerly course into 
Cumberland, becomes the dividing line between the 
townships of Deerfield and Hopewell, flows through 
the city of Bridgeton, separating the Third Ward 
from the First and Second, then becomes the bound- 
ary line between Fairfield on the east and south, and 
Hopewell and Greenwich on the west and north. At 
Fairton, four miles below the city of Bridgeton, it 
makes a turn at a right angle to the west, and follows 
that general course to the town of Greenwich, from 
which its remaining course is south by southwest. 
Its length is thirty-one miles, and it drains a basin of 
about one hundred square miles. Stow Creek, on the 
northwest, forms part of the boundary line with 
Salem County ; West Creek, on the southeast, partly 
the boundary with Cape May. Back, Cedar, Autuxit, 
and Dividing Creeks, all emptying into Delaware 
Bay, are the next largest streams. 

Marshes. — Along the whole shore of the bay ex- 
tends a strip of marshy land, in breadth from half a 
mile to one and two miles. Its surface is usually 
covered with diflferent varieties of salt grass and sod, 
and is near the level of ordinary high water, while 
extra high tides frequently cover it. These marshes 
498 



are generally of soft mud underneath the sod, and 
frequently so miry that horses or cattle cannot walk 
over them. The mud varies from a few inches to 
thirty feet in depth, and is underlaid by firm gravelly 
or sandy soil. These marshes also extend up the dif- 
ferent streams for several miles. Considerable por- 
tions of them, mostly along the Cohansey and Mau- 
rice Riyers, have been ditched and banked in from 
the tides, and are now fresh meadows, producing large 
crops of fresh hay and of grain and vegetables. Be- 
tween the diflTerent streams necks of upland project 
into the salt marsh almost to the shore of the bay. 

Soil and Productions. — The soil of the county is 
of alluvial formation, and is in general a sandy loam. ^ 
West of the Cohansey it is heavier, being more inter- 
mixed with clay, and on it large crops of wheat, oats, 
and corn are growu. Between the Cohansey and 
Maurice Rivers it is somewhat lighter, and while pro- 
ducing good crops of grain, it is better adapted to the 
growth of fruits and vegetables, immense quantities 
of which are annually raised. East of the latter 
river are large tracts of quite sandy soil, formerly 
thought to be entirely useless for agricultural pur- 
poses, but which, under the increasing knowledge and 
resources of agricultural science, have been made, 
during the last twenty years, to produce large crops 
of fruits and vegetables. 

The western portion of the county is mostly under 
cultivation, the timber remaining consisting of white, 
black, and red oak, hickory and pine, but in the 
eastern portion there are still large tracts of unim- 
proved land, pine constituting a much larger propor- 
tion of the timber than in the western. Most of this 
has been cut ofl" for lumber and firewood several times 
since the settlement of the county. Along the upper 
portions of the diflferent streams, above the salt marsh, 
were formerly tracts of cedar swamp, many of them 
quite extensive and of great value; most of these 
have been cut off and the cedar timber converted 
into shingles, siding, rails, etc. 

The elevated ridges between the streams are under- 
laid in many places with a brown sandstone and con- 
glomerate, which consists of a sand or fine gravel 
cemented by oxide of iron. This stone is quarried as 
a building material in many places. When freshly 
quarried it is frequently soft and crumbling, but on 
exposure to the air becomes hard and firm enough for 
use, and is in general use in the construction of cellar 
walls and foundations. It is sometimes used for the 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



499 



walls of buildings, but is not generally employed for 
that purpose. 

On both sides of Stow Creek the soil is underlaid 
with marl in beds from six to fifteen feet thick, 
covered with from three to fifteen feet of dirt. These 
beds outcrop along the stream for a distance of about 
three miles, along which distance are numerous 
openings or pits where it is dug. 

A bed of white sand, known as glass-sand, underlies 
the surface gravel throughout the whole of the south- 
ern end of the State, and has its outcroppings in dif- 
ferent portions of this county, but principally in the 
vicinity and to the eastward of Maurice River. The 
action of rains and the different streams in carrying 
off the surface gravel which formerly overlaid this 
bed has given origin to the sandy tracts which cover 
a large portion of the county east of Maurice River. 
Numerous openings have been made into this bed, and 
immense quantities of it are used every year in glass- 
making in this county, and shipped to other points 
for the same purpose. 

The area of the county, as given in the Geological 
Survey of the State, which was made before Com- 
mercial township was formed from Downe, and before 
the small portion of Maurice River township was set 
off to Cape May County in 1878, is as follows : 





Tide Marsh. 


Total Area. 




Sq.M. 

33.62 

22.15 

6.89 

2.93 

iili 

1.81 
1.20 


Acres. 


Sq.M. 
16.39 
41.66 
39.13 
76,30 
17.76 
30.00 
72.69 
106.56 
60.,35 
17.93 


Acre^. 
9 849 






26,656 
57 043 




21,617 
14,176 
4,410 
1,875 








11 360 




19,200 
46,522 
67,559 
32,224 
11,476 






7,174 

1,158 

768 


Millville 






Total 


79.81 


51,078 


516.7.5 
7576.68 


3.^0 ORO 








461.62 


295,474 


4 849 069 







LAND TITLES. 

Titles to land in New Jersey are derived from the 
British Crown. Among the nations of Europe it was 
a settled principle that all uninhabited countries, and 
also those inhabited by savage tribes, became the 
property of the nation who first took possession of 
them. In the case of an inhabited country, no justi- 
fication of this principle of law can be found except 
that " might makes right." The rights of the Indians 
as possessors of the soil for ages past were made sub- 
ordinate to that of the sovereign who claimed that 
he had taken possession of the land by some of his 
subjects sailing along its shores and exploring its 
rivers and harbors. All the rights of property, and. 
the principles which arise from occupation and use of 
property, although well defined in all civilized nations, 
and recognized to some extent even among savage 
tribes, and without which society, even in its simplest 



forms, cannot exist, were held as of no binding force. 
The one well-recognized principle among all people 
has been that discovery of a new land has vested the 
right to the soil in the nation making the discovery, 
and taking even a theoretical, although not a practical, 
possession of it. 

It is true that the rights of the Indians to the soil 
of New Jersey were bought by the first Proprietors. 
Although they claimed a legal title from the Crown, 
both policy and the inherent sense of right, which 
could not be entirely set aside by the teachings of 
centuries or the desires of avarice, prompted them to 
make some compensation to those whom they found 
in the actual possession of the land they wished to 
occupy. The friendship of the savages was worth a 
great deal to the few and scattered settlers. Their 
own safety was a powerful adjunct to that inborn 
feeling that the natives had some rights, however 
slight they might be. To these incentives to pur- 
chase the rights of the Indians was added the chance 
to buy those rights cheaply. Large portions of the 
lands were only used for hunting, and the goods 
and trinkets offered them by the new-comers were of 
wonderful value to them, although costing the set- 
tlers little. Immense tracts of land, the most fer- 
tile and valuable to the settlers, although no more 
valuable to the Indians than the poorer portions, 
were sold for a few baubles. Their rights were in- 
deed bought, but the compensation was grossly inad- 
equate. But however small was the price paid, and 
however much the ignorance and vanity of the In- 
dians was taken advantage of, yet no part of New 
Jersey was ever taken from them by force, but all 
was acquired by voluntary sale. In these sales rights 
of hunting and fishing on uninclosed lands were often 
reserved, but even those rights were extinguished by 
the State in 1832, by the payment of two thousand 
dollars, although the last of the Indians had removed 
from the State and abandoned those rights many 
years before. 

The right of individuals to purchase directly from 
the Indians without the consent of the Proprietors 
was not recognized, and laws were early passed for- 
bidding it. The right to extinguish the Indian claims 
was exercised only by the Proprietors, under their 
grants from the Crown, and from them alone could a 
legal title be obtained. Deeds from the Indians were, 
however, obtained by some of the settlers for the 
lands in their possession, but unless surveys were also 
obtained their legal title rests upon possession, and 
not upon the deeds. 

We give below a copy of one of these old Indian 
deeds for a tract of land in Greenwich township. 
The deed is well written and in good preservation. 
The signatures of the Indians are by their marks, one 
of them being evidently an imitation of a bow. The 
old style of capital letters and spelling is given : 

" Know All men by these present, that we Shawli-a-oum and Et-hoe 
Brethren and Indian Proprietors of that parcel of land called 



500 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



knijwneto the Iiitlian Natives by the name of Ca-ta-nuri-gnt, lying near 
Cohanzey on Delau'are-i'iver, For and in Consideration of one Blanket 
— one double handful of powder, two Barrs of Lead, two knives, tliree 
penny-worth of paint, one Hoe, one Axe, one looking glass, one pair of 
Sizi-rs, one Shirt and one Breech-cloth, to us in handpaid by John 
NichoUs of Nicholls Hartford neere Cohanzey aforesaid Planter, at and 
before the ensealing & delivei-y hereof, the receipt wliereof is hereby 
acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed and con- 
firmed — unto the said John Nicholls bis heira and assigns for ever, a 
parcel of land conteyning esteeniacon one hundred acres (be it more or 
lessl Butted and bounded as followeth, Beginning at Henry Jenings 
bounded tree standing neere the little Creeke, called the Great-tree Creek 
mark't with H.J. from thence Running West to the said Henry Jenings 
his bounded tree markt witli the letter H. J. 124 pearches fi-om thence 
North North-West 80 pearches, to a little Hickory-tree being the Bounds 
of George Haslewoods, Henry Jenings & Samuell Bacon & neere the 
bounded tree marked with the lettei-s G. H., H. J., S. B. & J. N., from 
thence running on Samuell Bacons line South & by West 99 pearches to 
a Red-oake-tree being ttie bounded tree of .Samuell Bacon it the said 
John Nicliolls mark't with the letters S. B. tfe J. N. from thence East to 
the first nienconed tree 2t)l pearches, to tlie Creeke called the Great-tree 
Creeke and running by the said Creeke South East to Cohanzey River 
60 pearches, from tlience downe by Cohanzey River South Sonth-West 
to Samuell Bacons bounded tree standing by the landing, mark't wth 
the letters S. B. & J. N. 4.5 pearches, from thence to a Red-Oake-tree 
mark't with three notches in Samuel Bacons lyne running West 90 
perches — Tlien Beginning at .Samuell Bacons iyne in the Marish, at a 
post set tliere mark't with tile letter J. running South East hy Cohan- 
zey-river 30 pearches, from thence South-West to another post 22 
pearches marked with the letter J., from thence North-West to a post 
30 pearches mark't with the letter J., from tlience North- East to the i 
first mencooed post, 22 pearches. To have and to hold all the said one | 
hundred acres of land and mai'ish, together with the Creekes, Woods, 
profits. Commodities A hereditaments whatsoever thereunto belonging 
to him the sd John Nicholls his heii-s and assigns forever, to his and 
their own proper use and behoof forever without the disturbance of us 
Shawk-a-nun & Et-lioe Brethren or either of us our heirs or assigns, or 
any other person or persons clayming lawfully to have any Indian 
right, title or interest therein, and thereto we bind ourselves, and our 
heirs, Joynfully and severally in the penalty of Sixty Bnckskinnes to 
be paid by us our heirs or assignes sd John Nicholls his heirs or assigues 
In Witnesse whereof wee the parties above su have Interchangeably put 
our hands and Seales this 2oth day of the fourth month in ye yeare 
according to the English acct. 

1683. 
the marke of the raarke of 

[his mark] [his mark] 

Shawk-a-nun Et-hoe 

" Signed, Sealed .t Delivered in ye presence of 

Richard Guy 
James Nevill 

" Recorded the 14tb day of July .Vnno Dominy by me Samll Hedge 

" Kecordr." 

By a royal patent, dated March 12, 1661, King 
Charles II. granted to his brother, the Duke of York, 
afterwards King James II., the country between the 
western side of the Connecticut River and the east 
side of Delaware Bay, together with Long Island, the 
islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and also 
a large tract, including what is now the eastern part 
of Maine.' This grant conferred upon the duke 
rights of government as well as rights of soil. 

By deeds of lease and release, dated June 23 and 
24, 1664, the duke conveyed to John Lord Berkeley 
and Sir George Carteret all that portion of his grant 
from the king included in this State, and gave it the 
name of Nova Csesarea, or New Jersey,'^ in honor of 
Carteret, who was born on the island of Jersey, and 
who also, as royal Governor, defended that island 



. Com'r. 



i New Jersey Archives, vol. i. pp. 3-8. 



2 Ibid., pp. 8-14. 



against the forces of Parliament, it being the last 
place to lower the royal banner after the execution of 
Charles I. In this grant all the rights of government 
which the duke held were also transferred to Berkeley 
and Carteret. 

Lord Berkeley, by deed of bargain and sale, dated 
March 18, 167|, conveyed all his undivided half 
of New Jersey to John Fenwick.^ This deed, upon 
its face, conveyed an absolute estate in fee-simple, 
but it was really purchased with funds belonging in 
large part to Edward Byllinge, and Fenwick was in 
equity a trustee for him. Fenwick claimed the whole 
as his absolute estate, but it was finally submitted to 
William Penn as arbitrator, who decided that Fen- 
wick was entitled to one-tenth of the moiety or half 
part of New Jersey, and that the other nine-tenths 
belonged to Byllinge. In submission to this arbitra- 
tion, Fenwick and Byllinge, by deeds of lease and 
release, dated Feb. 9 and 10, 1674, conveyed to 
William Penn, Gauen Laurie, and Nicholas Lucas 
the undivided half part of New Jersey.'' Laurie and 
Lucas were among the principal creditors of Byl- 
linge. This deed also was absolute in its terms, but 
it was agreed by all the parties thereto that they held 
ninety parts, the whole moiety being divided into one 
hundred parts, as trustees of Byllinge, for the purpose 
of paying his creditors. A memorandum on the back 
of the deed, dated 7th of Sd month (May), 1675, set 
forth that the remaining ten parts had been drawn 
by John Fenwick as his proportion of the moiety, 
and that he had accepted of the same, and the trustees 
for the other lots were satisfied therein.^ 

Fenwick, from the time when Lord Berkeley con- 
veyed to him an interest in the province, had been 
making exertions to plant a colony in his domains, 
and was now about ready to embark. But he, like 
Byllinge, was in debt, and to secure his creditors he 
executed a deed, in the nature of a mortgage, dated 
July 17, 1675, to two of his principal creditors, John 
Edridge and Edmund Warner, to secure the payment 
of his debts. By this deed they had a right to sell 
lands in Fenwick's ten parts until their claims and 
those of tlie other creditors were paid, and a list of 
the debts was annexed to the deed. All the lands 
previously sold by Fenwick were excepted in this 
deed." 

By what is called the Quintipartite Deed,' dated 
July 1, 1676, a division of New Jersey between the 
owners was made, by a division line running from 
Little Egg Harbor to the Delaware River, in latitude 
forty-one degrees. To Sir George Carteret was as- 
signed all that' portion of New Jersey lying to the 
eastward of the Hue, and he in return quit-claimed all 
that portion to the westward of the line to Penn,' 
Laurie, and Lucas. Byllinge also joined in the deed, 

3 Ibid., p. 209. « Ibid., p. 210. 

6 Life of John Fenwick, by Johu Clements, pp. 21, 22. 

« IWd., pp. 26, 26. 

' N. J. Archives, i. pp. 205-219. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



501 



to show his assent to the making of a partition by his 
trustees. 

In the mean time war had brolcen out between the 
English and Dutch, in 1672, and a Dutch expedition 
had retaken New York from the English, but at the 
conclusion of peace in 1673 it was restored. Doubts 
being raised whether the former grants were not ab- 
rogated by the conquest by the Dutch, the king made 
a new grant to the Duke of York June 29, 1674. The 
duke delayed confirming his former grants, and 
through the efforts of Sir Edmund Andros, in whose 
commission as Governor of New York the duke had 
also included New Jersey, he endeavored to retain 
the right of government in New Jersey in himself. 
But finally the duke entirely relinquished his claim, 
and Aug. 6, 1680, lie executed a new grant to Edward 
Byllinge, William Penn, Gauen Laurie, Nicholas 
Lucas; John Edridge, and Edmund Warner (the last 
two the mortgagees of Fenwick) for the one-half of 
New Jersey as divided by the Quintipartite Deed, 
and which was now named West New Jersey. This 
grant gave the right of property in ten equal un- 
divided hundred parts to the use of John Edridge 
and Edmund Warner, and in ninety undivided hun- 
dred parts to Penn, Laurie, and Lucas, in trust for 
Byllinge, and vested all the rights of government in 
Byllinge alone.' 

The settling of the province had meanwhile been 
progressing. Fenwick, in about a month after exe- 
cuting the conveyance by way of a mortgage to 
Edridge and Warner, had sailed with a number of 
emigrants and commenced a settlement at Salem. In 
the fall of 1677 the Yorkshire and London Friends 
commenced their settlement at Burlington, under 
titles derived from Penn, Laurie, and Lucas. 

By the arbitration between Fenwick and Byllinge, 
and the subsequent conveyances, it appears that West 
Jersey was to be divided into one hundred parts or 
shares, each part constituting a full proprietary in- 
terest, of which Fenwick was to have ten. Sales of 
a considerable number of these undivided shares 
were made by Penn, Laurie, and Lucas, the trustees 
of Byllinge, and the purchasers thereby became pro- 
prietors in common with them. These shares were 
set forth in the deeds as the ninetieth parts of ninety- 
hundredth parts. Sales of portions of shares and of 
specific quantities of land were made by the owners 
of proprietary shares. The former carried with them 
their due proportion of proprietary rights, the latter 
only the property in the soil of the land granted. 
The original intention of the division into one liun- 
dred parts was to have the land run out into one hun- 
dred lots, and each proprietor tovhave a specific lot 
for each share he held, which he could then dispose 
of as he pleased. The choice of these lots was to be 
by casting lots for them, and in pursuance of this 
Fenwick, soon after the execution of his and Byl- 

1 N. J. Archives, i. pp. 324-332. 



linge's deed to Penn, Laurie, and Lucas, drew for his 
ten lots Nos. 20, 21, 26, 27, 36, 47, 50, 57, 63, and 
72. This transaction took place in England, and 
whether any map of West Jersey showing the loca- 
tion of the lots was ever made is unknown, but it is 
probable that there was not. The drawing had reft-r- 
ence to a future actual division of the ground to be 
made by the surveyors. By the "Concessions and 
Agreements" it was directed that the land should be 
divided into one hundred parts, as occasion should 
require. First, for expedition, it was to be divided 
into ten parts, and then the tenths to be divided into 
ten " proprieties" ; and provision was also made 
for the electiori of one proprietor or freeholder for 
each propriety as a member of A.ssembly. 

Fenwick, without any regular survey or allotment, 
claimed and held the land where he settled as his ten 
lots, and granted to those who purchased from him 
deeds for specific numbers of acres out of it. The 
titles held under him were thus acquired very nearly 
in accordance with the original intention of the Pro- 
prietors. 

By the Concessions and Agreements, land was given 
to every settler, for himself and his servants, a defi- 
nite number of acres for each one, if they came 
within one, two, or three years, subject to an annual 
quit-rent, which was very small ; these were called 
"head-lands." 

Owing to the diiflculty of getting the Proprietors 
together to transact their business, they in 1678 re- 
solved to appoint a Proprietary Council, elected yearly 
from among themselves. This practice is still kept 
up, their meetings being held at Burlington. Owners 
of a thirty-second part of a hundredth have the right 
of voting and being elected. Only about twenty 
persons are now known to be Proprietors, who sever- 
ally own from the thirty-second part of a hundredth 
to several hundredths. 

Dividends were declared to each Proprietor, the 
first one being for five thousand two hundred acres, 
and in all dividends for thirty-five thousand acres 
have been made to each share. " These dividends 
include much more land than is found within the 
limits of West Jersey, but a large number have never 
been claimed, and it is not known who are entitled 
to them."^ 

After the rights to head-lands ceased, and excepting 
lands the title to which proceed from Fenwick, and 
some few tracts sold by some of the Proprietors within 
two or three years of the first settlement, titles to 
land were and are now acquired as follows : The 
dividends made to each Proprietor entitled him to 
take up the quantity of land called for, or so much 
as he had not as yet appropriated, in any part of the 
province where he could find land not taken up by 
any other survey. Deeds for specified number of 
acres entitled the grantee of any Proprietor to take 

~ Elmer's Reminiscences of New Jersey, appendix. 



502 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



up the land in like manner. Upon due proof of the 

title, the Proprietary Council issued a warrant to the 
surveyor-general or his deputy, directing him to sur- 
vey the number of acres mentioned out of any lands 
not covered by other surveys. The surveyor, after 
making the survey in such place as the person en- 
titled chose to have it, made a return to the sur- 
veyor-general, and he to the Council, and when ap- 
proved by them it was then recorded. This made a 
complete title to the specitic tract, his deed giving the 
owner title, and the survey specifying the particular 
tract. No surveys were allowed to extend to both 
sides of a navigable stream. For every one hundred 
acres called for the owner received a survey for one 
hundred and five, the five acres being an allowance 
for roads. For this reason lands for roads were taken 
for many years without compensation to the owner. 

After the death of Byllinge his heirs sold all his 
rights, both in the land and government, to Daniel 
Coxe, who was one of the chief Proprietors, and he 
by two separate instruments, dated March 4, 169i, 
conveyed all his interest in the soil and government 
to the West Jersey Society. 

Fenwick conveyed all his interest in West Jersey, 
excepting thereout one hundred and fifty thousand 
acres, to William Penn, March 23, 1682. Although 
Edridge and Warner claimed that, by neglect to pay 
the mortgage given to them by Fenwick, all his rights 
were forfeited to them, and although this claim was 
apparently held good by the second grant from the 
Duke of York in August, 1680, wherein he conveyed 
to Edridge and Warner, and not to Fenwick, the 
right to the ten undivided parts of West Jersey, yet 
Fenwick strenuously upheld his rights, and was sup- 
ported therein by eminent legal counsel in London. 
He continued to dispose of lands during his life, and 
after his death, in December, 1683, his executors, as 
authorized by his will, also sold large tracts. 



CHAPTER LXXVIIL 

SURVEYS. 

Before leaving England, Fenwick conveyed to 
John Edridge, in May, 1675, ten thousand acres, and 
to Edmund Warner, in June, 1675, ten thousand acres, 
in part payment of the money advanced by them. 
By virtue of the deed, in the nature of a mortgage, 
made to them by Fenwick, they also sold considerable 
quantities of land. Warner sold five thousand acres 
to John Mason, June 10, 1675, which at his death 
descended to his oldest son and heir-at-law, Cornelius 
Mason. He had the five thousand acres located and 
surveyed May 30, 1689, and gave it the name of 
Winchcomb Manor. This survey began " at the 
bound tree of Robert Hutchinson, standing in a 



valley by the west-northwest side of the north branch 
of the river Cohanzick," and ran up the river to a 
white-oak tree standing upon the brow of the hill on 
the south side of a branch afterwards called the Upper 
Clearing Branch, and now West Branch; then along 
the south side of the Branch W.N.W. 800 perches 
to a white-oak tree ; then south by east 1236 perches 
to a corner; and then E.S.E. 800 perches to the 
beginning. The west line of the survey ran to the 
east of a south course about where the road now is 
that crosses the Shiloh turnpike at Barret's Run, and 
runs northward by the farms of Adam Minch, where 
he lived a few years ago, Lawrence Harris, and others. 

The large hickory -tree, about three feet in diameter, 
and supposed to be at least one hundred and fifty 
years old, which stood in fi'ont of the upper house on 
the Lawrence Harris place, and which was blown 
down in the September gale in 1876, was in the west 
line of this survey. Cornelius Mason seems to have 
been ambitious to establish a manor, and retained 
the title to the whole tract, or if he sold any he re- 
served quit-rents. At his death it descended to his 
son, Cornelius Mason, Jr., of London, a merchant 
dealing in hides, pelts, etc., who willed it to his cousin 
and heir-at-law, Joseph Mason, of Newington Butts, 
in the county of Surrey, and others ; and they by deed 
dated Nov. 24, 1762, sold the same to Israel Pember- 
ton, a prominent member of the Society of Friends 
in . Philadelphia. This survey, having been made 
under Fenwick's title and by John Worledge, the 
deputy-surveyor of the Salem Tenth, was not re- 
corded in the surveyor-general's office at Burlington 
until 1764, after Pemberton became the owner of the 
land. He then laid it before the Council of Propri- 
etors, who, "being satisfied that it had been made 
agreeably to the custom of the Salem Tenth," ap- 
proved it and ordered it to be recorded. 

As will be seen, this survey covered what are now 
among the most valuable lands in the county, nearly 
all the Third Ward of Bridgeton and a large part of 
Upper Hopewell being included in its bounds. 

In a few years after Fenwick's death surveys ceased 
to be made by surveyors authorized by the Salem au- 
thorities and recorded there, but all purchasers took 
their titles to the Council of Proprietors at Burling- 
ton, by whom warrants for surveys were issued, and 
were returned and recorded there. The Mason sur- 
vey having been sent to England without being re- 
corded, other persons laid claim to some of the land. 
On that part of it which is now the farm of the Cum- 
berland Nail and Iron Company, on the north side of 
Jeddy's Pond, "as early as 1697 one John Garrison 
settled and built a house, and about 1715 built a 
house of cedar logs near the bridge, in which Benja- 
min Seeley lived."' Garrison perhaps had some claim 
to the land under the arrangements of Mason to es- 
tablish the manor. About 1735, Silas Parvin ob- 

1 Elmer's History of Cumberland County. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



503 



tained possession of the land that had been occupied 
by Garrison, probably by purchase from him. In 
1741 a suit was commenced involving the location of 
this survey, a jury of view was summoned, and 
Thomas Miles, of Penn's Neck, the leading surveyor 
of Salem County, resurveyed the whole Mason tract j 
for this jury of view on Oct. 13 and 14, 1741. ' 

By the original survey the Mason tract began at j 
the upper corner tree of the Hutchinson survey, on 
the west bank of the Cohansey, and the south line of 
the Mason and north line of the Hutchinson survey 
were the same. Where the true corner was seems to 
have been unknown, and this jury of view fixed the 
corner of the Mason tract on the west side of the Co- 
hansey, twenty perches below the bridge over that 
river, from which the south line of the tract runs 
westward about where Oak Street now is. 

Silas Parvin, in order to strengthen his claim, bought 
of Joseph Goldin, Feb. 8, 1746, forty-five acres of un- 
located land, part of two hundred acres Goldin has 
bought of John Ogden, who owned one-eighth of a 
proprietary right, which he bought from William 
Biles, of Bucks County, Pa., in 1709. Under this 
right Parvin laid a survey on the land he was in pos- 
session of, and set up a title in opposition to that of 
Mason. He built a two-story hip-roofed house on 
this land, which stood south of Commerce Street and 
a little east of Atlantic, about where the back part of 
the hardware-store of D. Bacon & Son now is, and 
faced the river and the road, the latter then running 
from the foot of the bridge southwesterly, between the 
river and the house, up the side of the hill to Broad 
Street, near the present corner of Franklin Street. 
Parvin died in February, 1779, and the property 
claimed by him descended to his son Clarence as 
heir-at-law. 

Pemberton, soon after he became possessed of the 
Mason title, began to sell off tracts to different per- 
sons, most of whom cleared the land and built upon 
it. Dr. Jonathan Elmer, in some way not now'known, 
but probably by conveyance from Clarence Parvin, 
came into possession of part of the Parvin claim, and 
in 1783 they made a division between them. Pem- 
berton brought suit against Parvin in 1783, but it was 
dropped. Clarence Parvin died about 1788, and Pem- 
berton also about the same time. The land below 
Ireland's mill-pond was sold by Sheriff Joseph Buck, 
and bought by Jonathan Bowen. 

Dr. Jonathan Elmer obtained (probably from Jona- 
than Bowen) all that portion of the property in Bridge- 
ton west of Franklin Street and south of Jeddy's 
Pond, while the present titles to the remainder are 
held under Bowen. 

Among the earliest surveys for lands in this county 
was one for Robert Hutchinson, who had a survey 
laid for nine hundred and fifty acres May 27, 1686. 
The upper corner of it was a " white-oak on the west 
side of the Cohansey River marked with the letter 
H, and standing in the hollow near the river, above 



the place of going over to Richard Hancock's mill," 
and the north line of the tract ran west-northwest 
from that corner. This corner tree stood near where 
now is the brick building used as a machine-shop by 
Cox & Sons, near the foot of Hampton Street in the 
city of Bridgeton, and all that part of the Third Ward 
of Bridgeton south of that line, and the adjoining 
portion of Hopewell township on the west, are in- 
cluded within its boundaries. The south line of this 
survey ran westward up Island Branch Creek, as 
Cubby's Hollow stream was then called. 

This tract was sold after his death by his two 
daughters and their husbands to Elias Cotting, who 
sold it off in smaller tracts. Through some unex- 
plained error the corner of this survey, and, as a 
consequence, that of the Mason survey, which joined 
it on the north, was supposed to be farther up the 
river, and Cotting conveyed portions of the land 
north of the true line to purchasers, and himself 
built a good-sized house near where the line was sup- 
posed to be. After the corner of the Mason tract 
had been fixed at the supposed location of it, twenty 
rods below the bridge, the true corner was found, 
thus leaving a vacancy between this and the Mason- 
Pemberton tract. 

Ebenezer Miller, who was one of the leading citi- 
zens of the county, residing at Greenwich, and a sur- 
veyor, bought of Thomas and Richard Penn, Nov. 5, 
1748, five thousand acres of unlocated land. He had 
a survey made for him by George Trenchard, a deputy 
surveyor, on the same date, which covered this inter- 
vening land between the Hutchinson and Mason 
surveys, and contained four hundred and twenty 
acres. The land included in this survey, extending 
from Oak Street to the neighborhood of Hampton 
Street, and running from the river westward between 
five hundred and six hundred rods, is among the 
most valuable in the city. Miller quit-claimed to 
purchasers under Cotting and sold off parts of the 
tract, and Dec. 14, 1759, deeded the remaining por- 
tions within the built-up limits of the city to his son, 
Josiah Miller, under whom the titles are now held. 

Robert Hutchinson originally purchased two thou- 
sand acres of Job Nettleship, son and heir to Vices- 
siraus Nettleship, April 22, 1685, who bought the 
same of Feuwick in June, 1675. He sold one thou- 
sand acres, June 13, 1687, to George Hazlewood. 
This tract includes some of the best land in the 
county, and lay west of Hutchinson's survey, cover- 
ing that portion of Hopewell township about Bowen- 
town, the southerly line of the farm of John S. 
Holmes being the south line of this tract. 

Joshua Barkstead's survey covered that portion of 
Hopewell township south of Hutchinson's and Hazle- 
wood's surveys, and running from the Cohansey west- 
ward to Bowentown. He gave to this tract the name 
of Arcadia, doubtless hoping, although it might be 
lacking in the mountains and lovely scenery of its 
Grecian prototype, yet that those who should be in- 



504 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



duced to locate there might find the rural delights 
and abounding plenty of which that name has become 
a synonyme. 

On June 7, 1675, before leaving England, Fen wick 
sold to Edmund Duke and Thomas Duke six thousand 
acres of land, which they conveyed to Edmund Gib- 
bon, a merchant, then of New York, but formerly of 
Bennendon, in the county of Kent, England. He had 
a survey made for him by Richard Hancock, who 
had been Fenwick's surveyor-general, Nov. 9, 1682, 
in two tracts. The larger one, containing four thou- 
sand five hundred acres, covered nearly all that por- 
tion of Greenwich township north of the New Jersey 
Southern Railroad, excepting the upper end of the 
town of Greenwich, and also included a small corner 
of Hopewell and a considerable portion of the lower 
end of Stow Creek township. The east line ran from 
Barnegat Hill, a corner in the present division line 
between the townships of Greenwich and Hopewell, 
near the head of the stream on which is Sheppard's 
mill-pond, through Roadstown, between the Baptist 
meeting-house and the cross-roads, to a corner from 
which the northerly line ran, first west along the 
north line of the farm of David Cook, and then west- 
southwest through about the middle of the lower part 
of the township of Stow Creek into the marsh lying 
on Stow Creek. 

The smaller tract, containing fifteen hundred acres, 
was laid out opposite to this one, on the west side of 
Stow Creek, in Salem County. Owing to disputes with 
adjoining owners the tract was resurveyed by Richard 
Tindall, who succeeded Hancock as surveyor-general 
for Fenwick and his executors, on March 29, 1686, and 
again on May 8, 1708, by Benjamin Acton, who was 
the principal surveyor in Salem County after the 
death of Tindall, in December, 1697, or January, 
1698. Edmund Gibbon, by his will, left this property 
to his brother George for his life, and then to Ed- 
mund Gibbon, younger son of George, who conveyed 
it, July 26, 1700, to Francis Gibbon. Francis, by his 
will, dated Oct. 3, 1727, gave it to his kinsmen, Leon- 
ard Gibbon and his brother, Nicholas Gibbon, wheel- 
wright, both of Gravesend, in Kent, sons of Arthur 
Gibbon, describing it as "all that tract of land called 
Mount Gibbon, upon the branches of an unknown 
creek (Stow Creek) near Cohansey, in the province 
of West New Jersey, in America, to them and their 
heirs forever; provided they go and settle upon it. 
If they do not in three years then to revert to Francis 
Gibbon, my executor, and his heirs forever." Leon- 
ard and Nicholas both settled on the tract, and built 
the mill on Newport Creek known as Seeley's mill, 
which remained in the possession of the family until 
November, 1880, when Isaac M. Smalley became its 
owner. They made a division of the tract between 
them, Oct. 2, 1730. Leonard took the upper part, on 
which he built a stone house on the north side of the 
mill-pond in Stow Creek township. It is still stand- 
ing, and was late the residence of Asa R. Horner, de- 



ceased, and now of his son-in-law, Edward H. Shep- 
pard, of whom a sketch is given in this work. 
Leonard died June 19, 1744, aged forty years, and 
was buried at Greenwich. Nicholas engaged in the 
mercantile business in the town of Greenwich, in 
partnersliip witli Samuel F. Hedge, a great-grand- 
son of Fenwick. He built a brick house there, which 
still stands. After the death of his partner, about 
1733, Nicholas Gibbon married his widow, Ann 
Hedge, and about 1740 removed to Salem, upon the 
property left to his wife by her father, Alexander 
Grant. He held the offices of sheriff of the county, 
surrogate, collector of the port, and colonel of the 
militia, and died Feb. 2, 1758, aged fifty-five years 
and three months. 

Dr. James Wass, a London physician, bought of 
Fenwick, while still in England, July 12, 1675, five 
thousand acres of land, and in 1694 it was located 
and surveyed for him by John Worledge, a deputy 
surveyor, and was resurveyed Oct. 15-18, 1705, by 
Joshua Barkstead. This survey covered a large por- 
tion of the upper part of Stow Creek township, and 
that portion of Hopewell west of the Mason survey 
and north of the farm lately belonging to the estate 
of Elisha Bonham, deceased, on the road leading 
from where the old Seventh - Day Baptist meeting- 
house at Shiloh stood, in a southerly direction to the 
Bridgeton and Roadstown road, the southeast corner 
of that farm on the south side of the northwest 
branch of the Cohansey (Barrett's Run), being the 
southeast corner of the survey. Two thousand two 
hundred acres of this survey, covering the present 
site of the village of Shiloh, Wass conveyed, Nov. 
21, 1705, to Robert Ayres, late of Rhode Island, gen- 
tleman, one of the early Baptist settlers, the most of 
whose descendants adhered to that branch of the 
Baptist denomination which keeps the seventh day 
of the week as the Sabbath. The titles to that por- 
tion of the survey are held under Ayres. The re- 
maining portion was disposed of in smaller tracts. 

John Brick bought of Samuel Deeming, of Mary- 
land, one thousand acres of land, which he bought of 
Fenwick in 1679. It was laid off' to him on the south 
side of Gravelly Run (Stow Creek), covering the land 
where is now the village of Jericho and the sur- 
rounding country. He put up the dam and erected 
the mills long known as Brick's mills, afterwards 
John S. Wood's, and now the Jericho Mills. 

On the east of the Cohansey the West New Jersey 
Society, as the association of the Proprietors was 
called, had a ten thousand acre survey run out by 
John Worledge and John Budd, but the return 
being lost, it was resurveyed in October and Novem- 
ber, 1716, and found to contain eleven thousand 
acres. This was called the society's Pamphilia tract. 
It began at a pine-tree " on the east side of Cohansey 
River, in the bottom of a little Cove of Marsh, on the 
South side of a Neck of Land made by the said 
Marsh, the River, and the Creek called Fuller's 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



505 



Creek, near two Miles below Cohansey Bridge," and 
ran east thirteen hundred and four perches, then north 
thirteen hundred and eighty-four perches, and then 
west fifteen hundred and thirty perches, to the Co- 
hansey, and then down the river to the beginning. 
This beginning-point is near where Pamphilia Spring 
is, in the cove below Rocap's Run, as Fuller's Creek 
is now called. The upper line crosses the Deerfield 
turnpike above Cornwall's Branch, and crosses the 
Centreville road near Carll's Corner. It included in 
its bounds the whole of the Second Ward of the city 
of Bridgeton, all of the First Ward except the ex- 
treme eastern end, and a portion of Fairfield and 
Deerfield townships. 

Richard Hancock took up a portion of this tract 
on Mill Creek, the branch of the Cohansey emptying 
into the river near the Cohansey Glass Company's 
property, now called Indian Fields Run, and put up 
a dam and built a saw-mill on the stream before 
1686. 

Governor Daniel Coxe released to the West New 
Jersey Society, March 4, 1692, all the rights of gov- 
ernment which he claimed, and the most of his rights 
in the soil, but he retained a strong interest in the 
prosperity of the province, of which he had just 
ceased to be Governor. 

The early settlers of New Jersey were mostly re- 
ligious persons, desiring to have the preaching of the 
word, but in many cases unable to obtain a minister. 
Governor Coxe and Rev. Thomas Bridge were ac- 
quaintances, keeping up a correspondence between 
them, in which Bridge had expressed an inclinatiou 
to remove from his then residence in the Bermuda 
Islands to West Jersey. Coxe informed the members 
of the West Jersey Society of this. They wrote him 
the following letter, inviting him to West Jersey, and 
agreeing to provide for him as follows : ' 

*' A Lrc from y West Jei-sey Society in Enghind to M^ Bridges. 

"London y 29«' July 1692. 

"Sf Wee are iuformed by D^ Coxe that yo" declare yo^'selfe inclyned 
togeatlier with divers other Inhabitants of the Bermudas to remove unto 
& reside in West Jeraey. Wee are very glad a Person of yo^ Principles 
& pfession should entertaine such thoughts ffor having received an 
Honob'c Character of you from diverse wee expect not onely benefitt 
should accrue unto the Inhabitants by yo^ Pious Instructions accom- 
panied with an Exemplary life But also by yo^ Prudentiall Council in 
reference to Civill & Secular atfairs wherein yo" have been Providen- 
tially necessitated to Exercise yo'selfe And as wee have been assured 
very successfully : S"" if yo" are confirmed in yo' resolution wee shall 
give you all y^ Encouragemt Countenance & Authority wee are capable 
of, Many Persons in diverse Parts of y« Country have frequently exprest 
their desires of a Minister & assure us they will Contribute towards his 
Comfortable subsistence & pay him all tliat duty respect & deference his 
worke deserves And for that D^ Ouxe hath Conveyed unto us ye Gov- 
ernment of the Country with great part of his Lands ffor your Encour- 
agem' upon your Arrival wee will give order that you may in what 
Scituation you please take up Two Thousand Acres one Thousand to be 
yo' owne in ffee forever The other to be annexed unto y office & descend 
unto him who shall Succeed you Whenever it shall please God by your 
death or otherwise to cause a vacancy. Wee are besides contriveing 
some other Methods whereby to render your station more comforttible 
Honourable & Profittable and doubt not but wee shall Conclude to your 



t N. J. Archives, vol. ii. p. 94. 



full satisfaction and all those who accompany you shall find fair dealing 

Encouragemt Protection and assistance from 
"S^ Your affectionate ffriends and Servants 
"Tho; Lane: Edm: Harrison 

"E: Richer \V" Wightman 

"James Baddington: Rob: Michell 

"JohnJurin. James S^ John-" 

Coxe also wrote him a letter Aug. 5, 1692, proinising 
to give him, in addition to the offer of the society, a 
considerable annual allowance, to be paid in money 
during Coxe's life, if Bridge so long continued in the 
province. As a result of these offers Mr. Bridge came 
to West Jersey, and became the first pastor of the 
Fairfield Presbyterian Church in this county. He 
arrived sometime previous to June 24, 1695, on which 
date he and John Green, of Cohansey, blacksmith, 
obtained from George Hutchinson, of Burlington, a 
deed for nine hundred and twelve acres adjoining 
Bellers' survey and the south side of the Cohansey, — 
six hundred and eight for Bridge aud three hundred 
and four for Green. 

But it was not until May 17, 1697, that Thomas 
Revell made a deed to Bridge for the one thousand 
acres in fee, reciting that it was done in pursuance of 
the letter above quoted. Revell held four thousand 
acres, which had been deeded to him by Jeremiah 
Basse, the agent of the Proprietors, in trust for them. 
A survey was made on the same date of the one thou- 
sand acres by Joshua Barkstead, on the east side of 
Cohansey River, " Beginning at a Pine tree standing 
on the North side of the Saw Mill creek, about half 
way between the Saw Mill and the going over X the 
Run into the Indian Fields," then running north 
three hundred and thirty-six perches, then east five 
hundred and twenty-five perches, then south three 
hundred and thirty-six perches, and then west five 
hundred and twenty-five perches to beginning, con- 
taining one thousand and fifty acres. This beginning 
corner was back of the Commerce Street Methodist 
Episcopal Church, along the run ; and the fence be- 
tween the graveyard and the parsonage of this church 
as it stood several years ago, before it was moved about 
eight or ten feet westward for the purpose of making 
a drive-way into the graveyard, was in the west line 
of the survey. 

The bend in the east side of Laurel Street, south of 
North Street, is also in this west line, and the north- 
west corner was in the vicinity of the glass-works of 
J. A. Clark & Co. ; the east line separates the farms 
of Robert C. Nichols and Dr. J. Barron Potter, on the 
north side of the Indian Fields road, east of Burling- 
ton Avenue. It was a part of the society's Pamphilia 
survey, and has since been known as the Indian 
Fields tract, the Indians having had a settlement on 
the land covered by the survey, a portion of which 
they had cleared. Bridge divided the tract by an 
east-and-west line through the middle of the tract, 
and by north-and-south lines twenty-five perches 
apart, thus dividing the whole tract into twenty-five 
acre lots, and soon sold them out to settlers. Bridge 



506 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



had another survey made for him on the same date, 
containing two hundred and twenty acres, which 
bounded on the Cohansey, Fuller's Creek, and the 
"line of the township of Pamphilia." No such 
township was ever formed, but it is probable that the 
Proprietors, in having the Pamphilia survey laid oft" 
contemplated erecting it into a township, their gov- 
ernmental powers allowing them so to do if they 
chose. 

The West Jersey Society did not sell any portion 
of the Pamphilia survey, except the one thousand acres 
conveyed to Bridge, until after the county was erected 
and the people had selected Cohansey Bridge as the 
county-seat. Why that portion of the tract lying ad- 
joining the bridge over the Cohansey, on the opposite 
side of which was the settlement of Cohansey Bridge, 
should have remained unsold so long it is difficult at 
this day to understand. It may have been owing to 
a doubt concerning the title, as Jeremiah Basse, who 
owned large quantities of land in all parts of Southern 
New Jersey, and who at one time resided at Cohansey, 
seems to have had some claim upon two hundred 
acres of the tract, comprising its most valuable por- 
tion, extending from the Saw-Mill Creek (Indian 
Fields Run) to the north line of the Indian Fields 
survey, and from that survey westward as far as the 
river. 

This claim probably originated through the four 
thousand acre tract at Cohansey, which Basse had 
taken up for Governor Daniel Coxe, and which, upon 
Coxe's sale to the society, Basse held for them, 
Bridge's one thousand acres being a part of this tract. 
At his death, in 1725, Basse left all his property to his 
two daughters and son, Burchfield Basse, and the 
latter dying without issue, it descended to his two 
daughters, Catherine Pierce and Ann Pidgeon, both 
of whom joined in conveying to William Pidgeon, 
the son of Ann, March 10, 1762, and he released to 
Alexander Moore, Oct. 10, 1765, all his interest in the 
two hundred acres. 

The fixing of the county-seat at Cohansey Bridge 
brought this laud into demand, despite any doubt 
concerning the title, and Oct. 7, 1752, the West Jer- 
sey Society, in consideration of £247, conveyed to 
Alexander Moore nine hundred and ninety acres of 
land adjoining the bridge. The beginning corner was 
on the Cohansey, about half a mile above Fuller's 
Creek (or Rocap's Run), and the line ran north of 
east about two hundred and twenty-five perches, then 
general northerly courses to the line of the Indian 
Fields tract, then bounded thereon to its upper line, 
then several courses northerly to the upper line of 
the Pamphilia survey, and along that line to the Co- 
hansey. It covers all the built-up portions of the 
First and Second Wards of the city of Bridgeton, 
west of the Indian Fields line. The price paid, £247 
in New Jersey proclamation money, would be $658,661; 
the value of a dollar being fixed at 7s. 6d., a pound 
would be worth $2.66t. 



Moore was of Irish descent, and his grandson, 
Judge John Moore White, thought he settled at Co- 
hansey Bridge about 1730, where he kept a store and 
did a thriving business, accumulating a large amount 
of property. He carried on his business in a building 
built of cedar logs, which stood on the north side of 
Commerce Street, between the Davis House hotel and 
Cohansey Street. It was removed about 1791 or 1792, 
after John Moore White came of age. Moore also 
built a large frame dwelling-house just west of Co- 
hansey Street. It was used for many years as a tavern 
after Moore's death, and was torn down to make way 
for the brick stores now standing. 

Moore, in 1754, had a plan of a town on the east 
side of the Coliausey, to be called Cumberland, laid 
off and surveyed for him by Daniel Elmer, Jr., son 
of Rev. Daniel Elmer, the pastor of the Fairfield 
Presbyterian Church. The streets were laid off at 
right angles with each other, and were all two rods 
wide excepting Market Street, which ran where Com- 
merce Street now is, and which was three rods wide ; 
the squares were eighteen and a half perches each 
way. Jefferson Street as it now exists, thirty-three 
feet wide, is the only one of the streets that exists as 
Moore planned them, and that only for part of its 
length ; Commerce and Warren Streets also occupy 
the positions he designed for streets, but the first is 
wider and the second is narrower and shorter than by 
his plan. The whole plan of the town only covered 
from about Orange Street to the river, and from Jef- 
ferson Street to a short distance above Washington 
Street. He sold a few lots by this plan, but it was 
soon abandoned, aud the town of Cumberland disap- 
peared. 

Moore, however, sold off lots mostly south of Com- 
merce Street, and before his death, Sept. 5, 1786, he 
had disposed of all that part of his survey lying south 
of that street. In his will he devised the unsold part 
of the Bridgeton property to his three grandsons, 
Alexander, William, and John Moore White. Alex- 
ander White became quite dissipated and in debt, and 
his one-third interest was sold by Sheriff Joseph Buck 
in July, 1790, and conveyed to his brother, John 
Moore White, by deed dated Feb. 26, 1791, who also 
obtained the one-third interest of his brother Wil- 
liam by deed of March 5, 1791. Both of these brothers 
died in 1794, without issue. 

John Moore White, having come into possession 
of the whole of the Bridgeton property, soon com- 
menced selling lots. He had the road to Deerfield 
altered, and laid on what is now North Laurel Street, 
from Commerce to the bend just south of North 
Street, and in August, 1792, Pearl Street, from Com- 
merce to Irving, and Irving from Laurel Street to 
Keen's Run, as the stream since known as the Slash 
was then called. He also had a plan made about 
1798 by James Trueland, who taught school in the old 
academy on Bank Street, for laying out streets across 
the whole of his tract, but only a part of thera were 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



507 



ever opened. The part of the town north of the 
main street now grew rapidly, and Moore sold nearly 
all the lots on Main (now Commerce), Front (now 
Laurel), and the west side of Middle (now Pearl) 
Streets. About 1791 or 1792 he built a large dwell- 
ing, now a part of the hotel on the northwest corner of 
Commerce and Laurel Streets, and had a large gar- 
den, which is now the hotel yards. His stables occu- 
pied the present location of the livery-stables on 
Cohansey Street. He resided here until about 1808, 
when he removed to Woodbury, where he died in 
1862, at the age of nearly ninety-two years. May 1, 
1810, he conveyed all the unsold portions of his 
tract, including his late residence and the grounds 
adjoining, to Jeremiah Buck and William Potter, for 
.seven thousand dollars, and in November of the 
same year they made a division. Potter taking the 
dwelling, which had been changed into a hotel, and 
the adjoining lot, and Buck obtaining all the residue. 

Other portions of the Pamphilia eleven thousand 
acre survey were conveyed by the West Jersey So- 
ciety to different persons in smaller lots. Robert 
Hood, one of the early Connecticut settlers, bought 
a six hundred and fifty acre tract at the east end of 
Bridge's Indian Fields tract. John Dare was deeded 
two hundred and five acres north of Hood, March 1, 
1754. William Dare obtained three hundred and 
eighty-nine acres, east of Hood, on the same date, and 
about the same time a tract of several hundred acres 
south of the Indian Fields tract, adjoining a large 
tract granted to Col. Ephraim Seeley. Abner Smith's 
one hundred and fifty acres, James White's one hun- 
dred and ninety-two acres, Nathan Bateman's one 
hundred and forty-one and one-half acres, John 
Smith's one hundred acres, Daniel Loder's one hun- 
dred acres, Thomas Joslin's one hundred and thirty- 
seven and one-half acres, Peter Bateman, Jr.'s two 
hundred acres, John Robertson's two hundred and 
forty-nine acres were all situated to the eastward of 
the Indian Fields tract. Edward Lummis' sixty 
acres, John Coney's two hundred acres, Matthew 
Parvin's one hundred and seventy-nine acres, and 
also a second tract of about the same size all lay 
south of that tract and of Alexander Moore's nine 
hundred and ninety acre tract. John Dare's two 
hundred and eighty-eight acre tract of cedar swamp 
and land adjoining was located on Lebanon Branch, 
bounding on the east line of the Pamphilia survey. 
All of these tracts were sold by the society between 
1752 and 1755. May 14, 1765, all the unsold residue 
of the Pamphilia survey was conveyed by the society 
to Alexander Moore and Daniel Elmer, Jr. The 
latter, by his will, dated April 9, 1761, left his undi- 
vided one-half to his son Timothy, and he conveyed 
it to his brother. Dr. Jonathan Elmer, Nov. 1, 1770. 
By these persons and their representatives the remain- 
ing portions of the Pamphilia tract were sold. 

North of the Pamphilia tract, and bounding thereon, 
the society had a large survey made by Worledge and 



Budd, which extended from the Cohansey to Maurice 
River, and contained about twelve thousand acres, 
covering nearly all of Deerfield township above the 
Pamphilia line, and part of Pittsgrove township, 
Salem Co. This was called the society's middle 
tract. They conveyed one thousand acres of this. 
May 26, 1740, at the southwest corner of the tract, 
joining on the Cohansey River and the Pamphilia 
tract, and extending northward to Cedar Run, after- 
wards Russell's Branch, and now Loper's Run, to 
John Jones, who was an attorney-at-law, and resided 
at Salem. After his death a judgment for debt was 
recovered against his administrator, and the tract was 
sold by Nicholas Gibbon, sheriff of Salem County, 
March 29, 1748, for the sum of seventy-eight pounds 
proclamation money, and was bought by Alexander 
Moore. Other portions of the middle tract were sold 
off in smaller tracts to persons who cleared the land 
and settled upon it. 

Fairfield township, west of Back Creek, comprising 
Back Neck and Shrewsbury, or Upper Back Neck, 
was mostly taken up by grantees under Fenwick's 
title, and the surveys were made by his surveyors, and 
recorded in the Salem records. All of these ancient 
records have since been removed to Trenton, and are 
to be found in the ofiice of the Secretary of State. 
The surveys here were made mostly for actual set- 
tlers, and in small tracts compared with those made 
for the general proprietors. Among them were 
Thomas Smith's three hundred acres of marsh, 
known as the Smith's Island tract; Richard Lippin- 
cott's one thousand acres, east of Smith's Island ; 
Joseph Helmesley's one thousand acres in Lower 
Back Neck, John Ireson's five hundred acres, Wil- 
liam Worth's five hundred acres, now the Laning's 
wharf property, and William Johnson's two hundred 
and fifty acres. 

John Bellers, a London merchant, had two surveys 
made for him in 1686. The largest one, containing 
three thousand seven hundred acres, extended from 
Mill Creek, in the vicinity of Fairton, to Back Creek, 
the Cohansey being the northern boundary, and took 
in all the land in the neighborhood of New England 
Town cross-roads. The other, containing fifteen hun- 
dred acres, lay on both sides of Cedar Creek, above 
Cedarville. These tracts were taken up for him by 
Thomas Budd, by virtue of a power of attorney, 
which also authorized him to survey nine hun- 
dred acres of the land, and he conveyed. May 2, 
1697, four hundred acres to four of the settlers 
from Connecticut, to be located by them in any 
part of the survey they chose. These settlers, who 
came from Fairfield, Conn., a short time previous to 
this, located on the Bellers survey, about New Eng- 
land Town, under leases from Budd for nine hundred 
and ninety-nine years, subject to the payment of 
yearly quit-rents of one half-penny per acre, if the 
same should be demanded. Budd also entered iuto 
bonds to make them a complete title, or to pay them 



508 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



for their improvements. Sellers died about 1724, 
without having completed the title to the settlers, 
but by his will he devised it to trustees in trust for 
his sou, and if he should die without heirs, then to 
his two daughters. In the mean time the land, being 
very favorably situated, had been mostly taken up 
and improvements made thereon, and the inability to 
secure a perfect title was a great detriment to the 
settlers. 

In 1746, Rev. Daniel Elmer, the pastor of the 
Fairfield Presbyterian Church, obtained a convey- 
ance for four hundred acres from Ephraim Seeley, 
the grandson and heir-at-law of Joseph Seeley, who 
was the last survivor of the four persons to whom 
Budd had conveyed four hundred acres in 1697, but 
which they had not located. He located it so as to 
cover their meeting-house, which then stood near the 
Cohausey, where the old graveyard still remains, and 
also the adjoining farm occupied by himself. At- 
tempts were made by the settlers to obtain the title, 
but without success. 

The nominal quit-rents were never paid, and the 
lands having been conveyed from time to time, osten- 
sibly in fee-simple, to persons, many of whom had no 
knowledge of the original title, the occupants claimed 
to hold them free from any claim under the Sellers 
title. Benjamin Chew, an eminent lawyer of Phila- 
delphia, and his son, Benjamin, Jr., were appointed 
agents of the heirs in 1795, and were authorized to 
settle with the occupants and convey to them ; but 
claiming as their own, they refused to purchase, and 
resisted all attempts to survey or take possession of 
their lands. The Chews commenced suits in the Su- 
preme Court of this State, and obtained a verdict in 
one of the cases which was tried. Most of the occu- 
pants then agi'eed to submit the matters in dispute to 
arbitrators, which was done, and in September, 1806, 
they awarded to the Bellers heirs two dollars and 
fifty cents per acre, and seventy-five cents per acre 
for costs, upon the payment of which deeds were 
made to the occupants, finally extinguishing the Bel- 
lers claim against such as paid after one hundred 
and twenty years had passed from the vesting of Bel- 
lers' title. The title to those portions unsold or not 
settled for was conveyed by the heirs of Bellers, and 
of the trustees appointed by him to the Chews, and 
in 1810, Benjamin Chew, Jr. (his father having died 
a few months before) deeded the same to James D. 
Westcott, of Fairfield. 

South of the Bellers survey, Joseph Helby, a brewer 
in London, obtained a survey for seven thousand five 
hundred acres, which extended from Delaware Bay 
in the lower part of Back Neck, across Back Creek, 
and took in Sayre's Neck and Cedarville, one of the 
corners of the survey being a tree on the south side 
of Cedar Creek, where now is the mill-pond at Cedar- 
ville. He conveyed it to Samuel Barns, Aug. 7, 1730, 
who sold off parts of it to settlers, and after his death 
the remainder of it was disposed of by his heirs. 



The land on the south side of Autuxit Creek, where 
Newport is situated, was conveyed by Col. Thomas 
Byerly to Dickason Sheppard, Oct. 30, 1722. The 
tract was sold for fourteen hundred acres, but by a re- 
survey made for Sheppard it contained fifteen hun- 
dred and ninety acres. He sold off portions of it, and 
in 1744 deeded to his son, Dickason, Jr., three hun- 
dred and twenty acres, and to his son Jonadab three 
hundred and forty-eight acres of it, upon which they 
settled, and at their deaths they each devised their 
parts to their children. Dickason Sheppard, Sr., also 
had a tract of sixteen hundred and fifty acres of land 
and salt marsh, lying on the shore of Delaware Bay, 
below Autuxit Creek, which he bought of Thomas 
Bolton and John Budd in 1723, and which he divided 
among his children. 

In the months of April, May, and June, 1691, 
Thomas Budd and John Worledge came down the bay 
in a vessel, and ran out a number of surveys in the 
lower part of this county and in Cape May.^ In the 
lower partof Downe and Commercial townships they 
set off ten thousand acres for Dr. James Wass, of Lon- 
don, which covered the land between Maurice River 
and Dividing Creek, the west line of the tract running 
across the latter stream from north to south. It was 
called the Yoekwack trace, a small run which crosses 
the road from Dividing Creek to Port Norris having 
the same name. 

On the east side of Maurice River they laid out a 
twenty thousand acre survey for Robert Squibbs, Sr., 
and Robert Squibbs, Jr., of Westminster, Middlesex 
Co., England. Penn, Laurie, and Lucas, trustees for 
Byllinge, who also joined in the deed, had conveyed 
to Robert Squibbs, Sr. and Jr., March 2, 1676, in 
consideration of three hundred and fifty pounds, 
which Byllinge owed them, one proprietary share of 
West Jersey, and Robert Squibbs, Sr., quit-claimed 
all his interest to Robert, Jr., in 1686, who had also 
become possessed of another proprietary share in 
December, 1681, by deed from Laurie, Lucas, and 
Byllinge, to whom Penn had conveyed his interest in 
April of that year. By virtue of these two shares 
Squibbs had this survey run out. It began on the 
east side of Maurice River, nearly opposite Port 
Norris, and ran eastward into Cape May County, 
nearly one-third of the survey being in that county ; 
the lower corner was on the bay shore, below Goshen 
Creek. All of the Heislerville and Ewing's Neck 
neighborhoods were covered by it. Squibbs died in 
1694, and by his will directed his executors to sell his 
estate for the payment of his debts, and they con- 
fveyed it to Thomas Byerly, of London, Jan. 26, 1705. 
In 1717 he released to the society a tract of four 
thousand seven hundred and twenty -six acres of the 
lower end in Cape May County, he having had the 
quantity allowed to his share by the four dividends 
which had been declared by the society without it. 

1 Bcealey's Early ITi^tory of Capo May. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



509 



In 1723, Byerly, who then resided in New York, sold 
to Andrew Erricksou, mariner, eleven hundred and 
fifty-five acres in Maurice River Neck, which he had 
previously rented for several years. No other portion 
of the tract except Stipson's Island, in Cape May 
County, were sold by him. He died in 1725, and his 
executors, by direction of his will, disposed of the 
most of his estate, but did not sell this tract. In 
1763 his niece, Elizabeth Byerly, the surviving de- 
visee under his will, conveyed it to Israel Pemberton, 
of Philadelphia, and his heirs in 1804 deeded it to 
William GrilBth, who sold several parts of it, and in 
1805 conveyed to Thomas H. Hughes, who the next 
year conveyed to John E. Coates and Benjamin B. 
Cooper all that portion in Cumberland County ex- 
cepting the previous grants. 

Worledge and Budd also ran out at the same time 
a town plot of Dorchester, containing two thousand 
five hundred acres, which extended from the north 
line of Squibbs' survey up the river above the pres- 
ent village of Dorchester, and extended back from 
the river so as to include all of the present belt of 
improved land. No town was built on this tract until 
during the present century. 

Farther up the river the same surveyors laid off a 
survey of ten thousand acres for John Bartlett, which 
covered the present site of Port Elizabeth and the 
land along Manamuskin Creek. Bartlett conveyed 
it to John Scott, by whom it was sold out in smaller i 
tracts. About 1720 he sold to John Purple that por- 
tion of it where Port Elizabeth now stands. Purple 
was one of the early settlers and leading citizens of 
that part of the county, and was one of the chosen 
freeholders from that township when the county was 
formed in 1748. He conveyed to John Bell, and he 
to Mrs. Elizabeth Clark {afterwards Bodely) in 1771. 
She laid out a town plot about 1785, which was 
named Port Elizabeth in honor of her. 

The lands embraced in the limits of the city of 
Millville, Landis township, and the eastern parts of 
the townships of Fairfield, Downe, and Deerfield, 
were located in two surveys to Richard Penn and 
Thomas Penn, by virtue of proprietary rights which 
they obtained by the wills of their father, William 
Penn, and of their brother, John Penn. One of their 
surveys, containing nine thousand five hundred and 
forty-three acres, was on the west of Maurice River, 
and extended from the head-waters of Autuxit and 
Cedar Creeks and the Town Branch (or Mill Creek at 
Fairton) to the Maurice River at Millville, and from 
the head of Autuxit northward to the south line of 
the society's middle tract, joining on the east line of 
the Pamphilia tract. The other survey, on the east 
of the river, contained nineteen thousand nine hun- 
dred and sixty-two acres, exclusive of smaller sur- 
veys previously made, and covered nearly all the 
land included in the limits of the city of. Millville 
(which embrace a large scope of woodland outside 
the built-up portions of the city) and of the town- 



ship of Landis. Richard Penn (the elder), by his will 
made in 1768, left his three-fourths of these two sur- 
veys to his son, Richard Penn (the younger), to whom 
Thomas Penn, who owned one-fourth, conveyed his 
share in 1771. 

In 1776, Richard Penn, by his attorney. Tench 
Francis, conveyed nine thousand four hundred and 
sixty-one and a half acres, part of the nineteen thou- 
sand nine hundred and sixty-two acre survey, to- 
gether with a number of. other tracts in this county, 
and five thousand seven hundred and ninety-six acres 
on the west side of Maurice River, in Salem County, 
niostl)' lying adjoining one another, and containing 
in all over twenty thousand acres, to Joseph Burr, 
James Verree, John Bispham, and John West, who 
also bought a number of other tracts from other per- 
sons, making them owners of about twenty-four thou- 
sand acres in all. 

John West's share was transferred to Joseph Smith 
in a few months, and these men formed themselves 
into a company, called the Union Company, and their 
estate was long known as the Union Mills Tract. 
Their object in this was without doubt to work off the 
timber which covered almost the entire country, val- 
uable tracts of cedar swamp lying along the river and 
its branches, besides the oak and pine on the higher 
lands. They made no attempt to improve or settle 
the land. In 1795 the Union property was sold by 
Joseph Smith, Henry Drinker, George Bowne, and 
the other members of the company to Robert Smith, 
Joseph Buck, and Eli Elmer; Ezekiel Foster also 
had a one-eighth interest in it. Millville was laid 
out and named by Buck, who soon removed there 
from Bridgeton, and lots were sold off to settlers. All 
the residue of the two surveys of the Penns was con- 
veyed by Benjamin Chew, Richard Penn, Jr.'s attor- 
ney, to John Moore White, James Giles, and Jere- 
miah Buck, all of Bridgeton, who sold off parcels to 
a large number of persons. The most of it lying west 
of the river is still woodland. 

That portion of the Penn nineteen thousand nine 
hundred and sixty-two acre survey outside of the 
built-up portions of the city of Millville was held 
mostly in large tracts of from five hundred to four 
thousand five hundred acres, and passed through the 
hands of various purchasers, who only cut the wood 
and timber upon it from time to time until about 1813. 
Between that date and 1816, David C. Wood and Ed- 
ward Smith, of Philadelphia, gradually bought up 
the most of these different tracts, including the Union 
Mill Company's property, and brought down the water 
to Millville and erected a blast-furnace. Smith con- 
veyed his one-half part of the whole property to Jo- 
seph Jones, March 25, 1816, and he to Jesse B. Quinby 
two days later, who sold it to Wood, the owner of the 
other half, Feb. 22, 1817. He bought up nearly the 
entire remaining portions of the Penn survey, and 
became the owner of about twenty thousand acres, 
covering nearly all of the county east of Maurice 



510 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



River and north of Millville, and portions of Salem 
and Gloucester Counties adjoining. Becoming em- 
barrassed in business, his property was sold, partly 
by a master in chancery on foreclosure proceedings, 
and partly by the sheriff on judgments against him, 
and was bought by his brother, Richard D. Wood, of 
Philadelphia. That portion of it outside of the 
built-up portions of the city of Millville remained in 
woodland until Charles K. Landis purchased it and 
established the settlement of Vineland, in the fall of 
1861. It is now in large part cleared and cultivated, 
and contains a large population of thrifty and enter- 
prising inhabitants. 

The progress of the early settlement of any country 
is intimately associated with the titles to the land, 
since the cultivation of the soil is the first employ- 
ment in a new country. Good titles to good lands, 
easily acquired, attract settlers. A knowledge of the 
titles to land, from whom derived and when acquired, 
is necessary before the student of history can thor- 
oughly understand the motives and aims of settlers 
and the progress of their settlements. The titles to 
land in Greenwich being acquired from Fenwick, and 
being conveyed to Friends, stamped that community 
with a characteristic which has never been lost. 
Robert Ayers' two thousand two hundred acres pur- 
chase, in 1705, gave to the county the community of 
Sabbatarians at Shiloh and vicinity ; and could a 
clear title have been earlier obtained for the Sellers 
survey, the county-.seat would probably have been at 
the town which Daniel Elmer tried to establish on 
the banks of the Cohansey, below Fairton, in the 
midst of the enterprising New England Town settlers. 



CHAPTER LXXIX. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Who were the first white settlers in the limits of 
Cumberland County is not known. It has been said 
that some of the Swedes, who made a settlement far- 
ther up the Delaware in 1638, established themselves 
on the shores of Maurice River previous to any other 
white settlers in the county, but no evidence has been 
found to sustain this opinion, although it is probable 
that such was the case. In a book called " Historical 
anO Genealogical Account of the Province and Coun- 
try of Pennsylvania and of West New Jersey," pub- 
lished in London, in 1698, by Gabriel Thomas, a 
Friend, who a short time before had returned from 
this country, he speaks of Prince Maurice River, 
" where the Swedes used to kill the geese in great 
numbers for their feathers only, leaving their car- 
casses behind them." How long a time before the 
date of his book he meant is not stated, but it implies 
that there were some Swedish settlers there previous 
to his publication. Whether the first settlers or not, 



the descendants of many of the Swedes are quite nu- 
merous to this day. 

There is no evidence to show that any of the New 
Haven settlers, who came into the Delaware and 
settled on Salem Creek about 1641, and who were 
dispersed by the Dutch, under orders from Governor 
Kieft, of New York, were permitted to remain in any 
part of the country, although there are statements to 
such effect. The jealousy of the Dutch concerning 
the trade of the South or Delaware River was so 
great that they refused to permit them to remaiu, 
and all the data now accessible leads to the conclu- 
sion that they were entirely driven out. 

There is no certain evidence now known that any 
white settlei's had located in the limits of what is now 
Cumberland County previous to the settlement of 
Salem by Fenwick in the fall of 1675. He proceeded 
at once to extinguish the Indian title to the land, and 
by the next spring he had bought all the rights of the 
Indians from Oldman's Creek to Maurice River. The 
first business was the setting off to the purchasers of 
the lands which they had bought of Fenwick. To 
accomplish this, an agreement, dated Fourth month 
(June) 25, 1676, signed by part of the settlers, .setting 
forth the manner in which it should be done. Among 
other things, it provided 

" that every purchaser that is, resident shall forthwit'^ have his tract of 
land set out, the one-halfe in the lib'tie of Cohansick, the other halfe in 
the lib'tie of AUowayes, or as the said chiefe proprietor shall order the 
same here or elsewhere. . . . That there shall be a neck or piece of land 
sett out for a town att Chohanziche, and divided into twoe p^t^, the one 
for the chiefe proprietor, the other to be sett out into towne lotts for the 
purchasers, w^^ lotts are to be reckened as part of their purchases ; the 
chiefe proprietor is to settle, gratis, upon the towne, a corner of marsh, 
and to dispose of his part for the incouraging of trayd, &c. That the 
lotts shall be sixteen acres apiece, and that every purchaser shall take 
their lott in the towne as they come to take them up and plant them.'' 

Those who had themselves come to settle were 
given the first choice of town lots, and their tracts of 
land were first surveyed for them, aiifl after that the 
choice was to be according to the order in which 
future settlers should come. 

This is the first mention of the name Cohansey, 
and tradition says that it was the name of an Indian 
chief who resided in this region. The correct spell- 
ing of the Indian name is supposed to be Cohanzick. 
The whole region drained by that river was called 
Cohansey for many years, but the town above pro- 
vided for soon took the name of Greenwich. Except 
as the name of the river, this Indian cognomen is 
now known only as the name of a small cross-roads 
post-office, established in 1870, near the head-waters 
of the river and close to the Salem County line, and 
as the name of one or two beneficial societies. It is 
much to be regretted that this beautiful Indian name 
was not retained for Greenwich, or that when the old 
name of Cohansey Bridge for the county-seat was 
changed, the last of the two words was not dropped 
instead of the first. 

The Indian name of the river, according to some 
authorities, was Canahockink, but on the earliest 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



511 



map of the Delaware and its shores, made by the 
eminent Swedish engineer, Peter Lindstrom, in 1654 
and 1655, the Indian name of the Cohansey is given 
as Sepahacking. Fenwick, in his will, directed that 
it should thereafter be called Cassaria River, but that 
name never came into general use. 

Fenwick designed peopling his whole tenth, and 
therefore planned the laying out of a town at Cohan- 
sey, and the setting off of lands to the settlers there 
and at Alloways as before mentioned. But Salem, 
being the seat of the chief Proprietor and of the 
principal settlers, naturally attracted the most of the 
succeeding arrivals, while the difficulties and doubts 
concerning the title which Fenwick possessed, grow- 
ing out of the Edridge and Warner mortgage, deterred 
many from settling in his colony. 

The laying out of the town at Cohansey seems to 
have been delayed until after Fenwick's death, but 
some of the first purchasers took up their lands in 
this county. James Wass's five thousand acres, 
Joshua Barkstead's five thousand acres in right of his 
brother John, Edward Duke's six thousand acres, 
Joseph Helmsley's one thousand acres, John Smith's 
one thousand acres, and other tracts, all of which 
were sold by Fenwick before leaving England, were 
located in the region of the Cohansey. The land on 
the east of Cohansey, between that river and Back 
Creek, early attracted the notice of the new-comers, 
and was covered with small surveys. 

As early as June 6, 1678, less than three years from 
the arrival of Fenwick, William Worth, one of his 
grantees, had a survey made for him by Richard Han- 
cock, Fenwick's deputy surveyor, of five hundred 
acres of land, which included the present Laning's 
wharf property opposite Greenwich. He sold one- 
half of the tract in 1688, and the remainder at a later 
date. He is the first person known to have settled 
east of the Cohansey, but was soon followed by others. 

Fenwick, on his arrival, had instituted a govern- 
ment for his colony independent of the other pro- 
prietors of West Jersey, claiming that by the terms 
of his grants he was empowered so to do. Tenacious 
of his authority and rights, as he viewed them, he 
steadfastly refused to yield one iota of his govern- 
mental privileges, until the progress of events and 
the adherence of the leading settlers of his colony to 
the government established at Burlington made it no 
longer possible to resist. The West Jersey Assembly 
appointed oflBcers and enacted laws for Salem at its 
first meeting in November, 1681, and did the same 
the next year. A large number of the Salem settlers 
had signed the Concessions and Agreements for the 
government of the whole of West Jersey, and their 
acknowledgment of the authority of the Assembly 
made it evident to Fenwick that a separate govern- 
ment was impossible. At the session held May 2-15, 
1683, he himself became one of the members, and it 
was unanimously agreed that the Concessions and 
Agreements agreed on March 3, 167f, were bind- 



ing throughout the whole province ; but Fenwick, 
with the tenaciousness characteristic of the man, as- 
serted that his tenth was not subject to those agree- 
ments at that time, " but now freely consenteth there- 
unto." A short time preceding this (March 23, 
168|) he had conveyed to William Penn all his 
remaining rights in the land and government of 
West Jersey, excepting thereout one hundred and 
fifty thousand acres of land, and reserving the right 
to keep courts lect and courts baronial within the said 
tract under the government of Penn. Thus was ended 
the dispute concerning the rights of government, and 
the complete merging of Fenwick's colony in that of 
West Jersey was accomplished. His reservation of 
the right to keep the old minor courts which pertained 
j to the lord of the manor was further set out in his 
will, dated Aug. 7, 1683, wherein he ordered two 
manors to be erected near Salem, and also one at 
Cohansey, as follows : 

" Item, I give and Bequeath uuto my three graudchildren & Heirs 
ffeiiwick Adams, Samll Hedge the younger & John Chanipness for their 
Lives and to tlieir heirs male Lawfully begotten forever and Soe Siickces- 
sively as Aforesd all that Tract of Land Lying upon the River Heartofore 
called Oohauzey Which I will Have Hereafter called Caesaria River & 
which is known By the Name of the town Neck and my Will is that it 
togeather With ye Land on tiie other Side Which is called Shroshury 
Neck [upper Back Neck] and other the Lands thereunto Belonging 
Which is contained in ray Indian Purchas and so up the Bay to the 
Mouth of Monmouth River [Alloways Creek] and up Monmouth River 
To the Head or ffurthest Branch thereof A' soe in a straight Line to y 
head of Caesaria River all which I will to he called the Mannor of Cae- 
saria and that there Shall be A City Erected and marshes & Land al- 
lowed as my Executors Shall see convenient at Erecting thereof which 
I Impower them to Doe And to Name the same, ffurther my Will is 
that out of yo Residue of ye Land & Marches Shall be Divided equally 
amongst my Said Heirs & that ffenwicks Divident Shall Joyne to y? 
Town & Bacons Creeke [probably Pine Mountain Run] — Where my Will 
is thear Shall be A House Erected & called ye Mannor House for Keep- 
ing of Courts & that y other two Dividents Shall amount uuto one 
Thousand Acres at Least." 

This projected manor included in its bounds the 
townships of Greenwich, Stow Creek, and Hopewell, 
in this county, and nearly the whole of Lower Allo- 
ways Creek, Quinton, and Upper Alloways Creek town- 
ships, in Salem County, but no attempt was ever made 
to carry out the directions of the will. The genius of 
the government established by Fenwick himself, as 
well as that by the other settlers, was entirely opposed 
to those old feudal customs and rights wherein the 
lord of the manor held rights and privileges not 
derived from the people. 

By his will Fenwick also directed his executors to 
proceed with the laying out of the town of Cohansey, 
by first selling off" the lots that he was to have, and 
then giving every freeholder a lot, upon condition 
they build upon it as his executors should think fit, 
and also provided " further I Give & my minde is 
That Martha_Smith my Xtian friend to have A Tenn 
Acre Lott in the Town of New Salem and Two Lotts 
of Land at Chohansey at the Town intended on y' 
River Cwsaria equal with the Rest When Settled as 
before is appointed." 

In pursuance of his plans and directions, his ex- 



512 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



ecutors, William Penn, John Smith, of Smithfield, 
Samuel Hedge, his son-in-law, and Richard Tindall, 
his surveyor-general, laid out the town at Greenwich. 
The main stieet was made one hundred feet wide, in 
accordance with the Concessions and Agreements, 
which provided for streets in cities, towns, and vil- 
lages to be not less than one hundred feet in width. 
Sixteen-acre lots were run out on each side of the 
main street, two of which, as ordered by Fenwick's 
will, were set oif to Martha Smith. She was the wife 
of John Smith, of Amblebury. They, with four 
children, came with Fenwick in the " Griffin." One 
of those lots John Smith and wife Martha sold to 
Alexander Smith, May 4, 1685. Besides those, Fen- 
wick's executors sold sixteen-acre lots to the follow- 
ing: 

Alexander Smith, March 10, 16S5. 
Mark Eeeve, Aug. 9, 1686. 
Thomas Watson, Aug. 11, 1686. 
John Clark, " " " 



John Mason, Sept. 29, 1688. 
ThomasSniith, " " " 

■William Bacon, Dec. 16, 1G89. 



J 



Joseph Browne aud Lucie, his wife, Feb. 16, 16|g. 
Samuel Bacon, Sept. 29, 1690. V , 
Jeremiah Bacon, June 1, 1696. \\ 

<( tc tt (( (( 

Edward Hurlburt, April 13, 1696. 

It (( (( t( C( 

Joseph Dennis, Oct. 15, 1700. 

Enoch Moore, Jan. 10, 170J. 

Obadiah Holmes, Jan. 10, 170^. 
" •' " 1702. 

Francis Alexander, March 2, 170i. 

Obadiah Holmes, June H, 1698, twenty-two acres of marsh on Mill 
Creek, adjoining the lot where he then lived in Greenwich, in two lots 
of nine and thirteen acres. 

Sixteen-acre lots at Greenwich were also set oflf to 
others by warrants directed to Richard Tindall, sur- 
veyor-general, and his deputy, Johu Worledge, as 
follows : 

James Clark, 3d month, 5th, 1685. 

Richard Danger, 4th month, 16S5. 

John Nichols, 6th month, l:Uh, 1685. 

Georgo Proud, oth month, 2d, 1688. 

Josluia Barkstead, oth month, 2d, 1688 (2 lots). 

Roger Carary, 12th month, 14th, 1685. 

John March, 6tb month, 18tb, 1687. 

John Ketcham, 3d month, 15tb, 1691. 

Of these purchasers, Mark Reeve, Thomas Smith, 
William Bacon, Joseph Browne, Samuel Bacon, Jere- 
miah Bacon, Enoch Moore, Obadiah Holmes, John 
Nichols, and Joshua Barkstead are known to have 
settled on their lots, and are among the first settlers 
at Greenwich. Francis Alexander perhaps settled on 
his lots for a few years, but soon removed across the 
Cohansey, and was one of the leading citizens of Fair- 
field. All the purchasers mentioned above, except 
Moore, Holmes, and Alexander, were of the Society of 



Friends. Most of the first settlers of Greenwich were 
Friends, and a few of them settled in Stow Creek, and 
also in Shrewsbury Neck, opposite Greenwich, and at 
a later date on Maurice River, but in no other por- 
tions of the county were there more than scattered 
members. 

After the doubts concerning the title to lands in 
this region, growing out.of the disputes between Fen- 
wick and the other Proprietors, were ended new set- 
tlers arrived in increasing numbers. Besides the 
Friends, a large number came from the mother-coun- 
try, and from New England, Long Island, and East 
Jersey, and settled in the limits of this county before 
1700. 

Among the early settlers on the north side of the 
Cohansey, beside the purchasers of lots at Gireenwich 
already mentioned, were Samuel Woodhouse, John 
Roberts, Sr., Jonathan, Samuel, and John Dennis, 
Gabriel Davis, Charles Bagley, John Brick, who came 
from England and settled on his one thousand acre 
tract at .ferioho (all of whom were Friends), and 
John Williams, Roger Maul, Job Sheppard, son of 
John, who was one of the first settlers in Back Neck ; 
Thomas Craven, John Miller, Noah Miller, William 
Daniels, Robert Robins, John Taylor, Richard 
Butcher, William Johnson, John Swinney, William 
Remington, Jonathan Walling, Edward Fairbanks, 
James Hudson, Nathaniel Bishop, Thomas Stathems, 
Thomas Maskell, and Samuel Fithian (both of whom 
settled first at Fairfield), John Chatfield, Michael 
Iszard, Joshua Curtis, Thomas Berriman, John Ware 
(who came from Salem), Thomas Waithman, and 
Henry Joyce. Most of these came with the New 
England Town settlers. They mostly settled in Green- 
wich and the lower part of Hopewell township, and 
some few in Stow Creek. The, next generation spread 
over the upper parts of Stow Creek and Hopewell. 
Jacob Ware, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, settled in Upper 
Hopewell, on a part of James Wass's survey, in the 
first part of the last century, and has left a long line 
of worthy descendants in that region. Harbar Peck, 
who came from Connecticut, also settled there, and 
has descendants, mostly in the female line, still resid- 
ing in the county. 

Rev. Timothy Brooks and a number of Welsh Bap- 
tists came from Swansea, Mass., about 1687, to which 
place Rev. Johu Miles and his church came about 
1642 from Swansea, Wales. Among Brooks' com- 
pany were Samuel and Dan Bowen, Caleb Barrett, 
and Noah Wheaton. They were the first settlers at 
Bowentown and the vicinity. Robert Ayars came 
from Rhode Island and settled in Shrewsbury Neck,, 
but soon removed to the two thousand two hundred 
acre tract he bought of James Wass, and was one of 
the first settlers in the vicinity of Sbiloh. 

Shrewsbury and Back Necks, in Fairfield township, 
were settled almost at the same time as Greenwich, 
the land being mostly taken up by actual occupants. 
Quite a number of them were Friends, and the rest 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



513 



were mostly the early Baptist settlers. Among the 
Friends were Thomas Smith, who died in 1692, and 
Mark Reeve, who died in 1694, both of whom first re- 
sided at Greenwich ; Solomon Smith, son of Thomas, 
who afterwards removed to Burlington, and was a 
carpenter; William Worth, James Pierce, and AVil- 
liam Shattock, all of whom only remained a few years, 
and John Gillman, Sr., who settled here about 1683, 
and died in 1695. The first Baptist settlers in South 
Jersey came in 1683, and settled in Back Neck. 
Among them were David, Thomas, James, and John 
Shepherd (the first three of whom are known to have 
been brothers, and there is no doubt that the last was 
also a brother), Thomas Abbott, who died in 1718, 
and William Button. 

Between 1694 and 1697 a large number of settlers 
from Fairfield, Conn., settled east of the Tweed or 
Back Creek, on John Bellers' two surveys, taking the 
land from his agent, Thomas Budd, on a nominal quit- 
rent, and with a bond from Budd to make a complete 
title or pay them for their improvements. In May, 
1697, the Legislature, sitting at Burlington, enacted 
the following: 

" An Act for Fairfield erectedinio a Totimship : 

" Whereas, the Peopling of the Province does increase the value 
thereof, and some encouragement to new settlers is a means to effect the 
same; Be it enacted Uy the Governor, with the advice of the Council & 
Representatives in this present Assembly met and assembled, and by the 
authority of the same, that the Tract of Land in Cohansy, purchased by 
several people, lately inhabitants of Fairfield in New England, be, from 
and after the date hereof, erected into a Township, and be called Fair- 
field, which is hereby impowered to the same privileges as any other 
Township in this Province are or have been, that are not towns incor- 
porate." 

The region of country which they occupied centred 
around the cross-roads made by the road from Back 
Neck to Maurice Eiver and the road from Cohansey 
Bridge to Cedar Creek and Autuxit, which then 
crossed one another near where the present road from 
the Swing's meeting-house graveyard and the old 
Presbyterian graveyard in its rear strikes the road 
from Fairton to Rockville. For over a century this 
was well known as New England Town cross-roads, 
but the alterations in the old roads and the growth 
of the village of Fairton, not far off, have gradually 
caused the neighborhood to be of less importance and 
the name to be less used, and at this day it is only 
heard from the older inhabitants, while its exact loca- 
tion is known to few. 

They were followed within a few years by a large 
number of others from Connecticut and from East- 
hampton and Southampton, on Long Island, many of 
whom had removed to those towns from Connecticut. 
These settlers possessed the thrift and enterprise 
which has made New England proverbial. They 
and their descendants for many years wielded a pre- 
dominating influence on the south side of the Co- 
hansey, as all the region east and south of that river 
was called, and have made an ineffaceable mark upon 
the whole history of the county, whether viewed in 
its religious, social, or political aspect. Their de- 
33 



scendants are still among the leading citizens, not 
only of Fairfield, but also of other portions of the 
county, and are to be found in every State in the 
Union. 

Among these settlers, those known to have left de- 
scendants in this county were Capt. Joseph Seeley, Jo- 
seph, David, and Ephraim Sayre (all brothers), John, 
Jonathan, and Samuel Ogden, Daniel Westcott, Samuel 
Fithian (who removed to Greenwich in a few years), 
Thomas Harris, Henry Buck, Levi Preston, Thomas Di- 
ament, Thomas Maskell (who also removed to Green- 
wich), Benjamin Stratton, Thomas Bennett, Jeremiah 
Bennett, John Mills, Edmund Shaw (whokeptaninn as 
early as 1698, the first in Fairfield), Leonard Berriman, 
James Padgett, Benjamin Davis, and Michael Hannah. 
Others of the settlers were James, Samuel, and Francis 
Alexander, Samuel Barns, Joseph Wheeler, Nicholas 
Johnson, John Shaw, William Clarke, Anthony Dick- 
ason, Thomas Alderman, John Fairchild, Joseph 
Riley, Thomas Furbush, John Green, John Bishop, 
and the ancestors of the Daytons, Mulfords, Howells, 
Roses, Piersons, Reeves (excluding the Mark Reeve 
family), and Lawrences. Besides these, others settled 
on the south side of Cohansey, coming from various 
places, some of them probably from Connecticut and 
Long Island: Richard Whitaker (a Friend, who first 
settled in Salem), Joseph Eastland and Charles Bag- 
ley (also Friends), John Batemau, Thomas Parvin, 
Philip Vickary (who came from Salem), Capt. Wil- 
! Ham Dare, John Row, Jonathan Fithian, Stephen 
1 Halford ; Robert Dougless settled at Cedar Creek ; 
i Garret Garrison bought lots in the Indian Fields 
tract and settled there, but soon sold them and re- 
moved to Autuxit; J.ohn Garrison settled at Autuxit; 
Joseph Smith at Fairfield, and was a carpenter; and 
Joseph Grimes, from whom the bridge mentiofied in 
the laying out of thcfoad from Salem to Maurice 
River in 1705 probably took its name. 

The first person known to have settled where 
Bridgeton now is was Richard Hancock, who, after 
he ceased to be Fenwick's surveyor-general, came to 
this place, and built a saw-mill on the Indian Fields 
Ruu, from which the run was sometimes called Mill 
Creek. 

The run at that time flowed up where the Pearl 
Street dam now is, and around on the north side of 
the houses which stand on the north side of Pine 
Street, facing the present race-way to the stone bridge, 
and across the Pine Street dam at the foot of the hill, 
and so on up as at the present day. At high water 
the present meadow, reaching up nearly to Commerce 
Street, south of the Episcopal Church, was covered 
with water. Hancock's dam crossed the stream near 
where the present Pine Street dam is, and his mill 
stood on the low ground just below it. In 1772, Col. 
Enos Seeley, who had come in possession of the prop- 
erty, cut the present race-way, and removed the saw- 
mill to the lower end of the race, just below the pres- 
ent stone bridge. He also built the present Pearl 



514 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Street dam at the same time. How long Hancock 
remained here is not now known. 

The first permanent settlement in the neighbor- 
hood of Bridgeton was at the Indian Fields, where 
Bridge had run out his tract into tvventy-five-acre 
lots, and soon sold them out. Some of the New Eng- 
land Town people settled on this tract, and owned 
farms comprising several adjoining lots on Bridge's 
plan. Robert Hood, James Riley, and Edward Lum- 
mis were among the number, and their descendants 
retained the property which they bought until within 
the last twenty years, the last being disposed of 
during the spring of this year. William Dare, Jr., 
son of Capt. William Dare, who came from the county 
of Dorset, England, to this region, and who was 
sheriff of Salem County from December, 1703, to 
September, 1705, bought several of these lots in 1710, 
■ and settled there. It was the farm on the south side 
of the run, directly south of the canning establish- 
ment of Warner, Rhodes & Co. His descendants re- 
tained it until about 1867. Ephraim Seeley, the 
eldest son of Capt. Joseph Seeley, of New England 
Town, settled on the lots at the southeastern corner of 
the Indian Fields tract, which included the present 
pond on East Commerce Street, known as East Lake, 
and all the land east of the west line of the Com- 
merce Street Methodist Episcopal graveyard, and 
south of Irving Avenue, now mostly covered with 
residences. He probably put up the dam, and built 
the first grist-mill and fulling-mill. He died in 1723, 
and willed the mill property to his son Ephraim. 

With the same spirit of enterprise which brought 
the New England settlers to Fairfield, they and their 
descendants soon spread over other portions of the 
county. Quite a large number of the first-comers re- 
moved to Greenwich and Hopewell, as already men- 
tioned, and some years later they became the first 
settlers in Deerfield. Benjamin Davis resided in the 
lower part of Back Neck, near the present excursion 
resort on Ben Davis' beach, called Sea Breeze, which 
beach received its name from him for over twenty-five 
years. About 1725 he bought one thousand acres of 
land of Col. Daniel Cox, of Burlington, part of the 
society's middle tract, lying south of the Presbyterian 
Church, to which he removed with his wife and 
family of five sons and two daughters, from whom 
the large family of that name in Deerfield township 
have descended. Samuel Ogden also removed to 
Deerfield about that time, and left descendants. 
Among the other families, descendants of the Fair- 
field settlers, who removed to Deerfield were some of 
the Padgetts, Parvines, and Strattons. 

The region about Newport, or Autuxit, as it was 
called until later years, had a few settlers at an early 
date. Garret Garrison and John Garrison were there 
in 1710, and are probably the ancestors of the families 
of that name residing in that part of the county. 
Capt. William Dare came from Dorsetshire, England, 
and settled in Fairfield as early as 1695, and was a 



large land-owner in Back Neck and in Lebanon Cedar 
Swamp, and was sheriff of Salem County from De- 
cember, 1703, to September, 1705, and held various 
other important oflSces. He removed to Autuxit pre- 
vious to 1719, and died there in 1720. His son 
Benoni resided there also for many years, but re- 
moved to Greenwich previous to his death, in 1770. 
Jeremiah Nixson, who was probably the son of John 
Nixson, who lived and died near Salem Creek in 
1692, settled at Autuxit previous to 1719. He was a 
shoemaker, and was the ancestor of the Nixon famih' 
of this county, who are among the leading citizens of 
later years. Edmund Shaw's descendants early re- 
moved to this neighborhood from Fairfield, and Lan- 
cet Sockwell was here previous to 1719. Both of 
these have left numerous descendants. Dickinson 
Shej)pard, son of John, one of the first settlers of that 
family, bought the land where Newport now is in 
1722. Part of it he sold to Thomas and David Shep- 
pard, but his sons, Dickinson, Jr., and Jonadab, and 
his son-in-law, William Paulin, succeeded him in the 
ownership of a large portion of it, upon which they 
lived, and some of their descendants have ever since 
resided in that vicinity. Hezekiah Lare settled in 
this neighborhood about 1733, and bought a tract of 
eight hundred and ninety-three acres in Autuxit 
Neck. Seth Lare, probably a son of Hezekiah, set- 
tled at Dividing Creek as early as 1751, and owned 
part of the land covered by the village. 

Gabriel Glann, the ancestor of the large family of 
that name, who have resided mostly in Downe and 
Commercial townships, settled in that region as early 
as 1728. William Dallas soon after that time settled 
at what is now Port Norris, and established a ferry 
across the river, from which the neighborhood was 
called Dallas' Ferry for many years. 

Daniel England located at Buckshutum, and built 
a saw-mill there previous to 1705, at which date the 
road from Salem to Maurice River was laid, and still 
resided there in 1717. 

The earliest settlements along Maurice River were 
made by the Swedes, among them being the ancestors 
of the Hoffman, Peterson, Vanneman, Errickson, 
Lord, Henderson, and Riggins families of that neigh- 
hood. Andrew Errickson rented from Thomas Byerly 
a tract of laud on the east side of Maurice River, 
near its mouth, as early as 1720, and in 1724 he 
bought the same from Byerly. Joseph Lord and 
Joseph Thompson were also settlers who rented of 
Byerly as early as 1720. Peter Peterson settled and 
built on the east bank of the river, just above Port 
Norris, on the farm now or lately owned by S. Robin- 
son, about the same time .John Peterson settled on 
the land where Mauricetown now is, in 1730, and 
owned a number of tracts of land near there. Wil- 
liam Rawson settled on the Menantico, and built the 
mill afterwards Learning's mill previous to 1720, 
and about that time John Purple bought the land 
where Port Elizabeth now stands. Among other 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



515 



early residents along Maurice River were Daniel 
Dunaho, William Denton, Samuel Thompson, and 
William Reed, none of whom, as far as known, have 
descendants in the count}'. 

At the organization of this county Greenwich was 
nearly the only place that could be called even a vil- 
lage. The New England Town settlers were located 
on their farms, with their church and a school -house 
as a common centre, but very few of the houses were 
clustered together, and the title of neighborhood 
better describes it than either town or village. At 
Cohansey Bridge were not more than a dozen scat- 
tered houses, with one or two exceptions, all on the 
west side of the river. 

The Deerfield people were located on their farms, 
with their church as a centre. At Indian Fields, a 
mile east of Bridgeton, was a small neighborhood, 
while at Cohansey Corners (now Shiloh) and Sayre's 
Cross-Roads (now Roadstown) were, at most, two or 
three houses. At Autuxit and along Maurice River 
were scattered settlers, and the sites of Millville and 
Vineland were still covered with the primeval forest. 

In the settlement of this county, as in all tliis por- 
tion of the State, the religious element was promi- 
nent. The Friends at Greenwich, the Baptists in 
Back Neck and about Bowentown, and the Presby- 
terians at New England Town and in Greenwich 
and Lower Hopewell, and at a later date at Deerfield, 
all brought with them strong attachments for their 
respective beliefs, and were earnest and active in 
propagating them. No sooner were they fairly set- 
tled than they turned their attention to perfecting 
their religious organizations and building houses of 
worship for themselves. That stability of character, 
uprightness, and purity of life which has ever 
marked the earnest believer in Divine truth were 
especially prominent in these early settlers, and have 
left an indelible impress on the whole history and 
progress of this count}'. 



CHAPTER LXXX. 



ROADS. 



The early settlements were made along the streams, 
which afforded means of communication with one an- 
other and with other portions of the province. The I 
need of land communication was foreseen, and by the 
Concessions and Agreements it was provided that 
convenient portions of land should be granted for 
highways and streets, not under one hundred feet in 
breadth, in cities, towns, and villages. At the first 
Assembly, held at Burlington, Nov. 21-28, 1681, a 
highway was ordered laid out from Burlington to 
Salem, to be begun before the 1st of the next April, 
and that ten men from Burlington and ten from 
Salem should be appointed for that work. This road 



was laid out as ordered, and passed through Haddon- 
field and Woodbury, and near where Clarksboro now 
is, and Swedesboro to Salem. 

One of the corners of the Gibbon survey, made 
Nov. 15, 1682, is a white-oak "standing near the 
Path which leads to Cohansey or Antioch Town 
Piatt; thence N.N.E. along the Path to a white-oak 
standing by the Path near the Pine Mount." The 
map annexed to the survey shows "the path" run- 
ning from Antioch or Greenwich Town northward 
across the whole tract in two nearly parallel branches, 
which separated at the town, and ran not very far 
apart, but gradually widened as they ran northward. 
One of these was undoubtedly the path to Salem, and 
the other probably led to the fording-place over the 
Cohansey at the present site of Bridgeton. The early 
settlers followed the Indian paths, and the use of the 
term " the path" indicates that it could have been at 
that time scarcely more than an Indian trail. The 
first roads that were laid out generally followed the 
old Indian paths. 

In May, 1683, the Assembly authorized the courts 
of each county to appoint overseers of roads in each 
tenth. They continued to be appointed by the courts 
until June 8, 1753, when an act was passed author- 
izing them to be elected at the annual town-meetings. 
In May, 1684, a general act was passed for the laying 
out of highways in each tenth, and commissioners 
were appointed for that purpose, viz. : for Salem 
Tenth, Andrew Thompson, George Deacon, Thoma.s 
Smith, James Pierce, Edward Champneys, and Jo- 
seph White. Another act was passed which recited 
that application had been made by several inhabitants 
of Salem Tenth for laying out of necessary highways 
there, and then enacts that such highways should be 
laid out in Salem limits, and appoints the above six 
persons commissioners, or any four of them, to do it. 
Two of them resided in the limits of this county, — 
Thomas Smith at Greenwich, and James Pierce op- 
posite Greenwich, in Shrewsbury Neck. The same 
commissioners were reappointed the next year. What 
roads in this county were laid out by them is unknown, 
but there is little doubt a highway was laid from Salem 
to Greenwich, and across the river to Fairfield and 
Maurice River, somewhere near where the road laid 
in 1705 was more definitely fixed, the " old road" 
being continually referred to at that time. Commu- 
nication with the seat of government at Burlington, 
on the part of the settlers west of the Cohansey, was 
by way of Salem, and the King's Highway from 
there. The coming of the body of Fairfield settlers, 
a short time previous to 1697, made a demand for a 
more direct route, and a road was laid out from Fair- 
field to Burlington about that time which is still in 
use, and is the oldest road east of the Cohansey, and, 
excepting Greenwich Street, is probably the oldest 
road in the county which traverses the same ground 
where it was first laid. It ran from New England 
Town to Mill Creek, above Fairton, crossing it where 



516 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the mill then stood, below the present dam, then fol- 
lowing the Indian path, it crossed the Indian Fields 
tract about a mile east of Bridgeton, and through 
tlie present Carllsburg, in Deerfield township, and 
along the road as now used, west of the West Jersey 
Railroad, by the Lutheran Chapel, through Green- 
ville, to the Pine Tavern, which for many years was 
a noted place for the entertainment of man and horse 
on the line between Salem and Gloucester Counties, 
but no longer a hostelry, and from there through Mul- 
lica Hill to the road from Burlington to Salem, near 
Clarksboro. It ran nearly along the water-shed be- 
tween the Cohansey and Maurice Rivers, and thus 
avoided crossing the streams and more elevated 
ridges between them. No record of it existing, it 
was relaid in 1768 as a four-rod road, from the 
county line to the line of Fairfield township at 
Coney's Run. It is still in general use, except the 
portion in that township, and is well known as the 
old Burlington road. That part of it in the city of 
Bridgeton is now called Burlington Avenue. 

In November or December, 1705, a four-rod road was 
laid out " for the broad Road therein the Province 
from Salem to Greenwich, thence to Fairfield, thence 
toward Morrisses River," but the return being lo.st 
by the death of the clerk of the court, a second re- 
turn was made in February, 1707. It ran from the 
foot of Broadway, in Salem, up that .street "where 
the horse Mill was formerly which Did belong to 
Edward Chamnis," — 

" then to AUo-vvays Creek over the bridge that was called Tobias 
Quinton's Bridge to the old bridge at the head of the Cedar Swamps ; 
then along the old road to Gravely rnnne [at Jericho] So along the old 
road to Long Bridge [over the run still called Long Bridge run, near 
the residence of the late Bellbrd M. Bonham, dec'd], keeping the old 
road untill itt Come to an Oak tree marked with the Letter G [a corner 
of the Gibbon Survey], thence down on the "West Side of Pine mount 
branch to the Old goeing over Place Into the Towns Necke [at the 
head of Greenwich] between Timothy Brandreth's Letts & Jonathan 
Wheaton's Lolts ; Then along the old roade to Greenwhicli Landing at 
the Wharffe and over Cohaiizey Creeke over against the Wharfe Into 
the Marsh which was James Pearces, Thence along ye Mareh about Six 
pearches from the Side of the Creeke untill itt Cometh to the fast Land 
between James Pearses Land and Mark Reeves Land and along the 
Laine keeping the old road to henery Bucks att Fairfield ; then alonge 
on the Norlh Side of that place of Water [probably Back Creek] thorow 
ye Lett Tliat was Thomas MasTJIls, Then keeping the road along by 
the Meting house [at Fairfield] and along by Joseph Seelyes to Grime's 
Bridge, Thence keeping the Old road untill itt Cometh to the road that 
goeth to Daniell Englands Saw-Mill, to Two oak Trees Standing on Each 
side of the Road marked with the Letters M. M." 

Judge Elmer says that Daniel England's mill was 
at Buckshutum, and that Grimes' Bridge was prob- 
ably over Rattlesnake Run, at Fairton. This road 
took the place of the old road, which was probably 
laid about 1684, by the commissioners appointed by 
the Assembly. It is substantially the same road in 
use at the present day, some portions of it, however, 
having been changed. 

Sept. 21, 1709, the surveyors of the highways made 
return of another four-rod road from Salem to Co- 
hansey, by way of John Hancock's bridge, over 
Alloways Creek, and then " along ye new marked 



road to John Mason's mill, and so from thence into 
ye old road near Gravelly Run, and so to Cohansey" 
(Greenwich). John Mason's mill had been built only 
a short time. It is now known as Maskell's mill, and 
is on the upper branch of Stow Creek, in Lower Al- 
loways Creek township. 

The survey for Robert Hutchinson, in 1686, men- 
tions the " place of going over to Richard Hancock's 
mill," which stood on the Indian Fields Run, where 
Pine Street crosses the old channel of the stream, 
near the Second Ward school-house, in Bridgeton. 
The Cohansey was fordable here at low water, but 
when the tide was in the fording-place was about one- 
third of the way up the present Tumbling Dam Pond, 
from the point of land above Ireland's mill cove 
across to the eastern side. The earliest road from 
Greenwich led across the Cohansey at this place, and 
then in a southeastern direction to the road from 
Fairfield to Burlington. A bridge over the Cohansey, 
where Commerce Street now is, was built previous to 
1716, and the road was changed to cross this bridge. 
After the county was set off' from Salem, most of the 
roads used, many of which had never been laid out, 
were more definitely fixed. 

The road from Greenwich, through the lower part 
of Springtown to Sheppard's mill, and then through 
Bowentown to Cohansey Bridge, was laid out June 8, 
1763. The next day a road was laid from Cohansey 
Bridge to Joseph Brick's mills, at Jericho. It began 
in the road just mentioned, where that turns to the 
southward towards Greenwich west of Bowentown, 
and then ran to " Annanias Sayre's house" (Roads- 
town), then along the road to where the old road 
runs to the southward at David Cook's farm, by Asa 
Harner's, Stow Creek, town hall, to Nathan Harner's, 
and then to Jericho. The same day the road from 
Joseph Brick's mills to Greenwich was relaid, leaving 
the last road at Nathan Harner's, and along the road 
as now used by the farm of Charles Bitters, across 
the head of Macanippuck Branch, and down to the 
head of Greenwich. This is almost identical with 
the road laid in 1705. On the following day the same 
surveyors laid out a road leading from Greenwich to 
the county line near Canton, across the head of 
Seeley's mill-pond, and along where the lower Stow 
Creek school-house now stands. On the 5th and 6th 
days of the same month the same surveyors had re- 
laid the road dividing Stow Creek from Hopewell, 
from the county line through Shiloh, Roadstown, and 
Springtown, to the main street at Greenwich, at the 
Presbyterian meeting-house. This road was again 
laid out and straightened in 1796 by commissioners 
appointed to lay out a road from Roadstown to Cam- 
den, since which it has been known as the Com- 
missioners' road. 

In August of the same year a road was also laid 
from Carlltown (as the neighborhood around the 
cross-road above Columbia Corner, in Stow Creek 
township, was called for many years), crossing the 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



517 



present turnpike near the upper toll-gate, and along 
the southerly side of the county line stream to Jeri- 
cho, then along the road laid out the same year from 
Cohansey Bridge to Brick's mills to the place where 
Nathan Harner now lives, and then a general westerly 
course to John Barracliff''s landing, on Stow Creek 
(now called Stow Creek Landing). This gave the resi- 
dents of the upper parts of Stow Creek and Hopewell 
access both to Brick's mills and to a landing on which 
to deliver cordwood and lumber, a large business in 
■wood being done for many years at every landing 
throughout the county, until tlie decreased supply 
lessened the business. 

A road from Bridgeton to Dutch Neck was laid out 
in 1758, and in 1796 it was altered and run as it is 
now, Fayette Street being the northerly end of it. 

The straight road from Bridgeton to Roadstown 
was first laid in June, 1789, but a certiorari was taken 
to the Supreme Court, and it was set aside at April 
term, 1791. A new application to the surveyors was 
made, and it was again laid, as it is now, in January, 
1792. A certiorari to set this return aside was also 
brought, but the Supreme Court dismissed it. 

A four-rod road was laid from Bridgeton, through 
Deerfield to the county line, in 1768, and in 1796 it 
was straightened and relaid from Commerce up Lau- 
rel Street, and the course of the present turnpike 
road to Loper's Run, and in 1811 from that run to 
Deerfield. The road from Bridgeton to Carll's Cor- 
ner, up the present North Pearl Street, was laid out 
in 1811, beginning at Irving Avenue and running the 
course of the present road. The straight road from 
Bridgeton through Indian Fields was laid in 1814, 
and those from Bridgeton to Shiloh, and from the 
Commissioners' road above Shiloh, northwest to 
Marlboro in 1825, in which year the road from Shep- 
pard's mill, over the causeway to the lower pari of 
Greenwich, was also laid out. 

No record is known of the road leading from Co- 
hansey Bridge through the lower townships until 
1763, although such a road existed prior to that date. 
In that year a four-rod road was laid from the bridge 
over the Cohansey up Commerce Street ; then turn- 
ing to the south near the Commerce Street Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, it crossed the bridge over the 
head of the Hancock mill-pond, and up the hill to 
the old road, and from there to Joseph Ogden's mill- 
dam, at Fairton, which was lower down the stream 
than the present one. This road was extended to 
Dallas' Ferry in about a month, crossing Rattlesnake \ 
Gut; then to the cross-roads at New England Town, I 
and along the road by the present farm of Harris I 
Ogden to Cedarville, Middle Run, Shaw's mill, at 
Autuxit (then called Ogden's Mill), over Oranoken 
at the Beaver Dam, across Dividing Creek bridge, 
and to the Maurice River at Dallas' Ferry, by which 
name Port Norris was known for many years. The 
beginning of this road was changed in 1785, so as to 
run down Pearl Street from John Westcott's store- 



house, which then stood on the southeast corner of 
Commerce and Pearl Streets, to Enos Seeley's land, 
and over his dam and mill-race, and then up what is 
now Willow Street to an intersection with the old 
road. 

The road from the King's Highway, leading to Di- 
viding Creek through the present village of New- 
port, to Autuxit Landing was laid out in 1760 through 
Dickinson Shepherd's fields, he being the owner of 
fourteen hundred acres of land covering the location 
of this road. In 1799 the part from Newport to the 
Fast Landing on Autuxit was relaid. 

The road from Port Norris northward through Ha- 
leyville to Buckshutum was laid out in 1793. 

The straight road from Bridgeton to Fairton was 
laid in 1798 ; that from Fairton to the " Old Stone 
Church," in 1803; from New England Town, by the 
farm where Harris Ogden now lives and the " Old 
Stone Church," to Cedarville mill-dam, in 1799 ; and 
from that dam direct to David Page's mill, on Au- 
tuxit Creek, in 1803 ; and the present road from said 
mill to the beaver dam on Oranoken, in the same 
year. 

May 12, 1697, "An Act for a road to and from Cape 
May" was passed, reciting" Whereas, The inhabitants 
of Cape May County do represent themselves as 
under extreme hardship for want of a road from Cape 
May, through their county, to Cohansey, in order to 
their repair to Burlington to attend the public service," 
and appointed commissioners residing in Cape May 
to lay out a road before the 10th day of the next Sep- 
tember, the expense of the road to be borne bj' the 
inhabitants of Cape May. How soon it was laid out 
is not known, but it was not finished until 1707, when 
it was opened through the cedar swamps extending 
across the entire county from the head of Dennis 
Creek to the head of Cedar Swamp Creek, a branch 
of Tuckahoe River. 

These swamps were the great obstacle to intercourse 
by land between the more inhabited portions of Cape 
May below the swamps and the western part of the 
county and other portions of the province.' Cape 
May County then included all east of Maurice River, 
it not being reduced to its present limits until 1710. 

The road crossed the cedar swamps above Dennis- 
ville at the bridge called Long Bridge, and farther 
north it is the present line between this county and 
that portion of Maurice River township set off to Cape 
May in 1878 ; then it ran northwest across the head of 
Tarkiln Branch, which empties into Tuckahoe River; 
then bears to the eastward around the head-waters of 
Muskee Creek and its branches ; then a northwest 
course, a little south of the present straight road from 
Cumberland Furnace to Hunter's Mill, to Manamus- 
kin Creek, at Cumberland Furnace or Manamuskin 
Manor ; then across the Menantico at Leaming's Mill 
and Maurice River above the tide, crossing Chatfield 

1 See Beesley's Early History of Cape May, p. 170. 



518 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Branch at a dam made by the beavers, from which it 
was called Beaver Dam until within a few years, when 
it has been named St. Martens; then to theCohansey 
near Bridgeton, where it joined the road from Fair- 
field to Burlington. That portion of it in Maurice 
River township is still known as the Old Cape road, 
and is used to some extent, buc the laying out of more 
direct highways has caused this, like most of the 
other roads which followed the old Indian trails, to 
be abandoned for most of its course. This road was 
one of the most important highways in the county, 
being the one traveled from all the western part of the 
county through Cohansey Bridge to Maurice River 
and Cape May, and the only means of land commu- 
nication by the Cape May people until 1762, when the 
toll-bridge across the cedar swamps on the creek of 
that name below Petersburg was built. 

A bridge was built over Maurice River where the 
Old Cape road crossed that stream probably soon 
after it was laid out, iigainst which a presentment 
was made at May term, 1754, of the Court of Oyer 
and Terminer for being out of repair, and the court 
ordered the township of Maurice River to pay a fine 
of ten pounds unle.ss it was repaired by next term. 
Application was at once made to six surveyors of the 
highways from this county and six from Cape May, 
and on June 20, 1754, they laid out a road from Ber- 
riman's Branch, near Learning's Mill, straight to the 
place on Maurice River called the Shingle Landing, 
and across the river and in a direct line to the Beaver 
Dam, which road " we appoint the highway instead 
of the upper road over said river at the place called 
the New Mill." Shingle Landing was where Millville 
now is, and probably acquired its name from being 
the place of shipment for the product of the mills 
farther up the stream. A bridge was built at this 
place, resting on log cribs, before 1756, after which 
the old road soon ceased to be used. Shingle Landing 
became Maurice River New Bridge, which it con- 
tinued to be called until Joseph Buck laid out the 
present town and named it Millville. 

In October, 1756, a four-rod road was laid, begin- 
ning at the new bridge on Maurice River Landing, 
at or near Lucas Peterson's house, and ran up the 
road which formerly went to Iszard's Mill (which 
was probably at Buckshutum), and along the north 
side of White Marsh Run to the head of Town 
Swamp, " into a road called Iszard's road," then 
down it to the road from New England Town to 
Cohansey Bridge. Iszard's road was probably the 
road mentioned in 1705 as going to Daniel England's 
saw-mill, now owned by Iszard. The road laid out at 
this time was the old road from Millville to Fairton. 

In February, 1757, a road was laid from the same 
place in a direct course to the head of Buckshutum 
Cedar Swamp, and then on to where Cedarville now is, 
being nearly the same as the present road from Mill- 
ville to Cedarville. In December, 1800, this road was 
relaid as it now exists. 



The road from Port Elizabeth across the township 
to Tuckahoe was laid out in 1794. 

The road from Millville northward on the west side 
of the West Jersey Railroad to the county line, well 
known as Malaga road, was laid out in August, 1796, 
and at the same time Main Street was laid out from 
the river, nine rods above the location of the bridge 
at that time, due east forty-two rods to the beginning 
of Malaga road. 

The road from Millville to the county line, called 
Hance's Bridge road, was laid out in 1808, com- 
mencing on Main Street, twenty rods east of the 
beginning-point of the Malaga road ; the straight 
road from Millville to Port Elizabeth was finally 
located as now used after a long contest in 1818 ; that 
from Millville, east of the West Jersey Railroad, to 
the county line, known as the Horse Bridge road, in 
1827; and the new Souder's Mill road, from Millville 
to the county line, in 1828. A road from Port Eliza- 
beth, across Maurice River at Spring Garden Ferry, 
then up to Buckshutum, and a straight road from 
there to Bridgeton, was laid out in 1810. 



CHAPTER LXXXL 
EARLY HISTORY. 

After the first settlements the peopling of the 
county proceeded slowly but steadily, other settlers 
also coming in from the other provinces and from 
Europe. The formation of the early churches and 
other local items will be found under the respective 
townships. Among those of a general nature of in- 
terest at the present day the following are noted. 

The name Cohansey was used for many years as 
the designation of the region watered by that river 
from Cohansey Bridge to its mouth, both sides of the 
stream being called by that name. The town laid out 
at Cohansey by Fenwick's executors was designed to 
be called by that name, but after the locating of some 
of the Connecticut settlers in the town it gradually 
acquired the name of Greenwich, probably from the 
town of that name in Fairfield County, Conn. The 
region now included in this county, previous to its 
setting off from Salem, was generally known as the 
north and south sides of Cohansey, although Fair- 
field was also used in place of the latter name. The 
two sides of the Cohansey were made precincts or 
townships previous to 1706. The first minutes of the 
courts of Salem County that have been preserved 
commence with the term begun Sept. 17, 1706, and 
at the next term, in December of that year, constables 
were appointed for all the precincts in the county, 
including the " north side of Cohansey" and " Fair- 
field." The southern precinct was also called Fair- 
field, and the northern one Greenwich, in 1727 and 
1728, but every other year, up to and including 1742, 



GENEKAL HISTORY. 



519 



after which the minutes are missing, they are called 
the north and south sides of Cohansey, and have the 
same officers as other townships of the county. In 
1715 and 1716, and again in 1735, 1741, and 1742, the 
officers appointed for both sides are divided into those 
for the upper and lower parts of those sides, but this 
seems to have been merely for the convenience of the 
inhabitants, no regular division into two parts having 
been made. In 1718 a constable was first appointed 
for " Morris River," as it is called, the settlers along 
the river having increased in number so as to need 
such an officer. Under this designation both sides 
of the river were included, and in 1741 and 1742 one 
was appointed for the west side and one for the east 
side of the river. An overseer of the roads was also 
appointed for Maurice River in 1728, and continued 
afterwards, and in 1742 one for each side. No other 
officers were appointed for Maurice River. In 1736 
two constables were appointed for the town of Green- 
wich, and each year after that one was appointed. 
The courts seem to have had and exercised the power 
to appoint necessary officers for those portions of the 
county which were not included in any organized 
township. 

The line which afterwards, on the setting off of 
Cumberland, became the county line between Deer- 
field township and Pittsgrove township, Salem Co., 
was first established in 1731. At the February term 
of court, on reading a petition from the overseer of 
roads for Cape May, Joseph Reeves, Samuel Elwell, 
and Capt. Job Shepherd were appointed to run a 
division line between Pilesgrove (which then included 
Pittsgrove) and the south side of Cohansey. A return 
of this line as run out by them was made, beginning 
at the head of Fenwick's Run, a branch of Salem 
Creek, and then a direct southeast course "to ye main 
Branch of Moresis River half a mile nor-east from 
the Bridge called Lumes's Bridge and from thence 
upon a straight Corse to the end of the Countey." 
This line is at this day the division between Piles- 
grove and Pittsgrove townships on the northeast and 
Mannington and Upper Alloways Creek townships on 
the southwest, as well as between the two counties. 
What is now Landis township and the upper part of 
Maurice River were by this line placed in Pilesgrove. 
What the overseer of roads for Cape May had to 
do with it is difficult to understand. ''Lumes's" 
[Lummis' ('?)] Bridge was the bridge where the old 
Cape road crossed Maurice River. 

At the first court, Sept. 17, 1706, Obadiah Holmes 
was one of the two judges, and Joseph Sayre, James 
Alexander, and Samuel Alexander were three of the 
five justices present. They all resided in the present 
limits of this county, as did also Joseph Eastland 
(foreman), John Shepherd, John Williams, and Noah 
Miller, members of the grand jury. Thomas Craven 
was one of the constables from the north side of Co- 
hansey, and James Padgett from the south side. 
During the succeeding years a large proportion of the 



judges, justices, and jurors were from this part of the 
county. On the accession of Lord Cornbury as Gov- 
ernor in 1703, upon the union of East and West Jersey 
in one government, a contest at once arose between 
the Quakers, who had heretofore been the controlling 
element in West Jersey, and the Governor, who 
heartily detested the doctrines which led them to 
oppose him in his endeavors to enlarge the royal au- 
thority in the province. In this contest those settlers 
of other denominations beside the Friends became 
involved, and the great political contest in West Jersey 
for many years was between the Quaker and non- 
Quaker elements, each striving to mould the legisla- 
tion of the colony for their own benefit. ■ The acri- 
mony and bitterness of the contest has not been 
surpassed in later years. All the devices and tricks 
which are popularly supposed to be inventions of 
modern political warfare were resorted to. Illegal 
votes were taken if they were on the right side, and 
legal ones rejected, false returns of those elected were 
made, riots at the polls were had, and contested seats 
for the purpose of throwing the organization of the 
Legislature into the hands of the other party were 
among the incidents of the day, and charges of bribery, 
extending even to the Governor, were freely made 
and partly substantiated by sworn proof Cornbury 
and the succeeding royal Governors backed the non- 
Quaker element as against the Quakers, although 
they opposed the Governors in many things, and all 
appointments to office were largely made from that 
element, which, in Salem County, caused the undue 
proportion of officers among the Baptists and Pres- 
byterians of Cohansey. 

The royal Governors continually strove to obtain 
the largest possible amounts for the support of their 
government, but taxes were odious to the people 
whether Quakers or non-Quakers, and their payment 
was delayed and resisted on any pretext. In 1714 
acts were passed appropriating £2550 for the support 
of her Majesty's government in New Jersey, and for 
collecting the arrearages of taxes since 1708. The 
levying of taxes under these acts seems to have created 
a small-sized rebellion on the north side of Cohansey, 
which included nearly all the male tax-payers of that 
region. They united to resist payment on the grounds 
shown by the following paper drawn up and signed 
by them : 

" Wee whose Karnes are under Writteu do Utterly Denie to pay or 
i Suffer to be taken by Distress or any other ways any money Goods or 
any other thing by Frances Pagit our so called Constable Because wee 
Doubt of his Being a Lawful Constable & more especially Because wee 
have been Illegally Assesed by an Asseser who being a known & open 
profest Roman Catbolick which is Utterly Repugnant U> the Laws of 
Great Brittain and Contrary to y« Rights & Liberties of his Royall 
Majti" faithful! Subjects & if wee Submitt to Suffer or Acknowledge any 
such Roman Catholick to Usurp or have any place in office of pruffitt or 
trust Among us wee Should Count our selves Traytors to his Maj^c our 
King & all True Protestants 



' Thomas Maskell. 
Joseph Denes (Dennis). 
Jonathan Bennies, Jr. (Dennis), 
Samuel Dennis. 



Zebulon Stathem. 
Jno. Chandler. 
Thomas Stathem. 
Chrisf Fitz Randolph. 



520 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Kob" Robins. 
pWm Biicon. 
' JoBepb Bacon. 

Sam" Bacon. 

Peter Fitz Randolph. 

Thomas Craven. 

Jacob Tapping. 

Richard Smith. 

Charles Dennis. 

Philip Stathem. 

Alexr Smith, Jun'. 

Peter Craven. 

Robert TuUie. 



Thomas Twigg. 
John Bacon, i 
W^" M'attson. -^ 
Enocli Mare. 
Joseph Simkins. 
Seth Smith. 
Alexf Foreman. 
Jno. Cook. 
Rob^ Alexander. 
Joseph Alexander. 
Jno. Reed. 
David Sayre. 
Josiah Fithing." 



t 



At the June term, 1715, all of these persons, ex- 
cepting Alexander Foreman, John Cook, ami Robert 
Alexander, " all of Cohansey, yeomen," were in- 
dicted for resisting the constable and refusing to paj' 
or suffer him to make distress for the tax. A copy of 
the paper was transmitted to the Lords Commission- 
ers for Trade and Plantations at London by Governor 
Hunter, accompanied by a letter wherein he says, 
" They are all from New England who have signed it, 
but whether they be a true sample of the body of the 
people there, or only a sett of unquiet or restless men, 
who could be easy nowhere, and so left that Province 
for this, I cannot determine, but this I confidently 
affirm, that all the oposition and vexation I have 
met with in both these Provinces (New York and 
New Jersey) has been in a great measure owing to 
those who have come to us from that," which shows 
that the Governor was not very favorably disposed 
towards the New England people. David Shep- 
pard and Joseph Smith, of the South Side, were in- 
dicted for like resistance to Samuel Westcott, the 
constable there. The collection of this tax was so 
unpopular that when the court at the same term ap- 
pointed Jonathan Holmes as constable for the North 
Side, he refused to be qualified, and was committed 
to the custody,of the sherifi" for his refusal. At the 
next term a certiorari was presented removing the 
above indictment to the Supreme Court, but what 
further became of it is not known. 

At March term, 1716, the granting of tavern licenses 
first began, the court having made regulations for 
this purpose at the preceding term. John Brick was 
licensed to keep a tavern at his mills, now Jericho, at 
that term, which was renewed until 1729. Charles 
Angelo and Alexander Smith were also licensed at 
the same term, and Angelo again in 1718, both in 
Cohansey. Other licenses within the limits of Cum- 
• berland at that early day were : Edward Shaw, in 
1718 and 1719 ; Richard Ogden and William Rawson, 
in 1722, the latter at his mill on Menantico ; Jacob 
Ware, at Greenwich, in 1728, '29, '41, and '42 ; Wil- 
liam Watson, at Greenwich, from 1733 to 1742 ; James 
Carruthers, at Greenwich, 1737 to 1739; John Foster, 
at Greenwich, 1737 ; Silas Parvin, at Cohansey Bridge, 

1737 to 1741 ; ■ Fitz Randolph, at Greenwich, 

1739; Elias Cotting, at Cohansey Bridge, 1739 to 
1742 ; Edward Sheppard and Jeremiah Nixon, on the 
south side of Cohansey, in 1739, and the latter again 



in 1742; William Doubleday, at Cohansey Bridge, 
1740; John Bell, at Maurice River, 1740 to 1742; 
John Butler, Greenwich, 1741 and 1742 ; and John 
Peterson, at Maurice River, in 1742. After August 
term, 1742, the minutes of the courts are missing, as 
are also those from December term, 1722, to March 
term, 1727. 

At September term, 1716, the grand jury made a 
presentment against Dickinson Shepherd for disturb- 
ing the poll on the fourth Tuesday of that month at 
the election in the town of Salem. At that time the 
election was held at only one place in a county. 
What the disturbance was is not known, and nothing 
further was done with it. At that election Shepherd 
was a candidate, and was elected a member of the 
Assembly. 

Officers were appointed by the court for the differ- 
ent precincts or townships in the county. The follow- 
ing is a list of those for the precincts now included in 
Cumberland. Though the officers are not of great 
importance, yet the early date when they served, and 
the information they give as to the early settlers ren- 
der the list interesting : 

NOETH SIDE OF COHANSEY. 







Freeholders. 




1216. 


For the upper part, Samuel 


1721. 


Job Shepherd. 




Wooilhouse, James 


Hud- 


1722. 


Job Shepherd. 




son ; for the lower 


part, 




John Padgett. 




Thomas Maskell, Jonathan 


1727. 


Richard Wood. 




Watson. 






John Remington. 


1718. 


Joseph James. 
Josiah Fithian. 




1728. 


Thomas Waithman. 
John Remington. 


1719. 


John Padgett. 




1730. 


Thomas Waithman. 




William Bawa (Bowen). 




Elisha (Elijah) Bowen 


1720. 


Job Shepherd. 




1732-33. Thomas Waithman 




John Padgett. 






John Remington. 


1721. 


Nicholas Johnson. 


Asse 


ssors. 




1701. 


Joseph Brown. 




1722. 


Henry Joyce. 




Richard Butcher. 




1727. 


Thomas Padgett. 


1709. 


Joshua Barkstead. 




1728. 


Samuel Holmes. 


1718 


Samuel Holmes. 




1730. 


Abial Carll, Jr. 


1719. 


Henry Joyce. 




1731. 


Samuel Holmes. 


1720. 


John Brice. 




1732. 


Abial Oarll. 


1721. 


Samuel Holmes. 


Colli 


1733. 
ciors. 


Samuel Holmes. 


1701. 


Samuel Woodhouse. 




1727 


Samuel Holmes. 


1709 


Jonathan Dennis. 




1728 


Josiah Fithian. 


1718- 


-19. Thomas Maskell. 




1730 


Samuel Dennis. 


1720 


Anthony Woodhouse. 




1731 


Josiah Fithian. 


1721 


John Padgett. 




1732-33. Nicholas Gibbon. 


1722 


Josiah Fithian. 










Sill- 


leyors 0^ 


f Highiuays, 


1705-6. John Bacon. 




1727. 


William Watson. 




Jonathan Walling. 






Joseph James. 


1718 


David Sayre. 
Noah Miller. 




1728. 


Robert Ayres. 
Philip Dennis. 


1719 


James Watson. 
John Ware. 




1730. 


Benoni Dare. 
Abraham Hudson. 


1720 


Thomas Craven, 
Seth Brooks. 




1731. 


Josiah Fithian. 
Job Shepherd. 


1721 


David Foster. 
Josiah Fithian. 




1732 


Benjamin Dare. 
James Robinson. 


1722 


Enoch Moore. 
Dan Bowen. 




1733. 


Ebenezer Miller. 
Charles Davis. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



521 





Constabh'S. 




1706. 


Thomas Ci-aven. 


1722. 


Isaac Brooks. 


1707 


Roger Mall. 


1727, 


Samuel Dennis. 




Thomas Craven. 




Benoni Dare. 


1708 


John Miller. 


1728. 


William Watson. 




No.ih Wheaton. 




Robert Terry. 


1709 


Job Sheppard. 


1729. 


Thomas Wallin. 




John Taylor. 




John Peaton. 


1710 


Alexander Forman. 


1730. 


Richard Wood. 




Josiah Fithian. 




Seth Brooks. 


1711 


James Hudson. 


1731. 


Ananias Sayre. 




George Simpkins. 




Abraham Hudson. 


1712 


George Sinipkius. 


1732. 


Charles Fordham. 


1713 


David Foster. 




Daniel Bishop. 




Samuel Holmes. 


1733. 


John Garman. 


1714 


Gabriel Davis. 




Charles Fordham. 




Jonathan Holmes. 


1734. 


Charles Fordham. 


1716 


March. Francis Padgett. 




James Robinson. 




Jonathan Holmes. 


1736. 


Richard Butcher. 


1715, 


September. John Brick. 




Richard Mills. 




Robert Robins. 




Nathaniel Beevy (Bilby?)) 


1716 


John Brick. 


1736. 


David Shepherd. 




Thomas Stathem. 




Nathaniel Bilby. 


1717 


Andrew Padgett. 


1737. 


Bilby Shepherd. 




Enoch Shepherd. 




Nathaniel Bilhy. 




John Bowen.i 


1738. 


Samuel Harris. 


1718 


Thomas Field. 




Bilby Shepherd. 




Thomas Waithmau. 


1739 


Abraham Reeves. 


1719 


John Miller. 




Alexander Smith. 




David Reed. 


1740 


Jonathan Steadam. 


1720 


Nathaniel Bishop. 




Robert Terry. 




John Dennis. 


1741. 


Joseph Simpkins. 


1721 


Peter Randolph. 




John Brick. 




Samuel Fithian. 


1742. 


Billiy Shepherd. 


1722 


Enoch Moore. 




James Robinson. 



1707. John Williams. 
John Miller. 

1708. John Williams. 
Noah Miller. 

1709. John Williams. 
Joshua Barkstead. 

1710. John Chatfield. 
John Williams. 

1711-12. Edward Fairbanks. 

Thomas Statliem. 
1713-15. Robert Kobins. 

Natlianiel Bishop. ^ 

1716. William Bacon. ^^ 
■ Samuel Woodhorise. 

1717. Josiah Fithian. 
Samuel Fithian. 

1718. Joseph James. 
Peter Fitz Kandoiph. 

1719. Thomas Berriman. 
Thomas Brown. 

1720. John Bowen. 
Jeremiah Bacon. 

1721. James Hudson. 
Jeremiah Bacon. 

1722. James Hudson. 
John Williams. 



of Boadf-. 

1727. Charles Fordham. 
Samuel Bowen, Jr. 

1728. Abial Carll, Sr. 
John Miller (cooper). 

1730. Caleb Ayres, Jr. 

Jeremiah Bacon (sadler). 
Richard Brick.a 

1732. Abel Bacon. 
William Long. 

1733. Isaac Mills. 
Benoni Dare. 

1734. Charles Dennis. 
Philip Vickers. 

1735. John Carll, Jr. 
Thomas Padgett. 

1736. Ebenezer Smith. 
Hugh Sharp. 

1738. Alexander Smith- 
Aaron Mnlford. 

1739. John Lloyd. 
Jeremiah Fithian. 

1740. Jeremiah Bacon, Jr. 
John Dunn. 

1741. Caleb Ayree. 
Jonathan Platts. 

1742. Samuel Moore. 
Jeremiah Fithian. 



1707-8. Richard Butcher. 

Samuel Woodhouse, 
1709. James Hudson. 

William Bacon. 
1713. John Brick. 

Noah Moore. 
1719. Dan Bowen. 

William Watson. 



Overseers of Poor. 

1720. Dan Bowen. 
William Watson. 

1721. Samuel Dennis. 
Robert Ayres. 

1722. Ebenezer Smith. 
John Garman. 

1730. Jacob Ware. 

Charles Fordham. 



1 In place of Enoch Shepherd, Dec. 24, 1717. 

2 Appointed in place of Richard Mills, Feb. IS, 1735. 

3 Appointed in place of Jeremiah Bacon, Aug. 18, 1730. 



SOUTH SIDE OF COHANSEY. 



1716. Henry Buck. 

Dickason Shepherd. 

1718. Thomas Abbott. 
Henry Buck. 

1719. Thomas Shepherd. 
John Ogden. 

1720. Thomas Shepherd. 
Jonathan Fithian. 

1722. Dickason Shepherd. 
Ephraim Seeley. 

1701. John Chatfield. 

John Ogden. 
1709. Henry Buck. 
1718. Jonathan Fithian. 
1719-20. Henry Buck. 

1721. Samuel Barnes. 



Freeholders. 

j 1727. Anthony Dixon. 
I Moses Shepherd. 

I 1728. Dickason Shepherd. 

Anthony Dixon. 
I 173U. Joseph Keeve. 

Dickason Shepherd, 
1732. Joseph Reeve. 
I Moses Shepherd. 

] 1733. Joseph Reeve. 

Dickason Shepherd. 
Assessors. 

'■ 1722. Edward Burrus. 

1727. Joseph Reeve. 
- 1728. Levi Preston, Jr. 
1730-31. Levi Preston. 

1732. Joseph Riley. 

1733. Thomas Harris. 



-^1 



Collectors. 



1701. Joseph Ceeliog (Seeley?) 
1709. Richard Whitaker. 

1718. Josiah Brooks. 

1719. Ephraim Seeley. 

1720. John Bateman. 

1721. Levi Preston. 

1722. Richard Ogden. 



1727. Daniel Westcott. 

1728. Josiah Brooks. 

1730. Josiah Brooks. 

1731. John Bishop. 

1732. Thomas Harris. 

1733. Joseph Riley. 



Constables. 




1706. James Padgett. 


1721. 


Joseph Reeve. 


1707.* Edmoud Shaw. 


1722 


Jonathan Smith. 


.Tames Padgett. 




Levi Preston, 


Isaac Brooks. 5 


1727. 


Benjamin Stratton 


1708. Thomas Alderman. 




John Preston. 


Isaac Brooks. 


1728 


Joseph Riley. 


1709. Thomas Abbott. 




Israel Petty. 


Edward Lummis. 


1729. 


John Ayres. 


1710. John Shepherd. 




Ebenezer Westcott 


Jonathan Fithian. 


1730. 


John Shepherd. 


Josiah Brooks. *5 




David Sayre, Jr. 


1711-12. Benjamin Davis. 


1731. 


Samuel Bennett. 


John Brooks. 




Michael Hannah. 


William Dare, Jr.7 


1732. 


Jehiel Wheeler. 


1713. David Sheppard. 




Samuel Foster, Jr. 


Levi Preston. 


1733. 


Joseph Seeley. 


1714r-15. Samuel Westcott. 




John Cornwell. 


Joseph Sayre. 


1734. 


Jacob Garrison, Jr. 


1715. (September) Joseph Shep- 




Joseph Seeley. 


herd. 


1736. 


Henry Seeley. 


Samuel Barnes. 




Daniel Davis. 


1716. Henry Buck. 


1737. 


Henry Seeley. 


Joseph Rogers. 




Jeremiah Parvin. 


1717. Thomas Whitaker. 


1738. 


David Ogden. 


John Jones. 




Samuel Ogden. 


Richard Whitaker. ^ 


1739. 


Stephen Shepherd. 


1718. John Bateman. 




Arthur Davis. 


James Riley. 


1740. 


Jeremiah Nixon. 


1719. John Bennett. ■ — 




Jonathan Ogden, 


Daniel Westcott. 


1741. 


Ephraim Mills. 


1720. Ebenezer Sayre. 




Jeremiah Ni.^on. 


William Bateman. 


1742. 


Jacob Mulford. 


1721. Abraham Garrison. 




Henry Brooks. 


Overseers 


of Poor. 



1707-8. Richard Whitaker. 

Thomas Shepherd. 
1709. David Sayre. 

Nicholas Osborn. 

1719. Jonathan Smith. 
John Bishop. 

1720. John Bishop. 



1720. Thomas Whitaker. 

1721. Thomas Whitaker. 
Jeremiah Bennett. 

1730. Nathan Lawrence. 

Robert Hood. 
1733. James Riley. 

David Shepherd. 



* Called Fairfield -precinct this year. 

3 Appointed April 8, 1707, in place of James Padgett. 

^ Appointed Sept. 26, 1710, in place of Jonathan Fithian. 

T Appointed June 24, 1712, in place of John Brooks, 

8 Appointed July 9, 1717, in place of John Jones. 



522 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 





Surveyors of Highways. 


1718 


Ephraiin Seeley. 


1727. Dickason Shepherd 




Josiah Brooks. 


1728. Josiah Brooks. 


1719 


Levi Preston. 


Ephraim Daton. 




Thomas Parvin. 


1730. Josiah Brooks. 


1720 


Thomas Parvin. 


Ephraim Daton. 




Benjamin Davis. 


1731. Moses Shepherd. 


1721 


Thomas Parvin. 


Joseph Kyley. 




Anthony Dixon. 


1732. Ebenezer Westcott. 


1722 


Edward Lummis. 


John Mills. 




Joseph Brooks. 


1733. Moses Shepherd. 


1727 


Samuel Barnes. 


William Dare. 



1707-8. Henry Buck. 

Francis Alexander. 
1709-10. Edniond Shaw. 

Dickason Shepherd. 
1711-12. John Bateman. 

John Row. 

James Padgett.i 
1713. John Smith. 

Thomas Parvin. 
1714-15. Jonathan Smith. 

Thomas Parvin. 

1716. Richard Mills. 
John Bennett, Jr. 

1717. Richard Whitaker, Jr. 
John Bennett. 

1718. William Dare. 
Benjamin Davis. 

1719. Abraham Garrison. 
William Dare, Jr. 

1720. John Ogden. 
Joseph Eastland. 

1721. Moses Eustice (Husted?). 
Nathaniel Lawrence. 



Overseers of Roods. 

1722. Bbeuezer Sayre. 
John Bishop. 

1727. Josiah Brooks. 
Samuel Bennett. 

1728. Ebenezer Westcott. 
Samuel Shepherd. 

1730. Jacob Garretson. 

Edmond Shaw. 
1734. Israel Petty. 

Abraham Garrison. 
1730. Israel Petty. 

1737. Isaac Preston. 
Abraham Garrison. 
John Cornwell.2 

1738. Nathaniel Whitaker. 
John Cornwell. 

1739. Nathaniel Wbitaker. 
William Russell. 

1740. Jeremiah Buck. 
William Joslio. 

1741. Benjamin Thompson. 

1742. Henry Stephens. 



Benjamin Thompson. 



»v 



MAURICE EIVER. 



1718. Daniel Dunabo. 

1719. Joseph Lord. 

1721. William Rawson. 

1722. William Dentou. 
1728-29. Samuel Thompson.-- 

1730. Gabriel Glann. 

1731. William Custello. 

1732. John Purple. 
1733-34. William Reed. 

Garret Garrison.3 



1735. John Peterson. 

1736. Joseph Lord. 

1737. Thomiia Lowring. 
1788. Thomas Gandy. 

1739. Gabriel Powell. 

1740. Isaac Reeves. ' 

1741-42. Nicholas Cruise (west 

side). 
Richard Shaw (east side). 



1728. Gabriel Glann. 
1734. Henry Peterson. 
1737-39. Edward Lummis. 
1740. John Bell. 



Overseers of Uoaiis. 

1741. Peter Campbell. 

1742. Gabriel Powell (upper part) 
Samuel Cobb (lower part). 



1736. Henry Walliss. 
Ednunid Randall. 

1737. James Carruthers. 

1738. John Foster. 



TOWN OP GREjENWICH. 
ConMahles. 

1739. Abel Carll. 

1740. Ebenezer Miller. 

1741. John Foster. 

1742. Jacob Ware. 



CHAPTER LXXXII. 

ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARIES OF THE COUNTY. 

West Jersey was originally divided into tenths, 
called First, Second, Third, and Salem Tenths. In 
1684 the " Fourth Tenth" is also mentioned, formed 

1 Appointed Sept. 23,1712, in place of John Row. 

- Appointed Nov. 24, 1737, in place of Abraham Garrison. 

2 Appointed Feb. 17, 1734, in place of William Reed. 



from part of the Third. Salem Tenth, beginning at 
the bounds of Gloucester County as it now is, in- 
cluded all the lands wfiich John Fenwick claimed by 
virtue of his ownership of one-tenth of West Jersey. 
This included all that portion of what is Cumberland 
County lying west of the river Tweed, or Back Creek, 
in Fairfield township. None of the land east of the 
Tweed and reaching to the sea-shore was included in 
any organized community until the erection of the 
county of Cape IMay by an act of Assembly passed 
Nov. 12, 1692. This was owing to there being few 
inhabitants in all that region, the earliest data that 
have been found as to any inhabitants there being in 
1685, when the Legislature appointed Caleb Carman 
a justice of the peace for Cape May, and Jonathan 
Pine constable. The appointment of these officers 
proves that there were people living at Cape May 
previous to that date, and in all probability there 
were also scattered settlers within the eastern part of 
this county along the shores of Maurice River. The 
act establishing the county of Cape May bounded it : 

*' To begin at the utmost flowing of the tide in Prince Maurice River, 
being about twenty miles from the mouth of said river, and then by a 
line running easterly to tlie most northerly point of Great Egg Harbor, 
and from thence southerly along by the sea to the point of Cape May ; 
thence around Cape May, and up Maurice River to the first point men- 
tioned." 

The " utmost flowing of the tide" in Maurice River 
is above the present city of Millville. Previous to 
the creating of Cape May County the First and Sec- 
ond Tenths had become the county of Burlington, 
the Third and Fourth Tenths the county of Glouces- 
ter, and Salem Tenth the county of Salem ; but there 
is no record of when or how this took place, but prob- 
ably by an act of Assembly. From 1685 to 1692 ses- 
sions of the Assembly were held, but no record of 
them is now known to exist. 

By separate acts of Assembly, all passed May 17, 
1694, the boundaries of Burlington, Gloucester, Salem, 
and Cape May Counties were more clearly defined, 
and the " Tenths" finally abolished. " An Act for 
Boundaries of Salem County" enacted that 

"the jurisdiction of Salem Court shall extend from the aforesaid Berk- 
ley River on the North, to the River Tweed, formerly called Back Creek, 
on the South, and is hereby named, and from henceforth called the 
County of Salem." 

The region from Back Creek to Maurice River was 
still an uninhabited wilderness, and not included in 
the bounds of any county. It was not until May 25, 
1700, that an act was passed which provided 

" that all persons inhabiting on the l^ver Tweed, being the lower Bounds 
of Salem County, and all Settlements below unto the Bounds of the 
County of Cape May shall from henceforth be annexed to and he sub- 
ject to the Jurisdiction of the Court and County of Salem, until it shall 
be otherwise ordered by the General free Assembly of this Province." 

Jan. 21, 1710, an act was passed which reduced 
Cape May and extended the bounds of Salem to the 
eastern limits of what is now Cumberland. It re- 
cited that great inconveniences had arisen by the un- 
certainty of the boundaries of the several counties of 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



523 



the province, and then proceeded to fix them more 
definitely. By this act the division line between 
Salem and Cape May began 

"at the mouth of a email creek on the west side of Stepson's Island, 
commonly called Jecak's Creek; thence up the said creek as high as 
the tide floweth ; thence upon a direct line to the mouth of a small 
creek at Tuckahoe, where it comes into the southermost Main Branch 
of the Fork of Great Egg Harbour River." 

Jecak's Creek is now called West Creek, and is still 
the boundary between Cumberland and Cape May. 

From 1710 until 1748 this county was a part of 
Salem County. In 1733 an unsuccessful attempt was 
made to obtain a new county, owing to the great in- 
convenience experienced in having to go to the town 
of Salem to attend the courts, elections (there being 
but one poll in each county), and all other public 
business. The Tenth Assembly, after the union of 
East and West Jersey, began its first session May 7, 
1730, and ended July 8th of the same year. The 
members from Salem County were James Whitton 
and John Brick, the latter of whom lived within the 
bounds of this county on the southerly side of Stow 
Creek at Jericho. James Whitton died during the 
recess of the Assembly, and when they met for the 
second session, April 26, 1733, a writ of election was 
issued to fill the vacancy. The election was held at 
the county-seat, and the sherifl^, who conducted the 
election, as the law then was, made a return to the 
Assembly on May 29th, certifying that Joseph Reeve 
had been elected. He lived in Shrewsbury, or Upper 
Back Neck, on a tract of three hundred acres, com- 
prising what are now the Laning and Ephraim Mul- 
ford farms at Laning's Wharf Petitions were pre- 
sented against him, claiming that his election was 
illegal, and after hearing the case the Assembly so 
decided, and a new writ was issued. 

When the Assembly reassembled at Burlington, on 
July 17th, after a short adjournment, William Han- 
cock, who resided at Hancock's Bridge, and who had 
been one of the candidates at the election when .lo- 
seph Reeve was returned as elected, now appeared as 
a member, and was sworn in. The great disadvantages 
which they labored under in having the county-seat 
at the extreme western end of the county, of which 
they had a forcible illustration in the two successive 
elections just passed, together with the favorable op- 
portunity of the building of a new court-house, the 
necessity for which was urgent, stirred up the inhab- 
itants of this end of the county to make an effort to 
have the new court-house built nearer the centre of 
the county. Petitions to that effect were presented 
to the Assembly on July 25th, and on August 3d 
counter petitions were presented in favor of rebuild- 
ing at Salem, and the Assembly then considered the 
petition of " the Inhabitants of Cohansie" in favor of 
the removal, but decided against it. They evidently 
anticipated this result, as they had other petitions 
already prepared praying leave to bring in a bill to 
divide the county, which were presented to the As- 



sembly on the next day. The Assembly granted 
them leave, although counter petitions against it 
were also presented. On August 7th, Mr. Brick 
brought in a bill entitled " An Act for erecting the 
lower Part of Salem County into a Distinct County," 
which, after a strong opposition from the western end 
of the county, was finally passed by the Assembly on 
August 15th, and was sent to the Council for their 
concurrence. But on the next day the Governor ad- 
journed the Legislature to November 27th, and soon 
after dissolved it, thus preventing any action upon 
the bill by the Council. The desire of the royal Gov- 
ernors to keep the representation equal in the Assem- 
bly between East and West Jersey probably had 
much to do with the failure to pass this act. What 
was to have been the name of the county by that act 
is unknown. 

On Jan. 19, 174J, the act creating a new county 
from the southern parts of Salem was passed by the 
Assembly, it having already passed the Council, and 
thereby became a law. By this act the bounds of the 
new county were described as follows : 

"Beginning in the county of Salem, at the month of Stow Creek, 
and running np the same unto John Brick's mills, leaving the said 
Brick's mills within the county hereby erected, then continuing still up 
Stow Creek Branch to the house where Hugh Dun now dwells, leaving 
Hugh Dun within the new county ; and from the said Hugh Dun's house, 
upon a straight line to Nathan Shaw's house, leaving said Nathan Shaw's 
house within the new county; and then on a northeast course until it 
intersects the Pilesgrove line, leaving Pilesgrove within Salem County ; 
then along the said line till it intersects the Hue which divides the coun- 
ties of Gloucester and Salem ; then running southeastward down Glouces- 
ter line unto the boundaries of Cape May County ; then bounded by 
Cape May County to Delaware Bay; and then up Delaware Bay to the 
place of beginning." 

The county was named after the Duke of Cumber- 
land, who, in 1746, defeated the Pretender, Charles 
Edward, at the battle of Culloden, and thereby estab- 
lished the House of Hanover permanently on the 
British throne. The act also divided the county into 
six townships or precincts, as they were called, three 
on each side of the Cohansey, viz. : Greenwich, Hope- 
well, and Stow Creek on the west, and Deerfield, 
Fairfield, and Maurice River on the east. It also 
provided that the county should continue to elect 
members of Assembly in connection with Salem 
County until it should be otherwise ordered by act of 
Assembly. The object of this clause was to maintain 
the equality of representation which then existed 
between East and West Jersey in the Assembly. 
May 10, 1768, an act was passed giving two repre- 
sentatives to each of the counties of Cumberland, 
Morris, and Sussex, the latter two having previously 
elected in conjunction with Hunterdon, after the end 
of the then existing Assembly, but Cumberland con- 
tinued to elect with Salem until the election of the 
Assembly which convened Aug. 19, 1772, when she 
was first represented by two members of her own, — 
John Sheppard and Theophilus Elmer. 

By act of the Legislature of March 13, 1844, the 
eastern corner of Maurice River township, including 



524 



HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the village of Marshallville, was set off to Cape 
May County, but Feb. 26, 1845, it was reannexed 
to Cumberland. By an act approved March 26, 
1878, nearly the same territory was again set off to 
Cape May County, the line of division beginning 
where the old Cape May road crossed the county line, 
and running up that road to the Dorchester and Es- 
tellville road, then to the Cumberland and Tuckahoe 
road, then to Hunter's mill-dam, to the Atlantic 
County line. This corner of Maurice River township 
has since remained in Cape May County. April 10, 
1867, the township of Pittsgrove, Salem Co., was an- 
nexed to Cumberland. This act having been passed 
in order to secure political advantages, and the op- 
posing party having the majority in the next Legis- 
lature, the act was repealed Feb. 25, 1868, and Pitts- 
grove was reannexed to Salem County. Thus, with 
the exception of the small portion of Maurice River 
township set off in 1878, as above stated, the bounds 
of the county have remained as first set off from 
Salem. 

Early Action of the Board of Freeholders.— By 
an act passed Feb. 28, ITliJ, each town and pre- 
cinct in each county was directed to choose two free- 
holders on the second Tuesday in March in each year, 
a majority of whom, with all the justices of the peace 
for the county, or any three of them, one whereof 
being of the quorum, were authorized to levy taxes 
and raise moneys for building of court-houses and 
jails, and to build the same. In the commissions of 
justices of the peace, some of them were designated 
as of the quorum, without whose presence no business 
could be done. The board of justices and freeholders 
thus created managed the county business until the 
passage of the act of Feb. 19, 1798, incorporating the 
freeholders alone, and granting them more extensive 
powers. 

The first meeting of the justices and freeholders of 
Cumberland was a special meeting held March 25, 
1748, to authorize the building of a temporary jail 
until the location of the county-seat was determined. 

Tlie first regular meeting was held May 11, 1748 ; 
justices present, John Brick, John Ogden, Joseph 
Reeves, John Remington, John Brick, Jr., Ebenezer 
Miller, Thomas Padgett, Job Shepherd, Jonathan 
Holmes, Ephraim Seeley, Joseph Peck, Elias Cotting. 
Freeholders all present except John Purple, " being 
indisposed of body and not able to attend." 

Jonathan Holmes, Esq., was chosen county collector 
for the ensuing year. 

No other business is mentioned at that meeting. 

At the next meeting, July 12, 1748, the county col- 
lector was ordered to " Call the precinct Collectors to 
an account and receive the moneys Remaining in 
their Hands." The freeholders all present except 
Ebenezer Wescoat. 

At the May meeting, 1750, "This Bord appointe 
Richard Wood Esq' to Buye a Book for y° Use of this 
Bord," and on June 19, 1751, they ordered John Bacon 



(the clerk of the board) to enter all the minutes of 
the board in the book. 

At the May meeting, 1752, the county collector's 
account for the year 1751 was settled. This is the 
first account given, and is the returns from the tax 
laid in 1751 towards building a court-house. The 
account, in full, is as follows : 

1761— Received from the County £125 2 10 

80 

6 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 



Cr. By Cash paid ilowell Powell, per order.. 



" 1 Wolfe's head by Thomas Whitecar...." 

"1 " " more by W^iUiam Dean 

" 1 *' " " " Nathan Lawrence 

" 1 " " " " Silas Parvin 

" 1 " " " " Thomas Whitecar 

" 1 " *' " " William Dean before the 

late Act of Assembly 10 

" 1 panters [head] by Dickai-son Simkens 15 



£102 15 
By more paid for Assessors and Collectors fees 10 5 3 



£113 3 



Due to ye County £12 2 7 

At the same meeting Elias Cotting, clerk of the 
county, was allowed £1 13s. Gd. for two books of 
record and a county seal. 

At a special meeting, Oct. 5, 1752, " ordered to be * 
at the Court-House of Said County," the sheriff" re- 
ported that Joseph Burgin, William Harris, and 
Nathan Kook, persons imprisoned for debt, had es- 
caped from the jail at Greenwich, and it was agreed 
that the county should bear the loss for the moneys 
due from the " Escapents," and the sheriff was ordered 
to pursue them. Joseph Burgin was captured, but 
the others were not, and the county paid £10 8s. 2d. 
for the moneys due from them. 

In May, 1753, a pair of stocks and a pillory were 
ordered placed near the court-house, and Joseph 
James, Jr., was employed to build them, for which 
he was paid £5. 

At meeting of May 8, 1754, a charge was brought 
in by Deerfield township, for taking care of an old 
Indian who died in that precinct, of £4 8s. 4d, which 
was paid to William Tullis, one of the overseers of 
the poor of that township. 

In May, 1763, a committee was appointed to join 
the committee from Salem to run and ascertain the 
boundaries between the two counties, which was done 
that year. 

December, 1763, the arms belonging to the county 
in the hands of Ephraim Seeley, the county collec- 
tor, were ordered sold, the sale to be continued from 
day to day until they were all sold. Where the 
county obtained them, and for what purpose, is 
unknown. 

In 1767, Greenwich, Fairfield, and Stow Creek 
townships were authorized to have a pair of stocks, 
and Greenwich and Stow Creek each erected a pair. 

From 1778 to 1780 frequent allowances were made 
to the township and county collectors for counterfeit 
money taken by them. 

May, 1784, a new set of stocks and pillory was 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



525 



ordered to be placed at the north end of the court- 
house. 

June, 1791, County Clerk Giles was directed to 
procure a seal for the county of such device as he saw 
fit, not to exceed three dollars in expense. 

The first meeting under the new act incorporating 
the chosen freeholders in each county, and placing 
the management of the county business in the hands 
of the freeholders alone, was held May 9, 1798, which 
is noted as being a day of fasting. 

In 1799 rates of ierriage over the Cohansey, at 
Greenwich, were fixed as follows : 

Loaded wagon and two horses 40 cents. 

Light wagon and two horses 25 " 

Loaded cart and one horse 25 " 

Chair and horse 19 " 

Man and horse 6 " 

Footman u " 

Sheep and swine, per head 2 " 

Grain, per bnshel 1 " 

Cattle, per head 6 " 

In 1801 a seal was bought for the county clerk, at 
a cost of twenty-five dollars. 

Sept. 30, 1817, the board " expressed their approba- 
tion of permission [given by the committee on court- 
house and jail] to hold a well-regulated Sunday-school 
and singing-schools in the house," but this privilege 
was rescinded in 1833. 

In 1827 the line between Cumberland and Salem 
and Gloucester Counties was run and marked. 

April 13, 1S37, the board met and pledged the faith 
of the county for the safe-keeping of that portion of 
the surplus revenue loaned by the general govern- 
ment to the States as might be apportioned to this 
county, and appointed Daniel M. Woodruff, Dr. Ed- 
mund Sheppard, and Jonathan Lare to loan it on 
bond and mortgage security. Thirty thousand dol- 
lars were received as the share of this county, a large 
portion of which was loaned to different persons, but 
afterwards it was all called in, with a loss of .$564.47, 
leaving a balance in the county's possession of $29,- 
435.53. Of this sum, $10,674.43 was spent on the 
court-house and lot in 1844; $9129.73 in building 
and furnishing the present poor-house ; the balance, 
19631.37, has been used for general county purposes. 
The iuterest of the fund is paid by the county yearly 
into the educational fund, as required by law. Judge 
Daniel Elmer, in 1838, succeeded the committee first 
appointed in the management of the fund, and w-as 
succeeded in 1846 by his son, Charles E. Elmer, Esq., 
who was agent for the fund until it was all paid to 
the county collector. 

Directors of the Board of Chosen Freeholders. 
— Directors of the board of chosen freeholders were 
elected by virtue of the provisions of the act incorpo- 
rating that body, passed Feb. 13, 1798. Previous to 
that the presiding member of the board was only 
" chairman." Those occupying the position are as 
follows : 

1786. Samuel Ogden. | 1796. Dr. Jonathan Elmer. 

1787-95. Maskell Ewing. I 1797. Samuel Ogden. 



1798. Eli Elmer. 

1799. Jonathan Bowen. 

1800. Thomaa Daniels. 
1801-2. David Moore. 

1803. Joel Fithian. 

1804. Jeremiah Brooks. 
1805-9. Ebenezer Seeley. 
1810-12. Dr. Azel Pierson. 

1813. Dr. Ebenezer Elmer. 

1814. Timotliy Elmer. 

1815. Abijah Harris. 
1816-18. Samuel Seeley. 
1819-20. James Clark. 

1821. Sanmel Seeley. 

1822. Smith Bowen. 
1823-26. Samuel Seeley. 
1827-28. Dr. Ephraim Buck. 
1829. William Bevan. 



1750-51. John Bacon. -^ 
1752-53. Ananias Sayre. 
1754-59. Samuel Fithian. 
1760-70. Thomas Ewing. 
1771-73. Samuel Fithian. 
1774-78. Enos Seeley. 
1779. .John Mulford.l 

Ephraim Seeley, Esq.2 
1780-82. Ephraim Seeley, Esq. 

1783. Isaac Wheaton. 

1784. .Tosliua Ewing. 
1785-86. Ephraim Seeley, Esq. 
1787-92. Eli Elmer. 

1793. Dr. Jonathan Elmer. 
1Y94-97. Eli Elmer. 
1798-99. Ebenezer Elmer. 

1847. Lucius Q. C. Elmer. 

1848. . 

1849-61. Lucius Q. 0. Elmer. 
1852. James G. Hampton.3 
1864-65. John T. Nixon. 



1830. Samuel Seeley. 
1831-33. James Hood, Jr. 

1834. Levi B. Davis. 

1835. Philip Fitliian. 
1836-41. Daniel M. Woodruff. 
1842-43. Levi B. Davis. 

1844. Joseph W. Woodruff. 
1845^6. Lewis McBrirte. 
1847-48. Henry Sheppard. 

1849. JoMath,an Elmer. 

1850. Cornelius Lupton. 
1851-67. Jonathan Elmer. 
1868. Joseph H. Ogden. 
1869-71. Jonathan Elmer. 
1872-77. Kobert J. Fithian. 
1878-79. Thomas U. Harris. 
1880-82. Benjamin Hancock. 
1883. Morris Bacon. 



CTtris. 



1800. Eli Elmer. 

1801. Dr. Azel Pierson. 
1802-4. Eli Elmer. 
1805-9. Dr. Azel Pierson. 
1810-13. Dr. Edo Ogden. 

1814. George H. Burgin. 

1815. Thomas Woodruff. 

1816. Lucius Q. C. Elmer. 
1817-20. Dr. Ephraim Buck. 
1821-22. Enoch H. More. 
1823-26. Dr. Ephraim Buck. 
1827-32. Enoch H. More. 
1833-36. Samuel S. Sibley. 
1837-60. Hugh E. Merseilles. 
1861-83. Alphonso Woodruff. 



Solicitors. 

j 1866-67. Nixon & Mitchell. 
1868-74. Franklin F. Westcott. 
1875. Potter & Nixon. 
1876-83. James E. Hoagland. 



CHAPTER LXXXIII. 

COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

Coiirt-Houses. — The act erecting the county pro- 
vided that when it should be thought necessary by a 
majority of the chosen freeholders of the county, in 
conjunction with three justices of the p^ace of the 
county, one of whom should be of the quorum, to 
build a court-house and gaol, that then any three 
justices of the peace, one of whom should be of the 
quorum, might meet together at Cohansey Bridge, 
with concurrence of a majority of said freeholders, 
and put up notices of an election to be held at John 
Butler's, in the town of Greenwich, and by a majority 
of votes to choose the place where the court-house 
and gaol should be built, and also authorized money 
to be raised with which to build. 

An election was held for that purpose, at which 
Cohansey Bridge was chosen, the election being held 

1 Chosen county collector before expiration of the year. 

2 Chosen Jan. 18, 1780, to All vacancy. 

3 In 1852, the appointment of solicitor was dispensed with for the 
future. 



526 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



probably between July 12th and 26tb, as at the meet- 
ing of the justices and freeholders on the 12th no 
mention is made of the subject, the minute ending 
with, "There being no other business it was agreed 
this meeting adjourns," and at the next meeting, on 
the 26th, the election is referred to. No records of 
this election are known to exist, but evidently the 
contest for the county-seat must have been sharp and 
the result close, with charges of illegal voting, as 
appears evident from the minute of the meeting on 
the 26th, which is as follows : 

'* July 26th. The Justices and all the Freeholders meot except Johu 
Purple In Obedience to an Advertisement Set up by order of John 
Ogden, David Ogden, Kpliraim Seely, and Joseph Peek. These four 
Justices Proposed to the otlier Justices of said county, and Freeholders 
present To Rayse Money for Building a Goal aud Court-House, but the 
Major part of the Justices aud Freeholders present was not So Disposed 
as to the Location of the place where the Said Goal and Court-House 
Shall be Built. Thought proper to Setle the point First before they 
Consent to Kayse money for that purpose, but in order To Setle the 
afare of the Election there was a Motion made for to Ile-ammin the 
Voters by purging them by their Respective oatlis and afermations, but 
the freholdei-B of the South Side of Cohansey Refused to Comply with 
Said offer. There being no Business to do This Meeting adjurus." 

Previous to the formation of the county this por- 
tion of Salem County was divided into two precincts, 
called the North and South Sides of Cohansey, that 
stream being the dividing line. The town of Green- 
wich was the most important place in the county, and 
it was natural that there should be a strong influence 
in favor of locating the county -seat there instead of at 
Cohansey Bridge, which at that time contained prob- 
ably not over a dozen houses. The feeling growing 
out of the election seems to have lasted for some time, 
as it was not until the meeting of May 9, 1750, that 
any steps were taken towards erecting buildings at 
Cohansey Bridge, although the courts of the county, 
at the December term, 1748, ordered the clerk to make 
the writs returnable at Cohansey Bridge, where the 
next term, in February, 1749, and all subsequent ones 
have been held. At the May meeting, 1750, the first 
steps were taken towards erecting a court-house and 
jail. At a full meeting of the board it was agreed 

" that there Shall be a deed drawed and Deliverd to Kichard Wood and 
Ebenezer Miller to pernse, and upon their aprobation Then they or 
more of the Justices are to Summons ye Blagistrate aud freholders to 
precede upon Raysiug of money to Build a Court-House and Goal." 

Wood and Miller were two of the justices, and both 
lived at Greenwich, but Miller had taken up a sur- 
vey of four hundred and twenty acres at Cohansey 
Bridge, the lot on which the county buildings were 
placed being a part of it, and his interests coincided 
with those of the South Siders. There being some 
question concerning the validity of his title, a bond 
to guarantee the title was executed by Miller and a 
number of the most prominent freeholders residing 
on the South Side to a number of the freeholders of 
the North Side. In June, 1751, £100 were ordered 
raised by the 25th of December towards building a 
court-house, and it was agreed to build a court-house 
thirty-two feet long and twenty-two feet wide, two 



stories high, to be of frame, "to begin in March, 
1752," and EHja,h Bowen, David Ogden, John Brick, 
and Ephraim Seeley were appointed managers " to 
agree with workmen one or more to build the Court- 
house By the Great [by the whole] or otherwise, as 
they can Agree." Rates of taxes were fixed as fol- 
lows : Young men, two shillings; men-servants, one 
shilling; retailers of goods, ten shillings; mills, not 
less than two shillings and sixpence, nor above five 
shillings ; and male slaves, one shilling. The asses- 
sors were ordered to meet at Cohansey Bridge on 
second Tuesday in August to settle the " cotaas" 
(quotas) of each township, and to return their dupli- 
cates by first Tuesday in October. Taxes were then 
raised almost entirely from what were called certain- 
ties, — that is, by fixed rates on specific persons and 
properties, and not by a percentage on their value, as at 
this day. 

A contract was made with Howell Powell (who was 
afterwards sheriff), and the court-house was put up 
in the spring and summer of 1752, and so far com- 
pleted that the courts were held in it on Aug. 25, 1752, 
but was not entirely completed until the next year. 

In May, 1752, £120 were ordered raised for this ob- 
ject, and in May, 1753, £100 more. Mills were rated 
at 6s. to 18s.; shop-keepers 6s. to 18s; a young man 
with a horse 4s. 6d., without 2s. 6d. ; servants and 
slaves Is. " per head" ; lands, " as by former act of 
Assembly, at £5 per hundred," meaning " per 100 
acres." By the county collector's accounts there was 
paid to Howell Powell the sum of £300, which was 
probably the amount of the contract. In February, 
1753, it was "ordered that the sum of seventeen shil- 
lings and sixpence be paid to Ephraim Seely Esq'., 
for Rum and Shugar at Alexander More." Moore 
kept store at Cohansey Bridge, and the rum and sugar 
were probably used at the raising of the court-house, 
as the next year the board paid Ephraim Seeley " for 
ye Rasing Dinner and time to provide it, £2 17s. 9d." 
The managers were each paid for their services 12s. 
This court-house did not long continue. After the 
trial and hanging of Pickering for horse-stealing, 
court was held there on Dec. 6, 1758, and before Jan. 
4, 1759, it took fire and was burned. A tavern was 
kept in the house adjoining the court-house by John 
Hall, which took fire in the night and was burned 
with the most of the effects therein. The fire spread 
to the court-house, and being of wood, and there being 
little or no means of putting out a fire, it was burnt 
to the ground. 

Second Court-House.— At a special meeting of 
the justices and freeholders held on Jan. 4, 1759, at 
John Keen's, who kept a tavern on the east side of 
the river, all the freeholders present except William 
Willis, of Maurice River, it was agreed to build a 
new court-house of brick, thirty-four by twenty-four 
feet in the clear, with eighteen-inch walls for the first 
story, and fourteen-inch for the second, the inside to 
be finished like the former one except an additional 



GBNEKAL HISTORY. 



527 



window over the judges' seat ; a cupola was ordered 
to be built on the roof in which to hang a bell, which 
was to be bought by subscription. This bell was not 
bought until several years afterwards ; it was cast in 
Bridgewater, Mass., in 1763. For many years the 
court-house was used for religious meetings on Sun- 
days and evenings. On the erection of the West Jer- 
sey Academy, this bell, which was taken down when 
the court-house was torn down, in 1844, and replaced 
by a large one in the present court-house, was hung 
in the belfry of that building, where it still does duty 
although one hundred and twenty years old. Eben- 
ezer Miller, David Shepherd, and Samuel Fithian 
were appointed managers to build the court-house, 
and £200 ordered raised by tax. 

They were authorized to build it anywhere on the 
lot the old one stood on, which extended across 
Broad Street. They located it in the middle of 
Broad Street, a little east of Franklin, between 
where the sheriff's house and the City Hotel now 
are, on the brow of the hill, which was much higher 
than at present. It was built during 1759 and 1760, 
and continued to be used until 1844. In 1766 a 
committee was appointed to secure the wall of the 
court-house from being hurt by the water washing 
the earth away ; the hill being quite steep, every 
heavy rain gullied it. In 1775 a fence was ordered 
built at the west end of the court-house, and in 1777 
one was ordered at the east end, " to prevent the 
playing of ball." In 1791, Sheriff Buck was ordered 
to procure a suitable stove for the court-house. Pre- 
vious to this the only method of heating it was by 
fires in open fireplaces. In December, 1798, " a 
close stove" was ordered for use there, and a year 
later a ten-plate stove was ordered. 

Present Court-House.— The need of a new and 
more commodious court-house became more apparent 
as the county increased in population, and in 1832 
inquiry was made by the freeholders as to the possi- 
bility of purchasing additional ground adjoining the 
jail-lot, but it could not be bought at that time. In 
1836 it was offered to the board for sixteen hundred 
dollars, and by a vote of eight to seven they resolved 
to purchase it, and a deed "was made to them by Jere- 
miah Whitecar and wife, dated Oct. 7, 1836. This is 
the lot on which the court-house now stands. At 
that time there stood upon it a large three-storied 
house, built and used for many years as a tavern. 
The eastern part of the county, especially Millville, 
had increased rapidly in population during the pre- 
vious years, and a growing rivalry with the county- 
seat had been developed. The aspirations of Mill- 
ville and the opportunity of a new court-house, soon 
to be built, very naturally called forth an agitation 
to remove the county buildings to that place. The 
vote on the purchase of the court-house lot was the 
first public development of this state of feeling, which 
rapidly increased, until the one absorbing question 
in the county was the location of the court-house. 



The freeholders, at their meeting in February, 1837, 
were petitioned to take no action to build until an ap- 
plication could be made to the Legislature for an act 
to hold an election to determine whether it should be 
built in Bridgeton or some other place in the county, 
and a resolution to that effect was passed by a vote of 
nine to seven. Such a law was passed March 4, 1837, 
directing an election to be held on July 25th and 26th 
of that year. From the passage of the law until the 
election the battle waxed warmer and warmer. 
Meetings were held, and the two newspapers of the 
county, both printed in Bridgeton, were filled with 
articles advocating the claims of one or the other of 
the places. Fairfield also was advocated by some of 
the residents of that township. When it was found 
that some of the Fairfield people, who otherwise 
would have voted for Bridgeton, intended to throw 
away their votes on their own township, the advocates 
of Bridgeton became frightened, and claimed that the 
old court-house was good enough, and that the times 
were too hard to spend money for a new house. The 
result of the election was as follows : 



For For For 

Bridgeton. Millville. Fairfield. 

Deerfleld 457 4 

Hopewell 401 3 1 

Stow Creek 155 7 

Greenwich 132 5 1 

Millville 4.35 

Maurice Eiver 27 339 

Downe 56 239 2 

Fairfield 66 37 210 

Total 1284 1059 214 



461 
406 
162 
138 
435 
366 
297 
303 



The fight was not ended by the result of the elec- 
tion. A long contest was waged in the board of free- 
holders, the four lower townships voting steadily 
against the building of a new court-house, making an 
even division of the board ; at one meeting, in the 
absence of one member from Stow Creek, they passed 
a resolution to sell the lot purchased for the court- 
house, but nothing was done under that resolution. 

At almost every meeting of the board the four 
upper townships brought up a resolution for building 
a new house, but they were all lost by a tie vote. 
Appeals to their sense of duty under the law re- 
quiring a new house to be built after the election and 
other devices were employed to induce the lower 
townships to yield, but without avail. One of the 
ludicrous devices, as it seems at the present day, was 
to cause a notice to be served on the board by the 
overseer of roads in Bridgeton, notifying them " to 
remove the old court-house out of the highway." He 
failed to specify in his notice whether, in case they 
failed to obey him, he would forthwith tear it down 
(after standing there eighty-four years), as a public 
nuisance and an obstruction to travel, or not ; perhaps 
the indefinite something which he might do was 
thought to be more potent than if he was more spe- 
cific. After six years of contest with no success a 
new plan was devised. A law was enacted March 8, 
1844, creating a new township out of parts of Hope- 
well and Stow Creek, the village of Shiloh being 



528 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



about the centre of it, called Columbia township. 
This was done under the plea of a political ma- 
nceuvre, and the real object was not discovered until 
too late. At the meeting of the board in May of that 
year, with the aid of the new township, it was agreed 
to build a new court-house on the lot bought for that 
purpose, and Benjamin Sheppard, Joseph W. Wood- 
ruff, and Samuel Harris were appointed a building 
committee. 

The plan adopted was a brick building, forty by 
sixty feet in the clear, with lower story ten feet 
in the clear, and upper story eighteen feet in the 
clear; lower story for use as jury-rooms, the upper as 
a court-room and vestibule ; the court-room to be 
forty by forty-eight feet. The citizens of Bridgeton 
were authorized to raise a clock-tower upon the bel- 
fry, and to place a clock therein, if done without ex- 
pense to the county, and eight thousand dollars were 
appropriated for that purpose out of the surplus 
revenue received by the county in 1837. David F. 
Randolph was the contractor, and it was built that 
year. Mr. Randolph received the thanks of the board 
for the neat and workmanlike manner in which he 
had fulfilled his contract, a compliment time has 
shown to have been well deserved, few better court- 
houses existing in the State at this time, now thirty- 
nine years since it was erected. The old court-house 
was sold for eighty-five dollars, and was torn down, 
and the highway cleared of the obstruction, and so 
the overseer of roads (above mentioned) at last had 
his notice complied with. Over thirteen hundred 
dollars were spent in materials, putting up fence, 
trees, furniture, and fixtures, and the total cost of 
the court-house, taken from the surplus revenue fund, 
was ten thousand six hundred and seventy-four dollars 
and forty-three cents. 

In 1881 an addition was built to the south end of 
the court-house for a back stairway and other con- 
veniences. 

JAILS. 

The First Jail was built by direction of the jus- 
tices and freeholders at their first meeting, the min- 
utes of which are as follows : 

" Cumberland Cobansey Bridge Msxrcb ye 25^^ 1748. At a Specinl 

County. Meeting of tbe Justices and Freeholders theyunani- 

mously Agreed that the Sheriff of said County do 
Build a Goal at tbe most Conveniant place he Shall Think proper for 
the Benefit of Said County the demention of the House to be aboute 
Twelve foot Square. The above said Goal to be for Present Use. 

" Justices Present 

" Richard Wood 
"John Ogden 
" Joseph Reeves 
"John Remington 
" Jonathan Holmes." 

• The Sheriff, Ananias Sayre, lived at Greenwich, 
and he built the first jail at that place. This small 
jail was probably built of logs, and was insecure, sev- 
eral escapes being made from it of persons imprisoned 
for debt, causing the county to pay the amounts for 
which they were imprisoned. This was used until 



1754, when the jail of brick at Cobansey Bridge was 
erected. 

This jail at Greenwich was probably built by the 
sheriff, on the street or the market-place, and re- 
mained until 1764. The board at their meeting, Deo. 
7, 1763, appointed Samuel Fithian and Thomas 
Ewing a committee to sell it at public vendue, which 
they did, and at the meeting in May, 1764, they set- 
tled with the committee, and found a balance due the 
county of £8 os. arising from the sale. 

Second Jail.— May 9, 1753, £100 was ordered 
raised toward building a jail at Cohansey Bridge, 
and it was agreed to build it twenty-two by eighteen 
feet in the clear, the dungeon to be in two apart- 
ments under ground, beneath the main part of the 
prison, the jail to be eight-foot story between floor 
and joists, with three rooms on a floor, and chimneys 
in each room. The dungeon to be built of stone if 
there could be any good stone obtained for that pur- 
pose, and the upper part of the jail to be of brick. 
Ebenezer Miller, Richard Smith, and Matthew Par- 
vin were appointed managers. 

In May, 1754, the size of the jail was ordered to be 
thirty-four by twenty-four feet from outside to out- 
side, the dungeon to be seven feet in the clear between 
floors, and the second story of the jail to be eight feet 
in the clear, and Ananias Sayre and Ephraim Seeley 
were appointed managers. An agreement was made 
by the first managers with Matthew Parvin to make 
the brick for the jail, to be nine and a half by four 
and three-fourths inches, and thickness in proportion. 
Jonathan Sayre was employed to dig the dungeon, 
move the stone, cart away dirt, and cart sand for it, 
and was paid £8 10s. Beside Matthew Parvin, to 
whom was paid £93, the persons to whom the county 
collector paid large sums of money were Silas Parvin, 
£154, and Isaac Elwell, £45. They probably furnished 
materials or did work upon it. The brick having 
been made, work upon it was commenced in 1754, 
and it was finished during that and the succeeding 
year. This jail seems to have been not much more 
secure than the old log one was, as committees were 
appointed to repair it, and bills brought in almost as 
soon as it was finished, and so continued for many 
years. So insecure was it that when the first prison- 
ers charged with a capital offense were imprisoned, a 
special meeting of the justices and freeholders was 
called on June 30, 1758, and a petition was sent to 
the chief justice urging him to solicit the Governor 
for a special commission of the Oyer and Terminer to 
try them, and Jeremiah Buck was sent as the messen- 
ger to carry the petition, and was allowed five shillings 
per day, and six days to do the errand in, as the jour- 
ney had to be made on horseback. 

In January, 1765, the sheriff was ordered to mend 
the breach in the jail as he should think best, and at 
the same meeting thirty thousand brick were ordered 
to be made to build a jail-yard, and in May a yard 
was ordered built at the west end of the jail, the same 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



529 



width as that and thirty feet long, with stone founda- 
tion and an eighteen-inch brick wall fourteen feet 
liigb upon it ; a well was also ordered dug in the yard. 

In June, 1772, the prison-yard was ordered to be 
converted into a bouse one story high, to be divided 
into three rooms below, with two fireplaces, two win- 
dows front, and the same back, to be plastered and 
completed ; and agreed to give Jonathan Elmer, the 
sheriff, £60 to complete the work. 

Third Jail.— In May, 1788, Sheriff Buck presented 
a protest, setting forth the decayed condition of the 
jail, and the board resolved to prepare to build a 
new one, and appointed a committee to find where 
suitable stone could be had, draw a plan, make esti- 
mates, etc. In June a tax of £500 was ordered for 
it, and John Sheppard, David Bowen, and Ebenezer 
Elmer were appointed managers. In October the 
committee reported, and a plan was adopted; but in 
May, 1789, a new plan was agreed on, and it was re- 
solved to build it two stories high, not to exceed 
thirty-four feet square, to be on the ground where the 
old one stood, and £375 more were ordered raised. 
But in May, 1790, the location was changed, and it 
was ordered to "Stand North of the old Goal between 
that and Main Street so as to bound on said Street," 
and a tax of £400 specie was laid. It was built dur- 
ing that year, and remained standing until 1867. In 
May, 1793, an order was drawn " for £6 to pay for the 
third Lock made by Azel Peirson for the use of the 
Goal." The old key of the jail, probably of this very 
lock, is now in the possession of the editor of the 
Bridgeton Chronicle ; it is made of cast iron, weighs 
fourteen and a half ounces, and is eight inches long, 
and rusty with age ; it is certainly an interesting relic 
of the past. 

In 1803, .Tonathan Lummis, who owned the lot next 
east, complained that the jail was built partly on his 
lot, and after several other applications by him, the 
board took a deed from him, June 20, 1809, for a lot 
eight feet front, covered by the jail, and one hundred 
and seventy feet deep. 

In 1806 the old jail, which stood a few feet in the 
rear of the new one, was converted into a yard by 
taking down the side next the new jail, and extend- 
ing its east and west walls so as to include in the yard 
the space between the two jails ; a door was opened in 
the south side of the jail to the yard. 

In October, 1832, another story was ordered to be 
raised on the county house, and it was done during 
that winter and the next spring, at an expense of 
$930.89. Originally built as a jail-yard to the old 
jail in 1765, and converted into a one-story house in 
1772, it was now raised to two stories. It was long 
occupied as the residence of the jailer, and was torn 
down in 1867, on the building of the present sheriff's 
residence and jail. 

Present Jail. — In August, 1866, a committee was 
appointed by the freeholders to procure plans for a 
new jail, and in the next February the contract was 
34 



given to D. B. and W. C. Whitekar for twenty-two 
thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine dollars. The 
plan adopted is a fine residence for the sheriff, forty 
by twenty-two feet, two stories and attic high in front, 
and fifty-two by seventeen feet in the rear, and two 
stories high; a jail joining the sheriff's house in the 
rear, fifty by forty-three feet, with the cells built in 
the middle and a corridor separating them from the 
outer wall, and a division wall dividing the jail into 
two parts.; the cells, twelve in each part, built in two 
tiers of six cells each, each cell five and one-half by 
sevet) and one-half feet in size, and the same in height. 
The work was completed in the fall of 1867. 

In 1879 an addition was built to the sheriff's resi- 
dence for a cook kitchen, twenty-two by eighteen 
feet, and two stories high, at a cost of over one 
thousand dollars. 

County OfSces. — The need of some public offices 
for the clerk and surrogate of the county became 
more apparent as their duties and the records in their 
charge increased, and in May, 1814, the fi-eeholders 
resolved to build offices with fire-proof vaults for the 
preservation of the public records, and selected the 
lot now occupied for that purpose, belonging to John 
Buck and Daniel P. Stratton, forty feet front and 
thirty feet deep, which was conveyed to them for the 
purposes of public offices for the nominal sum of five 
dollars, by deed dated Sept. 1, 1815. A one-story 
building was at once erected for that purpose, at an 
expense of over two thousand dollars, John Buck 
and others, in consideration of the location of the 
offices on that lot, contributing three hundred and 
fifty dollars toward the expense. They were com- 
pleted in 1816. In 1845 another story was raised on 
the clerk's and surrogate's offices, at a cost of fourteen 
hundred dollars. 

The size of the lot on which the offices stand being 
small, the board bought the lot in the rear and on the 
east side, making a lot at this time of forty-nine feet 
front and sixty-four feet deep. The county obtained 
a deed in fee-simple from the heirs of Daniel P. Strat- 
ton for their interest in the lot, on March 10, 1881. 
In 1860 the existing fire-proof record rooms were 
built back of the main ofiices at a cost of about six- 
teen hundred dollars. 

In the spring of 1880 an addition was built to the 
fire-proof record vault of the clerk's office at a cost 
of six hundred and eighty-thi-ee dollars. 

Poor-House. — The act incorporating the board of 
chosen freeholders, passed Feb. 13, 1798, authorized 
them, if they should deem it necessary, to purchase 
or build a poor-house, at such place in the county as 
they should appoint, which poor-house should be 
under their direction and government, and they were 
authorized to appoint all needed officers. When such 
a house should be purchased or built, all the poor of 
the county were required to be sent to and kept in 
such poor-house at the expense of the county. Pre- 
vious to this act each township had taken care of its 



530 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



own poor. The first account of any provision for 
them is found in the records of the courts at Salem 
at June term, 1715, when, on petition of Mary Hix, 
of " Grinedge," she being very poor, the court ordered 
John Briclf and Noah Moore, overseers of poor of 
" Grinedge," to maintain her at the charge of the 
precinct. 

At the first meeting of the board of freeholders, 
May 9, 1798, a committee was appointed to inquire 
where suitable property could be obtained for the 
accommodation of the poor of the county. In August 
this committee reported that the annual expense of 
the townships in supporting the poor was: Green- 
with, $300; Hopewell, $200; Stow Creek, $150; 
Deerfield, $.300; Fairfield, §260; Downe, $108; 
Maurice River, $108; total, $1426. They further 
reported that the people of the county, in general, 
seemed pleased with the idea of a poor-house, and 
that several places named were for sale, but no action 
was taken. In August, 1799, a further report was 
made as to properties offered, and the subject post- 
poned. Nothing more was done until May, 1809, when 
a committee was appointed to purchase a farm for a 
poor-house, and in June, on their report, it was re- 
solved to purchase the farm known as Moore Hall, 
and Nov. 27, 1809, Alexander T. Moore and wife 
conveyed the same to the board for the sum of four 
thousand fiv^e hundred dollars. The buildings on it 
were altered, and it was ready for the reception of 
the poor about June 1, 1810. In 1830 and '31 at- 
tempts were made by the freeholders from some of 
the townships to sell the pooi'-house, and have the 
poor again maintained by the separate townships, but 
it was lost both times by a tie vote. 

In 1838 the amount of grain, pork, animals, hay, 
and other produce raised on the farm and used in 
the institution was $973.05 ; amount of lime, marl, 
rails, grass-seed, animals, harness, windmill, hay, 
carting timber for house, wages of hands, etc., bought 
and used for the farm, $725.38; gain to the house, 
$247.67 ; number of paupers, 65. In 1841 one hun- 
dred apple-trees were ordered put out on the farm. 

Present Almshouse. — In February, 1851, a new 
poor-house was ordered built, and a committee, con- 
sisting of Jonathan Elmer, Robert Sheppard, Charles 
B. Fithian, Cornelius Lupton, and David P. Simkins, 
■was appointed to procure plans and make contracts 
for it. It was built during that year, and, with the 
furniture and suitable outbuildings, the whole cost 
was $9129.73, all of which was paid from the surplus 
revenue fund. It is a brick structure, ninety-five by 
forty-six feet, three stories high, beside basement. 
On each floor are fourteen rooms, with a ten-foot hall 
running lengthways of the building, with the rooms 
on each side of it. The rooms are large with high 
ceilings, and well lighted and ventilated. In the 
basement are the dining-rooms, kitchen, store-rooms, 
etc. The building stands on quite an elevated site, 
and is a landmark for many miles. 



In 1870 a building for the insane paupers was built 
at a cost of $3200. 

December, 1875, present number of inmates, 66 ; 
average for the year, 61 J ; number admitted, 48; dis- 
charged, 28 ; births, 1 ; deaths, 7. 

For year from May, 1876, to May, 1877, the gross 
expenses connected with the poor of the county was 
$12,125, of which $5385 was for out-door relief. 

In the winter of 1880-81, steam-heating apparatus 
was placed in the building, and proved an entire suc- 
cess. 

STEWARDS OP THE POOR-HOUSE. 



1810-17. Arthur Clark. 
ISIS. Andrew Miller. 
1819. Isaac Stathom. 
1820-24. .Tohn Swiimey. 
1825-27. John A. Moore. 
1828-40. Israel Garton. 
1840-49. James Dalrymple. 
1850. Mark Ayars. 
1851-53. JaniBs Dalrymple. 



1854-62. Kichard B. Fithian. 
1863-65. Charles Clark. 
1866-71. Seeley Shute. 
1872-73. Edgar Shute. 
1874-76. William H. Bennett. 
1877-79, Ebenezer Whitaker. 
1880-82. Sheppard Eobbins. 
1883. Ebenezer Whitaker. 



ALMSHOUSE PHYSICIANS. 



1811-13. Edo Ogden. 
1814. Charles Clark. 
1815-10. Samuel M. Shute. 
1817-28. Bphraim Buck. 
1829-34. William S. Bowen. 
183,5-39. William Steeling, 
1840-42. George Tomlinson. 
1843^8, Bphisim Buck. 

1849. George Tomlinson. 

1850. William S, Bowen, 
1851-52. Edward M. Porter. 
1853-55. Ephraim Buck. 
1856-58. J. Barron Potter. 
1859. J. Barron Potter. 



18,50. Oliver S. Belden. 
1860-61. J. Barron Potter. 
Eobert W, Elmer. 

1862. Eobert W. Elmer. 

1863, Nathaniel R, Newkirk, 
1864-66, Robert W. Elmer. 
1866-70. Josepli Sheppard, 
1871, Charles H, Dare, 
1872-77. Joseph Sheppard. 
1878-80. Charles H. Dare, 

1881. Charles H, Dare. 
Joseph Sheppard. 

1882. George A. Harris. 

1883. Charles H. Dare, 



CHAPTER LXXXIV. 

COURTS, JUDGES, AND JUSTICES. 

The first courts of Cumberland County were held 
at Greenwich, in accordance with the appointment of 
Governor Belcher, on the last Tuesday in May, the 
31st, 1748, and sat two days. Present, Richard Wood, 
John Ogden, Joseph Reeve, and John Remington, 
judges of the pleas, and Ebenezer Miller, John Brick, 
Jr., David Ogden, Ephraim Seeley, Joseph Peck, 
Thomas Padgett, Jonathan Holmes, Job Shepherd, 
Charles Davis, and Samuel Barns, justices of the 
peace. On the next day John Brick, judge, and 
Moses Shepherd, justice, were also present. At that 
time commissions were issued by the Governor ap- 
pointing judges of the Court of Common Pleas, and 
the justices of the peace of a county, who were also 
appointed by the Governor, constituted the Court of 
Quarter Sessions. At this first court commissions 
appointing Elias Cotting clerk, and Ananias Sayre 
sherifi' were read. On the next day the courts met 
at the Presbyterian meeting-house. The grand jury 
brought in only one indictment. At the next term, 
in August of that year, Benjamin Stratton, Thomas 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



531 



Ogden, and Jeremiah Parvin refused to be suorn on 
the grand jury, and were committed to the custody of 
the sheriff for contempt. At the end of December 
term, 1748, the courts adjourned to the fourth Tues- 
day in February, 1749, and ordered the clerk to make 
all writs returnable at Cohansey Bridge. An election 
had been held by which the latter place had been se- 
lected as the county-seat. At the February term they 
met at Cohansey Bridge, at the house of Isaac Smith, 
who kept a tavern on the west side of the river. 
Until 1752, when the first court-house was finished, 
they usually met at the Parvin and Getting taverns. 
In August, 1750, one David Smith plead guilty to 
larceny, and was sentenced to " be whipt on the bare 
back 25 lashes." At the August term, 1752, they 
met at the court-house for the first time. December 
term, 1755, Elias Cottiug, the clerk, presented a new 
commission to hold during good behavior. He died 
in 1757, and at the December term of that year Daniel 
Elmer presented his commission as clerk. He died 
May 2, 1761, and Maskell Ewing presented his com- 
mission to succeed him on the 26th of the same month. 
At the December term, 1761, Isaac Mills, Jr., of Stow 
Creek, had his tax remitted, " having been out in his 
Majesty's Service the present season." At the August 
term, 1765, the record says the courts were " holden 
at Bridgeton," this being the first mention of that 
name, but it continued to be used after that. At the 
September term, 1776, the date is simply the year, the 
year of the reign of the sovereign being dropped. 
During 1777 and 1778 the principal business was the 
prosecution of those refusing to take the oath of alle- 
giance to the new State government, and of others 
for disaffection to the government, and some for 
reviling the same. Many of them were fined up to 
£100, and some were imprisoned for three months. 
In 1779-83 a number of those disabled in the war, 
and the widows of some who had died in the service, 
applied for half-pay, and it was granted by the court. 
All crimes of a high grade could only be tried in 
the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which was held, 
previous to 1794, by a special commission author- 
izing a justice of the Supreme Court, who was named 
with the county judges of the pleas, and sometimes 
two or three justices of the peace, all of whom were 
also named to hold the court. When a person 
charged with a crime of the higher grade was ar- 
rested application was generally made to the Gov- 
ernor, and he then issued a special commission. By 
an act passed in November, 1794, the justices of the 
Supreme Court and thejudges of the respective courts 
of Common Pleas, or any three or more of them, of 
whom one of the justices of the Supreme Court 
should be one, were constituted Courts of Oyer and 
Terminer in each county, to sit in each county at such 
time as the Supreme Court should appoint. In 1799 
an act was passed requiring them to sit at the same 
time as the Circuit Court in each county, which then 
was twice a year. 



The number of capital cases in this county has 
been small, and to the honor of the county it can be 
said that no white native-born citizen of the county 
was ever executed. 

Capital Crimes and Executions. — The first case 
of hanging in this county was for horse-stealing, 
which at that time was a capital offense. Francis 
Pickering, alias Mason, alias Price, and Simon Hus- 
sey, alias Anderson, both of whom were inhabitants 
of Maryland, and came here but a short time before, 
were arrested for stealing a horse and a mare belong- 
ing to Charles Davis. Owing to the insecurity of the 
jail, although it had been built only three or four 
years, the board of justices and freeholders sent a 
special messenger to the chief justice of the State to 
induce him to solicit Governor Bernard to issue a 
special commission of Oyer and Terminer for their 
trial. The errand was a success, and on Aug. 22, 
1758, a special court was held in the court-house, pre- 
sided over by Samuel Nevill, one of the justices of 
the Supreme Court, and they were convicted and sen- 
tenced to be hung on September 18th. Hussey being 
a youth about twenty years old, and it appearing he 
had been led into it by Pickering, who had the char- 
acter of a notorious thief, the justices of the county 
and many of the principal inhabitants petitioned the 
Governor for his pardon, and David Ogden, one of 
the justices of the peace, was sent to Perth Amboy 
with the petition. His errand was successful, and 
Hussey escaped the death penalty, but was im- 
prisoned about two months, and then released on the 
application of the justices and freeholders, who sent 
the sherifi" to Somerset Court, probably to the chief 
justice, to get his discharge. Pickering was hung on 
the day appointed, by Sheriff Maskell Ewing. The 
hanging took place on what was then a common, but 
is now comprised in the Presbyterian graveyard on 
Broad Street, near the northeast corner of the yard. 
An oral account of it, which the late Daniel M. 
Woodruff, of Bridgeton, had from his mother, who 
was born in January, 1749, says that Pickering, who 
was a remarkably handsome man, had taken the 
horse for some purpose, and was within a mile of 
the place where it belonged and about to return it 
when arrested. However this may be, the extreme 
severity of the law was such that in 1769 the Legisla- 
ture passed an act reciting that the punishment of 
death, " which by the law as it now stands is directed 
to be inflicted upon every person indiscriminately 
convicted of horse-stealing," had not answered the 
purpose intended, and enacting that thereafter the 
punishment for the first offense should be such cor- 
poreal or other punishment as the court should think 
fit, and for the second offense made it lawful to impose 
the death sentence as before, but even this harshness 
has long since passed away. 

The next conviction for a capital offense was during 
the Revolution, upon a charge of highway robbery. 
A messenger was sent after Judge John Cleves 



532 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Symmes, who attended and held a special Court of 
Oyer and Terminer, and he was convicted by a jury. 
The name of the prisoner is not now known. The 
party robbed was proved to be a Tory and a person 
of ill-repute, and the court recommended the prisoner 
for pardon, which was probably granted, as there is 
no record or tradition of his execution. 

On Feb. 28, 1797, John Patterson, an Irishmsin, 
murdered Capt. Andrew Conrow, and attempted to 
kill two others of his crew, badly wounding them, on 
their vessel on Maurice River, between Dorchester 
and Leesburg. The cabin-boy escaped up the rig- 
ging, and thus saved his own life, and afterwards was 
the chief witness against Patterson. What induced 
this fiendish act is now unknown. On his arrest he 
passed by the name of Robert Brown. A special 
term of the Oyer and Terminer was held in Septem- 
ber, 1797, and he was convicted, chiefly on the evi- 
dence of the cabin-boy. The trial took place in the 
Presbyterian Church on Broad Street, the court-house 
not being large enough to accommodate the people. 
The building was unplastered at that time, and it is 
related that " the beams above were crowded with 
men and boys eager to see the prisoner and hear the 
evidence against him. During the course of the trial, 
while the cabin-boy was giving in his testimony, Pat- 
terson, frenzied with anger, seized the lad by the 
throat, and seemingly endeavored to choke him to 
death. The act created a fearful excitement, and it 
was with difficulty the people could be restrained 
from tearing Patterson to pieces." ' He was con- 
victed and sentenced to be hung, but hung himself 
the next morning with a silk handkerchief on the 
upper hinge of his cell door, thus cheating the gallows 
of the most deserving victim who ever faced that 
dreaded reality in this county. 

At a court held June 7, 1799, before Isaac Smith, 
second justice of the Supreme Court, and Jonathan 
Elmer, Azariah Moore, Amos Westcott, John Mulford, 
and Eli Budd, judges of the pleas, the negro Joseph 
was tried for the murder of Peter Jackson, also a 
negro, for whom he worked. The crime was com- 
mitted near Page's Run, not far from Newport, and 
it is said that he was goaded to the act. This trial 
took place in the court-house, and the jury convicted 
him. He was sentenced to be hung on the 21st of 
the same month, and his body to be delivered to such 
surgeon as should apply for it, as the law authorized. 
The sentence was carried out by Sheriff George Bur- 
gin, on a lot on the Roadstown road, just west of 
West Street. The lot was then uninclosed, and cov- 
ered with heavy timber, and it is said that an oak-tree 
was used for the gallows. " The condemned man was 
taken to the place of execution in an open cart, es- 
corted by the military, the band playing a dirge all 
the way there. The military were formed in a hollow 

1 KewBpaper article by Robert B. Potter, wbo obtained tbe facts from 
the late Daniel M. "WoodruflF, Esq., who, then a mere boy, was au eye- 
witness of the trial. 



square around the tree, and after the usual prelimi- 
naries the deluded mortal was launched into eternity 
amid the firing of musketry. The trees swarmed with 
men and boys as thick as blackbirds, and there was 
a large turnout of the people from all parts of the 
county, as if it were a gala day."'' 

The next case of hanging was that of Rosan Keen, 
a mulatto girl about sixteen years old. She was em- 
ployed as a servant in the family of Enos Seeley, Esq., 
who about a year previous had been county clerk for 
a short time. Mr. and Mrs. Seeley were both taken 
sick, and in about ten days Mr. Seeley died, but Mrs. 
Seeley recovered. Suspicions were aroused when it 
was learned that the girl had obtained arsenic through 
a neighbor, and she was arrested. Mr. Seeley's body 
was taken up and the stomach sent to Philadelphia 
to be analyzed. After being in jail two or three 
weeks she confessed the crime. The arsenic was 
mixed in a lump of butter, and Mr. Seeley had sev- 
eral doses of it before he died. The motive seems to 
have been to possess some articles of dress or jewelry 
which she had seen Mrs. Seeley have. She was tried 
in September of the same year. Judge Daniel Elmer 
presiding, and was sentenced to be hung on November 
3d. She was deficient in intellect, and there are grave 
doubts about the justness of her conviction. When 
sentenced she remained indifferent, although the judge 
and many of the spectators were in tears. The Bridge- 
ton Chronicle said at the time, " From what we have 
been able to ascertain in relation to the previous 
character of this poor, ignorant, demented girl, we 
are fully persuaded that she is much more deserving 
a place in an insane asylum than some of those hom- 
icides who have recently been liberated from punish- 
ment on the ground of insanity." She was reprieved 
for a time on account of some efforts made to secure 
her a pardon, but was hung on April 26, 1844, in the 
jail-yard, by SheriflT Harris B. Mattison. 

The next and last case of capital conviction was 
that of Charles T. Ogden and Washington Howard 
for the murder of Zadoc Damrell, a short distance 
above Shiloh, April 28, 1864. The wife of Ogden 
had left her husband in Gloucester County and gone 
off with Damrell. Ogden and Howard hunted for 
them, and met them along the road, and Ogden as- 
saulted Damrell with a large pocket-knife, Howard 
holding him while it was done. He died front the 
effect of the wounds in a few hours. The two were 
arrested, and convicted on June 2, 1864, Judge L. Q. 
C. Elmer presiding at the trial. They were sen- 
tenced to be hung on July 20th of that year, which 
sentence was duly carried into effect in the old jail- 
yard, by Sheriff Charles L. Watson, on that date. 

Judges of the Court of Common Pleas.— Under 
the Constitution of 1776 judges of the Common Pleas 
and justices of the peace were appointed by the Legis- 
lature in joint meeting. No restriction as to the 



- Article by R. B. Potter, above reftjrred to. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



533 



number in each county was set out, and the varying 
party majorities in the Legislature kept the number 
at a high limit. Under the Constitution of 1844 the 
judges were appointed in the same way, but the 
number was limited to not more than five, and by an 
act passed in 1855 it was reduced to three. The 
amendments to the Constitution adopted in 1875 
gave the appointment of the judges to the Governor, 
with the advice and consent of the Senate. Since 
1844 justices of the peace are elected in the wards 
and townships, not less than two or more than five 
in each. 

Since the Revolution the following is a list of 
judges and justices, with the dates of their appoint- 
ment or election : 

JUDGES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. 

1776. — Alexander Moore, Ananias Sayre, MaskeU Ewing, Ephraim 

Seeley. 
1777.— Joshua Brick. 

1778. — Elienezer HoweU, Ephraim Harris, Ephraim Seeley. 
1781.— Ephraim Seeley. 

1782. — Ephraim Seeley, Benjamin Holmes, Joshua Brick. 
1784.— Nathan Leake. 

17S6. — Ephraim Harris, Ebeuezer Howell, Richard Wood. 
(^^,-^1787. — Ephraim Seeley, Samuel Ogden, Joshua Brick, Azariah Moore, 

Eli Elmer. 
1788. — Ephraim Harris. 
1789.— Nathan Leake. 

1791. — MaskeU Ewing, Dr. Jonjithan Elmer. 
1792. — Benjamin Peck, Azariah Moore. 
1793. — Ephraim Harris. 
1795. — Amos Westcott. 

1796. — John Mulford, Isaac Wheaton, Samuel Ogden. 
1797.— Dr. Jonathan Elmer. 
1798.— Azariah Moore, Joel Fithian. 
1799. — Eli Budd, Amos Westcott, Isaac Wheaton. 
1800.— Amos Woodrufif. 
1801. — Siimnel Ogden, John Mulford, William Garrison, James Lee, 

Ezekiel Foster, William Chard, Joseph Ogden. 
1803.— John Wood, James B. Hunt. 

1804. — John Wood, Ebenezer Seeley, George Burgin, Abijah Davis. 
1805.— Amos Westcott. 
1806. — William Garrison, Ebenezer Elmer, John Mulford, James Lee, 

Ezekiel Poster, William Chard, James Clark. 
1808.— James B. Hunt, John Elkinton, John Mcintosh. 
1809.— John Wood, Ebenezer Seeley. 
1810. — Amos Westcott, Thomas Brown. 
1811. — James Clark, Ezekiel Foster, William Chard, James Lee, John 

Mulford, William Garrison. 
1812. — Charles Garrison, Henry Shaw, Joseph Brick, Randall Marshall, 

Jonathan Elmer, Joel Fithian, Azariah Moore, Amos Woodruff. 
1813. — Dr. Benjamin Champneya, John Mayhew, Asa Douglas, Eli Bndd, 

James B. Hunt, Thomas Lee, Natbau Leake, John Mclutosh, Wil- 
liam Peterson. 
1814.— Jacob ShuU, Stephen Willis, John Wood. 
1815. — Hosea Sneathen, John Young, Amos Westcott. 
1816. — James Clark, James Lee, John Mulford, William Garrison. 
1817.— Jiimes D. Westcott. 
1818.— John Mcintosh, William Peterson. 
1819.— Jacob Shall. 
1820.— Amos Westcott. 

1821. — James Clark, John Mulford, Ebenezer Elmer, John Sibley. 
1S22.— Jiimes D. Westcott, Joshua Brick. 
182 J.— John Mcintosh, Enos Ewing, Israel Sfcratton. 
1824. — Israel Stratton, David Lupton. 
1825. — Amos Westcott, Jeremiah Stratton. 
1826. — James Clark, Ebenezer Elmer, John Sibley. 
1827. — .James D. Westcott, Joshua Brick, Henry Shaw. 
1828. — Reuben Hunt, Samuel Seeley. 
1829. — John Mcintosh, Moses Bateman, David Lupton, Nathan Leake, 

Israel Stratton, Jeremiah StuU. 



1831, — George Sender, Ebenezer Elmer, John Sibley, Dr. Edmund 
Sheppard. 

1832 — Joshua Brick, Henry Shaw. 

1833. — Dan Simkins, Nathaniel Foster, Jeremiah Stratton, Dr. William 
B. Ewing, William Bevan, 

1834.— Jeremiah Stull, Ebenezer Westcott, William D. Barrett, John 
Mcintosh, Moses Bateman, Israel Stratton, Nathan Leake, John 
Garrison. 

1835.— David Lupton, Daniel L. Burt. 

1836. — Di-. Joseph Butcher, John S. Ware, George Harris, James Ward, 
Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 

1837. — Joshua Brick, John Wishart, William Cook, Daniel M. Woodruff, 

1838.— John S. Wood, Philip Fithian, Dr. Isaac H. Hampton, Dan Simp- 
kins, Nathaniel Foster, Henry Shaw, Dr. "^Villiam B. Ewing. 

1839.— Levi B. Davis, John Mcintosh. 

1840.— Nathaniel Foster, John Salkeld, Isaac Whitaker, Reuben Hunt, 
Moses Bateman. 

1841.- David W. Carnes, Joshua Brick, Joel S. Robinson, Josiah Shaw, 
Jeremiah Stratton, Enoch Mulford. 

1842.— Joshua Brick, John Stille, Artis E. Hughes. 

1843. —John S. Wood, Philip Fithian, Joseph W. Woodruff, Dan. Simp- 
kins, Jeremiah S. Nixon, Charles Compton, Enos F. Randolph, Peter 
Ladow, William Cook, Nathaniel Foster, William Watson, Elmer 
Ogden. Ephraim H. Whitecar, Elijah D. Riley, Dr. William B. 
Ewing, John Mcintosh, John R. Corey, Thomas Ware, Israel Strat- 
ton, James Ward, William Stratton, Henry Shaw, David Campbell, 
John S. Warp, Samuel Seeley. 

1844. — George Souder, George Harris, Jeremiah Stull, Henry Sheppard, 
Samuel Sloan, Josiah Shaw. 

1845.— Philip Fithian. 

1846. — Joseph W. Woodruff. 

1847, — Ephraim H. Whitecar. 

184S.— Josiah Shaw. 

1849.— William Bevan. 

1850.-=-Philip Fithian. 

1851.— Samuel Harris. 

1852.— Israel Stratton. 

1853.— William D. Barrett, Henry R. Foster, Dr. William B. Ewing. 

1S54.— Lewis Woodruff, Harris B. Mattison. 

1857.— Israel Stratton. 

1858. —William D. Barrett. 

1859.— Elwell Nichols. 

I860.— Joseph E. Oliver. 

1862.— Joseph E. Oliver. 

1863.— Ephraim E. Sheppard. 

1864.- Elias Doughty. 

1866.— Daniel Harris. 

1867. — Daniel Harris. ' 

1868.— Ephraim E. Sheppard. 

1869,— Elias Doughty. 

1872.— Daniel Harris. 

1873._Ephraim H. Whitecar. 

1874. — Alphonso Woodruff. 

1877.— Elias Doughty. 

1878. — Nathaniel Stratton. 

1879. — Alphonso Woodruff. 

1882.— Elias Doughty. 

1883. — Nathaniel Stratton. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1776.— Alexander Moore, Ananias Sayre, MaskeU Ewing, Ephraim See- 
ley, Ephraim Harris, Abraham Jones, Jonathan Ayres, Thomas 
MaskeU, Samuel Ogdeu (son of Samuel), Elijah Hand, John Wheaton, 
David Potter, Abijah Holmes, David Boweu (resigned March 27, 
1778), Joseph Newcomb, Timothy Elmer, Jonathan Smith. 

1777. — Joshua Brick, Ephraim Mills, Providence Ludlam, Ebenezer 
Howell, Nathan Leake, Joseph Shepherd, John Mulford, Samuel 
Ewing, John Moore, John Peck, George McLanglen. 

1778,_Phineaa Carle, William Kelsey (resigned Oct. 2, 1782). 

1781. — Ephraim Seeley, Abraham Jones, Joseph Newcomb, Samuel 
Ogden, Sr.. Joel Fithian, William Low, Ephraim Harris. 

1782, — Ephraim Seeley, Benjamin Holmes, Joshua Brick, Samuel Ogden, 
John Mulfurd, Joshua Ewing, Isaac Wheaton, Isaac Smith, Azariah 
Moore, Eli Elmer. . 

1784. — Nathan Leake, James Harris, William Kelsey. 

1786.— Ebenezer Howell, Richard Wood, Ephraim Harris, MaskeU 
Ewing. 



534 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



1787. — Ephiaim Seeley, Samuel Ogden, Joshua Brick, John Miilford, 
William Low, Elijah Hand, Azariah Moore, EH Elmer (resigned 
Nov. 20, 17S9), Itaac Smith, Isaac Wlieaton. ^-^ 

1788.— Benjamin Peck. 
17S9.— Nathan Leake. 
1790. — Amos Westcott, James Jess. 
1791.— Maskell Ewing, Dr. Jonathan Elmer. V-^ 
1791.— William Low, John Mulford. 

1791. — Samuel Ogden, Ephraim Harris, William Garrison. 
1792. — John Hand, Benjamin Peck, Azariah Moore, Nathan Clark, Isaac 

Wlieaton, Isaac Smith. 
1793. — William Mason, Bayse Newcomb. 
1795. — Amos Westcott, John Trenchard, Joseph Ogden, John Errick- 

son, Joseph Jones, Amos Westcott. 
1796. — Amos Woodruff, James Ogden, John Mulford, Samuel Ogden, 

William Garrison. ^^ * 

1797. — Dr. Jonathan Elmer, Isaac Wheaton. 
1798. — Azariah Moore, Joel Fithian, Enos Ewing. 
1799.— Eli Bndd, William Mason, William Chard, Joseph Ogdeu, John 

Trenchard. 
1800. — Amos Woodruff, Amos Westcott, John Erricson, Maurice Beasley, 

Joel Stratton. 
1801. — Jeremiah Buck, Joshua Brick, James Clark, William Garrison, 

James Lee, Ezekiel Foster, Samuel Ogden, John Mulford, John 

Wood, Ebenezer Seeloy, John Chance. 
1803. — James B. Hunt, Lawrence Van Hook, William Chard. 
ISOi. — George Bnrgin, Ahijah Davis. James Burch, John Mcintosh, 

William Petei"son, Daniel Bishop, Thomas Brown. 
1805.— Amos WestcotI:, James Clark, John Westcott, Maskell Ware, 

Robert Smith, John ElkJuton, Samuel TUompsnn, Abraham Sayre. 
1806. — William Garrison, Ehenezer Elmer, John Mulford, James Lee, 

John Wood, Ebenezer Davis, Kandall Marshall, Euoch Burgin. 
1807. — Ezekiel Foster, Daniel Richman, Henry Shaw. 
1808.— Tames B. Hunt, William Chard, Tliomas Brown. 
1809. — Ebenezer Seeley, John Mcintosh, William Peterson. 
1810. — Amos Westcott, Tliomas Brown, James Clark, John Westcott, 

Maskell Ware, -lohn Elkinton, Samuel Thompson, Stephen Willis, 

Holmes Parvin. 
1811. — James Lee, John Mulford, William Garrison, John Wood, Enoch 

Bnrgin, Israel Stratton. 
1812. — Charles Garrison, Henry Shaw, Joseph Brick, Randall Marshall, 
t Dr. Jonathan Elmer, Joel Fithian, Azariah Moore, Amos Woodruff, 

Ezekiel Foster, Ichabod Comptou, Wesley Bndd, Isaac Winn. 
1813. — Dr. Benjamin Champneys, John Mayhew, Asa DouglEis, Eli Budd, 

Seeley Fitbian, Thomas B. Hunt, Thomas Lee, Nathan Leake, Wil- 
liam Chard, Jeremiah Stratton, Daniel Richman. 
1814. — Jacob ShiiU. Hosea Sneathen, Hosea Rankins, John Mcintosh, 

William Peterson, Amos Westcott. 
181.5. — John Young, John Chattin. John Budd, Israel Stratton, Samuel 

Seeley, James Clark, John Westcott, Maskell Ware, Stephen Willis, 

Holmes Parvin. 
1816. — ^John Westcott, James Lee, John Mulford, William Garrison, 

John Wood. 
1817. — Henry Sockwell, Nathaniel Foster, Charles Clark, James D. 

Westcott. 
1818. — Maskell Ware, Josiah Sheppard, Daniel Parvin, Daniel Carrall, 

Henry Shaw, Samuel Thompson, James B. Hunt, Jeremiah Strat- 
ton, John Campbell. 
1S19. — Jacob SbuU, Hosea Sneathen, George Souder, Hosea Rankins, 
\. Moses Bateman, William Peterson, John Mcintosh, Amos West- 
cott. 
1820. — John Budd, Israel Stratton, James Clark, Marehell Ware, 

Holmes Parvin, Stephen Willis, Enos Ewing, Samuel Peterson, 

Nathan Bonham. ^ 

1821.— John Mulford, Ebenezer Elmer, John Sibley, Nathaniel Foster, 

Henry Sockwell. 
1822. — James D. Westcott, Daniel Parvin, Samuel Thompson, Josiah 

Sheppard, Heriry Shaw, John Chattin, Maskell Ware, Joshua Brick. 
1823. — Jeremiah Statton, Johu Campbell, Hosea Sneathen, George 

Souder, William Watson, Moses Bateman, John Wishart, Enos 

Seeley, David Lupton. V* 

1824. — John Mcintosh, Amos Westcott, Israel Stratton, Samuel Seeley, 

Daniel Carrall. 
1825, — James Clark, Holmes Parvin, Enos Ewing, Nathan Bonham, 

Thomas Henderson. 
1826.— John Sibley, Henry Sockwell, George E. Wills, Isaac Whitaker, 

Nathaniel Foster, Isaac Murphy, Jr. 



1827.— Josiah Sheppard, Henry Shaw, Maskell Ware, James D. Westcott, 
Daniel Parvin, Thomas Marshall, Joel S. Robinson. 

1828, — Reuben Hunt, Hosea Sneathen, George Souder, William Watson, 
Moses Bateman, John Wishart, William Duffee, David Lupton, Enos 
Seeley, "' 

1829. — Leonard Lawrence, Ephraim H. Whitecar, Daniel M. Woodruff, 
Levi B Davis, John Salkeld, Dayton Riley, Thomas Ferguson, John 
Mcintosh, Israel Stratton, Jeremiah Stratton, John Campbell, Na- 
than Leake, William D. Barrett, Norton 0. Lawrence, Ebenezer 
Westcott, Jeremiah Stull. 

1830. — Daniel Carrall, William Bevan, Nathan Bonham, Thomas Hen- 
derson. 

1831. — James Bacon, David B. Moore, Johu Sibley, Isaac Whitaker, Dr. 
Edmund Sheppard. 

1832. — Benjamin Tliompson, Samuel Sloan, Dr. Joseph Butcher, Na- 
thaniel Foster, Henry Shaw, Thomas Marshall, Joel S.Robinson, 
Maskell Ware. 

1833.— Philip Fithian, Elijah D. Riley, Enoch Mulford, William Cook, 
Thomas C. Marshall, Dan Simkins, Samuel Barber, Lewis Mul- 
ford, James P. Powers, Josiah Sheppard, James Hood, Dr. William 
B. Ewing, David 0. Garrison, George Harris, Lewis Douzenbaker, 
John R. Cory, George Souder, Moses Batein^ti, John Wishart, David 
Lupton, Carl Whitekar, Henry Sheppard, Jonathan Garton, Jr., 
David Wliitekar, Smith Bacon. 

1834. — Thomas Ware, Stephen Bolkcom, William Wheaton, John Gar- 
rison, Daniel L. Burt, Cui-tis Trenchard, Ephraim H. Whitecar, 
James Ward, John S. Ware, Israel Stratton, Jeremiah Stratton, 
Nathan Leake, William D. Barrett, Dr. Edmund Sheppard, Eben- 
ezer Westcott. John Mclntnsb. 

1835. — Uriah Gilman, Daniel Gilman, Thomas Henderson, Robert Jor- 
den, Michael Horner. 

1836. — Lewis Woodruff, Jeremiah Stull James Bacon, Reuben Ware, 
William G. Leake, Benjamin Wynn, Ephraim Sheppard, Daniel Car- 
rail, Ebenezer Seeley, Jr., Hugh R. Merseilles. 

1837.- John Wishart, Joel S. Robinson, Zephaniah Ogden, David W. 
Carnes, David R. Moore, Leonard Lawrence, Isaac Watson, Maskell 
Ware, Belford M. Bonham, Dr. Joseph Butcher, Daniel M. Wood- 
ruff, John W. Bradway. 

1838.— John S. Wood, Dr. Isaac H. Hampton, Enoch Mulford, Philip 
Fithian, Lewis Mulford, Elijah D. Riley, Peter Ladow, William 
Cook, William Watson, Nathaniel Foster, Henry Shaw, George 
Souder, Daniel Simpkins, Samuel Seeley, William Bevan, Dr. Wil- 
liam B. Ewing, Charles Bonham, John Salkeld. 

1839. — Moses Bateman, Joel Moore, Artis E. Hughes, Levi B. Davis, 
Spencer Tracy. 

1839.— John Mcintosh, Ephraim H. Whitecar, Samunl Craig, Jacob 
Foster. 

1840. — John Bonham, Uriah Gilman, Thomas Ferguson, Samuel Craig, 
William Null, William D. Barrett, William Rogers, Michael Homer, 
Robert Jordan. 

1841. — Josiah Shaw, Jesse Hand, Hugh R. Merseilles, Merrick Hender- 
son, Zaccheus Joslin, Ebenezer Seeley, Jr., Isaac Whitekar, Joseph 
E. Oliver, Jeremiah Stratton. 

1842. — Joshua Brick, David W. Carnes, Leonard Lawrence, Maskell 
Ware, Joel S. Robinson, Daniel R. Moore, Isaac Watson, Belford M. 
Bonham, John Stille. 

1843.— Johu S. Wood, Elijah D. Riley, Philip Fithian, Peter Ladow, 
Enoch Mulford, Joseph W. Woodruff, Dan Simpkins, Jeremiah S. 
Nixon, Charles Comptou, Enos F. Randolph, Peter Ladow, Robert 
P. Woodruff, John Moore, William Cook, Nathaniel Foster, William 
Watson, Elmer Ogden, Ephraim H. Whiticar, Elijah D. Riley, Wil- 
liam Elwell, Joseph A. Bowen, Dr. William B, Ewing, John Mcin- 
tosh, John R. Cory. Thomas Ware, Israel Stratton, James Ward, 
William Stratton, John Garrisnn, William D. Barrett, David Whit- 
ekar, Joseph E. Oliver, Isaac Conover, Samuel Sloan, Ephraim T. 
Cory, William Gilman, Jonathan Richman, David Harris, David 0. 
Garrison, Henry R. Foster, Daniel B. Elwell, Isaac S. Randolpii. 

1S44. — George Harris, John Orr, John B. King, George Souder, Henry 
Sheppard, William Blew, Gideon R. Matthews, Lott Miller. 

Under the N'eio Constilutioyi. 

1848. — Seeley Shute, Greenwich. 

1849. — Israel Stratton, Maurice River. 

1850. — Thomas Ware, Stow Creek; Isaac West, Nathan Sheppard, Hope- 
well ; William It. Parvin, Lewis Woodruff, Deerfield; Jeremiah 
Bamford, Isaac Conner, Fairfield; Sanuiel Sloan, Downe; James 
Ward, Joel S. Robinson, Martin Madden, Maurice Kiver; Henry R. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



535 



Foster, Artid E. Hughes, Bridgeton ; George Harris, Franklin 
Devereaux, Cuhansey. 

1851. — Philip Fitliiau, Stow Creek; Lewis W. Tomliiison, Greenwich; 
Jacob Jolinsou, Jeremiah Stratton, Isaiah Dunlap, Thomas Hill, 
Smith Kichards, fliillville; Ethau Love, Daniel R. Moore, The- 
ophilua G. Conipton, Downe; John Carter, William Bevan, Bridge- 
ton. 

1852. — Charles Bonham, Hopewell ; Leonard Lawrence, William D. 
Barrett, Fairfield. 

1853. — Seeley Shnte, Greenwich; James H. Husted, Deerfield; Daniel 
Harris, Maurice Kivei\; Philip Dare, Isaac Whitiiker, Bridgeton. 

1854. — Samuel Wills, John Hartman, Maurice River. 

1855. — William T. Sheppard, Stow Creek; Samuel C. Fithian, Green- 
wich; William R. Parvin, Alfred Davis, Deerfield ; James Campbell, 
Jr., Joel Westcott, Fairfield ; Samuel Sloan, Downe ; Joel S. Robin- 
son, Warren Thompson, Elvy D. Tice, Maurice River; Artis E. 
Hughes, Robert M. Hood, Bridgeton; Daniel M. Woodruff, George 
Harris, Cuhausey. 

1856. — Beujamio C. West, Stow Creek ; Isaac West, Theophilus P.Davis, 
Hopewell; Jacob Johnson, Elbridge G. McClong, Asbury Chester, 
John W. Potter, Mitlville: James Carlisle, Maurice River; John 
Carter, James S. Thomas, Bridgeton. 

1857. — William D. Barrett, Leonard Lawrence, Fairfield ; Ethan Love, 
Theophilus G. Compton, Samuel Cobb, Downe. 

1S58. — Wilmon Bacon, Greenwich ; John S. Ware, Cohansey. 

1859. — David S. Gilman, Stow Creek ; Daniel Harris, Maurice River. 

1860. — Seeley Shute, Jonathan T. Leaming, Greenwich ; Joel Westcott, 
Dr. B. Rush Bateman, Fairfield; Samuel Sloan, Downe; Artis E. 
Hughes, Phiueas Smith, Jeremiah H. Lupton, Bridgeton ; Joel S. 
Robinson, Seth G. Sharp, Andrew Smith, Maurice River; Daniel M. 
Woodruff, John S. Ware, Cohausey. 

1861. — Benjamin C. West, David S. Gilman, Stow Creek ; Jai'man A. 
Davis, Alfred Holmes, Hopewell ; Lewis Woodruff, Ricliard Ireland, 
Isaac Sharpless, George Woolford, Deerfield ; John W. Potter, Mill- 
ville ; Daniel R. Moore, Downe ; John Carter, Elijah Smith, James 
Stiles, Bridgeton. 

1862. — Alfred Davis, Deerfield; William D. Barrett, James Campbell, 
Jr., Fairfield; Theophilus G. Compton, Ethan Love, Samuel Cobb, 
Downe; Bacon B. Hutchinson, Bridgeton. 

1863.— Henry Hilyard, Hopewell; Robert T. Whitaker, Fairfield; Jonas 
C. Chew, Downe ; Nathun Shaw, Maurice River. 

1864. — Daniel Harris, Maurice River; Alonzo B. Hough, Landis, 

1865. — Seeley Shute, Jonathan T. Leaming, Greenwich; John S. Wood- 
ruff, Deerfield; Jonathan Wood, Robert T. Whitaker, Fairfield; 
Daniel B. Moore, Downe; George W. Finlaw, 1st Ward, Elmer C. 
Rocap, Joseph Borden, 2d Ward, Daniel M. Woodruff, Eli Sayre, 3d 
Ward, Bridgeton ; Joel S. Robinson, Andrew Smith, Ephraim P. 
Sharp, Maurice River. 

1866. — Jarman A. Davis, Hopewell ; Jacob Johnson, 1st Ward, Richard 
S. Ireland, 2d Ward, John Hartman, 1st Ward, Millville ; Bacon B. 
Hutchinson, James Woods, 1st Ward, Bridgeton; John W.Potter, 
Landis; Benjamin F. Swing, Charles S. Tyler, Stow Creek. 

1867. — John Carter, 1st Ward, Bridgeton; Ephraim B. Davis, John S. 
Woodruff, Deerfield ; Samuel Cobb, Ethan Love, Seth Y. Sharp, 
Downe; L. Q. C. Whitaker, Fairfield; Robert G. Sykes, Landis; 
James M. Wells, 2d Ward, Millville. 

1868. — Artis E. Hughes, 1st Ward, Bridgeton ; Stillman A. Eaton, Lan- 
dis. 

1869.— Walhice Taylor, 2d Ward, Bridgeton ; George W. Cole, Deerfield ; 
Henry Hilyard, Hopewell; Daniel Harris, Maurice River. 

1870.— William Orr, Downe; Jonathan Wood, RobertT. Whitaker, Fair- 
field ; Jonathan Y. Leaming, Greenwich; Caleb M. Bennett, Landis; 
Joel S. Robinson, Ephraim Sharp, Maurice River. 

1871. — Bacon B. Hutchinson, Isaac B, Dare, 1st Ward, Thomas G. Dunn, 
3d Ward, Bridgeton; Adrian Clunn, Fairfield; Jarman A. Davis, 
Hopewell ; A. J. Maltbury, John W. Potter, James Loughran, Lan- 
dis; George Woolford, Ist Ward, Richard S. Ireland, 2d Ward, 
Millville; Benjamin F. Swing, David S. Gilman, Stow Creek. 

1872.— A Iph on BO Woodruff, Ist Ward, David 0. Frazeur, 2d Ward, Bridge- 
ton ; George W. Cole, Deerfield ; Samuel Cobb, Seth Y. Sharp, John 
Conipton, Downe; Dr. B. Rush Bateman, Fairfield ; Robert C. Sykes, 
Philemon R. Russell, Landis ; Charles H. Stowman, Maurice River. 

1873.— James A. Williams, Deerfield. 

1874.— Richard M. Barker, 1st Ward, Wallace Taylor, 2d Ward, Jeremiah 
H. Lupton, 3d Ward, Bridgeton ; Hosea Allen, Landis; Daniel Har- 
ris, Maurice River ; Henry Kandle, 1st Ward, Millville. 

1875. — Dr. George E. Butcher, Downe; Jonathan Wood, William R. 



Waddington, Fairfield; Jonathan T. Leaming, Greenwich ; Heni-y 

Hilyard, Hopewell; Joel S. Robinson, Mauiice River; Samuel C. 
Martin, David Ross, 3d Ward, Millville ; John S. Vail, Commercial. 

1876 — Isaac B. Dare, Bacon B. Hutcliinson, Ist Ward, Bridgeton ; Albert 
F. Bateman, Fairfield; Joseph M. Compton, Hopewell; Williaru 
Russell, James Loughran, Christian Kemeror, Landis ; Jolin Haii- 
man, 1st Ward, Richard S. Ireland, 2d Ward, Millville ; Benjaniin 
F. Swing, Beiford E. Davis, Stow Creek. 

1877. — Alphouso Woodruff, 1st Ward, Levi Haines, 2d Ward, John E. 
Dare, 3d Ward, Bridgeton; Dr. Charles C. Phillips, Deerfield ; Dr. 
A. P. Glanden, Downe; James M. Newcomb, Fairfield; Joseph 
Mason, John W. Potter, Landis ; Charles H. Stowman, Maurice 
River; Isaiah E. Johnson, G. G. McClong, Ist Ward, John W. New- 
lin, Samuel Steinmetz, J. Dayton Wallen, 2d Ward, John B. Fan- 
ning, 3d Ward, Millville; George M. Chester, Samuel Cobb, Samuel 
Shinn, Dr. Charles Butcher, Commercial. 

1878.— George G. Green, 2d Ward, Bridgeton; Jeliiel Westcott, Fair- 
field ; Albro S. Brown, Landis. 

1879.- William B. Trenchard, 1st Ward, Charles G. Myers, 2d Ward, 
Jeremiah H. Lupton, Daniel Ginenback, David F. Garrison, 3d 
Ward, Bridgeton ; Samuel M. Fox, Deerfield; Henry Esten, Landis; 
Daniel Harris, Maurice River; George Woolford, 1st Ward, Mill- 
ville. 

1880.— William F. Duffield, Downe; Jehiel Westcott, Jonathan Wood, 
Fairfield ; Jonathan Y. Leaming, Greenwich ; Jarman A. Davis, 
Hopewell ; Joel S. Robinson, Maurice River ; Beiford M. Bonham, 
Stow Creek ; Dr. George E. Butcher, Commercial. 

1881. — Charles R. Carnes, Isaac B. Dare, 1st Ward, Michael Rynick, 2d 
Ward, Bridgeton ; Albert F. Bateman, Fairfield; Joseph M. Comp- 
ton, Hopewell ; William Russell, William H. Loppy, Albro S. Brown, 
Landis; Horace P. Bickley, Maurice River; James M. Wells, Henry 
C. Reeves, John P. Miller, 2d Ward, Alexander Gillau, 3d Ward, 
Millville ; Jeremiah B. Keen, Stow Creek ; Joseph B. Wilson, Com- 
mercial. 

1882.- Charles Gaudy, John Smalley, 1st Ward, Francis P. Riley, 2d 
Ward, Bridgeton; Charles C. Phillips, Deerfield; Jacob W. Auld, 
Downe; Hanry S. Long, Fairfield; Henry Esten, Joseph Mason, 
Landis; Charles H. Stowman, Maurice River; Isaiah E. Johnson, 
Ist Ward, John P. Miller, Richard Ireland, 2d Ward, John R. Fan- 
ning, 3d Ward, Millville; Ebenezer D.Woodruff, Stow Creek; Sam- 
uel Cobb, Joseph B. Wilson, Dr. George E. Butcher, Commercial. 

1883. — John E. Dare, 3d Ward, Bridgeton; Theophilus G. Compton, 
Commercial; Charles M. Hunt, 1st Ward, John Kellock, 2d Ward, 
Millville. 



CHAPTER LXXXV. 

CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTION. 

The inhabitants of Cumberland County joined 
heartily in the resistance to taxation without repre- 
sentation which led to the Revolutionary war. In 
the last Assembly which met under the colonial 
government, the members from this county, John 
Sheppard, of Greenwich, and Theophilus Elmer, of 
Fairfield, united with the greater part of their fellow- 
members in a strenuous opposition to all measures 
detrimental to the rights of the people of this colony. 
The first General Congress of the colonies, which met 
in Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1774, signed an association 
pledging themselves not to import or use any goods 
or merchandise from Great Britain, nor any East 
India tea from any part of the world after the first 
day of the next March, and recommended all the 
people to sign the same. 

The Parliament of Great Britain, after striving to 
enforce the Stamp Act and other taxes upon the colo- 
nists for several years, had, in 1770, repealed all of 



536 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the duties escept that* on tea, and in order to make 
that tax more palatable had taken off the export duty 
of twelve per cent, from the East India Company, 
and allowed them to bring it to this country upon 
payment of an import duty of three per cent. They 
hoped by thus cheapening the price of tea nine per 
cent, to bribe the Americans to pay the small import 
duty, and thus acknowledge the right of the British 
government to tax them without their consent. In 
pursuance of this plan the East India Company sent 
large quantities of tea to this country. The reception 
it met with in Boston, in December, 1773, is well 
known. New York, Philadelphia, Annapolis, Ports- 
mouth, and other places all refused to allow any tea 
to be landed. Greenwich at this time had a consid- 
erable trade with the West Indies and ports along 
the coast. 

About Dec. 12 to 14, 1774, the brig " Greyhound," 
^Capt. Allen, came into the Cohansey with a quantity 
of tea, said to be shipped at Rotterdam. It is prob- 
able that it did not come direct from there, but was 
a quantity taken from a larger cargo, and sent here 
for a market. It was secretly landed at Greenwich, 
and stored in the cellar of a store-house standing on 
the market square, and occupied by Dan Bowen. 
The inhabitants of Greenwich becoming aware of it, 
appointed a temporary committee of five to take care 
of it until the county committee should be chosen. 

A general meeting of the inhabitants of the county 
of Cumberland having been called for the purpose of 
carrying out the recommendations of the Continental 
Congress, as mentioned above, it was " held at Bridge- 
town on Thursday, the 22d day of December, 1774. 
The articles of association entered into by the Conti- 
nental Congress being publicly read, were unani- 
mously approved ; whereupon it was resolved that a 
committee of thirty-five persons be appointed to carry 
the same into execution throughout the county. The 
following persons were chosen, viz. : 



Abraham Jones. 
Tliomas Maakell. 
Ephraim Harris. 
Silas Newcomb. 
Ephraim Seeley. 
Daniel Elmer. 
Jonathan Ayres. 
Elijali Hand. 
David BowRn. - 
Joshua Brick, Esquires. 
John Wheaton. 
Benjamin Mulford. 
Abijah Holmes. 
Thomas Brown. 
Joel Fitbian. 
Daniel Maskell. 
John Gibbon. 
Michael Hoshell. 



Thomas Daniel. 
Jonathan Smith. 
William Aul. 
Joseph Sheppard. 
Isaac Preston. 
Samuel Leake. 
Mark Ryley. 
John Buck. 
Ezekiel Foster. 
Joseph Newcomb. 
Jonathan Lore. 
John Terry. 
Gideon Heaton. 
Richard Wood. 
Joshua Ewing. 
John Laning. 
Thomas Ewin'g. 



" As soon as the committee were chosen they were 
publicly informed that a quantity of tea had been 
secretly landed at Greenwich, and that the inhab- 
itants of that town had taken the alarm, and had 
chosen a pro tempore committee of five persons to 



take care of the same until the committee of the 
county was chosen. The general committee then 
withdrew, in order to consider what should be done 
in the affair, and came to the following resolution, 
viz. : That this committee being ignorant of the 
principles on which the said tea was imported, or 
whence it came, and not being able to get informa- 
tion thereof, by reason of the importer's absence, do 
think it best to have it privately stored, and agree to 
meet at ten o'clock to-morrow, in order to take care 
of the same. 

" Accordingly they met the next day, and found to 
their surprise that the tea had been destroyed by per- 
sons unknown the night before, at the time the com- 
mittee were sitting at Bridgetown, whereupon the 
committee further entered into the resolutions fol- 
lowing : 

" 1st. Th.at we entirely disapprove of the destroying 
of the above-mentioned tea, it being entirely contrary 
to our resolves. 

" 2d. That we will not conceal nor protect from 
j ustice any of the perpetrators of the above fact." 

The above is the official account of the affair, taken 
from the minutes of the county committee, signed by 
Thomas Ewing, their clerk, and published in Dun- 
lap's Pennsylvania Packet, printed at Philadelphia, 
Monday, Jan. 9, 1775, and also published in the Penn- 
sylvania Journal. Rev. Philip Vickers Fithian, who 
resided at Greenwich, and who is said to have been 
one of the party who destroyed the tea, gives us, in a 
few words recorded in his journal on the next day 
after the occurrence, a vivid picture of the affair, and 
of the feelings of the people concerning it. Under 
the date of "Friday, 23," he says, "Last night the 
Tea was, by a number of persons in disguise, taken 
out of the House & consumed with fire. Violent & 
different are the words about this uncommon Manoeu- 
vre among the Inhabitants. Some rave, some curse 
& condemn, some try to reason ; many are glad the 
Tea is destroyed, but almost all disapprove the Man- 
ner of the destruction." 

The resolutions probably expressed the sentiments 
of the committee as to the destruction of the tea, their 
plan probably being to require the importer to take 
it away again. The object of the resolutions seems 
to have been to clear the committee of responsibility 
for the act, since they had taken jurisdiction of the 
tea the day before. Some of them doubtless secretly 
favored and advised the act; indeed, two of the com- 
mittee, including the clerk, are said to have been of 
the number who burned it. 

Disguised as Indians, the party early in the even- 
ing broke open the store-house, took out the boxes of 
tea, and burned them on the open square. This 
Market Square is now a short street called Market 
Lane. The names of many of the persons engaged in 
this bold act are involved in some doubt. Alexander 
i Moore, Jr., Henry Seeley, Richard Howell, Joel Mil- 
i ler, Ephraim Newcomb, Abraham Sheppard, and 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



537 



Silas Newcomb were sued by the owners, and without 
doubt were there. According to the recollection of 
Gen. Ebenezer Elmer, in his later years, David Pier- 
son, Stephen Pierson, Silas Whittaker, Timothy 
Elmer, Andrew Hunter, Jr., Philip V. Fithian, 
Clarence Parvin, John Hunt, Lewis Howell, Henry 
Stacks, James Ewing, Thomas Ewing, Joel Fithian, 
Josiah Seeley, and Ebenezer Elmer himself were also 
of the party. Most of these lived in Greenwich and 
Hopewell, and some of them in Fairfield and at 
Bridgeton. 

This list is probably not entirely correct. It is not 
probable that Philip V. Fithian, if he had taken part 
in it, would have written in his own private journal 
without recording something that would have at least 
hinted at his participation in it. The names given by 
Ebenezer Elmer were furnished to Robert G. John- 
son for his "History of Salem County," when Gen. 
Elmer was about eighty-seven years of age, and the 
failing memory incident to his advanced age, together 
with the length of time that had elapsed, over sixty 
years, the disguise of the participants, and the secrecy 
maintained at the time as to their names probably 
explains the fact that Seeley, Miller, Sheppard, and 
the two Newcombs, against whom suits were insti- 
tuted, are not mentioned by him. Henry Stacks was 
said to have tied up his pantaloons around his ankles 
and to have filled them with tea, which he carried 
home to his family. The late Judge L. Q. C. Elmer, 
son of Gen. Ebenezer Elmer, remembers him in his 
boyhood, and that he was called " Tea Stacks" from the 
circumstances. The deed was doubtless planned at 
the meeting to choose the county committee, where 
the bold spirits who executed it had the chance to 
arrange their plan of action to be carried out the 
same night. The daring and hazardous nature of it 
is better understood when we remember that even the 
county committee, which was organized to resist the 
tyrannical acts of the mother-country, felt themselves 
constrained to at least publicly disavow the act. The 
feelings of the people were, however, thoroughly en- 
listed in opposition to the measures of the royal au- 
thorities. Cumberland County may well be proud of j 
the fact that upon her soil and among her citizens | 
were found those who dared to defy the power of the I 
British government, and to express in this bold way 
their determination td resist oppression, even to an • 
armed resistance, if necessary. This constitutes the ■ 
only justification for this unlawful destruction of 
private property. 

A mistake as to the date of the burning of the tea 
existed for many years, and has been repeated in all 
accounts of this affair published previous to 1874, 
the date having been given as Thursday, November 
22d, instead of December 22d. This error arose 
through a misunderstanding of the journal of Mr. 
Fithian, which, after some entries in November, goes 
on to record events in December without giving the 
month, but only the day of it and the day of the 



week, as in the entry of the 23d, above quoted. The 
venerable Dr. Enoch Fithian, as he informed the 
writer, furnished the date for the account of it pub- 
lished in Johnson's "History of Salem County" on 
the supposed authority of this journal. He has 
since noticed his mistake, so that now all the origi- 
nal sources of information agree as to the date. All 
the succeeding publications derived their information 
from Johnson's history and have repeated that error. 

At the April term of the Supreme Court in 1775 a 
suit in trespass was commenced by John Dufiield and 
Stacey Hepburn, the owners of the tea, against Mil- 
ler, Sheppard, and the two Newcombs for six hundred 
pounds damages, and also a like suit against Moore, 
Seeley, and Richard Howell. Joseph Bloomfleld, 
who resided at Bridgeton, appeared for the defend- 
ants, and the plaintiffs, being non-residents, were or- 
dered to file security for costs. Money was raised by 
subscription for the defense, and Jonathan D. Ser- 
geant, of Philadelphia, and others were retained. 
The plaintiffs were represented by Joseph Reed, of 
Philadelphia, and Pettit, of Burlington. The rule 
for security for costs was repeated at the November 
term, and in default thereof nonsuits were entered at 
the April term, 1776; at May term, security having 
been filed, the nonsuits were set aside and the ac- 
tions revived. But they were short-lived; the over- 
throw of the royal authority and displacement of the 
royal judges two months later ended the proceedings, 
and no further reference to them appears on the 
minutes of the court after that at May term. 

An attempt was also made to have the actors in the 
burning indicted. Chief Justice Frederick Smyth pre- 
sided at the term of the Court of Oyer and Terminer 
for Cumberland County held next after the burning, 
in May, 1775. Ebenezer Elmer, who had taken part 
in the affair, enters in his journal, under date of May 
25th, "Came up to Bridge just before Court, being 
Supreme Court. Judge Smith gave very Large 
Charge to the Grand Jury Concerning the times, & 
the burning of the Tea the fall before. But the Jury 
Came in without doing anything, & Court broke up." 
Judge Smyth sent them out a second time, but with 
no result. Jonathan Elmer, a brother of Ebenezer, 
was sheriff, and had summoned a jury of Whigs, the 
foreman of which was another brother, Daniel Elmer. 
All of the jury probably knew more about the burn- 
ing than the judge did, and their sympathies were 
with the patriotic tea-burners. Sheriff Elmer's term 
expired in June, and Governor Franklin appointed 
as his successor David Bowen, who was supposed to 
be more friendly to the royal cause. Under the date 
of September 27th, Ebenezer Elmer records, " 'Twas 
expected, as Sheriff Bowen had got a Jury of Tories, 
we Should be indited for Burning Tea & Taking 
Wheaton, but they could not make out, but made 
out a presentment. Court broke up." This ended 
all proceedings concerning the matter. This brave 
act is a rich legacy to our county of the spirit and 



538 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



determination of those early patriots. As such the 
centennial anniversary of it was celebrated with great 
enthusiasna on Nov. 25 and 26, 1874. There being no 
suitable place at Greenwich, the celebration was held 
in the West Jersey Railroad depot at Bridgetou, the 
largest building in South Jersey, the whole of which 
was granted by the railroad company for that purpose. 
Among the features of interest were a Washington 
parlor, a relic-room filled with articles and documents 
of great interest, many of them dating back to the 
first settlement of the county. Thirteen tables, hand- 
somely trimmed, represented the different townships 
and wards of the county. The opening address was 
made by Joel Parker, Governor of the State, and he 
was followed by Hon. Thomas H. Dudley, United 
States Centennial Commissioner from New Jersey, 
while Grafula's Seventh Regiment Band of New York 
furnished the music. Excursion trains were run on 
all the railroads, and an immense throng of people 
were present, the number on the last evening being 
estimated at not less than eight thousand, completely 
filling the large depot. Over two thousand dollars were 
realized from the celebration, which was invested in 
United States Centennial Commission stock, and 
after the close of the great Centennial celebration in 
Philadelphia, and the winding up of its financial 
affairs, the money returned on the stock held by this 
county was invested in two handsome drinking foun- 
tains, one of which now stands in front of the court- 
house, and the other on South Laurel Street, near Com- 
merce, in the city of Bridgeton. 

At a meeting of the county committee, March 6, 
1775, Silas Newcomb, a member of the committee, 
acknowledged that he had violated the third article 
of the association, and had drunk tea in his family 
since IMarch 1st, and that he was determined to per- 
sist in the practice. After trying in vain to convince 
him of his error the committee resolved to enforce 
the eleventh article of the association, and to break 
ofi' dealings with him, which resolves they published 
in the. Pennsylvania Ledger of April 1st. This action, 
together with the breaking out of hostilities at Lex- 
ington on April 18th, altered his mind, and on May 
11th he made a written acknov/ledgment of his error, 
and promised to adhere to the association, which the 
committee also published, with their acceptance of the 
same. He became a stanch Whig, and was colonel 
of the First Battalion of Cumberland militia and also 
in the Continental army, and afterwards brigadier- 
general of the militia, and was frequently in active 
service. 

The Provincial Congress on Aug. 12, 1775, ordered 
a new election for members of that body, and of the 
county committees, to be held on September 21st, and 
alsooi-dered an immediate election of Township Com- 
mittees of Observation and Correspondence, with 
power to transact the business referred to them by 
the Continental and Provincial Congresses and the 
county committees. In pursuance of this direction 



the several townships of Cumberland, on September 

lith, chose the following as township committees : 

GreeDwich — Dr. Thomas Ewing, Joshua Ewing,- Thomas Maskell. ' 

Hopewell — Joel Fitliian, Jonathan Bowen, Azariah Moore, "William 
Biggs, Ephraim Mills. 

Stow Creek — John Gibbon, Ebenezer Howell, John Wheaton. 

Beerfield — John Westcott, Ephraim Seeley, Recompence Leake, Noah 
Harris, Constant Peck. 

Fairfield — Joseph Sheppard, Ephraim Harris, Esq., Timothy Elmer, 
David Westcott. ' ^ 

Downe and Maurice River are not given. On the 
21st the county met and chose two delegates by poll, 
Theophilus Elmer aud Jonathan Ayars, Esq., and the 
following county committee : 

Greenwich — Samuel Ewing. The other two not given. 

Hopewell — Jonathan Bowen, Joel Fithian, Reuben Jarman. 

Stow Creek — John Wheaton, William Kelsay. 

Deerfipld — Ephraim Seeley, Samuel Ogden, Esq., Noah Harris. 

Fairfield — Philip Sheppard, Capt. Harris, Ephraim Harris, Esq. 

Downe — Joseph Newcomb, .Jonadab Sheppard, William Low. 

Maurice Biver — Joshua Brick, E.sq., Derick Peterson, Jonathan Smith, 

This committee chose Thomas Harris as chairman, 
and on September 30th they applied to the Conti- 
nental Congress for a supply of powder to defend the 
county from any British ships which might enter the 
bay, foraging for provisions. After the overthrow of 
the royal authority the county committees exercised 
large powers, arresting and imprisoning those hostile 
to the cause of the patriots on their simple order, and 
doing other acts outside of the ordinary processes of 
law. After the adoption of the State Constitution, 
July 2, 1776, and the incoming of Whig officials 
under it, they ceased to exist. Born of the necessities 
of the hour, all the public officers being appointees of 
the royal Governor, they did their work well; and 
when, through their instrumentality, a more perma- 
nent authority was called into existence, they sank 
back into the ranks of the people who had created 
them. 

The part taken by this county in the first year of 
the Revolution, and the condition of affairs within 
the county, cannot be better understood at this day 
than by the following extracts from the journal of 
Ebenezer Elmer, now published for the first time : 

" May 2, 1775. Committee met at Court-house. 

" May 3d. People met at Esqr Fitliian'S [near Sheppard's mill, in 
Greenwich township] to choose officers for a militia. Daniel Maskell, 
Capt.; Azel Pierson, 1"' Lieut.; Joel Fithian, S'"* do.; Richard Caru- 

thers, Ensign; Miller, Thomas Waithman, Thomas Brown, and 

Joseph Bloomfield, Sergeants; D;idis Walling, Clerk." 

[Di-illing and exercising in squads went on nearly every day, as ap- 
pears by numerous entries.] 

" May 9tli. Committee set at '2 o'clock. 

" May 11th. A number met at Bowen's Cross-Roads and formed a 
militia company, and chose officers: David Potter, Capt. ; Azel Pierson 
& Joel Fithian. Lieuts. ; Job Sheppard, Ensign. 

"May 12th. Mustering at Dr. Ewing's [at Greenwich], where officers 
were chosen : Daniel Maskell, Capt. ; Dr. Thomas Ewing .fc Ladis Wal- 
ling, Lieuts.; Reuben Dare, Ensign. [Thus two companies were formed 
from the one first formed on the 3d.] 

"May 16th. In the afternoon was a County Meeting to choose Dele- 
gates for the County to meet at Trentowu, 2:i'''^ instant, for which Esq. 
S. Fithian, Dr. [Jonathan] Elmer, Dr. [Thomas] Ewing wore chosen. 

" May 2:id. Wiis at Dividing Creek to see Capt. Hand exercise his 
men, where was a large company. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



539 



"May 15th. [The entry before given concerning Judge Smyth's charge 
to the Grand Jury about the Tea burning.] 

''May2Gtli. Considerable many people bad the small-pox down that 
way [Dowue Township] this winter; some shiirp, but only three an>- 
whei'e iihout there died with it, two of them old men. 

" Blay lilst. Such noise and confusion in Country little can be done. 

"June 13th. Officei's chose field officers, viz. : Silas Newcomli, Colonel ; 
Enos Seeley, Lieut, do.; David Potter, Major ; Joseph Bloomfield Adju- 
tant. 

"June20tli. Committee set in afternoon. 

'* Jund 23d. In afternoon met a number at ,Court-liouae to choose offi- 
cers: Azel Piersoii, Capt. ; Jonathan Bowen( Joel Fithiau, Lieuts. ; Job 
Sheppard, Ensign. 

"June 29th, Capt, Preston exercising about 30 of his men together rit 
Isaac Harris's [in Fairfield]. Came up to the Cross-Roads [New Eng- 
land Town] with them. Fired street-firini; great part of the way. 

"June ;iUtli. [Enters the receipt of news of the burning of Charles- 
town, opposite Boston, and of the battle of Bunker Hill.] 

"July 5th. A very mortal uncommon dysentery came on about the 
last of May, and spread almost over the whole country, 

"July -.iOth. A day appointed as a Continental fast. A number of 
officers and some men went up to Deerfield to liear the chaplain. Mr. 
Green preached on the occasion from Matt. xxii. 12. 

".July 21.st. Committee set. Capt. Preston, with a number of soldiers, 
came up. Exercised all the afternoon. In the evening a number of 
militia, under tlie drum, marclied down to take R. [Richard] Cayford, 
but could not find him. Got Robert Wheaton and Richard Shay, Then 
a company of nine of us went to J. Wheaton's and took him, altho' he 
flashed a gun at us. Brought him to the Biidge. He & Robert kept in 
goal by a guard of men all night. 

"July 22d. Committee sat at 9 o'clock. The criminals taken the night 
before went before the Committee, made their confessions, and were let 
go upon their good beliavior. 

"July 26th, Was over at John Westcott's, Wlieaton, Cayford, and sev- 
eral otiier men at D. Ireland's who takes their part. J. Lawrence heard 
K, Wheaton say he would be damned but he would have Capt. Preston \ 
in goal before to-morrow night for his conduct in taking him last Fri- 
day. Some of the Committee and many others disapproving of what was 
done when the Committee set, greatly encourages the Tories and makes 
them determined to have revenge some way or other, particularly on 
Capt. Preston, Adjutant Bloomfield, Rich^ Howell, Potter, Duffie, &c. 
What distressing times do we See ! Confusion, war, & bloodshed, abroad 
and at home. Will the Lord, who is the Supreme General of the Ar- 
mies of the whole earth, appear for us & deliver us from our troubles, or 
we shall come to ruin ! 

"July 31st. Dr. [Jonathan Elmer] set out to the Provincial Congress 
at Trenton about 8 o'clock, a.m. Went ever to Esq. [Ephraim] Seeley'a; 
ho got homo from going with the powder night before. 

" Aug. 8th. The day of the general review, & a great number of peo- 
ple were together, I & others of the Light Infantry went down to Lieut. 
Holmes'. Came back just as the companies came along. Some dispute 
arose between us and Capt. Dick Hewell's company of light infantry; 
being left to the officers they gave the right to us, which so atfronted 
them they left the field. 

"Aug. I9th. The Dr. came home at evening [from Trenton]. 

"Sept. 4th. Committee set in the afternoon. 

"Sept. 18th. [List of Township Committees, already given.] 

"Sept, 20th. Old Committee met for the last time. 

"Sept. 2lst. County met to choose two Delegates & a County Com- 
mittee. Dr. Ewing spoke something extecnpore. Delegates chose by 
poll, when Theophilus Elmer had a great majority, & next highest, Esq. 
Jonathan Ayrcs. [Then follows list of new County Committee given 
above.] Some disturbance arose in choosing these, as it was done by 
holding up the hands which they said was not a fair way. 

" Sept. 25th. Seats sold at Xew England Town this day. [This was in 
the Presbyterian Church, now called the Old Stoiu Church.] I 

" Sept. 27th. [Entry as given under account of tea-burning,] ' 

"Sept. 29th. Went down to N. E. Town. Met to appoint field-officers 
for the West Battalion, David Potter, Colonel ; Abijah Holmes, Lieut, 
do.; William Kelsay, 1st Major ; Dr. Thomas Ewing, 2d do. Afternoon, 
the Battalion met to exercise, and did very well. 

"Oct. 4th. Went down to Sayre's Neck. Talks that Preston's leaving 
the Company and being major will very near break up the company. 

"Oct. 9th. Exercised in the afternoon. Chose officers, viz. : Dr. [Jona- 
than] Elmer, Capt. ; Joseph Bloomfield, 1st Lieut.; Thomas Brown, 2d 
do.; Self, 3d do. Richard Caruthers displeased and spoke against me ; 
so did Eph'n Seeley ; so I answered very short. 



" Oct. 10th. Exercised at John Dare's [he kept tavern near Cohausey 
Bridge] of the East Battalion ; only about 80 under arms ; had firing. 

"Oct. 16th. Exercised in afternoon at Bowen's Cross-Roads, about 20 
men. 

" Oct. 23d. Committee set. Richard Howell applied to get commission 
to go to the camp, I some notion to go too. 

"Oct. Both. Committee set. 

"Oct. 31st, In evening to Jonathan Bowen's; military society of the 
officers. 

"Nov. 3d. Richard Howell about enlisting [men] to go out under him. 

"Nov. 6th, Eeview or field day. Went thro' our exercise & ma- 
Du^uvre in general. Capt. Sheppard, of the Rangers, would not let the 
light infantry cover the flank of the Battalion, and so left the field. 
Richard Howell a beating up for volunteers; got many. 

" Nov. 7th. Capt, Howell, Lieut. , Ensign Neglee, with Drs. Beatty 

and Howell, who had been down to the review at the New Bridge [Mill- 
ville] to get recruits, came to Matthew Potter's [he kept a tavern in 
Bridgeton]. 

" Nov. 16th. Recruits in town in evening. 

" Nov. 21st. Light infantry exercised most all day. 

"Nov. 22d. Went to Sayre's Cross Roads [Roadstown] to see the re- 
cruits exorcise. 

" Nov. 28th. It being court time little was done. At evening was at 
a meeting of the officers, called the Military Society, at Colonel Potter's. 

"Nov. 29th. Courtbrokeup. Recruits in Bridgetown. Meetingagain 
at Potter's to settle the Rangex-s affairs. Concluded to let them act and 
be commissioned as such. 

" Dec. 1st. Capt. Howell's Company reviewed by Lient.-Col. Shrieve, 
& none called. 

"Dec. 2d. Went to several places to get recommended for 2d Lieut, in 
Howell's company, but Howell would have Seth Bowen, who went off 
for the commission, so X had my ride for nothing. Remember Howell. 

" Dec. 9th. Howell been persuading J. Seeley to go & not let me. 

" Dec. loth [Sunday]. Went to meeting at Greenwich. Mr. Hollins- 
head [pastor of Presbyterian Church] preached. Capt. Howell's soldiers 
there ; came and went away in form. Coming home, Mr. Bloomfield 
proposed to me to send a petition for himself Capt., Josiah Seeley 1st 
Lieut., & Myself 2d do, which was agreed. 

"Dec. 12th. Jos. Bloomfield set out with the recommendation to Bur- 
lington. 

"Dec. 13th. The soldiers [Capt. Howell's Company] went on board the 
Greenwich packet at evening to Sail to Burlington, 

"Dec. 14th. The soldiers, Capt., and all but S or 10 went in the dead 
of the night off on foot to get clear of their creditors, their going aboard 
of the vessel turned out only a sham." 

The journal, as preserved, ends abruptly with Dec. 
21, 1775. Exercising and other preparations for war 
seem to have occupied almost the entire attention of 
the people. Capt. Howell's company, whether they 
gave their creditors "leg bail" or not, did good ser- 
vice during the year for which they enlisted. 

In the succeeding spring another company of sixty- 
five men, officered by Joseph Bloomfield, captain; 
Constant Peck, first lieutenant; William Gifford, 
second lieutenant; and Ebenezer Elmer, ensign, also 
left the county, and served faithfully for one year. 
An account of their campaign and a list of the men 
in the company are elsewhere given in this volume, 
taken from another journal kept by Ebenezer Elmer. 

Two companies of artillery were raised in the State 
in March, 1776, and in the western company over one- 
half of the officers and a large number of the men 
were from this county. 

Owing to the exposed condition of the State it was 
found necessary at times to call out volunteers from the 
militia, and embody them in separate organizations for 
service in this and other States for short terms. Tbese 
were usually designated as State troops. Under the first 
call of Nov. 27, 1776, two companies from this county 



540 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



formed part of the battalion commanded by Col. David 
Potter, who resided at Bridgeton. Under the call of 
Oct. 9, 1779, a regiment of eight companies was fur- 
nished by Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, aud Cape 
May. A call was made Dec. 29, 1781, for four hun- 
dred and twenty-two men to serve until Dec. 1.5, 1782, 
of which one company, commanded by Capt. Charles 
Allen, was from Cumberland, and was ordered to do 
duty on land or water. Col. Enos Seeley al.so com- 
manded a battalion of State troops, composed of 
eight companies of the militia of this county, under 
the following captains : Samuel Ogden, Jeremiah 
Bennett, David Elwell, Joel Fithiau, David Page, 
John Peterson, Jeremiah Sayre, and Benajah Thomp- 
son, who were commissioned Jan. 31, 1777. 

Later in the war the militia of the county was several 
times in actual service, one-half of it being called out 
at a time, under the command of Col. and afterwards 
Brig.-Gen. Silas Newcomb, and Cols. David Potter, 
Isaac Preston, and Elijah Hand. Col.. Potter was also 
appointed a brigadier-general, Feb. 21, 1777, but de- 
clined the oiBce. Col. Isaac Preston's regiment was in 
service in the northern part of the State, where he 
died in the service, at his quarters in camp, at the 
forks of the Raritan, in Somerset County, in March, 
1777. 

When the operations which resulted in the capture 
of Philadelphia, in 1777, were commenced the militia 
of the State were called out, and Brig.-Gen. Silas 
Newcomb, of this couuty, was appointed to the com- 
mand of the brigade formed of the regiments of the 
southern counties, including Burlington. He was 
stationed at Woodbury to defend the eastern shore of 
the Delaware, in case of an attempt of the enemy to 
reach Philadelphia in that way. The difficulty of 
getting the militia into service became greater as the 
war was protracted, and the pay became more uncer- 
tain and of less value, owing to the depreciation of 
the Continental currency. These things, combined 
with the harvest-work, and the fear of their own 
homes being attacked by parties from the British 
ships during their absence, caused the number in 
Gen. Newcomb's brigade, who had responded to the 
call before August 25th, to be less than 300, furnished 
as follows : By Col. Hand's regiment, 60 ; Col. Pot- 
ter's, 24 (both of Cumberland); Col. Holme's, 110; 
Col. Dick's, 20 (both of Salem) ; and Col. Ellis', 55 
(of Gloucester); the other regiments furnished none, 
and none appeared from Burlington. The enemy, 
however, made their advance on Philadelphia by way 
of the Chesapeake, and on September 20th, Governor 
Livingston directed Gen. Newcomb to turn over the 
command of those already assembled at Woodbury to 
Col. Potter, who should at once march to join the 
militia under command of Gen. Armstrong to rein- 
force the army under Washington in Pennsylvania. 
Gen. Newcomb was retained in this State to take 
charge of its defense against attempts to ravage the 
shores by the ships of war. Col. Potter crossed with 



the command into Pennsylvania, and did good service 
in that disastrous campaign. He was captured by the 
enemy, and was afterwards imprisoned for a time in 
the prison-ship " Jersey" in Wallabout Bay. John 
Gibbon, a leading citizen of this county, was also a 
prisoner, and died on that prison-ship. 

After the evacuation of Fort Mercer by the Amer- 
icans and the opening of the channel of the Delaware 
to the British ships, in November of that year, Lord 
Cornwallis took position at Gloucester Point, and col- 
lected large quantities of provisions for the British 
army in Philadelphia by incursions into the sur- 
rounding country. Gen. Greene commanded an al- 
most equal body of troops in New Jersey, a part of 
which was militia, and while awaiting the arrival of 
Glover's brigade from the North had a number of 
skirmishes with the enemy's pickets and foragers. 
On the afternoon of November 25th a detachment of 
about one hundred and fifty men from Morgan's rifle 
corps, and a like number of militia, including Capt. 
David Piatt's company from this county, the most of 
whom belonged in the upper part of Hopewell town- 
ship, the militia being under the command of Lafay- 
ette, who served as a volunteer, attacked a picket of 
the enemy consisting of about three hundred men, 
and drove them into their camp, with a loss of twenty 
or thirty killed. In a letter to Washington, Lafayette 
wrote, " I found the riflemen even above their repu- 
tation, and the militia above all expectation I could 
have formed of them." No higher praise of their 
soldierly qualities could be asked. But this brilliant 
affair was tinged with sadness to the Cumberland 
troops: Lieut. David Mulford, of Greenwich, was 
killed, and Thomas Harris was wounded. Azariah 
More, the first lieutenant of the company, wrote the 
following letter to his brother, giving an account of 
the affair : 

" Haddonfielb, 2oth of November, 1777. 
"11 o'clock at night . 

"Dear Brother, — We have bad au engagement with a party of the 
enemy this evening near Little Timber Creek, in wiiich we have lost Lien- 
enant Mulford, as brave a man as ever lived. He was mortally wounded 
just as the action began, which was about 4 o'clocit, was brouglit to this 
place, and died about 7 o'clock, at our quarters. We have no other loss in 
our company, except Thomas Harris, who had his arm broken. What our ' 
loss is in general is uncertain. It was night when we left the ground, 
but I am certain it was small compared with what the enemy has lost. 
We must have killed many of them in the time of action, for wo took 
the ground on which they first engaged. We have ten or twelve prison- 
ers, with three artillery horses, branded G.R. ; our light-horse look nine 
grenadiers yesterday, with no loss of life on our side. We have Col. 
Morgan's Riflemen with us, I believe as fine a body of men as any on 
earth. We have been expecting re-enforcements several days, sufficient 
for a general action, but they have not arrived, and it's now reported, 
and I am ready to believe, that the enemy are crossing the river at 
Gloucester Ferry, and that it is expected we shall have none of them in 
Jersey by to-morrow morning. If it should prove ti'ue, I shall conclude 
they have taken a fright at our torpedoes. If you received my letter of 
the 22d instant, you will soon have the opportunity to send me the 
money I wrote for, which I shall be glad to have, with a lino or two to 
let me know how you all are, and what is come of our deserters, and 
why they are not sent to us, I think they are proper persons to make 
examples of, 

" Remember me to all friends. 

" AZAUIAU MORK." 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



541 



When the British occupied Salem, March 17, 1778, 
the militia of this county marched, under Col. Elijah 
Hand, to assist in driving them out. By a providen- 
tial coincidence they arrived at Quinton's Bridge at a 
moment when they were very much needed. The 
Salem militia had been enticed to leave their trenches 
on the south side of Alloways Creek and cross to 
the Salem side, in pursuit of a few of the British who 
appeared in sight, and they had thus been drawn into 
an ambush, and were being slaughtered in the disas- 
trous rout which their eagerness brought upon them. 
Col. Hand at once placed the Cumberland militia in 
the trenches, and opened on the enemy such a well- 
directed fire from the muskets of his men and two 
pieces of artillery which he brought with him that 
the enemy were prevented from crossing to the south 
side of the creek, and the Salem militia were saved 
from being entirely cut to pieces. 

During the presence of the British fleet in Dela- 
ware Bay, parties from them came ashore in search of 
provisions, and plundered the houses of some of the 
residents near the shore. These parties were generally 
the refugee Tories, who manned the small vessels 
which accompanied the fleet. In August, 1781, a 
sharp fight was had in Maurice Eiver opposite Port 
Norris. Some of the militia were in a shallop com- 
manded by Capt. James Eiggins, which the refugees, 
fifteen in number, attempted to board. A fight en- 
sued, in which Riggins killed four or five of them 
while attempting to board the shallop, clubbing his 
gun after firing it twice. John Peterson was wounded 
by one of them, who was about to cut Peterson down 
with an uplifted broadsword, when his little son shot 
dead the refugee. Seven of them were killed and 
the rest were captured. 

On Jan. 31, 1783, the armed boat " Blacksnake," 
having a privateer's license, was captured in Sow and 
Pigs Creek, below Autuxit, by Capt. William Low 
and Lieut. Jonadab Sheppard and their company 
of Downe militia, numbering nineteen men. The 
" Blacksnake" had captured two small shallops, and 
her crew had plundered the house of James Diament, 
in Fairfield, and made a prisoner of Phineas Bragg. 
She was commanded by Capt. Andrew Gillis, and 
manned by eight men. Expecting to find her and 
her prizes lying in Autuxit, Capt. David Pierson's 
company of twenty-two men went down upon Jones 
Island to assist in her capture, but were not needed. 
Owing to the weather, Capt. Low and his company 
surprised. them in the cabin of one of the shallops, 
and captured them without resistance, the vessels 
lying alongside. The " Blacksnake" was afterwards 
sold as a prize by proceedings in the Court of Admi- 
ralty of this State, which existed previous to the 
adoption of the Constitution of the United States. 

While the great majority of the inhabitants of the 
county were ardent Whigs, there were some who re- 
fused to take part in resisting the mother-country. 
Most of these, while refusing to assist the patriot 



cause, also refused to do anything against it. A large 
number of them were brought into court on present- 
ments and indictments for refusing to take the oath 
of allegiance to the new State government, and such 
as did not then take it were fined and imprisoned. 
Some of these were conscientious in refusing; having 
held ofiices which required them to swear allegiance 
to the king, their consciences would not permit them 
now to take an oath which would require them to op- 
pose him. Others were actively in favor of the royal 
cause, and joined the British army and fought openly 
for their belief. Among them were Richard Cay ford, 
already mentioned, who became a British officer, and 
through whose influence several inhabitants of Hope- 
well township, near Beebe Run, also joined the Brit- 
ish army, and at the close of the war were among the 
large number of loyalists who went to Nova Scotia, 
but in a few years returned to this county. 

Daniel Bowen, a brother of Jonathan Bowen, who - 
was one of the leading Whigs in the county and a 
member of the Provincial Congress, also fought 
openly for the royal cause, became a British officer, 
and when that cause was lost retired to Nova Scotia 
and never returned. He received an allowance of 
half-pay from the government, and his son became 
the customs officer for the port of Cornwallis. He 
maintained a correspondence with his New Jersey 
relatives for many years after the close of the war. 
Still others, while remaining here, secretly assisted 
the British in every possible way. Most of them 
were arrested and fined, while others escaped cap- 
ture after their actions were known. In Downe 
township the number of Tories was proportionally 
larger than in any other part of the county. The 
temptation of British gold — a powerful temptation 
when the currency then in use had depreciated so as 
to be almost worthless — induced many of them to fur- 
nish supplies to the enemy's vessels in the bay, and 
quite active trading of that kind was kept up. In 
August, 1777, Gen. Newcomb sent a detachment of 
militia into Downe and arrested fifteen persons, 
twelve of whom were discharged on taking the oaths 
to the State. The others were convicted of assisting 
the British and of having instructions how to act 
when there should be a landing. One Daniel Shaw 
was their ringleader, and he planned to capture Gen. 
Newcomb and take him aboard the enemy's fleet, and 
made efforts to spike the cannon in a redoubt near 
Maurice River, but without success. Shaw's brother 
was at that time with the enemy. 

These were a few of the exceptions in the great 
mass of the people of this county. No other county 
has a brighter record for self-sacrificing patriotism 
than has Cumberland. The ravages of war did not 
touch her borders, but she was prompt to assist in 
the defense of the adjoining counties, and her sous 
fought gallantly from the disastrous battle on Long 
Island to the glorious consummation of American 
hopes at Yorktown. 



542 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER LXXXVI. 

CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE 
REBELLION. 

The bombardment and capture of Fort Sumter, on 
April 12-13, 1861, was the signal for an uprising in 
Cumberland County, as throughout the whole North, 
such as has scarcely a parallel in history. Its first 
manifestation was the throwing to the breeze the Stars 
and Stripes. Pole-raisings, with beating drums and 
enthusiastic speeches, were the order of the day. The 
towns and villages in the county were decked with 
the starry banner, and every cross-road of any im- 
portance in the county had its flag waving in the air. 
Party zeal was forgotten, and Democrats and Repub- 
licans vied with one another in their devotion to that 
emblem of the free, the pride of every American 
heart. On Saturday afternoon, the 20th, the first 
public pole-raising in Bridgeton took place, and the 
same day another one was had at Fairton. These 
were followed by others in every portion of the 
county. 

On Saturday evening, the 20th, a monster meeting 
was held at Bridgeton, presided over by John T. Nixon, 
Esq., with a list of vice-presidents and secretaries 
composed of leading citizens of both political parties. 
Resolutions were adopted expressive of the strong 
patriotic feelings of the people, and of their deter- 
mination to stand by the country in its hour of peril : 

" Besfilved, That secession is treason, and that after long forbearance 
it lias become necessary for the government to use force against traitors 
in order to preserve our nationality. 

" jReFolvei^, That we pledge to the constituted authorities of this gov- 
ernment our aid and support throuj;hout the war, and pray that the 
same may be brought to a speedy close by the glorious and living vin- 
dication that the free government of our fathers, purchased by blood, is 
now, as heretofore, and ever shall be, a terror to evil-doers and the 
praise of them that do well. 

" Besolved, Tliat Governor Olden be requested to call an extra session 
of the Legislature, in order tliat ample money provision may be made 
for equipping and sustaining the military of the State." 

Speeches were made by Hon. L. Q. C. Elmer, Dr. 
William S. Bowen, Rev. J. T. Brown, Rev. J. W. 
Hubbard, John S. Mitchell, Esq., and Paul T. Jones. 
Outbursts of enthusiasm greeted the speakers, and 
demonstrated the hold which the patriotic sentiments 
expressed had on the hearts of the people. Other 
meetings of like import followed throughout the 
county. 

On Tuesday, 23d, Capt. James W. Stickney, who 
had had some experience in military affairs, arrived 
in Bridgeton, and that evening a muster-roll for vol- 
unteers vfas opened in Sheppard's Hall, and by Wed- 
nesday noon it was more than filled. On the same 
evening an election for oiBcers was held, and James 
W. Stickney was chosen captain, Samuel T. Dubois 
first lieutenant, and George Woodruff second lieuten- 
ant, who were afterwards commissioned as the first offi- 
cers. The name of "Cumberland Grays" was adopted, 
and it afterwards became a household word in the 
county. The first-born child of the county's patri- 



otic devotion to the Union, the Cumberland Grays, 
always seemed to lie nearer to the great heart of the 
people than any of the companies which, with equal 
zeal and devotion, followed them to the front. 

The relief committee provided for at the meeting 
raised funds and paid to those needing assistance 
weekly allowances, according to the size of their 
families. The men who had enlisted gave up their 
different employments, and devoted their whole time 
to drilling and preparations to depart. Companies 
of Home Guards were organized at Bridgeton, Roads- 
town, Greenwich, Port Elizabeth, in Fairfield, at 
Millville and Newport, and proved excellent schools 
ia which future volunteers were drilled. The "exer- 
cising" so often mentioned in the journal of Ebenezer 
Elmer, in the early summer of 1775, was repeated on 
a larger scale in the early summer of 1861, and the 
entry he made under date of May 31, 1775, "Such 
noise and confusion in country little can be done," 
could have been repeated with emphasis. 

The board of chosen freeholders met on May 8th, 
and resolved " that in view of the warlike condition 
of the country the board now proceed to raise by tax 
such moneys as the exigencies of the case require." 
The following preamble and resolution were also 
adopted : 1 

"Whf.reas, Our country is now in a fearful condition, being in the 
midst of a civil war, and this State having been called upon by the 
President of the United States to furnish her quota of volunteers to pro- 
tect the government; therefore, 

^^ Besohrd, That the sum of four thousand dollars he raised for the 
purpose of equipping the Cumberland Grays, and all volunteers that are 
accepted from this county for service by the Governor of this State, and ., 

for the assistance of the families of such volunteers during the term of 
their enlistment." 

A committee was appointed to act with the director 
of the board to superintend the expenditure of the 
money. Of this sum, $2158.50 were expended in 
equipping and aiding the Cumberland Grays up to 
the time of their departure from Bridgeton, and 
$919.25 was paid to the families of volunteers during 
the first six months. 

The four regiments of three months' men called for 
from this State having been filled up, and those in 
authority having a totally inadequate conception of 
the tremendous struggle that was just beginning, the 
Cumberland Grays were kept in suspense, not know- 
ing if they would be accepted or not. A handsome 
silk flag was presented to them by the ladies of 
Bridgeton on May 8th, on which occasion an enthu- 
siastic meeting was had. They were finally accepted 
by the authorities, and left Bridgeton on May 27th, 
and were mustered in as Company F of the Third 
Regiment. Their departure was the occasion of a 
grand tribute to them of the affection and patriotic 
pride which old Cumberland had for them. The people 
flocked into Bridgeton from every direction, a fare- 
well address was made to them by Judge Elmer, a 
handsomely bound Testament was presented to each 
one by the County Bible Society, and they were es- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



543 



corted to the boat by the Home Guards and a multi- 
tude of men, women, and children. The cynosure of 
all eyes and the pride of the county, which delighted 
to honor their departure, they honored her in return 
by their noble bearing and soldierly conduct during 
their three years of service. Familiarity with war- 
like movements, and the going and coming of troops, 
in the succeeding months, cooled the expressions of 
enthusiastic devotion, and only when Company K of 
the Twelfth Regiment and the nine months' men de- 
parted, during the next year, was there any approach 
to the events of this day. 

No other entire companies went from this county 
until September, 1862. Citizens of the county, how- 
ever, enlisted in large numbers in companies from 
other counties and in other States. In the Olden 
Legion, afterwards the Tenth New Jersey, enlisted in 
September and October, 1861, about one-half of Com- 
pany B were from Millville and vicinity, about the 
same number of Company D were recruited in Shiloh 
and the western part of the county, and about thirty 
of Company K were from Bridgeton and Port Eliza- 
beth. In August, 1862, Company K of the Twelfth 
Regiment was recruited in Bridgeton, and was almost 
wholly composed of citizens of this county. They 
commenced to assemble in Bridgeton for their de- 
parture on September 1st, many of them coming 
from the surrounding townships with their relatives 
and friends to give them words of cheer and bid them 
a final adieu. The last signatures were placed to the 
roll, and over forty men were rejected, because the 
company was full. Speeches were made and a flag 
was presented to the company in the afternoon of 
that day. On Tuesday the members of the company 
were handsomely entertained at E. Davis & Son's 
hotel by Brig.-Gen. David Potter, commanding the 
Cumberland militia. After dinner farewell addresses 
were made to the company, after which they marched 
to the depot to take the cars for Camp Stockton, at 
Woodbury, where they were mustered in. An im- 
mense crowd of relatives, friends, and citizens gath- 
ered at the depot, and as the cars moved out of the 
building the air was rent with cheers, and handker- 
chiefs and hats were waved in honor of the departure 
of the brave boys, whose after-services and fighting 
qualities reflected only honor upon the county. 

While that company was recruiting a call was made 
for men to serve for nine months, and enlistments 
being slow a draft was ordered to take place on Sep- 
tember 3d. A general desire was felt to avoid a draft, 
and the enthusiasm of the first days of the war re- 
turned. Meetings were held throughout the county, 
and enlistments became more rapid. A special meet- 
ing of the board of chosen freeholders was held Au- 
gust 25th, and a bounty of fifty dollars was ordered 
paid to each volunteer enlisted for nine months under 
the call, and thirty dollars to those mustered into 
Company K, Twelfth Regiment, and into Company 
F, Third Regiment, to fill up its ranks. At the De- 



cember meeting of the board thirty dollars bounty 
was ordered paid to all volunteers for three years 
since July 1, 1862. The different townships also of- 
fered a bounty of fifty dollars for nine months' men, 
except Fairfield, which paid one hundred dollars. 
Under this stimulus and the enthusiasm of the meet- 
ings the quota of the county was more than filled ; 
three companies were recruited from Bridgeton and 
the townships adjoining, one in Fairfield and Downe, 
and one in Millville. The Millville company was 
afterwards known as Company B, Twenty-fourth 
Regiment, the three companies from Bridgeton as 
Companies F, G, and H of the same regiment, and 
the Fairfield and Downe company as Company D, 
Twenty-fifth Regiment. 

The Fairfield and Downe company left Bridgeton 
by the morning train on Sept. 1, 1862, and the three 
companies recruited here by the afternoou train on 
the same day. Flags were presented to each of them, 
and the scenes of the departure of the Cumberland 
Grays were partly repeated. Men, women, and chil- 
dren flocked to the depot, but the enthusiasm was of 
a less boisterous nature than on the former occasion. 
War had become more of a reality to the people, and 
the departure of five hundred men, the bone and 
sinew of the county, husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, 
with the certain prospect that some of them would 
never return, lent a more subdued tone to the fires of 
patriotism welling up in the hearts of those who 
went as well as those who stayed. 

At the May meeting, 1863, of the freeholders, a 
report was made that the bounty offered had been 
paid to ninety-eight men in Company K, Twelfth 
Regiment, four hundred and ninety-two men in the 
nine months' service, and fifteen others in other com- 
panies, making a total of .?!27,990, and that there had 
also been paid to the families of volunteers $16,363. 
The bounty of $30 was continued to volunteers. 

Additional calls for soldiers being made in July 
and November, 1863, of which the quota of this 
county was 615 men, a special meeting of the free- 
holders was held December 1st, and a bounty of §200 
was ordered paid to all volunteers credited to this 
county, and county bonds ordered to be issued to 
defray the expense, payable $10,000 on Jan. 1, 1865, 
and a like sum each year afterwards until paid. A 
committee of three, with full power to do all neces- 
sar}' acts, was appointed to carry out the resolutions. 
At the regular meeting, eight days later, S6 per month 
was ordered paid to the families of all colored vol- 
unteers. Jan. 15, 1864, the bounty of §200 was ex- 
tended to all persons credited to the county, and on 
May 11th it was made more explicit, including vol- 
unteers, drafted men, and substitutes. 

The different townships also offered additional 
bounty, ranging fi'om .$100 to $200 for each man en- 
rolled. By these means the quota of the county on 
those calls was filled. But a new call for 500,000 
men was soon made, and during 1864 was followed 



544 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



by other demands for men. The county continued 
the bounty of $200, and when the time for drafting 
drew nigh the townships were stirred up to renewed 
eflbrts to obtain volunteers or substitutes to fill their 
quotas. They also offered large bounties in addi- 
tion to that paid by the county, some of them as 
high as $300. The first draft toolv place in May, 1864, 
and others were had throughout that year. Some of 
those drafted received the bounties and served in the 
army, but the greater part of them put in substitutes, 
for whom they paid from $500 to $800, of which the 
moneys granted by the county and the township 
formed a part. These substitutes were credited to the 
respective townships, which explains the fact that 
many of the names given in the lists of soldiers from 
this county are unknown to any resident. 

At December meeting, 1864, the bounty fund com- 
mittee made their final report, and were " discharged 
with the thanks of the board for the faithful perform- 
ance of their onerous duties." County bonds for the 
payment of bounties were issued to the amount of 
$138,200, besides the sums paid directly by tax. The 
amounts paid by the several townships is unknown, 
but it must have been at least double that sum. 

An outline of the history and services of the regi- 
ments to which the companies from this county be- 
longed, prepared by another person, and a list of the 
soldiers who went from this county, as taken from the 
records of the adjutant-general's oflSce at Trenton, 
will be found under the general history of the three 
counties comprised in this work. From the nature of 
the records kept at the time the list is not complete. 
During the first year of the war, when drafting was 
not expected to be needed, no particular attention 
was paid to the locality from which the soldier came, 
and they are often put down to the locality where 
they enlisted in place of where they belonged. To 
such an extent was this true that when the quotas of 
the townships of this county for the draft ordered for 
Sept. 3, 1862, as made up from the records in the ad- 
jutant-general's oflBce at Trenton, were first sent out, 
Brldgeton township was marked as exempt, already 
having enough volunteers, over her previous quotas, 
to her credit to meet the demands of this call. So 
notoriously was this incorrect that, by consent of the 
authorities, the assessors of the several townships, 
being considered best qualified to determine the cred- 
its due each township, met at the court-house and re- 
vised the previous credits, and determined the number 
due under the then present call for troops. By this 
revision Bridgeton township was called upon for 
sixty-nine men, — quite a startling change from the 
quotas first made out. This assignment was accepted 
by the authorities at Trenton. 

Like mistakes were made between counties. A 
large number of men from this county enlisted out- 
side of the county in small detachments, and in many 
cases were credited elsewhere. The number of men 
from this State who enlisted in other States, and for 



whom the State has no credit, and of whom she has 
no record, is estimated by Adjt.-Gen. Stryker at several 
thousand. From this state of facts it will be seen 
that the records of the State ai-e not complete. Below 
will be found a supplementary list, mostly prepared 
from other sources, which include those who have 
been omitted in the list elsewhere given, as far as 
known. It can only be hoped that these lists will be 
found in the main correct, and will form a basis for a 
more complete one in the future. The State has pre- 
pared an otficial list of the State, as nearly accurate 
as possible, and the county owes it to her own honor, 
and to the noble men who represented her on the 
field of battle, to take up the work once commenced 
by her, but neglected by the agent appointed for the 
purpose, and have prepared a list as accurate as pos- 
sible of those belonging in this county. Every pass- 
ing year, while rapidly thinning the ranks of the 
survivors of the great struggle, is rendering the work 
more difficult. 

SUPPLEMENTARY LIST OF SOLDIERS PROM CUMBERLAND 
COUNTY. 

Quabtermaster'b Department. 
Pierson, Henry R., capt. and asst. q.m., May 18, 1864; must, out Sept. 20, 
1865. 

Pay Dei'artment. 
Fithian, Joel A., maj. and paymaster, May 28, 1864; must, out Oct. 12, 
1865. 

First Regiment. 

Company G. 

Shnte, George W., enl. May 23, 1861; must, out June 23, 1864. 

Second Regiment. 

Company B. 

Johnson, Isaiah E., com, 2d lieut. April 6, 1865 ; com. 1st lieut. July 10, 

1865, but not must. ; must, out July 11, 1805. 

Third Regiment. 
Sticltney, James W. H., maj., Sept. 13, 1862; pro. from capt. Co. F; res. 

June 26, 1863. 
Sheppard, Josiah F., com.-sergt., Dec. 6, 1862; pro. from Corp. Co. F; 
must, out June 23, 1864. 

Band. 
Webb, Charles W., enl. June 7, 1861; must, out Aug. 10, 1862. 
Collins, Henry F., enl. June 7, 1861; must, out Aug. 10, 1862. 

Company C. 
Dubois, Samuel T., 1st lieut. Co. F, May 28, 1861 ; pro. capt. Co. C July 
1, 1862 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 

Company F. 
Salkeld, Charles ¥., capt., Oct. 15, 1862 ; 1st sergt. May 28, 1861 ; 2d lieut. 

Nov. 12, 1861 ; Ist lieut. Co. C Aug. 6, 1862 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Woodruff, George, 2d lieut. June 17, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 22, 1861. 
Randolph, Sylvester W. F., sergt., enl. May 28, 1861; killed at Gaines' 

Farm, Va., June 27, 1862. 
Cambloss, Fnrman, enl. May 28, 1861 ; Corp. May 28, 1861 ; sergt. Oct. 1, 

1863 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Sheppard, Josiah F., enl. May 28, 1861; corp. Jan. 14, 1862; pro. com.- 
sergt. Dec. 6, 1862. 
Colea, Thomas P., enl. May 28, 1861 ; disch. May 2, 1864, wounds rec. 

in action. 
Fry, David W., eul. May 28, 1861 ; sergt. ; 1st sergt. Nov. 12, 1861 ; 

private Aug. 11, 1862 ; must, out June 23, 1864. 
Parvin, Alexander M., Corp., enl. May 28, 1861 ; tranS: to Vet. Res. 

Corps Jan. 15, 1864; re-enl. April 26, 1804. 
Swing, Michael H., eul. May 28, 1861 ; sergt. ; private Fob. 1, 1863 ; must. 

out June 23, 1864. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



545 



Fourth Kegimknt. 
Company A. 
ShHw, Josiah, capt., commissioned Aug. 9, 1863; sergt. Co, H Aug. 17, 
1861;2d lieut. Co. B Dec. 23, 1861; Ist lieut. Co. B Sept. 0, 1862; 
must, out Sept. 3, 1864. 

Company E. 
Wells, Joseph R., capt., com. Feb. 13, 1865; Corp. Co. H Aug. 17, 1861; 
sergt. Nov, 1, 1862 ; 1st sergt. March 1, 1863 ; sergt.-maj. of regiment 
June 10, 1863; re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; 2d lieut. Co. D Feb. 3, 1864; 
brev. miy. April 2, 1865; must, out July 9, 1865. 

Company H. 
Connelly, Joseph, enl. Aug. 24, 1861 ; deserted Aug. 7, 1862; returned to 
duty March 3, 1863 ; deserted July 2, 1863, on the march to Gettys- 
burg, Pa. ; arrested Sept. 5, 1863, and shot Oct. 9, 1863, by sentence 
of court-martial. 
Potter, Charles W., eul. Aug. 24, 1861 ; killed in action at Gaines' Farm, 
Va., June 27, 1863. 

FlFfU Kegiment. 
Belden, Oliver S.,asst. surg. May 17, 1862; disch. Nov. 30, 1862. 

Band. 
Harton, John S., enl. Oct. 4, 1861; must, out Aug. 9, 1S62. 

Company E. 
Loper, Elijah, enl. Dec. 13, 1861 ; trans, to Co. E, 7th Regt. ; re-eul. Dec. 

20, 1863. 
Stauffacker, Dietrich, enl. March 16, 1864 ; trans, to Co. E, 7th Kegt. 

Company K, 

Barnes, John, enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 7, 1864. 

Leake, William S., enl. Aug. 9, 1861; died May 20, 1863, of vfouuds re- 
ceived at Williamsburg, Ya. 

Lippincott, Tliomns, enl. Aug 9, 1861 ; disch. disability May 14, 1862. 

Wilkinson, Nathaniel F., enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 
Nov. 15, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 15, 1864. 

Seventh Regiment. 
Company A. 
Silver, Charles J., enl. Aug. 23, 1861 ; died May 28, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived at Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862. 

Company D. 
Madden, Hosea, enl. June 20, 1864 ; must, out July 17, 1865. 
Company H. 

Willets, J. Howard, capt., Oct. 18, 1861 ; pro. lieut.-col. 12th Regt. Aug. 

11, 1862. 
Dubois, Francis M., 1st lieut, Oct. 3, 1861 ; res. Nov. 19, 1861. 

Eighth Regiment. 

Company ^. 

Hall, George W., enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, from Co. K, 6th Regt, ; must, 
out Aug. 1, 1865. 

Company G. 

Garton, Isaac T., enl. Aug. 9, 1861; 1st sergt. Dec. 1, 1864; trans, from 

Co. K, 6th Regt. ; reenl. Jan. 4, 1864; must, out July 17, 1865. 
Henderson, Joseph W., enl. Aug. 9, 1861; trans, from Co. K, eth Regt.; 

Corp. Sept. 17,. 1861; sergt. Dec. 1, 1864; re-enl. Feb. 22, 1864; 

must, out July 17, 1865. 
Eaindolph, William H., enl. Aug. 9, 1861 ; trans, from Co. K, 61h Kegt. ; 

Corp. Oct. 4, 1864; sergt. Dec. 1, 1864 ; re-enl. Feb. 22, 1864; must. 

out July 17, 1865. 
Robinson, William V., enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, from Co. K, 6th Regt. ; 

re-enl. Feb. 22, 1864; Corp. Dec. 1, 1864; sergt. April 21, 1865; 

must, out July 17, 1865. 
Stewart, George J., enl. May 21, 1864; trans, from Co. K, 6th Regt.; 

must, out July 17, 1865. 
Schneider, Antonio, enl. May 23,1864; trans, from Co. K, 6th Regt.; 

sick at hospital in Newark, N. J., June 10, 1864 ; final record un- 
known. 

Ninth Regiment. 

Company F, 
Carlew, Edward, eul. Sept. 23, 1861 ; corp. Jan. 1, 1864; re-enl. Jan. 18, 

1864; sergt. Jan. 1, 1865; must, out July 12, 1865. 
Bauer, James, enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must, out July 
12, 1865. 
35 



Blizzard, Franklin, enl, Sept. 23, 1861 ; died Nov. 29, 1864, at Morehead 
City, N. C. 

Tenth Regiment. 

Wright, John W.,lioiit.-col., Oct. 9,1861; disch. March 6,1862; pro. from 
capt. Co. B. 

Graw, Jacob B., chaplain, Sept. 21, 1861 ; res. Feb. 26, 1863. 

Ayres, Jehu B., sergt.-maj,, May 16, 1863; enl. Oct. 6, 1861, sergt. in Co. 
. D; died of typhoid fever at Norfolk, Va., July 22, 1863. 

Dare, Ephraim H., drum-niaj., Jan. 10, 1862 ; private Co. B Oct. 10, 1861 ; 
discb. July 3, 1862. 

Company B. 

Wright, John W., capt., Oct. 8, 1861 ; pro. to lieut.-col. Oct. 9, 1861. 

Claypole, Charles B., Isi lieut., Oct. 8, 1861 ; capt. April 17, 1862 ; must, 
out Dec, 17, 1864. 

Mudden, Hosea F., pro. from sergt. Co. K ; 1st lieut. Jan. 23, 1865 ; com. 
capt. July 1, 1865 ; not mustered ; must, out July 1, 1865. 

Doughty, George T., 2d lieut., Oct. 9, 1861 ; res. Feb. 26, 1862. 

Brannin, James M., 2d lieut., April 17, 1862 ; recorded at War Depart- 
ment as having died at Washington, D. C, Sept. 18, 1863. 

Rose, Lorenzo, enl. Sept. 15, 1861 ; corp. ; died of varioloid Feb. 28,1862. 

Company C. 
James P. Newkirk,2d lieut.. May 21, 1865 ; com. 1st lieut. July 1, 1865 ; 
not mustered; pro. from 1st sergt. Co. H. 

Company D. 
John Evans, capt., Oct. 30, 1861 ; disch. March 6, 1862. 
Isaac T. Thackary, 1st lieut., Nov. 25, 1861 ; pro. capt. Co. F March 24, 

1864. 
George W. Hummell, 2d lieut., Sept. 21, 1S61 ; pro. 1st lieut. Co. H Oct. 

7, 1863. 
Edward Noble, enl. Oct. 4, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864; Corp. March 1, 

1866 ; must, out July 1, 1865. 
Jacob E. Essig, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died of diarrhcea at .\ndersonville, Ga., 

July 29, 1864. 
James S. Husted, enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; died of inflammation of lungs at 

Washington, D. C, Jan. 15, 1863. 

Company F. 

Isaac T. Thackary, capt., March 24, 1864; pro. from Ist lieut. Co. D; 
died May 7, 1864, of wounds received in action at Wilderness, Va., 
May 6, 1864. 

William Todd, capt., June 11, 1864 ; 1st sergt. Co. K Oct. 8, 1861 ; 2d 
lieut. April 17, 1862 ; 1st lieut. Co. F Nov. 21, 1863; must, out May 
6, 1865. 

Company H. 

George W. Hummell, capt:, March 24, 1864 ; 2d lieut. Co. D Sept. 21, 
1861 ; 1st lieut. Co. H Oct. 7, 1863 ; must, out May 3, 1865. 

John B. Hoffman, 2d lieut., Feb. 11, 1865; sergt. Co. D Dec. 1, 1864; 
com. 1st lieut. Co. G, July 1, 1865, but not mustered. 

George W. Bowen, enl. Nov. 24, 1861 ; corp,; re-enl. Feb. 24,1864; sergt. 
April 5, 1865 ; must, out July 1, 1865. 

Thomas H. Howard, enl. Nov. 12, 1861; sergt.; recorded at War and 
Pension Departments as having died Feb. 28, 1865, near Wilming- 
ton, N. C, en ronte north as paroled prisoner. 

Francis H. Freeman, enl. Nov. 4, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864; killed in 
action at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 

Aaron Hess, enl. Sept. 14, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864; died at Washing- 
ton, D. C, June 18, 1864, of wounds received in action at Cold Har- 
bor, Va., June 1, 1864. 

Henry H. Nichols, enl. Oct. 31, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864 ; died of diar- 
rhwa at Annapolis, Jild., March 14, 1865. 

Benjamin Pine, enl. Oct. 31, 1861; disch, Nov. 1, 1862, to join regular 
army. • 

Company K. 

Hosea F. Madden, enl. Nov. 16, 1861 ; sergt. Feb. 23, 1864; re-enl. Feb. 
24, 1864 ; pro. 1st lieut. Co. B Jan. 23, 1865. 

Richard Barnett, enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 3, 1864 ; missing in action 
at Winchester, Va., Aug. 17, 1864 ; supposed dead. 

Thomas Barnett, eul. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. disability July 21, 1863. 

John Graves, enl. Oct. 8, 1861; disch. disability March 8, 1862. 

Eleventh Regiment. 
Company B. 
Thomas Law, enl. March 25, 1864 ; trans, from Co. -\ ; trans, to Go A, 
12th Regt.; must, out July 15, 1866. 



546 



HISTORY OF CUiMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Twelfth Beqiment. 
J. Howarrl WiUels, col., Feb. 27, ISGa ; capt. Co. H, 7 th Kegt., Oct. 18, 

18C1; lieut.-col. 12th Rogt. Aug. 11, 1862; diech. Dec. 19, 1864, of 

wounds received in action at CliancellorBVille, Va. 
Ricliard S. Tliompson, lieut.-col., July 2, 1864 ; capt. Co. K. Aug. 14, 

1862; niaj. Feb. 25,1864; disch. Feb. 17, 1865, of wounds received 

in action at Ream's Station, Va., Aug. 2.5, 1864. 
Edward M. Dubois, mnj., Feb. 23, 1865 ; sergt. Co. K June 24, 1862 ; sergt.- 

maj. Feb. 16, 1863; 2d lieut. Co. C July IS, 1863; 1st lieut. Co. I 

April 11, 1864 ; q.m. April 26, 1864; brev. capt. July 6, 1864 ; com. 

lieut.-col. June 16, 1865 ; not mustered ; must, out July 15, 1865. 

Company A. 
Thomas Law, enl, March 25, 1864; trans, from Co. B, 11th Regt. ; must, 
out July 15, 1865. 

Company B. j 

Armstrong Powell, drafted Aug. 15, 1864; trans, from Co. E, 11th Regt. ; 

must, out July 15, 1865. 
■William F. Hogbin, drafted Aug. 12, 1864; trans, from Co. E, 11th Regt.; 
must, out July 15, 1865. 

Company E. 
Daniel Dare, capt., Aug. 6, 1863 ; 1st lieut. Co. K Aug. 14, 1862 ; com. 
maj. July 7, 1865 ; not mustered ; must, out July 15. 1865. 

Company F. 
Frank tl. Kiley, capt., Jan. 30, 1865; sergt. Co. K Aug. 22, 1862 ; sergt.- 
niaj. March 12, 1864 ; let lieut. Co. G April 11, 1864 ; must, out June 
4, 1865. 

Company G. 
■William E. Potter, capt., Feb. 4, 1864; 2d lieut. Co. K Aug. 14, 1862; 1st 
lieut. Co K Aug. 6, 1863 ; brevet-maj. Hay 1, 1865 ; must, out June 
4, 1865. 
James P. ■Williams, Ist lieut. Jan. 30, 1865 ; private Co. K Aug. 19, 1862 ; 
Corp. Sept. 1, 1863 ; sergt. Sept. 1, 1864 ; 1st sergt. Sept. 23, 1864 ; 
must, out June 4, 1865. 

Company J. 

Albert S. ■Wood, enl. July 31, 1862 ; corp. Aug. 27, 1864 ; died of diar- 
rhoea, at Cauton, N. J., Dec. 1, 1864, while on furlough. 

Company K. 
Varney ^W. Gaskill, enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; trans, to ^Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 9, 

1865; disch. Juuo 29, 1865. 
Daniel Tullis, enl. Aug. 8, 1862; must, out June 4, 1865. 

Fifteenth Regiment. 

Company S. 

Richard C. Levick, enl. May 28,1861 ; corp. ; trans, from Co. F, 3d Regt , 

June 4, 1864 ; killed in action at Opequau, Va., Sept. 19, 1864. 

Twenty-third Regiment. 
Robert 'W. Elmer, asst. surg., Sept. 19, 1862 ; must, out June 27, 1863, 

TWENTy-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

Joel A. Fithian, maj.. Sept. 12, 1662 ; must, out June 29, 1863. 
Samuel B. Fithian, q.m., Sept. 16, 1S62 ; must, out June 29, 1863. 
■William L. Newell, surgeon, Sept. 16, 1862 ; must, out June 29, 1863. 
Francis M. Dubois, aergt.-niaj., Sept. 30, 1862 ; enl. Sept. 2, 1862, as 1st 

sergt. Co. G ; disch. disability Feb. 8, 1863. 
Thomas M. Barraclifr, sergt-maj., March 22,1863; enl. Sept. 2,1862, 

as sergt. Co. G. ; private Co. G June 3, 1863. 

Company B. 
John Sheppard, enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; must, out June 29, 1863. 

Company G. 
Isaac Sheppard, enl. Sept. 2, 1862 ; nmst. out June 29, 1863. 

Twenty-fifth Regiment. 
Robert M. Bateman, asst. surgeon, Oct. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 20, 
1863. 

Company B. 

Isaac S. ■Whiticar, enl. Sept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 20, 1863. 
Twenty -eighth Regiment. 
Company S. 
Charles Seymour, enl. Sept. 1, 1862; disch. Feb. 11, 1864, to date July 6, 

1863, wounds received in action. 
George Shaw, enl. Sept. 1, 1862 ; must, out July 6, 1863. 



Thirty-third Regiment. 
Company D. 
James 'VV. Hand, enl. Sept. 26, 1864; trans, to Co. F; died at Tunnel 
Hill, Ga., Jan. 29,1865. 

Thirty-fourth Regiment. 
John B. Bowen, surgeon. Sept, 25, 1863 ; resigned May 27, 1864, 

Company G. 
Nelson S. Donnelly, enl. April 5, 1865 ; died of chronic diarrhoea at 
Greenville, La., Oct. 14, 1865; trans, from Co. I. 

Thirty-fifth Regiment. 
Company D, 
Charles M. Shipley, Corp., enl. Sept. 25, 1863; must, out July 20, 1865. 
Thirty-seventh Regiment. 
Company F. 
David Sayre, enl. June 1, 1864 ; must, out Oct. 1, 1864. 
William M. Ogden, enl. June 1, 1864 ; must, out Oct. 1, 1864. 

First Cavalry Regiment (Sixteenth Regiment). 
Company E. 
■William B. Ewing, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; sergt.; disch. disability Oct. 30, 
1862. 

Second Cavalry Regiment (Thirty-second Regiment). 
Company S. 
James K. Moshier, enl. July 28, 1865 ; died of chronic diarrhcea at Co- 
lumbus, Ky., Jan. 2.5, 1864. 

Company I. 
Richard D. Mitchell, capt., Sept. 20, 1864 ; private Co. K, 10th Kegt., Oct. 
5, 1861 ; 2d lieut. Co. I, 10th Regt., April 17, 1862 ; Ist lieut. Co. I, 
2d Cavalry, Aug. 26, 1863 ; must, out Nov. 1, 1865. 

Third Regiment Cavalry (Thirty-sixth Regiment). 
Company S. 
Charles II. Coombs, enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out June 15, 1865. 
John G. Davis, enl. Dec. 8, 1863; disch, disability June 30, 1865, 
George Edwards, enl. Dec, 7, 1863; disch, Aug, 10, 1865, 

Battery E, First Eegisient Artillery. 
James G. D, Craig, enl, Jan, 1, 1864; trans, from Battery B; died at 

Fortress Monroe, Va., Aug. 16, 1864. 
Daniel H. Hand, drafted March 31, 1865 ; died at Fairfax Seminary, Vn., 

May 21, 1865. 



CHAPTER LXXXVII. 

BENCH AND BAR. 

At the first courts held in this county, Daniel 
Mestayer, Edward Rose, and Robert Hartshorne 
were the first attorneys. In May, 175:2, John Law- 
rence first appeared as an attorney, and did a large 
share of the business after that. At December term, 
1754, James Kinsey and George Trenchard were ad- 
mitted as attorneys. They both resided at Salem. In 
1759, Augustine Moore presented his license to prac- 
tice law, but does not seem to have done much busi- 
ness. Jasper Smith presented his license in 1763. 
Samuel Allinson, together with Trenchard and Law- 
rence, were the principal attorneys from 1765 to the 
Revolution. John Carey and James Bowman ap- 
peared in 1772 and 1773. At February term, 1775, 
Joseph Bloomfield, who had been admitted to prac- 
tice at the November term, 1774, of the Supreme 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



547 



Court, presented his license to the courts of this 
county. He had taken up his residence in Bridgeton 
just previous to that, and was the iirst attorney, as 
far as Icnown, who resided in this county. He has 
been followed by a succession of able attorneys, 
whose practice has been confined in the main to this 
and the adjoining counties. The situation of the 
county at the southern end of the State, out of the 
lines of travel, and until within a few years past 
having no means of access except by stage or private 
conveyance, has prevented the bar of this county 
from participating in many of the important cases 
which have arisen in other parts of the State, while 
the want of a litigious disposition among the inhabit- 
ants of this section of the State has not furnished 
many cases of great importance. With a few excep- 
tions, the members of the bar in this county have 
been earnest and active toilers in the profession, of 
unblemished reputation, and noted for that profes- 
sional feeling which prompts them to those things 
which are for the best interests of their clients, even 
if not of themselves. 

The following is a list of the attorneys who have 
resided in this county, together with the term of the 
Supreme Court when admitted to practice, and their 
place of residence in the county : 

Admitted. 

Joseph Bloonifield, Bridgeton Nov. 1774. 

Kichard Howell, Bridgeton April, 1779. 

.James Giles, Bridgeton Sept. 17S:i. 

John Moore White, Bridgeton Sept. 1791. 

Isaac W. Crane, Bridgeton Sept. 1797. 

Daniel Elmer, Bridgeton Nov. 1S05. 

Elias P. Seeley, Bridgeton May, 1815. 

Lucius Q C. Elmer, Bridgeton May, 1815. 

Oliver K. Freeman,! Bridgeton Sept 1819. 

John E. Jetfers,! Port Elizabeth M.ay, 1821. 

Jiimes D. Westcott, Jr., Bridgeton Sei't. 1822. 

John Keeve.l Port Elizabeth Sept. 1828. 

Henry T. Ellet,= Bridgeton May, 1833. 

James G. Hampton, Bridgeton May, 1839. 

Charles E. Elmer, Bridgeton Sept. 1842. 

Charles 0. Davis, Bridgeton 

John T. Ni.Kon,^ Bridgeton Oct. 1845. 

James R. Hoagland, Bridgeton Nov. 1855. 

James J. Reeves, Bridgeton Feb. 1861. 

John S. Mitchell, Bridgeton Nov. 1861. 

James H. Nixon, Millville Nov. 1863. 

Franklin F. Westcott, Bridgeton Feo. 1864. 

William E. Potter, Bridgeton Nov. 1865. 

Leslie Lnptou,'* Bridgeton Nov. 1867. 

Edwin M. Turner,5 Vineland Feb. 1868. 

William A. House, Vineland Feb. 1869. 

James L. Van Sycltel, Millville and Bridgeton. ..June, 1869. 

Leverett Newcomb, Vineland June, 1870. 

J. Boyd Ni.\on, Bridgeton June, 1870. 

Charles E. Sheppard, Bridgeton June, 1874. 

Thomas W. Wallier, Vineland June, 1874. 

Willis T. Virgil,5 Vineland Feb. 1875. 

William A. Logue, Bridgeton June, 1875. 

Charles P. Woodruff, Millville Nov. 1876. 

Orestes Cook, Bridgeton June, 1877. 

Joseph C. Oliver, Port Elizabeth Nov. 1877. 

Benjamin T. Powell, Cedarville Nov. 1S78. 

George B, Ogden, Millville June, 1878. 

Nimrod Wocdery, Jr.,5 Millville Feb. 1879. 

Wheaton Berault, Vineland June, 1879. 

A. A. Sanderson, Vineland Feb. 1880. 

Charles D. Thomas, Vineland Feb. 1880. 

Koyal P. Tuller. Vineland June, 1881. 

Harry 0. Newcomb, Millville .Tune, 1882. 

Millard T. Hartson, Vineland June, 1882. 

Harry H. Sharp,' Bridgeton Nov. 1882. 

Henry S. Alvord, Vineland June, 1883. 

1 Left the county in a short time after being licensed. 
- See notice of Governor Elias P. Seeley. 

8 Appointed United States district judge in 1870, and removed to Tren- 
ton, N. J. 

* Removed to Rahway, N. J. ^ Left the county. 

* Removed to New Tacoma, "Washington Territory. 



Biographical Notices. — The first four and the 
sixth and seventh of the following notices are taken 
in most part from Judge Elmer's "Reminiscences of 
the Bench and Bar," but items obtained from other 
sources have been added to them. 

Joseph Bloomfield was the son of Dr. Moses 
Bloomfield, who married as his second wife the widow 
of Dr. Samuel Ward, of Greenwich, in this county, 
and was born at Woodbridge, N. J., in 1753. He 
was .partly educated at Deerfield, in this county, by 
Rev. Enoch Green, pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
there, who also taught a classical school for a number 
of years. He studied law with Corthindt Skinner, 
the attorney-general of the province, who was an in- 
fluential lawyer, and held important positions as 
member of Assembly and of Council. At November 
term, 1774, he presented to the Supreme Court of the 
province a license from Governor Franklin, author- 
izing him to practice law, and took the oaths and 
was admitted by the court. He at once took up his 
residence in Bridgeton, and at the ensuing February 
term presented his license before the courts of this 
county. 

Two months later the battle of Lexington took 
place, and the drilling of troops and preparations for 
the heroic contest which that battle inaugurated be- 
came the principal business with every Whig. Mr. 
Bloomfield was an ardent patriot, and began his mili- 
tary career as a sergeant of a company of militia, or- 
ganized in the western part of the county. May 3, 
1775. On the election of field-officers of the Cum- 
berland militia, June 13th of that year, he was chosen 
adjutant, and on October 9th was chosen first lieuten- 
ant of another company of militia. 

He was appointed Feb. 7, 1776, as captain in the 
Third Battalion of troops raised for the Continental 
army in this State, and a company of sixty-five men 
was recruited in this county, with himself as captain ; 
Constant Peck, first lieutenant; William Gifford, sec- 
ond lieutenant; and Ebenezer Elmer, ensign. This 
company left Bridgeton March 27, 1776, and did 
good service during the year of their enlistment, an 
account of which, from the journal of Ebenezer Elmer, 
will be elsewhere found in this volume. Capt. Bloom- 
field was promoted major of the Third Battalion Nov. 
28, 1776, and was also appointed judge-advocate of the 
Northern army during the same month. He con- 
tinued in the army until Oct. 28, 1778, when he re- 
signed, having been elected clerk of the Assembly of 
this State on the preceding day. He was wounded 
during his term of service, but at what time is now 
unknown. Lieut. Elmer in his journal entered his 
opinion of the ofiicers in the command, and of him 
says, " Capt. Bloomfield, active, unsteady, fond of 
show, and a great admirer of his own abilities; quick 
passions, but easily pacified," — probably a pretty cor- 
rect statement of the points of his character. 

Shortly after he resigned from the army he married 
a lady in Burlington, where he took up his residence, 



548 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



and resided there during the remainder of his life, 
being mayor of the city several years. 

Previous to the adoption of the Constitution of the 
United States, which vested all admiralty jurisdiction 
in the United States Courts, this State passed an act 
Oct. 5, 1776, establishing a State Court of Admiralty, 
and Mr. Bloomfield was appointed register of the 
court, and held the office until 1783. In that year, 
upon the resignation of William Patterson, he was 
appointed by the joint meeting attorney-general of 
the State, and re-elected in 1788, but resigned the 
office in 1792. In that year he was elected by the 
Legislature one of the Presidential electors. He was 
also a general of the mililia of the State, and com- 
manded a brigade of militia which took part in sup- 
pressing the Whiskey Insurrection in Western Penn- 
sylvania in 1794. 

He was an earnest supporter of the administration 
of Washington, but when, under the administration 
of John Adams and tlie leadership of Alexander 
Hamilton, the Federal party developed those pro- 
scriptive principles which were exemplified in the 
alien and sedition laws, he became a supporter of the 
Republican party of that day, under the leadership 
of Thomas Jefferson, and was one of the foremost in 
this State in the great political and social conflict. 
The joint meeting held October 31st elected Mr. 
Bloomfield Governor. 

In October, 1803, the Democrats again had a ma- 
jority, and Mr. Bloomfield was re-elected Governor, 
and continued to be re-elected annually until 1812. 
As Governor he was also chancellor, but the business 
of that court was not large in his time, and no cases 
decided by him are reported. 

In the war of 1812 he was appointed a brigadier- 
general by President Madison, and commanded a 
brigade stationed at Sackett's Harboi', N. Y., and a 
part of his brigade, under command of Gen. Pike, 
crossed into Canada and made an attack on Fort 
George, but were unsuccessful. Gen. Pike being killed 
by the explosion of the magazine. He afterwards 
was in command of the military district whose head- 
quarters was at Philadelphia, and remained in service 
until the close of the war in 1815. 

In the fall of 1816, Gen. Bloomfield was elected to 
Congress on a general ticket by the Democrats, and 
re-elected in 1818. He was chairman of the Com- 
mittee on Eevolutionary Claims, and introduced the 
bill granting pensions to the survivors of that strug- 
gle and to the surviving widows of those deceased. 

After he settled at Burlington, he was a member 
of and president of the " New Jersey Society for the 
Abolition of Slavery," a society whose efforts were 
confined to legal methods of ameliorating the con- 
dition of the slaves, and the cultivation of a public 
sentiment in favor of its abolition. He was elected 
a trustee of Princeton College in 1788, but resigned 
when he was elected Governor, and in 1819 was again 
elected, and held the position until his death. 



Mr. Bloomfield married Miss Mary McUvaine, 
daughter of Dr. William McUvaine, of Burlington, 
soon after he resigned his position in the army in the 
Revolution, which probably occasioned his locating 
at that place. They had no children, and she died in 
1818. He afterwards married a second wife, who sur- 
vived him. He died at Burlington, Oct. 8, 1823, and 
on his tomb is inscribed, " A soldier of the Revolu- 
tion ; late Governor of New Jersey ; a General in the 
Army of the United States ; he closed a life of prob- 
ity, benevolence, and public service, in the seventieth 
year of his age." 

Richard Howell was the son of Ebenezer and 
Sarah (Bond) Howell, and was born Oct. 25, 1754, at 
Newark, Del. His parents removed to the neighbor- 
hood of Shiloh, in this county, during his youth. He 
Wiis educated at Newark, together with his twin- 
brother, Lewis, and came to this county a few years 
previous to the Revolution. He was one of the party 
who burned the tea at Greenwich on the night of Dec. 
22, 1774, and, with several others, was sued for dam- 
ages, but the case was never tried, owing to the break- 
ing out of active hostilities. His brother Lewis 
studied medicine with Dr. Jonathan Elmer, but 
Richard studied law. 

Nov. 29, 1775, he was appointed captaiu of a com- 
pany of soldiers raised in this county, who marched 
from here on the night of December 13th. He was 
appointed brigade major Sept. 4, 1776, and on the re- 
organization of the New Jersey troops was appointed 
major Nov. 28, 1776. In the following winter he was 
major of the Second Regiment, commanded by Col. 
Shrieve, and his brother Lewis was surgeon of the 
same regiment, and Ebenezer Elmer surgeon's mate. 
Maxwell's brigade, to which the regiment belonged, 
took an active part at the battle of Brandywine, and 
Lewis was taken prisoner, but escaped. On the retreat 
of the British through New Jersey, Lewis was taken 
with a fever, and died on the day of the battle of 
Monmouth, June 28, 1778, near that place. Major 
Howell resigned his commission April 7, 1779. 

He was licensed as an attorney at April term, 1779, 
and presented his license to the courts of this county 
at September term of that year. He resided here sev- 
eral years, and did considerable business in the courts 
of this and Salem Counties. He removed to Trenton 
between 1783 and 1788, and on September 4th of the 
latter year was elected clerk of the Supreme Court by 
the joint meeting. In 1793 he succeeded Governor 
Paterson as Governor and Chancellor of the State, 
and was re-elected every year until 1801, when the 
Federalists, to which party he belonged, were de- 
feated, and he was succeeded by Joseph Bloomfield, 
who had preceded him as the first resident attorney 
in Cumberland, and who followed him into active 
service in the Revolution as captain of the second 
company of troops raised in this county. While 
Governor he commanded the militia of the State 
called out to assist in suppressing the Whiskey In- 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



549 



surrection in Western Pennsylvania, in 1794, and 
had command of the right wing of the army, Gen. 
Joseph Bloomfield commanding a brigade under 
him. 

He married in November, 1779, soon after he left 
the army, a daughter of Joseph Burr, of Burlington 
County, and had nine children, some of whom died 
in infancy. He died May 5, 1803, aged forty-nine 
years. 

Elias p. Sebley was the son of Ebenezer and 
Mary (Clark) Seeley, and was born in Fairfield town- 
ship, Nov. 10, 1791. He was a grandson of Col. Enos 
Seeley, who commanded a battalion of State troops 
from this county in the Revolution. His father, 
Ebenezer, removed to Bridgeton when he was a 
child, and represented this county in the Assembly 
and Council many years, and was clerk of the county 
for nineteen years, from 1814 to 1833. The son, Eiias 
P., studied law with Daniel Elmer, and was admitted 
to the bar in May, 1815. He opened an office in 
Bridgeton, and soon established a good practice, and 
was very popular among the people of this county. 
He was elected a member of the Assembly in 1826, 
1827, and 1828. In 1829 he was elected to the Coun- 
cil, and re-elected'in 1830, 1831, and 1832. In tfie 
latter two years he was elected vice-president of the 
Council. On the election of Governor Southard as 
United States senator he was elected by joint meet- 
ing, Feb. 27, 1833, Governor of the State, and served 
until Oct. 25, 1833, when he was succeeded by Gov- 
ernor Peter D. Vroom. 

While Chancellor, which office he occupied by virtue 
of being Governor, he delivered several opinions on 
cases argued before him. By virtue of his office he 
was also the presiding officer of the Court of Appeals, 
which, by the Constitution of 1776, was composed of 
the Governor and Council. 

In 1836 Governor Seeley was again elected to the 
Assembly by his fellow-citizens of this county. He 
married, Marcli 6, 1816, Jane B. Champneys, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Benjamin Champneys, and had two chil- 
dren, — Elias P., Jr., and Rebecca. The latter mar- 
ried Henry T. Ellet, who practiced law in this place 
about four years, and then removed to Port Gibson, 
Miss., where he has since been a member of Congress 
and one of the judges of the Supreme Court of that 
State, and upon the organization of the Confederate 
States government at the breaking out of the rebel- 
lion, he was appointed by Jefferson Davis a member 
of his cabinet, but declined the position from personal 
considerations. 

Governor Seeley did a large business as an attorney, 
mostly confined to his own county, and as a convey- 
ancer his services were in greater demand than those 
of any of his contemporaries. He became the victim 
of a cancer of the face close to his eye, and after en- 
during great suffering it terminated his life Aug. 23, 
1846, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. 

Daniel Elmer, who was born at Cedarville, Sept. 



30, 1784, was the fifth' Daniel in regular lineal descent 
from the Rev. Daniel Elmer, who was settled as pastor 
of the old Cohansey Presbyterian Church in 1729, 
and died in 1775, leaving several children, the de- 
scendants of whom, now a numerous body, still reside 
in South Jersey. Daniel's father, himself a young 
man, and with but little property, dying when the 
son was only eight years old, he was left to the care 
of Dr. Ebenezer Elmer, his great-uncle, with whom 
he lived for several years, and obtained only a com- 
mon school education. From his earliest years he 
exhibited those traits of unceasing activity and energy 
which remained until he was disabled by disease. 

About the year 1800 he began to study law with 
Gen. Giles, of Bridgeton, and served as a regular 
clerk with him for the five years then required of a 
student who was not a graduate of some college. 

He was licensed as an attorney in November, 1805, 
and at first had serious thoughts of commencing busi- 
ness in some other locality ; but this purpose he soon 
relinquished, and opened an office in Bridgeton. He 
was licensed as a counselor in 1808, and called to the 
degree of sergeant-at-law in 1828. He married 
Martha E. Potter, daughter of Col. David Potter, 
March 9, 1808. They had several children, all of 
whom died in infancy or early youth except two. 

The removal of John Moore White gave him the 
opportunity of acquiring an extensive and lucrative 
practice. His early education had been meagre, and 
during his clerkship he had no time for systematic 
study. His knowledge of law, which became, how- 
ever, quite extensive, and, so far as it went, very ac- 
curate, was mainly acquired, as has been the case 
with many other very successful lawyers, by a careful 
study of the cases he was called upon to undertake 
in his practice. A large part of his business was the 
collection of debts. 

During the war with Great Britain he was captain 
of a uniformed company of militia, and afterwards 
rose through the various grades until he became gen- 
eral of the Cumberland Brigade, by which title he 
was generally addressed. 

Upon the resignation of Judge Dayton, in 1841, 
Daniel Elmer was appointed by the joint meeting a 
justice of the Supreme Court. He accepted the ap- 
pointment. 

Judge Elmer was a member of the convention that 
formed the new Constitution, in 1844. At the death 
of Gen. Giles, in 1825, he was elected president of the 
Cumberland Bank, and held the position until his ap- 
pointment to the Supreme Court, in 1841. He was ap- 
pointed, in 1838, by the board of chosen freeholders 
of the county, to the responsible position of agent to 
manage and invest the surplus revenue apportioned 
to this county, amounting to the sum of thirty thou- 
sand dollars, which office of trust he held until 1842, 
when he resigned, and his son, Charles E. Elmer, was 
appointed in his place. In the winter of 1844, after 
he had sat in the Constitutional Convention, he had a 



550 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



slight apoplectic attack, which so disabled him as to 
make it necessary for him to resign, which he did in 
January, 1845. He never recovered, and died July 
3, 1848. Some years before his death he became a 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and died in its 
communion. 

John Moore White was born in Bridgeton in 
the year 1770. He studied law with Joseph Bloom- 
field, and was admitted as an attorney in September, 
1791, as a counselor in 1799, and as sergeant in 1812. 
Taking up his residence in Bridgeton, he married 
a Miss Zantzinger, and entered upon the practice of 
his profession. He enjoyed remarkable health all 
his life, but became blind towards its close. In 1808 
he removed to Woodbury, where he continued to re- 
side during the remainder of his life. 

Mr. Wliite was justly considered an able advocate 
in the trial of cases involving questions of boundary, 
but was never ranked, however, among the able law- 
yers of the State. He prosecuted the pleas of the 
State for several years in the counties of Cumber- 
land and Salem, by virtue of a deputation from the 
attorney-general. He was a Federalist, and repre- 
sented the county of Gloucester several times in the 
Legislature. In the year 1833 he was appointed 
attorney-general of the State, holding the office the 
constitutional term of five years. In 1838, Mr. 
White was elected a justice of the Supreme Court, 
the number of judges being now increased to five. 
He did not make a very satisfactory judge, although 
his honesty and sound judgment were never ques- 
tioned. After the expiration of his office, then sev- 
enty-five years of age, he lived very much in retire- 
ment during the remainder of his life, which was 
protracted to the year 1862, when he died, at the age 
of ninety-one. 

Lucius Quintus Ciijcinnatus Elmer was the 
only son of Gen. Ebenezer and Hannah (Seeley) 
Elmer, and was born in Bridgeton, Feb. 3, 1793. As 
a lad he attended a school at Woodbury, taught by 
Rev. Mr. Picton, in the winter of 1803, and in the 
fall and winter of 1804-5 at the academy of Rev. Dr. 
Burgiss Allison, at Bordentown, and after that at the 
old academy on Bank Street, in Bridgeton. He also 
attended, in Philadelphia, the classes of Dr. Patter- 
son, a professor in the University of Pennsylvania, 
after he had commenced to read law with Daniel 
Elmer, Esq., afterwards a judge of the Supreme Court 
of this State. He was admitted to the bar in May, 
1815, and at once began his legal career in his native 
place, and soon acquired a large practice. As a law- 
yer, he was industrious and painstaking, preparing 
his cases with great care and with deep research into 
the underlying principles of the law. He was well 
versed in and thoroughly indoctrinated with the 
common law, for which he had the most profound 
regard. 

Upon his admission to the bar he at once interested 
himself in politics, and was a member of the Demo- 



cratic party, as was also his father, although Gen. 
Ebenezer's brothers and nearly all others of the fam- 
ily name were Federalists. He was elected clerk of 
the board of freeholders in May, 1816, and a mem- 
ber of the Assembly in 1820, '21, '22, and '23, and in 
the latter year was Speaker of the House. Politics 
becoming somewhat distasteful to him, he retired from 
active participation in them, and devoted himself 
more assiduously to his profession, and his subsequent 
positions were mostly in the line of that profession. 
After the passage of the law for the appointment of 
prosecutors of the pleas by the joint meeting, he was 
the first appointment for this and Cape May Counties, 
on Oct. 29, 1824, and was reappointed Oct. 30, 1829, 
and served with marked ability until Oct. 31, 1884. 
In 1824 he was appointed United States district at- 
torney for New Jersey, and filled the office in an ac- 
ceptable manner until 1829. He was one of the three 
commissioners appointed in 1838 on behalf of New 
Jersey to meet a like commission from New York to 
settle the territorial limits and jurisdiction of the two 
States, which duty was acceptably performed, and the 
agreement made by them, dated Sept. 16, 1833, was 
ratified by the Legislatures of the two States in Feb- 
ruary, 1834, and approved by Congress in the follow- 
ing June. 

He published a " Digest of the Laws of New Jer- 
sey" in 1838, in which the topics were arranged 
alphabetically, which proved so convenient that it 
soon displaced all other compilations of the laws of 
this State. Subsequent editions were issued in 1855, 
1858, 1861, and 1868, under the name of Nixon's 
Digest. Mr. Elmer having been appointed an asso- 
ciate justice of the Supreme Court, it was issued under 
the name of his son-in-law, John T. Nixon, Esq. It 
continued the standard compilation of this State until 
after the general revision of the laws by the Legisla- 
ture in 1874 and 1875. 

In October, 1843, he was elected a member of Con- 
gress from this district, which office he filled for one 
term of two years, but was defeated when a candidate 
for re-election in November, 1844, by James G. Hamp- 
ton, Esq., also of Bridgeton, the district having a 
large Whig majority. In February, 1850, he was ap- 
pointed by Governor Haines attorney-general of the 
State, which office he held until Feb. 5, 1852, when 
he was appointed by Governor Fort one of the asso- 
ciate justices of the Supreme Court of the State. At 
the expiration of his term Governor Newell appointed 
in his place William S. Clawson, who was a Repub- 
lican, as was also the Governor. Judge Clawson died 
June 18, 1861, and such was the high estimation in 
which Judge Elmer's qualifications for the position 
were regarded, that in response to the almost uni- 
versal desire of the people of the southern end of the 
State, which comprised that judicial district, he was 
again appointed to the position by Governor Olden, 
who was a Republican, and opposed to the judge in 
politics, on Aug. 22, 1861. He continued on the 




L. Q. C. ELMER. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



551 



bench until March 15, 1869, and then, with his re- 
tirement from that position, he also retired from 
active professional life. 

During his term of service he was one of the most 
distinguished members of the court, and delivered the 
opinion of that tribunal in a large number of impor- 
tant cases. Upon questions involving the principles 
of the common law and of the law of real estate he 
was especially strong, and his great familiarity with 
those branches of the law gave him great weight with 
the other members of the court. On the trial of cases 
at the circuit he was not as ready and quick to 
decide disputed points of law and practice raised in 
the course of the trial as are some other judges, his 
great conscientiousness and fear lest an erroneous 
decision at the moment might prejudice the case of 
the party against whom the decision was made some- 
times causing him to hesitate in deciding such points. 
I But in the decision of questions heard on argument 
before the Supreme Court, the opportunity afforded 
by the interval between the hearing of the argument 
and the pronouncing of the decision to examine care- 
fully all the authorities and to weigh their force and 
effect as applied to the case in point, brought out in 
strong relief the eminently judicial qualities of his 
mind and his rich store of legal knowledge, grounded 
on the common law, the great bed-rock of all learning 
in the law, and built up and fashioned by his study 
of the written statutes and of the decisions of other 
courts. 

His long life and early acquaintance with many of 
the men who were prominent in the affairs of the 
county during the latter part of the last and the early 
part of this century gave him great information con- 
cerning the local history of this county and the 
genealogies of many of its early families. All future 
inquirers into those branches must ever be indebted 
to him for his labors. In 1863 he published in the 
Bridgeton Chronicle his " History of the Early Settle- 
ment and Progress of Cumberland County," to which 
the writer is indebted for many facts found in this 
work. This history was afterwards printed in an 
octavo volume of one hundred and thirty-eight pages. 
Annexed to it, as the last chapter of twenty pages, is 
a very clear and valuable account of the " Currency 
of New Jersey" from the iirst settlement, no account 
of which had been previously published. In 1870 
and 1871 he prepared for the Historical Society of 
this State his " Constitution and Government of the 
Province and State of New Jersey, with Biographical 
Sketches of the Governors from 1776 to 1845, and 
Reminiscences of the Bench and Bar," which was 
published by the society in 1872. He also wrote 
much besides the above, which, during the later years 
of his life, consisted largely of contributions to the 
press of his native city upon local history and sketches 
of early residents of this county. 

He received the degree of A.M. from the College 
of New Jersey in 1824, and that of LL.D. from the 



same institution in 1865. He was one of the trustees 
of that college for forty years. On the death of his 
father he succeeded him as a member of the Society 
of the Cincinnati of this State, and was its president 
from 1871 to his death. He was converted in 182.'), 
and united with the First Presbyterian Church of 
this city in 1829, and remained a consistent Chris- 
tian, placing complete reliance on the atonement of 
the Saviour, until he was called to meet him beyond 
the river. He was also for many years president of 
the Cumberland County Bible Society. During the 
latter years of his life he was afflicted with cataract, 
from which he lost the sight of first one eye and then 
the other, several months before his death, after which 
his health rapidly declined. He was confined to his 
bed but a few weeks, and sank away with little if any 
pain. He died on Sunday morning, March 11, 1883, 
aged ninety years, one month, and eight days. 

In October, 1881, he married Catherine Hay, whom 
he left surviving him, together with three daughters, 
two of whom are married. 

Thus passed away one of the most distinguished 
citizens of this county, and one of the purest and 
most learned judges that have graced the bench of 
this State. 

James Giles was born in New York in the year 
1759. At an early period of the Revolutionary war 
he was appointed a lieutenant in the Second, or New 
York Regiraentof Artillery, and continued in service 
until 1782, in which year he became a student-at-law 
with Joseph Bloomfield, then resident at Trenton. 

In September, 1783, he was licensed as an attorney, 
and in due time as counselor, and in 1804 was made 
a sergeant-at-law. Shortly after he was licensed he 
married a sister of Gen. Bloomfield, and took up his 
residence in his native city, and was admitted to the 
bar there. 

In 1788 he came with his family to Bridgeton, 
where he resided during the remainder of his life. 
In the ensuing year he was appointed by the Legis- 
lature in joint meeting clerk of the county, and being 
twice reappointed, he held that office fifteen years. 
Being at that time entitled also to practice law, he 
had quite a large and, for that day, lucrative busi- 
ness. 
i Judge Elmer says, " He was a well-read lawyer and 
j safe counselor ; but it cannot be said that he was dis- 
tinguished as an advocate. He was a small man, pre- 
cise in his dress, and remarkably erect and graceful, 
but very slow in his movements and in all he did. 
At the circuits he was one of the most genial and 
delightful companions. The legal documents he drew 
were marked by great exactness and precision. About 
1805 his friends confidently expected he would be 
elected one of the justices of the Su|)reme Court, al- 
though a majority of the joint meeting was politically 
opposed to him ; but the result was that the law au- 
thorizing three associate justices was repealed." 

Isaac Watts Crane was born in Essex County, of 



552 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUiNTY. 



this State, May 3, 1773, and belonged to the family of 
that name who were iu earlier years among the lead- 
ing citizens of that county. He graduated at Prince- 
ton, in the class of 1789, Governor Mahlon Dickerson 
being one of his classmates. He was admitted as an 
attorney in 1797, and settled at Salem, but removed 
from there to Bridgeton about 1805. In October, 1810, 
he was elected a member of Assembly by the Demo- 
crats, to which party he belonged, although he sup- 
ported Harrison for President in 1840. He removed 
to Camden in 1819, but returned in the spring of 1823. 
He was appointed prosecutor of the pleas for this 
county Oct. 31, 1834, and served one term of five 
years. Mr. Crane was a highly-educated man, being 
an accomplished French scholar, but he was of rather 
an eccentric turn of mind. He had a reputation for 
great ability, but, owing to his peculiar character- 
istics, combined with the strong opposition he met 
from the able attorneys who were natives of the 
county, he was not very successful as a lawyer. He 
resided here until somewhere about 1850, when he re- 
moved to the northern part of the State, where he died 
in 1856. 

Jaiies D. Westcott, Jr., was the son of James 
D. and Amey (Hampton) Westcott, a sister of Dr. 
Isaac H. Hampton. He was born in Alexandria, 
Va., May, 1802. He studied law with Governor 
Elias P. Seeley, and was admitted to the bar in Sep- 
tember, 1822. He married a daughter of John Sib- 
ley, of Bridgeton, and practiced law in that place 
until 1829. He removed to Florida, and never 
returned to Cumberland County. 

James Giles Hajipton was the son of Dr. Isaac 
H. and Fanny (Giles) Hampton (who was the 
daughter of Gen. James Giles), and was born in 
Bridgeton in 1814. He received a good academic 
education in Bridgeton, and entered Princeton Col- 
lege, from which he graduated in 1835. He studied 
law with Governor Elias P. Seeley, and was admitted 
to the bar in May, 1839. He commenced practice 
in his native place, and did considerable business. 
His tastes were strongly political, and the law did 
not receive the attention it otherwise might have 
had. He was a genial and courteous man, both as a 
lawyer and politician, and was quite popular among 
his fellow-citizens. In 1844 he was elected to Con- 
gress over Hon. Lucius Q. C. Elmer, the:' district being 
largely Whig. He was re-elected in 1846, and held 
the otflce in all from 1845 to 1849. He died Sept. 22, 
1861, in the forty-eighth year of his age, only a little 
over a year after the death of his father. 

Franklin Fisk Westcott was born on his father's 
farm, one mile from Fairton, Cumberland Co., N. J., 
Dec. 30, 1838. His parents were Ephraim and Anna 
Elmer Westcott. After his father's death, in 1848, 
the family removed to Cedarville. There he received 
the greater part of his preparation for college from 
Eev. J. A. Annin, pastor of the " Brick Church." He 
entered Princeton College in the middle of the fresh- 



man year, and graduated in June, 1858, second in rank, 
delivering the valedictory oration. He studied law 
at Philadelphia in the office of William Ingham, Esq., 
teaching at the same time, and subsequently, at Bridge- 
ton, N. J., in the office of John T. Nixon, Esq. He was 
admitted to the bar in 1864 ; was married at Port Eliza- 
beth, Jan. 16, 1865, to Sarah M. Sharp, daughter of 
the late Jacob T. Sharp, M.D. His five children — 
Hannah A., Sarah S., Esther M., Mary E., and Frank- 
lin F. — are all living except the first-named, who died 
in infancy. Mr. Westcott always felt a deep interest 
in the questions of the day, and very early held ad- 
vanced anti-slavery views. He was a thorough-going 
Republican, but never placed party above principle. 
His opinions were independent, and the result of 
careful and deep thought. 

He was a prominent member of the West Presby- 
terian Church, and held various positions of trust in 
connection with the organization. 

He practiced his profession at Bridgeton for over 
ten years, and was eminently successful. In the full 
vigor of his manhood he was suddenly taken ill, and 
after a short sickness, died on March 29, 1875. 

Charles P. Woodruff was the eldest son of E. 
Collin and Ruth S. Woodruff, and grandson of Daniel 
M. Woodruff, clerk of this county from 1842 to 1852. 
He was born March 5, 1851. He commenced the 
study of law with James J. Reeves, Esq., and also at- 
tended the law school at Albany, N. Y., from which 
he graduated in the spring of 1876. At the Novem- 
ber term, 1876, of the Supreme Court he passed a 
creditable examination, and was licensed as an attor- 
ney. He began the active practice of law at Mill- 
ville, in this county, the same month, where he met 
with success and was gradually establishing himself 
in a substantial practice. He soon obtained the con- 
fidence of the citizens of that place, and in March, 
1878, was elected city solicitor. Without having the 
benefit of a liberal education, he was an intelligent 
and diligent student, thoroughly upright and honest 
in all his purposes, and industrious beyond his 
strength. His constitution was not robust, and in 
less than a year after he settled in Millville he was 
taken with hemorrhages, which caused him to leave 
his business for some weeks, but recovering somewhat 
from that attack, he returned to his ofiBce, but ^yas 
again taken in the same manner in the spring of 
1878, and after trying in vain the medical skill of 
Philadelphia, he returned to his father's residence to 
spend the few remaining weeks of his life, where he 
died June 12, 1878, aged twenty-seven years. ' 

Hon. Elias Doughty. — Elias Doughty, the grand- 
father of the subject of this biographical sketch, re- 
sided in Atlantic, formerly Gloucester County, from 
which he removed to Cumberland County, and settled 
near Bridgeton as a farmer. He married Mary Bab- 
cock, and had children, — Isaiah, Enoch, John, Rich- 
ard, Elias, Miriam, Sarah, and Mary. Enoch was 
born in Burlington County, Feb. 16, 1798, and spent 




t<^eU^^- ^<,^/d^^ 





-i9<- 



:^ 




GENERAL HISTORY. 



553 



his youth in Atlantic County, from which he at a 
later date removed to Cumberland County. His 
trade was that of an iron moulder, which he pursued 
at the JEtna Furnace, in the first-named county, and 
later at the Cumberland Furnace, in Cumberland 
County. He was also employed at the Gloucester 
Furnace, and subsequently removed to Millville, 
where he resided until his death. He married Dec. 
16, 1819, Beulah, daughter of George and Sarah Tay- 
lor, born in Burlington County, Nov. 1, 1801. Their 
children are Elias ; Sarali P., born in 1823 ; Thomas, 
in 1824; Elizabeth, in 1826; Harriet, in 1828; John 
McNiel, in 1831; George, in 1834; Benjamin, in 1835; 
Enoch (who sacrificed his life during the late war), 
in 1839; aud Mary, in 1842. Mr. Doughty married 
a second time in 1849, Rebecca Gray, to whom was 
born a son, Richard B., in 1850. Mr. Doughty died 
Nov. 8, 1862, in his sixty-fourth year, and his wife 
Feb. 6, 1845, in her forty-fourth year. Their son 
Elias was born Nov. 19, 1821, in Gloucester County, 
and when seven years of age removed to Millville. 
He was inured to labor from early youth, and found 
little respite from toil in the furnace, other than the 
winter months afforded, when the simple rudiments 
of an English education were acquired. Having 
learned the trade of moulder, he pursued it vigorously 
for twelve years, and on leaving the furnace pur- 
chased the stage-line running from Philadelphia to 
Millville, which he successfully conducted for fifteen 
years. 

He married May 27, 1843, Miss Harriet M. C, 
daughter of Daniel and Lydia Tice, of Millville. 
Their children are John F. (deceased), Beulah, El- 
bridge G., and Daniel W. Mrs. Doughty died April 
20, 1858, and he married Oct. 29, 1873, Mrs. Elmira 
H. Lord, daughter of Col. Michael Hays, of Burling- 
ton, N. J. In June, 1866, Judge Doughty removed 
to Vineland, as agent of the West Jersey Railroad, 
and has since made it his residence. He has been an 
active worker in the ranks of the Democracy and the 
recipient of many honors. He has served as free- 
holder of Landis township, aud was in 1857 elected 
member of the State Legislature, when he was ap- 
pointed to the Committees on Corporations, Passed 
Bills, and Insane Asylums. He is now serving his 
fourth term as associate judge of the Cumberland 
County Court. He is also a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and associated with Checinah Lodge, No. 
58, of Millville. Judge Doughty was educated in the 
faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which 
his parents were members, as also the first and 
present Mrs. Doughty. 

Col. William Elmer Potter. — The brief genea- 
logical review of the Potter family given elsewhere 
renders repetition here unnecessary. Col. William E. 
Potter, the youngest son of James Boyd and Jane 
Barron Potter, was born June 13, 1840, in Bridgeton. 
His youth was not especially eventful, and devoted 
to study, first at the public school of the First Ward 



of the city, and later at the Harmony Academy, pre- 
sided over by Joseph P. Sherman, where he remained 
until 1854. He then became a pupil at the West 
Jei'sey Academy during its first session, under the 
tutorship of Professors Snyder and Stevenson, but in 
October of 1857, having determined upon the law as 
a profession, entered the office of Hon. John T. 
Nixon. He remained until September, 1859, and the 
same month became a student of the law school of 
Harvard Univer.sity. From this school he graduated 
in January, 1861, with the degree of LL.B., and in 
September of the same year entered the junior class 
of Princeton College. Underthespurofpatrioticardor 
he abandoned his collegiate studies, and in July of the 
following year enlisted in Company K, Twelfth Regi- 
ment New Jersey Volunteers. He was commissioned 
second lieutenant of the same company Aug. 14, 1862, 
and mustered into the service of the United States as 
such Sept. 4, 1862. He was promoted to a first 
lieutenancy of the same company and regiment Aug. 
6, 1863, and to the captaincy of Company G Feb. 
4, 1864. Capt. Potter became brevet major United 
States Volunteers for meritorious services. May 1, 
1865, by promotion of the President of the United 
States, and was, in 1866, commissioned aide-de-camp 
to Governor Marcus L. Ward, of New Jersey, with 
the rank of lieutenant-colonel, upon whose staff he 
served for three years. To review Col. Potter's mili- 
tary experience, he was detailed as ordnance officer 
of the Third Division, Second Army Corps, and acted 
as such in the campaigns of Chancellorsville and 
Gettysburg, on the staff of Maj.-Gen. William H. 
French, and with Brig.-Gen. Alexander Hays. He 
served in that capacity until Oct. 1, 1863, aud was 
then appointed judge-advocate of the division on the 
staff of Gen. Hays, continuing thus until he rejoined 
his regiment and took command of his company. 
He was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, on 
the 6th of May, 1864, and reported again for duty at 
Cold Harbor, Va., June 4th of the same year. On 
the 1st of July, 1864, he was detailed as aide-de-camp 
to Col. Thomas A. Smyth, commanding Third Bri- 
gade of the Second Division of the Second Army 
Corps. On the 1st of August, 1864, he was made judge- 
advocate on the staff of Maj.-Gen. John Gibbon, com- 
manding the Second Division, Second Army Corps, 
and served thus until Jan. 15, 1865, when he was de- 
tailed as aid to Maj.-Gen. John Gibbon, commanding 
the Twenty-fourth Army Corps, Army of the James, 
and acting judge-advocate of the corps. He remained 
on duty in the latter capacity until mustered out of 
service, June 4, 1865. During this period Col. Potter 
was present in the following engagements: Chancel- 
lorsville, Gettysburg, Auburn, Bristow Station, Black- 
burn's Ford, Locust Grove, campaign of Mine Run, 
Morton's Ford, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, 
Deep Bottom, Crater, Deep Bottom (second engage- 
ment). Reams' Station, Boydton Road, assault and 
capture of Petersburg, Rice's Station, and Appomat- 



554 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



tox Court-House. By an order from headquarters, 
Twenty-fourtli Army Corps, in company with five 
other officers, lie was detailed to deliver the colors 
surrendered by Gen. Lee's army, seventy-six in 
number, to Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, of the War 
Department, at Washington, which ceremony oc- 
curred on May 1, 1865. He was the only New Jersey 
officer present on this occasion. 

Col. Potter, during his military career, displayed 
gallantry and judgment, which won for him the 
highest encomiums from his superior officers. In the 
official report of the battle of Chancellorsville he is 
-spoken of as "indefatigable, brave, and zealous; his 
department was never better served," and the same 
report of the Gettysburg engagement pronounces him 
" indefatigable in the discharge of his duties." That 
he won the regard and affection of his brigade and 
division commanders is evinced in letters recommend- 
ing him for promotion. Maj.-Gen. Winfield S. Han- 
cock pronounces him " a valuable officer and deserv- 
ing consideration." Gen. Thomas A. Smyth, in a 
letter to Governor Parker, says, " It affords me much 
pleasure to recommend to your Excellency the name 
of Capt. W. E. Potter, Twelfth Regiment New Jer- 
sey Volunteers, judge-advocate, etc. He is a gallant 
officer, a strict disciplinarian, and as an executive 
officer he has very few if any equals. His assiduous 
attention to his duty has called forth the highest en- 
comiums from his superior officers." This letter is 
cordially indorsed by Maj.-Gen. John Gibbon. Maj.- 
Gen. William H. French speaks of him as a "young 
officer full of energy, capacity, and a proper amount of 
military ambition, with a fine personal character. His 
conduct in the field and in the presence of the enemy 
displayed all the qualities required to constitute a 
commander of soldiers." Col. Potter received from 
Princeton College his degree of A.B. in 1863, and 
of A.M. in 1866. He was admitted as an attorney-at- 
law in 1865, and as a counselor in 1869. Having 
begun practice in Bridgeton, he in 1870 formed a 
copartnership with J. Boyd Nixon, with whom he has 
since continued his professional labors, and attained 
a prominent position at the bar of South Jersey. He 
was a delegate to the Republican National Conven- 
tion at Chicago in 1868, as also to the convention 
held at Cincinnati in 1876, and an elector on the Gar- 
field ticket in 1880. He was elected an honorary 
member of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Jer- 
sey, July 4, 1874, and president of the New Jersey 
Union Officers' Association for 1880. The colonel 
was on the 27th of May, 1869, married to Alice, 
daughter of the late Alfred Eddy, D.D., of Niles, 
Mich. Their children are Alfred E., James Boyd, 
David, Alice, and Francis Delavan. 

James J. Reeves.— The Reeves family are of Eng- 
lish extraction, its earliest representatives in America 
having settled in New England, and emigrated thence 
to New Jersey as members of the Fenwick colony. 
In the direct line of descent was Deacon John Reeves, 



great-great-grandfather of the subject of this bio- 
graphical sketch, who was born about 1725, and mar- 
ried Mabel, daughter of Dr. James Johnson, a dis- 
tinguished physician of his time, who came from 
Connecticut to Cumberland County, N. J., and whose 
'< extensive practice embraced a circuit of over fifty 
miles. Their son, Johnson Reeves (the 1st), married 
Zeriah, daughter of John Berriman, whose son, John 
I Reeves, was born Sept. 6, 1773, and married, Dec. 25, 
I 1798, to Martha Reeves, daughter of Samuel and Mary 
Reeves. The birth of Martha Reeves occurred June 
6, 1779. Their children were Johnson ; Samuel, de- 
ceased ; Mary, who died in infancy ; Joseph ; Martha, 
deceased; Joel B.; Mary, widow of the late Samuel 
L. Fithian ; and Ephraim, who died in infancy. 

Johnson Reeves was born Oct. 16, 1799, and mar- 
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Mark and Abigail Harris 
Riley, whose birth occurred March 17, 1800. Their 
children are Rev. Henry Reeves, late pastor of 
churches in Belvidere and Gloucester City, N. J., 
principal of Woodland Female Seminary, Philadel- 
phia, and the Chambersburg Female Seminary, 
Chambersburg, Pa., before and during the war, sub- 
sequently editor of Our Monthly, the Yowig Folds' 
Jieios, and other literary publications, and now prin- 
cipal of Joy Hall Seminary, Bridgeton ; Harriet N., 
wife of Charles S. Fithian ; Ruth R., wife of Robert 
Du Bois; John, assistant cashier of the Girard Na- 
tional Bank of Philadelphia; Martha P., widow of 
Alexander L. Robisou ; Francis B., of the firm of 
Reeves, Parvin & Co., Philadelphia; James J., and 
a daughter, Martha (the 1st), who died in infancy. 

Mr. Johnson Reeves was at one time largely iden- 
tified with the mercantile interests of Bridgeton, and 
also engaged in ship-building, but during the latter 
period ofhis life he was in the employ of the Cumberland 
Nail and Iron Company. His influence in the com- 
munity was healthful, while his benevolent instincts, 
his warm, sympathetic nature, and his sterling char- 
acter left a pleasant memory among all his cotem- 
poraries. A clearer conception of his character is 
afforded in a brief extract from a memorial discourse 
delivered on the occasion of his death by his pastor, 
the late Rev. S. Beach Jones, D.D. : " Those who knew 
him longest and knew him best were those who most 
trusted, honored, and loved him. He was clothed 
with the righteousness of the strictest truthfulness 
and the most rigid integrity. A man more guileless, 
more free from all falsehood and deceit we have 
never known. His tongue was a faithful index to 
his heart, and a more honest heart never beat in 
human bosom. To a rare degree he sought the 
honor of God and not his own, and for this very 
reason God honored him by giving him such honor 
among men as none who seek their own honor alone 
can ever attain. He was honored in men's hearts 
because he was a man of rigid veracity, sterling 
honesty, and unfeigned piety. Pie is lamented not 
because he has vacated a high office, but because he 




"•^"^^J^^t^ 



r 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



555 



has left void a sphere which he filled and adorned 
with Cliristian virtues." Mr. Reeves' death occurred 
in Bri Igetnn, July 19, 1860, in his sixty-second year, 
and that of Mrs. Reeves, June 21, 1845, in her forty- 
sixth year. 

Their son, James Johnson, was born Sept. 9, 1839, 
in Bridgeton, at the homestead in which he still re- 
sides. His boyhood was spent at his father's home, 
during which time he became a pupil of the public 
and private schools of this city, and subsequently at- 
tended the Harmony Academy and the West -Jersey 
Academy. Having determined upon the law as a 
profession, he, in 1857, entered the office of Hon. 
John T. Nixon, of Bridgeton, and continued his 
studies with him and his associates, Charles E. Elmer 
and Judge L. Q. C. Elmer, until admitted to the bar 
in 1861. During this period he entered the law school 
of Harvard University, at Cambridge, Mass., and grad- 
uated iu the summer of 1861, receiving the degree of 
LL.B. He was licensed as an attorney in February, 
1861 ; as a counselor, in June, 1864 ; and in May, 
1871, admitted to practice in the United States Cir- 
cuit and District Courts, about the same time also 
receiving the appointment of United States Com- 
missioner. 

Mr. Reeves relinquished his profession in 1862 and 
entered the army, having been instrumental with 
others in raising a company in the brief period of one 
and a half days. This company became part of the 
Twenty-fourth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, and 
was known as Company H, of which he was second 
lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Fred- 
ericksburg, on the 13th of December, 1862, and of 
Chancellorsville, on the 3d of May, 1863, in both of 
which engagements he was wounded. Mr. Reeves on 
his return from service resumed his professional labors, 
in which he has since been actively engaged. 

He was married, June 7, 1865, to Mary Caldwell 
Butler, of Germantown, Pa., daughter of Edward and 
Caroline Hyde Butler, of Northampton, Mass., a 
woman of remarkable literary attainments, and grand- 
daughter of Thomas Butler, Esq., an eminent lawyer 
of New York City. Their children are Hugh Laing, 
Sarah Caldwell, Harriet Dennison, Read, and Bertha 
Butler. 

Mr. Reeves is in his political predilections a Repub- 
lican, and for three successive years filled the office of 
city solicitor. He is not, however, identified actively 
with the political issues of the day, giving, aside from 
the demands of his profession, his ability and energies 
largely to Christian work in the city of his birth and 
residence. The family are distinctively Presbyterian 
through several generations, and have ever been 
active and zealous in the work of the church. John- 
son Reeves was for many years a trustee of the First 
Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, and indefiitigable 
in its labors for its prosperity. James J. has been en- 
gaged in Sunday-school work from his earliest boy- 
hood. He was a teacher when sixteen years of age, 



and has ever since filled either that position or acted 
as superintendent of the Sunday-school of the First 
Presbyterian Church. In 1864 he was elected lo the 
superintendency of this school, and is still the incum- 
bent. He was ordained a ruling elder of this church 
in April, 1868. Mr. Reeves has been for many years 
a director of the Cumberland County Bible Society, 
was president of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion of Bridgeton for a number of years, and for fif- 
teen years or more chairman of its lecture committee. 
He has also been a member of the Board of Education 
of the city of Bridgeton, and is now a trustee of the 
West Jersey Academy. Mr. Reeves possesses a re- 
fined and musical taste, and has done much to ad- 
vance the musical interests of his native city. In 
connection with others he organized the Cumberland 
County Musical Association, and was subsequently 
for many years its efficient president. 



CHAPTER LXXXVIII. 

MEDICAL PROFESSION. 

It is difficult at the present time to ascertain who 
were the practitioners of medicine and surgery in 
Cumberland County from its first settlement, about 
the year 1680, until Elijah Bowen commenced the 
practice of medicine at or near Shiloh, about the year 
1730. It would be interesting to know who preceded 
him, who were his contemporaries in medical prac- 
tice, if he had any, who some of his immediate suc- 
cessors were, what was the extent of their literary 
and medical acquirements, their mental capacity, 
from whom they received their education, what books 
they read, what medicines they prescribed, or what 
were their surgical appliances. 

At the first settlement of the county the inhabitants 
were so few and so widely separated from each other 
that a practitioner of medicine could not by his pro- 
fession alone obtain a livelihood, and the treatment 
of diseases, as is usually the case in newly-settled 
countries, fell into the hands of canny old women and 
ignorant pretenders. It is quite probable that the 
pioneers of Cumberland County had occasional re- 
course to the " medicine-man" of the aborigines, who 
had some knowledge of the medical properties of many 
of the indigenous plants of the country, and used them 
with not infrequent success. Some of their external 
appliances, as styptics and cataplasms, and internal 
remedies, as emetics, sudorifics, and cathartics, were 
doubtless used with occasional benefit. 

In the early settlement of the country the practi- 
tioners of medicine were generally self-constituted, 
and had no other medical qualifications than such as 
are possessed by every temerarious quack of the present 
day. 

Ralph Harsley was the first physician who lived 



556 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



in this county, as far as known. He first settled 
along Maurice River, but at what date is not known. 
He removed to Cohansey, and Oct. 30, 1688, Thomas 
Budd, the agent of John Bellers, of London, con- 
veyed to him — calling him " of Cohansey River, 
planter" — one hundred acres of land upon a lease for 
nine hundred and ninety-nine yeai-s, he paying a 
yearly quit-rent of one half-penny per acre, and upon 
the condition to build a house thereon within six 
months from date. This was a part of Bellers' survey, 
on which the Connecticut and Long Island settlers 
soon after located. This tract he conveyed to John 
Watts, of Salem, butcher, Dec. 11, 1689, and on the 
same date he executed a release to Watts of all claims 
against him, in which he calls himself " late of Mor- 
ris River in West New Jersey, doct' of phisick." He 
then removed to the neighborhood of Bowentown, 
where he died Dec. 4, 1699. He made a nuncupa- 
tive will on the day before his death, in the presence 
of Rev. Timothy Brooks and his wife, Hannah, 
which was reduced to writing on the 8th of the same 
month, and signed by the witnesses ; it recites, " We 
whose names are underwritten, hearing that our 
neighbor, Ralph Harsley, was very sick, went to visit 
him, and he declared his wife should have what he 
had, and said he had none else to give it to, and he 
would not give it to a stranger." The inventory of 
his personal property, made by Timothy Brooks and 
Samuel Hunter, Jan. 20, 1700, amounted to £50 17.s. 
His will was recorded May 16, 1700, and letters testa- 
mentary issued to his wife, Mary Harsley. As a doc- 
tor nothing is known of him, and indeed nothing of 
any kind except the above items. 

John Dyer, who resided at Greenwich, is the 
second physician known to have resided in this 
county, and nothing is known about him except what 
is learned from his will, which is on record at Trenton. 
It is dated Jan. 11, 1731, and he calls himself "of 
Greenwich, Doctor," and appoints John Ware and 
Thomas Waitham, " my well-beloved friends," to be 
his executors, and directs them to sell his estate, pay 
his debts, and gives them the remainder. He signed 
it by his mark, probably on account of his sickness 
at the time. It was proved January 24th of the 
same year, before the surrogate of Salem County. 

Elijah Bowen was an early practitioner of medi- 
cine in Cumberland County. His grandfather, Rich- 
ard Bowen, with others of his countrymen, came from 
Wales in the year 1640, and settled at a place in 
Massachusetts, which they named Swansey, after the 
town from which they emigrated. Doctor Elijah 
Bowen was for a time resident in Rhode Island, from 
whence he removed to a place in the then county of 
Salem, but now in Cumberland County, near Shiloh, 
where he was married to Deborah Swinney.^ He was 

1 Deborah Swinney, her mother, died April 4, 1760, in the seventy- 
seventh year or her iigc It is recorded un her tombstone in the old 
Baptist graveyard, near Sheppard's mill, that " she was the first white 
female child born in Cohansey." 



probably the first medical practitioner in Cumberland 
County whose profession was not subsidiary to some 
other calling as the main business of life. He proba- 
bly commenced the practice of medicine, at or near 
Shiloh, about the year 1730, and was one of the 
founders of the Seventh-Day Baptist Church at 
Shiloh. Of his mental abilities, medical acquire- 
ments, general character, or the extent of his prac- 
tice no information has been obtained. It is tradi- 
tional that his medicines were exclusively vegetable. 

He died Sept. 23, 1773, at a great age, and was 
interred in the cemetery of the Seventh-Day Baptist 
Church at Shiloh. His descendants in the female 
line in Cumberland County are quite numerous and 
respectable. 

Elijah Bowen, Jr., son of the above-named 
Elijah Bowen and Deborah Swinney, was born June 
21, 1743. He settled as a physician near Roadstown, 
where, it is said, he had an extensive practice. His 
medicines were principally, if not wholly, derived 
from the vegetable kingdom. Upon visiting a patient, 
it is recorded that he would sometimes go into the 
fields, woods, or swamps, and search for such reme- 
dies, in the form of leaves, seeds, roots, or bark of 
herbs or trees, as he supposed were calculated to meet 
the requirements of the case. He resided in the brick 
house in Stow Creek township lately owned by Edgar 
Sheppard, where he died in September, 1783. 

James Johnson lived and practiced medicine in 
the neighborhood of Roadstown upwards of one hun- 
dred and twenty years ago. Neither the place of 
his birth, his education, nor with whom he pursued 
his medical studies is now known. He is supposed 
to have been one of the most respectable physicians 
in Cumberland County. He was a native of England, 
and settled in Connecticut; thence came to New Jer- 
sey, and near Roadstown. He probably practiced 
medicine in Cumberland County for more than twenty 
years. His only daughter was married to John 
Reeves, a deacon of the Presbyterian Church at 
Greenwich, who was the ancestor of many very re- 
spectable persons bearing the name of Reeves in 
Bridgeton and elsewhere. He died May 26, 1759, 
aged fifty-three years, and was buried in the Presby- 
terian cemetery at Greenwich, 

Samuel Waed. — The name of Samuel Ward com- 
mences, in the order of time, a list of names of a more 
respectable and intelligent class of physicians in tliis 
region — the west side of Cohansey — than those who 
preceded him. He was born in the State of Connec- 
ticut in the year 1736. His mind and education were 
of a better order than common, and he was held in 
esteem and respect by the most intelligent people in 
the community. He commenced the practice of med- 
icine in Greenwich about the year 1760, and soon 
made a favorable impression as to his natural and 
acquired talents and skill as a physician. Soon after 
his settlement in Greenwich he was united by mar- 
riage to Phebe Holmes, daughter of Jonathan Holmes, 



GENERAL HISTORy. 



557 



Esq., and Anna, his wife, and was thus connected with 
one of the most respectable and influential families 
of the county. 

Dr. Ward took an active part in the political affairs 
of his day. In his manners he was dignified, cour- 
teous, and affable. He was a tender husband and a 
good citizen. He left no children. His widow was 
married to Dr. Moses Bloomfield, of Woodbridge, 
N. J., the father of Joseph Bloomfield, long known 
as Governor or Gen. Bloomfield. He died Feb. 27, 
1774, in the thirty-eighth year of his age, and is 
buried in the Presbyterian cemetery at Greenwich. 

Thomas Ewing was a great-grandson of Finley 
Ewing, an Irish patriot, who, for his bravery at the 
battle of Boyne Water, on the 1st of July, 1690, was 
presented with a sword by King William, and the son 
of Maskell and Mary Ewing. He was born at Green- 
wich, N. J., Sept.. 13, 1748. 

In his boyhood he attended the classical school of 
Rev. Enoch Green, at Deerfield, where he studied 
Latin, and afterwards studied medicine under the 
direction of Dr. Samuel Ward, of Greenwich. On 
the 30th of September, 1770, he was married to 
Sarah Fithian, only daughter of Samuel and Abigail 
Fithian, of Greenwich, and thus came into the pos- 
session of a large estate. Shortly after their mar- 
riage they moved to Cold Spring, Cape May, where 
he practiced medicine. After the death of Dr. 
Ward, early in the year 1774, they returned to 
Greenwich, where he continued in professional prac- 
tice to near the close of his life. He was one of the 
spirited young men concerned in burning the tea at 
Greenwich. When the war of the Revolution began 
he was appointed by the Legislature and commis- 
sioned major of the Second Battalion of the Cum- 
berland Regiment, commanded by Col. David Potter, 
in which capacity he joined the army, whether as 
surgeon or major is not known. He was present at 
the battle and disastrous retreat from Long Island, 
and narrowly escaped being captured. 

In the year 1781 he was elected a member of the 
State Legislature. After his return from the Legis- 
lature his health declined rapidly, and on the 7th of 
October, 1782, consumption terminated his active, 
useful, and honorable though comparatively brief 
life, in the thirty-fifth year of his age. The late ven- 
erable Dr. William Belford Ewing, of Greenwich, 
was his surviving son. He was interred in the cem- 
etery of the Presbyterian Church at Greenwich. 

Levi Bond.— Dr. Bond came to Greenwich from 
Maryland, where he was born and studied medicine. 
The time of his settling in Greenwich is not known. 
At one time his practice was extensive. He removed 
from Greenwich to the State of Indiana in 1836, 
where he lived till he was ninety-three years old. 
Dr. Bond was courteous in his manners, kind, hon- 
est, and much respected. He was conscientious to 
the verge of eccentricity. He was thrice married, 
and left descendants. 



Benjamin Peck was of a respectable family in 
Deerfield. He studied medicine under the direction 
of Dr. Elijah Bowen, Jr. He resided in Roadstown. 
His practice was never very extensive. He was twice 
married, and had children by both wives. He died 
about the year 1805, and was interred at Greenwich. 

Jonathan Mooee. — Jonathan Moore was the 
eldest son of Col. David Moore and Lydia Richman, 
of Deerfield, where he was born, probably in the year 
1772. His father was an officer of artillery in the 
Revolutionary army, took part in the battle of Bran- 
dywine, and was wounded in the battle of German- 
town. It is not known who directed his medical 
studies. He practiced medicine for several years at 
Deerfield, and then removed to Bustleton, Pa., where 
he remained till his death, which probably occurred 
in the autumn of 1812. He was interred at Bustleton. 

Thomas Harbison McCalla, son of John McCalla 
and Jane Harrison, was born in the city of Philadel- 
phia, where he was educated. He pursued medical 
studies with so much zeal and success as ultimately 
to gain for himself an enviable standing as a physi- 
I cian. He practiced medicine in Greenwich, Cumber- 
land Co., N. J., some time between the years 1790 
and 1800. He changed his residence to Charleston, 
S. C, where he soon became distinguished as a phy- 
sician. He was married to a Miss Barksdale, of 
Charleston, by whom he had a daughter, who died a 
few days after her marriage, and left him childless. 
He did not long survive her. Like the most of his 
family, he was possessed of more than ordinary mental 
endowments. 

Lewis Howell, son of Ebenezer and Sarah How- 
ell, was born in Delaware, Oct. 25, 1754. He was a 
twin-brother of the Hon. Richard H., Governor of 
New Jersey. 

Lewis Howell was educated at Newark, Del., and 
removed with his parents to Cumberland County in 
1769. He became a pupil in the oflice of Dr. Jona- 
than Elmer at the same time that Ebenezer Elmer 
was studying medicine there. Having finished his 
course of study, he was commissioned in 1777 as sur- 
geon of the Second Regiment in the army of the 
Revolution. His fellow-student, Dr. Ebenezer Elmer, 
was commissioned at the same time in the same regi- 
ment as surgeon's mate. 

Just before the battle of Monmouth Dr. Howell 
was taken ill with fever at a small tavern not far 
trom Monmouth Court-House, and died there on the 
day of the battle. Dr. Ebenezer Elmer succeeded 
him as surgeon of the regiment. 

John T. Hampton was born in the neighborhood 
of Swedesboro in 1753. He removed to Cedarville 
while yet young, and commenced the practice of med- 
icine, living in a large double house below the hotel. 
He married Mrs. Mercy Westcott, widow of Amos 
Westcott, who survived the doctor many years. He 
was a member of the " Old Stone Church" of Fair- 
field, and a ruling elder. Of his character as a phy- 



558 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



sician nothing is known. He died Sept. 29, 1794, in 
the forty-second year of his age. A large flat tomb- 
stone at the south end of the old church marks his 
last resting-place. 

Chaeles Hood was born in 1783, and died while 
yet young. He practiced medicine for a short time 
in Swedesboro. He died at the early age of twenty- 
three in 1806, and is buried in the old graveyard at 
Bridgeton. 

Samuel Haeeis was born in Hopewell township 
in 1782. It does not appear that his practice ever 
became extensive. Like many others of the old-time 
physicians. Dr. Harris was a " preacher of righteous- 
ness." He was ordained to the work of the ministry 
in connection with the Baptist denomination. As he 
died in 1811, at the early age of twenty-nine, it is 
not probable that his reputation as either a minister 
or physician had become established. 

He was buried in the graveyard of the Eoadstown 
Baptist Church. 

William Clarkson practiced medicine in New 
York almost a ceutury ago. He was a very skillful 
physician, and had acquired an extensive and lucra- 
tive practice. He was married to a Miss Floyd (the 
name is believed to be correct), of Long Island. 
Soon after this marriage, both husband and wife be- 
came impressed with the importance of religion, and 
both became converted to the faith of the gospel. 
The doctor was led b}' convictions of duty to aban- 
don his large and remunerative practice and devote 
himself to the work of the ministry. After a course 
of theological study he was ordained and installed as 
the pastor of the Presbyterian Churches of Greenwich 
and Bridgeton. This was several years before the 
completion of the old Presbyterian Church in the 
latter place, during which time the congregation 
worshiped in the court-house. The building was I 
finished in 1795, and Dr. Clarkson was the first who 
preached from its pulpit. 

He was the father of four children, all of whom 
married well. One of the daughters married the late 
John Crosby, Esq., of New York, the father of the 
Rev. Dr. Howard Crosby. 

Edo Ogden was employed in the office of Dr. 
Azel Pierson when the latter gentleman was clerk of 
the county. 

While living with Dr. Pierson he began the study 
of medicine, and in due course of time was licensed 
as a regular practitioner. He married a daughter of 
Thomas Brown, of Greenwich, and settled in or near 
Bridgeton. He did not live but two or three years 
after his marriage, falling a victim, as is supposed, to 
a malignant and very fatal type of fever prevailing 
throughout the county. Dr. Ogden had acquired 
considerable practice, although he died young, in 
1813, the same year in which he was appointed to the 
clerkship of the county. 

Azel Piekson was born July 12, 1767. But little 
is known of his early life. His educational advan- 



tages must, however, have been of a superior order, 
since he manifested in later years not only a love for 
but an intimate acquaintance with the higher branches 
of mathematics. After having been licensed as a 
practitioner of medicine, he married and settled in 
Cedarville. The house where he lived is still stand- 
ing, although somewhat modified and improved since 
his day. He always visited his patients on horse- 
back, was considered a good rider, and very fond of the 
deer- and fox-hunts which were fashionable at that 
time, and a source of great amusement. Although 
somewhat uncouth in his manners and rough in his 
speech, he nevertheless enjoyed very largely the re- 
spect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. As a 
physician he was abrupt and determined. 

Dr. Azel Pierson, like many of the old-time physi- 
cians, became interested at comparatively an early age 
in political matters. In 1804 he was appointed clerk 
of the county in joint meeting, transferred his resi- 
dence to Bridgeton, and discharged the duties of the 
office for a term of eight years, and died holding the 
position early in the year 1813, of typhus fever, at the 
early age of forty-six. He lies interred in the grave- 
yard of the "Old Stone Church." 

Joseph Brewster, son of Francis Brewster and 
Mary Crawford, was born Oct. 20, 1765. He and the 
late Dr. Gilbert Brewster were brothers. In 1787 he 
was married to Lucinda Carll. After his marriage 
he lived for a time in the parsonage of the Presbyte- 
rian congregation of Pittsgrove. He undoubtedly 
practiced medicine among the people of that vicinity, 
although but little is recorded of him as a physician. 
A few years thereafter he removed to Lower Alloways 
Creek, and while practicing there became connected, 
either upon profession or by certificate, with the 
Presbyterian Church of Greenwich. In 1795 he re- 
moved to Deerfield, and was received by certificate 
into the communion of the Presbyterian Church of 
that village, the Rev. John Davenport minister. In 
1797 he was chosen a ruling elder in the latter church. 
He was a lineal descendant of William Brewster, 
ruling elder of the Plymouth Company that founded 
New Plymouth, the parent colony of New England, 
in 1620. He died Feb. 19, 1814. 

HoEATius Brewster was the son of Dr. Joseph 
and Lucinda Brewster. The records of the Presby- 
terian Church of Greenwich contain the following 
item, viz. : " Baptized May 18, 1788, Horatius, son of 
Dr. Joseph Brewster." The latter had several chil- 
dren, one of whom was the father of Attorney-Gen- 
eral Benjamin H. Brewster, of President Arthur's 
cabinet. 

Horatius, after enjoying the educational advantages 
of his day, began the study of medicine in the office 
of his father. After finishing his coui-se with credit 
to himself, he returned to Deerfield, the residence of 
his father, and became associated with him in the 
practice of medicine. At the breaking out of that 
peculiar type of " fever" already referred to, the two 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



559 



Drs. Brewster were called upon to attend many cases 
of that almost malignant disease. And it is related 
that both father and son, while in the discharge of 
their professional duties, contracted this disease and 
died. No less than six of the physicians of Cum- 
berland County were carried to the grave by this 
nondescript " fever." There is no profession which 
furnishes such striking instances of disinterested self- 
sacrificing philanthropy. 

Benjamin" CHAiipyEYs was born near Salem, in 
the year 1774. AVhen he was an infant his father 
died, and his mother resided on the farm which be- 
longed to her husband until her death, which was not 
long after his. Dr. Champneys inherited the prop- 
erty of his ancestors in Salem County, and was edu- 
cated in Philadelphia. He was examined and licensed 
in physic and surgery in 1795, and was married the 
same year to Sarah Eva, the daughter of Col. Potter. 
He purchased the property at the foot of Laurel 
Street, now known as the Buck property, and resided 
there. He received an appointment as surgeon in the 
navy, Jan. 6, 1800. He served on board the frigate 
"Philadelphia," forty-four guns, Stephen Decatur 
commanding. The "Philadelphia" was the largest 
ship then in the service. He was in the navy about 
a year and a half, and then resumed his practice in 
Bridgeton. The doctor formed a warm friendship for 
Decatur and other oflBcers, who frequently visited him 
afterwards at his home. 

He graduated in both departments of the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania. The degree of M.D. he re- 
ceived in 1805. He served in the Assembly of New 
Jersey in 1806. He practiced vaccination in Bridge- 
ton in 1807. He received a certificate of honorary 
membership in the Medical Society of Philadelphia, 
signed by Dr. Rush, Feb. 20, 1808. 

Dr. Champneys' practice was large, both in Salem 
and Cumberland Counties. He died in 1814, after a 
short illness, of typhus fever, which he had contracted 
while visiting the Drs. Brewster, at Deerfield, who died 
of the same disease. He had overworked himself, as 
he was very devoted to his professional duties, and 
visited the poor a great deal. He was only forty years 
old at the time of his death, and was very much be- 
loved. 

Among his papers are letters full of gratitude and 
affection from several of his pupils who had entered 
upon their professional duties. 

He died July 16, 1814, and is interred in the old 
Presbyterian graveyard, Bridgeton. 

Samuel M. Shute is still remembered by the old- 
est citizens of Cumberland County, although more 
than half acentury has passed away since he finished his 
work and entered into his rest. He possessed in a re- 
markable degree those social qualities which endeared 
him to the hearts of the people, and preserved his 
memory fragrant through the lapse of years. Per- 
haps no physician has ever lived in this county who 
was so much beloved while living and so much la- 



mented when dead. There have been more learned 
and eloquent men among the good old worthies 
whose names appear upon our obituary list, — men 
more distinguished in State and national council, 
and far better known by the medical, literary, and 
political world, — but none who commanded more 
largely the respect and confidence and love of the 
I people at home. 

Samuel Moore Shute was but a lad at the breaking 
out of the Revolutionary war, but, filled with the most 
anient patriotism, he joined the army, and served as 
a lieutenant in the Continental line throughout the 
war. He accompanied Gen. Sullivan in his cam- 
paign in 1778 against the Seneca Indians, and was at 
the siege of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis. 
His journals of both these campaigns have been pre- 
served. Judge Elmer, in his " Reminiscences of the 
Bench and Bar of New Jersey," relates an interesting 
anecdote of young Shute while a subaltern in the 
army. 

After leaving the army young Shute entered the 
ofljce of Dr. Jonathan Elmer as a pupil, and success- 
fully prosecuted the study of medicine. He subse- 
quently married Sarah Elmer, daughter of his pre- 
ceptor, settled in Bridgeton, and became one of the 
leading physicians of the town. He is described as 
tall and spare, of pleasing countenance and capti- 
vating address. 

Dr. Shute seems to have confined himself very 
closely to the practice of his chosen profession, and, 
unlike many of his contemporaries, appears to have 
been but little interested in political matters. In 
1813, however, the Governor of the State appointed 
him surrogate of the county of Cumberland, which 
office he held for two years. He left no descendants. 

JonathAjST Elmee, the son of Daniel Elmer (2d), 
was born at Cedarville, Nov. 29, 1?45, and died at 
Bridgeton, Sept. 3, 1817. if 

Being of a weakly constitution, it was determined 
to give him a good education, and he was accordingly 
placed under the instruction of his grandfather, the 
Rev. Daniel Elmer, and after the death of the same, 
which occurred in 1754, he became a pupil of the Rev. 
William Ramsay. Under the tuition of the latter he 
made great proficiency not only in the English 
branches, but acquired such a knowledge of the Latin 
language as enabled him to read and write it with con- 
siderable facility. At the age of twenty-one he chose 
the medical profession, and in 1766 studied in Phila- 
delphia under the direction of Dr. Morgan. The 
University of Pennsylvania, the oldest medical school 
in this country, had just been organized, and young 
Elmer attended its first course of lectures. While a 
student at the university he took exception to Dr. 
Shippen's theory that the choroid coat of the eye is 
the immediate organ of vision, and in January, 1767, 
he addressed a letter to the professor setting forth in 
a clear and forcible manner his objections to the same. 
In the same year he read an essay on the motion of 



560 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the heart before the Junior Medical Society at Penn's 
Hospital, and June 21, 1768, was one of the ten that 
constituted the first graduating class of that now cele- 
brated medical school. The year following his gradu- 
ation as a Bachelor of Medicine he addressed a letter 
to Dr. Morgan, his former preceptor, on "the differ- 
ent constitutions of the air, and the diseases contem- 
porary therewith." This paper was read before the 
American Philo.sophical Society. In 1771 he received 
the degree of doctor. His thesis, the subject of which 
was " Desiiis in Febribus, Cavsis ef Bemediis," was dedi- 
cated to Dr. Franklin and his son, the Governor of 
New Jersey, and was subsequently printed in full, a 
copy of the same being still preserved by the family 
descendants. 

After taking his first degree, he commenced the 
practice of his profession in the neighborhood of 
Roadstown, but soon removed to Bridgeton, where he 
was married, in 1769, to Mary Seeley, third daughter 
of Col. Ephraim Seeley. They were the parents of 
eight children, four of whom died in infancy. 

Although engaged actively in the duties of his 
profession at Bridgeton, and occasionally called as 
consulting physician many miles from his home into 
adjacent counties, and as far as the sea-shore, bis pref- 
erence seems to have been for political and judicial 
business. In 1772 he was appointed by Governor 
Franklin sheriff of Cumberland County, the com- 
mission being, in accordance with the usage under the 
royal government, "during his Majesty's pleasure." 
But being bitterly opposed to the encroachments of 
the British government on the rights of the American 
people, and withal honest in the expression of his 
sentiments of hostility, he was, after the lapse of a 
few years, displaced by the Governor, and a gentle- 
man appointed to the oiEce who was supposed to be 
better affected to the king. On the 23d of May, 1775, 
he was chosen a delegate to the Provincial Congress, 
which convened in the city of Trenton. This Con- 
gress continued in session eleven days, and decided 
measures were taken by it to resist the demands of 
Great Britain. In October, 1775, after the battles of 
Lexington and Concord, he was chosen captain of a 
light infantry company, and subsequently he was 
made a major, although it does not appear that he 
was ever engaged in active service. In 1776 he was 
appointed by the Legislature, in joint meeting, clerk 
of Cumberland County, and continued to hold this 
office until 1789. He was also surrogate from 1784 
until 1802. 

In 1776 he was chosen a member of the General 
■ Congress, and re-elected in 1777. The Congress of 
the colonies during these years, when the feeble arm 
of the country was lifted against the mightiest war- 
power of the world, was justly the admiration of 
mankind. No body of men, in ancient or modern 
times, have displayed more devotion to the true prin- 
ciples of liberty, and more resolution in the midst of 
the greatest dangers. Dr. Elmer was ever true to the 



trust reposed in him, proving himself by word and 
action not only a supporter of the country during the 
darkest hours of its struggle, but, as a member of the 
medical committee of Congress, he gave evidence of 
his interest in every sick and wounded soldier by his 
toilsome journeys upon horseback to the various 
hospitals within his reach. 

In 1780 and 1784 he was elected a member of the 
Legislative Council of New Jersey, and in 1788 a mem- 
ber of Congress under the Articles of Confederation. 
He was a strong advocate of the adoption of the new 
Constitution, and under it was chosen to a seat in the 
Senate of the United States, and filled this responsible 
position for the term of two years. 

Although Dr. Elmer early abandoned the practice 
of his chosen profession, and was actively engaged in 
public life during the years of our Revolutionary 
struggle, he still retained an interest in medicine, and 
took delight in the fellowship of his professional 
brethren. I'n 1787, the year preceding his election to 
a seat in the Senate of the United States, he was 
chosen the president of the Medical Society of New 
Jersey, succeeding Dr. William Burnett in that office. 

A short notice of him, published in the Trenton 
Federalist at tlie time of his decease, written by L. H. 
Stockton, Esq., states that " in medical erudition, 
the writer well remembers to have heard his illus- 
trious contemporary, the late Dr. Rush, frequently 
say that he was exceeded by no physician in the 
United States." 

He descended to the grave, full of honors, Sept. 3, 
1817, in the seventy-second year of his age. 

Fras^cis G. Brewster was a lineal descendant of 
the Brewsters Who crossed the ocean in the " May- 
flower," of whom the Rev. Mr. Steele, of Washington, 
has given a faithful history. He studied medicine 
about the year 1785, received a certificate of license, 
and married Miss Mary Seeley, daughter of Josiah 
Seeley. 

Dr. Francis G. Brewster, better known as Dr. Gil- 
bert Brewster, may have practiced considerably in 
Bridgeton during the early part of his professional 
life, but in later ye^rs he confined himself almost ex- 
clusively to the business of a druggist. He estab- 
lished, early in the century, beyond doubt, the first 
pure drug-store in Bridgeton, which store has re- 
mained in the hands of the Brewster family until 
recently, the -location having been several times 
changed. As it was first established, it was a very 
small affair, upon the corner of Commerce and Atlan- 
tic Streets. Here the doctor not only sold medicines, 
but prescribed for such of his friends as chose to seek 
his professional aid. He was succeeded in business 
by his son, the late Francis G. Brewster. 

The doctor was a member of and a ruling elder in 
the Presbyterian Church. He died July 26, 1828, in 
the sixtieth year of his age, and was buried in the old 
graveyard at Bridgeton. 

Charles Clark was of very respectable parentage. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



561 



He was the son of Daniel and Eachel Clark, and was ' 
born Oct. 19, 1773. He received a good English edu- 
cation, and previous to commencing the study of 
medicine with Dr. Ebenezer Elmer he acquired some 
knowledge of the Latin language. He was licensed 
to practice medicine and surgery by censors appointed 
by the Medical Society of New Jersey, and settled at 
Roadstown, where he acquired a large practice. He 
was married to Anna, daughter of David Gilman, by 
whom he had a son and daughter, both recently living 
in Salem, N. J. He died of apoplexy Feb. 25, 1828. 

Epheaim Batbman (1) was born in the township 
of Fairfield, county of Cumberland, July 9, 1780. In 
1801 he became a student of Dr. Jonathan Elmer, of 
Bridgeton, and attended medical lectures in the win- 
ters of 1802 and 1803 in the University of Pennsyl- 
vania. Dr. Benjamin Rush was then Professor of the 
Theory and Practice of Medicine, and a strong at- 
tachment soon sprang up between them, which lasted 
for life. 

After leaving the university, and receiving a cer- 
tificate of license, he married and settled in Cedar- 
ville, and very soon acquired an extensive practice in 
the townships of Fairfield and Downe. The doctor 
was six feet one inch in height, and was in the habit 
of visiting his patients upon horseback. His man- 
ners in the sick-room were pleasant and calculated to 
inspire confidence in the minds of the afflicted. As 
his practice was attended with success, his reputation 
very soon extended beyond the township lines, and 
his advice was often sought, not only by invalids 
living in remote parts of the county, but by his pro- 
fessional brethren in cases of consultation. 

The doctor continued to practice medicine until 
1813, when he was elected to the Lower House of the 
Legislature of New Jersey, and in 1815 to the House 
of Representatives of the United States, which office 
he held by re-elections until 1823. In 1826 he was 
elected a member of the Upper House (then called 
Council) of this State, and during its sessions was 
elected to represent the State in the Senate of the 
United States for the term of six years. His health, 
however, failing, he was obliged, in 1828, to resign the 
position. The Hon. Mahlon Dickerson was elected 
by the Legislature to fill his unexpired term. 

He died Jan. 28, 1829. At his death he left a 
widow and six children, one of whom was the late 
Dr. B. Rush Bateman. He was likewise grandfather 
of Dr. Ephraim (2d) and great-grandfather of Dr. 
EUisofi R. Bateman, all of Cedarville. A flat stone 
marks his last resting-place in the graveyard of the 
" Old Stone Church." 

JAMES B. Paevin, son of Rev. Holmes and Eliza- 
beth Parvin, was born in Deerfield township on the 
3d of June, 1779, and died at Cedarville the 28th of 
October, 1834. 

He studied under Dr. Benjamin Fisler, of Port 
Elizabeth, and was licensed as a practitioner by the 
Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey. He 
36 



married, in 1802, Lovicy Lummis, and commenced 
practice as a physician at Egg Harbor. The climate 
not agreeing with him, he removed, with his family, 
after two years to Cedarville, where his practice soon 
became both large and lucrative. 

Dr. Parvin is said to have been a man of consider- 
able popularity as a physician, pleasing in his address, 
and extremely fond of a practical joke. Some of the 
anecdotes related of him concerning his propensity 
for joking are quite amusing. 

Some fifteen years before his death he thought it his 
duty to preach the gospel, and upon application was 
licensed by the Methodist Episcopal religious denom- 
ination, of which he was a member. 

The doctor died comparatively young, in 1834, in 
the fifty-fifth year of his age, but lived long enough 
to number among his friends some of the best and 
most influential citizens of Fairfield. The oldest in- 
habitants still speak of him in words of praise. He 
was buried in the graveyard of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church at Fairfield. 

William Elmek (1st) wasborninBridgeton, March 
23, 1788. He was the youngest son of Dr. Jonathan 
Elmer, one of the first graduates of the Medical De- 
partment of the University of Pennsylvania. He re- 
ceived his education in the schools of Bridgeton, was 
regarded as a good English scholar, and had some 
knowledge of the classics. The death of his elder 
brother, while a student at Nassau Hall, made his 
father loath to have him leave home for the purpose 
of acquiring a collegiate education. He was, how- 
ever, thoroughly educated as a physician, having 
spent several years in the prosecution of his studies 
in Philadelphia, during which time he was an attend- 
ant at the hospital, and in practice at the dispensary. 
He graduated in 1811. 

The year following he commenced the practice of 
medicine in Bridgeton, and was married to Miss 
Nancy B. Potter. She lived four years thereafter, 
and was the mother of three children, one of whom is 
the present Dr. William Elmer, of Bridgeton. He 
was married again, in 1819, to Miss Margaret K. Pot- 
ter, and they were the parents of three children, all 
of whom are still living. 

Dr. Elmer soon acquired a large practice, and was 
the leading physician of the town. He was, how- 
ever, engaged in tlie active duties of his profession 
but a very few years, and his popularity during these 
years must have been quite remarkable. At the 
death of his father, in 1817, he fell heir to an ample 
fortune, and very soon retired from practice. 

During the latter part of his life he was very much 
' afflicted with rheumatism, and at the last seizing 
upon the vital organs, it hastened his death, in 1836, 
at the early age of forty-eight. 

Ebenezer Elmee, son of Daniel (2d), was born 
in the family house at Cedarville, Aug. 23, 1752, and 
died at the residence of his son, the late ex-Judge L. 
Q. C. Elmer, Oct. 18, 1843, aged ninety-one. 



562 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Dr. Elmer was left an orphan by the death of his 
father, and remained with his mother upon the home- 
stead until near the close of her life. 

In 1774 he was induced to enter the office of his 
brother, Dr. Jonathan Elmer, for the purpose of 
studying medicine. He prosecuted these studies for 
a term of two years, and went through all the branches 
usually taught at any medical school. It does not 
appear that he was ever matriculated at a medical 
college or received a diploma of graduation. 

In 1776 he was appointed an ensign in Capt. Bloom- 
field's company, and shortly after promoted to a lieu- 
tenancy. After serving almost a year in the latter 
capacity, the regiment to which he was attached was 
disbanded, and declining a reappointment in the line 
of the army, he joined the Second New Jersey Regi- 
ment as surgeon's mate, under Dr. Lewis Howell. 
After the death of Dr. Howell, which occurred in 
about fifteen months ( just after the battle of Mon- 
mouth), Dr. Elmer was commissioned as regimental 
surgeon, and served in that station, as an officer of 
the staff, until the disbanding of the army in 1788. 
He was connected with the army in the ways men- 
tioned almost eight years, and rendered the country 
most efficient service during its early struggles for 
nationality. 

In 1825 he connected himself, upon profession of 
his faith in Christ, with the Presbyterian Church in 
Bridgeton. He established the first Sabbath-school 
in the county, and was for many years the president 
of the Bible Society, and one of its founders. 

"Antigua homo virtute et fide." 

He was among the last survivors of the New Jersey 
Continental line, and at his death was president of 
the New Jersey Branch of the Society of the Cin- 
cinnati. 

At the close of the war he commenced civil prac- 
tice in Bridgeton in connection with Dr. James 
Eamsy. This partnership, however, was very soon 
dissolved, and Dr. Elmer, whose experience in the 
army gave him celebrity, at once acquired an exten- 
sive practice. In 1784 he was married to Hannah 
Seeley, daughter of Col. Ephraim Seeley, and they 
were the parents of two children, Lucius Quintus 
Cincinnatus and Sarah Smith. Five years thereafter 
he entered the arena as a politician, and was elected 
a member of the Assembly, and continued a member 
of the House until 1795, and upon two occasions was 
elected Speaker of the same. In 1800 he was elected 
to a seat in the House of Representatives, and con- 
tinued a member for six sessions. In 1804 he was 
appointed adjutant-general of the New Jersey militia, 
and in 1806 brigadier-general of the Cumberland bri- 
gade. In 1807 he was elected a member of the Leg- 
islative Council of this State, and the year following 
was appointed collector of the port of Bridgeton. 
In 1814 he received the appointment of assessor of 
the United States direct taxes for the Sixth District 
of this State. Besides these offices, he was the war 



collector of the county, for several years a judge and 
justice, and for short periods clerk and surrogate of 
Cumberland. 

It is said of him that he had the courage to omit a 
prescription when none was needed. Imaginary sick- 
ness never received from him any countenance. In 
this particular at least his example is worthy of imi- 
tation. 

HosEA FlTHiAN was born in Deerfield township, 
Cumberland Co., N. J., Jan. 1, 1800, and died at 
Woodstown, Salem Co., September, 1847. He was 
the son of Jonathan Fithian, and enjoyed, during 
the years of his childhood and youth, the advantages 
of the common schools of his native township. At 
the age of twenty his attention was turned to the 
study of medicine, and he accordingly entered the 
office of the late Dr. Ephraim Buck as a pupil, and 
continued under his instruction for a term of three 
years. Quitting the office of his preceptor he ma- 
triculated at a medical college in the city of Phila- 
delphia. He commenced at once the practice of 
medicine at May's Landing, in Atlantic County, but 
his stay at this town was a temporary one. He re- 
moved to Mullica Hill in 1828, and remained in the 
practice of medicine a little over two years. He then 
transferred his residence to Woodstown, and there 
remained until the date of his death, in 1847. 

Joseph Butcher, Jr., M.D. — The Butcher family 
are of English extraction, Joseph, the father of the 
subject of this biographical sketch, having resided in 
Burlington County, where he followed the carpenter's 
craft, and married Elizabeth Lippincott. Their son 
Joseph was born May 24, 1791. Port Elizabeth was 
the home of his boyhood, the scene of his early edu- 
cational opportunities, and his later apprenticeship 
to Israel Stratton to acquire the trade of a tailor. 
Here he remained for some years, but eventually en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits, and in connection with 
his partner supplied a branch of the American army 
with provisions during the war of 1812. Later he 
embarked in the drug business, and while thus em- 
ployed had his attention directed to the study of 
medicine. He graduated from the Jefferson Medical 
College at Philadelphia the year of its incorporation, 
and chose Mauricetown, Cumberland Co., as his first 
and only field of labor. Here for a period of fortj' 
years he continued in active practice, his useful career 
as a practitioner having ended with his death in Au- 
gust, 1864, in his seventy-fourth year. 

Dr. Butcher was thoroughly versed in the science 
he had espoused, and speedily found that his abilities 
brought not only reputation, but success. For a long 
period he controlled the practice of the vicinity, while 
his steady hand and mature judgment were not less 
frequently sought during the later years of his life. 
The doctor during his professional career gave much 
attention to business pursuits, and for years engaged 
in farming occupations. He manifested a keen inter- 
est in the political events of the day, and invariably 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



563 



espoused the principles of tlie Democracy. He was, 
in 1842, elected to the State Legislature, having been 
the only representative of his party chosen to the 
position for a long series of years. He also for suc- 
cessive terms held the office of freeholder, and filled 




other positions of minor consequence. His thorough 
knowledge of general law and excellent judgment 
made his opinion often sought in the settlement of 
estates as in other matters, and won for him the repu- 
tation of a safe and wise counselor. He was an 
active Odd-Fellow, and a member of Ariel Lodge, 
No. 56, of I. O. 0. F., of Mauricetowu. He was in 
religion educated in the Quaker faith, but later affili- 
ated with the Methodists. Dr. Butcher was married 
to Miss Harriet Elkinton, of Port Elizabeth, Cum- 
berland Co., and had children who survived, — Rhoda, 
Ann, Charles, Harriet, William, and Joseph. His 
wife having died he married again. Miss Rebecca, 
daughter of Paul and Rhoda Cobb, of Commercial 
township. Their children are George E., Eliza (Mrs. 
Fagan), and Samuel. Mrs. Butcher's death occurred 
on the 14th of September, 1879. Four sons and a 
grandson of the doctor have also chosen medicine as 
a profession. Charles graduated at the Pennsylvania 
College, Philadelphia, and settled in Mauricetown, 
where he practiced until his decease. Joseph was a 
graduate of the Jefferson Medical College in 1849, 
and died at the beginning of his career. George E. 
graduated from the same college in 1858, and for 
twenty years continued his professional labors at Di- 



viding Creek, Cumberland Co., subsequently removing 
to Mauricetown, where he is still active as a practi- 
tioner. Samuel received his diploma from the Jeffer- 
son Medical College in 1864, and also settled in 
Mauricetown. Joseph, a son of George E., gradu- 
ated from the same college in 188.3, and is at present 
assisting his father. 

Thomas W. Peck, son of John Peck, was born in 
Stow Creek township, Nov. 4, 1779. His father was 
a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The educational 
advantages of his son were limited, and confined to 
the schools of his immediate neighborhood. In 1798 
he entered the office of Dr. Brewster, of Deerfield, and 
began the study of medicine. He was soon thereafter 
matriculated in one of the medical schools of Phila- 
delphia, and graduated at the age of twenty-two. 
After his graduation he accepted a situation as sur- 
geon onboard Girard's ship "Good Friends," sailing 
from Philadelphia to Cuba, and commanded by Capt. 
Earl. In about one year he resigned his position as 
surgeon, and commenced private practice at Absecom, 
Atlantic Co., N. J. Here he remained twelve years, 
and then transferred his residence to the village of 
Shiloh, Cumberland Co., N. J. In 1823, after his re- 
moval to the latter place, he was married to Miss Jane 
H. Davis. 

At the age of fifty he had a severe attack of apo- 
plexy, the effect of which ever after showed itself 
upon his physical system, as well as his intellectual 
faculties. His professional labors thereafter were 
necessarily very much curtailed. He died Aug. 30, 
1852. 

Lawrence Van Hook was one of the early mem- 
bers of the District Medical Society. He is said to 
have lived for a time at Schooner's Landing, a town 
of considerable importance on the Menantico. From 
thence he moved to Dennisville, Cape May Co., where 
he continued to reside a number of years, devoting his 
time very largely to the practice of medicine. 

The doctor was not a graduate of any medical 
school. He was armed with a license from the 
State, which, in early days, was regarded as great an 
honor as a diploma from any medical college in the 
country. He died in Jackson County, Iowa. 

Edward Muleord Porter, son of Joshua Porter 
and Mary Marr Sheppard, was born at Camden, 
N. J., on the 20th day of August, 1825. He com- 
menced the study of medicine with Dr. Enoch 
Fithian in the spring of the year 1846, attended 
three courses of lectures in the medical school of the 
University of Pennsylvania, received the degree of 
M.D. in the spring of the year 1849, and, associated 
with his late medical preceptor, immediately there- 
after commenced the practice of medicine in Green- 
wich. In the month of February, 1851, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary Brewster. Through the winter of 
1850-51 his lungs became affected, and he was finally 
obliged to relinquish all professional business. In the 
summer of the year 1851 he changed his residence to 



564 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Bridgeton, after which the disease of his lungs grad- 
ually made progress, until its usually slow but certain 
work was finished in the death of its victim on the 
10th day of January, 1853. 

His remains were interred in the cemetery of the 
Presbyterian Church in Bridgeton. 

Ephraim Buck was born in Millville, Cumber- 
land Co., Feb. 23, 1795, and received his academic 
education chiefly in Fairfield and Bridgeton. He 
commenced the study of medicine in 1814, under the 
instructions of Drs. S. M. Shute and William Elmer 
(1), and received his diploma from the University of 
Pennsylvania in the spring of 1817. He entered im- 
mediately upon the practice of his profession among 
the scenes of his early days, and was for a short time 
in partnership with one of his preceptors. Dr. Wil- 
liam Elmer. His energy of character, pleasing ad- 
dress, and medical skill, aided by a large and influen- 
tial family connection, very speedily procured for 
him an extensive practice. 

In the year 1819 he was united by marriage to Miss 
Elizabeth Hendry, daughter of the late Dr. Bowman 
Hendry, of H.addonfield, N. J. 

In the fall of 1818 he removed to Philadelphia, 
and in the northern part of the city soon succeeded 
in obtaining a respectable practice. 

In the fall of 1839 he removed to Columbus, Bur- 
lington Co., N. J., and while there was deprived by 
death of his wife. 

After the lapse of a few years, in 1843, he again 
came to reside in Bridgeton, and was married July 
10, 1845, to Miss Abigail Ann Allen, of Pittsgrove, 
who died suddenly the following year. 

Dr. Buck lived a life of usefulness and occupied 
an influential position in society. He was considered 
a skillful physician, and his reputation extended to 
all parts of the county. He was generally consulted 
by his professional brethren in severe and abnormal 
obstetrical cases, and his fame as an obstetrician was 
worthily obtained. He died July 14, 1855, in the 
sixty-first year of his age. 

William Steeling was born in Bridgeton, Cum- 
berland Co., N. J., in the year 1785. He was the 
only son of William Steeling, a Scotchman, who 
lived at the Indian Fields, adjoining Bridgeton, 
where he gained a livelihood by farming. He was 
also a school-teacher, and probably gave considerable 
attention to the education of his son. He was put 
under the care of Rev. Henry Smalley, of Bowen- 
town, with whom he studied theology about two 
yeara. Subsequently, however, abandoning his first 
intention, he commenced the study of medicine with 
Dr. Azel Pierson, of Bridgeton, and graduated at the 
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. 

Dr. Steeling was married, Oct. 2, 1810, when twenty- 
five years of age, to Miss Hannah Ware, of Stow 
Creek township. He was a man of industrious and 
sober habits, a lover of his profession, and successful 
in its practice. In the year 1847 he removed from 



Bridgeton to Philadelphia, and died Jan. 6, 1856, in 
the seventy-first year of his age. 

Daniel C. Pierson was born at Cedarville, Cum- 
berland Co., N. J., Oct. 9, 1792. While yet a boy 
his parents removed to Bridgeton, where he con- 
tinued to reside until the spring of 1815. He studied 
medicine with his father. Dr. Azel C. Pierson, and 
attended three courses of medical lectures at the 
University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1814. His 
father having died in 1813, he spent the year subse- 
quent to his graduation in the settlement of the 
estate. In 1815 he commenced the practice of medi- 
cine at Cedarville, and very soon acquired a large 
and extensive practice. As a physician he is said to 
have had the kindest of hearts, and soon won the 
confidence and affection of his patients. He died at 
Augusta, 111., Jan. 29, 1857. 

Jacob W. Ltjdlam was born in Greenwich town- 
ship of this county. He was the son of Reuben 
Ludlam, a farmer. 

Dr. Ludlam graduated from the University of Penn- 
sylvania in March, 1827. He married and settled in 
Deerfield. At first he kept a variety store and offered 
for sale, among other things, a lot of drugs. For 
many years before his removal to the West he was 
the only physician in Deerfield, and commanded 
almost the entire practice of the township. In the 
sick-room he was mild and affable, very fluent in 
conversation, and very popular. He was an intelli- 
gent doctor and successful prescriber. He died at 
Evanstown, 111., July, 1858. 

Reuben Willetts succeeded Dr. Benjamin Fisler 
in the practice of medicine at Port Elizabeth, and 
after the death of the latter had the entire practice 
of that town and vicinity. He was a brother-in- 
law of Dr. E. B. Wales, of Cape May, and the father 
of Col. J. Howard Willetts, who is a graduate of the 
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and served 
with distinction in the Union army during the recent 
rebellion. 

The doctor was popular with the people as a physi- 
cian, and held in high esteem as a citizen. He was 
an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and for a number of years a class-leader and local 
preacher. He continued to preach occasionally, in 
connection with his professional duties, up to the 
time of his death. He died in 1858, aged about fifty- 
two. His venerable widow, daughter of the late Judge 
Joshua Brick, with several children, survives him. 

Bennett W. Parker was born at Wolcott, Conn., 
May 12, 1808. He came to New Jersey when a young 
man, and was employed as a traveling agent, his route 
being in and through the southern part of the State. 
While thus engaged he began the study of medicine. 
He carried his books with him wherever he went, and 
was often seen by the roadside by persons still living 
deeply interested in the study of the materia medica. 
In 1836 he received a certificate of license from the 
Medical Society of Connecticut. Dr. Parker also re- 



GENEKAL HISTORY. 



565 



ceived a diploma from the Medical Society of New 
Jersey, bearing date of June 13, 1838. 

When he came to Cumberland County as a physi- 
cian he settled first in Bridgeton, and after a short 
stay in that town removed to Deerfield, and from 
thence to Millville, where he continued to reside 
until his death. His practice in the latter place em- 
braced a period of some twenty years, one-half of 
which time he was an invalid from a cancer of the 
duodenum. He acquired a large practice, both in 
the town and adjacent country. He died on the 18th 
of May, 1859, in the forty-ninth year of his age. He 
was a believer in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, 
and for many years a communicant. 

Isaac H. Hampton was born in Fairfield town- 
ship, June 12, 1785. His father, John T. Hampton, 
was a practitioner of medicine. The son received 
the ordinary common school education of that day, 
and then began the study of medicine with Dr. Ben- 
jamin Champneys, in Bridgeton. When only seven- 
teen years of age he received his diploma as a gradu- 
ate of the Medical Department of the University of 
Pennsylvania. He commenced practice in Woodbury 
about 1806, married Fanny Helen Giles, daughter of 
Gen. James Giles, April 23, 1810, and in the follow- 
ing year removed to Bridgeton. Here he very soon 
acquired an extensive practice, which he retained for 
many years. He is spoken of as being bold and in- 
trepid, somewhat dogmatical in his views, and per- 
sistent in his own course of treatment. His life was 
prolonged to a good old age, and he was permitted to 
celebrate with his partner their golden wedding, April 
23, 1860. He survived this event but a few months, 
and died Sept. 4, 1860, aged seventy-five years. 

William Belfoed Ewing, son of Dr. Thomas 
Ewing and Sarah Fithian, was born at Greenwich, 
Cumberland Co., N. J., Dec. 12, 1776. He was only 
six years old when his father died, but he was left 
with ample pecuniary means for his education. After 
the usual course of preliminary study, which he pur- 
sued principally at the classical school of the Eev. 
Andrew Hunter, at Bridgeton, he entered the junior 
class of the college at Princeton, N. J., and graduated 
in the year 1794. He pursued his medical studies to 
that end under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Bell- 
ville, of Trenton, N. J., and attended medical lectures 
in the University of Pennsylvania when Drs. Shippen, 
Kush, Wistar, and other eminent members of the 
medical profession were professors in that celebrated 
school. 

Being recommended by Prof Eush to a physician 
in the Danish island of St. Croix for a partner in the 
practice of medicine, he went thither in the year 
1797, and in that island, in the island of St. Thomas, 
and as surgeon in a British vessel of war was en- 
gaged in professional practice for two years. He 
then returned to his native place, and practiced 
medicine in Greenwich, with the respect and confi- 
dence of the community, till the spring of 1824, when 



he retired from the practice of his profession. He 
assisted in the formation of the Medical Society of 
the County of Cumberhmd in the year 1818, and was 
elected an honorary member of the same in the year 





of 



1848. He was elected ])resident of the Medical So- 
ciety of New Jersey in tlie year 1824. 

For several years previous to his death he was so 
feeble as to be disqualified for any kind of business, 
and the formation of cataracts in both eyes deprived 
him of his sight. He died April 23, 1866, in the 
ninetieth year of his age. 

Nathaniel Reeve Newkirk was the son 
Matthew Newkirk and Elizabeth Foster. He was 
born at Pittsgrove, Salem Co., N. J., on the 22d 
day of July, 1817. After a suitable preparatory ed- 
ucation he entered Lafayette College, Pennsylvania, 
where he graduated in the year 1841. Subsequently 
he studied medicine, and graduated Doctor of Med- 
icine in the school of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania. In the spring of 1844 he commenced the 
practice of medicine in Pittsgrove, his native place, 
wliere, notwithstanding his being surrounded by 
older and longer established competitors, he became 
popular, and succeeded in obtaining a good share of 
professional business. In the summer of 1851 he re- 
moved to Greenwich, Cumberland Co., N. J., and 
practiced medicine in that place with steadily in- 
creasing popularity until a gradual but persistent 
attack of pulmonary disease compelled him to abridge 
his labors, and finally to remove to Bridgeton, N. J., 
in the hope that in that place he might obtain a prac- 



566 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



tice sufficiently remunerative with less labor and ex- 
posure. His increasing debility and emaciation, 
however, made.it painfully evident that consumption 
was doing its work upon his frame, and must soon 
prove fatal, when, on the 1st of November, 1866, he 
had an attack of dysentery, which on the 10th day of 
the same month terminated his useful life in the 
fiftieth year of his age. 

Lorenzo F. Fisler, son of Benjamin Fisler, was 
born in 1797. The following year the family re- 
moved to Port Elizabeth, Cumberland Co., where 
the father continued to practice as a physician and 
preach as a minister for more than half a century. 
The son enjoyed very excellent advantages, and 
gave in early years promise of an auspicious future. 
•Having finished his preparatory course, he began the_ 
study of medicine with his father, and graduated from 
the Medical Department of the University of Penn- 
sylvania. 

He commenced immediately the practice of his pro- 
fession in the village where he had spent the years of 
his childhood and youth. He continued to practice 
at the Port for a number of years, and when he trans- 
ferred his residence to Camden he left behind him 
many warm-hearted friends. 

The members of the Fisler family are remarkable 
for their longevity. Dr. Lorenzo had passed beyond 
" the threescore and ten." He died with softening 
of the brain in 1871. 

William Hollikshead McCalla, son of Col. 
Auley McCalla and Hannah Gibbon, was born at 
Roadstown, Cumberland Co., N. J., in the month of 
June, 1792. He studied medicine under Dr. Charles 
Swing, at Salem, N. J., and was graduated M.D. by 
the University of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. McCalla engaged in professional business for a 
short time at Boadstown, and then removed to Rox- 
borough. Pa., where he practiced medicine for about 
two years. He was then married to Jane Harrison, 
daughter of Dr. Archibald Campbell and Margaret 
McCalla, and changed his residence to AVoodbury, 
N. J., where he soon became a popular physician. 
While in the midst of a growing and respectable 
practice, he was seized with dysentery, which ter- 
minated a life of great promise for usefulness on the 
10th day of August, 1824. 

Jacob Egbert was born in Hunterdon County, 
near Flemington, N. J., on the 25th day of Decem- 
ber, 1771. He removed to Port Elizabeth, in Cumber- 
land County, married, commenced the study of medi- 
cine, and was licensed to practice the same on the 
24th day of May, 1805. After practicing at the Port 
a few years, he removed to Cedarville, and succeeded 
the late Dr. Azel Pierson. 

He removed to Pemberton, N. J., where he died in 
the autumn of 1831. 

Benjamin Van Hook practiced medicine more 
than fifty years ago at Port Elizabeth. He was con- 
temporaneous with Dr. Benjamin Fisler. He prob- 



ably had a certificate of license from the State. He 
acquired a large practice, and is spoken of as a man 
well deserving the respect and confidence of his fel- 
low-citizens. He was very easy in his manners and 
pleasant in his address, and withal a man of excellent 
judgment. He was a brother of Dr. Lawrence Van 
Hook. 

William Garrison, son of Dr. John Garrison, 
was a young man of much promise, and of more than 
ordinary ability. He graduated at Jefferson Medical 
College about 1835, but his intense love for his pro- 
fession and his habits of continual application, com- 
bined with a delicate constitution, soon carried him 
to an early grave. Consumption claimed him as a 
victim, and he died lamented by those who knew him. 

George Spratt was a native of England. He 
was a clergyman in connection with the Baptist de- 
nomination, and was in 1828 chosen the iirst pastor 
of the Second Cohansey Baptist Church, of Bridge- 
ton. He is said to have been a man of considerable 
intelligence, an acceptable preacher, and a worthy 
citizen. During his residence in Bridgeton he estab- 
lished a small drug-store on Pearl Street, and had a 
limited practice as a physician. It is not known that 
he held a diploma from any medical school, and, in- 
deed, his knowledge of the theory of medicine is 
believed to have been vague. His acquaintance with 
the materia medica enabled him to prescribe with 
some success in slight derangements of the system. 
He remained in Bridgeton but a few years. 

William E. Brooks, son of Jonathan Brooks, 
was born Feb. 10, 1813. While yet young he be- 
came the teacher of a primarj' school in the village 
of Cedarville, and while engaged in teaching his 
attention was turned to the study of medicine. He 
entered the office of Dr. Eli E. Bateman as a pupil, 
and subsequeutlj' matriculated at the Medical De- 
partment of the University of Pennsylvania, from 
which institution he received the degree of Doctor 
of Medicine. He began the practice in the city of 
Philadelphia. He was exceedingly delicate, and had 
an hereditary predisposition to consumption, from 
which he died Oct. 4, 1841. He was a worthy mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Holmes Parvin was born in Cumberland County, 
N. J., Dec. 7, 1794. After receiving an English edu- 
cation in his native county, he commenced the study 
of medicine in 1818, having access to the libraries of 
Professors Chapman and Wistar, of Philadelphia, 
and attending the medical lectures of the University 
of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1815. He 
then began the practice in Deerfield, in this county, 
and continued there until 1829, when he emigrated 
to the West. In 1830 he settled in Cincinnati, and 
soon acquired an extensive practice. In 1836 he 
abandoned the practice of medicine and engaged in 
other pursuits, chiefly that he might have more 
leisure to investigate his favorite science of elec- 
tricity. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



567 



Long before Professor Morse's name had any con- 
nection with the telegraph, Dr. Parvin had com- 
menced and so far perfected his instruments as to 
communicate with adjoining rooms. All he needed 
was funds to carry on his experiments. When upon 
this subject he would say to his friends that we 
should at some future day communicate with our 
distant acquaintances by means of electricity. Many 
of his most intimate friends thought him mad. De- 
termined still to continue his experiments, and desir- 
ous of an opportunity to explain his theories to sci- 
entific men in the East, he removed, in 1838, to 
Philadelphia. 

In 1841 the doctor returned to Cincinnati in feeble 
health, and died Feb. 6, 1842. 

Besjamin Fislee, the son of Jacob and Sophia 
Fisler, was born in 1769. The parents were natives 
of Switzerland, and came to this country in their 
youth. After their marriage they settled in a place 
in South Jersey which they named Fi-slerville, now 
known as Clayton. He was a very intelligent physi- 
cian, and had very thoroughly prepared himself, by 
years of study, for the prosecution of his profession. 
He settled in Port Elizabeth in 1798, and was the 
leading, and m.ost of the time the only, physician in 
the place for about fifty-five years ; besides, he was a 
very acceptable local preacher for a like period, gen- 
erally found at his post of duty. In 1798 he preached 
in Camden, and in 1797 traveled on the Salem Circuit 
with William McLeuahan, which included Salem. 
He died in his eighty-fifth year from the infirmities 
of age, having no lingering illness. 

Samuel Mooee Dowdsey, the son of John 
Dowdney and Harriet Seeley, was born in the town- 
ship of Stow Creek, on the 11th day of March, 1834. 
He obtained a good English education, and pursued 
classical studies to some extent previous to placing 
himself under the direction of his relative, Dr. 
Thomas Yarrow, of Allowaystown, N. J., as a stu- 
dent of medicine. He commenced the study of med- 
icine in the spring of 1852, and graduated at the 
University of Pennsylvania in the spring of 1855. 

He first commenced the practice of medicine asso- 
ciated with Dr. George Tomlinson, at Eoadstown, 
and after a dissolution of partnership, continued his 
professional business in the same place so long as 
physical ability enabled him. 

He died of consumption Nov. 17, 1861, and was 
interred in the Presbyterian Church at Greenwich. 

Samuel Mooee, son of Col. David Moore and 
Lydia Richman, was born at Deerfield, Cumberland 
Co., N. J., on the 8th of February, 1774. He was 
the brother of Dr. Jonathan Moore, of whom some 
account has been given. He graduated at the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania in 1791, and was afterwards 
a tutor in that institution. He subsequently studied 
medicine, and received the degree of Doctor of Med- 
icine from the same institution which had conferred 
on him the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He practiced 



medicine for a short time at Greenwich, N. J., and 
then in Bucks County, Pa. 

Chaeles Swing, eldest son of Michael Swing and 
Sarah Murphy, was born in Fairfield township, Cum- 
berland Co., about the year 1790. He began the 
study of medicine under the tuition of the late Dr. 
William B. Ewing, of Greenwich, walking once in a 
fortnight from his home in Fairfield to the residence 
of the doctor, a distance of many miles, in order to 
recite his appointed task and receive assistance in the 
further prosecution of his studies. He was an apt 
student, and when he graduated from the University 
of Pennsylvania was thoroughly furnished for the re- 
sponsible work of a physician. The first year after 
his graduation he practiced in connection with his 
preceptor at Greenwich, but the year following trans- 
ferred his residence to Salem, and entered into part- 
nership with the late Dr. Archer. Several years 
thereafter he married a Miss Mary Lambson, of 
Penn's Neck, who was possessed of a very handsome 
patrimony. Dissolving his partnership with Dr. 
Archer, he began the practice in the latter village, 
and remained there for several years until the death 
of his wife. Some years later he removed to Sharp- 
town, and was married, a second time, to Mrs. Han- 
nah Ware, of Salem. Here he continued to reside 
until his death. 

He was very popular as a physician, and acquired 
and retained an extensive practice. He was justly 
regarded as one of the best-informed practitioners 
in the southern part of New Jersey. He died at the 
age of seventy, of paralysis, after a few days' illness. 

William F. Lopee, son of Dr. James Loper, was 
born in Millville, N. J., July 18, 1839. His early 
educational advantages were excellent. After finish- 
ing a preparatory course at the West Jersey Academy, 
he entered the freshman class of Princeton College 
in 1857, and received the degree of B.A. in 1861. He 
began immediately the study of medicine in the office 
of his father, matriculated at the Jefferson Medical 
College in 1861, and graduated in March, 1863. 

He was a young man of much promise, and thor- 
oughly prepared for his life-work. He entered upon 
the practice of medicine in his native town with raised 
expectations. But, alas ! his sun went down while it 
was yet day. Feeling indisposed, he took a dose of 
What he supposed to be the mild chloride of mercury, 
and, his symptoms becoming alarming, the medicine 
was examined, and found to be arsenious acid, put 
into the bottle marked as above through the careless- 
ness of a druggist. The life of this young promising 
physician was the forfeit. He died Jan. 15, 1864. His 
body is interred in the cemetery of the Presbyterian 
Church of Pittsgrove, and a beautiful monument 
marks his resting-place. 

William Bacon was born in Greenwich, Cumber- 
land Co., N. J., June 20, 1802. His parents died 
during his childhood. Possessing a patrimony, he 
acquired an English education, and made proficiency 



568 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



in some of the higher branches of learning. He 
began the study of medicine under the tuition of Dr. 
Daniel Bowen, of Woodstown, and attended lectures 
at the University of Pennsylvania, where he gradu- 
ated in 1822, at the age of twenty. He commenced 
the practice at Allowaystovvn, Salem Co., in the same 
year, and was married in January, 1823, to a Miss 
Ray, of Philadelphia. 

He continued the practice of medicine until within 
a few days of his death, and gently fell asleep, Feb. 
26, 1868, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. 

Robert M. Bateman, son of Dr. B. Rush Bate- 
man, was born in Cedarville, in this county, Sept. 14, 
1836. After graduating from Princeton College, he 
studied medicine in the office of his father, and then 
took the regular course at the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, from which he graduated when about twenty- 
three years of age. 

The doctor practiced medicine in Cedarville for 
about nineteen years. He moved to Red Bank, but 
remained but a few months, when he moved to 
Bridgeton and commenced the practice of liis profes- 
sion, and so continued until his life was suddenly 
terminated. 

Dr. Bateman was a true patriot and upright citizen 
in all the relations of life. During the rebellion he 
served his country in the capacity of assistant surgeon 
of the Twenty-fifth New Jersey Volunteers. He died 
June 4, 1878, in his forty-second year. 

Enoch Fithian, M.D.— The early records of the 
Fithian family speak of William Fithian, who died 
in East Hampton, L. I., between the years 1678 and 
1682. He had sons, Enoch and Samuel, and two 
daughters. Samuel, the great-great-grandfather of 
the doctor, removed to Fairfield, Cumberland Co., 
where some of the members of his family remained. 
He married Priscilla Burnet, of Southampton, L. I., 
and had children, — John, Josiah, Samuel, Esther, 
Matthias, and William. Josiah was born May 6, 1685, 
removed to Greenwich in 1705, and married Sarah 
Dennis, Nov. 7, 1706. His death occurred April 3, 
1741, and that of his wife, June 23, 1732. Their 
children were John, born in 1709 ; Jeremiah, in 1713 ; 
Samuel, in 1715; Hannah, in 1718; Esther, in 1721; 
Joseph, in 1724; Sarah, in 1726; and Josiah, in 1728. 
Samuel, of this number, the grandfather of Dr. Fith- 
ian, was born Oct. 12, 1715, in Greenwich, and mar- 
ried Phebe, daughter of Ephraim Seeley, of Bridge- 
ton, on the 3d of September, 1741. Their children 
were Hannah, born in 1742 (Mrs. Nathan Leake) ; 
Rachel, born in 1744 (Mrs. Daniel Clark) ; Amy, born 
in 1746 (Mrs. Joseph Moore) ; Joel, in 1748; Mary, 
in 1752 (Mrs. Joshua Brick) ; Sarah, in 1754 (Mrs. 
Thomas Brown) ; Ruth, in 1756 (Mrs. David Bowen) ; 
Seeley, in 1758 ; and Samuel, in 1761. Joel of this 
number, father of Dr. Fithian, was born Sept. 29, 
1748, and married, March 4, 1780, Rachel, daughter 
of Jonathan and Anna Holmes. He was both a 
farmer and merchant in Greenwich, and represented 



his district in the State Legislature. Their only child 
was Josiah, born Sept. 30, 1776. By a second mar- 
riage with Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Charles 
Beatty, he had children, — Charles Beatty, born Dec. 
18, 1782 ; Samuel, born Feb. 26, 1785 ; Philip, whose 
birth occurred Jan. 24, 1787 ; Erkuries, born Aug. 17, 
1789 ; and Enoch, the only survivor. Mr. Fithian 
died Nov. 9, 1821, and his wife, Aug. 6, 1825. Their 
son, Dr. Enoch Fithian, was born May 10, 1792, and 
began the study of medicine in April, 1813, at Roads- 
town, under the direction of his brother, Dr. Erkuries 
Fithian, who resided at Swedesboro, Gloucester Co., 
N. J., and in November, 1814, attended his first course 
of lectures at the medical school of the University of 
Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. In the spring of 1815 
he received instruction from Dr. William B. Ewing, 
of Greenwich, and the same year continued his course 
of medical lectures. 

Having been licensed to practice, he began his pro- 
fessional career at Roadstown in the spring of 1816, 
and on the 1st of June, 1817, entered into partnership 
with Dr. Ewing, of Greenwich, which was continued 
until May, 1824, when the retirement of Dr. Ewing 
from practice caused a dissolution of their professional 
relations. Dr. Edward M. Porter, on the 16tli of 
April, 1849, entered into partnership with Dr. Fithian, 
and continued until 1851, and the same year Dr. 
Nathaniel R. Newkirk, of Pittsgrove, Salem Co., be- 
came associated with him. They continued in active 
practice until 1856, when Dr. Fithian retired from 
active professional labor, after a successful career of 
forty-one years. His labors during this period were 
arduous, and required not leas professional skill and 
large experience than great physical endurance as a 
result of the widely-extended area of a general prac- 
tice. That his retirement from professional activity 
was received with universal regret is a sufficient com- 
ment upon his abilities and the regard of his patients. 
The doctor was appointed by the Medical Society of 
New Jersey one of its censors for the examination of 
students applying for license to practice medicine, 
and was several times a delegate to its meetings. By 
an unanimous vote of the Cumberland County Medical 
Society, of which he is a member, he was appointed 
a delegate to the American Medical Association. 
The doctor comes of old Whig stock, his father having 
been a Whig during the Revolution, and after the 
adoption of the Constitution a Federalist. He was a 
member of both houses of the State Legislature, judge 
of the County Court, the first sherifi'of Cumberland 
County elected by the people, and justice of the peace. 
In his religious views Dr. Fithian is a Presbyterian, 
and a liberal supporter as well as member of the 
church at Greenwich, of which both his great-grand- 
father and father were elders. 

William S. Bowen, M.D. — The earliest repre- 
sentatives of the Bowen family emigrated from Swan- 
sea, Wales, and having settled in Massachusetts, 
founded the town bearing the name of Swansea in 




^fT^^yU^ <^ ^y^^TZL^a^rz^ 




WILLIAM S. BOWEN. 



1 
I 




^^i^ '^:2-tT.u^ 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



569 



that State. Jonathan, the great-grandfather of the 
doctor, removed from thence to New Jersey, and 
became a member of the Fenwick colony in Cumber- 
land County. Among his children was a son Jona- 
than, who became the father of Smith Bowen. The 
latter was thrice married. By his union with Miss 
Jane Potter he had a daughter Jane, who became 
Mrs. John Buck, and a .son, William S., the subject of 
this biographical sketch. Mr. Bowen's tastes led him 
to agricultural employments. He was an extensive 
land-owner and a citizen of much influence in 
Bridgeton, where his death occurred. His son, Wil- 
liam S., was born Feb. 21, 1802, in Bridgeton, 
where the early years of his life were passed. His 
predilection for study having pointed in the direction 
of a professional career, he received a preparatory 
training at the academy of the village, and having 
entered Nassau Hall, Princeton College, graduated in 
1822. He decided upon medicine as a profession, 
and began his studies with Dr. William Elmer, of 
Bridgeton, receiving in 1824 his diploma from the 
Medical Department of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania in Philadelphia. He became resident physi- 
cian of the Pine Street Hospital of the latter city, 
and subsequently settled in his native village, where 
he continued in uninterrupted practice for a period 
of half a century. 

Dr. Bowen was married to Miss Ellen, daughter of 
Hon. Thomas Lee, of Cumberland County, to whom 
were born children, — AVilliam S. and Jane B., who 
became Mrs. Joseph C. Kirby, of Bridgeton. By a 
second marriage to Miss Martha H., daughter of John 
Buck, of Bridgeton, were three children, — John B., 
Charles M., and Mary B. The only survivor of these 
is John B., who chose his father's profession, and 
graduated from the Medical Department of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania in 1861, choosing Bridgeton 
as a field of labor. In 1862 he was assigned to duty 
as associate to Professor S. D. Gross in the United 
States Army Hospital in Philadelphia. He later re- 
ceived promotion to the Army of the Cumberland as 
surgeon of the Thirty-fourth New Jersey Volunteers, 
and was assigned to duty as division surgeon on the 
staff of Gen. Brayman. He was subsequently trans- 
ferred to the staff of Gen. Prince, of the Sixteenth 
Corps, Army of the Tennessee. 

Dr. Bowen, on returning to civil life, resumed his 
practice in Bridgeton, where he has since resided. 
He was married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Jona- 
than Elmer, of the same place, and has three chil- 
dren, — Sidney E., William Courtland, and Martha H. 
Dr. William S. Bowen, the subject of this sketch, en- 
joyed an extended reputation as a successful practi- 
tioner. He was thoroughly at home in the field of 
surgery, while his progressive ideas and energetic 
character enabled him to keep pace with the advance 
in medical science. He was a member of both County 
and State Medical Societies. 

In politics he was a Democrat, and an active partici- 



pant in local contests. He was for a term chosen as 
surrogate of the county, was collector of the port of 
Bridgeton, and an elector on the Presidential ticket 
in 1856. 

He was actively interested in the cause of educa- 
tion, a director of the State Normal School, and a 
member of the School Board of Bridgeton. Dr. 
Bowen was an enthusiastic Mason, in which order 
he attained high rank, having been Past Grand 
Master of the State. His religious belief was in har- 
mony with the creed of the Presbyterian Church, of 
which he was an active member. 

His death occurred in Bridgeton, May 7, 1872, in 
his seventy-first year. 

Edmund Levi Bull Wales, M.D. — Deacon Na- 
thaniel Wales and his brothers, John and Elkanah, 
fled from England to escape religious persecution, and 
settled in Plymouth, Mass., where they were among 
the earliest settlers in America. From the first two 
are descended all the branches of the family now in 
New Jersey. 

Timothy, the great-grandfather of Dr. Wales, was 
one of twenty children of Ebenezer Wales. He mar- 
ried Sarah Loomis, and had five children, — Eliza- 
beth, Timothy, Koger, Sarah, and Eoxanna. Tim- 
othy, of this number, resided for a number of years 
in New York City, where he was engaged in the 
government service. His son. Dr. Roger Wales, 
was born July 19, 1768, and married in 1798 Har- 
riet Bentley, of Maryland. He was for years a phy- 
sician of great skill in Cape May County, N. J., and 
died Sept. 30, 1835. Their four surviving children of 
the eight born to them were Judge Eli B. Wales, born 
July 10, 1798, and still living, in his eighty-fifth year, 
who was thrice married, and had by his first wife, 
Miss Sarah H., daughter of Hon. Thomas Hughes, 
nine children, of whom four are living, — Harriet, who 
married Capt. Joseph Young ; Thomas, who married 
Miss Martha Tomlin ; Dr. Eli B., residing with his 
father; Mary (Mrs. Walter Barrows); Dr. E. L. B. 
Wales, the subject of this sketch ; Harriet Ann, wife 
of Capt. Westley Rogers, a native of Mauricetown, 
N. J., and later of Bridgeton, whose sons, Bentley W. 
and Eli E., are the contributors of this portrait of 
their uncle; and Mary Hunter, who became Mrs. 
Benjamin Hughes, and has two children, Henry and 
William Hughes, of Cape Island. 

Dr. Edmund Levi Bull Wales was born March 15, 
1805, and after graduating at Yale College, deter- 
mined upon the study of medicine. He graduated 
with honor in 1828 from Jefferson Medical College in 
Philadelphia, and at once chose Tuckahoe, Cape May 
Co., N. J., where for a period of fifty-two years he 
continued in uninterrupted practice. His thorough 
knowledge of medical science and great skill in sur- 
gery early made him one of the leading physicians of 
the county, and secured him a high rank in his pro- 
fession and a proportionably extended field of labor, 
with a fortune as the result. 



570 



HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



" Well schooled in classic literature and in the study 
of his profession, with a nature that lends sympathy 
in its efforts to relieve suffering, he not only gained 
the confidence and esteem of the community in all 
the departments of medicine, but from his philosoph- 
ical contributions to medical journals became ac- 
knowledged by the members of his profession to be 
one of the most cultured physicians of New Jersey. 
From his celebrity he enjoyed the privilege for more 
than a quarter of a century of being the instructor of 
more medical students than any physician in South 
Jersey. Deeply absorbed in the studies of his pro- 
fession, the practice of which embraced an area of 
twenty-five miles, he, however, in his library and on 



victions, and a supporter of the Presbyterian faith. 
The church of that denomination at Cold Spring, 
N. J., was made the recipient of a one-thousand- 
dollar legacy on his death, while the Tuckahoe 
Church received five hundred dollars, and Eev. 
Allen J. Brown the same amount. His death oc- 
curred Aug. 19, 1882, in his seventy-eighth year. 

Thomas Stuedivant, M.D. — The Sturdivants are 
of English ancestry, and were originally residents of 
Staffordshire, England, from whence, on their emigra- 
tion to America, they settled in New England. Jo- 
seph, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Great Britain, and educated in Trinity College, 
Dublin, Ireland, from whence he graduated with 





the roadway, kept abreast with the polite literature 
of the day, and in the departments of science, phil- 
osophy, theology, and politics loved to engage the 
attention of the young. By his choice and fitly- 
spoken words the knowledge he wished to convey 
was made doubly impressive from the innate dignity 
of his manner while imparting it." 

He was married to Miss Mary Brick, of Port Eliz- 
abeth, N. J., and had two children, who died in in- 
fancy. The mother did not long survive the death 
of her little ones. The doctor was early a Whig, 
but later became a Democrat. He was for eighteen 
years one of the judges of the Court of Pardons, and 
wielded an extended influence in the public affairs 
of the county. He was a man of deep religious con- 



honor. Having studied navigation and developed a 
taste for a seafaring life, he accepted a position as 
purser on an East Indian merchantman, and sailed 
for China. He later became first officer of a similar 
vessel, and having arrived in New York, determined 
to settle in Philadelphia. He continued to follow the 
sea, and eventually became captain of a vessel sailing 
to Southern ports. He was married to Miss Eliza- 
beth Chadd Morrison, daughter of William and Sarah 
Morrison. The great-grandfather of Dr. Sturdivant 
was a soldier of the Revolution, and killed at the 
battle of Chadd's Ford. His great-grandmother was 
a Harvey, and descended from the famous Harvey 
family, of Brandywine and Chadd's Ford, his grand- 
mother having been Sarah Sharp. Mr. and Mrs. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



571 



Sturdivant had two sons and two daughters, the eldest 
of whom, Thomas, was born on the 4th of March, 
1838, in Philadelphia. He was educated at one of 
the grammar schools of the city, and after acquitting 
himself with credit, while preparing to enter the 
High School, he had the misfortune to lose his father, 
who died on the west coast of Africa of yellow fever. 
At the age of fourteen his son Thomas was forced 
to abandon his studies and seek self-sustaining em- 
ployment. During a period of five years when thus 
occupied he devoted three nights of the week to the 
study of medicine with the family physician, after 
which he attended three sessions of lectures, and 
graduated at the Penn Medical University of Phila- 
delphia in March, 1860. During the interim of col- 
lege sessions he became clerk in a drug-store, thus 
obtaining a knowledge of pharmacy and chemistry. 
He began the practice of medicine ia the southern 
section of Philadelphia in the fall of 1860, and in 
October, 1861, was appointed out-door physician of 
the Fii'st Poor District of the city, which position he 
held for three years. In November, 1864, he removed 
to Greenwich, Cumberland Co., and remained until 
April, 1866, meanwhile studying the homccopathic 
system of medicine. Having decided to adopt this 
school of practice, he sought a new field of labor in 
Millville. The patronage he obtained was at first 
limited, but by skill and assiduous attention to the 
interests of his patients the doctor has made his dis- 
tinctive method of treatment popular and established 
a succe-ssful and lucrative practice. He was married 
on the 10th of April, 1862, to Miss Ann Elizabeth, 
eldest daughter of Moses L. Likens, a well-known 
commission merchant of Philadelphia. Thej' have 
had seven children, three of whom are living. The 
doctor is a Republican in politics, and in his relig- 
ious preferences a Presbyterian and member of that 
church at Millville. 

He is Past Grand and Past District Deputy Grand 
Master of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, 
Past Sachem of Manumuskin Tribe of Improved 
Order of Eed Men, a member of Ivanhoe Lodge of 
Knights of Pythias, a Past Sir Knight Commander of 
Ivanhoe Division, U. E., No. 3, Knights of Pythias, 
and was captain for four years and six months of 
Company A, Fourth Battalion of National Guard of 
the State of New Jersey. He was for four years cor- 
oner under Governor Joel Parker, city physician for 
four years in Millville, and nearly three years physi- 
cian to the Board of Health. He has always taken 
an active interest in the cause of education, has been 
a member of the school board for three years, and is 
serving in that capacity at the present time (1883). 

The Organization of the Cumberland County 
Medical Society, — In 1818, the year following the 
decease of Dr. Jonathan Elmer, a medical society was 
organized in the county of Cumberland. The State 
Medical Society was organized in the city of New 
Brunswick as early as 1766. A new act of incorpora- 



tion was passed by the Legislature of New Jersey, 
Feb. 16, 1816, at the close of the first half-century. 

Pursuant to authority given by the Medical Society 
of the State of New Jersey, a number of licensed 
practitioners of medicine of the county of Cumber- 
land met at Bridgeton on the 8th day of December, 
1818. for the purpose of organizing a district medical 
society in said county. Drs. Ebenezer Elmer, Wm. 
B. Ewing, James B. Parvin, Charles Clark, Lawrence 
Van Hook, Edmund Sheppard, Daniel C. Pierson, 
Isaac H. Hampton, and Enoch Fithian were present 
at this meeting. Of the number who were interested 
in the organization of this society, fifty years ago, but 
one survives. Dr. Enoch Fithian, who is a remarkably 
well-preserved old gentleman, having celebrated at 
his home in Greenwich, May 10, 1883, his ninety-first 
birthday. 

Dr. Ebenezer Elmer was chosen president of the 
newly organized society ; Dr. Wm. B. Ewing, vice- 
president ; Dr. Enoch Fithian, secretary ; and Drs. 
Elmer, Ewing, and Pierson were appointed a com- 
mittee to frame by-laws and regulations, and to report 
to an adjourned meeting which was ordered to be held 
at Brewster's Hotel, in Bridgeton, on the second 
Wednesday of January, 1819. At this adjourned meet- 
ing Drs. Thomas W. Peck, William Elmer (1), Francis 
G. Brewster, Holmes Parvin, William Steeling, John 
L. Smith, and Benjamin Fisler were admitted to 
membership, and the organization completed by the 
election of Dr. Wm. Elmer, Sr., as treasurer. 

The by-laws, rules, and regulations as presented by 
the committee appointed to draft the same, and 
adopted by the society at its meeting in January, 1819, 
are both comprehensive and well-defined. 

The District Medical Society of Cumberland County, 
thus duly organized, was in successful operation until 
April 27, 1830, at which time it is said that there were 
so few who attended its meetings or manifested any 
interest in its proceedings, that it became extinct. 

Upon Thursday, the 9th of November, 1848, the 
District Medical Society of Cumberland County, after 
a slumber of eighteen years, was again revived. Drs. 
Enoch Fithian, Ephraim Buck, William S. Bowen, 
Jacob W. Ludlam, William Elmer (2), George Tom- 
linson, and J. Barron Potter met and resolved to make 
application to the Medical Society of New Jersey to 
reorganize the District Medical Society of the county 
of Cumberland. 

The request was granted, and by the appointment 
of the State Society a meeting of medical men was 
held at the hotel of Edmund Davis, Bridgeton, Nov. 
28, 1848. At this meeting there were present, in ad- 
dition to the gentlemen already named, Drs. Eli E. 
Bateman, B. Rush Bateman, Willets, Parker, and 
Charles Butcher, and three weeks later (December 
19th), when the "Laws, Rules, and Regulations" were 
adopted, Drs. Hampton, Ewing, Joseph Butcher, and 
Holmes were reported as among the number in at- 
tendance. The constitution of the reorganized society 



572 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



in 1848 has a striking resemblance in the spirit and 
letter to the constitution adopted in 1818. Under 
these laws and regulations the society has been in 
successful operation for the last twenty years, and its 
stated meeting.s have been faithfully and regularly 
observed. 

The following gentlemen have successively filled 
the oiEce of president: 



1818-20. E. Elmer, Biiiigeton. 

1821-22. William B.Ewing, Green- 
wich. 

1823-25. Ephraim Bateman (1), Ce- 
darville. 

1S28-30. B. Elmer, Bridgeton. 

1648-49. E. Fithiaii, Greenwich. 

1850. B. Rush Bateman, Cediirville. 

1851. Ephraim Buck, Biidgeton. 
18.5.'. Wm. Elmer (2), Bridgeton. 
1863. Wni. S. Bowen, Biidgeton. 

1854. Jacob Ludlam, Deertield. 

1855. I. H. Hampton, Bridgeton. 

1856. Eli E. Bateman, Cedarville. 

1857. Geo. Tonjiinson, Roadstown. 

1858. N. K. Ncwkirk, Greenwich. 

1859. J. Barron Potter, Bridgeton. 
1800. E. Baten.aii (2), Cedarville. 
1861. Joseph Sheppard, Bridgeton. 
1802. Charles C. Phillips, Deerfleld. 
1863. Eobert W. Elmer, Bridgeton. 



Name. 



William S. Applegate.. 

Eli E. Bateman 

Cliarles Brewer 

Lewis W. Brown 

Edwin C.Bidwell 

Samnel Butcher 

George E. Batcher 

John B. Bowen 

Ephraim Bateman 

Joseph Butcher 

Stetson L. Bacon 

EUiston R. Bateman.... 

Jacob E. Bennett 

C. A. B.iker 

Cbailes H. .Dare 

Corbon .T. Decker 

Robert W. Elmer 

Robert P. Ewing 

William Elmer 

Henry W. Elmer.. 

Henry Esten 

Ueury C. Fithian 

Eleazer D. Farr 

Thefidore Foote 

Andiew P. Gardner... . 

Ephraim Holmes 

Charles T. Hill 

George P. Haley 

John Helton 

George A. Harris 

Anna M. Hyde 

John Ingram 

William S. Jones 

James .Jennings 

Mary Lucas 

Franklin Lane 

Joseph Moore 

John H. Moore 

Christoplier Montella- 

William L. Newell 

George M.PauUin 

J. Barron Potter 

Joseph H, Putnam 

Charles C. Phillips 

Jacob G. Streets 

David R. Streets 

Thomas E. Stathem 

Thomas J. Smith 

Thomas Sturdivant 

Sharp M. Sn.vder 

Joseph Sheppard 

Wni. H. Clay Smith 

Emery R. Tuller 

Malcolm B. Tuller 



1864. Thos. H. Tomlinson, Shlloh. 
1866. Samuel G.CattoU, Deertield. 

1866. B. M. Bateman, Cedarville. 

1867. Wm. Elmer (3), Bridgeton. 

1868. T. E. Slathems, Greenwich. 

1869. Stetson L. Bacon, Newport. 

1870. George E. Butcher, Dividing 
; Creek. 

1871. B. Rush Bateman, Cedarville. 

1872. Geo. Tomlinson, Roadstown. 

1873. Eli E. Bateman, Cedarville. 

1874. Wm. Elmer (a), Bridgeton. 

1875. Wm. L. Newell, Millville. 

1876. J. Barron Potter, Bridgeton. 
' 1877. Jona. S. Whitaker, Millville. 
J 1878. George M. Paullin, Shiloh. 

1879. J. Barron Potter, Bridgeton. 

1880. B. Rush Bateman, Cedarville. 

1881. John Ingram, Vineland. 

1882. E. Bateman (2), Cedarville. 

1883. Thomas J. Smith, Bridgeton. 



I 



There have been but five secretaries since the or- 
ganization of the society. Under the old constitution, 
Dr. Enoch Fithian was elected secretary in 1818, and 
held the ofiice three years. He was succeeded by Dr. 
Ephraim Buck, who served in the same capacity two 
years. Dr. William S. Bowen, who was elected in 
1824, continued in ofiice until the society became ex- 
tinct, in 1830. Since the reorganization, in 1848, Dr. 
J. Barron Potter, William Elmer (2), and the present 
secretary, Henry W. Elmer, have discharged the duties 
of the secretaryship with fidelity and acceptance. 

The names of the treasurer-s are as follows, viz. : Drs. 
William Elmer (1), Ebenezer Elmer, Ephraim Buck, 
Holmes Parviu, B. Rush Bateman, William S. Bowen, 
Eli E. Bateman, Nath. R. Newkirk, and the present 
incumbent, Joseph Sheppard. 

Dr. N. R. Newkirk was elected treasurer in 1860, 
and continued in ofiice until his death, in 1866. 

The annual and semi-annual meetings have always 
been held in Bridgeton, the county-seat. 

The following is a list of all the physicians in this 
county who have filed copies of their diplomas in the 
county clerk's oflSce, in accordance with the act passed 
in 1880, and their places of residence : 



Where Graduated. 



I 



Fairton 

Cedarville 

Vineland 

Vineland 

Vineland 

Mauricetown.. 
Mauricetown.. 

Bridgeton 

Cedarville 

Mauricetown., 

Port Norris 

Cedarville 

Millville 

Vineland 

Shiloh 



Jefferson College 

Medical Society New Jersey 

Maryland University, Baltimore 

Homoeopathic Medical College, New York.. 

Medical Department Yale College 

Jefferson College 

Jefferson College 

University of Pennsylvania 

Cedarville 

Jefferson College 

Jefferson College... 

University of Pennsylvania 



Jeffer.-^on College 

University of Pennsylvania 

Jefferson College 

Medical Socinty of New Jersey 

University of i'enn.«ylvania , 

University of Pennsylvania 

Univei-sity of Pennsylvania 

Eclectic Medical College, New York 

University of Pennsylvauia 

Eclectic Medical College 

Homieopathic Medical College, New York 

Jefferson College 

Univei-sity of Pennsylvania April 4. 1844. 

Penn Medical University April IS, 1881 



Bridgeton 

Gi-eenwich 

Bi-idgeton 

Bridgeton 

Vineland 

Port Norris 

Cedarville 

Vineland 

Newport 

Gieenwich 

Dividing Creek . 

Newport ' JetTerson College.. 

Bridgeton .; Eclectic Medical College, Pennsylvania 

Bridgeton ' American Univeisity of Pliiladelphia 

I University of Medicine and Surgei'y, Philadelphia.. 

Vineland i Sterling Medical College, Columbu.s, Ohio 

Millville j Jefferson College 

Refoimed Medical Society, New York 

Beach's Reformed Medical College, New York 

Vineland Berkshire Medical School, Maasacliu setts 

Bridgeton Jefferson College 

Bridgeton University of I'ennsylvania 

A'ineland Royal University of Turin 

Millville Jefferson College 

Shiloh University of Pennsylvania 

Bridgeton New Jersey Medical Society 

Bridgeton Bellevue College of Medicine, N. Y 

Deerfleld. Pliiladelphia College of Medicine 

Bridgeton Pennsylvania College of Homo?opathic Medicine.... 

Bridgeton University of Pennsylvania 

Greenwich University of Pennsylvania 

Bridgeton University of Pennsylvania 

Millville Penn Medical University 

Cedarville University of Pennsylvania 

Bridgeton University of Pennsylvania 

Millville University of Pennsylvania 

. I Vineland Western Homoeopathic College, Ohio 

. I Millville Hahnemann College, Philadelphia 



Graduated, 



April 2, 1883. 
July 6, 1832. 
March 6, 1856. 
1866. 

Jan. 20, 1844. 
March 10, 1804. 
March il, 1868. 
March 14, 1861. 
July 4. 1851. 
April 2,1883. 
March 9, 1868. 
March 15, 1882. 
March 12, 1881. 
Aug. 5, 1882. 
March 10, 1870. 
Maich 13, 1880. 
April 6, 1860. 
March 13, 1868. 
March, 1833. 
March 13, 1869. 
June 12, 1867. 
March 12, 1877. 
Jan. 20, 185S. 
March 6, 1874. 
March 10, 1865. 



March 12, 1879. 
Jan. 22,1860. 
Dec. 20, 1872. 
Feb. 14, 1878. 
Feb. 25, 1860. 
March 12, 1878. 
Sept. 12, 1840. 
June 28, 1863. 
Nov. 11, 1846. 
Maich 6, 1852. 
JIarch 15. 1880. 
Aug. S, 1876. 
March 15, 1859. 
March 14, 1861. 
June 26, 1848. 
March 3, 1864. 
Fe b. 26, 1863. 
June 1,1866. 
March 15, 1880. 
March 15,1860. 
March 14, 1866. 
March 1, 1860. 
March 11, 1866. 
March, 1861. 
March 14, 1866. 
Feb. 7, 1802. 
March 10, 1873. 



GENEEAL HISTORY. 



573 



Name. 


Beaidence. 


Where Graduated. 


Graduated. 


George Tomlineon 


Roadstown 


New Jersey Medical Society 


■- "1 

Juno 14, 1831. 1 
March, 1845. | 
March 20, 1845. 
March 5, 1873. , 
March 9,1858. 
March 13, 1869. 
March 14, 1879. 
March 10, 1864. 
Jan. 1, 1876. 


Jona S. Whittaker, 


Millville 


Jefferson Collfge 




Millville 


Lucretia Minerva Wright-Putnam 

J. Howard "Willette 




New England Female College 


Port Elizabeth 

Leesbnrg 


Stacy M. Wilson 




Tlieodore Wheaton 


Millville 




Charles Wiley 


Vineland 




John W. Wade, Jr 


Millville 




' 







CHAPTER LXXXIX. 

AGRICULTURE. 

The first settlers found an unbroken forest covering 
.the land in all this portion of the State, except the 
Indian clearings, which were few and of no large ex- 
tent. The timber consisted mainly of white, black, 
and red oak, hickory, chestnut, and pine, and the 
swampy lands along the banks of the streams were 
covered with cedar. The first settlers, unlike their 
Dutch predecessors along the banks of the Delaware, 
whose main object was to establish posts for trading 
with the Indians, sought a place for a permanent 
home, where they might have that religious freedom 
which had been denied them in their former abodes. 
The first and principal business of the settlers, as in 
all permanent settlements of new countries, was the 
clearing of the land and the raising of food for them- 
selves and their horses, cattle, and other stock. They 
built their houses mostly along the navigable streams, 
which then constituted the main avenues of travel. 
The timber had little value to them for many years. 
When their home wants for buildings, fences, and 
firewood were supplied the remainder was only an 
encumbrance to be gotten rid of in the least expen- 
sive and most expeditious way. The trees were in 
many cases girdled and left standing, and the crops 
planted among them. The people lived each upon 
his own tract of land, and were occupied in agricul- 
tural pursuits. The villages could hardly be called 
by that name, the houses comprised in them being, 
as a rule, no nearer to one another than can be found 
at this day along any of our thickly-settled farming 
neighborhoods. 

In 1721 the Governor of the province, William 
Burnet, described Salem, the county-seat, as a very 
poor fishing village of about twenty houses, and not 
above seven or eight voters, and no other place was 
as large. 

The means used for tilling the soil were crude and 
inefficient. The plow was made of wood throughout, 
the team was generally oxen, and plowing the ground 
■was scarcely more than scratching the surface. Little 
manure was made, no fertilizers were used, lime for 
agricultural purposes was unthought of, and marl was 
not discovered. The raising of hay on the uplands 
was considered impracticable, and supplies of that 



kind were obtained from the salt marshes, a tract of 
which was considered a necessary adjunct of every 
farm, and was regularly bought and sold with it, and 
worth as much per acre as the farm itself After the 
Kevolution the demand for timber and fuel in the 
growing cities of Philadelphia and New York seri- 
ously checked the development of the agricultural 
resources of this section of the State. The cutting 
and hauling the timber to wharves along the various 
navigable streams occupied the main attention of al- 
most every farmer, interfering greatly with his farm- 
ing labors. From this source all his ready money, 
which was very little, and a large part of his supplies 
were obtained. For the want of manure and fertil- 
izers and a better system of farming a great deal of 
the land became poorer day by day. The portion 
tilled was cropped until it was exhausted, when it was 
abandoned, and new ground cleared, only to go 
through the same agricultural methods. In this 
county these abandoned commons constituted a con- 
siderable portion of the cleared land, and were quite 
common until within the last twenty-five or thirty 
years, and a few are still to be found. It was supposed 
that the fertility of these old commons never could be 
restored. Between 1815 and 1830 many of the inhab- 
itants sold their worn-out lands and moved to Ohio, 
Indiana, and Illinois, whose virgin soils, much of 
them without any trees to be cut, offered many in- 
ducements to those who saw their lands in this section 
becoming poorer with each succeeding year. 

With the general improvement in other branches, a 
new era gradually developed in agriculture. The iron 
plowshare was brought into use, oxen mostly gave 
place to horses, and new and improved implements 
of husbandry proved a great boon to the farmer. The 
four most potent factors in the later agricultural de- 
velopment of the county and of all South Jersey 
have been the raising of upland hay, especially 
clover, the rotation of crops, the application of lime 
to the soil, and the discovery and use of marl. The 
first not only furnished a larger and better supply of 
hay, making possible the keeping of more stock, and 
thereby giving a larger supply of manure, but the 
strong and vigorous growth of clover, with its im- 
mense mass of roots, has caused it to become the 
great renovating crop, which, along with the use of 
lime and marl, has converted those old commons and 



574 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



worn-out lands into as fertile and productive farms 
as are to be found in any State. 

The deposits of marl along Stow Greet and its trib- 
utaries were discovered about the time the decreas- 
ing supply of timber turned the attention of farmers 
to the more thorough cultivation of their cleared 
lands. At first its value as a fertilizer was considered 
doubtful by many, but its practical use soon became 
more general, and the increasing fertility of the lands 
where it was used proved the best argument in its 
favor. Its value to this county cannot be estimated. 
Lands which had become so poor that wheat could 
not be grown, and sometimes even rye could scarcely 
be raised, have become wheat-growing soils. Farms 
which were sold for ten dollars per acre now bring 
from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars per 
acre. All the western end of the county, the most 
highly cultivated and richest portion of it, owes its 
great fertility to the use of marl. It was first dug 
and used by Isaac Elwell, on Bishop's Run, a branch 
of Stow Creek, in 1819, and about ten years later pits 
were opened on Horse Branch, a tributary of the 
same creek on the Salem side. Numerous pits are 
now open, and about twenty thousand tons are dug 
in this county each year. 

The principal commodities raised in the county are 
wheat, corn, oats, rye, Irish and sweet potatoes, hay, 
tomatoes, poultry, fruits, and truck or market pro- 
duce. The proximity to New York and Philadelphia 
and other cities, together with the excellent facilities 
for reaching them, is causing a steady change in the 
agriculture of the county. More attention is con- 
stantly given to the growing of market produce in 
place of wheat, rye, corn, oats, and other standard 
farm crops. The growing of small fruits has also 
become a large interest in this county, hundreds of 
acres being devoted to the raising of strawberries, 
raspberries, blackberries, pears, peaches, and other 
fruits. Numerous canning establishments have been 
erected throughout the county, creating a demand 
for large supplies, mostly of peaches and tomatoes, 
which has been fully met by the farmers. The time 
is not far distant when the cultivation of wheat and the 
other standard crops will be mostly abandoned, and 
the county become almost one entire market-garden 
and fruit-farm. 

The Cumberland County Agricultural and Hor- 
ticultural Society. — The increasing interest in agri- 
cultural pursuits which developed after 1820 led to 
the formation of a county agricultural society in 1823. 
In pursuance of a notice published in the two news- 
papers of Bridgeton, a number of those interested 
met at the hotel of Smith Bowen, in Bridgeton, on 
January 23d of that year, and, after discussing the 
question, it was unanimously resolved to form such a 
society, and committees were appointed to draft a 
constitution and by-laws. At the next meeting, held 
February 13th, the society was organized as "The 
Cumberland County Agricultural Society," and its 



object was " to promote agricultural improvements 
and to encourage family manufactures." The first 
ofBcers were : President, Dr. William B. Ewing ; Vice- 
Presidents, John Laning, Jr., Lewis Paullin, Norton 
O. Lawrence, and Adrian Clunn ; Secretary, Dr. 
Ephraim Buck ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Elmer ; Direc- 
tors, Philip Fithian, Stow Creek; John T. Davis and 
John Miller, Hopewell ; James Lummis and Ephraim 
McQueen, Deerfield ; Daniel Parvin and William 
McChesney, Fairfield ; Peter Ladow and Charles 
Brown, Downe. 

The members of the society, comprising the most 
enterprising agriculturists of that day and many of 
the leading citizens of the county, were : 



Ebenezer Elmer. 
W. B. Ewing. 
Norton 0. Lawrence. 
John Clarke. 
Ephraim Bnclv. 
Lucius Q. C. Elmer. 
John Compton. 
John Laning, Jr. 
David Husted. 
William McNichols. 
Daniel Parvin. 
James Lummis. 
Ephraim McQueen. 
Gabriel Parvin. 
Zaccbeus Joslin. 
Cliarles Brown. 
J. D. Westcolt, Jr. 
Adrian Clunn. 
John Bliller. 
John Swinney. 
Daniel Wells. 



Smith Bowen. 
George Adcock. 
Robert S. Buck. 
John Bright. 
Simeon Siegfried. 
Ignatius Thomson. 
Lewis Paullin. 
Samuel B. Davis. 
John T. Davis. 
John Johnston. 
Philip Fithian. 
"William McChesney. 
James B. Potter. 
H. R. Marseilles. 
Daniel Elmer. 
Isaac H. Hampton. 
Robert Sheppard. 
Jonathan Parvin. 
David Reeves. 
Norton Harris. 



The entire schedule of premiums ofiered for the 
first exhibition was as follows : For the greatest quan- 
tity raised on one acre of each of the following crops, 
viz. : vegetables, sweet potatoes, millet, and corn ; for 
the best farm management, best bull, cow, and boar; 
to the person manufacturing in the family the largest 
quantity of linen cloth, and of woolen cloth, and " to 
the female who shall present before the society the 
best Gown Pattern prepared for the loom by herself, 
$5." It is perhaps needless to remark that the pres- 
ent society finds no demand for the offering of the 
last premium at this day. The first exhibition was 
held Nov. 18, 1823. A light fall of snow the night 
before interfered somewhat with its success, but the 
display of cattle and hogs was good, and a large num- 
ber of people attended. The .second exhibition, in 
1824, was much better, and Dr. W. B. Ewing delivered 
an address on an appropriate subject. The third ex- 
hibition, in 1825, was quite successful, and was held 
two days. A field belonging to Ephraim Holmes was 
used for the display of stock and agricultural imple- 
ments, while the domestic manufactures were ex- 
hibited in a room at the hotel of Jeremiah Buck. 

Perhaps no better idea of the state of agricultural 
improvement in the county can be given than by the 
following items from a written report of this exhibi- 
tion. It says, — 

" The display of stock was far superior to that of 



GENEKAL HISTORY. 



575 



any former exhibition ; and from the vast collection 
of farmers and citizens from different parts of the 
county, and from the neighboring counties who at- 
tended to witness the scene, the society felt highly 
gratified." 

Among the premiums given were Smith Boweu, for 
best breeding mare with colt by her side, five dollars ; 
Dr. William Elmer, for the best bull, not more than 
four years old nor less than one year old, five dollars. 
This was an imported " improved Durham short- 
horn." Lemuel Lawrence received a premium of 
three dollars for a half-blood Durham short-horn. 
The same premium was allowed for calves of good 
blood, and Durhams, short-horns, and Holsteins are 
mentioned as being among the best. Gen. Daniel 
Elmer exhibited a cow of " Bakewell stock," remark- 
able as a milker, having given one hundred and thirty- 
three quarts of milk in one week, from which ten 
pounds of butter were made. 

Sheep of the Dishley blood were on exhibition, the 
best receiving a premium of two dollars, also hogs of 
extraordinary size and fatness, " far surpassing any 
animals of the kind ever exhibited ;" six of them, if 
killed during the winter, were estimated to weigh be- 
tween four and five thousand pounds. John John- 
ston exhibited eleven pigs from his " imported Eng- 
lish boar," which were pronounced fine specimens. 

Favorable mention is made of other horses, cattle, 
hogs, and sheep exhibited by different individuals. 

Peter Ladow raised upon one-half acre of ground 
ninety-two bushels and three pecks of sweet potatoes, 
for which he received a premium of three dollars. 

The greatest quantity of clover-hay on three acres 
was raised by Daniel Parvin, six and one-half tons ; 
premium, three dollars. 

" In consequence of the excessive drought which pre- 
vailed during the last season, the crops in this part of 
the country were much injured, and in many instances 
completely destroyed, therefore no certificates were 
offered for premiums on any other crops." 

Among the domestic manufactures premiums were 
awarded for the best linen diaper, for cotton, woolen, 
and worsted stockings, blankets, bed-quilts, and car- 
petings, ranging from one dollar to three dollars, 
and discretionary premiums were awarded for ele- 
gant goose-down bedspread, tastefully ornamented by 
painting, imitation Leghorn hat, and a pair of knit 
stockings and vest complete, made by Mrs. Robert 
Harris, a blind woman. Mention is made of other 
bed-quilts, domestic cloth from Bridgeton and Cedar- 
ville factories, and a sample of balls and silk spun by 
silk-worms raised by Hannah Howell, of Fairfield. 

The first plowing match was held at this exhibi- 
tion. Only two teams of horses entered, and the pre- 
mium was awarded to James Lummis. Two yoke of 
oxen also contended for the prize, which was given to 
Mr. Hoff. These contests excited much interest, and 
it was hoped that at the next annual meeting more 
teams would be in readiness. 



A number of agricultural implements were on ex- 
hibition, such as patent chaff-cutter, root-cutter, stalk- 
cutter, cultivator, substratum plow, improved harrow, 
revolving horse-rake, improved roller, and James 
Lummis' patent hill or corn-planter, a very ingenious 
and useful machine. 

"The society dined together at the hotel on the 
last day. of the exhibition, after which they proceeded 
to the election of officers and then adjourned." 

Nearly all the stock was owned by persons living in 
Bridgeton. Great interest was felt in improved stock 
at that time. From a letter dated March 22, 1825, it 
appears that the writer of that date gave two hundred 
dollars for a bull-calf of imported improved Durham 
short-horn stock, twenty-two months old. The same 
winter he sold two calves of mixed blood for one hun- 
dred and twenty-five dollars. The same letter states 
that " another breed, from the Isle of France, called 
the Alderney, are celebrated for making large quan- 
tities of butter from a small quantity of milk." 

A notice of this exhibition in one of the newspapers 
of that date says, " It was manifest to every one pres- 
ent that the increasing agricultural spirit would very 
speedily supersede the toilsome and unprofitable labor 
of cutting timber." 

The fourth exhibition, on Nov. 26, 1826, passed off 
with good success, but the fifth, in 1827, was a failure. 
The burden of keeping up the society rested upon a 
few men, and as the interest in it did not seem to be 
kept up, it was allowed to go down, after existing for 
five years. But its influence was not lost, and it did 
much towards fostering that spirit of enterprise from 
which the later agricultural prosperity has arisen. 

Twenty-four years later, on Dec. 8, 1851, the friends 
of agricultural progress again met, at the hotel of E. 
Davis & Son, in Bridgeton, to form a society devoted 
to this interest. Committees were appointed, and at 
the second meeting, on Jan. 19, 1852, " The Cumber- 
land County Agricultural and Horticultural Society" 
was formed. The first officers were : President, Lewis 
McBride ; Vice-Presidents, Dr. J. W. Ludlam, James 
Stiles, Samuel C. Fithian, and Isaac West; Corre- 
sponding Secretary, Dr. Ephraim Buck ; Recording 
Secretary, Franklin Devereux ; Treasurer, Charles 
E. Elmer. A constitution and by-laws were adopted,' 
modeled in large part from those of the former so- 
ciety. Quarterly meetings were held through 1852, 
attended by but few persons. No exhibition was 
held, and the society lay dormant until Jan. 25, 1854. 
New interest having been aroused, on that date a 
large meeting was held, and it was resolved to hold 
an exhibition in the ensuing fall. An extensive 
schedule of premiums was arranged, and the first 
exhibition of the present society was held Sept. 28, 
1854, and was very successful. The annual exhibi- 
tions were held on the lot now bounded by Commerce, 
the south side of Oak, Giles, and Lawrence Streets, 
now mostly covered with handsome residences, which 
was leased for the purpose until 1860, when a lot of 



576 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



about thirteen acres of ground, fronting on the south 
side of Vine Street above Giles, was purchased, and 
the exhibitions have been held there annually ever 
since. 

In 1882 and 1883 three additional lots of land ad- 
joining the former purchase were bought, which en- 
larged the grounds to nineteen and a half acres, and 
large aud convenient permanent buildings were 
erected during the summer of 1883, at a contract 
price of two thousand eight hundred and twenty- 
seven dollars. Previous to that a large tent had been 
used in which to display the exhibits. The main build- 
ing is one hundred and five by fifty-eight feet, built 
in three sections, the centre one being about twenty 
feet in height, and a wing on each side sixteen feet 
high, sloping down to ten feet at the eaves. The 
whole floor is on a level, and the whole building con- 
stitutes a large and convenient hall, well adapted to 
the uses of the society. Four other buildings were 
also built for stock, two of them twenty-two by fifty 
feet, and two twenty by fifty feet, divided into roomy 
stalls. 

The following have been the presidents of the 
society since its organization : 

1862-S3. Lewis McBride. 
1854-56. James n. Fianagin. 
1867-68. Charles S. Fithian. 
1859-60. Piovidence Ludlam. 
1861-62. TheopliilQS P. Davis. 
1863-64. ElieDezer Hall. 
1865-66. Lewis M. Hires. 
1867-68. Harris Ogden, Jr. 
1869-70. Robert More. 

Its present officers are : President, David McBride ; 
Vice-Presidents, George W. Sheppard, Frank E. 
Fithian, Joseph C. Bowen, and Robert More ; Sec- 
retary, Eli E. Rogers ; Treasurer, Charles H. Mulford. 

The society has had a very successful career, and 
its annual fairs are the great attraction throughout 
the county. For the last few years it has been held 
two days, and its thirtieth exhibition, held September 
5th and 6th last, was the most successful one since its 
existence. The society has been of great benefit to 
the agricultural interests of the county and a potent 
factor in its improved agricultural condition. Under 
a similar wise management as in the past, it cannot 
fail to be a continued stimulus to more improved 
methods of husbandry, and its annual fair will con- 
tinue to be the great autumnal gathering of the peo- 
ple of this and surrounding counties. 



1871-72. Morris Bacon. 
1873. Samuel G. Cattell, M.D. 
1874-75. Charles Woodnutt. 
1876. Jacob M. Harris.l 
1877-78. Loreuzo Sharp. 
1870-80. John S. Holmes. 
1881. Isaac M. Smalley. 
1882-83. David McBride. 



CHAPTER XC. 

CIVIL LIST AND STATISTICS. 

Civil List. — In this list are given the names of 
those residents of the county who have held impor- 

1 Died during the year. 



tant offices under the national and State govern- 
ments and those who have held county offices. 

UNITED STATES SENATOES. 
Jonathan Elmer, March 4, 1789, to March 3, 1791. 
Ephraim Bateman, Nov. 10, 1826, tu Jan. 30, 1829. 

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. 
Dr. Jonathan Elmer, 1776-77, 1781-83, 1787, 1789. 
Ebenezer Elmer, 1801 to 1807. 
Dr. Ephraim Bateman, 1815 to 1823. 
Tliomas Lee, 1833 to 1837. 
Lucius Q. C. Elmer, 1S43 to 1845. 
James G. Hampton, 1845 to 1849. 
John T. Nixon, 1S59 to 1863. 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE. 
John T. Nixon, 1870 to present time, 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT ATTORNEY. 
Lucius Q. C. Elmer, 1S23 to 1829. 

GOVERNOR. 
Elias P. Seeley, Feb. 27, 1833, to Oct. 25, 1833. 

SECRETARY OF STATE. 
James D. Westcott, appointed Oct. 29, 1830; reappointed Oct. 30, 1835; 
served to Oct. 30, 1840. 

ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 
Ebenezer Elmer, July 16-23, 1804, to Nov. 29, 1804. 

ASSOCIATE JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT. 
Daniel Elmer, March 9, 1841, to January, 1845. 

Lucius Q. C, Elmer, Feb. 5, 1852, to Feb. 5, 1859 ; Aug. 22, 1861, to .March 
15, 1869. 

JUDGES OF THE COURT OF ERRORS AND APPEALS. 
Joshua Brick, Feb. 5, 1845, to January-June, 1846. 
Jonathan S. Whitaker, March 18, 1881, to present time. 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL. 
Lucius Q. C. Elmer, February, 1850, to February, 1852. 

In addition to these, Richard Howell, clerk of the 
Supreme Court from 1788 to 1792, and Governor from 
1792 to 1801 ; Joseph Bloomfield, attorney-general 
from 1783 to 1792, and Governor from 1801 to 1802 
and from 1803 to 1812; Benjamin F. Lee, clerk of the 
Supreme Court from 1872 to the present time ; Charles 
Ewing, chief justice of the Supreme Court from 1824 
to 1832; John Moore White, attorney-general from 
1833 to 1838, and an associate justice of the Supreme 
Court from 1838 to 1845, were all natives of this 
county, except Bloomfield and Howell, and they began 
their professional careers in Bridgeton. 

Of&cers of Salem County before Cumberland was 
set off who resided within the limits of Cumberland: 

SHERIFF. 
William Dare, Dec. 9, 1703, to Sept. 13, 1705. 

STATE NAVAL OFFICERS. 

Previous to the adoption of the Constitution of the 
United States the power to regulate commerce rested 
in the respective State governments. The State of 
New Jersey passed an act " for regulating navigation 
and trade in this State" Dec. 21, 1781, which pro- 
vided for the appointment by joint meeting of a 
naval ofiicer residing in each of the counties of Mid- 
dlesex, Burlington, and Cumberland, to hold office for 
three years, and established custom-houses under 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



5T7 



charge of the naval oflScers. With the adoption of the 
United States Constitution this act ceased to liave any 
force, and was repealed. Under this act Eli Elmer, of 
Bridgeton, was appointed naval officer for the Western 
District Dec. 26, 1781, and reappointed Dec. 21, 1784, 
and Oct. 31, 1787. 

County Officers. 

SHERIFFS. 

Before the Revolution sheriffs were appointed by 
the Governors, to hold office for three years or during 
his pleasure. Under the Constitutions of 1776 and 
1844 they were elected by the people annually, and 
could hold the ofijce only three successive years, and 
the custom was to re-elect, without opposition, until 
each had occupied the office for three years. The ] 
amendments to the Constitution adopted in 1875 
made the term of office three years. The following 
persons have held the office : 



174|. 


Ananias Sayre. 


1822. Johu Laning, Jr. 


176f. 


Samnel Fithian, Jr. 


1825. Robert S. Buck. 


1764. 


Ananias Sayre. 


1828. Josiah Shaw. 


1767. 


Maskell Ewing. 


1831. Daniel M.Woodruff. 


1760. 


Silas Newcomb. 


1834. Cornelius Luptou. 


1763. 


Howell Powell. 


1837. David Campbell. 


1766. 


Theopbilus Elmer. 


183D. Levi B. Davis. 


1769. 


Thomas Maskell. 


1842. Harris B. iSlattisou. 


a772. 


Jonathan Elmer. 


1845 (October), Cornelius Luptou 


1776. 


David Bowen. 


(appointed by Governor October 


1776. 


Joel Fithian. 


18th, and held office until the 


1779. 


William Kelsay. 


November election, same year). 


1781. 


Daniel Maahell. 


1845, November. Stephen Murphy. 


1784. 


Eli Elmer. 


1848. TheophiUls E. Harris. 


1787. 


Joseph Buck. 


1851. James Stiles. 


1790 


David Potter. 


1854. Nathaniel Stratton. 


1793. 


Reuben Burgin. 


1857. Jonathan Fithian. 


1796 


George Burgin. 


1860. Lewis H. Dowdney. 


1799. 


Jeremiah Bennett, Jr. 


1863. Charles L. Watson. 


1802. 


Enoch Burgin. 


1860. Samuel Peacock. 


1805. 


Timothy Elmer (2d). 


1869. Enoch Hanthorn. 


1808. 


John Buck. 


1872. James L. Wilson. 


1810 


William Rose. 


1876. Charles G. Hampton. 


1813 


John Sibley. 


1878. David McBride. 


1816. 


Dan Simkins. 


1881. Seth P. Husted. 


1819 


William K. Fithiau. 





COUNTT CLERKS. 

County clerks were appointed by the Governor to 
hold at his pleasure, or during good behavior, until 
1776. From 1776 to the new Constitution, in 1844, 
they were appointed by joint meeting of the Legis- 
lature for the term of five years. All vacancies were 
filled by the Governor until the next joint meeting. 
Under the Constitution of 1844 they are elected by 
the people, and vacancies filled as before until the 
next election. The following have held the office : 

Ellas Cotting, appointed May, 1848, to hold during pleasure of Gov- 
ernor ; reappointed December, 1755, to hold during good behavior; 
died 1757. 

Daniel Elmer (2d), appointed Deo. 1,1767 ; died May 2, 1761. 

Maskell Ewing, appointed May, 1761 ; reappointed Feb. 16, 1762, to hold 
during pleasure of the Governor ; declined to serve under the State 
government. 

Jonathan Elmer, appointed by joint meeting Sept. 6, 1776 ; reappointed 
Sept, 29, 1781 ; resigned March 17, 1786; reappointed same date; 
resigned Nov. 2, 1789. 

James Giles, appointed Nov. 2, 1789; reappointed 1794 and 1799. 

37 



Dr. Azcl Pierson, appointed Nov. 1, 1804; reappointed Oct. 27, 1809 ; 

died May, 1813. 
Jonathan Holmes, appointed by Governor May, 1813. 
Dr. Edo Ogden, appointed Oct. 29, 1813; died Dec. 6, 1813. 
Dr. Ebenezcr Elmer, appointed by Governor December, 1813. 
Ebenezer Seeley, appointed Feb. 9, 1814: reappointed Feb. 5, 1819, Dec. 

9, 1823, and Nov. 8, 1828. 
Samuel Seeley, appointed Feb. 27, 1833. 
Josiah Fithian, appointed Feb. 28, 1838; died July 14, 1842. 
Encs Seeley, appointed by Governor July, 1842. 
Daniel M. Woodruff, appointed Oct. 28, 1842 ; reappointed by Governor 

Stratton Oct. 27, 1847 ; elected by people Nov. 2, 1847. 
Bphraim E. Sheppard, elected Nov. 2, 1852. 
Providence Ludlam elected Nov. 3, 1857. 

Theopbilus G. Compton, elected Nov. 4, 1862 ; re-elected Nov. 5, 1867. 
Daniel Sharp, elected Nov. 5, 1872 : re-elected Nov. 6, 1877. 
Fi-ancis L. Godfrey, elected Nov. 7, 1882. 

SURROGATES. 

Surrogates were appointed by the Governor, to hold 
at his pleasure, until Nov. 28, 1822, when a law was 
passed for their appointment by the joint meeting of 
the Legislature, to hold for five years ; vacancies to 
be filled by the Governor until the Legislature met. 
This continued the law until the Constitution of 
1844, by which the office was made elective by the 
people. 

Elias Cotting, appointed May, 1748 ; died 1767. 

Daniel Elmer (2d), appointed Dec. 1, 1757 ; died May 2, 1761. 

Maskell Ewing, appointed May, 1761 ; reappointed March 22, 1762, and 

also 1767 ; declined to serve under new Constitution. 
TheophiluB Elmer, appointed September, 1776. 
Jonathan Elmer, appointed 1784. 

George Burgin, appointed March 2, 1804 ; resigned October, 1810. 
Ebenezei Elmer, appointed October, 1810. 
Jonathan Elmer, appointed December, 1812. 
Samuel Moore Shute, appointed July, 1813. 
Timothy Elmer (2d), appointed by Governor April, 1816; reappointed by 

joint meeting Nov. 29, 1822, Oct, 26, 1827, and Oct. 31, 1832 ; died 

March 11, 1836. 
Dr. William S. Bowen, appointed by Governor March, 1836, and the 

Legislature failing to elect, he was reappointed by the Governor in 

April, 1837 ; resigned May 23, 1837. 
James M. Newell, appointed by Governor June, 1837. 
Hugh R. Merseilles, appointed Oct. 27, 1837 ; reappointed Oct. 28, 1842 ; 

appointed by Governor Stratton Oct. 27, 1847 ; elected by the people 

Nov. 2, 1847. 
Dr. Joseph Moore, elected Nov. 2, 1852. 

Hugh R. Merseilles, elected Nov. 3, 1857 ; died Dec. 29, 1860. 
Alphonso Woodruff, appointed Viy the Governor Jan. 17, 1861 ; elected 

Nov. 5, 1861 ; re-elected Nov. 6, 1866. 
Edward White, elected Nov. 7, 1871; re-elected Nov. 7, 1876 ; died Jan. 

15. 1878, 
John Smalley, appointed by the Governor Jan, 16, 1878. 
Samuel Steinmetz, elected Nov, 5, 1878, 

PROSECUTORS OF THE PLEAS, 

Prosecutors of the pleas were appointed by the at- 
torney-general as his deputies until 1812, by virtue of 
a long-established custom, and in that year a law was 
passed expressly authorizing him to appoint deputies 
for each county. By an act passed Nov. 9, 1822, the 
Courts of Quarter Sessions were authorized to appoint 
prosecutors of the pleas, to hold their office for five 
years; but Dec. 11, 1823, another act was passed, re- 
voking all appointments which had been made by the 
Quarter Se.ssions, and vesting the appointment in the 
i joint meeting of the Legislature. This continued the 
i method until the Constitution of 1844 was adopted, 
, which gave the appointment to the Governor, with 



578 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the advice and consent of the Senate, which is the 
present method, the term of office remaining five 
years. The following have held the office since the 
passage of the law for their appointment by joint 
meeting : 

Lucius Q. C. Elmer, appointed Oce. 29, 1824 ; reiippointed Oct. 30, 1829. 

Isaac W. Crane, appointed Oct. 31, 1S34. 

Elias P. Seeloy, appointed Oct. 25, 1839 ; reappointed by Governor Fob. 

5, ism ; died in office Aug. 23, lS4fl. 
Charles E. Elmer, appointed Feb. 11, 1847. 

(From March, 1 852, to March, 1854, the attorney-general of the State, 
Kicliard P. Thompson, of Salem, prosecuted in behalf of the State in 
this county.) 

Samuel A. Allen, appointed March 17, 1854. 
Charles P. Stratton, commissioned March 17, 1859 ; resigned. 
Charles E. Elmer, appointed March 14, 1860. 
James R. Hoagland, commissioned March 15, 18G5 ; recommissioned 

March 23, 1870, March 23, 1875, and March 23, 1880. 

COUNTY COLLECTOKS. 

By an act passed July 31, 1740, the boards of free- 
holders and justices were authorized to elect a county 
collector yearly, on the second Tuesday in May, and 
the act incorporating the boards of chosen freeholders, 
passed Feb. 13, 1798, gave to them the same power. 
The following is a list of them since the organization 
of the county : 



1748-52. Jonathan Holmes. 

1753-56. Alexander Moore. 

1757-63. Ephraim Seeley, Esq. 

1764. Not given. 

1765-69. Ephraim Seeley, Esq. 

1770-71. Not given. 

1772-73. Ephraim Seeley, Esq. 

1774. Benjamin Mulford. 

1775-76. Ephraim Seeley, Esq. 

1777-79. James Ewing (resigned). 

John Mulford.l 
1780-85. John Mulford. 
1736. Eli Elmer. 
1787-89. Dr. Ebenezor Elmer. 



1790. David Potter. 

1791. Joseph Buck. 

1792. Not given. 
1793-94. Joseph Buck, 

1795. David Potter. 

1796. Reuben Burgin. 
1797-1809. Jeremiah Buck. 
1810-14. Ebene/.er Seeley. 
1815-32. Jeremiah Buck. 
1833-38. Enoch H. More. 
1839-40. Samuel Harris. 
1841-52. Jonathan Holmes. 
1853-65. James Hood, Jr. 
1866-83. Henry B. Lupton. 



COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The act passed March 21, 1867, revising the school 
law of the State, provided for the appointment by the 
State Board of Education of county superintendents 
of public schools, to hold office at their pleasure not 
exceeding three years, and in this county the follow- 
ing have held the office: 

1867-70. Albert R. Jones. ! 1879-82. William 0. Garrison. 

1873-76. Richard L. Howell. < 

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 

Under the concessions of the first Proprietors, mem- 
bers of Assembly in West Jersey were chosen annu- 
ally in the different tenths, and two sessions, in May 
and November of each year, were held at Burlington. 
After, the union of East and West Jersey, Assemblies 
were called by the royal Governor, with the advice of 
his Council, and were adjourned or dissolved by him 
at any time. Members were elected by virtue of writs 
under the great seal of the colony, directed to the 
sherifi"of each county, requiring him to hold the elec- 
tion and make a return of the persons elected. By 

1 Chosen Jan. 18, 1780, to fill vacancy. 



an act passed in 1725 the sherifi", upon receipt of -the 
writ of election, was required to give twenty days' no- 
tice of the -day and place of election in three of the 
most public places in the county, and on the ap- 
pointed day, between the hours of ten and twelve, 
proceed to the election, first reading his writ; he was 
prohibited from declaring the choice by holding up 
of hands, and from adjourning to any other place 
without the consent of the candidates. If a poll was 
required by the candidates, he proceeded to take it 
from day to day until all the electors present were 
polled. He was required to appoint one clerk and 
one inspector for each candidate, upon their nomina- 
tion ; these officers were' sworn by him to take the 
poll fairly and justly by setting down the names of 
the voters, the place of their abode, and the person 
for whom they voted. Any person could have a copy 
of the poll by paying reasonable fees therefor. 

Members of the first two Assemblies held after the 
union of East and West Jersey were chosen at an 
election held at only one place in each division of 
the province, but subsequent elections were held at 
one place in each county, usually the court-house, 
which continued the method until about 1790, when 
voting by ballot, conducted by the judge of election, 
assessors, and collector in the several townships, took 
its place. Every voter was required to own one hun- 
dred acres of land in his own right, or to be worth 
fifty pounds in personal estate ; and no person could 
be elected to the Assembly who did not have one 
thousand acres of land, in his own right, within the 
division for which he was chosen, or be worth five 
hundred pounds in personal estate. The long inter- 
vals of time between the calling of the Assembly oc- 
casioned great dissatisfaction in the province, and in 
February, 1728, the Assembly passed an act requir- 
ing the calling of a new Assembly and a new election 
at least every three years, but this act was disallowed 
by the king in Council in November, 1731. In May, 
1768, a similar act was passed, but with the time ex- 
tended to seven years, which remained in force until 
the Revolution. 

Among the members of Assembly from Salem 
County before the setting off of Cumberland were 
the following persons who resided within the limits 
of this county : 

Under tkn Propnetart/ Government 
1682, May and November Sessions — Mark Reeve. 

1684, May and November Sessions — Thomas Smith. 
1085, May Session — Samuel Bacon, u^ 

1685, November Session — Mark Reeve. 

After the Union of EaH and West Jersey. 
1709 (5th Assembly)— Thomas Shepherd. 
1716 (7th Assembly, 3d sitting) — Dickinson Shepherd. 
1727 (9th Assembly) — Josejih Reeve. 
1733 (10th Assembly, 23 sitting)— John Brick. 
1738 (11th Assembly) — Joseph Reeve. 
1712 (12th Assembly, 3d sitting)- John Brick. 
1743 (13th Assembly, 1st sitting) — Leonard Gibbon. 2 

- Died June 19, 1744, between 1st and 2d sittings. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



5T9 



174+ (14th Assembly)— Moses Shepberd. 

1745 (15th Assembjy) — John Brick, Jr. 

1746 (16th Assembly)— John Brick, Jr. 

Memherafor Salem and Ctimberland. 

1740 (17th Assembly)— William Hancock, Salem ; John Brick, Cum- 
berland. 

1751 (IStli Assembly)— William Hancock, Salem ; Richard Wood, 
Cumberland. 

1764 (19th Assembly) — William Hancock, Salem; Ebenezer Miller, 
Cumberland. 

1761 (20th Assembly)— William Hancock, Salem; Ebenezer Miller, 
Cumberland. 

[At the Slh sitting of this Assembly, in November, 1763, Edward 
Keasbey was member in place of William Hancock, deceased.] 

1769 (21st Assembly) — Isaac Sharp, Ebenezer Miller. 

[At the 4th sitting, in April, 1771, Grant Gibbon was member in place 
of Isaac Sharp, deceased.] 

Members for Curaherland. 
1772 (22d Assembly) — John Sheppard, Theophilus Elmer. 

This was the last Assembly under the colonial 
goverument, the fifth and last sitting adjourniug 
Dec. 6, 1775. 

MEMBERS OF PROVINCIAL COSGEESSES. 

At the first meeting of the county committees at 
New Brunswick, July 21, 1774, at which five dele- 
gates were appointed to the Continental Congress, 
which met in Philadelphia, September 5th, Cumber- 
land was not repre.sented, no county committee hav- 
ing as yet been appointed. The next Provincial 
Congress was held at Trenton, commencing May 23, 
1775, and continuing until June 3d. A second ses- 
sion was held from August 5th to 17th of the same 
year. A county meeting was held May 16th, to 
choose delegates to this Congress, and Samuel Fith- 
ian, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Elmer, and Dr. Thomas 
Ewing were chosen, and attended both sessions of 
the Congress. This Congress assumed all the func- 
tions of the Legislature, among other things carried 
on correspondence with the other colonies, levied 
taxes, passed an act to organize the militia and to 
raise minute-men, and ordered an election on Sep- 
tember 21st, to elect delegates to a new Congress to 
meet October 3d. A county meeting was held on the 
day ordered, and Theophilus Elmer and Jonathan 
Ayars, Esq., were elected, and attended the session of 
that body, which lasted from October 3d to 28th, and 
a second session from Jan. 81, 1776, to March 2d fol- 
lowing. After transacting a very large amount of 
public business, the Congress ordered an election on 
May 27th, to elect delegates to the next Congress or 
Convention, to meet at Burlington on June 10th. 
At this election Theophilus Elmer, Jonathan Ayars, 
Ephraim Harris, John Buck, and Jonathan Bo wen''' 
were elected delegates and took their seats. Gov- 
ernor Franklin, the last of the royal Governors, 
having issued a proclamation for a meeting of the 
Assembly on June 20th, this Convention, on June 
14th, passed a resolution that the proclamation ought 
not to be obeyed, that Governor Franklin had proved 
himself to be an enemy of the liberties of this coun- 



try, and issued an order to Col. Nathaniel Heard, of 
the First Battalion of Middlesex, directing him to take 
the parole of the Governor, or else to take him into 
custody. The Governor, refusing to sign the parole, 
was arrested, and afterwards, by advice of the Conti- 
nental Congress, was removed under guard to Gov- 
ernor Trumbull, of Connecticut. The entire func- 
tions of government were thus assumed by this Con- 
vention, and their work was fitly crowned by the 
adoption of a Constitution for the State on July 2d, 
which continued the supreme law until 1844, when it 
was superseded by a new one. The Convention con: 
tinued in session until August 21st, transacting a 
multitudinous variety of business. The members 
from Cumberland were among the most active in the 
Convention, and had a large part in shaping its 
action. 

Members of the Legislative Council and Gen- 
eral Assembly under the State Government.— The 
Constitution adopted July 2, 1776, provided for the 
first election to take place on August 13th, and all 
future ones on the second Tuesday in October in each 
year, at which elections one member of the Legisla- 
tive Council, three members of Assembly, a sheriff, 
and one or more coroners should be elected, with a 
proviso that the number of members of Assembly 
from each county might be changed by law. Mem- 
bers of Council were required to be worth at least one 
thousand pounds proclamation money of real and 
personal estate in the county, and Assemblymen five 
hundred pounds of like estate, and all voters should 
be worth fifty pounds clear estate. By the Constitu- 
tion of 1844 the name of the upper house of the Leg- 
islature was changed to the Senate, and the term of 
Senators was made three years, and all property qual- 
ifications of Senators, Assemblymen, and voters were 
left out. 

The members of the Legislature under the State 
government are as follows : 



1776-77. Theophilus Elmer. 

1778. Ephraim Harris. 

1779. John Buck. 

1780. Dr. Jonathan Elmer. 

1781. Samuel Ogden. 

1782. Theophilus Elmer. 

1783. -Samuel Ogden. 

1784. Dr. Jonathan Elmer. 
1785-94. Samuel Ogden. 
1796. Eli Elmer. 
1796-97. Samuel Ogden. 
1798. Joel rithian. 
.1799-1800. Samuel Ogden. 

'1301-2. David Moore. 
1803-4. George Burgin. 

1805. Abraham Sayre. 

1806. Ebenezer Seeley. 

1807. Ebenezer Elmer (vice-presi- 
dent of Council). 

1S08. Ebenezer Seeley (vice-presi- 
dent of Council). 
1809. James B. Hunt. 
1810-11. George Burgin. 
1812. Ebenezer Seeley. 



1813. Ezekiel Foster. 

1814. James Clark. 
1815-17. Ebenezer Seeley. 

1818. James Clark. 

1819. Ebenezer Seeley. 
182C-21. James D. Westcott. 
1822-26. Ebenezer Seeley. 

1826. Dr. Ephraim Bateman (vice- 
president of Council). 

1827-28. John Trenchard (2d). 

1829-32. Elias P. Seeley (vice-presi- 
dent 1831 and '32, and by the 
election of Governor Southard as 
U. S. Senator, became Governor 
during 1833). 

1833. Israel Stratton. 

1834. David Reeves. 
1835-36. Joshua Brick. 

1837. Israel Stratton. 

1838. Nathaniel Foster. 
1839^0. Samuel Barber. 

1841. Ephraim H. Whiticar. 

1842. David Whitaker. 

1843. Enoch H. More. 



580 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



1844. 
1846. 



1847. 
1850. 



1853. 
1856. 



1776. 



Senate. 
Enoch H. Moore (died May 6, i 1859, 

1846). 
Stephen A. Garrison (for one 

year term). 
Stephen A. Garrison. 
Reuben Fithian (died March 

8,1853). 



Lewis Howell. 
John L. Sharp. 



1862. 
1865. 
1868. 
1871. 
1874. 
1877. 
1880. 



Assembly. 
1795. 



1780. 



1782. 



1784. 



1809. 



Ephraim Harris. 

Jonatlmn Bowen. ' 

John Buck. 

Ephraim Harris. I 1796. 

Ephraim Seeley. 

John Buck. 

Jouatlian Bowen. 1797. 

James Ewing. 

John Buck. ' 1798. 

James Ewing. 

Joel Fithian. 1799. 

Timothy Elmer (1st, died ] 

June, 17S0). ■ 1800. 

Thomas Ewing. ; 

Samuel Ogden. ' 1801- 

Ladis Walling. 

Joshua Ewing. 1803. 

Joshua Brick. 

Josiah Seeley, 1804. 

Joshua Ewing. 

Ephraim Harris (Speaker). | 1805. 
Jonathan Bowen. i 

Epliraim Harris (Speaker), i 180G. 
Joshua Ewing. I 

Jonathan Bowen. 
John Burgin. 
Ephraim Harris. 
William K el say. 
John Sheppard (2d). 
John Burgin. 
Jonathan Bowen. : 
John Sheppard (2d). ! 

Ephraim Harris. ' 

Jonathan Bowen. '; j 

Ephraim Harris (Speaker). ' 
John Sheppard (2d). j 

John Burgin. ; 

John Sheppard (2d). 
Eli Elmer. 
John Burgin. 

John Burgin. i 

Eli Elmer. j 

Ebeuezer Elmer. | 

John Burgin. 
Ebenezer Elmer. 
Richard Wood, Jr. j 

John Burgin. 

Ebenezer Elmer (Speaker). 
Joel Fithian. 
John Burgin. 
Joel Fitliian. 
Ephraim Harris. 
Ebeuezer Elmer. 
Joel Fithian. 
John Burgin (died Oct. 20, 

1793). 
David Moore (elected to fill 

vacancy). 
, Ebenezer Elmer. 
Ephraim Seeley. 
Benjamin Feck. 



Nathaniel Stratton. 
Providence Ludlam. 
Providence Ludlam. 
James H. Nixon. 
Caleb Henry Sheppard. 
J. Howard Willets. 
George S. Whiticar. 
Isaac T. Nichols. 



Ebenezer Elmer (Speaker), 
Ebenezer Seeley. 
Benjamiu Peck. 
David Moore. 
Jonathan Bowen. 
James Harris.^ 
James Harris. 
David Moore. 
Isaac Wheaton. 
John Sheppard (3d). 
George Bnrgiii. 
Jonathan Bowen. 
Richard Wood (3d). 
Jonathan Bowen, Jr. 
2. George Burgin. 
Dr. Azcl PiersoD. 
Dr. Azel Pierson. 
Robert Smith. 
Robert Smith. 
Abijah Davis. 
James Lee. 
Jedediah Ogden. 
Dr. Benjamin Champneys- 
James D. Westcott. 
Dr. Benjamio Champneys. 
Dr. Jonathan Moore. 
Dr. Jonathan Moore. 
Dr. Ephraim Bateman. 
Daniel Richmau. 
Dr. Ephraim Bateman. 
Isaac W. CraTie. 
Daniel Richman. 
Daniel Richman. 
Dr. Ephraim Bateman. 
Dr. Ephraim Bateman. 
Stephen Willis. 
Daniel Richman. 
Dr. Ephraim Bateman 

(Speaker). 
Daniel Richman. 
Thomas Lee.- 
John S. Wood. 
Nathan Leake (2d). 
Daniel Richman. 
Daniel Parvin. 
Nathan Leake (2d). 
James D. Westcott. 
Ebenezpr Elmer (Speaker). 
John S. Wood. 
John Sibley. 
John Sibley. 
Daniel Parvin. 
John Laning, Jr. 
Ebenezer Elmer. 
Dr. William B. Ewing. 
John Laning, Jr. 
, Dr. William B. Ewing. 
Lucius Q. C. Elmer. 
Nathan Leake (2d). 
Dr. William B. Ewing. 
Lucius Q. C. Elmer. 



1821 


John Laning, Jr. 


1845. Lewis Howell. 


1822 


Dr. William B. Ewing. 


George Heisler. 




Lucius Q. C. Elmer. 


Stephen A. Garrison. 




John Mayhew. (Died Oct. 


1846. Dr. Leonard Lawrence. 




23, 1822.) 


Uria D. Woodruff. 


182.1 


Dr. William B. Ewing. 


Jeremiah Parvin, 




Lucius Q. C. Elmer 


1847. Uriah D. Woodruff. 




(Speaker). 


Reuben Fithian. 




Israel Stratton. 


Richard Love. 


1824 


Israel Stratton. 


1848. Reuben Fithian. 




George Souder. 


JohnT. Nixon. 




Nathan Leake (2d). 


Richard Love. 


1826 


Dr. William B. Ewing. 


1849. Joel Moore. 




Israel Stratton. 


John T. Nixon (Speaker). 




Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 


Benjamin Ayars. 


1826 


Dr. William B. Ewing. 


1850. Benjamin Ayars. 




Elias P. Seeley. 


Joel Moore. 




Nathaniel Foster. 


Samuel Mayhew,"* 


1827-28. Dr. William B. Ewing 


1851. David Campbell. 




(Speaker). 


Samuel Mayhew,^ 




Elias P. Seeley. 


1852. 1st, Enos S. Gandy. 




Nathaniel Foster. 


2d, Lewis Woodruff. 


1821) 


Michael Swing. 


1863. Ist, David Harris. 




Nathaniel Foster. 


2d, Morton Mills. 




Philip Fithian. 


1854-55. 1st, John F. Keen, 


1830 


Dr. William B. Ewing. 


2d, James M. Wells, 




Jeremiah Stratton. 


1856, 1st, Uriah Mayhew, 




William D. Barrett. 


2d, Elias Doughty. 


1831 


John Laning. 


1857. 1st, Robert More. 




Henry Shaw. 


2d, Ehvell Nichols. 




Jeremiah Stratton. 


1868. 1st, Robert More. 


1832 


John Laning. 


2d, Aaron S. Westcott. 




Josiah Shaw. 


1859. Ist, Ebenezer Hall. 




Keubeu Unut. 


2d, John Carter. 


1833 


Jeremiah StuU. 


1860-61. 1st, Dr, William Bacon, 




Noah H. Flanagan. 


2d, Jonathan E, Sheppard, 




William Lore, 


1862-63. l6t,Dr. B.Rush Bateman. 


1834- 


-35. Thomas B. Hunt. 


2d, Edward W. Maylin. 




Isaac Newcomb. 


1864-66. 1st, Robert More, 




Ephraim H. Whiticar. 


2d, James H, Nixon. 


1830 


Thomas E. Hunt. 


1867. 1st, Thomas D. Westcott, 




Elias P. Seeley. 


2d, James H, Nixon, 




Peter Ladow. 


1868, 1st, Caleb Henry Sheppard, 


1837 


Noah H. Flanagan. 


2d, William A, House, 




David Whitaker. 


1869-70. 1st, Charles C. Grosscup. 




Samuel Bowen. 


2d, William A, House, 


1838 


Belford M. Bonhani. 


1871-72. 1st, George S, Whiticar, 




David Whitaker. 


2d, J, Howard Willels, 




David Jones.s 


1873, 1st, Lewis H, Dowdney, 


1839 


Belford M. Bonham. 


2d, George B, Langley, 




Israel Newcomb. 


1874, 1st, Lewis H, Dowdney, 




Ephraim H. Whitaker. 


2d, George W, Payne, 


1840 


William P. Seeley. 


1875. 1st, Isaiah W, Richman. 




Lewis Rice. 


2d, George W, Payne, 




Benjamin F. Chew. 


1876, 1st, Isaac T, Nichols. 


1841 


William P. Seeley. 


2d, George W. Payne, 




Benjamin F. Chew. 


1877, 1st, Isaac T. Nichols, 




Elmer Ogden. 


2d, James Lough ran. 


1842 


Thomas Ware. 


1878-79, 1st, Dr, Robert P. Ewing, 




John R. Corey. 


2d, Arthur T. Parsons. 




Joseph Butcher. 


1880, 1st, Charles Ladow, 


1843 


Joseph Taylor (Speaker). 


2d, John H. Avis, 




Daniel L, Burt. 


1881, 1st, Charles Ladow, 




Josiah Shaw. 


2d, Philip P, Baker, 


1844 


Josiah Shaw. 


18S2. 1st, Isaac M. Smalley, 




Lewis Howell. 


2d, John B, Campbell, 




George Heisler. 





1 March 8, 1797, an act was passed reducing Cumberland to two mem- 
bers, 

2 February, 1815, act passed increasing representation of Cumberland 
to three. 



3 Dr. Isaac H. Hampton and John Elmer were returned by the county 
clerk as elected, instead of Whitaker and Jones, and occupied their seats 
from October 28th to November 16th, when, as the result of a contest, 
Whitaker and Jones were declared elected. 

■* N.B.— By an act passed in 1851 apportioning the members of the 
Assembly, Cumberland was given two members. 

.'■. N.B.— lu 1852 the counties of the State were subdivided into districts, 
and since that time Assemblymen have been elected by districts. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



581 



Members of the State Convention to ratify Con- 
stitution of the United States. This convention com- 
menced its session at Trenton, Dec. 11, 1787, and on 
the ISth the Constitution was unanimously ratified. 
The members from this county were David Potter, 
Jonathan Bowen, Eli Elmer. 

Delegates to Convention that formed the new 
Constitution of 1844, Judge Daniel Elmer, Dr. Wil- 
liam B. Evving, Joshua Brick. 

STATISTICS. 

In 1798 the assessment for Cumberland County 
was as follows: 88,227 acres of improved land, at £35 
per 100 acres ; 80,376 acres of unimproved land, at 
£2 per 100 aci'es ; 160 houses and lots, assessed at £5 
each ; 1664 horses and mules, at 20 shillings each ; 
6309 neat cattle, at 10 shillings each ; 28 shop-keep- 
ers, at £75 each ; 6 tan-yards, at £40 each; 3 single 
men and horses, at £15 each ; 208 single men, at £10 
each ; 22 saw-mills, at £40 each ; 20 grist-mills, at 
£60 each ; 1 fulling-mill, at £40 ; 9 -slaves, at £10 
each ; amount of taxable property, £44,780 9s. ; quota 
of the county of £30,000 tax, £1028 2s. 8c;. 

At the same time the assessment for Salem was 
123,601 acres of improved land, at £55 per 100 acres; 
34,340 acres of unimproved land, at £4 per 100 acres ; 
1-54 houses and lots, at £8 each ; 2938 horses and mules, 
6587 neat cattle, 26 shop-keepers, 12 tan-yards, 30 
single men and horses, 3 fisheries, averaged £50 each, 
assessed at £83J each; 250 single men, 7 saw-mills, 
31 grist-mills, 3 fulling-mills, 4 ferries, averaged at 
£200 each, assessed at £25 each ; 12 slaves, 9 cover- 
ing-horses, at £25 each ; amount of taxable property, 
£85,002 13s. ; quota of £30,000 tax, £1951 12s. 4d. 
Where not mentioned above, they are assessed at 
same rates as in Cumberland. These are not the 
total numbers of each in the counties, but those sub- 
ject to the tax. Previous to 1851 a great part of the 
taxes were assessed upon certainties, by which was 
meant a specific sum upon a person, article of prop- 
erty, or occupation. At this day the usual certain- 
ties are limited to the poll-tax and dog- tax. 

In 1815 a direct tax was laid by the United States 
government, and the assessments for the three lower 
counties were as follows : 





o 


u> 


S 


o 


S5 


s-s 


















?; 


■3 


o 


c 


•=.& 


.2 m ?= 


Counties. 


<3 




•i 


O 


g-o • 




'SI 


O 3 
O 


o 










|2i 


tl^ 


^ 


1 


u 


B 


Salem 


170,816 


1852 


1610 


$4,453,725 


$5,344,470 


Cumberland.. 


245,935 


1911 


1236 


^83186 


3,447,834 


4,137,400 


Cape May 


83,332 


644 


402 


i 


655,062 


866,896 



Since 1851 the system of assessing taxes on the 
value of property has been pursued. The amount of 
taxable property in the county, after deducting debts, 
as returned by the assessors^ has been as follows : 



Townships 
AND Wards. 


1852. i 1860. 


1870. 


1880. 1883. 




$556,000: $571,000 
561,000: 686,000 
342,000] 5.ifl,000 
443,000: 500,000 

1 900,0001 850,000 

300,000! 401,000 
705,000: 875,000 


$727,000 

1,100,000 

651,000 

782,000 

( 1,048,000 

I 690,000 

739,000 

1.248.000 


$646,000, $664,000 


Hopewell 

Stow Creek 


1,120,000 1,081,000 
660,000 515,000 
810,000 834,000 


Bridgeton ; 

First Ward 

Second Ward... 

Third Ward 1... 
Fairfield i 


1,583,000, 1,815,000 
797,000' 850,000 
942,000, 1,000,000 

1,080,000 1,057,000 




580,000: 657,000[ 780,000 


336,000, 335,000 




495,000; 661,000 




I 


1,357,000 

f 550,000 

i 495,000 

1 720,000 

765,000 


1,155,000! 1,191,000 


Millville : 

First Ward 

Second Ward... 

Third Ward.... 
Maurice River... 


I 620,000 
638,000 


870,000 
575,000 


520,000 625,000 

475,000 . 620,000 

1,100,000 1,073,000 

449,000| 440,000 

1 


Total 


$5 546 000 SSfi.535.000 


$11,552,000 


$12,073,00o'$12,651,000 











By the census of 1880, Cumberland County con- 
tained 3849 horses, 419 mules and asses, 59 working 
oxen, 5139 milch cows, 3485 other cattle, 3663 sheep, 
and 6979 swine. Dairy products made on farms: 
72,000 gallons of milk, 282,040 pounds of butter, and 
886 pounds of cheese. Agricultural products were: 
Wheat, 157,952 bushels ; corn, 602,546 bushels ; oats, 
63,324 bushels ; buckwheat, 3162 bushels ; rye, 4131 
bushels. There were 291 manufacturing establish- 
ments, with $1,706,834 capital, the greatest number 
of hands employed being 5085, to whom were paid 
wages of $735,416. The amount of raw materials 
used was $2,026,919, with a product of goods valued 
at $3,351,730. 

In September, 1699, the freeholders in West Jersey 
were computed as follows : 

Burlington County 302 

Gloucester County 134 

Salem County 326 

Cape May County 70 

In an 832 

VPliereof were Quakers 266 

566 

This indicated that the total population at that 
time was over five thousand persons, of whom about 
two thousand resided in Salem County. 

In 1737-38, out of a total population in the whole 
province of 47,369, Salem had 5884, of whom 184 were 
slaves. 

In 1745 the population of the province Iiad increased 
to 61,383, and of Salem County to 6847. Of this 
number 187 were slaves and 1090 were Quakers. 

The population of Cumberland County when it was 
set off, in 1748, was probably less than 3000 persons. 
It rapidly increased in population, and at the Revo- 
lution contained about 7500 inhabitants. By the 
first United States census, in 1790, it contained 8248 
persons, and in 1800 it had 9529 inhabitants. The 
following are the census statistics of the county by 
townships since 1810 : 

1 Third Ward of Bridgetou was Cohansey township previous to 1865. 



582 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Townships. 


1810. 


1820. 


1830. 


1840. 


1860. 


1860. 




858 
1,987 
1,():19 
1,889 
2,279 
1,601 
2,085 
1 032 


890 
1,952 

884 
1.903 
1,869 
1,749 
2,411 
1,010 


912 
1,953 

791 
2,417 
1,812 
1,923 
2,724 
1,659 


918 
2,209 

846 
2 621 


1 168 ! 1,265 




1,480 1 1,757 

1,093 1 1,267 

HO^ ! I.5!SR 


Stow Creek 


Fairfield 


1 935 2.133 ' 9.448 




1,920 
2,142 
1,771 


2,341 
2,246 
2,332 
2,'M6 
1,034 


3,114 
2,430 
3 932 


Maurice River... 
Millville.. 


BridgetuD ' 

Cohansey" 




3,696 
1,509 


Total j 12,670 


12,668 


14,091 


14,374 


17,189 


22,605 



Townships and "Wards. 



1870. 



1880. 



Greenwich 

Hopewell 

Stow Creek 

Deerfield 

Fail-field 

Downe 

Maurice River... 
Millville :8 

First Ward 

Second Wiird . 

Third Ward.... 



Bridgeton : * 
First Ward .... 
Second Ward.. 
Third Ward... 



LandisS 

Commercial "^ 



1,262 
1,859 
1,133 
1,622 
3,011 
3,386 
2,502 


1,245 
1,764 
1,107 
1,643 
3,215 
1,687 
2,374 


1,663 
2,160 
2,284 


2,217 
2,892 
2. .551 


6,107 


7,660 


3,103 
1.919 
1,808 


3,786 
2,409 
2,627 


6,830 


8,722 


7,077 


6,006 
2,266 



.37,687 



Since 1880 the county has increased very rapidly, 
and now has over forty thousand inhabitants. 



CHAPTER XCI. 

CITY OF BKIDGETON. 

Formation and Boundaries, — The township of 
Bridgeton was set off from Deerfield township by an 
act of the Legislature, approved Feb. 18, 1845. Its 
boundaries began at the moutli of Ogden's or Stone 
Bridge Run, where it empties into the Cohansey; 
then up the middle of that run to western line of 
Samuel W. Seeley's land, where it crosses said run ; 
then a straight course to head of Lebanon Branch, 
about or at the late Joel Smith's corner of land; then 
down Lebanon Branch to Chatfield Branch ; then up 
Chatfield to the head thereof; and then a direct line 
to the head of Parvin's Branch or Coney's Run, and 
down that stream to the Cohansey, and up the Co- 
hansey to the beginning. 

The township of Cohansey was set off from Hope- 

1 Bridgeton set off' from Deerfield in 1845. 

2 Cohaosey set off from Hopewell in 1848. 

3 Divided iuto three wards in 1866. 

i Townsliip of Bridgeton divided into First and Second Wards of city 
of Bridgeton, and township of Cohansey made Tliird Ward of said city 
in 1865. 

^ Landis set off from Millville in 1864. 

Commercial set off from Downe in 1878. 



well township March 2, 1848. Its boundaries began 
where Island Branch or Cubby's Hollow stream 
empties into the Cohansey River; then up the Co- 
hansey to the Tumbling Dam ; then westwardly along 
the dam and the southerly edge of the pond to a cor- 
ner on the shore of the pond ; then on a straight line 
to a stone on the north side of Irelan's mill-pond, 
near the water's edge ; then a southwesterly course 
across the pond to a corner; thence due south to 
Cubby's Hollow stream, and down that to the begin- 
ning point. 

Previous to this efforts had been made to have 
Bridgeton made a separate township, owing to the 
increase of the population of the town, which became 
more rapid after about 1820. After the census of 1830 
showed the population of the town to be two thou- 
sand and forty-four, the desire on the part of some for 
a new township led to the holding of a public meet- 
ing on Dec. 1, 1831, to petition the Legislature to 
make Bridgeton a separate township, but nothing 
came of it. On Nov. 6, 1832, another meeting was 
held for the same purpose, and two weeks afterwards 
a meeting to oppose it was held, and the project was 
dropped. But the increasing number of the popula- 
tion finally united all in ftivor of a separate organiza- 
tion, and the two townships were set off as above 
stated. 

The same reasons which led to the setting off of the 
two townships with the continued growth of the 
town led to a desire to unite them in one organiza- 
tion, and on March 29, 1864, an act was approved to 
take [effect March 1, 1865, by which the two town- 
ships of Bridgeton and Cohansey were incorporated 
into the city of Bridgeton. All that portion of the 
township of Bridgeton north of Commerce Street was 
made the First Ward, all that portion south of Com- 
merce Street was made the Second Ward, and the 
township of Cohansey was made the Third Ward. 

Early History and Growth. — When the county 
was set off from Salem, and Cohansey Bridge was 
made the county-seat, in 1748, it was not even what 
would be called a village at this day. On the west 
side of the river there was a two-storied hip-roofed 
house belonging to Silas Parvin, and in which he 
kept a tavern, which stood south of Commerce and 
east of Atlantic Streets, as they now are. The road 
at that time ran a southwesterly course from the 
foot of the bridge up the side of the hill to the 
court-house, and then along Broad Street to now Law- 
rence Street, then a southwesterly course through 
the present graveyard, and so on to Greenwich. A 
branch of this road ran down the river to the marshes, 
from the neighborhood of the court-liouse, on which 
there stood a house a short distance back of where 
the court-house now stands, owned by Jeremiah 
Sayre, a shoemaker. On the site of the present 
court-house stood the house of John Hall, with his 
blacksmith-shop a little west of it. He also kept a 
tavern in this house. It caught fire in December, 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



583 



1758, and was burned to the ground, together with 
the adjoining court-house, to which the fire was com- 
municated. Hall rebuilt his house, and at December 
term, 1759, was granted another license for a tavern, 
and continued to keep one there until 1766. 

South of the Parvin house, along the river, just 
north of Broad Street, was a house fronting the north, 
built by Capt. Elias Getting, who was appointed the 
first clerk of the county, and who resided there. An- 
other house stood not far from Parvin's, on the side 
of the hill near the road, owned by Benjamin Sayre. 
These, with the house on the farm north of what is 
now Jeddy's Pond, and a store-house of cedar logs 
near the bridge, comprised about all the buildings on 
the west side of the river. On the east side of the 
river there was a wharf near the present Broad Street 
bridge, and a house owned and occupied by him 
standing near it on the east side of the road, which 
ran about where South Laurel Street now is, from the 
main road to this wharf. On the west side of this 
road was a house occupied by Isaac Smith, where the 
courts of the county were held when they first con- 
vened at Cohansey Bridge, in February, 174|. This 
house faced the south, and was afterwards occupied 
by James Boyd, who kept a store there, and after his 
death by his widow. It stood until after the begin- 
ning of this century, and is remembered by the late 
Judge Elmer as empty and dilapidated some seventy 
years ago. A house also stood on what is now the 
Buck property, at Laurel and Jefferson Streets, near 
where the present house stands. The old Hancock 
saw-mill was standing near where Pine Street crosses 
the original bed of the stream close to the hill, and 
the mansion-house belonging to it stood on the site 
of the residence of David Edwards, on the north side 
of Pine Street. Ephraim Seeley's mill stood in the 
low ground now covered by the water of East Lake, 
about east of the easterly end of Cedar Street, and 
his mansion-house stood on the hill northwest of the 
mill and near the poud. A house stood on the In- 
dian Fields road, on top of the hill between East 
Avenue and the run now known as the Slash, but 
formerly called Keen's Run. A tavern was kept in 
this house by John Keen from 1754 to 1775. Be- 
tween this house and the West Jersey Railroad was 
an old graveyard, all trace of which has long since 
disappeared. Those included all the houses on the 
east side of the river in 1748 within the built-up por- 
tions of the present city. A mile east of the bridge 
was the Indian Fields settlement, a collection of 
farms owned and occupied by William Dare, John 
Dare, Robert Hood, James Riley, and Manoah 
Lummis. 

In 1752, Alexander Moore purchased of the West 
Jersey Society a tract of nine hundred and ninety 
acres of land, including all the east side of the river 
to the line of the Indian Fields survey, and two years 
afterwards he had a town laid out for him on the east 
aide of the river bv Daniel Elmer, Jr., a surveyor, 



which he called Cumberland. He sold a few lots by 
this plan, but only two of the streets were opened for 
a short distance, and that plan was never carried out. 
Moore was the first person who kept a store at Co- 
hansey Bridge, as far as is known. He built a hoii-e 
on the north side of Commerce Street, which stood 
about sixty feet west of the present Cohansey Street, 
and his store-house, built of cedar logs, stood where 
the clothing-store of D. J. Stathems now is, at the 
northeast corner of Commerce and Cohansey Streets. 
The log store-house was taken down by his grandson, 
John Moore White, after he came into possession of 
the property in 1791, and the dwelling was removed 
in 1830, when Dr. William Elmer erected the row of 
brick buildings now standing. Moore sold the land 
south of Commerce Street before his death in 1786, 
and the lots on Front Street, now South Laurel, were 
among the first built upon east of the bridge. 

At the time of the Revolution the town had in- 
creased to from one hundred and fifty to two hundred 
inhabitants, the larger part of whom lived on the 
west side of the river, mostly on Main or High, now 
Broad Street, and on Vine Street, while those on the 
east side were mostly along the main road eastward 
from the bridge (now Commerce Street), and along 
the road to the lower landing already referred to (now 
South Laurel Street). 

Ebenezer Miller, who laid a survey of four hundred 
and twenty acres in 1748, on the land lying between 
now Oak Street and about where Hampton Street now 
is, sold off the lots on the south side of Broad Street, 
west of the court-house, and on Vine Street, west of 
Fayette, previous to 1759, and in that year sold the 
remainder of his survey, in the present built-up por- 
tions of the city, to his son, Josiah Miller, by whom 
lots were sold off, and a number of them built upon. 
John Moore White, after he came into the posses- 
sion of his property, commenced to sell lots, and the 
portion of the town north of Commerce Street began 
to improve. The number of inhabitants, by an enu- 
meration made in 1792, was three hundred. By 1800 
the number had increased to the neighborhood of 
four hundred, and the houses then existing, accord- 
ing to Judge Elmer, were as follows: On the east side 
of the river, north of Commerce Street, the Ephraim 
Seeley mill and mansion ; a house on the north side 
of Commerce Street, opposite the Methodist grave- 
yard, built by Mr. Fauver, now the double dwelling 
belonging to Benjamin T. Bright; the house at the 
I northwest corner of Commerce and Bank Streets, 
I built by Judge Ephraim Seeley a short time before 
I his death, in 1799 ; the late residence of Judge L. Q. 
C. Elmer; the academy on Bank Street, with the 
Masonic lodge in the second story, as at the present 
' day ; the house on Irving Avenue, fronting Bank 
Street, built by Joseph Buck, then owned by Eben- 
ezer Seeley, and now Leake's Hotel; a one-story 
house on the south side of Irving, between Bank and 
Pearl Streets, still standing; the mansion-house of 



584 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Alexander Moore, then a tavern ; two houses near 
there, on the north side of Commerce Street; John 
Moore Wliite's residence, on the northwest corner of 
Commerce and Laurel Streets, now the Davis House 
hotel ; the house of Edfen M. Merseilles, now a part 
of the Grosscup's Hall property ; a house east of this, 
built by Reuben Burgiu, afterwards the residence of 
Governor Elias P. Seeley, and since moved to the 
rear of the lot, and now stands on Church Lane; a 
blacksmith-shop at the northwest corner of Com- 
merce and Pearl Streets ; the house ou the east side 
of Pearl Street, now the residence of Samuel W. 
Seeley; a house where the First Presbyterian Church 
now stands ; the one-story house nearly opposite on 
the west side of Laurel Street, owned by James Hood, 
a Scotchman, who followed the business of making 
wrought nails, and his shop adjoining ; a blacksmith- 
shop on Washington Street, near the corner of Lau- 
rel ; the stone house at the southwest corner of Laurel 
and Irving Streets, built that year by Zachariah Law- 
/ rence, and torn down by Ner Allen a little over a 
year ago; two small houses near there; three houses 
above, on the same street; and a store-house on the 
northeast corner of Laurel and Irving Streets. 

On the south side of Commerce Street a one-story 
stone house, at the southeast corner of Pearl Street, 
owned by Mark Riley, torn down about 1846 to make 
way for the present brick row built by Samuel Harris; 
five frame houses on South Pearl Street; the house 
at the Hancock saw-mill, then owned by Col. Enos 
Seeley, long known as the Widow Jay house; che 
house of David Seeley (now Mrs. Buck's), at corner 
of JetTerson and Laurel Streets; the Isaac Smith 
house, long known as the Boyd mansion ; the store- 
house still standing at the southeast corner of Com- 
merce and Laurel Streets, built by Eden Merseilles; 
a house on Laurel Street, adjoining the last, occupied 
by Col. Joseph Buck in 1791, and taken away a few 
years ago to make room for the present brick build- 
ing ; a house on the northwest corner of Laurel and 
Warren Streets, and a house north of that on the ad- 
joining lot, built by Henry Bitters, who came to this 
country as a Hessian soldier in the Revolution, but 
deserted and settled in Upper Hopewell ; a housejust 
south of Warren Street, long owned by Dr. John 
Garrison, and torn away within a year or two to make 
room for the brick building built by Constant Albert- 
■ son ; the story and a half house just north of JetTer- 
son Street, then owned by Samuel Woodruff, and now 
the property of William G. Nixon ; a stone house on 
the west side of Laurel Street, where the Stratton 
row of frame houses now stands ; a store-house at the 
southwest corner of Commere and Laurel Streets, 
torn away about 1871, when the present handsome 
brick building was built ; a shoemaker-shop and 
house on the south side of Commerce Street, opposite 
Cohansey Street, built by James Burch, and long the 
residence of James B. Potter ; and a store-house near 
the bridge, on the south side of the street. 



On the west side of the river the old Parvin house, 
torn down about 1825, by Smith Bowen ; a stone house 
near it, on the north side of Commerce Street ; the 
old Cotting house, then Enoch Boon's, which was 
torn down about forty years ago ; the Benjamin 
Sayre house; three other houses on Atlantic Street; 
a house on Broad Street, below the jail ; three houses 
on the north side of that street, between Atlantic and 
Franklin Streets, one of which, next to the present 
hotel, was a tavern at that time ; two houses on the 
west side of Franklin Street; Col. David Potter's 
brick house and store, now standing, at the northwest 
corner of Broad and Franklin, built in 1780 by Col. 
Potter, on the site of a frame house which was built 
by William Waggoner about 1762, and sold by. his 
executors to Col. Potter in 1773, and destroyed by fire 
in 1780 ; two or three houses between that and Giles 
Street; Gen. Giles' residence, which he built in 1792, 
for many years past the residence of the late Rev. S. 
B. Jones, D.D. ; two or three houses on the north 
side of Commerce Street, above Gen. Giles' ; the 
brick house built by Ebenezer Miller, known of late 
years as the residence of Mrs. Nancy Read, deceased ; 
the frame house still standing just west of Fayette 
Street, then occupied by Col. Seth Bowen ; the house 
at the southwest corner of Broad and Giles Streets ; 
three or four other houses on the south side of Broad > 
three houses on the west side of Fayette Street; a 
large three-storied house where the court-house now 
is, long used as a tavern ; five or six houses on Vine 
Street; a one-story school-house where the public 
school-house on Giles Street now is ; the old Presby- 
terian Church, the jail and the court-house, the 
latter in the middle of Broad Street. 

The only wharves at this time were one below the 
bridge on the west side, another lower down ou the 
same side belonging to Col. Potter, one on the east 
side, about half-way from Commerce to Broad Street, 
belonging to Seeley & Merseilles, who occupied the 
store-house near the bridge, and the old Smith or 
Hanoe Woolson wharf, then much dilapidated. 

The growth of the place was slow for many years. 
After 1800 it increased more rapidly on the east side 
of the river than on the west, and by 1820 the east 
side had become the more populous. 

On Feb. 20, 1822, the greatest freshet ever known 
in this section did a great deal of damage throughout 
the county. In Bridgeton the dam of Elmer's mill- 
pond, at the eastern end of the town, was carried away 
by it, and the foundation of the woolen-mill occupied 
by Enoch H. Moore was undermined and the mill 
washed away, Mr. Moore losing all he was worth. 
The tumbling-dam was broken, and a break was also 
made at the foot of the race leading to the iron-works. 
Outside of Bridgeton immense damage was done. 
John S. Wood's grist-mill at Jericho was destroyed, 
and every mill-dam in the county was broken. It 
was estimated that the damage was thirty thousand 
dollars in this county. 



CITY OP BRIDGBTON. 



585 



In 1829 the number of families was three hundred 
and forty-two, and the total of the inhabitants seven- 
teen hundred and thirty-six. At this time large quan- 
tities of grain, lumber, and cordwood were shipped 
from here. Twenty-five vessels were engaged mostly 
in the wood trade, and over twenty-eight thousand 
cords of wood and large quantities of lumber were 
yearly sent to Philadelphia. In 1830 the population 
of the town was two thousand and forty-four. May 
8, 1838, a meeting of the inhabitants of Bridgeton 
was held, and committees appointed to take a census 
and name the streets, which committees reported at a 
meeting held on the 22d that the 

" numberof inhabitants, 2^15, of wliom 1513 were on tlie east side and 802 
on the west side, of 72 are colored persons; 429 are heads of families. 
Number of dwellings and other bnildings, -175 ; the public buildings are 
a brick court-house, fire-proof jail, and couiit,v offices; there are also 2 
Presbyterian, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist church ; 1 bank with a capital 
of S200,000, i large hotels, 2 academies, high school, female seminary, 
and S other schools; 1 printing-office, employing on book, newspaper, 
and job-work 10 hands ; 1 public library, an extensive nail-factory, 
rolling-mill, and foundry, employing 138 hands ; 1 wrought-nail and 
spike manufactory, a large hollow-ware glass-factory,! large paper-mill, 
1 woolen manufactory, 2 merchant grist-mills, 1 saw-mill, 1 pottery, 9 
stores, 2 large drug- and confectionery-stores, 7 small coufectionaries, 5 
millinery-shops, 3 carriage-maker shops, 6 blacksmith-shops, 7 boot and 
shoe manufactories, 7 tailor-shops, 3 saddle- and harness-maker slxops, 1 
trunk manufactory, 2 clock- and watch-maker shops, 2 bakeries, 3 bar- 
ber-shops, 4 carriage-makers, 3 hatters, 1 tin, sheet-irou, and stove- 
raaker, 1 pump-maker, 1 tanning and currying establishment, 1 bont- 
buildera' shop, 1 limekiln, 3 livery-stables, 1 hay-scale, 4 lumber-yards, 
4 fire-engines. In the town are 5 practicing physicians and 4 lawyers. 
There are 30 schooners and sloops belonging to the place, of from 50 
to 150 tons burden ; 2 large schooners and 2 sloops are being built. 
There are 2 daily and 1 tri-weekly lines of stages to Philadelphia ; 2 in- 
corporated beneficial societies, with 200 members; 2 temperance socie- 
ties, having 600 members ; 3 Sabbath-schools, embracing more than 400 
children." 

The street committee reported the names for the 
.streets by which they are now called. The number 
of inhabitants was probably overstated, as at the 
United States census in 1840 the number is given at 
2296. At the census of 1850 there were 670 dwell- 
ings, independent of stores, and the population was 
3480. In 1860 it was 5104, and in 1870 it was 6880, 
with 1325 dwellings, besides other buildings, which 
was increased to 8722 in 1880, and in 1883, by an ac- 
tual enumeration, made by order of the board of edu- 
cation, it is 10,000. 

The subsequent progress of the city has been steady, 
with no remarkable incidents, and will be found out- 
lined in the sketches of its manufactures, and in 
other chapters of this work. 

Streets in Bridgeton. — Broad Street was laid out 
one hundred feet wide by the first proprietors, in ac- 
cordance with the Concessions and Agreements, and is 
the oldest street in Bridgeton. Below the court-house 
it was so gullied, owing to its steepness, that it was 
scarcely used until about 1802, when it was made pas- 
sable for wagons by George Burgin, who built the 
stone building at the northwest corner of Broad and 
Atlantic Streets, which was then used as a store, and 
now as a lager beer saloon. 

Previous to 1800 the road from the top of the hill 



to the bridge, which was a portion of the old King's 
Highway from Salem and Greenwich to Maurice 
River, passed obliquely down the side of the hill from 
the court-house in a northeasterly direction, near the 
southeast corner of the large stone dwelling on the 
west side of Atlantic Street, directly to the end of the 
bridge. The steepness of the hill rendered that part 
of Broad Street impassable for wagons, and Commerce 
Street, west of the river, and Atlantic Street were not 
then in existence. This road down the side of the 
hill was regularly laid out, four rods wide, in 1757. 
In 1763, when the four-rod road from Greenwich to 
Cohansey Bridge was laid, it passed down the hill 
below the court-house sixteen rods to Water Street 
(now the corner of Atlantic), and then a straight 
course to the end of the bridge. In 1771 the road up 
the side of the hill was turned, and laid out up the 
hill where Commerce Street now is, and then across 
nearly where Franklin Street now is to Broad Street, 
six rods west of the court-house, which then stood in 
the street. The old road down the side of the bill 
continued to be used, both Commerce and Broad 
Streets being sandy gullies, scarcely passable for 
wagons. In 1800 Atlantic Street, from Broad to Com- 
merce, was laid as it now is, and so much of the road 
down the side of the hill as was east of this street was 
vacated, and after George Burgin improved the Broad 
Street hill, about 1802, it became the main road up 
the hill. The old road down the side of the hill from 
the court-house to Atlantic Street was shut up in 
1815, and in 1825 the Commerce Street hill was cut 
down and improved, and became thereafter the main 
highway for travel.' Commerce Street above Frank- 
lin was opened by Dr. William Elmer in 1805. Vine 
Street, which had been previously opened and built 
upon, was laid out four rods wide in 1796, and at the 
same time a road was relaid southward from Broad 
Street, which is now Fayette Street, and the Dutch 
Neck road to Cubby's Hollow. This road had been 
previously laid, in 1758, a slightly different course. 

The road from Greenwich formerly came across the 
present Presbyterian graveyard south of the church, 
and ran into Broad Street at the corner of Lawrence, 
but in 1795, soon after the church was erected, Broad 
Street (or Main Street, as it was called; the names 
Main, High, and Broad being all applied to it in that 
day) was extended to the west end of the church- 
yard, and West Street was laid out at the same time 
from Vine Street to Muddy Run, where the New Jer- . 
sey Southern Railroad now crosses jt north of Com- 
merce Street. In 1800, Lawrence from Broad to Vine, 
and Atlantic between the same were both laid out. 
Academy Street was laid out in 1829. 

The old King's Highway, after crossing to the east 
side of the bridge over the Cohansey, ran about the 
present course of Commerce Street to about half-way 
between Laurel and Pearl Streets, where it turned to 

I See Elmer's History, p. 39. 



586 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the northeast through the woods to near the corner 
of East and Irving Avenues, and on out the Indian 
Fields road. Some distance above Commerce Street 
the road to Deerfleld branched off to the nortliward. 
From the bend at Commerce Street the roa_d con- 
tinued nearlj' the present course to the line of the 
Indian Fields tract near the Methodist Church, 
where the road to Fairfield turned to' the southward 
over Mill Creek, and the road to Ephraim Seeley's 
mill ran to the northward of Commerce Street to the 
mill which stood about east of the end of Cedar 
Street, the mill-dam at that time being about half- 
way up the present pond. In 1763 the road to Fair- 
ton was laid out as above, beginning at the bridge; 
and in 1768 the road to Deerfield over the above 
course was relaid, also beginning at the bridge. In 
1775 Commerce Street was laid as it now runs from 
the bridge to the line of the Indian Fields tract. 

In 1752 a road was laid from Commerce Street to 
the lower end of Hance Woolson's wharf, which was 
near the Broad Street bridge, on the east side of the 
river. This road ran nearly the course of South 
Laurel Street to Jefferson. In 1775 it was relaid 
from the lower landing, on the north side of South 
(now Jefferson) Street, a direct course and nearly in 
the line of the present Laurel Street, till it intersected 
the old Deerfield road, this side of North Street. 
After John Moore White came of age he had a plan 
made of his lands north of Commerce Street with 
streets to be opened, but only a part of them were 
ever opened. Laurel Street was relaid in 1791 from 
Commerce to the north line of the Indian Fields tract, 
and in 1796 the road to Deerfield was relaid as far as 
Loper's Run, beginning at the bridge and running 
up Commerce to Laurel, and up Laurel to the bend 
this side of North Street, making no alterations in 
them, but north of the bend laying it out as the turn- 
pike-road now runs. In 1785 South Pearl and Wil- 
low Streets were laid out, the road to Fairfield being 
changed so as to run down Pearl and over Enos 
Seeley's dam and mill-race (where the stone bridge 
now is, Seeley owning the Hancock mill tract), and 
up the road, now Willow Street, to the old road. 
Pearl Street from Commerce to Irving and Irving 
Avenue from Laurel to the Slash were laid out in 
1792. In 1811 Pearl Street north of Irving and its 
continuation to Carll's Corner, was opened. North 
Street was laid out from Laurel to Sayre's grist-mill, 
which stood near the river at ^hat time, in 1819. 
Irving Avenue vvas relaid as it now is in 1818, Marion 
Street between Laurel and Pearl was opened in 1829. 
Bank Street to Irving, Washington Street, and part 
of Cohansey laid out in 1830, Orange in 1841, Laurel 
below Jefferson, and Glass in 1847, and Pine Street 
in 1847. 

Bridges. — A bridge over the Cohansey at Bridge- 
ton was built previous to 1716, the resurvey of the 
Paraphilia tract at that date referring to it. It was 
probably not passable for wagons, there being no four- 



wheeled vehicles in this vicinity for a long time after 
that date. Before the bridge was built a ford across 
the Cohansey, about opposite Hampton Street, was 
used at low tide, and a road crossing the river about 
one-third of the way up the Tumbling Dam Pond 
was used when the tide was in, the marks of this road 
being yet visible. That bridge was doubtless replaced 
by a new one before the Revolution, but no record of 
it exists. At that day bridges were built by the town- 
ships in which they were situated, no law existing 
for the building of bridges by the board of freeholders 
in this part of the State until the passage of an act 
Nov. 5, 1798, when the present method, which had 
been in force in the upper part of the State since 1774, 
was extended to the whole State. About 1774 there 
was quite a strife concerning the bridge. Col. Enos 
Seeley desiring to have it placed at Broad Street, 
while Alexander Moore desired to have it rebuilt on 
the old site. It contained no draw at that time. 
After John Moore White came of age, he made efforts 
to have a draw put in it, so that he could erect wharves 
along his property north of Commerce Street. He 
agreed to pay the cost of the draw and to keep it in 
repair for five years, and deeded to trustees a lot of land 
at the foot of Washington Street, where the pipe-mill 
now is, for a public landing. This lot was used for 
that purpose many years, but with the decrease of the 
traffic in wood it became of less value to the inhabi- 
tants, and Mr. White took possession of it again nearly 
fifty years ago, and sold it for its present use. 

At the meeting of the board of freeholders, Aug. 7, 
1799, the board resolved to build a new bridge, " con- 
siderably wider than the present one," and at the 
next meeting, in September, they adopted a plan for 
a bridge with stone abutments and sixteen feet wide. 
The former bridge was probably not over ten or 
twelve feet wide. The stone abutment on the east 
side was built that year. In December the board re- 
solved to make the bridge twenty-one feet and nine 
inches wide in the clear, and to support it on posts, 
and not on two piers in the river, as was at first pro- ;. 
posed. The fight about its location was renewed, 
George Burgin and his friends desiring to remove it 
to Broad Street, but without success. The bridge and 
west abutment were built in 1800, but the latter was 
so poorly done that in September of the same year it 
was ordered taken down and rebuilt. The whole cost 
of the bridge, exclusive of the draw, which was paid 
for by Mr. White, was about three thousand dollars. 
In 1817 wings were put to the bridge, in order to 
protect it from injury, at a cost of over sixteen hun- 
dred dollars. In 1824 a new draw was built, which 
hoisted up. 

In 1833 the third bridge at Bridgeton was built on 
piling, and a law- authorizing it was passed. This 
bridge was twenty-six feet wide, and had a draw 
twenty-four feet wide. David Reeves, one of the 
iron-works firm, took the contract for four thousand 
six hundred dollars, and during the summer of that 



I 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



587 



year it was c'om|ilett'il, ami iiccepted by tlic board in 
October. 

Tliis bridge baving become out of repair, it was re- 
solved, in .June, 1840, to build a new bridge, with a 
railroad draw, two feet wider tban the old one. It 
was built that year, and cost §250G.o3, the old abut- 
ments being used. This bridge was a continual 
source of expense and trouble. 

Dec. 31, 1874, the board resolved to build a new 
bridge at Commerce Street, and a committee was ap- 
pointed, and given discretion as to the kind of bridge 
to be built and the expense. It was built during the 
summer of 1875. New abutments, of large blocks of 
stone, were built on both sides, all the old piling was 
removed, and a pier of stone, like the abutments, was 
built about one-third of the way from the west abut- 
ment, on which a wrought-iron pivot bridge was 
erected, the short arm of the bridge being hung with 
heavy weights, so as to balance the longer arm. 
The total cost was $21,806.21. It has proven a very 
satisfactory bridge during the eight years it has been 
in use. 

Sroad Street Bridge. — The necessity of another 
bridge over the Cohansey at Bridgeton, to be located 
at Broad Street, became more apparent as the popu- 
lation increased at a rapid rate after the close of the 
rebellion. It was first considered by the freeholders 
at their meeting in December, 1867, and a committee 
appointed to procure plans. This committee reported 
in December, 1868, in favor of a wrought-iron pivot- 
bridge, one hundred and thirty-five feet long and 
thirty feet wide. They were ordered to advertise for 
proposals and proceed with its construction as soon as 
possible. It was built in 1869, and it rests on a stone 
pier in the centre of the river, the arms of the bridge 
being of equal length. The total cost was .'523, 005. 59. 
Some slight signs of weakness have shown themselves 
in the centre pier, but it has so far been a very ser- 
viceable bridge, and is used fully as much as the one 
at Commerce Street. Jefferson Street was extended 
fi'om Laurel Street to this bridge, and the great im- 
provements made ou South Laurel Street in the last 
ten years are largely due to the building of the Broad 
Street bridge. 

South Avenue Stone Bridge.— At what date this 
bridge was built is unknown, but probably the first 
part of it at the time Col. Enos Seeley cut the race- 
way. It was rebuilt in 1820, and in 1873 it was 
widened on both sides to the line of the street. Dur- 
ing the present year Grove Street has been extended 
northward across Mill Creek and the flats adjoining 
to Pearl Street, but no bridge has been built as yet, 
but doubtless will be during next year. 

Custom-House. — After the adoption of the Consti- 
■tution of the United States, Congress passed an act 
establishing districts for the collection of duties upon 
imports, and all the southern portion of the State 
below Camden was made the district of Bridgetown, 
which remained the oflBcial name until within the 



last four or five years, when it was changed to 

Bridgeton. The first collector of the port wa.s Col. 

I Eli Elmer, who served from its establishment to 1803, 

followed by Jeremiah Bennett, 1803 to 1808; Dr. 

Ebcnezer Elmer, 1808 to 1817; James D. Westcott, 

1X17 to 1822; Dr. Ebene/.er Elmer, 1822 to 1833; 

Daniel Garrison, 1833 to 1837; Dr. William S. 

; Bowen, 1837 to 1841; James G. Hampton, 1841 to 

1844; Lorenzo F. Lee, 1844 to 1848; James M. 

Newell, 1848 to 1849; Dr. Ephraim Buck, 1840 to 

1853; Dr. William S. Bowen, 1853 to 1862; and the 

I present incumbent, Joseph H. Elmer, from 1862 to 

I the present time. The number of vessels enrolled 

I (over 20 tons register) is 177, having a total tonnage 

I of 16,696 tons; number licensed (under 20 tons) is 

! 176, tonna'ge 2060 tons. About 40 to 50 of those en- 

rolled are coasting vessels, and aboutone-half of them 

and all the licensed ones are engaged in the oyster 

> business. 

Post-Office. — A post-office was established at this 
place March 20, 1793, called Bridgetown West, to 
distinguish it from Bridgetown East, as Rahway, in 
the upper part of this State, was then called. Eli 
Elmer was the first postmaster. The mail went by 
way of Salem, and was carried between there and 
Bridgeton in a sulky once a week. He was succeeded 
I by John Soulard, who kept the office in the house 
where he lived, still standing on the south side of 
Broad Street, adjoining the brick block of Samuel 
Coombs. In 1803 a mail route was established by 
! way of Deerfield to Bridgeton, Millville, Port Eliza- 
beth, and Cape May, after which the mail was carried 
by way of Roadstown once a week, and by Deerfield 
once a week. About 1816 a daily mail was com- 
menced. James Burch succeeded Soulard as post- 
master, and he was followed by Abijah Harris. After 
him came Stephen Lupton, who kept the office in his 
shoemaker-shop on the north side of Washington 
Street, between Pearl and Laurel. He was succeeded 
July 1, 1816, by Curtis Ogden, who kept the oflSce at 
his tailor-shop on Commerce Street, and who held 
the office until July, 1841, when he was succeeded by 
Jeremiah Lupton. Daniel B. Thompson became 
postmaster in 1845, Stacy P. Kirkbride in 1850, 
Henry Sheppard in 1853, George W. Johnson in 
1861, Joseph S. Miner in 1865, and the present in- 
cumbent, John Trenchard, was appointed March 3, 
1883. 

Stages. — The first stage of which there is any ac- 
count was run by Mr. Haskel, who lived in Upper 
Hopewell, near the present Cohansey post-office. It 
ran from Greenwich through Roadstown and Cohan- 
sey Corners (now Shiloh), by Mr. Haskel's house, to 
Cooper's Ferry, as Camden was then called, and was 
in operation as early as 1774. Soon after the Revo- 
lution a stage ran from Bridgeton to Philadelphia, 
by way of Roadstown, making two trips a week, 
which was afterwards changed to one trip that way 
and one bv Deerfield. About 1806 or 1807 it went 



588 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



up one day and down the next, and in 1809 another 
line was started, which went up on the days the first 
line came down. These were afterwards united, and 
a daily stage was ever after run until the West Jersey 
Railroad was opened, in 1861. 

Steamboats. — In August, 1828, a camp-meeting 
was held in Hopewell township, near Piatt's Landing, 
and the steamboat " Essex," Capt. Richard Ross, came 
up the Cohansey to the landing with an excursion 
from Salem, to which place she ran regularly from 
Philadelphia. This was the first steamboat which 
came up the Cohansey that far. In 1845 a company 
was organized, and a fine steamboat, called the " Co- 
hansey," ran regular trips to Philadelphia. Tlie boat, 
not paying expenses, was sold to private parties, who 
continued running her a year or two, and then took 
her to Salem. Most of the time since there has been 
a steamboat on the line between Bridgeton and 
Philadelphia. 

The Press in Bridgeton. — The first newspaper 
printed in New Jersey was at Burlington, in 1777. 
Previous to this, in December, 1775, when Bridgeton 
contained about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, 
a desire was felt for some means of laying their 
opinions before the public, and a plan was devised 
which may well be considered a forerunner of the 
newspapers. An association was formed, of which 
Dr. Jonathan Elmer was chairman and Ebenezer 
Elmer secretary. Notice was given "that pieces' 
handed in would be corrected and transcribed for 
public view, that they may be read every Tuesday 
morning by every one that will take the trouble to, 
call at Matthew Potter's bar, and that every one that 
has a mind may peruse them ; 'tis expected that no 
one will offer to take them out of his house, but 
every one will be freely allowed to take a copy. It 
will be entitled the Plain Dealer, and no one is to ex- 
ceed a half a sheet in length." A book containing, 
eight numbers of the Plain Dealer is still in exist- 
ence. The articles are patriotic in tone, and took 
strong sides in behalf of the course of the colonists. 
How long the Plain Dealer continued in existence is 
unknown, but probably the exciting times of the suc- 
ceeding years, and the absence of nearly all the sup- 
poi'ters of the association in the army, soon ended 
its career. 

The first newspaper published in this county was 
The Argus and New Jersey Sentinel, published weekly, 

on Thursdays, by McKenzie and James D. West- 

cott. This paper was established and the first num- 
ber issued Oct. 1, 1795, and continued in existence 
about two years. It was a small sheet, seventeen by 
twenty-two inches in size, and the price was two dol- 
lars per year. The tradition is that an article headed 
" The Cobbler Cobbled," which Westcott wrote in 
reply to one written by Dr. Jonathan Elmer, the 
leading citizen of the place, and signed " A Cobbler," 
was so offensive to the doctor and his friends that 
they withdrew their patronage, and the paper failed. 



Between 1803 and 1805, John Westcott, brother of 
.James D. Westcott, published a newspaper in Bridge- 
ton, and also several pamphlets. Copies of some of 
the pamphlets are still in existence, but no copy of 
the newspaper is known to exist, and even its name 
has been forgotten. 

The next newspaper in West Jersey was the Wash- 
ington Whig, which was established at Bridgeton by 
the Washington Whig Society, a Democratic political 
association set up in opposition to the Washington 
Benevolent Society, which was composed of Feder- 
alists. It was published by Peter Hay, who after- 
wards was an alderm'an and prominent citizen of 
Philadelphia, and who died recently, Nov. 15, 1879, at 
the age of ninety-one years. The first number was 
issued July 24, 1815. This paper proved permanent, 
and has been continued to the present time, being the 
oldest paper south of Burlington. Mr. Hay sold it, 
Jan. 20, 1817, to William Shultz, who sold it, Jan. 1, 
1821, to John Clark, who published it a year or so 
under the name of John Clark & Co., and then under 
his own name. During this time the paper supported 
John Qnincy Adams. 

The Bridgeton Observer and Cumberland, Cape May, 
and Salem Advertiser was commenced by Simeon Sieg- 
fried, in 1822, in opposition to the Whig, under Clark, 
the first number being issued October 5th of that 
year. It was published by him until Dec. 18, 1824, 
when he sold to Robert Johnston. Mr. Clark dis- 
posed of the Whig, Jan. 14, 1826, to John I. McChes- 
ney for six hundred and. fifty dollars, but the bill of 
sale was made to several gentlemen of Bridgeton, 
who became security for the purchase-money for Mr. 
McChesney. His notes, which they had indorsed, 
not being paid at maturity, they took possession of the 
office on June 20th of that year, and on the same day 
sold it to Robert Johnston, the publisher of the Ob- 
server, who at once united the two under the title of 
Washington Whig and Bridgeton Observer, and Cum- 
berland, Cape May, and Salem Advertiser. Under Mr. 
Johnston the paper was an ardent supporter of Gen. 
Jackson. He changed its name Dec. 8, 1827, to West 
Jersey Observer, and sold it, Nov. 14, 1829, to Samuel 
S. Sibley, who associated Fayette Pierson with him- 
self in the fall of 1832. Mr. Pierson became sole 
owner March 16, 1833, and published it until April 
1, 1835, when he sold it to James M. Newell, who 
had become a Democrat. 

Mr. McChesney, who did not relish the manner in 
which he had been ousted from the Washington Whig, 
obtained a press and material, and on July 15, 1826, 
issued a paper under the old title of Washington Whig, 
which he claimed to be the regular paper of that 
name. It became a supporter of Henry Clay, and 
later was the organ of the Whig party, and between 
it and the Observer a very bitter contest was carried 
on. Mr. McChesney sold it, in October, 1826, to 
Franklin Ferguson, and he to James P. Powers and 
James M. Newell, Aug. 4, 1832. They published it 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



589 



until June 21, 1834, when Mr. Newell retired, and F. 
Kistine became the partner of Mr. Powers, but one 
week later, on the 28th, Samuel S. Siblej', a former 
owner of the Observer, who had become a Whig a few 
months before, became the owner, and he sold it to 
James S. Thomas, March 11, 1837. 

There being insufficient patronage to support two 
papers, Mr. Thomas sold the Whig to James M. 
Newell, the publisher of the Observer, in December, 
1837. Having thus become owner of both papers, 
Mr. Newell associated with himself Matthew Sey- 
mour, and united them in one paper, neutral in poli- 
tics, called the Bridgeton Chronicle, the first number 
of which was issued Dec. 23, 1837. The paper was 
carried on by them until June 19, 1841, whesi Mr. 
Newell became sole owner, and carried on the paper 
very successfully until his death, Sept. 2, 1851. The 
paper was bought by Samuel Harris, who assumed 
charge on the 13th of the same month, and sold it 
Nov. 19, 1853, to Harris B. Mattison. He died June 
15, 1855, and it was conducted by his representatives 
until September 1st of that year, when Frank F. Pat- 
terson purchased it, and remained the owner until Oct. 
3, 1857, when he sold to James Stiles and Smith Dal- 
rymple. Mr. Dalrymple sold his interest to George 
F. Nixon, Sept. 11, 1858, and Mr. Stiles sold to Kobert 
B. Potter, March 10, 1860, when the firm became 
Nixon & Potter. On Sept. 19, 1863, George F. Nixon 
became sole owner. During the rebellion the paper 
became a supporter of the Kepublican party, which 
it has ever since continued to uphold. Mr. Nixon 
remained the owner until Oct. iO, 1879, when the 
present owner, Alft-ed M. Heston, formerly editor of 
the Salem Standard, became proprietor and editor. 

West Jersey Pioneer. — About 1846 a paper was 
started by G. Howard Leeds, called the West Jersey 
Telegraph, and continued about two years. Mr. Leeds 
was not a practical printer, and it did not prove a 
success. 

The material of the oiBce was bought by Franklin 
Ferguson, and he issued a paper which was practi- 
cally a continuation of the Telegraph, called the West 
Jersey Pioneer. The first number was issued March 
1, 1848. It was neutral in politics, " its leading 
feature being to keep before the people the impor- 
tance of temperance reform," as its prospectus 
read. Mr. Ferguson conducted it alone until March 
3, 1855, when he associated his son, James B. Fergu- 
son, with himself, and June 14, 1856, he sold his re- 
maining interest to his son, by whom it was con- 
ducted until his death, March 6, 1875. It remained 
in his name until April 24th, when the name of his 
widow, Mrs. L. M. Ferguson, appeared as editor, and 
continued until the sale of the paper to George W. 
McCowan and Isaac T. Nichols, Oct. 16, 1874. Upon 
its purchase by this firm it became Republican in 
politics, and has ever since been an organ of that 
party. 

James B. Feeutjson. — Franklin Ferguson, the 



father of the subject of this biographical sketch, was 
of Scotch descent, and born at Doylestown, Pa., in 
1806. He learned the art of printing of Asher Minor, 
and in 1825, having removed to Bridgeton, N. J., 
purchased the Washington Wldg, and became its editor. 

He subsequently became a resident of Belvidere, 
Pa., and the proprietor of the Belvidere Apollo, and 
assumed its management in 1834. In 1843 or 1845 
he removed to Bridgeton, N. J., and in 1848 became 
editor and proprietor of the West Jersey Telegraph, 
which name was soon after changed to that of the 
Jersey Pioneer. In 1856, Mr. Ferguson disposed of 
the Pioneer to his son, and removing to Burlington, 
N. J., purchased the New Jersey Dollar Newspaper, 
which was in after-years changed to the Burlington 
Gazette. He remained in charge of this paper until 
failing health compelled him, in 1876, to close his 
active business life, when he removed to Camden, 
N.J. 

As a journalist, Mr. Ferguson was non-partisan, 
and held aloof from political strife, though outspoken 
on all moral questions. He labored for the general 
good of the community in which his lot was cast, re- 
gardless of personal ease or comfort. In his dealings 
he was exact, methodical, and jealous of his rights, 
demanding all his just dues in a question of right or 
wrong. Unostentatious in his deeds and charitable 
to the last degree, he was the perfect type of the 
Christian gentleman. He was ideutified with the 
secret orders of Masonry, Odd-Fellowship, and Tem- 
perance, and participated actively in the work of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a 
member. Sunday-school work was his especial de- 
light. He was for many years a superintendent and 
leader in the work at home and throughout the State. 

Mr. Ferguson was twice married, — first, to Miss 
Louisa Ring, to whom were born children, — Mary E. 
(Mrs. Davis), James B., Martha, Ann Louisa, and 
Benjamin F. ; and, a second time, to Miss Sarah May- 
hew, of Bridgeton, N. J., who survives, and has one 
daughter, Matilda M. 

The death of Mr. Ferguson occurred June 9, 1877, 
in Camden, N. J. His son, James B., was born Jan. 
16, 1832, in Bridgeton. When sufficiently old he en- 
tered his father's printing-office to learn the printer's 
art, which, in course of time, he thoroughly mastered. 
In 1855 he became a partner with his father, and in 
June, 1856, the latter having retired, he assumed con- 
trol of the Pioneer establishment, which was continued 
until the day of his death. Under his successful man- 
agement the paper attained both popularity and a 
high degree of prosperity. 

Mr. Ferguson, to those who knew him best, mani- 
fested a warm heart, a liberal spirit, and a generous 
mind. He was at once forward and retiring, forward 
in any business that required push and energy, and 
backward in any measure which would seem to indi- 
cate a desire to push himself forward. When he 
seemed cold and indifferent he was simply reticent 



590 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



and wary. He was honest to the last farthing, and, 
although strict and exacting in his business rela- 
tions, gave liberally to the needy and to all worthy 
charities. Mr. Ferguson had for years been identi- 
fied with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a 
steward of the church of that denomination in Bridge- 
ton. Though not of demonstrative nature, he was a 
man of deep religious feeling and fervent piety, and 
to confer happiness upon those most dear to him, and 
live a useful, Christian life was the ardent desire of 
his heart. Mr. Ferguson married, and had children, 
— Louise R., James Howard, Franklin, and Benjamin 
v., the latter of whom is deceased. The death of 
James B. Ferguson occurred March 6, 1874, at his 
home in Bridgeton, in his forty-third year. 

Isaac T. Nichols.— The paternal great-grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, Isaac Nichols, 
was born in Deerfield, Cumberland Co., in 1757, 
and died April 1, 1S17. His ancestors came from 
Rhode Island, they being among the early settlers of 
that colony. During the Revolutionary war the 
Nichols family, residents of Deerfield, were actively 
interested in the success of the patriot cause. 

Samuel Nichols, the grandfather, was born in 
Deerfield township in 1778, and died Oct. 9, 1828. 
Samuel married Catharine Carll, in 1806, daughter 
of John Carll, a prominent man in Cumberland 
County. Thomas Shourds, in his " History of Fen- 
wick's Colony," refers to this marriage, and speaks of 
the Carll family as "a large and influential one in 
Salem and Cumberland Counties." 

Capt. Isaac Nichols, father of Isaac T. Nichols, 
was born in Deerfield township in 1806, and died 
Aug. 13, 1875. In 1844 he married Mary A., daugh- 
ter of William and Elizabeth McGear, of Bridgeton, in 
which city he had his residence. For twenty years he 
followed the water, and most of that time commanded 
a vessel. Capt. Nichols' political afiiliations were with 
the Whig and Republican parties, notwithstanding 
the fact that his father was an ardent Democrat. He 
cast his first vote for John Quincy Adams for Presi- 
dent of the United States, and was one of the first 
adherents of the Free-Soil and Republican parties in 
Cumberland County. He and his wife were members 
of the Methodist Church. Mary A. Nichols, mother 
of Isaac T. Nichols, was for many years a devoted 
member of that communion, a most exemplary Chris- 
tian wife and mother. Slie gave her children, of 
whom there were five, careful training, but did not 
live to see them reach manhood and womanhood. 
She died Aug. 10, 1863. 

Isaac T. Nichols, son of Isaac and Mary A. Nichols, 
was born in the city of Bridgeton, March 22, 1848. 
He obtained his early education at the Bank Street 
public school of the city, and at the age of seventeen 
began learning the printer's trade in the ofiice of the 
Chronicle, where he became conversant with the 
various branches of newspaper work. In 1869 he mar- 
ried Emma, daughter of George Remster, and grand- 



daughter of the late Judge George Remster, of Salem 
County. Oct. 8, 1874, he became editor of the West 
Jersey Pioneer, and a member of the firm of McCowan 
& Nichols, publishers of that journal in Bridgeton. 
The Pioneer is the leading Republican newspaper of 
Cumberland County. In 1876 he was chosen on the 
Republican ticket to represent the First Assembly 
District in the State Legislature, and again in the 
following year, and served on the Committees on 
Education, Revision of the Laws, Banks and Insur- 
ance, and State Library, besides on a special com- 
mittee appointed to investigate the charges against 
certain State ofiScials. He gained prominence in the 
House as a ready debater and for his parliamentary 
tact and sound, practical ideas on all questions in- 
volving important issues. In 1877 he originated and 
introduced a bill, which became a law, exempting all 
soldiers and sailors who served in the late war from 
poll-tax, and he also strenuously advocated the " Cash 
Bill," which prohibited the use of shinplasters and 
punch orders in the glass-factory stores of South Jer- 
sey. His speech on the report of the investigation of 
the accounts and transactions of the Secretary of 
State received the unanimous indorsement of both 
parties in the Assembly. In 1878 he was an effective 
advocate of the bill reducing the legal rate of interest 
in the State from seven to six per cent. In 1880, Mr. 
Nichols %vas elected on the Republican ticket to the 
State Senate, where he has served as an honest ex- 
ponent of the wishes and interests of the constituency 
which placed him there. In the Senate he introduced 
and secured the passage of numerous important 
measures, among them the act prohibiting the sale 
of cigarettes or tobacco in any of its forms to minors 
under sixteen years of age. Recognizing the great 
and growing value of the oyster industry, especially 
of South Jersey, he introduced among others a bill 
forbidding non-residents from planting, catching, or 
gathering oysters in the waters of the State, which, 
after a prolonged contest, was pushed through both 
houses. For two years he served as chairman of the 
Joint Committee on Printing, and he was chairman 
of the Joint Committee on Bi-Centennial Celebration. 
His loyalty to the cause of economy and thorough 
reform, often voting against his own personal interests, 
and his earnest advocacy of the Local Option and 
Prohibitory resolutions before the Senate have gained 
him the confidence and esteem of even those who 
differ with him in important State matters. Mr. 
Nichols is the youngest man ever elected a State 
Senator from Cumberland County. 

Bridgeton Aurora. — This paper was started as the 
exponent of Democratic principles, April 16, 1862, 
by Fayette Pierson, who was a former editor of the 
Observer. It continued to be published until July, 
1864, when its publication was suspended for a few 
weeks, owing to the high price of printing paper, 
occasioned by the civil war. It was again issued 
September 14th of that year, and continued until 



i 




^ . ^ . cyv^_^Slvc>^Lo:^ 



CITY OF BKIDGETON. 



591 



after the ensuing election, when it again suspended, 
owing to an insufficient financial support. 

The New Jersey Patriot. — After the suspension of 
the Aurora, efforts were made to start another Demo- 
cratic paper, which finally resulted in the issue of 
the Cumberland C'ounfy Patriot, Sept. 30, 1865, by 
Oscar A. Douglas. On March 26, 1868, the name 
was changed to the New Jersey Patriot, and on Sept. 
2, 1869, Nelson C. Barclay became associated with 
him, under the firm-name of Douglas & Barclay, and 
on October 22d of the same year the paper was 
changed to the quarto form. The firm of Douglas & 
Barclay was dissolved Oct. 27, 1871, and Mr. Barclay 
continued the publication of the paper until Aug. 2, 

1872, when, Mr. Douglas' interest having passed into 
the hands of John Gheesman, Jr., the firm became 
Barclay & Cheesman, and so continued until the re- 
tirement of Mr. Barclay, May 1, 1874, since which it 
has been owned and published by Mr. Cheesman. 

Bridgeton Daily News. — This was the first daily 
newspaper published in this county, and was first 
issued from the office of the Patriot, Barclay & Chees- 
man being also editors of the News. It was neutral 
in politics. The first number was issued March 1, 

1873, and it was regularly issued until Sept. 25, 1873, 
when it was discontinued for want of a sufficient 
support. 

Daily Chronicle (or Bridgeton Daily). — On Sept. 18, 
1873, Mr. Nixon, the editor of the Chronicle, com- 
menced the publication of a daily newspaper, and by 
the suspension of the Daily Evening News the next 
week the field of daily journalism was left to the 
Chronicle. The daily afterwards passed into the hands 
of Charles E. Elmer, in February, 1877, and the name 
was changed to the Bridgeton Daily, and in September, 
1878, Mr. Nixon again became the owner of it, and 
published it until it was transferred with the weekly 
Chronicle to Mr. Heston, and he discontinued the daily 
a few weeks after. 

Bridgeton Evening News. — The first number of this 
paper was issued Feb. 1, 1879, by the Evening News 
Company, composed of Joseph H. C. Applegate and 
J. WardKichardson. The office was then situated in 
the second .story of the building on the northeast cor- 
ner of Commerce and Cohansey Streets, but has since 
been removed to the office formerly occupied by the 
Chronicle on South Laurel Street. Its publication 
has been continued to the present time. The same 
firm also published the Dollar Weekly News as a con- 
tinuation of the American Favorite, first issued as a 
monthly in 1874. 

Daily Morning Star.— On April 10, 1883, the first 
number of this paper was issued by a publishing com- 
pany, composed of three young men, all of them prac- 
tical printers. The second number, which commenced 
the regular issue, was issued on the 14th. On June 
12th one of them retired, and the other two continued 
it under the firm-name of Hunt & Murphy. They 
transferred it to Charles H. Cochrane and Paul J. 



Davis, Aug. 11, 1883, and they to Francis R. Fithian, 
Oct. 29, 1883. 

Education in Bridgeton. — The citizens of Bridge- 
ton early appreciated the benefits of educational 
facilities. As early as 1773, John Westcott kept a 
school there and taught mathematics. As early as 
1781 there was a school-house near where now is the 
Lader school-house, about two and a half miles from 
the built-up portions of the city, but within the 
present city limits. A classical school was taught in 
the town between 1780 and 1785 by Rev. Andjew 
Hunter. In January, 1785, a stock company was 
formed, of which Mr. Hunter was president, and 
Ebenezer Elmer, secretary, for the purpose of build- 
ing an .academy, to be called the " Bridgeton Acad- 
emy." A lot was bought on Main (now Broad) 
Street, and a plan adopted for a stone academy, fifty- 
four by twenty-four feet in size, to be divided into 
two rooms, with fireplaces in each room, and mana- 
gers were appointed to build it, and a contract given 
out to Eleazer Mayhew to build it for three hundred 
and forty pounds. For some reason, not now known, 
nothing further was done. A book containing the 
minutes of the meetings of the company down to 
March 10, 1785, is still in existence, but they sud- 
denly stop at that date, and nothing further is known 
about it. About 1792 the lot on Giles Street, now 
occupied by the public school building, was deeded 
to trustees for school purposes by Mark Miller. In 
1795 the academy on Bank Street was built by a 
stock company, the upper story to be used for a lodge- 
room for the Mason.s, as it has been ever since. For 
many years a good school was kept in this building. 

In 1822 a building was erected on the west side of 
Pearl Street, above Myrtle Street, for an academy, 
and was called the Laurel Hill Academy. It was 
opened for pupils on October 28th of that year, with 
Samuel Doughty as the teacher, and instruction was 
given in the different branches of an English educa- 
tion. The first trustees were Stephen Lupton, Gar- 
rison Maul, William Nienkirk, John Rose, and Elias 
P. Seeley. It was carried on a number of years, but 
finally went down. The building was afterwards con- 
verted into a dwelling. 

Money was raised by tax for school purposes in the 
county previous to 1830, and a large part of the ex- 
penses of public schools was paid in that way for a 
long time. In 1847 the public school building on 
Bank Street, at the head of Washington, was built, 
and in 1848 the one in Cohansey township, now the 
Third Ward, was built on Giles Street. Since that 
time the schools have been entirely free, all ex- 
penses being paid by tax and by the income derived 
from the State school fund. The growth of the place 
necessitating larger school accommodations, a large 
addition has been made to the Bank Street school. 
A lot of one acre on the north side of Vine Street 
was bought in October, 1866, and a building built 
thereon the next year for the primary department in 



592 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



that ward. In 1873 a fine brick school-house was 
built at South Avenue and Willow Street, in the Sec- 
ond Ward, for the scholars residing in that ward, and 
at the present time a site for an additional house in 
the First Ward is about to be secured. The number 
of children between five and eighteen years of age 
in the city for the school year ending Aug. 31, 1882, 
was two thousand two hundred and thirty-seven, with 
four male and twenty-four female teachers, and the 
total amount of money for all school purposes was 
§13,277.27. 

The West Jersey Academy was built by the Presby- 
terians of South Jersey in 1852, the movement having 
been started at a meeting of the Presbytery of West 
Jersey in April, 1850. The whole square bounded 
by Commerce, Lawrence, Broad, and West Streets 
was bought, at a cost of sixteen hundred and twenty- 
five dollars and fifty cents, on which the present build- 
ing of native stone, fifty-three and a half by sixty 
feet, three stories high and basement, was erected and 
inclosed by David A. F. Randolph, contractor, for 
the sum of six thousand nine hundred and ninety- 
nine dollars, the finishing of it being delayed for want 
of suflicient funds until the next year. The corner- 
stone was laid Aug. 9, 1852, with appropriate cere- 
monies. The school was opened in 1854, and was for 
many years very prosperous, but was afterwards al- 
lowed to go down, and was closed for a number of 
years. It has been reopened within the last few 
years, and is now under charge of Professor Caleb 
Allen. 

The South Jersey Institute was established by the 
West New Jersey Baptist Association at their meet- 
ing in September, 1865. Bridgeton presenting the 
greatest inducements, the school was located there. 
A charter was granted by the Legislature March 28, 
1866. A lot of lOj-iu acres, at the southeast corner of 
Atlantic and Lincoln Streets, in the Third Ward of 
the city, covered with a natural growth of oak and 
other trees, was given to the trustees by Horatio J. 
Mulford, who, with his brother, Isaac W. Mulford, and 
sisters. Miss Anna M. Mulford, Miss Hannah Mul- 
ford, and Miss Lucy W. Mulford, had offered to the 
trustees the ten thousand dollars which secured the 
location of the building at Bridgeton. They have 
ever since remained earnest and devoted friends of 
the institution, and have been the largest contribu- 
tors to its funds. A plan was adopted for a centre 
building forty-three by fifty-eight feet, with east and 
west wings, each fifty-seven by forty-one feet, making 
the entire length one hundred and fifty-seven feet, to 
be built of brick, five stories high, including the 
French roof and basement stories. It was erected and 
inclosed during 1869 for the sum of twenty-five thou- 
sand five hundred dollars. In 1870 the work on the 
interior was completed at a contract price of twenty- 
two thousand seven hundred and sixty-two dollars, 
but other items, including the furnishing, raised this I 
to a much larger sum. The school was advertised to i 



be opened on Oct. 5, 1870, but the building not being 
completed, it was held in the basement of the First 
Baptist Church from that date until December, when 
it removed into the institute building. Professor 
Henry K. Trask became the first principal, and has 
ever since remained at the head of the institution. 
The debt of nearly thirty-five thousand dollars was 
paid during the Centennial year. The institute has 
had an eminently successful career, and its annual 
commencement-day, in June, is one of great interest 
in this community. 

Ivy Hall Seminary for young ladies was established 
by Mrs. Margaretta Sheppard about 1859, and was a 
flourishing school for many years under her charge. 
Later it was in a less prosperous condition, but has 
lately been revived under the charge of Rev. Henry 
Reeves. 

BANKS IN BBIDGBION. 

The Cumberland Bank was organized by virtue 
of a charter from the Legislature in 1816, commencing 
business in September of that year. The capital at 
that time was $52,000. James Giles was the first 
president until his death, in 1825, succeeded by Judge 
Daniel Elmer, who resigned in 1841 ; James B. Pot- 
ter from that time to 1865, who resigned shortly be- 
fore his death, and Charles E. Elmer from that date 
to the present time. Charles Read was elected the 
first cashier, and served until his death. May 9, 1844, 
when William G. Nixon succeeded him, and still 
holds that position. About 1857 the capital stock 
was raised to $102,000 by the accumulation of the 
surplus earnings, without any additional payments by 
the stockholders. In 1865 it was changed to a na- 
tional bank, and the capital made $150,000. This 
bank has always maintained a high financial stand- 
ing, and has paid a semi-annual dividend from the 
beginning, ranging from three to six per cent., besides 
large extra dividends. 

The deposits have steadily increased from an aver- 
age of $20,000 during the first fifteen years to about 
$500,000 at the present time, and over $600,000 at the 
beginning of this year. Beside the dividends de- 
clared by the bank, it has also accumulated a surplus 
fund of $100,000, and undivided profits of over 
$49,000. 

The Bridgeton National Bank was organized in 
the spring of 1883, with $100,000 capital, and com- 
menced business on July 12th. This young institu- 
tion has secured the confidence of the community, 
and on October 1st had on deposit $73,243.11, and 
had loans and discounts amounting to $103,009.45. 
A lot nineteen feet front has been bought on Laurel 
Street, a short distance below Commerce, for $3800, 
on which they are now erecting a fine and convenient 
bank building. Thomas U. Harris is president, and 
James W. Trenchard, cashier. 

Thomas U. Haeris. — The Harris family are of 
English extraction, Ephraim Harris, the great-grand- 
father of the subject of this biographical sketch, hav- 



@ 

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e 

W 85) 



■=3 





4MX< 




CITY OP BRIDGETON. 



593 



ing resided in Fairfield, Cumberland Co., where he 
was a citizen of much repute, and represented his 
constituents in the State Legislature. He was mar- 
ried, in 1755, to Miss Jane Pierson, and had children, 
— Thomas, John, Pierson, Allen, Jane, and Hannah. 
He was married, a second time, to Miss Rezine An- 
derson, no children having been born to the second 
union. The birth of his son Thomas occurred Sept. 
9, 1759, in Fairfield township, where he was both a 
farmer and a popular landlord. He married, July 
16, 1778, Miss Elizabeth Lawrence, and had chil- 
dren, — Norton L., Thomas, Sarah E., Norton, and 
Theophilus E. The death of Thomas Harris oc- 
curred March 3, 1825, and that of his wife, Eliza- 
beth, May 4, 1844. 

Their younger son, Theophilus Elmer, was born 
Jan. 28, 1796. He was married on the 12th of Feb- 
ruary, 1817, to Miss Lydia, daughter of Urban Dixon, 
of Fairfield township, and had children, — -James, 
Newton, William, Theophilus E., Ellen R., Harriet, 
Thomas U., Theophilus (2d), Albert, and Sarah. By 
a second marriage, Dec. 2, 1847, to Miss Clarissa 
Whitaker, two daughters — Ellen and Mary — were 
born. Mr. Harris resided in Fairfield township, 
where he followed agricultural employments. He 
was a man of enterprise, and led rather than fol- 
lowed public sentiment. His political sympathies 
were in harmony with the Whig platform, and by 
this party he was elected to many important and re- 
sponsible oflBces, among which was that of sheriff of 
the county from 1848 to 1851. His death occurred 
in February, 1864, in his sixty-ninth year. 

His son, Thomas U., was born Oct. 22, 1831, at the 
homestead in Fairfield township, where his youth, 
until his eighteenth year, was spent. During this 
period the village school offered the only opportuni- 
ties for education, and the demands of the farm served 
to develop habits of activity and industry. He later 
became a clerk in Bridgeton, and at the age of twenty- 
three embarked in business as the proprietor of a gen- 
eral country store. Five years after he engaged in the 
sale of boots, shoes, and leather, and still successfully 
pursues this industry. Mr. Harris was married, Aug. 
31, 1853, to Mary C, daughter of John Holmes, of 
Bridgeton. Four children were born, all of whom 
died in infancy. Mr. Harris has been and is largely 
identified with the business interests of the county. 
He is president of the West Jersey Transportation 
Company, and secretary of the Bridgeton Saving 
Fund and Building Association. He is also presi- 
dent of the Bridgeton National Bank. In politics he 
is a Republican, and has served as member and di- 
rector of the board of freeholders, and also as mem- 
bers of the City Council, though not specially active 
in the political field. Mr. Harris is a member of the 
Second Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, and has 
been one of its trustees. 

The Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Com- 
pany was organized Feb. 23, 1844, and commenced 



business in May, 1845, with Benjamin Sheppard as 
president, and Henry B. Lupton as secretary, the lat- 
ter having held that office ever since. Mr. Sheppard 
resigned March 13, 1879, on account of advanced age, 
and was succeeded by the present ofiicer, David P. 
Elmer. In 1867 the company built the commodious 
brick building now occupied by it on the north side of 
Commerce Street, between Laurel and Pearl. The 
company has been very successful, and has made but 
one assessment on the premium notes held by it dur- 
ing its entire existence. The total number of policies 
issued by it during its existence has been over twenty- 
three thousand, of which about eight thousand four 
hundred and forty are still outstanding, insuring 
$13,103,634, and the company hold premium notes 
amounting to .$2,359,417, and cash assets S46,847. 

The Bridgeton Gas-Light Company was incorpo- 
rated by an act of the Legislature passed in 1853 and 
amended in 1857. The works on Water Street were 
built and went into operation in November, 1858, and 
have been much enlarged since that, in order to meet 
the growing demands of the city. 

Bridgeton Water-Works.— A water company for 
Bridgeton was chartered by the Legislature in 1872, 
and an organization was effected ; but the lack of con- 
fidence in its financial success prevented subscriptions 
to its stock sufficient to take active measures to intro- 
duce water. A fire in the winter of 1876-77 so aroused 
the citizens to the danger from the fiery element that 
there. was a general demand for the purchase of a 
steam fire-engine and the building of water-works, 
and public meetings were held for that purpose. The 
City Council immediately purchased a Silsby rotary 
steam fire-engine, which has given good satisfaction. 
They also authorzied a vote to be taken at the muni- 
cipal election in March, 1877, whether the city should 
build water-works or not, and it was carried by a vote 
of 1145 in favor of it and 171 against it. The Council 
then entered actively upon the building of the works ; 
plans were prepared by Isaac S. Cassin, a civil engi- 
neer of Philadelphia, contracts were given out after 
public advertisement, and the works were built during 
the summer and fall of that year. On Dec. 18, 1877, 
the pump was started for the first time, and water was 
pumped into the distributing reservoir. On the 24th 
ot the same month the event was celebrated by a 
grand trades' parade, surpassing in interest anything 
of the kind ever known in the city. 

The works consist of a distributing reservoir on the 
north side of East Commerce Street, about a quarter 
of a mile east of East Lake, one hundred and three 
feet above high-water mark in the Cohansey, with a 
capacity of one million five hundred thousand gal- 
lons, a retaining reservoir on the south side of the 
East Lake dam, eighty-eight and one-quarter feet 
below the distributing one, having a capacity of 
three million gallons; a pump-house adjoining, with 
a compound duplex Worthington engine, with a ca- 
pacity of one million five hundred thousand gallons 



594 



HISTORY OF CUiMBERLAND COUNTY. 



jjer day. It is distributed through about thirteen 
miles of pipe from sixteen inches down in diameter, 
which are laid in nearly every street in the city. 
About seven miles were first laid, but constant de- 
mands for extensions have nearly doubled the length 
of pipe. Eighty-six fire hydrants furnish water in 
case of fire. The total cost of the works up to Feb. 

I, 1883, has been $86,2.58.57. Bonds were issued to 
the amount of $76,500, and the balance has been paid 
out of funds raised by taxation. There is in a sinking 
fund toward the redemption of the bonds, when they 
come due, the sum of $6066.68. 

Hancock's Saw-Mill.— Probably the first mill of 
any kind erected in the county — unless the tide-mill 
near Greenwich was earlier — was the saw-mill and 
dam erected on Mill Creek or Indian Fields Branch, 
where Pine Street crosses the original bed of the 
stream, which then ran in the rear of the houses on 
the north side of Pine Street, opposite the Stone 
Bridge, and around where the dam now is, between 
Pearl Street and the Stone Bridge. It was erected by 
Richard Hancock as early as 1686, being referred to 
in a survey of that date. How long Hancock re- 
mained here is not known, nor who was in possession 
of the mill property after his removal. It was in- 
cluded in the nine hundred and ninety acre tract 
bought by Alexander Moore of the West Jersey So- 
ciety in 1752. Moore sold a tract of one hundred and 
sixty-one acres, bounding on the south and east sides 
of his projected town-plot of Cumberland, and on the 
south side of now Commerce Street from Orange 
Street to the line of the Indian Fields survey, and 
running southward about a half-mile, and including 
this mill property, to Benjamin Sayre, but it was sold 
from him by Howell Powell, sheriff of the county, 
Feb. 2, 1766, and bought by Thomas Thompson, of 
Bordentown, who sold it to Col. Enos Seeley, Oct. 16, 
1770. Soon after that he cut the race-way which now 
exists, and removed the saw-mill to a new location 
just below the Stone Bridge, and put up the Pearl 
Street dam for the purpose of draining the low ground 
extending nearly to Commerce Street. Two acres of 
land, together with the saw-mill, pond, and dam (part 
of this tract), and the property of Matthew Parvin, 
were again sold by the sheriff, Thomas Maskell, Dec. 

II, 1770, and bought by Silas Parvin, who was prob- 
ably a brother of Matthew, and he sold it back to 
Enos Seeley, Aug. 1, 1777. Enos Seeley sold to 
Judge Ephraim Seeley the undivided half part of 
twenty-seven acres, which included the saw-mill tract, 
previous to his death, and upon the division of the 
property of Judge Seeley, in 1800, it was set oft to 
his son, Samuel, who conveyed it to Jeremiah Buck, 
May 7, 1802, and he to John Wood, of Stow Creek^ 
Nov. 16, 1802. Wood also bought the other half part 
of the property from Ebenezer Seeley, son of Col. 
Enos, Feb. 23, 1802, and conveyed the whole property 
to Jeremiah Buck, March 10, 1808. When Mr. Buck 
built his new dam and mills at their present location 



on Commerce Street, in 1809, he let the water out of 
the saw-mill pond, so as to get a better head of water 
at the grist-mill, by lowering the back water from the 
saw-mill pond. The old saw-mill was soon after taken 
down, and the ground covered by the old pond has 
been farmed fur many years, and at the present day 
Mill Street is opened over it, and a number of houses 
are built upon it. 

East Lake Mills, — The land covered by East Lake, 
as it is now called, was a part of the Indian Fields 
survey, and was purchased by Ephraim Seeley, the 
son of Joseph Seeley, who was one of the Con- 
necticut settlers at New England Town. He prob- 
ably erected the dam and built the first grist-mill 
in the limits of the city as early as 1700. The 
first dam put up crossed about one-third the way up 
the present pond, from the hill on the east side 
near the north line of the property of Oberlin Smith 
to the hill on the west side back of the residence 
of Jeremiah Dubois, on East Avenue, and a race- 
way led along the side of the hill from the west- 
ern end of the dam about twelve rods to the mill, 
which stood on the low ground now covered with 
water, called Mulberry Cove, about opposite the 
eastern end of Cedar Street. Near the middle of the 
dam was a fulling-mill, a necessary adjunct in a new 
settlement, but this was suffered to fall into decay 
before 1800. The mansion-house stood on the high 
ground northwest of the mill, and near to it. The 
road from the bridge over the Gohansey to the mill 
ran nearly a direct course from the neighborhood of 
where the Methodist Church now is, back of the resi- 
dence of Jonathan Elmer, to the mill ; the marks of 
the old road are still to be seen between East Avenue 
and the pond. On the east side a road led down the 
hill near the old house now belonging to Henry C. 
Dare, the marks of which could still be seen a few 
years ago, which was used by the Indian Fields set- 
tlers in coming to the mills. 

Ephraim Seeley was the miller during his life, and 
at his death, in April, 1823, left the mills to his wife 
during her widowhood, and then to his son Ephraim. 
He lived there the most of his life, and by his will, 
dated June 18, 1774, left this property to his son 
Ephraim (3d), who was called Judge Ephraim from 
holding the position of judge in our county courts. 
He also lived in the mansion-house at the mill, and 
managed it (the fulling-mill having gone to decay) 
until he built the house at the northwest corner of 
Commerce and Bank Streets, to which he moved, and 
died shortly after, in 1799. A division of his prop- 
erty was made in September, 1800, by commissioners 
appointed by the Orphans' Court, and the grist-mill 
and pond were set off to his son, Ephraim Seeley (4th), 
who sold the property to Jeremiah Buck, June 8, 
1807. In 1809, Buck enlarged the pond by building a 
new dam, which he located where the straight road 
to Millville, laid out in 1805, crossed the stream. He 
built the present grist-mill, known as Elmer's Mill, 



CITY OF BKIDGETON. 



595 



in 1809, and the saw-mill in the same j'ear. Mr. Buck 
became embarrassed after the close of the war of 
1812-15, owing to the enormous depreciation of prop- 
erty which took place, and was compelled to make an 
assignment for the benefit of his creditors in 1819. His 
assignees sold the property to Dr. William Elmer, 
May 2, 1820, and at his death in 1836 it became the 
property of his son Jonathan, who now owns the 
grist-mill. He sold the saw-mill, together with other 
property in the vicinity, to R. and J. Dubois in 1864. 
The grist-mill is one of the most valuable mill-stands 
in the county, and does a large business under the 
charge of Jonathan Elmer, Jr., who now occupies it. 

Richard Lett's Grist-MilL— After the erection of 
the tumbling-dam, forming the water-power of the 
iron-works, Benjamin Reeves sold his undivided half 
part of a lot of land where the grist-mill now stands, 
together with ample water-power, to Daniel P. Strat- 
ton, July 21, 1818, Mr. Stratton and the other half- 
owner, David Reeves, intending to erect a first-class 
grist-mill, capable of running three pairs of stones 
and other machinery, day and night. Mr. Reeves, 
however, became afraid that the remaining water- 
power would not be sufficient for the nail-works, and 
refused to build. After considerable difficulty one- 
half of the lot and a water-power supposed to be one- 
half of that originally proposed was set off to Mr. 
Stratton by arbitrators, and he erected the existing 
flour-mill in 1822. He died June 6, 1840, and it re- 
mained the property of his heirs until Dec. 23, 1858, 
when they conveyed it to its present owner, Richard 
Lott. He rebuilt it and put it in complete order. 

City OfBlcers. — The following have been the offi- 
cers of the city since its incorporation : 

MAYORS. 



1S66. James Hood.i 
186T. Isaac B. Dare. 
1870. Isaac B. Dare. 
1873. Ephraim E. Sheppard. 



1865. Uriah D. Woodruff. 

1866. Uriah D. Woodruff. 

1867. Uriah D. Woodruff. 

1868. Charles C. Grosscup. 

1869. Uriah D. Woodruff. 

1870. Daniel Bacon. 

1871. Daniel Bacon. 



1876. Seth P. Husted. 

1879. Seth P. Husted. 

1881. John Smalley.2 

1882. John Smalley. 

TKEASUEEES. 

1872. Daniel Bacon. 

1873. Daniel Bacon.s 

1876. Daniel Bacon.< 

1877. Franli M. Kiley. 

1880. Frank M. Eiley. 

1883. FranlE M. Eilev. 



SOLICITOES. 



SCHOOL SUPEEINTENDENTS. 



1865. Eev. James M. Challis. 

1866. Eev James M. Challis. 

1867. Eev. James M. Challis. 

1868. Dr. Joseph Moore. 

1869. Dr. Eobort W. Elmer. 

1870. Dr. Eobert W. Elmer. 



1871. Dr. Eobert W. Elmer. 

1872. Dr. Eohert W. Elmer. 

1873. Dr. Eobert W. Elmer.6 
1876. Dr. Eobert W. Elmer.6 
1878. Dr. Joseph Moore. 
1881. Dr. Joseph Moore. 



1 Resigned Dec. 31, 1866. 

2 Mayor Husted resigned Nov. 17, 1881, having been elected sheriff, 
and Mayor Smalley appointed by City Council on same date. 

3 Term increased to three years by act of Legislature. 

* By Eevised Charter the term was made one year for the first elec- 
tion, and three years subsequently. 

& Term extended to three years by act of Legislature. 

* By Eevised Charter the term was made two years for the first elec- 
tion, and three years subsequently. 



1865. 


John T. Ni.\on. 




1876, 


Charles E. Sheppard." 


18G6. 


John T. Nixon. 


1877, 


Potter & Ni.xon, 


1867. 


William E. Potter. 


1878. 


William E. Potter, 


1868. 


James E. Hoagland. 


1879. 


Charles E. Sheppard, 


1869. 


James J, Keeves. 


1880. 


Charles E, Sheppard, 


1870. 


James J. Eeeves. 


1881. 


Charles E, Sheppard, 


1.S71. 


J. Boyd Nixon. 




1882, 


William A, Logue, 


1872. 


J. Boyd Nixon. 




1883. 


William A. Logue, 


1873. 


James J. Eeeves. 








COLLECTOES OP TAXES.' 


1S76. 


Jacob Ernest. 




1880, 


Lewis J, Barker. 


1877. 


Jacob Ernest. 




1381, 


Lewis J, Barker, 


1878. 


Lewis J. Barker. 




1882, 


Lewis J, Barker, 


1879. 


Lewis J. Barker. 




1883, 


Lewis J, Barker, 




EECORDEEE 


, 


1865. 


Daniel Bacon. 




1875. 


George W, McCowan, 


1866. 


Joseph S. Miner. 




1876, 


William B, Cornwell, 


1867. 


Joseph S. Miner. 




1877. 


Thomas M, Woodruff, 


1868. 


William H. Harrison. 




187S, 


Thomas M, Woodruff, 


1869. 


Jeremiah H. Lupton. 




1879, 


Thomas M, Woodruff, 


1870. 


Jeremiah H. Lupton. 




1880. 


Daniel B, Gineuback, 


1871. 


George W. McCowan. 




1881. 


Daniel B, Ginenback,» 


1872. 


George W. McOowan. 






Charles B, Moore,10 


1873. 


George W. McCowan. 




1882, 


Charles B, Moore. 


1874. 


George "W. McCowan. 


1883, 

COUNCIL. 
First Ward. 


Charles B. Moore. 


1866. 


Charles S. Fithian. 




1877 


Eobert L, Young. 




Thomas U. Harris. 




1878 


John C. Schenck, 


1866, 


Charles S. Fithian. 




1879 


William Dare, 


1867. 


Jonathan Elmer. 




1880 


David P. Mulford,l2 


1869 


William Dare. 




1881 


Eli E, Rogers, 


1870. 


Jonathan Elmer. 






Charles H, Miokle," 


1872. 


Samuel Ackley. 




1882 


George S, Piersou (for one 


1873. 


Hugh S. McGear. 






year). 


1874. 


11 Charles C. Grosscup. 






Charles G, Hampton, 


1875 


Jonathan Elmer. 




1883 


Stephen Cox, Jr, 


1876 


"William Dare, 












Second Ward 




1865 


David P. Mulford, 
Samuel Applegit. 




1874 


William E, Thompson. 
Eli Loper, 


1868 


Leonard Conover. 




1876 


James H, Trenchard,i" 




George W, Olaypoole," 




1876. 


Levi Dare, 


1SC9 


James H, Trenchard,i5 




1877 


Timothy Campbell (for one 


1870 


Stacy W. Mathews (foi 
year). 


one 




year), 
Wallace Taylor, 


1871 


James H. Trenchard, 




1878. 


Timothy Campbell,i8 




J, "Warren Eoork, 




1879. 


Henry Eocap (for two 


1874 


Daniel B, Thompson ,16 






years). 



7 Office abolished by act of Feb. 9, 1874; by Revised Charter it was re- 
created and made appointive by City Council. 

8 Office created by the Revised Charter, previous to which a collector 
of taxes was elected in each ward. 

^Resigned July 26, 18S1. 

10 Appointed by City Council, Aug. 16, 1881. 

11 By act of Feb. 9, 1874, the number of members from each ward wai 
increased to three. 

12 Resigned June 14, 1881. 

13 Appointed by City Council, July 12, 1881. 

14 Resigned Aug. 28, 1869. 

15 Appointed by City Council, Oct. 19, 1869. 

ic The act increasing the number of members in each ward to three 
provided that the three from the Second Ward should draw lots for one- 
two-, and three-year terms, and Daniel B. Thompson drew for one year, 
William B. Thompson for two years, and Eli Loper for three years. 

17 Died Feb. 27, 1877. 

18 Resigned Feb. 11, 1879. 



596 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



1879. Levi Dare.i 




, 1881. Hamilton N. Roney (for two 


1880. Samuel L. Harris.s 




i years). 


George Loper.^ 




' Henry Rocap. 


1881. George Loper (for one 


year). 


1882. George Loper. 

1883. Eli Loper. 




Third Ward. 


1865. Robert C. Nichols. 




1875. Charles E, Elmer. 


Robert J, Fithian. 




1876. Joseph C. Kirby. 


3866. Jacob Kienzle. 




1S77. Jacob Kienzle. 


1867. Robert J. Fithiau. 




1878. Chester J. Buck. 


1869. Isaac W. MulforU. 




1879. Joseph C. Kirby. 


1870. Jacob Kieuzle. 




ISSO. James R. Hoagland. 


1872. Charles E. Elmer. 




1881. William C. Whitekar. 


1873. John Husted. 




1882. Timothy Campbell. 


1874. Jacob Kienzle. 




1883. Benjamin Hancock. 


Bi 


idgeton 


Toivn^fhip. 


1845^6. Lewis McBiide. 




1850. Jonathan Elmer. 


Robert Slieppard. 




1851. Jonathan Elmer. 


1847-49. Henry Slieppard. 




William Parvin. 


Jonathan Elmer. 




1852-64. Jonathan Elmer. 


1850. Robert Slieppard. 




Dayton B. Whitekar. 



Cohansey Township. 
1848-49. William Eiley. I 1854-57. Cornelius Lupton. 

John S. Ware. Robert Barber. 

1850-53. Cornelius Luptou. 1858-64. David P. Elmer. 

David P. Simpkins. | Daniel flL Woodruff. 



Bridgeton Citij, 
1865-i.i7. Jonathan Elmer. 

William Dare. 
1868. Ephraim E. Sheppard. 

Samuel Ackley. 
1869-71. Jonathan Elmer. 

David P. Mulford. 
1872. David P. Mulford. 

Samuel Ackley. 
1873-77. David McBride. 

David P. Mulford. 
1878. Thomas U. Harris. 



Second Ward. 



1865-67. Robert Du Bois. 
David McBride. 

1868. James Hand. 
George Donaghay. 

1869. James H. Trenchard. 
Joseph Borden. 

1870-73. Charles L. Roray. 
Samuel Applegit. 

1874. Samuel Applegit. 
Daniel B. Thompson. 

1875. Levi Dare. 
Timothy Campbell. 



Third Ward. 


18G5-66. William C. Whitekar. 


1874 


BeDJamin T. Ware. 




1867. Lelinian Blew. 


1875- 


Daniel Dare.-* 




1868-69. Euooh Hanthoni. 


1877. 


Euos I'aullin. 




1870. Enos PauUin. 


1878 


■Robert J. Fithiau. 




1871-73. Robert J. Fithian. 


1880- 


Hiram Paulliu. 


1883 



1876. Timothy Campbell. 
Henry B. Harker. 

1877. Timothy Campbell. 
William R. Thompson. 

1878. Timothy Campbell. 
Henry Rocap. 

1879. Benjamin T. Bright. 
Wallace Taylor. 

1880. Stacy Mathews. 
1881-82. Mayberry G. Belforil. 
1883. Francis P. Riley. 



. Robert J. Fithiau. 

Benjamin Keen. 
1-76. Robert J. Fithian. 

David 0. Garrison. 

Robert J. Fitliian. 

William C. Whitekar. 
-79. Benjamin Hancock. 

"William G. Brooks. 
-82. Benjamin Hancock. 

William G. Brooks. 



Manufactures. — Bridgeton is a manufacturing 
community. After the establishment of the iron- 
worljs here, in 1815, the town commenced to grow 



—First Ward. 

1878. Samuel E. McGear (part of 

year; resigned). 
William Dare (remainder of 
year). 

1879. Thomas U. Harris. 
Wilson L. Silvers. 

1880. Charles H. Mickle. 

1881. Wilson L. Silvers. 

1882. Charles H. Mickle. 

1883. Wilson L. Silvers. 



1 Died Oct. 28, 1880. 

ZReeignedFeb. 8, 1881. 

3 Appointed by City Council, Nov. 10, 1880. 

"* Removed before expiration of year. 



more rapidly, and the increase of population has 
kept pace with, and been largely the result of, the 
increase of manufactures. It is the leading city of 
South Jersey in the extent and variety of its manu- 
factured products, consisting in part of nails, water- 
and gas-pipe, castings, machinery, woolen goods, 
glassware, leather, lumber, carriages, canned fruits, 
etc. 

The oldest and most extensive establishment is the 
Cumberland Nail and Ikon Company. In 1814, 
Ebenezer Seeley and James Lee, who had bought the 
land on the east side of the Cobansey lying along the 
river, and Smith Bowen, who owned the land on the 
west side of the river, united in erecting the dam, one 
mile above the town, known as the Tumbling Dam. 
Seeley and Lee designed building a paper-mill, to be 
run by their half of the water-power. Paper at that 
time was very high-priced, owing to the war with 
Great Britain ; but, the war closing, that design was 
dropped. They, however, built a saw-mill near the 
foot of North Street, to which the water was brought 
by a race way from the pond, which they carried on 
for a time. The close of the war was followed by a 
great financial depression, and Seeley and Lee both 
failed. Abraham Sayre, from whom they liad bought 
the property, obtained it again, and built a grist-mill 
near the saw-mill, and operated it until bis death. 
Smith Bowen sold his half of the water-power to 
Benjamin and David Reeves, who established the 
iron-works on the west side of the river, and com- 
menced making nails in 1815. Nails at that time 
sold for ten to fifteen cents per pound, and were made 
from the best Swedish iron, cut across the grain of the 
metal. Upon the death of Mr. Sayre, the owner of 
the other half of the water-power, in 1820, they pur- 
chased it, together with the grist-mill of Mr. Sayre, 
which they soon after took down and removed to 
their works on the west side of the river, where it 
was burned, in 1824, in the fire which destroyed the 
works in that year. They were at once rebuilt on a 
larger scale. About 1843 a change was made in cut- 
ting nails by cutting them lengthways of the grain of 
the metal, instead of crossways, making a much better 
nail. The business steadily increasing, the water- 
power proved insufficient at times to properly carry 
on the works. The building of a new dam across the 
Cohansey I'ust above the works was planned, and an 
act of the Legislature secured for that purpose, but it 
was never carried out. 

The rolling-mill on the east side of the creek was 
built in 1847, and is operated by a powerful steam- 
engine, the boilers which furnish the steam being 
heated by the same fire in which the iron is heated. 
The rolling of iron on the west side was abandoned, 
and the whole water-power devoted to the nail-mills. 
In 1853 the large pipe-mill north of the rolling-mill 
was erected, and the manufacture of wrought iron, 
gas- and water-pipe was commenced. Benjamin 
Keeves, one of the founders, died in 1844, and the 








^^^^</^ 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



597 



firm became Reeves, Buck & Co. In 1856 it was in- 
corporated as the Cumberland Nail and Iron Com- 
pany. In 1822 they employed twenty-six hands, and 
had sixteen nail-machines capable of cutting ten tons 
of nails per week. At this day they employ about 
four hundred men, and produce one hundred and 
forty thousand kegs of nails and four million feet of 
gas- and water-pipes yearly. The machinery consists 
of ten double puddling-furnaces, four heating-fur- 
naces, two trains of rolls, eighty-four nail-machines, 
and six furnaces for welding gas- and water-pipes. 

EoBEET S. Buck. — The family are of English ex- 
traction, the earliest representatives in America 
having settled in New England. Henry Buck, the 
progenitor of this branch of the family, was born in 
1635, and removed, in 1692, to Fairfield, N. J., then 
known as Fenwick's colony. He died in advanced 
years, leaving several children, among whom was 
Henry, the second son in order of birth. He became 
the father of a son, Ephraim, whose son Ephraim 
was the father of Jeremiah Buck, whose birth oc- 
curred in 1764. He married Miss Sarah Holmes, and 
had among his children a son, Robert S., the subject 
of this biography. The latter was born Sept. 10, 
1802, in Bridgeton, N. J., and having left school at 
an early age, was apprentic_ed to a miller. At the 
age of twenty-three he entered the political arena, 
and was elected by the Whig party to the office of 
sheriff of the county, which he filled with credit for 
three years. He never after held office, though often 
solicited to be the candidate for important positions. 

On his retirement from the office of sheriff he en- 
gaged in the manufacture of bone buttons, and in the 
year 1836 entered the iron business in Bridgeton, in 
the establishment now known as the Cumberland Nail 
and Iron Company, an industry founded in 1814, by 
David and Benjamin Reeves. In company with Rob- 
ert C. Nichols, Mr. Buck purchased the interest of 
Mr. Whitaker, a third partner, and the firm became 
Reeves, Buck & Co. In 1846, Mr. Buck removed his 
residence to Pho?nixville, Pa., and assumed charge of 
the iron-works at that point belonging to the firm. 
After a residence of ten years at Phrenixville he re- 
turned again to Bridgeton, and though retaining his 
interest in the extensive works his industry, energy, 
and perseverance had aided in establishing, retired 
from active participation in the business. In the year 
1865, Mr. Buck purchased a controlling interest in 
the works, and until his death acted as its president. 
He was married, in 1886, to Miss Caroline James, of 
Salem County, N. J. Their children are Sarah H. ; 
Robert S., who died in infancy ; Clara M. R., wife of 
Dr. F. L. Du Bois, of the United States navy ; Rob- 
ert James, who served with credit during the late 
civil war, and married Miss Sidney E. Reeves, of 
PhcBuixville, Pa. ; Chester Jones, who married Miss 
Elizabeth R. Du Bois, of Bridgeton ; and Caroline 
James, who is the wife of Lesley Lupton, Esq., of 
Rahway, N. J. Mr. Buck was in politics early a 



Whig, and afterwards a Republican, though during 
his later life not actively interested in political con- 
tests. As a man, he possessed strict principles of hon- 
esty and integrity, wns warm-hearted and generous, 
courteous in his bearing, and with a peculiar mag- 
netism which made those daily associated with him 
his friends. His business management was firm but 
kindly, his dealings just. While esteemed and re- 
spected by those who came in daily business contact 
with him, his attractive social and domestic qualities 
were known best to those who were admitted to the 
sanctity of his own fireside. Here were manifested 
all those graces of mind and heart which endeared 
him to family and friends. 

In his religious preferences Mr. Buck was a Pres- 
byterian, and a regular attendant upon the services 
of that church. His death occured at his home in 
Bridgeton, April 23, 1877, in his seventy-fifth year. 

Robert C. Nichols. — The Nichols family are of 
English descent. Gen. Robert Nichols, the father of 
the subject of this biographical sketch, was a resident 
of Brooklyn, where he was a citizen of much promi- 
nence. He married Sarah Van Dam Mesier, and had 
children, — Emily (Mrs. E. H. Goodwin), Robert C, 
John M., Henry G., Percival, and Claudius B. His 
son Robert C. was born Aug. 2, 1814, in Brooklyn, 
where his early years were spent, with such oppor- 
tunities of study as the schools of the day afforded. 
Philadelphia later became his residence, from which 
city he removed to Norristown, Pa., and engaged in 
the manufacture of nails and iron. He was married, 
in 1837, to Miss Harriet A., daughter of George H. 
Stanton, of New York. Their children are Julia F., 
Harriet A. (wife of Dr. Charles H. Boardmau, of St. 
Paul, Minn.), and Emily G., who married James R. 
Walsh, of the same city. 

Mr. Nichols resided for ten years in Norristown, and 
became one of its most successful iron manufacturers. 
During this period Messrs. David and Benjamin 
Reeves became associated with him, and a consolida- 
tion was effected with the Cumberland Nail- and Iron- 
Works at Bridgeton, which rendered the removal of 
the machinery to the latter point necessary. 

Mr. Nichols, as one of the partners, managed these 
works, and by his business tact and energy greatly 
increased their capacity and enhanced the reputation 
of their products. In December, 1856, he became 
president of the corporation in connection with his 
duties as general manager. He continued thus iden- 
tified with the company until 1871, when he retired 
from active participation in its affairs, though still a 
stockholder. 

Mr. Nichols has been since his residence in Bridge- 
ton largely identified with its interests. He was one 
of the originators of the Bridgeton Building Associa- 
tion, is a director and now president of the Bridgeton 
Gaslight Company, and a director of the Cumberland 
Mutual Insurance Company. He is also a director of 
the Cumberland National Bank. 



598 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Mr. Nichols was early a Whig in politics. On the 
formation of the Republican party he accepted the 
articles of its platform and became one of its ad- 
herents, though not an active worker in the political 
field. His religious creed is that of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, St. Andrew's Church, in Bridge- 
ton, of which he is senior warden, being largely in- 
debted to him for its organization and the erection of 
its edifice. 

The Ferracute Machine- Works were first estab- 
lished in a small building on North Laurel Street by the 
firm of Smith & Webb, which was afterwards succeeded 
by the firm of Oberlin Smith & Bro. Needing more 
room and larger facilities, the ground now occupied 
by them on Commerce Street, adjoining the east shore 
of East Lake, was bought, and a building erected, 
which has since been supplanted by others, and the 
business changed into a stock company under the 
title of the Ferracute Machine Company. They 
manufixcture foot- and power-presses, dies, tools for 
cutting, embossing, and drawing sheet-metal goods, 
such as tinware, lanterns, lamps, fruit-cans, etc. A 
number of the patents used by them are the inven- 
tion of Oberlin Smith, the president of the company. 
Their workshops cover about twelve thousand square 
feet of ground, and over sixty workmen are em- 
ployed. 

Lading's Iron Foundry was established in the 
building now occupied by it in 1869, by David W. 
Laning, who carried it on until his decease, in the 
summer of 1883. It is now under the control of his 
son, Charles E. Laning. The building is of brick, 
and adjoins the West Jersey Railroad depot. They 
employ over twenty hands, and manufacture black- 
smith's drills, iron verandas and fences, vessel wind- 
lasses, plow-castings, and all other kinds of castings 
generally. 

Cox & Sons' Machine- Works are located on 
Water Street, and their grounds have a frontage of two 
hundred and fifty feet on the Cohansey River. Their 
former shop was at the corner of Broad and Water 
Streets, from which they removed to their present 
location. The building occupied by them was built 
iu 1867 for a steam planing-mill, but after being so 
used for several years that business was given up, and 
it was empty until the present occupants bought it. 
They manufacture steam-heating apparatus, steam- 
engines and boilers, pipe-screwing and lapping ma- 
chinery, stocks, dies, cast- and wrought-iron fittings, 
and other articles. 

The Cohansey Glass Manufacturing Com- 
pany. — The manufacture of glass in Bridgeton was 
first commenced in 1836, by the firm of Stratton, Buck 
& Co. This firm for many years transacted the largest 
business in the county, owning large tracts of land, 
and cutting and shipping the wood and timber grow- 
ing thereon, and doing a large store business gener- 
ally. They carried on the glass business until the 
death of Mr. Buck, in 1842, after which it was carried 



on by a stock company, which made a failure. The 
works passed through several hands into the ownership 
of Francis L. and J. Nixon Bodine, and was then 
changed into a corporation by the above title, the 
stock of which is principally owned by them. The 
works have been several times enlarged, and under 
the management of the present proprietors have been 
very successful. They cover about five acres of 
ground, running from South Pearl Street to the Co- 
hansey, and from Glass Street to Mill Creek, and in- 
clude three window-glass and three bottle-factories, 
and employ about four hundred hands. 

Getsinger & Son's Window-Glass Works were 
established in 1879, on South Laurel Street, below Jef- 
ferson, by John Getsinger and William H. Allen, under 
the name of Getsinger & Allen. They erected their 
works on land leased of the estate of John Buck, de- 
ceased. They were carried on by that firm very suc- 
cessfully, and a second factory was built in 1881. In 

1882, Mr. Getsinger, associating with himself his son, 
John B. Getsinger, purchased an eligible lot of land, 
running from Grove Street to the Cohansey River, 
and built another factory thereon, and during 1883 
has built a second factory there. In the fall of 1883, 
Mr. Allen retired from the original firm, and all the 
works have been united and a stock company formed. 

Joseph A. Claek & Co., in 1880, erected a glass- 
factory on Water Street below Vine, fronting on the 
Cohansey, and began work in August of that year. 
Their factory was partly destroyed by fire during 
1881, but was at once rebuilt. In 1882 the firm pur- 
chased an extensive tract of land, comprising over 
forty acres, on North Laurel Street, adjoining the New 
Jersey Southern Railroad, to which they removed 
their bottle-factory, and also erected a large plate-glass 
factory, the only one in this State. The main build- 
ing is one hundred and sixty by one hundred and 
twenty feet in size, and one story high, near which is 
a large pot-house and numerous other buildings. 
The first cast of plate-glass was made on the niglit of 
May 23, 1882, and was a success. They make corru- 
gated and plain plate-glass, from three-eighths to one 
inch thick, but do not as yet polish it. The firm 
was composed of Joseph A. Clark, his son, Isaac L. 
Clark, Clement W. Shoemaker, and Samuel M. Bas- 
sett. Mr. Isaac L. Clark died during the summer of 

1883, leaving the present firm composed of the three 
others named. 

The West Side Glass Manueactueing Com- 
pany (limited) was established in 1879, and leased the 
factory belonging to Benjamin Lupton, about three- 
quarters of a mile below the city, on the west side of 
the river. They removed from there to a location on 
the west bank of the river, on Water Street, during 
the present year. 

More, Jonas & More.— Richard More, Robert 
More, Jr., brothers, and George Jonas, under the firm- 
name of More, Jonas & More, established a bottle- 
factory on Railroad Avenue and the West Jersey 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



599 



Railroad in 1881, and have carried it on since tliat 
time. 

A new stock company are at tlie present time (Oc- 
tober, 1883) building window-liglit works east of 
South Avenue, in the Second Ward, and Dr. John B. 
Bowen and Joseph C. Kirby are also erecting a new 




, MORE, JOXAS A JIORE. 
Slanufacturers of Green and Amber Bottle Ware, Bridgeton, N. 

bottle-factory on the line of the Cumberland and 
Maurice River Railroad, north of Commerce Street, 
both of which will soon be in operation. 

Messrs. Charles G. Hampton and William G. Brooks 
have also erected a new bottle-factory on Hampton 
Street near Water, which has just commenced opera- 
tion. ' 

East Lake Woolex MANtTFACTURix(T Company. 
— In 1811, Jeremiah Buck erected a cotton- and 
woolen-factory on the south side of Commerce Street, 
between his grist- and saw-mill. The business was 
carried on by Enoch H. More and Ephraim Holmes, ^ 
but in the name of Mr. More alone. In tlie great flood ; 
of Feb. 20, 1822, the mill-dam broke, and the woolen- 
mill was undermined by the water and carried away. 
Dr. William Elmer, then the owner of the property, 
erected a new and larger mill on the north side 
of the road, where the present brick mill stands, 
which was finished the same year. Mr. More again 
commenced business, and carried it on until his 
death, in 1846, being at the time the State Senator 
from this county. The business was then carried on 
by William S. Dubois & Son until 1850, when the 
firm became William S. & R. Dubois, and after the 
death of William S., in 1852, his two sons carried it 
on under the name of R. & J. Dubois. They bought 
the woolen-mill and water-privilege of Jonathan 
Elmer, Jan. 19, 1863, and Dec. 23, 1864, they also 
bought the saw-mill and other property adjoining. 
In 1863 they removed the old frame mill to the north- 
ward of its former site, on which they erected a 
handsome three-story brick structure, which has since 



been enlarged, and additional buildings built on the 
south side of the street. During the rebellion they 
were mostly engaged in manufacturing government 
goods. 

In 1866 a stock company was organized, which was 
incorporated by act of the Legislature, Feb. 7, 1867, 
under the name of the "East Lake Woolen 
Manufacturing Company," by whom the busi- 
ne.ss is now carried on. They manufacture 
the best grade of woolen and cotton-warp 
cassimeres, and employ over one hundred 
hands. 

Caniseeie,';. — The production of canned 
good.s, principally tomatoes, peaches, and 
pears, is carried on by several firms. That 
of the Diamond Packing Company is located 
on the Cohansey River at the foot of Eagle 
Street, and have a capacity of one million 
cans annually. They employ two hundred 
and fifty men, women, and children during 
the season. The firm is composed of Messrs. 
C. N. and J. A. Selser and G. W. Turner, all 
of Philadelphia, and Mr. John H. Poole, of 
this city. The West Jersey Packing Com- 
pany, Warner, Rhodes & Co., proprietors, 
are situated on Irving Avenue, about one- 
half mile from the built-up portion of the 
city, and put up about the same number of cans, and 
employ about the same number of hands. The can- 
ning factory of John W. Stout is situated on the 
southeast corner of Bank Street and Irving Avenue, 
near the West Jersey Railroad depot. About one 
hundred and seventy-five hands are employed here 
during the three or four months of the canning sea- 
son, and they put up about seven hundred thousand 
cans. 

The canning-factory of Benjamin S. Ayars is on 
Water Street, below Vine. He employs over one 
hundred hands, and puts up over three hundred 
thousand cans of goods. Messrs. William Laning 
and Franklin C. Probasco have erected canning- 
works on Water Street during the present year. 

Isaac W. Mulford & Son have erected a large paper- 
mill on Water Street, near the foot of Hampton Street, 
and fronting on the Cohansey, which was put in oper- 
ation during the fall of 1883. They manufacture for 
the present the coarser grades of paper. 

In addition to these, the tanning establishment of 
Jacob Kienzle, one of our foremost German citizens, 
who has been located here over twenty-five years ; 
the pottery of William J. Smith ; the ship-building 
and marine railway yard of Rice & Brother ; the 
cigar-manufactories of Jacob Mengel, Betchner & 
Bohl, Philip Bauer, Henry Maier, Mead & Brother, 
and Elmer & Davis ; the West Jersey Soap- and Can- 
dle-Works, also belonging to Jacob Kienzle; the 
brick-yards of Isaac W. Mulford and Benjamin Lup- 
ton ; the steam planing and door, sash, and blind 
manufactories of D. B. & W. C. Whitekar and Nor- 



600 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



ton L. Paullin ; the shirt-manufactory of Hindermyer 
& Tresk ; the carriage-manufactories of Charles C. 
Loudenslager, Robert M. Rocap, and Ira Allen ; and 
numerous lesser manufactories of various kinds, — all 
give employment to a large number of hands, and con- 
stitute important items in the manufacturing life of 
Bridgeton. 

ECCLESIASTICAL. 

First Presbyterian Church. — Bridgeton remained 
without any organized church, or any place of wor- 
ship but the court-house, forty-five years after it be- 
came the county town. The Presbyterians residing 
there or in the vicinity belonged at the old Cohansey 
Church, at New England Town, or the church at 
Greenwich ; the Baptists, to the old Cohansey Bap- 
tist Church, in Lower Hopewell. In 1774 subscrip- 
tions were made to build a Presbyterian Church in 
Bridgeton, and a lot was selected on the east side of 
the river, situate ou the north side of Commerce 
Street, a little above Pearl. But, owing to the oppo- 
sition of those residing on the west side of the river, 
at that time the most numerous and influential, the 
design was abandoned. In 1791, Mark Miller, who 
was a member of the Society of Friends, was induced 
to deed a lot, containing two acres, " to be used, occu- 
pied, and enjoyed by the inhabitants of Bridgeton 
forever, for the purpose of a burying-ground for all 
said inhabitants generally, and for erecting thereon 
a house for the public worship of Almighty God." 
To this lot large additions have been made by subse- 
quent purchases. 

A congregational meeting was held, and the fol- 
lowing letter, the original of which was not long 
since in the possession of Rev. Dr. Hall, of Trenton, 
N. J., was addressed to the Philadelphia Presbytery : 

" To the BfVd. Prrshi/tery of Philadelphia. 

"Gentlemen,— The Inhabitiints of Bridgetown & its vicinity have 
liitberto experienced great inconvenience in having no House of Public 
Worship in or near the Town. It is a county Town, central in its situ- 
ation, it contains near 3U0 Inhabitants, who are rapidly increasing in 
number, 

" After repeated eftbrts, we have now a fair prospect of succeeding in 
building a Cbnrcli in the Town. It is already nearly enclosed, & will 
probably be completed the ensuing season. 

'• Our ne.\t object is to prepare for the stated preaching of the Gospel 
in it. Having a predilection for the Doctrine & Discipline of the Pres- 
byterian Church in America, we wish to become an acknowledged mem- 
ber of that Church. We have, therefore, deemed it the most orderly 
mode of procedure to make known our particular cose & circumstances 
to the Revd Presbytery within whose bounds we are situated, and to 
solicit their approbation &. assistance in the measure. 

" We have appointed the bearer hereof, Jonathan Elmer, Esquire, our 
Commissioner for thsit purpose. He will lay before you the application 
agreed upon by us, & wait for the result of your determination on the 
subject. 

'* We are, Eev*^ Gentlemen, 
" Yours, Ac, 
" Signed by order and in behalf of the meeting, 

"David Potter, Chairman. 

" BEinOE Town, Cumberland County, & State of New Jersey, October 
the IS", 1792." 

About sixteen hundred dollars were subscribed, 
and the foundation-stone was laid and the building 
commenced July 26, 1792. The house was inclosed 



and the roof put on by December, when the money 
was all expended. In 1793 a law of the State was 
obtained, authorizing the trustees to raise two thou- 
sand dollars by means of a lottery, in accordance 
with a practice then very common. By means of 
the money thus secured the church was finished suffi- 
ciently so that on Sunday, May 17, 1795, it was dedi- 
cated to the worship of God by the Rev. John 
Davenport. 

Previous to this time supplies were ordered by the 
Presbytery, and public worship was held in the court- 
house until the new church building was opened and 
dedicated. In 1794 a call was unanimously agreed 
upon, in conjunction with the Greenwich congrega- 
tion, for the Rev. William Clarkson, of Philadelphia, 
which was accepted, and he was ordained and in- 
stalled as pastor of the two congregations in the 
church at Greenwich on the 20th of October, 1794. 

On Sunday, Dec. 13, 1795, the sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper was celebrated for the first time by the 
Rev. Mr. Clarkson. 

In April, 1796, Nathaniel Harris, Zachariah Law- 
rence, and John Lupton were elected and ordained 
the first ruling elders of the Bridgeton congregation. 

In 1801, Mr. Clarkson accepted a call to Schenec- 
tady, N. Y., and resigned his charge. The congrega- 
tion depended on supplies until 1805, when the Rev. 
Jonathan Freeman, of Orange County, N. Y., was 
called by the two churches, and was installed on the 
16th of October of that year. Mr. Clarkson and Mr. 
Freeman were accustomed to preach in the morning 
at Greenwich and the afternoon at Bridgeton, and 
resided several years on the parsonage farm, near 
Bowentown. After 1810, when Mr. Freeman removed 
to Bridgeton, he generally preached on the evenings 
of Sunday and Wednesday in the court-house. He 
died in 1822. A sketch of his life and ministry will 
be found in this volume. 

In 1824 the union with the Greenwich Church was 
terminated, and the congregation of Bridgeton called 
the Rev. Brogan Hoff as their separate pastor. He 
was installed June 10, 1824, and continued his min- 
istrations until 1833, when he resigned. 

During 1826 a session house for lectures, evening 
meetings, and Sunday-school purposes was erected on 
the northeast corner of Commerce and Pearl Streets, 
and was in use at that place until 1863, when the lot 
was sold for business purposes, and the building was 
removed to the church lot, facing Pearl Street, and 
much improved, continuing to be used by the church 
for the same purpose until 1883. 

In 1834 the Rev. John Kennedy became the pastor, 
and was installed on the 8th day of May. In 1835 
the congregation resolved to build a new church on 
the east side of the river, in a more central and con- 
venient location. 

A lot was purchased running from Laurel to Pearl 
Street, just above Commerce, and the present place 
of worship, since much enlarged and improved, was 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



601 



erected, and was dedicated March 31, 1836. Mr: Ken- 
nedy resigned in 1838, and the same year the Rev. 
Samuel Beach Jones was called, and was installed 
as pastor May 9, 1839. He resigned in 1863. The 
church w'as enlarged and beautifully frescoed during 
the latter part of his ministration. 

The Rev. Casper R. Gregory, from Oneida, N. Y., 
was installed May 12, 1864. The congregation hav- 
ing increased, and the interests of Presbyterianism 
seeming to demand a church on the west side of the 
Cohansey, on March 16, 1869, one hundred and thir- 
teen members of the First Church took letters of dis- 
mission, together with four members from the Second 
Church, and were organized into the West Presby- 
terian Church. Mr. Gregory's pastoral relations were 
dissolved at a meeting of the Presbytery, October 7, 
1873. In that year, during his ministrj', a new and 
larger organ was purchased, and it is no* in use. 

Jan. 26, 1874, Rev. J. Allen Maxwell, of Orange, 
X. J., was elected pastor, and on March 29th he en- 
tered upon his duties as such. Feb. 13, 1881, his pas- 
toral relations were dissolved. 

March 18, 1881, Rev. Augustus Brodhead, D.D., 
was elected pastor, installed by the Presbytery May 
4th, and entered upon his duties May 8th following. 

The present number of members of the church is 
about three hundred and thirty, and the number of 
Sunday-school scholars the same. An elegant and 
commodious chapel, with rooms for Sunday-schools, 
is now being erected, on the site of the old session 
house, in the Norman or Queen Anne style of archi- 
tecture, at a cost of upwards of seven thousand dol- 
lars. 

Officer?^ of ihe Church. — The present elders are 
Henry B. Lupton, Nathaniel Fish, Joseph Reeves, 
Alfred Holmes, Theophilus Trenchard, Edgar J. 
Riley, James J. Reeves, Isaac Laning. The trustees 
are Jonathan Elmer, Charles S. Fithian, Robert M. 
Seeley, W. H. H. Woodruff, John M. Laning. 

Second Presbyterian Church, — This church was 
organized Oct. 14. 1838, by the Third Presbytery of 
Philadelphia, with eleven male and six female mem- 
bers. They rented the old Methodist Church at the 
corner of Bank and Washington Streets as a place of 
worship until they could build. 

Their church was built of granite, on Pearl Street 
between Commerce and Washington Streets, in the 
years 1839-40. It was dedicated Nov. 7, 1840 ; ser- 
mon by Rev. John Patton, of Philadelphia. Length 
of the building, including tower, seventy-seven feet; 
whole cost of church, eight thousand and ninety- 
nine dollars and thirty cents ; architect, William 
Strickland, of Philadelphia; built by David A. F. 
Randolph and Lawrence Shiner. The bell weighs 
three hundred and forty-nine pounds, and cost, in- 
cluding freight, clapper, etc., one hundred dollars. 

Nov. 18, 1838, Rev. James Stratton was invited to 
preach as stated supply for six months. 

July 15, 1840, the church called and settled Rev. 



Julius L. Bartlett, of South Carolina, who resigned his 
charge Jan. 1, 1842. 

Jan. 26, 1842, the church called and settled Rev. 
William A. Mandell, of Massachusetts, who resigned 
his charge in 1844. 

Immediately after that. Rev. Henry J. Vandyke, 
of Philadelphia, was invited to preach as a stated 
supply for six months. He was called, ordained, and 
installed pastor over the church June 17, 1845, and 
resigned his charge, on account of ill health, April IS, 
1846, after which the congregation depended upon 
supplies for about eighteen months, about ten months 
of which time the Rev. Julius L. Bartlett, of South 
Carolina, served the church. 

Oct. 17, 1847, Rev. Henry J. Vandyke's health 
being restored, he was again called by the congrega- 
tion, and was installed pastor Nov. 10, 1848. Sept. 
11, 1850, he asked to have the pastoral relation now 
existing dissolved, on account of desiring to connect 
himself with the Presbytery of West Jersey, which 
was agreed to by the congregation. A pro re nata 
meeting of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia 
being called on the evening of July 9, 1850, the pas- 
toral relation was dissolved and the pulpit placed in 
charge of the Session. 

July 23, 1850, the Session invited Rev. Henry J. 
Vandyke to supply the pulpit for three months. 

Sept. 4, 1850, at a meeting of the congregation held 
in the church, the following resolutions were adopted : 

" Resolved, That this congregation unite with the West Jersey Presby- 
tery, and that two commissioners be appointed to present the application 
to the next stated meeting of said Presbytery. 

" Eesoh-ed, That while we consider that it will be an advantage to tlie 
cause of Christ as well as for the glory of God to be connected with the 
West Jersey Presbytery, we still entertain, and trust we ever shall, the 
kindliest feelings towards the Presbytery we leave and those ministers 
whose labors for us have been frequent, self-denying, and highly ac- 
ceptable." 

At the stated meeting of the Presbytery of West 
Jersey, held Oct. 8, 1850, the church was received 
under the care of said Presbytery. 

The Session invited Rev. Henry J. Vandyke to sup- 
ply the pulpit for one year from Oct. 8, 1850. 

At a congregational meeting held in the church, 

, 1850, Rev. Henry J. Vandyke was again elected 

pastor, and was installed by the Presbytery of West 
Jersey, 1850. 

April 19, 1852, on account of ill health he again 
resigned his charge. 

At a congregational meeting held in the lecture- 
room of the church, Feb. 8, 1853, Rev. William E. 
Baker, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., was nominated and unan- 
imously elected pastor, but resigned his pastorate 
Nov. 19, 1855. 

July 8, 1856, Rev. Peter B. Heroy was called, and 
remained pastor until May 5, 1857. Mr. Heroy was 
followed by Rev. Joseph W. Hubbard, who was in- 
stalled Aug. 5, 1857, and resigned April, 1865. 

June 20, 1866, Rev. Heber H. Beadle was installed 
pastor, wlijo has remained until now. 



602 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



The church was enlarged in 1869 to accommodate 
the demands of a growing congregation, and was re- 
paired in 1883, and largely improved. It has con- 
nected with it a flourishing Sunday-school, two young 
ladies' missionary societies, two church prayer meet- 
ings, one ladies' and one young people's prayer meet- 
ing each week, besides a regular teachers' meeting. 
The church membership is about three hundred. 

West Presbyterian Church. — The West Presby- 
terian Church was organized March 16, 1869, by one 
hundred and thirteen members of tlie First Church, 
who took letters of dismission, together with four 
members from the Second Church, and shortly after 
a dozen more from the First Church were added. The 
congregation worshiped for awhile in the old Presby- 
terian Church on Broad Street, and upon its comple- 
tion in the chapel which adjoins the church. This 
building is of light gray Chester stone, with Trenton 
brownstone facings. It is divided by means of glass 
partitions, consisting of a series of windows, into two 
apartments, used by senior department and infant 
class of the Sabbath-school. Naturally, the building 
is of the same order of architecture as the main edi- 
fice. The interior presents an air of coziness and 
neatness, and the stained window-glass is the only 
bright object visible. 

The church proper is of the Gothic order of archi- 
tecture, constructed of like material. The front and 
buttresses are pointed ofl', and the rest laid natural 
face, all broken range. The main building is one 
hundred by fifty-three feet wide, having a semi-circu- 
lar recess at rear end measuring twenty-two by twelve. 
Between the chapel and main building is a vestibule 
leading to the lecture-room, infant school, pastor's 
study, and main audience-room. The walls are 
painted in bright colors and artistic design. The 
stained-glass windows are in pattern and color very 
beautiful. The pews, pulpit, wainscoting, and doors 
are of solid oak, with neat chasing and carving. The 
chancel, with fine rose window, presents a very bril- 
liant effect. The warming is from steam-pipes which 
run under the feet of the occupants of the pews. 
The artificial light of the house is obtained from 
standards of modern and elegant design, which ex- 
tend in rows lengthwise of the building. The edifice 
seats about six hundred people, and is without doubt 
the most elegant building of the kind in the section 
of New Jersey south of Camden. The interior is 
exceedingly beautiful, combining as it does evidences 
of true art in the architectural design and true taste 
in the carrying out of every detail. 

The corner-stone of the main structure was laid 
with appropriate ceremonies on Saturday, July 3, 
1869, and on the next day, Sunday, July 4th, the 
chapel was dedicated to the worship of God, Rev. 
Dr. Moifat delivering the dedicatory sermon. 

Thursday evening, April 28, 1870, Rev. L. E. Coyle 
was installed as pastor. The services were conducted 
in the chapel. Rev. H. H. Bedle presiding. The 



charge to the people was delivered by the Rev. Mr. 
Proudfit, the charge to the paster by the Rev. Dr. 
Smith, of Baltimore, Md., and the sermon by the 
Rev. C. R. Gregory. 

The church was dedicated on Thursday, April 11, 
1878, after ten years of hope, prayer, and energetic 
effort. The sermon was preached by Rev. L. M. 
Colfelt, of Philadelphia. The dedication prayer was 
read by the pastor of the church, Rev. Leonidas E. 
Coyle. The services throughout were very interest- 
ing to the large and attentive audience assembled. 
It should be observed that a costly and fine-toned 
organ has recently been placed in the church. 

The number of members of the West Presbyterian 
Church is one hundred and seventy ; Sabbath-school 
members, two hundred and fifty-two. 

First Baptist Church.— This church owes its 
origin to the Cohansey Baptist Church at Roadstown. 
The first sermon by a Baptist minister, as far as known, 
was preached by the Rev. Robert Kelsey, who served 
the old mother-church from 1756 to 1789. Ebenezer 
Elmer records in his journal that he preached at the 
court-house on Oct. 29, 1775, and also on December 
3d of the same year. He probably continued his 
services in the succeeding years. His successor, Rev. 
Henry Smalley, about 1797 began preaching every 
Sunday afternoon in the court-house at Bridgeton, 
and as the number of Baptists in the vicinity in- 
creased the need of a meeting-house at Bridgeton 
became more apparent, and the Cohansey Church 
approving the matter, a committee was appointed to 
purchase the lot already selected, then belonging to 
Daniel Elmer. July 16, 1812, he conveyed to trus- 
tees, for the sum of one hundred and fifty-five dol- 
lars, the lot so long occupied by the church, bound- 
ing on Pearl, Marion, and Bank Streets, the same 
where their cemetery now is, and where the Pearl 
Street Baptist Church now stands, containing two 
acres, upon condition that a house of worship be built 
thereon within three yeai's, and a street three rods 
wide be kept open between this lot and Mr. Elmer's 
other lands adjoining. 

On July 12, 1812, a committee was appointed to 
procure materials and superintend the building of 
the meeting-house, consisting of Moses Harris, Isaac 
Mulford, and Moses Platts. The chief share of the 
responsibility rested on Mr. Mulford, On the 13th 
of September they " met on the lot and staked out 
the ground for a brick-kiln near where the house was 
to stand," and on October 22d and 23d the kiln was 
set. Ninety thousand bricks were also bought. May 
17, 1813, workmen commenced digging for the foun- 
dation, and the carpenters also began their work. 
May 31st the first foundation stone was laid, and the 
building was raised by August 5th. But as a result 
of the magnitude of the enterprise for those inter- 
ested in it, and the high prices incident to the war, 
the building was not completed until the latter part 
of the year 1816, and was dedicated on December 



CITY OF BEIDGETON. 



603 



16tli of that year. The services, which had been 
held in the court-house, were transferred to the new 
building, and Mr. Smalley continued his regular ser- 
vices there as an out-station of the Cohansey Church. 

The first meeting with reference to a separate or- 
ganization was held on Feb. 1, 1827, and as a result 
application was made to the mother-church for let- 
ters of dismission so as to form a new organization, 
and that church voted to grant their request, when 
they obtained a minister. In September Rev. George 
Spratt, M.D., accepted their call, and removed to 
Bridgeton Nov. 24, 1827. Jan. 5, 1828, the Cohansey 
Church granted letters of dismission to thirty-eight 
members, who, with Dr. Spratt and his wife, forty in 
all, were publicly constituted a separate church Jan. 
31, 1828. 

The names of the constituent members were as 
follows : 



Eev. George Spratt. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Spratt. 
John Sibley. 
Curtis Ogden. 
Noah Aj'ars. 
Enos Bacon, i^ 
Lewis Paullin. 
Mrs. Kuth B. Ogden. 

" Sarab Sibley. 

" Maria O'Harrough. 

" Ann Boon. 

" Lydia Jarmau. 

" Jane Sbaw, 

" Sarah Pierson. 

" Lydia Wheaton. 

" Phebe Maul. 
Misa Ruth S. Davis. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Morris. 

" Rachel Perry. 

" Wilhelmina Brooks. 



Mrs. Rachel Bacon. ^^ 

" Clarissa Harker. 

" Rebecca Oilman. 

" Hannah Harris. 

" Judith Comersey. 

" Tamson Fithian. 

" Jane Bowen. 

" Sarah Ayars. 

*' Ann Paullin. 

'* Sarab Bacon. 

" Ruth Golden. 

" Sarah Sink. 

" Sarah Woodruff. 

" Ann Platts. 

" Margaret Titsworth. 

" John Brookfield. 

" Rebecca Dare. 

" Elizabeth Pierson. 

" Ann Barrett. 

" Mary Fithian. 



January 17th, Curtis Ogden and John Sibley were 
elected deacons, and Mr. Ogden was also elected 
clerk. On the second Sabbath in February the 
Lord's Supper was observed, and on the 8th of March 
Mrs. Priscilla Sheppard and Mrs. Maria Harris were 
received on their experience and baptized, the first 
persons admitted by this ordinance to the newly con- 
stituted church. 

The church took the name of " The Second Cohan- 
sey Baptist Church at Bridgeton," and was incorpo- 
rated Sept. 29, 1828, the first trustees being Smith 
Bowen, Daniel Pierson, and Garrison Maul. Un- 
settled accounts for the building of the meeting- 
house, in 1816, caused great trouble, but they were all 
settled at last ; but on account of them Dr. Spratt 
removed from Bridgeton, Oct. 20, 1830. 

In February, 1831, Eev. J. C. Harrison became 

pastor, and continued until March 27, 1834, when he 

resigned, after a successful pastorate. j 

In December, 1834, Rev. Michael Frederick en- 

i 
tered upon his ministry here. The church here was j 

in more or less of a revival state during the entire ! 

period of Mr. Frederick's labors. Some time in the 

winter of 1836 he began to hold meetings at Cedar- 

ville. The awakening there continued through the 



summer, until, on the 6th of September, 1836, under 
the advice of a council, the Baptist Church at Cedar- 
ville was constituted. In this movement thirty-one 
members were dismissed from this church. March 
11, 1837, Mr. Frederick took the church with eighty- 
seven membership, baptized one hundred and fifteen, 
and left it with one hundred and sixty-six, making a 
net gain of seventy-nine, notwithstanding the number 
dismissed to form the new church. He died Nov. 13, 
1837, beloved by his people and respected by the 
entire community. 

Galleries and a vestibule were put into the meeting- 
house in 1835, greatly increasing its accommoda- 
tions. 

Eev. Charles J. Hopkins entered on the pastorate 
Nov. 25, 1838, and continued until Sept. 25, 1843. 
This was a period of prosperity. There were baptized 
into the church seventy-four, and the church mem- 
bership rose from one hundred and fifty-six to two 
hundred and thirty-seven, makinga net gain of eighty- 
seven. Eev. W. A. Eoy was licensed to preach. The 
lecture-room on Atlantic Street was erected for 
.social meetings and Sunday-school purposes, and 
was dedicated Jan. 11, 1840. Mr. Hopkins was a 
man of great social power, endearing himself to those 
who formed his acquaintance. 

Eev. Charles E. Wilson was the next pastor, and 
entered upon his duties April 7, 1844, continuing to 
labor until May 1, 1852, a little over eight years, the 
longest pastorate the church has ever had excepting 
the present. Eighty-nine were baptized, and there was 
a net increase of the membership of sixty, leaving it 
with three hundred and four on the register. 

Eev. William E. Cornwell became pastor July 4, 
1852. Soon after his arrival the building of a new 
meeting-house was agitated, and a lot was bought on 
the south side of Commerce Street, between Pearl 
and Orange, Oct. 3, 1853, for thirteen hundred dollars, 
and a plan adopted for a building, fifty by eighty-eight 
feet, with a projection for tower in front of six feet, 
and a recess of seven feet at the rear for the pulpit, 
with a basement story for Sunday-school and evening 
meetings, and the main audience-room above. The 
basement is of stone, and the remainder is brick, the 
whole rough-coated and painted, with a tower in the 
centre of the front, surmounted with a steeple rising to 
the height of about one hundred and forty feet from 
the ground. 

Ground was broken and work commenced June 1st, 
and on the 4th of July, 1854, the corner-stone of 
the new edifice was laid by the pastor with appropri- 
ate ceremony. Eev. Dr. J. Dowling, of Philadelphia, 
made the address. Eev. Mr. Hopkins, a former pas- 
tor, and others assisted. 

Eev. W. E. Cornwell, Jr., son of the pastor, was 
licensed to preach Sept. 12, 1857. Mr. Cornwell 
closed his labors July 12, 1856, having baptized sixty- 
three persons, and leaving a total membership of 
three hundred and twenty-six. 



604 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Rev. J. Spencer Kennard became pastor Jan. 1, 
1857. A lot in the rear of the new meeting-house, 
fronting on Orange Street, was bought May 5, 1857, 
for the accommodation of horses and carriages, for 
twelve hundred and fifty dollars, which, by the sale 
of some buildings upon it, was reduced to about nine 
hundred dollars. The main audience-room of the 
church being finished, dedication services were held 
Sept. 23, 1857. It was the finest audience-room in 
the city, having a handsome stucco-work ceiling, pul- 
pit recess, and gallery in the front end of the church. 
Mr. Kennard's ministry was very successful. He re- 
igned Sept. 11, 1859, having baptized seventy-three, 
and leaving the church with three hundred and sixty- 
eight members. 

Rev. James F. Brown became the eighth pastor 
June 1, 1860. During his pastorate, in the spring of 

1863, the debt of six thousand six hundred dollars 
was paid oft'. By act of the Legislature of Feb. 18, 

1864, the name of the church was changed to " First 
Baptist Church of Bridgeton." In 1866 the base- 
ment of the church was completed and furnished. 
On July 17th, of that year, the Pearl Street Church 
was constituted with sixty-nine members, sixty -six of 
whom wei-e dismissed from this church. He closed 
his laboi's in March, 1868, having baptized ninety- 
five, and leaving the church with a membership of 
two hundred and ninety-one. 

In the summer of 1868 the spire to the church was 
erected, and a bell, weighing over two thousand one 
hundred pounds, was placed in the belfry, thus com- 
pleting the church according to the original plan, 
Jan. 1, 1869. Rev. William Wilder entered upon the 
pastoral ofiice. In May, succeeding the arrival of 
Mr. Wilder, the attractive house on Atlantic Street 
was bought at a cost of five thousand one hundred 
dollars for a parsonage. 

A mission-school in the south part of the city was 
established Nov. 10, 1869. There was, however, no 
suitable place for them to meet until two sisters, 
members of the church, erected a chapel, both con- 
venient and attractive, for the use of the school. It 
was begun in the fall of 1869, and opened March, 1870, 
costing, including bell, nineteen hundred and fifty 
dollars, exclusive of the lot. During 1871 a brick 
chapel was erected on the east side of Fayette Street, 
south of Vine, and was dedicated in February, 1872. 
Mr. Wilder resigned July 30, 1871, having baptized 
twenty, and leaving a total of two hundred and sixty- 
eight members. 

Rfv. Ethan B. Palmer became the present pastor 
March 1, 1872. During the summer of that year the 
church was upholstered anew, frescoed, and other- 
wise improved, at a cost of three thousand one hun- 
dred dollars, and was reopened for service September 
22d. During the spring of 1873 ninety-two persons 
were baptized and united with the church, the result 
of a series of meetings held by Rev. H. G. DeWitt, 
an evangelist. About twenty-five also united with 



the Pearl Street Church. A brick dwelling-house for 
the use of the sexton was erected, through the gen- 
erosity of a member of the church. Miss Anna M. 
Mulford, on the rear of the church lot fronting on 
Orange Street, at a cost of sixteen hundred and fifty 
dollars, and presented to the church April 9, 1873. 
The semi-centennial of the organization of the church 
was celebrated Jan. 31, 1878, but the incessant storm 
throughout the day interfered greatly with its success. 
In the fall of 1881 the arrangement of the basement 
rooms was changed, and the whole greatly improved, 
at a cost of over one thousand dollars. In November, 
1881, the church came to the aid of the Pearl Street 
Church in raising their heavy debt, contributing 
eighteen hundred and sixty-one dollars towards that 
object. In March, 1882, a handsome pipe organ was 
placed in the main audience-room, costing two thou- 
sand four hundred dollars, together with a water- 
motor, costing one hundred and fifty dollars, furnish- 
ing power to the organ. During this pastorate two 
hundred and forty-eight have been baptized, and 
the membership is four hundred and forty-five. The 
history of the church has been one of great useful- 
ness and prosperity, and it occupies an important 
position in the community. The present officers are : 
Pastor, Rev. E. B. Palmer, D.D. ; Deacons, Horatio 
J. Mulford, William Hancock, Isaac W. Mulford, 
William G. Brooks, Azel Pierson, Jonathan D. Ayres, 
William B. Gilman ; Trustees, Elmer H. Mixner, 
William Dare, Benjamin Hancock, James H. Flana- 
gan, Horace E. Ogden ; Clerk, John F. Watson. 

Pearl Street Baptist Church.— In the spring of 
1866 the subject of organizing a second Baptist 
Church in Bridgeton was taken into consideration by 
the First Church, and a committee appointed to re- 
port on the subject. It resulted in letters of dismis- 
sion being granted to sixty-six members, who were 
duly constituted a regular Baptist Church July 16, 
1866. The mother-church deeded to the new inter- 
est the old house of worship and the fine lot on which 
it stands, at the northeast corner of Pearl and Marion 
Streets, from the location of which the name of the 
church was taken. Rev. William R. McNeil became 
their first pastor at the time of their organization. 
Jan. 1, 1867, they bought the convenient dwelling- 
house on the southwest corner of Bank and Marion 
Streets for a parsonage, for the sum of four thousand 
dollars. During 1868 the old meeting-house was en- 
larged and improved. Additions were built to it 
both in front and rear, and a tower was erected in the 
centre of the front, with a steeple about one hundred 
and twenty feet high. A neat and convenient chapel 
was erected, fronting on Marion Street, and joining 
on the main church at the rear, for Sunday-school 
purposes. The windows, galleries, and the whole in- 
terior of the old church were remodeled. A fine bell, 
weighing over eighteen hundred pounds, was placed 
in the belfry. The total cost of the improvements 
was eighteen thousand one hundred dollars, of which 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



605 



about six thousand dollars were paid at once, leaving 
a debt of about twelve thousand five hundred dollars. 
During his ministry a large number of persons united 
with the church, and when he resigned, Feb. 1, 1872, 
the church had three hundred and twenty-nine mem- 
bers. 

Rev. B. S. Morse became the second pastor April 1, 
1872. In the summer of that year subscriptions were 
made towards the payment of the debt of twelve thou- 
sand five hundred dollars, and at the meeting of the 
West New Jersey Baptist Association, in September, 
they reported that the debt was all provided for ; but 
through a defective plan of payment, and erroneous 
management of the financial affairs of the church, 
the larger part of it remained to cripple them for 
over nine years. Mr. Morse resigned in the spring of 
1874. 

The church was without a pastor for over a year, 
when Rev. A. B. McGowan became the third one, 
July 25, 1875, and continued until Nov. 25, 1877, 
when he resigned. During his pastorate the mem- 
bership was reduced to two hundred and eighty. 
Rev. John E. Chesshire, D.D., began his labors May 
1, 1878. In the early fall of that year they erected a 
handsome iron fence around their church property. 
On the morning of Oct. 23, 1878, the steeple of the 
church was blown off, carrying the bell with it, and 
damaging the front end of the building in other re- 
spects. A severe storm of rain and wind had set in the 
preceding night, which increased in violence until 
morning. Money was raised at once and the bell-room 
rebuilt of brick and temporarily roofed over, and the 
bell, which was found to be uninjured, was replaced. 
The steeple has not yet been re-erected. Dr. Ches- 
shire resigned in October, 1879. He was followed by 
Rev. Samuel C. Dare, the present pastor, who began 
his labors July 1, 1880. The debt upon the church had 
long crippled its energies, and had become such as 
to seriously threaten the loss of their church prop- 
erty, the financial resources of the church having be- 
come reduced through removals and the altered con- 
dition of many of the members, owing to the finan- 
cial distress which had been prevalent throughout 
the country. On Sunday, Nov. 6, 1881, Edward Kim- 
ball, noted for his success in raising church debts, 
spent the day with them, and over six thousand dol- 
lars were subscribed toward the debt, and in the next 
few weeks enough money was subscribed to cover the 
whole indebtedness, which was nine thousand nine 
hundred and ninety-four dollars and seventy-eight 
cents. The debt upon the meeting-house property 
has been paid in full since then. The church now 
numbers three hundred and six members. 

Commerce Street Methodist Episcopal Church. 
— Bishop Asbury was the first regular Methodist min- 
ister of the gospel that ever preached in Bridgeton. 
This was in September, 1783, and the fact is recorded 
in his journal. In 1788 all the lower part of the State 
was called Salem Circuit. In 1802 Salem was divided 



into Salem and Cape May Circuits. In 1803, which 
was the end of the third decade of Methodism in New 
Jersey, eight hundred and sixty-six members were 
reported from Salem Circuit. Thomas Ware was ap- 
pointed elder, and John Walker and John Durbin 
preachers. In 1804 Methodism seemed to have 
gained sufficient strength in Bridgeton to warrant its 
followers in uniting themselves together, and Mr. 
Walker formed them into a class, appointing William 
Brooks its leader. The class of fourteen members 
met at Mr. Brooks' house, which stood, until a few 
years since, on the southeast corner of Broad and At- 
lantic Streets. He kept a tan-yard, was in comfort- 
able circumstances, and generally entertained the 
circuit preachers when they came to town. Rev. 
Jonathan Brooks, whom many remember, was a local 
preacher and a true representative of primitive Meth- 
odism, and was one of the original fourteen members. 
He was an earnest exhorter, and, maintaining a char- 
acter above suspicion, he exercised a great and deserved 
influence not only in his own society, but among the 
Christian people of other denominations. Previous 
to this time classes had been formed in this county 
at Port Elizabeth, Swing's Meeting-House (New 
England Town), Newport, and Vanaman's (Heisler- 
ville). Meeting-houses are known to have been 
erected at the first three places. 

The first .society formed in Bridgeton owes its ori- 
gin largely to the labors of a Mr. John Murphy and 
his son-in-law, Mr. Michael Swing. In 1790, Mr. 
Swing, with his wife, removed from Pittsgrove, Salem 
Co., to Cumberland County, and purchased property 
at New England Town and settled on it. Mr. Mur- 
phy, who had been a local preacher for several years, 
accompanied his daughter and her husband. He 
was a zealous, good, and useful man. Through his 
influence and exertions a Methodist society had been 
formed at what is known as Friendship, three miles 
north of Elmer, and at present a part of that pastoral 
charge. In 1791, and chiefly at his own expense, Mr. 
Swing built a church on his own farm. These two 
zealous men extended their labors as far as Bridgeton, 
and, excepting Bishop Asbury, were the first Meth- 
odist preachers to preach and hold religious services 
in Bridgeton. Mr. Murphy was buried in the Com- 
merce Street Methodist Episcopal Church cemetery. 
There is no monument, as it is fitting there should 
be, to his memory. 

In the year 1805 the society was represented for the 
first time at the quarterly meeting of the circuit, and 
made its first contribution towards the support of the 
gospel. With a membership of not less than fifteen, 
only the meagre contribution of eighty-seven cents 
is reported. In 1805 Salem and Cape May were again 
made one circuit under the former name, and John 
Walker and Nathan Swain were appointed preachers. 
In 1806, William Blills and Caleb Kendall were the 
appointed preachers, and William Mills and William 
Smith the following year. 



606 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



In the latter part of the year 1807 a lot was donated 
by Jeremiah Buck, and a plain frame building, thirty 
by thirty-six feet, was erected, just west of where the 
present brick one on Commerce Street stands. 

The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. 
Joseph Totten, presiding elder. The quarterly meet- 
ing of September was the first one held in Bridgeton, 
in the accounts of which it is noted that fifteen dol- 
lars and fifty cents was paid William Brooks, the 
leader of the class, as a donation for the meeting- 
house at Bridgeton. The church for a number of 
years remained unfinished, was not even plastered, 
nor did they employ a regular sexton. The leading 
members, in turn, filled the position a month each, 
bringing a pound of candles with them when they 
assumed the duties of the office. The congregations 
at this time were small, did not exceed twenty-five 
or thirty persons. 

Near the present church is a tomb, bearing date 
corresponding to that of the deed given for the 
church site, erected to the memory of James Smith, 
and represents the first one interred in that burial- 
place, where so many rest from their labors. 

During the next sixteen years the following preach- 
ers were appointed to the circuit, and preached in 
Bridgeton in the order herein given : John Stevens 
and Nathan Swain, in 1808 ; James Moore and Wil- 
liam S. Fisher, in 1809; William Fox and Joseph 
Bennett, in 1810 ; William Smith and Daniel Ireland, 
in 1811 ; Daniel Ireland and William Leonard, in 
1812 ; Samuel Budd and John Fox, in 1813 ; William 
S. Fisher and Amos C. Moore, in 1814 ; Peter Van- 
nest and George Wooley, in 1815. 

Methodism had now become thoroughly established 
throughout the bounds of the circuit. Mr. Vannest j 
had the qualifications to give him great power with the 
people, and he was eminently successful as a minister. 

George Wooley and John Creamer were appointed 
in 1816; John Walker and John Creamer, in 1817; 
John Walker and Edward Page, in 1818. John Wal- 
ker's first colleague, in 1804, on the circuit, John P. 
Durbin, lived to become one of the most eminent 
ministers in his day of any denomination. 

Thomas Neal and Edward Page were the preachers 
in 1819, Thomas Ware and Thomas Neal in 1820, 
Thomas Ware and Samuel J. Fox in 1821, Alward 
White and James Aikins in 1822. Thomas Ware was 
a native of Greenwich, Cumberland Co., N. J., and a 
man of remarkable ability in many directions. 

In 1823, New Jersey was again divided into two 
districts, and Jacob Moore was appointed presiding 
elder of West Jersey, and for the first time Bridgeton 
was made a station, to which Charles Pitman was ap- 
pointed, just half a century from the time the first 
Methodist Conference was held in America. Under 
Mr. Pitman's ministry the whole town was stirred, 
and Methodism, which had been struggling hard 
eighteen long years for an existence in the place, was 
well established. 



In 1826, when just thirty years of age, and only 
eight in the ministry, Pitman was appointed presiding 
elder of West Jei'sey District. He preached with re- 
markable power, and conversions were numerous. 

Walter Burroughs succeeded Pitman, and remained 
one year. 

In 1826-27, John Potts was stationed in Bridgeton. 
His preaching was intellectual, logical, interesting, 
and powerful. 

In 1827, Mr. Phebe Sayre, member of the church, 
willed a house to be used as a parsonage, and it was 
so used until the present one was built. This house 
(brick) is still standing and in good repair. 

In 1828, James Smith was the pastor, and remained 
one year. He was succeeded by Robert Gerry. He 
was followed by William A. Wiggins. 

In 1833-34, Bartholomew Weed was pastor, and 
under his pastorate a new church became a necessity. 
The old one was removed and located on the corner of 
Bank and Washington Streets, and fitted up as a 
chapel for Sunday-school purposes, class- and prayer- 
meetings. The trustees of the church, when the pres- 
ent building was erected, were Henry Nordyke, John 
Cheesman, Sr., W. R. Fithian, Richard Ross, Samuel 
Bowen, N. Tomlinson, Ephraim McGee, Peter Slees- 
man, and William Bateman. 

In 1835-36, Thomas McCarrall was pastor; in 1837, 
Abraham Owen. 

Mr. Owen was succeeded by Thomas Sovereign, 
who served the church successfully two years. 

Mr. Sovereign was appointed presiding elder on 
Bridgeton District in 1852, and resided in this place 
four successive years. 

During the first year of his pastorate (1838) the 
Annual Conference met, for the first time, in Bridge- 
ton, Bishop Hedding presiding. Mr. Sovereign was 
succeeded by J. D. Denhart, who remained two years. 
He was an able and successful minister, but he will be 
especially remembered as having met his death while 
chaplain in the United States navy, aboard the fated 
frigate " Cumberland," which went down in that his- 
toric engagement between the " Monitor" and " Mer- 
rimac." 

In 1842-43, J. H. Dandy was appointed to Bridge- 
ton. 

In 1844^5, Jefferson Lewis was pastor. 

In 1846-47, William H. Hanley was pastor. 

In 1848-49, Bartholomew Weed was for the second 
time appointed pastor. With unity and peace came 
great prosperity. 

Mr. Weed was succeeded by A. C. Vandewater. 
The present parsonage, on Commerce Street, was built 
during the first year of his ministry. 

In 1852-53, John S. Swain was pastor. 

April 13, 1853, the Annual Conference met for the 
second time in Bridgeton, and at the Commerce Street 
Church. Bishop Morris presided. 

In 1854-55, N. Vansant served the church as pastor. 
Philip Cline succeeded for two years. 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



607 



In 1858-59, C. E. Hill was the appointed pastor. 
Through his energy and enterprise the South Pearl 
Street Chapel was built, where a flourishing Sabbath- 
school has met ever since. 

In 1858-59, Rev. S. Y. Monroe, presiding elder of 
Bridgeton District, resided in Bridgeton. 

In 1860-61, J. B. Dobbins was the appointed 
pastor. 

In 1862, C. H. Whitecar was pastor, and the fol- 
lowing year was appointed presiding elder, and he 
continued a resident of the city during the time he 
filled this office in the church. 

In 1863-64, John Hickman was pastor. In March, 
1864, the Annual Conference met for the third time 
in Bridgeton, and in the Commerce Street Church. 
Bishop Simpson presided. 

In 1865-66, A. E. Ballard was the appointed pastor. 

The chapel on Bank Street was enlarged and im- 
proved, and the numerical strength of Methodism in 
Bridgeton made a third church organization neces- 
sary, — the Central, on Bank Street. At the close of 
Mr. Ballard's term in the pastorate, he was appointed 
presiding elder, and continued to reside in Bridgeton 
the four years he filled that office. 

In 1867-69, F. A. Morrell was pastor. 

In 1870-72, Isaiah D. King, A.M., was the pastor. 

In 1871, W. E. Perry was appointed presiding elder 
on the Bridgeton District, and made Bridgeton his 
residence. 

In 1873-74, C. S. Vancle was pastor. 

In 1873 the semi-centennial celebration of the pas- 
torate of the Commerce Street Church, dating from the 
time it became a separate pastoral charge, took place. 

In 1874-77, John S. Heisler was presiding elder on 
Bridgeton District, and resided in Bridgeton. 

In 1875-77, C. E. Hill for the second time became 
pastor of the church. In 1878 he was appointed to 
the office of presiding elder on Bridgeton District, 
and continued a resident of the place. 

In 1878-80, William Walton was pastor, and in 
1881 was made presiding elder of the district, which 
he continues to hold. 

In 1881, Jesse Stiles was made pastor, which posi- 
tion he now holds. 

The Methodist society had existed in Bridgeton 
some twenty-one years before, as a denomination, it 
made provision for a Sunday-school. Properly speak- 
ing the Sunday-school of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Bridgeton takes the date of its organiza- 
tion from the pastorate of Rev. John Potts, in 1827. 

The third superintendent, or the one at this time 
acting, was John Salkeld, and the following-named 
persons have occupied the place, more or less, to the 
present time : Samuel S. Sibley, Nathan Tomlinson, 
John R. Cory, George Howell, Henry K. Foster, D. 
B. Thompson, William Fisher, Franklin Ferguson, 
Morton Mills, Henry Neff", J. W. Tonkins, George 
V. Garwood, Walter Simkins, Wesley Stiles, Elmer 
Ware, Benjamin Garwood. 



Commerce Street Church has never lost the true 
spirit of her mission. She has continued to be a re- 
vival church, increasing in later years rather than 
decreasing. 

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Bridg^e- 
ton. — This church was organized April 11, 1849. 
The society first numbered thirty-six members, with 
Daniel Hanthorn, leader. The first meeting was 
held in an old shoemaker-shop belonging to James 
M. Riley, and located on Fayette Street, east side, be- 
tween Broad and Vine Streets. Rev. Samuel Parker 
was first pastor. Being refused by several parties ac- 
commodations, the Baptist lecture-room on Atlantic 
Street was finally obtained at a nominal rent. Here 
the new pastor preached his first sermon, Sabbath 
morning, May 13th, to a congregation of about thirty 
persons. They continued for some time to hold class- 
and prayer-meetings in the old shoemaker-shop. 

The first Quarterly Conference was held June 11, 
1849. Rev. George F. Brown, presiding elder, pre- 
sided at this Conference, whose members represented 
a new and feeble church. The same month a board 
of trustees was elected, consisting of James M. Riley, 
Alfred Hann, William Rice, Benjamin O. White, and 
David Warren. At the close of the year the society 
numbered forty-seven members. 

In 1850, William H. Jeffreys was the pastor, and 
the lot on which the church and parsonage now stand 
was purchased and action had looking to the erection 
of a church edifice. In June of the same year a 
building committee was appointed, consisting of 
William Rice, Sr., James M. Riley, and the pastor. 
On the 4th of July the corner-stone was laid. Dr. 0. 
H. Whitecar preaching an appropriate sermon. A 
clinrch edifice was erected forty by sixty feet. The 
lecture-room was dedicated Feb. 9, 1851, and soon 
after a Sabbath-school was organized, Franklin 
Tyler, superintendent. 

In 1851, D. Graves was the pastor. In 1852-53, 
Samuel Hudson was pastor. In 1854, A. L. Brice 
was pastor. In 1855, Samuel Vansant was appointed, 
but to accommodate liim a change was made, and W. 
H. Bakewell, a Wesleyan minister of marked ability, 
was appointed as a supply. In 1856-57, H. M. Brown 
was pastor, and was very successful. R. S. Harris fol- 
lowed, and remained one year. In 1859-60, 1. D. King 
was pastor. In 1861, J. B. Graw was appointed, but 
entered the United States army as chaplain before the 
year expired, and R. J. Andrews supplied the place. 
In 1862-63, W. G. Margerum was pastor, and during 
these years promiscuous sittings and instrumental 
music were introduced. In 1864-65, R. Thorn served 
as pastor. In 1866-67, J. H. Stockton ministered. 
In 1868-70, George C. Maddock served. In 1871-73, 
W. W. Moffett was pastor. The church edifice in 
this period was enlarged, newly furnished, and beau- 
tified at a cost of eight thousand five hundred dollars. 
In 1873 the Annual Conference met in this church. 
Bishop Scott presided. In 1874, J. G. Crate was pas- 



608 



HISTOKY OF CUMBEELAND COUNTY. 



tor. He was followed by C. K. Fleming, who served 
as pastor three years. In 1878-80, George L. Dobbins 
was pastor. In 1881, W. S. Zane was appointed pas- 
tor, and is now serving as such. The membership 
of the church is about three hundred and fifty. 

Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Bridgeton. 
— In February, 1864, a meeting was called by C. H. 
Whitecar, presiding elder, to ascertain who were will- 
ing to assume the responsibilities and make the sac- 
rifices necessary to insure success in building a third 
church. It was first proposed to abandon the old 
Commerce Street Church, and build one in a central 
part of the city sufficiently commodious to meet the 
present demand. The meeting was held, and seventy- 
seven names were given, which number was finally 
increased to one hundred and twenty. The presiding 
elder was then notified that they were ready for or- 
ganization, and desired a pastor appointed at the en- 
suing Conference. Their desire was granted, and 
Henry Baker was appointed. In April a permanent 
organization was effected. For a short time this so- 
ciety worshiped in the chapel corner of Bank and 
Washington Streets. Needing a larger place, as the 
chapel was then only half its present size, Grosscup's 
Hall was secured for public service. 

In the autumn a location for a new church edifice 
was selected, and the purchase was made at a cost of 
five thousand dollars. Subsequently a portion of it 
was disposed of at two thousand dollars, still leaving 
a lot, eighty by one hundred and fifty feet, for church 
jjurposes. 

The second year (1865) R. Given, a chaplain in the 
United States navy, served this useful church. It was 
resolved to erect a chapel for Sabbath-school purposes, 
prayer- and class-meetings, as well as fitted for a place 
of public worship on the Sabbath. August 16th the 
corner-stone was laid with appropriate services. Dr. 
C. H. Whitecar made an address. 

June 27, 1867, the chapel was completed and dedi- 
cated. Dr. Hiram Mattison (deceased) preached the 
sermon. 

In 1867-68, George K. Morris was pastor; in 1869, 
George H. Neal, succeeded in 1870 by J. L. Roe. In 
1872-73, C. R. Hartranft was the appointed pastor. 
He was a young man of acknowledged ability as a 
preacher. He is now deceased. In 1874-76, H. Belt- 
ing was pastor. In 1877, under his pastorate, the 
church enjoyed unusual prosperity. On account of 
his health, and at his request, he was transferred. In 
1877-80, D. H. Schock was the appointed pastor, and 
at the conclusion of his duties as such was made pre- 
siding elder of the Trenton District. In 1881, H. G. 
Williams was pastor for one year. In 1882, E. C. 
Hancock was appointed, and is the present popular 
and successful pastor. The present membership num- 
bers upwards of three hundred. 

The following have been superintendents of the 
Sabbath-school, which is now large : George Lawrence, 
Daniel B. Thompson, Stephen G. Porch, George W. 



Finlaw, G. F. Bishop, J. A. Peterson, Alfred D. Maul, 
A. E. Garrison, S. Bassett, G. W. McCowan, Rev. H.. 
Belting, O. E. Peck, W. N. Hewitt, J. B. Ware, M.D. 
Salem Methodist Protestant Church.— Previous 
to the organization of this church it was one of the 
appointments of the circuit which included Friend- 
ship and Newport. Rev. T. H. Colhouer became 
pastor here in 1859, and through his efforts the meet- 
ing-house was built in 1861, on a lot which he him- 
self gave to the church on the west side of North 
Laurel Street. Mr. Oolhouer's ministry was very 
successful, and he remained until 1863. Rev. T. Tay- 
lor Heiss succeeded him in that year, and remained 
until 1865, and was then succeeded by Rev. Henry 
Watson. During his pastorate a lot was bought ad- 
joining the church on the south, and a parsonage was 
built upon it in 1866. After Mr. Watson, the pastors 
were Rev. Joseph Apgar, 1868 to 1869 ; Rev. Albert 
Pearce, 1869 to 1871 ; Rev. P. S. Vreeland, 1871 to 
1872 ; Rev. William Irvine, 1872 to fall of 1873. He 
left after a part of his second year had expired, owing 
to some irregularities, and Rev. G. S. Robinson suc- 
ceeded him for the balance of that year. Rev. Wil- 
liam Hollinshed was the next pastor, and owing to 
the change of the Conference year from March to 
October, he remained until October, 1876. During 
his time the church was made a station. Rev. Ben- 
jamin P. Benner succeeded him, and remained into 
his second year. When the parsonage was built, in 
1866, a debt was incurred, which remained against 
the property of the church, and through bad finan- 
cial management, combined with the stringency of the 
times, their church building was sold from them, and 
bought by the mortgagee, and the church decreased 
largely in numbers. Mr. Benner left before the ex- 
piration of the year, and Rev. Joseph Brockbank 
filled out that year. Rev. Peleg Barker came in Oc- 
tober, 1878, but left in the ensuing spring, and the few 
members left were ministered unto by supplies. In Oc- 
tober, 1879, Rev. Isaac McDowell became pastor. He 
made arrangements with the creditors for a reduction 
of the amount of their claims, and collected the money 
to pay them, a financial task which few persons thought 
possible. The church owes to him its continued ex- 
istence. Having paid off the claims and secured a 
deed for the church building, he conveyed it again to 
the church. In October, 1881, the present pastor. 
Rev. William D. Stultz, took charge of the church, 
then numbering about fifty members. Under his 
ministrations the church has been greatly revived, 
and now numbers two hundred and sixteen members. 
This large growth in membership created a need for 
the enlargement of the church, and during the past 
summer an addition of twenty feet has been made to 
the church, and also a recess for the pulpit, the inte- 
rior has been frescoed and painted, new heaters put 
in, and other improvements, at a cost of thirteen hun- 
dred and fifty dollars, all of which has been subscribed, 
and a part has been paid. 



CITY OF BEIDGETON. 



609 



St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church. — 

The first services of the Episcopal order held in 
Bridgeton, as far as known, were in 1851. Kev. Mr. 
Kidney, of Salem, conducted service at that time in 
the Baptist lecture-room on Atlantic Street. From 
the latter part of 1852 to March, 1857, services were 
conducted once a month in the court-house by the 
Rev. Dr. Patterson, of Salem. From 1857 to 1860 
services were of less regular recurrence. 

In 1860, Eev. F. L. Knight, D.D., became resident 
missionary, his field covering Cumberland and Cape 
May Counties. His first service was held in Gross- 
cup's Hall, Nov. 4, 1860. The congregation subse- 
quently met in the old Baptist Church on Pearl 
Street, and still later in Sons of Temperance Hall, 
over the county offices. The parish was regularly 
organized in the spring of 1861. After some delay 
a site for a church building was selected, and in the 
spring of 1863 a lot sixty feet front on the south 
side of Commerce Street, east of Bank, was purchased 
from Judge L. Q. C. Elmer, for four hundred dollars. 
The corner-stone of the present church edifice was 
laid by Bishop Odenheimer, Sept. 16, 1863. Dr. 
Knight resigned as rector of the church June 30, 

1863, and the church depended on supplies until the 
first Sunday in February, 1864, when Eev. H. M. 
Stuart, who had been their principal supply for the 
preceding two months, became their rector. May 15, 

1864, they again occupied Grosscup's Hall, where 
they worshiped until they took possession of their 
house of worship, on July 31st of the same year, at 
which time they numbered thirty-three communi- 
cants. The basement being still unfinished, the 
Sunday-school was held in the room of the Young 
Men's Christian Association until September 26th 
following, when the basement was first occupied by 
it. On Nov. 30, 1865, the church was consecrated by 
Bishop Odenheimer, in the presence of a large con- 
gregation. In the spring of 1867 a bell, weighing 
one thousand and ninety -five pounds, was purchased 
at a cost of $597.50, and was first rung for service on 
Easter, April 21st, of that year. Mr. Stuart resigned 
April 8, 1869, and was succeeded by Eev. William 
W. Spear, on June 21st, who remained until Nov. 1, 
1871. After him, Eev. Kenney Hall served the 
church from Jan. 14, 1872, to Sept. 15, 1872; Rev. 
Benjamin Hartley, who had been a missionary in 
Africa, from Feb. 9, 1873, to April 20, 1879; Rev. 
Robert T. Roche, D.D., from June 15, 1879, to May 
8, 1881. The present rector, Rev. ,Tohn W. Kaye, 
began his services in that office Dec. 11, 1881. The 
present number of members is eighty-seven, as re- 
ported at the last Diocesan Convention. 

St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
— The number of Germans in Bridgeton who were mem- 
bers and adherents of the Lutheran Church before their 
arrival here having increased to a considerable num- 
ber, they began to consider the possibility of having 
services in their own language. For about a year 
39 



previous to 1858 they were visited at intervals by 
ministers of that denomination, and in April, 1858, 
the church was formed, with Rev. C. F. W. Sigelen 
as pastor, in Grosscup's Hall, which they rented, and 
where they held their meetings for some time. Mr. 
Sigelen left soon after, and was succeeded in Septem- 
ber of that year by Rev. A. Schubert, who remained 
until June, 1859. During his pastorate services were 
held, for a short time, in a private dwelling-house on 
Cohansey Street. Afterwards a room was rented in 
the second story of the Sheppard's Hall block, just 
west of the river, where the church continued to wor- 
ship until their own meeting-house was completed. 
Mr. Schubert was followed by Rev. J. Leonhart Rau 
in November, 1861, and he by Rev. Jacob Bock- 
stahler in October, 1862. During his pastorate the 
Sunday-school was organized, about 1864, with seven 
children, and Jacob Ernest as superintendent, which 
position he has ever since occupied. Mr. Bock- 
stahler's pastorate was the longest the church has 
ever had, and ended in October, 1867. The church 
then obtained the services of Eev. D. P. Eosenmiller, 
of Lancaster, Pa., who began Dec. 15, 1867, and con- 
tinued to Jan. 17, 1869. During his pastorate the lot 
at the northwest corner of Oak and Giles Streets 
having been purchased, they commenced the erec- 
tion of their present house of worship, but it was not 
completed for some time. Rev. L. W. Heidenreich 
began his services Jan. 17, 1869, but only remained 
to September 6th of the same year. The church 
building was pushed forward, and at his departure 
was nearly completed. It was dedicated Sept. 26, 
1869 ; several ministers from abroad were invited, 
but none were present except Rev. D. P. Rosen mil- 
ler, their former pastor, who was then supplying the 
church. The day proved to be a very stormy one, 
but there was a good attendance, and over one thou- 
sand dollars were raised towards paying the balance 
due on the building. It is a neat edifice, thirty by 
fifty feet in size, and will hold about three hundred 
and fifty persons. 

Rev. George W. Enders became pastor Nov. 1, 
1869, and continued until April 30, 1873, and was 
followed by Rev. Robert H. Clare, on July 17th of 
that year, who remained until July 26, 1877. He 
was succeeded by Rev. F. A. Conradi, on Aug. 12, 
1877, who served the church until June 1, 1880, and 
was followed by JBev. Charles Wooge, from Oct. 14, 
1880, to Oct. 17, 1881. All of these were faithful, 
earnest men, and labored diligently for the upbuild- 
ing of the cause. After the removal of Mr. Wooge 
the church was without a pastor for nearly a year 
and a half, until Rev. Thomas Steck became pastor, 
April 3, 1883. Under his pastoral care the church 
has been much prospered, and it is now engaged in 
building a neat and commodious parsonage, adjoin- 
ing the church on the east. The services were first 
held almost entirely in German, but at the present 
day are partly in English. 



6io 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church was for- 
merly included in the mission which also included 
Millville, Cape May, and all the adjoining region. 
The first Catholic services held in Bridgeton, as far 
as is now known, were held at the dwelling-house 
of Nicholas Bauragarten, who then resided on Co- 
hansey Street. Afterwards they were held in Shep- 
pard's Hall, and still later in Grosscup's Hall, fi'om 
which they moved to their present church. The first 
pastor was Rev. Martin Gessner, who also had charge 
of the whole mission. During his pastorate Mrs. 

"Sarah Miller gave the lot of ground at the southwest 
corner of Pearl and North Streets, which they now 
own. In 1865 the church was built, and, with other 
improvements, cost about ten thousand dollars, but 
there was no resident pastor until Rev. Mr. Degen 
succeeded the first pastor, in January, 1873. During 
that year a neat and commodious parsonage was 
built, adjoining the church on the south, i),t a total 

■ cost of $2290, and the pastor took up his residence 
there in December, 1874, but still retained charge of 
Cape May and Dennisville. During that year the 
church was incorporated, with Bishop Corrigan as 
president of the board of trustees. Rev. Mr. Degen 
removed to Cape Maj', and the church was supplied 
for a short time by Rev. Mr. Vivet, pastor at Millville 
and Vineland. Rev. Bernard J. Mulligan became 
the next resident pastor, April 1.3, 1879. In June, 
1879, a lot of two acres was bought of Josiah H. 
Reeves for eight hundred dollars, a short distance 
north of the church, for the purposes of a cemetery, 
and has since been laid out for that purpose. He 
remained until March 9, 1883, when he was succeeded 
by Rev. D. J. Duggan, the present pastor. They num- 
ber about five hundred members. 

Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal 
Church. — The first preaching of this denomination 
in Bridgeton took place in private houses, this ap- 
pointment being part of a circuit which also in- 
cluded Gouldtown. In 1854, under the pastorate of 
Rev. Caleb Woodyard, this church was formed here, 
and the next year their meeting-house was built on 
Bergen Street, in the southwestern part of the city. 
Succeeding Mr. Woodyard were Henry Davis, Ed- 
ward Hawkins, Andrew Till, Joseph Smith, John 

Henson, L. C. Chambers, A. C. Crippen, ■ -Youngs, 

Joshua Woodland, James Hallon, Thomas A. Cuff, 
John Benedict, George Boyer, John Whitaker, and 
the present pastor. Rev. J. Height Bean, who com- 
menced his service in 1881. The church numbers 
seventy-three members and fourteen probationers ; 
the Sunday-school, six teachers and fifty scholars. 

SOCIETIES. 

Brearley Lodge, No. 2, F. A, M.— A dispensation 
was granted to James Giles, Esq., late secretary of 
the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and Mas- 
ter of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of New York, on Oct. 28, 
1790, authorizing him to institute a lodge at Bridge- 



ton. They met on November 15th, and a lodge was 
instituted by John N. Cummings, Grand Master of 
New Jersey, with James Giles as Master; Almarine 
Brooks, Senior Warden ; Benjamin Peck, Junior 
Warden ; Samuel B. Hawkins, Secretary ; and Samuel 
Dowdney, Tyler. The lodge was named " Brearley 
Lodge, No. 9," after David Brearley, the first chief 
justice of this State, and a charter was granted to 
them dated Jan. 11, 1791. 

The lodge was organized in the old court-house, on 
Broad Street, and afterwards met for a short time in 
the second story of a shop belonging to Almarine 
Brooks. John Moore White deeded to trustees the 
lot on Bank Street for the purpose of an academy, 
the second story to be used for a lodge-room. This 
building was completed and occupied Oct. 15, 1798. 

The lodge was in a flourishing condition until the 
breaking-out of the Anti-Masonic excitement, when 
a large number of members withdrew, some of whom 
were afterwards readmitted. From 1828 to 1846 meet- 
ings were held at irregular intervals, and were attended 
by from three to eight members. In 1846 meetings be- 
came more regular, and the number of the lodge was 
changed to No. 2, owing to the extinction of some of 
the lodges during the preceding years. Since that time 
the lodge has had a prosperous career. The following 
is the list of Past Masters of this lodge : 1791, James 
Giles ; 1795, Dr. Azel Pierson ; 1796, James Giles ; 
1801, Jedediah Davis ; 1803, Dr. Benjamin Champ- 
neys ; 1807, George Burgin ; 1808, Dr. Azel Pierson ; 
1809, Philip Ayars; 1811, James Giles; 1817, Wil- 
liam R. Fithian; 1818, Josiah Parvin; 1820, Dr. 
Isaac H. Hampton ; 1824, Azel Pierson ; 1825, Wil- 
liam R. Fithian ; 1826, James B. Potter ; 1829, Dr. 
William S. Bowen ; 1836, Enos F. Randolph ; 1839, 
George Ayars ; 1840, Dr. Isaac H. Hampton ; 1847, 
Dr. William S. Bowen ; 1849, Dr. Isaac H. Hampton ; 
1850, Dr. William S. Bowen ; 1858, Harmon Kruse ; 
1859, Joshua Bates; 1860, John Carter ; 1862, George 
W. Claypoole ; 1863, John Carter; 1864, Dr. William 
S. Bowen ; 1866, Ercurius B. Fithian ; 1867, Simon 

A. Beckhardt ; 1868, Martin Anderson ; 1869, George 

B. Fithian ; 1870, George W. Stearns ; 1871, David 
0. Frazeur; 1872, J. Lenhart Rice; 1873, William 
Rice; 1874, Daniel Bacon; 1876, Robert B. Carll; 
1877, Benjamin F. Bright ; 1878, Albert F. Randolph. 
The officers selected for the present year (1883) are 
M., Robert B. Carll (died Oct. 9, 1883) ; S. W., 
David O. Frazeur ; J. W., Daniel Bacon ; Sec, Ben- 
jamin F. Bright ; Treas., Frank M. Riley. 

Evening Star Lodge, No. 97, F. A. M.— Owing 
to the large membership of Brearley Lodge, some of 
its members thought best to adopt measures towards 
the organization of a new lodge. A meeting was held 
Nov. 21, 1868, in the law-office of James R. Hoag- 
land for this purpose, and it was resolved to make 
application to the proper authority for power to in- 
augurate the movement. Atasubsequent meeting, on 
Jan. 28, 1869, a permanent organization was effected 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



611 



and the following officers were elected : W. M., John 
H. Poole; S. W., Joseph C. Kirby; J. W., Jacob 
Mengel ; Sec, Joseph S. Miner; Treas., Dayton B. 
Whitaker. On Feb. 18, 1869, the lodge was instituted 
by the above name by Senior Grand Warden William 
E. Pine. The public hall which had been known 
for many years as Sheppard's Hall was leased and 
handsomely fitted up for the purposes of the lodge 
at an expense of about fifteen hundred dollars. The 
following is a list of Past Masters of this lodge: John 
H. Poole, Joseph C. Kirby, Jacob Mengel, S. Frank- 
lin Peunell, Charles B. Moore, Louis Beckhardt, John 
Baylis, Jr., David S. Pedriok, John Og'den, Robert L. 
Young, Daniel Sharp, Charles Woodnutt, and Wil- 
liam T. Bowen. The lodge now numbers seventy-six 
members. The present officers are: W. M., John Og- 
den ; 8. W., George Henshall; J. W., W. Francis 
Hart; Sec, Charles B. Moore; Treas., Martin An- 
derson. 

Brearley H. E. A. Chapter, No. 6.— The first 
meeting towards the establishment of this chapter 
was held Oct. 16, 1815. Subsequent meetings were 
held, and the chapter duly organized under the juris- 
diction of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, and 
officers installed April 18, 1816, by Walter Kerr, 
Grand Master and ex officio Grand High Priest of 
Pennsylvania. Sixty-four applications from mem- 
bers of Brearley Lodge and from other places were 
made and acted upon at that meeting. Like all 
Masonic institutions, this passed under the ban 
during the Anti-Masonic times, and after Sept. 2, 
1833, ceased to meet until April 29, 1851, when an 
attempt was made to revive the chapter, since which 
meetings have been regularly held. In 1859 the 
chapter became attached to the Grand Chapter of 
this State. Since that time the chapter has been 
prosperous. The High Priests of this chapter have 
been as follows: 1815, James Giles; 1820, Charles 
Reed; 1822, Enos F. Randolph; 1824, Isaac H. 
Hampton, who continued in office until it ceased to 
meet. After it was revived the following held that 
office: 1853, Harmon Kruse; 1858, George W. H. 
Whitaker; 1859, George W. Claypoole; 1862, Wil- 
liam H. Thompson ; 1864, John Carter; 1865, Joshua 
Bates; 1866, Jacob Mengel; 1868, Simon A. Beck- 
hardt; 1869, Martin Anderson ; 1870, John H.Poole; 
1871, Simon A. Beckhardt ; 1872, William M. Barnes ; 
1873, S. Franklin Peunell ; 1875, Charles C. Phillips ; 
1876, Benjamin F. Bright; 1877, Jacob Kieuzle ; 1878, 
Stephen Cox, Jr. ; 1879, Daniel Bacon ; 1882, Samuel 
Steinmetz; 1883, Albert F. Randolph. The present 
officers of the chapter are : E. H. P., Albert F. Ran- 
dolph ; E. K., William T. Bowen; E. S. (vacant by 
death of Robert B. Carll); Sec, Joseph S. Miner; 
Treas., Daniel Bacon. 

Cumberland Lodge, No. 35, I. 0. 0. F.— This 
lodge was organized Jan. 15, 1846, by D. D. G. M. 
Samuel Copner, with five charter members; twenty 
candidates were initiated on the night of its institu- 



tion. The first officers elected were: N. G., Martin 
L. Green; V. G., Enoch Brooks; Sec, Henry Neff; 
Treas., William F. Fisher. Their first meetings were 
held in the hall over the county offices. In October 
of that year five members were dismissed to form a 
lodge at Millville, and in December five others to 
form one at Cedarville, and in October, 1847, several 
others to form a lodge at Centreton, Salem Co. The 
lodge was incorporated Oct. 25, 1849. The list of 
Past Grands to the present time is as follows : 

Matin L. Green. Sjimiiel Wilson. 

Epliraim Buclt, M.D. Stacy W. Mattliews. 

Enoch Broolts. Benjaniiu F. Briglit. 

Henry Netf. W. H. McGear. 

W. F. Fisher. David Richer. 

Ephniim E. Sheppard. Aaron Smith. 

Dayton B. Whitalcer. Samuel E, McGear. 
Joseph Gibson. 



Robert J. Fithian. 
William Dare. 
Daniel B. Ehvell. 
Franklin Deveraux. 
Stacy P. Kirkbride. 
Henry R. Foster. 
Samuel R. Fithian. 
Franklin Dare. 
Edgar Ayars. 
Charles S. Fithian. 
John Carter. 
Charles W. Jones. 
George S. Patchel. 
Hiram Harris. 
W. H. Bodine. 
Horace S. Carter. 
John M. Maul. 
James English. 
Charles Lanning. 
Charles 0. Williams. 
Charles C. Godfrey. 
Robert B. Carll. 
Eli Sayre. 

Daniel F. Woodruff. 
Jacob Dailey. 
David P. Mulford, Sr. 
Joseph S. Miner. 
George Lawrence. 
John S. McGear. 
Samuel P. Dubois. 
Joseph Burt. 



Charles G. Hampton. 
James P. Phillips, 
Ephraim E. Johnson. 
Albert F. Randolph. 
George Loper. 
Henry S. WoodruiT. 
Roberts. Husted. 
John Bishop. 
Jesse C. Davis. 
Joseph L. Mulford. 
W. P. Allen. 
Harmon Dilks. 
Mizeal C. English. 
D. Edward Smith. 
W, F. Dubois. 
David 0. Frazeur. 
Isaiah C. Wentzell. 
Elia.s P. Seeley. 
Reuben L. Bowen. 
Lewis S. Pierce. 
Stephen Cox, Jr. 
W. S. Fithian. 
Charles H. Mulford. 
Charles Marts. 
Robert G. McGear. 
Edward M. Barrett. 
Samuel M. Bassett. 
James F. Moore. 
James W. Trenchard. 



The present officers are : N. G., Charles E. Bellows ; 
V. G., J. Lewden Robeson ; Sec, Mizeal C. English ; 
Treas., Harry Reeves. The lodge now numbers two 
hundred and sixteen members. 

Bridgeton Lodge, No, 129, 1, 0. 0. F,— On July 
7, 1868, a meeting of Odd-Fellows was held for the 
purpose of taking steps to organize another lodge, 
and the above name was adopted. At a second meet- 
ing, held on the 14th of the same month, it was re- 
ported that twenty-two members had joined the new 
organization, which was then completed by the elec- 
tion of the following officers : N. G., H. Belmont 
Willis; V. G., Charles F. Dare; Sec, B. F. Bright, 
P. G. M. ; Treas., Joseph Gibson ; and a full list of 
minor officers, who were duly installed on July 21st. 
The following have been Noble Grands of this lodge: 
H. Belmont Willis, Charles F. Dare, David 0. Garri- 
son, Jeremiah J. Garrison, Edmund Goff, Reuben 
Brooks, Thomas M. Woodrufi", Henry B. Harker, 



612 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Charles W. Goff, Dr. J. G. Streets, Smith Gilbert, 
William H. Peirce, Isaac T. Nichols, S. Franklin 
Pennell, George W. Cook, Stephen Cox, Sr., Joseph 
Grim, A. Owen Gregory, Clement E. Corey, William 
H. Hewitt, William H. Hainesworth, Joseph Butler, 
Samuel Hann, Francis S. Potter, J. Graham Hum- 
phries, David S. Sellers, Thomas S. Green, Edward 
C. Eice, Benjamin F. Garrison, Joseph Craig, Samuel 
H. Gaskill. The lodge has had a prosperous career. 
The present officers are : N. G., Samuel H. Gaskill ; 
V. G., Henry J. Crouse ; Eeo. Sec, Francis S. Potter ; 
Fin. Sec, Orestes Cook ; Treas., Clement E. Corey. 
They meet in the hall in the third story of the build- 
ing used as a post-office, on South Laurel Street, 
which they have occupied since shortly after their 
organization. 

Good Intent Encampment, No. 15, I. 0. 0. F.— 
A charter was granted by the Grand Encampment to 
institute an encampment at Bridgeton, Feb. 11, 1847, 
a petition for it having been presented by eight mem- 
bers of the order. It was duly organized, and is in a 
flourishing condition. Those who have been Chief 
Patriarchs are William H. Vining, Martin L. Green, 
Franklin Deveraux, William Dare, Dayton B. Whit- 
aker, Samuel Leake, Charles S. Fithiau, Hiram Har- 
ris, John Carter, Daniel B. Elwell, Aaron Davis, 
Benjamin T. Bright, Horace S. Carter, Levi Dare, 
Dr. Jonathan S. Whitaker, Stacy W. Matthews, 
David P. Mulford, Sr., John S. McGear, William H. 
McGear, James W. Trenchard, Charles H. Mulford, 
Alfred F. Eandolph, Eobert G. Husted, Jei'emiah J. 
Garrison, John C. Schenck, Isaac T. Nichols, Dr. 
Jacob G. Streets, Edmund Goff, Michael B. Eynick, 
Henry B. Harker, Charles W. Goff, George Loper, 
Ethan Eeeves, Aaron Smith, Mizeal C. English. 
The present officers are: C. P., Francis S. Potter; 
H. P., James AV. Trenchard ; Scribe, Mizeal C. Eng- 
lish ; Treas., William Dare. 

Cohanziek Tribe, No. 14, 1. 0. of R. M.— This 
tribe was instituted in March, 1869, with William 
C. Whitaker as Sachem; Joseph Gibson, Jr., Chief 
of Eecords ; and David O. Garrison, Keeper of Wam- 
pum. The Past Sachems in good standing are Wil- 
liam C. Whitaker, Louis Beckhardt, Martin Ander- 
son, Horace S. Carter, David Sithens, Jeremiah 
Hann, Samuel W. Wells, Eobert G. Husted, James 
O. Ware, Charles C. Loudenslager, James M. Banks, 
Eeuben L. Bowen, Charles F. Myres, William S. 
Dixon, Eobert Holmes, Theodore B. Woodruff, 
Charles A. Erdman, Jesse H. Sheppard, and Theo- 
dore B. Woodruff. The tribe has had a prosperous 
career since its institution, and now has seventy-six 
members. The present officers are : Sachem, Wil- 
liam H. Custer ; S. S., Furman Cox ; J. S., Samuel 
Golder ; P., Theodore B. Woodruff; C. of R., Samuel 
W. Wells ; K. of W., Eeuben L. Bowen. 

Hope Council, No. 3, Jun. 0. U. A. M. — Hope 
Council was organized Aug. 6, 1867, with fifteen char- 
ter members, and has been in successful operation 



since that date. Its roll of Past Councilors is as fol- 
lows : Harry Garton, James T. Eiley, Benjamin Gar- 
wood, Allen Matthews, William T. Paynter, Joseph 
H. Garwood, Thomas B. Woodruff, Edgar Neff, Henry 
Henderson, Albert Laning, Samuel Garrison, Joel 
Murphy, A. M. Loudenslager, John C. Redding, 
William F. Dixon, Edward L. Jones, A. Frank 
Wood, George P. Jacobs, Joseph G. Johnson, Theo- 
dore S. White, William B. Henderson, David S. Blew, 
Bloomfield Harker, Frarance Hogate, John Elkinton, 
James L. Mead, S. Carll Coombs, Enoch Williams, 
John V. Booblitz, William F. Jones, Zebulon G. 
Butler, Thomas H. Eoork, George Shuster, Harry 
Williams, James M. Murphy, George B. Getchner, 
John E. Schenck, George S. Wallen, Charles Surran, 

A. M. Parsons, Charles D. Burroughs, Albert A. 
Gentry, Edwin C. Stafford, Lewis B. Eichmon, 
Thomas Husted, William Morgan, James P. Allen, 
and William D. Oilman. The present officers are : 
Councilor, Hartley W. Sloan ; Vice Councilor, John 
H. Naglee ; Eec Sec, A. M. Parsons ; F. Sec, A. A. 
Gentry ; Treas., S. T. Butler. 

Excelsior Lodge, No. 4, K. of P.— Excelsior Lodge 
was instituted in February, 1869, with Aaron Smith 
as Chancellor Commander, and John T. Tompkins as 
Vice Chancellor. They rented the third story of the 
new brick building of Garrison & Woodruff, on Com- 
merce between Pearl and Laurel Streets, and fitted it 
up for their lodge-room in a neat and tasty manner. It 
has been occupied by them ever since. The present 
Chancellor Commander is Albert A. Gentry ; V. C, 
Mizeal C. English ; and M. of E., Jacob A. Schiller. 

Calantha Lodge, No. 103, K. of P.— This lodge 
was instituted Oct. 15, 1874, by D. D. J. C. Jesse Clay- 
poole, of Millville, assisted by P. C. David Sithens, of 
Excelsior Lodge, No. 4. The following officers were 
installed at that time : P. C, Samuel W. Wells ; Chan. 
Com., James E. Hicks ; V. C, George V. Garwood ; 
K. of E. and 8., William B. Trenchard ; M. of E., 
Louis Beckhardt. The present officers are : Chan. 
Cora., AVilliam T. Dubois ; V. C, William Baxter ; 
K. of R. and S., Lewis Ethrington ; M. of E., George 
V. Garwood. 

A. L. Robeson Post, No. 42, G. A. R.— This post 
was organized in April, 1880, with Samuel W. Wells, 
C. ; Benjamin F. Bright, S. V. C. ; Frank M. Harris, 
J. V. C. ; T. M. Woodruff, Adjt. ; Frank M. Eiley, 
Q.M. It has served a good purpose in keeping alive 
the memory of those who served their country in the 
rebellion. Its Past Commanders are Samuel W. 
Wells, James E. Hicks, and Howard Minot. The 
present officers are William N. Hewitt, C. ; Eldorado 
Grosscup, S. V. C; John L. Hubbs, J. V. C. ; Daniel 

B. Ginenback, Adjt. ; Frank M. Eiley, Q.M. 
Cumberland County German Beneficial Society. 

— This society was formed in 1859, with seven mem- 
bers, at the currier establishment of Jacob Kienzle. 
The first officers were: President, Jacob KienzlC'; 
Secretary, Matthias Pfitzenmaier ; Treasurer, Jacob 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



613 



Heller. It meets monthly, and has paid out a large 
amount of money as benefits in cases of sickness and 
death, and now has about sixty members. The pres- 
ent officers are: President, Frederick Franz; Secretary, 
Matthias Pfitzenraaier; Treasurer, Jacob Ernest. 

West Jersey German Beneficial Society. — This , 
was started in 1869 with about forty members, mostly 
the same persons who belonged to the Cumberland 
Oounty German Beneficial Society. It meets monthly 
and has the same purposes as that society, and its 
present officers are also the same. 

GOULDTOWN. 

Gouldtown, partly in the territorial limits of Bridge- 
ton and partly in Fairfield, is a settlement of colored 
people, many of them nearly white, about three miles 
east of the built-up part of Bridgeton. The families 
there mostly bear the name of Pierce and Gould. 
Some of them are active, industrious farmers, and 
have accumulated considerable property. A tradi- 
tion believed by many is that they are descended 
from Elizabeth Adams, the granddaughter of Fen- 
wick, who provides in his will that she should have 
no part of his estate unless she forsook " that Black 
that hath been the ruin of her, and becoming peni- 
tent for her sins." In that case he directed his ex- 
ecutors to settle five hundred acres of land upon her. 
The tradition among the inhabitants of Gouldtown 
further is that she was married to that black man, 
and that at his death she received her five hundred 
acres of land, which was taken up at Gouldtown, and 
that Benjamin Gould, the earliest known ancestor of 
the present families, was her son. However pleasing 
this tradition may be, the truth of history compels 
the statement that there is no foundation for it. Fen- 
wick made his will and died in 1683, and there is no 
trace of Benjamin Gould or of any other colored man 
at Gouldtown for nearly three-quarters of a century 
afterwards. He bought a tract of two hundred and 
forty-nine acres previous to 1774, but how long be- 
fore is not known. It was owned by John Robertson 
in 1755, and Gould bought it after that date. Ancient 
maps, covering the whole of that region, are in posses- 
sion of the writer, from which the above facts are 
taken, and in 1774 no other colored man except Ben- 
jamin Gould owned any of the land. While it might 
still be possible that he was the son of Elizabeth 
Adams, there is no probability. 

African Methodist Episcopal Ckurch, — A society 
of this denomination was formed at Gouldtown in 
1820, and after a few years a building originally built 
about one and a half miles northeast of there by the 
Presbyterians, but which had fallen into disuse, 
owing to the removal of those who were active in its 
building, was presented to them and removed to the 
centre of the neighborhood, and was used by them 
for a church and school-house until 1861, when they 
built the present neat edifice on the south side of the 
road. 



A post-office was established here June 3, 1873, 
with Seneca Bishop as postmaster. The present in- 
cumbent is Mordecai C. Pierce, who was appointed 
June 11, 1878. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

Eeuben, George, aad Enoch Burgin, the three 
sons of John Burgin, were successively sherifis of the 
county, Reuben from 1793 to 1796, George from 1796 
to 1799, and Enoch from 1802 to 1805. Eeuben, born 
in 1763, was a turner and chair-maker, and built the 
house in Bridgeton which used to stand on the north 
side of Commerce Street, where the insurance office 
now is. where he resided. This afterwards became 
the property of ex-Governor Elias P. Seeley, where 
he lived and died. He married Deborah Bowen, 
daughter of Seth Bowen, an officer in the Revolu- 
tionary army, and died in 1803. The widow, after a 
few years, removed with her family to Philadelphia. 
There were six children of this marriage, one of 
whom. Dr. George H. Burgin, married and settled in 
Philadelphia, leaving descendants, who bear the 
family name, of great respectability. His grandson, 
Herman Burgin, now represents Lieut. Seth Bowen, 
who died without male issue, in the New Jersey 
Society of the Cincinnati. 

George Burgin, born in 1765, was for several years 
an important man in the politics and business of the 
county. Shortly after his father's death he took up 
his residence in Bridgeton, and, after his service as 
sherifi', built the stone store-house still standing at 
the corner of Broad and Atlantic Streets, caused the 
road down the hill passing the court-house, which 
then stood in the middle of the street at the top, to 
be made fit for travel, and commenced store-keeping. 
He was elected a member of the Assembly in 1799, 
and again in 1801 and 1802, and of the Council in 
1803, 1804, and 1809, and became the leader of the 
Democratic party, contributing by his activity and 
energy to its success more conspicuously than any 
other person. In 1804 he was appointed by Gov- 
ernor Bloomfield surrogate, an office which he held 
until 1810. He died in 1813, and was never married. 

Enoch Burgin, the youngest son, continued on the 
farm of his father, and married Elizabeth Souder. 
They had two children, who died without issue. 
After her death he removed to Bridgeton and mar- 
ried Mary Taylor, of Philadelphia, who had no chil- 
dren. He died in 1815, leaving a considerable estate. 
His widow afterwards became the wife of Samuel 
Seeley. 

Joseph Buck, born in Fairfield, May 1, 1753, was 
the son of Ephraim Buck and his wife, Judith Nixon. 
Ephraim Buck had six children, viz.: Joseph, the 
eldest; Ephraim; Judith, who married Jeremiah 
Bennett; Ruth, who married Fithian Stratton ; Eeu- 
ben, and Jeremiah. The last named was long a 
prominent resident in Bridgeton, and was the father 
of Robert S. Buck. 



614 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



But little is known of the early life of Joseph Buck, 
except that he enlisted in the Continental service, 
became a sergeant, and in 1779 was commissioned an 
ensign, and in 1781 was promoted to be a lieutenant, 
and at the close of the war was discharged from the 
service with the rank of captain by brevet. He was 
present at the execution of Andre in 1780, and at the 
siege of Yorktown in October, 1781. He became an 
original member of the Society of Cincinnati. Wil- 
liam B. Buck, son of John Buck, now represents his 
grandfather, Joseph Buck. 

After the close of the war Mr. Buck settled in 
Bridgeton, and in 1783 married Ruth Seeley, a daugh- 
ter of Col. Enos Seeley, who then owned the property 
south of Jefferson Street, including the saw-mill, which 
stood just below the stone bridge recently enlarged, 
and who in 1774 made the dam across what was for- 
merly called Mill Creek, upon which the road leading 
to Fairton was laid in 1785. From 1787 to 1790 Buck 
was the sheriff of the county. He built the house on 
the north side of Irving, and opposite Bank Street, 
afterwards owned by his brother-in-law, Ebenezer 
Seeley, and at one time by his brother, Jeremiah 
Buck, of late years kept as a hotel. In 1795, in com- 
pany with others, he purchased the Union mill-pond 
and property, a few miles above the present city of 
Millville, and a considerable part of the land covered 
by that city, which he laid out and named, intending 
to establish mills and manufactories as has since been 
done. He removed his family there, and made some 
•progress in the work, but before his plans were per- 
fected he died. May 15, 1803. 

There were nine children of Joseph and Ruth 
Buck, two of whom died young. The others were 
Jane, who married Daniel P. Stratton ; Sarah, who 
first married John Bower Ogden, then Henry Shep- 
pard ; Hannah, who married Nathan L. Stratton ; 
Dr. Ephraim, Joseph, and Jeremiah. All are now 
dead. 

At the time of his death, which occurred in 1803, 
he was engaged in laying out the present site of Mill- 
ville, and projecting plans for establishing mills and 
factories. He was buried there in the old graveyard, 
but the precise spot where his grave is located at the 
present day cannot be accurately ascertained. His 
descendants, many of whom reside in Bridgeton, are 
of very respectable standing. 

John Buck, son of Col. Joseph, born April 1, 1784, 
and died Feb. 5, 1842, was for several years employed 
in the store of his uncle, Ebenezer Seeley, at Laurel 
Hill. From October, 1808, to October, 1810, he was 
sheriff; but he declined taking the office another 
term, as was customary, and commenced business 
at the southwest corner of Commerce (then called 
Bridge) and Front Streets, opposite Davis' Hotel, 
Bridgeton, under the firm of John Buck & Co., in 
partnership with Nathan L. Stratton and Thomas 
Woodruff. After a few years Daniel P. Stratton took 
the place of Woodruff, and the new firm of Buck & 



Stratton bought of William Potter the store and 
other property from the corner to the bridge. The 
partners were several times changed, but the business 
continued substantially the same until the death of Mr. 
Buck, in 1842. Large tracts of woodland were pur- 
chased, and for more than twenty-five years this was 
the leading firm of the place, and accumulated very 
considerable wealth. 

John Buck was twice married. He commenced 
housekeeping in a house which stood where the post- 
office now is. After a few years he purchased the 
property on the east side of the Cohansey, formerly 
Dr. Champneys', where he resided until his death, 
and long the residence of his widow, who is still 
living at the serene age of eighty-four years. Of his 
ten children only four are living, viz. : Mrs. Charles 
E. Morgan, of Philadelphia, William B., Caroline, 
and Mrs. Louisa Reeve. 

EiilAS CoTTiNG. — Elias Cotting, the first clerk of 
the county after the setting off of this county from 
Salem, came here from Boston, Mass., in 1732. He 
was a mariner, and was called " captain" after his set- 
tlement here. James Goold traded with a vessel at 
Greenwich for a number of years, and had returned 
to Boston, and on Oct. 12, 1782, he gave to Cotting a 
power of attorney to transact business for him here, 
which was renewed July 2, 1735, at which date Cot- 
ting resided at Greenwich. He soon settled at 
Cohansey Bridge, and was granted a license to keep 
a tavern at that place in February, 1739, which was 
annually renewed for several years. Sept. 27, 1789, 
he bought from the heirs of Robert Hutchinson one 
thousand acres of land and marsh on the Cohansey, 
the most of which he sold off in smaller tracts during 
his life. The Hutchinson and the Mason surveys, 
bounded on one another, and a jury of view having 
fixed the bounds of the Mason survey at twenty rods 
below the bridge, and then running westward about 
where Oak Street now is, the Hutchinson survey was. 
supposed for a long time to corner at the same place. 
Capt. Cotting owned and lived in a large house, which 
he probably built, just below the supposed north line 
of his tract, near the river, and north of Broad Street. 
Of later years it was owned and occupied by Enoch 
Boone. It has been torn down about forty years. 
On the organization of the county, in February, 1748, 
he was appointed clerk by Governor Belcher, to hold 
during the pleasure of the Governor, and at the 
December term of the courts, 1755, he presented a 
commission from the same Governor, to hold during 
good behavior. He continued clerk until his death, 
in the fall of 1757. 

Eli Elmer, son of Theophilus Elmer (1st), was a 
lieutenant in the "Western Company of Artillery" of 
State troops, paymaster of Cumberland and Cape May, 
was at the siege of Yorktown and surrender of Corn- 
wallis, and was one of the members of the State Con- 
vention at Trenton, in 1787, which ratified the Consti- 
tution of the United States. He afterwards became- 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



615 



a man of considerable prominence. He removed to 
Bridgeton, and in 1788 and 1789 was elected a mem- 
ber of the Assembly, and 1795 of the Council, now 
called the Senate. He was sheriff from 1784 to 1787, 
and was active in the erection of the Presbyterian 
Church at Bridgeton. In 1789 he was appointed 
first collector of the port of Bridgetown, now officially 
styled Bridgeton, and held the office until his death, 
in 1S02. He held tlie position of colonel of the mili- 
tia, and was styled such in the latter part of his life. 
Theophilus M., son of Col. Eli Elmer, died recently 
at an advanced age at Chicago. Craig, also his son, 
while returning from the South, about sixty years 
ago, lost his life by drowning on the Mississippi; 
and Emelia, his daughter, married Jonathan Holmes, 
leaving descendants, most of whom reside in Bridge- 
ton. Theophilus, son of Theophilus, and brother of 
Col. Eli, was a surgeon in the United States army, 
and finally settled and died in Louisiana. 

Jonathan Freeman, pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church of Bridgeton and Greenwich from 1805 to 
1822, was born at Woodbridge, N. J., in 1765. His 
paternal ancestors were from England, his maternal 
from France. The particulars of his early history 
and training are unknown. He was licensed as a 
preacher by this Presbytery in 1793, and the next 
year was ordained, and settled at Hopewell, in the 
State of New York, where he remained two or three 
years, and then resigned the charge, and removed to 
Newburg, on the North River. While here he re- 
ceived the honorary degree of A.M. from Columbia 
College, and in 1809 from the College of New Jersey. 
He married a daughter of the Rev. Nathan Ker, of 
Goshen, N. Y., who was originally from Freehold, in 
New Jersey. While residing at Newburg he pub- 
lished a sermon, which he preached in 1798 ou a day 
appointed by the General Assembly as a day of fast- 
ing and prayer, and a discourse on " Psalmody," 
preached before the Presbytery of Hudson in 1801. 
He was installed pastor of the Presbyterian Churches 
of Greenwich and of Bridgeton Oct. 16, 1805. He 
was all his life a laborious worker, and between the 
care of his farm and visits to his scattered parish- 
ioners his time was fully occupied. He was one of 
the founders of the Cumberland Bible Society, in 
1815. 

Like his predecessor, however, he and his family 
were dissatisfied with their isolated position and 
severe labors as farmers. In the year 1810 his wife's 
mother, Mrs. Ker, who, being a widow, had come to 
■ I'eside with them, purchased a house in Bridgeton, to 
which he removed, and which Mrs. Ker, by her will, 
made in 1811, devised to her daughter, Mrs. Freeman, 
and to this house the family removed. In this house 
he resided until his death, which occurred Nov. 17, 
1822, of a fever very prevalent, at the age of fifty- 
seven. 

During his residence here Mr. Freeman was the 
most prominent minister, not only in the Presbyte- 



rian Church but of any denomination in South Jer- 
sey. He was an old-fashioned Calvinist, considering 
the doctrine of election as the corner-stone of the 
Christian edifice, and had little toleration for those 
who differed. Indeed, he considered Arminians as 
denying the sovereignty of God, and hardly entitled 
to the name of Christians. He was a faithful, earnest, 
and often a pungent preacher ; a large and handsome, 
dark-complexioned man, dignified in deportment. He 
published while here two tracts on baptism, one in 
the form of a catechism and the other a dialogue, and 
he also established a religious magazine, of which only 
a few numbers were printed. The only persons known 
to be living in Bridgeton who were admitted to the 
church during his pastorate are Mrs. Lydia Harris, 
Daniel Fithian, and Samuel Reeves. 

Mr. and Mrs. Freeman had several children when 
they came, and had in all nine who lived to adult 
age, three sons and six daughters. The sons are 
deceased. Three of the daughters are still living in 
Philadelphia, highly respected. A few years after 
her husband's decease Mrs. Freeman sold her house, 
and removed with her daughters to Philadelphia, 
where she died. 

Alexander Moore was of Irish descent, born in 
1704, settled at Cohansey Bridge about the year 1730 
to 1740, and having established a country store, and 
accumulated considerable property, he married Sarah 
Reeves, a daughter of Abraham Reeves, deacon of the 
Greenwich Church. The store-house occupied by 
Moore for nearly fifty years was made of cedar logs, 
and stood on the street now called Commerce Street, 
a little west of the hotel, where it remained until 
taken down by his grandson, John Moore White, in 
1791. 

Both Mr. Moore and his wife were members of the 
Presbyterian Church at Greenwich, and have monu- 
ments in the old graveyard there. 

In 1760 the royal Governor and his Council ap- 
pointed Moore one of the judges of the Court of 
Common Pleas, and he held that appointment until 
the 4th of July, 1776. Although not very active in 
political matters, he was a Whig, as was his son, 
Alexander Moore, Jr., who burned the tea at Green- 
wich. The first joint meeting held after the adoption , 
of the Constitution elected him one of the judges 
for the constitutional term of five years, at the expi- 
ration of which time his health so failed that he 
relinquished his active business. 

His wife died in 1775, at the early age of forty-five 
years. They had five children, two of whom died in 
infancy. Sarah, the oldest, who, like her mother, was 
very beautiful, married John White, a merchant of 
Philadelphia, and died in 1770, leaving three sons, 
the youngest, John Moore White, an infant. Another 
daughter married Dr. Harris, of Pittsgrove, and has 
left descendants. The son, Alexander Moore, Jr., 
married a Miss Tate, and was established on the farm 
i a little west of Bridgeton, now owned by the county 



616 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



and connected with the poor-house, upon which a 
good house was built, and which he occupied and 
called Moore Hall, assuming a good deal of aristo- 
cratic state, until the early part of this century, when 
he sold it and removed to Bucks County, Pa. 

The old gentleman died Sept. 5, 1786, leaving a 
will made in 1783. The son filed a caveat, and a 
severe contest took place in the Orphans' Court, who, 
however, confirmed the will. The property disposed 
of by the will was quite valuable. The Bridgeton 
tract and other lands were left to the three sons of 
Sarah White, the two elder of whom having died with- 
out issue, the whole became vested in John Moore 
White. 

Silas Paevin was probably the son of Thomas 
Parvin, who settled on the east of the Cohansey pre- 
vious to 1711. The first record of Silas Parvin is at 
February term of court, 1737, when he received a 
license to keep a tavern at Cohansey Bridge, where 
he kept a country store. His license was renewed 
nearly every year until 1763, after which he ceased to 
keep a tavern. About 1734 he had come into pos- 
session of that part of the Mason survey adjoining 
the Cohansey, extending from the south line of the 
survey, about where Oak Street now is, to Commerce 
Street, and on the west of Franklin Street, running 
northwestwardly across Commerce Street and Muddy 
Branch (the stream the lower part of which is now 
Jeddy's Pond), comprising about forty-five acres. 
On this he built a two-storied hip-roofed house, 
where the tavern was kept. The King's Highway 
from Salem originally ran down the side of the hill 
from the corner of Broad and Franklin Streets, about 
where the southeast corner of the stone house on the 
west side of Atlantic Street, between Commerce and 
Broad Streets, now is, and then crossing the present 
Atlantic Street (which then did not exist), directly 
to the west end of the bridge. Parvin's house stood 
on the northwest side of this road, facing the river, 
and five or six rods south of Commerce Street. His 
title to the tract of land he occupied was disputed 
by the Masons and by Pemberton, who bought the 
Mason survey. He laid a survey on a part of the 
tract, but the Council of Proprietors would not ap- 
prove it, owing to the Mason survey being brought 
back from England, where it was taken soon after 
being made, and placed on record. In 1751 he was 
one of the overseers of roads for Hopewell, but does 
not seem to have held any other office. He died in 
February, 1779, and his property descended by law 
to his oldest son, Clarence. 

EoBEET Patterson was born in Ulster in 1743, 
his grandfather having been One of the Presbyterian 
refugees from Scotland, who fled from persecution to 
enjoy comparative immunity in Ireland, many of 
whose descendants were afterwards compelled to seek 
better safety in America. He exhibited great fond- 
ness for study in early youth, and especially for the 
higher branches of mathematics, in which he became 



eminent. He was induced to enter the army in Ire- 
land by unfounded assurances that he would have 
better opportunities for instruction in his favorite 
science ; but after a year or two's service he obtained 
his discharge. He emigrated to America in 1768, 
taught school first in Bucks County, and then in 
Philadelphia, and by that economy and thrift which 
distinguished him through life accumulated sufficient 
funds to enable him to establish a country store. 

The place he selected was Bridgeton, where he 
commenced business in 1772, but he soon found this 
occupation to be entirely unsuited to his disposition 
and acquirements. His new residence, however, in- 
troduced him to an accomplished lady who made him 
a suitable wife. This lady was Miss Amy Hunter 
Ewing, of Greenwich, daughter of Maskell Ewing, a 
namesake of the wife of Rev. Andrew Hunter, then 
of the age of about twenty-two, and in May, 1774, 
they were married. A happy union it proved. They 
lived together in perfect harmony fifty years, and 
were the parents of eight children, most of whom 
in their turn raised families who lived to be worthy 
successors of such ancestors. The wife survived her 
husband twenty years, dying at the great age of 
ninety-four. 

Just previous to his marriage Mr. Patterson dis- 
posed of his store and took charge of a school at 
Wilmington, Del., and there he commenced house- 
keeping. But soon the stirring events of the Revolu- 
tionary war broke up the school. He was an earnest 
supporter of the American cause, and his experience 
as a soldier made him available as a military in- 
structor, and as such in great request. He engaged in 
drilling the militia, now being organized all over the 
country. Early in 1775 he came for that purpose to 
Cumberland, and removed his family to Greenwich. 
Regular physicians being few and fully employed, 
he studied medicine for a short time and took the 
position of assistant surgeon of Col. Newcomb's 
regiment of militia, acting in that capacity or on 
his staff' as brigade major two or three years. In 

1778, New Jersey being no longer so harassed by 
the enemy as it had been, he purchased a small farm 
in the township of Hopewell, about a mile northeast 
of Shiloh. But he soon found that farming did not 
suit him any better than selling goods. In December, 

1779, he received the appointment of Professor of 
Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the univer- 
sity at Philadelphia, of which a distant relative of 
his wife, Rev. Dr. John Ewing, was then the head, 
and filled that office with great ability thirty-five 
years. 

He died in 1824, followed to the tomb with many 
marks of public respect. 

David Potter was born in Philadelphia, Nov. 27, 
1744. His parents were Presbyterians from the north 
of Ireland, and had a large family of children. Two 
of them— viz., Matthew, born April 8, 1734, and 
David^came to Bridgeton, and resided there during 



CITY OP BKIDGETON. 



617 



most of their lives. Matthew, in 1775, kept the prin- 
cipal inn of the town in a house still standing, al- 
though altered, on the north side of Broad Street, 
next east of the present City Hotel, then directly op- 
posite the court-house. He was a blacksmith, and 
afterwards owned the lot at the southeast corner of 
Laurel and Washington Streets, extending half-way 
to Pearl, and had a shop on the upper part of it. He 
was a man of very respectable standing. 

He commenced business as a merchant, and owned 
a wharf and store-house on the west side of the 
Cohansey, about half-way between Commerce and 
Broad Streets, at that time opposite the only traveled 
road down the hill, which commenced near the inter- 
section of Broad and Franklin Streets, and went down 
in a slanting direction to the foot of the bridge. For 
several years he was one of the principal business 
men of the place, and influential in all the concerns 
of the county. When the people rose up in arms to 
resist the encroachments of the British government, 
upon the news of the events in Massachusetts, in the 
spring of 1775, and volunteer companies of militia 
were formed, he was elected captain, and when the law 
was passed by the newly-formed State government, in 
the fall of 1776, he was appointed colonel, by which 
title he was afterwards commonly called. It appears 
by the official register that in February, 1777, he was 
appointed brigadier-general, which he declined to 
accept. 

Unfortunately there is no record of Col. Potter's 
military service, except that in October, 1776, he was 
present with his battalion at Perth Amboy as a part 
of the force under the command of Gen. Mercer. It 
is known that in March, 1777, he was with his regi- 
ment near Rook Hill. In the fall of that year he was 
taken prisoner, — thought to have been at the disas- 
trous battle of Long Island, — and confined, first in 
Philadelphia, and then aboard the " Jersey" prison- 
ship, Wallabout Bay, N. Y., and was released on his 
parole. 

In 1782 he was appointed by the joint meeting 
marshal of the Admiralty Court of the State. In 
1787 he was elected one of the delegates to the State 
Convention which ratified the new Constitution of 
the United States. In 1790-92 he was elected sheriflF 
of the county. He was one of the charter members 
of Brearley Lodge, F. A. M., No. 2 (then No. 9). 
Upon the division of parties he warmly embraced the 
side of the Federalists. 

Col. Potter was twice married. His first wife was 
Mary Mason, born in 1749, in one of the West India 
Islands, and died in 1783. They had two sons and 
five daughters. The second wife was Sarah Boyd, 
daughter of Mrs. Boyd, of Bridgeton, from Ireland, 
whose sister married James Evving, and was the 
mother of Chief Justice Ewing, of Trenton. She 
survived him, and died in 1820. They had seven 
children, one of whom died an infant. Several of 
the daughters were beautiful and attractive young 



ladies, and this family took the leading place in so- 
ciety, which had been before held by the Seeleys, 
Fithians, and Ewings. The children of the second 
marriage were John (who died in 1810 at the age of 
twenty-four), Martha E., Nancy, James B., Robert B., 
and Margaret Kean. Visitors were numerous, and 
had a hospitable welcome. Until the Presbyterian 
Church was built at Bridgeton, in 1793, in doing 
which Col. Potter was active and liberal, and of which 
he was several years a trustee, the family worshiped 
at Greenwich, and several of the children were bap- 
tized there. The family residence (of wood), at the 
northwest corner of Broad and Franklin Streets, was 
burned about the year 1790, with much of the furni- 
ture, including, it has been said, thirteen beds. It 
was rebuilt of brick, including room for a store, as it 
is now used. Although Col. Potter had for many 
years a prosperous business, his large family and 
liberal hospitality prevented the accumulation of 
more than a moderate property. A year or two be- 
fore 1800 his health began to decline, and he gave up 
his business to his sons. He died in 1805. 

William Potter. — David, the oldest son of Col. 
Potter, set up a store at the southwest corner of Com- 
merce and Laurel Streets, but in December, 1801, he 
was drowned. It was believed that on his way home, 
a very dark night, he walked off the wharf just above 
the bridge. William, the second son, continued the 
business, and for nearly twenty years was active and 
successful in it, and influential with the Federalists in 
the politics of the county. Before engaging in business 
he was adjutant of the Eleventh Regiment of infantry, 
commanded by Col. Ogden, in 1799, and when the pro- 
visional army, raised to resist the hostilities threat- 
ened by the French Republic, of which that regiment 
was a part, was disbanded, he was appointed a lieu- 
tenant in the regular army, which he declined. But 
he retained a partiality for military service, and at the 
breaking out of the war with Great Britain, in 1812, 
was captain of a fine uniformed company of militia 
in Bridgeton. It being found necessary to station 
troops at Cape May, opposed as he was to the war, he 
accepted the appointment of a major of militia, and 
as such took command there, remai tiing in that service 
nearly two years. His brother John, who was a part- 
ner with him in mercantile business, having died, in 
1810, he sold out the store to John Buck & Co. Upon 
the return of peace, while the currency was still in- 
flated, he engaged extensively in the purchase of real 
estate, and the consequence was when the revulsion 
occurred, in 1820, much severer then than it is now, 
there being much less capital to meet the strain, he 
with many others was obliged to succumb, with the 
loss of all and more than all his capital. He was not 
married, but was spveral years a housekeeper in the 
house that stood where the store of Robeson & Whit- 
aker now is. His home being broken up, he removed 
to Philadelphia, where he lived several years, going 
from there to Ohio to direct iron-works, where he re- 



618 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



sided until his death, at an advanced age. While 
residing in Philadelphia be became a member of the 
First Presbyterian Church, of which Eev. Dr. Wilson 
was the pastor. 

Chaeles Read, cashier of the Cumberland Bank 
from its institution in 1816 until his death in 1844, 
was born in Mount Holly, in the year 1788. He re- 
ceived a good English education in Mount Holly, 
was for some time a clerk in the Farmers' Bank of 
New Jersey at that place, and was selected by the 
directors of the new bank at Bridgeton as the most 
suitable person they could lind to organize an insti- 
tution then considered very difficult to carry on suc- 
cessfully. He was its governing power for a quarter 
of a century, and his fitness for the responsible station 
was shown by the unimpaired credit the bank main- 
tained during all the monetary vicissitudes of this 
period, and by its high standing for nearly sixty 
years. 

He died at the comparatively early age of fiftj'-six. 
He was highly esteemed in all the relations of life, 
and left no children. 

Robert Sheppard, son of Capt. Furman Shep- 
pard, was born on the farm occupied by his father, 
just beyond Bowentown, April 22, 1788. His mother 
was a daughter of Daniel Maskell by his second wife, 
Elizabeth, and died in Bridgeton at a very advanced 
age, April li, 1853. He removed to Philadelphia 
about the year 1828, remaining there until 1839, re- 
turned to Bridgeton, and remained some years, and 
then went back to Philadelphia, which he made his 
final residence. Mr. Sheppard died Nov. 24, 1875, in 
his eighty-eighth year, and was buried by the side of 
his parents in the family plot in the old Presbyterian 
Cemetery at Bridgeton. 

Epheaim Seeley was a grandson of Joseph Seeley, 
one of the original settlers of Fairfield, who arrived 
there as early as 1699 from New England, and was 
an elder in the old Cohansey Church. His father was 
named Ephraim, and he purchased a part of the In- 
dian Fields tract, and built the mill on what is now 
called East Lake. By bis will, dated March 9, 1722 
(172|), he leaves his house, lands, and mills to his 
wife, Mary, during her widowhood ; at her death or 
marriage to go to his son Ephraim, he paying certain 
legacies to his daughters of twenty pounds each. He 
also leaves to the congregation, inhabitants in and 
about the town of Fairfield, forty shillings per year, 
for and toward the procuring and support of a Prot- 
estant Dissenting minister for ten years. 

The subject of this notice was born in the year 
1709, and in 1736 married Hannah Fithian, daughter 
of Josiah Fithian, of Greenwich, whose brother Sam- 
uel married his sister, Phoebe Seeley. After his mar- 
riage he resided at the house built by his father, 
which stood on the high ground about opposite Elmer 
Street and faced the south. 

Mr. Seeley was for many years one of the leading 
citizens of Salem County and of the county of Cum- 



berland after it was established in 1748. He was a 
judge and justice, colonel of the militia, and member 
of the Assembly, and accumulated a large amount of 
real estate. His wife survived him, dying in 1797, at 
the age of eighty-three. 

Col. Seeley, as he was usually called, a few years 
before his death removed to the brick house next east 
of Charles £. Elmer's residence, which he had pur- 
chased, where he died June 22, 1774. 

There were nine children born to Col. Seeley and 
his wife, Hannah, two sons and seven daughters. 

Sarah, born in 1758, married Rev. William Ramsey 
and left descendants ; in 1779 she married Rev. Rob- 
ert Smith, of Pequea, Pa., father of Rev. Samuel 
Stanhope Smith, president of Princeton College. She 
died in 1801. 

Esther, married, first, John Gibbon, who was taken 
prisoner by the British and perished aboard the hor- 
rible "Jersey" prison-ship. They left numerous de- 
scendants. Her second husband was Benjamin 
Holme, of Salem County. They left descendants. 

Ephraim, born in 1744, married his cousin, Eliz- 
abeth Fithian. He was one of the judges of the 
court. He was commonly known as Judge Seeley, and 
built the house at the northeast corner of Commerce 
and Bank Streets, late the residence of his nephew. 
Judge L. Q. C. Elmer, in which he died in 1799. None 
of the large property he owned remains in the posses- . 
sion of his descendants, of whom none now reside in 
the county. 

Mary, born in 1746, died 1819, married Jonathan 
Elmer. They had eight children, four of whom died 
in infancy, — Sarah, born in 1775, died 1814, married 
Dr. Samuel Moore Shute, and left no descendants; 
Dr. William (1st), born in 1788, died in 1836, married 
Nancy B. Potter, and had three children, — Jonathan, 
Dr. William (2d), David; he then married Margaret 
K. Potter, and had three children, — Mary, wife of 
Charles E. Elmer, Esq., Nancy, wife of Hon. William 
G. Whiteley, of Delaware, and Benjamin F. The 
children of Dr. William Elmer are all living, and his 
descendants are quite numerous. 

Rachel, born in 1748, married Col. Abijah Holmes. 
■They had children. Sarah married Jeremiah Buck, 
had children, — Robert S., Francis, Sarah, and Jere- 
miah ; Jonathan left descendants ; Mary married 
Enoch H. More, left no issue ; John left descendants, 
Ephraim left descendants. 

None of the many descendants of Col. Ephraim 
Seeley bear the family name except the grandchildren 
of Mason G. Mrs. S. Ward Seeley is a daughter of 
Mason G. Seeley, but her husband is descended from 
a remote ancestor in another line. 

Josiah, born 1755, died 1832. He married Rebecca 
Gibbon, and they had children, — Mary, married Dr. 
Francis G. Brewster, and died in 1858, leaving descend- 
ants; Richard, left two daughters, Mary, who married 
Rev. Benjamin Tyler, and Harriet, who married 
Maskell Ware; Mason G., married Henrietta Potter, 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



619 



and left descendants ; Harriet, married Dr. William 
Belford Ewing, and left one son, James Josiah. 

Hannali, born 1757, died 1832, married Dr. Eben- 
ezer Elmer, and had children, — Lucius Quiutus Cin- 
cinnatus and Sarah Smith, who married Eev. Dr. 
William Neill. 

Ebestezee Seeley was born in the j'ear 1760, 
probably in the township of Fairfield, where his 
father, Enos Seeley, resided until his removal to Co- 
hansey Bridge, some time previous to 1770, in which 
year he bought the old Hancock saw-mill, situated 
on the dam now crossed by Pine Street, and built 
there about 1683, together with a large surrounding 
tract, containing at least one hundred and twenty 
acres, comprising the southern part of East Bridge- 
ton. 

Enos Seeley was a descendant of Joseph Seeley, one 
of tlie original settlers of Fairfield, and an elder in 
the old Cohansey Presbyterian Church, and thus re- 
lated to Col. Ephraim Seeley, but the precise line of 
descent is not known. He married Naomi Petty, and 
after he removed to Bridgeton owned and resided 
for a time in the house next below Broad Street 
bridge, towards the close of his life living in a house j 
which stood on what is now the northwest side of 
Pine Street, a few rods from his mill. He was one 
of the prominent residents of the town. He was an 
earnest Whig, and at the commencement of the Rev- 
olutionary war he entered into active service as a 
lieutenant-colonel of the militia, but was soon disa- 
bled by disease and obliged to resign. For several 
years before his death, which occurred in 1801, he 
was confined to his house and unable to attend to 
business. 

He had three children. His daughter Ruth mar- 
ried Joseph Buck. David, the oldest son, took charge 
of his father's business. He resided several years in 
the old house, renewed by John Buck ; was captain of 
a company of artillerj', and generally known as Capt. 
Seeley. He married a sister of Hugh Merseilles, of 
Hunterdon County, and entered into mercantile busi- 
ness with him, under the firm of Seeley & Merseilles, 
for some years a well-known and prosperous firm. 
They owned a sloop called the " Betsey," built of live- 
oak and red cedar, the best probably that ever sailed 
out of the port, which was for a time commanded by 
Jeremiah Buck. Their store-house was at first situated 
near the wharf at the southeast corner of the bridge, 
from which they removed to the southeast corner of 
Commerce and Laurel Streets, into a store-house they 
built. They both indulged rather freely in good 
living. Seeley died in 1802, and Merseilles in 1806. 
David Seeley had several children, one of whom (Mrs. 
Nagley, of Philadelphia) died at an advanced age. 
After the death of his first wife he married Nancy 
Seeley, one of the daughters of Judge Ephraim, who 
survived him many years. 

Ebene/er Seeley became the owner, through the 
gift of a brother of his mother, of a good farm in ' 



Fairfield, situate on the west side of Cedar Creek, not 
far from the landing. On this he lived for a time, 
and in 1783 married Mary Clark, a daughter of Daniel 
Clark, of Hopewell, and his first wife, Anna, daughter 
of Jonathan Holmes. About the year 1795 he pur- 
chased of his brother-in-law, Joseph Buck, the house 
(now the hotel) on Irving Avenue, and was the owner 
of a large adjoining tract, extending west to Laurel 
Street (Pearl Street, north of Irving, did not exist), 
north near half a mile, and east to the Riley line, 
near where the Port Norris Railroad now is. He en- 
tered into mercantile business, and built a store-house 
on the northeast corner of Laurel and Irving Streets, 
where he transacted a large business as a country 
store, sending wood and lumber to Philadelphia, then 
the principal business of the town. In 1802 he sold 
his residence, with fifty acres of adjoining ground, to 
Jeremiah Buck, and purchased the stone house on 
the west side of Laurel, then called Front Street, 
originally built by Zachariah Lawrence, an elder in 
the Presbyterian Church, where he resided until 1825. 
Previous to this time, in common with many other 
business men, he was so injured by the contraction of 
the currency that followed the war of 1812-15, that 
he entirely failed and lost all his property. 

Mr. Seeley became a member of the Presbyterian 
Church in early life. In 1818, during the pastorate 
of Rev. Jonathan Freeman, he was elected a ruling 
elder. 

Few men in the county were more popular. He 
was firm in his adherence to his political and Cliristian 
principles, but always mild and charitable towards 
others, no matter how much he differed from them. 
He was elected a member of the Assembly in 1795, 
before party politics became very prominent. In 
1806 he was elected one of the Legislative Council as 
a Democrat, and again in difierent years nine times, 
his last service in that capacity being in 1825, and 
then he was succeeded by one of his sons. In 1814 
he was chosen by the joint meeting clerk of the 
county, and being chosen three times afterwards, held 
the office twenty years, longer than any other person. 
But little of the business of the office was conducted 
by himself, his sons being the real workers. For 
several of the last years of his life, and especially 
after the death of his wife, in 1829, his mind and 
memory seemed deranged, but he found a comfortable 
home in the family of his son. He died in 1840. 

There were twelve children of Ebenezer Seeley and 
his wife Mary, of whom five died in infancy or at an 
early age. Enos, born in 1789, was, for a long time 
and until his death, employed as the actual clerk of 
the county. He was poisoned by a young colored 
servant-girl in 1843, who alleged no grievance. She 
was tried, convicted, and executed. Elias Pettit 
Seeley studied law, which he practiced in Bridgeton, 
and lived in the house which used to stand where 
the insurance office is. In 1829 he was elected a 
member of the Council, and several times afterwards. 



620 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



as a Whig, and in 1832 was chosen vice-president. 
Mr. Southard, the Governor, having been elected 
senator of the United States, Mr. Seeley was chosen 
Governor, and filled the office during the remainder 
of the year. He was afterwards elected to the Legis- 
lature several times, and almost equaled his father 
in popularity. He married Jane, daughter of Dr. 
Champneys, and had two children, Elias (deceased), 
and a daughter who married Henry T. EUett, a lawyer, 
who removed to Mississippi, and was quite distin- 
guished there, being at one time a member of Con- 
gress and then a judge of the highest Court of Ap- 
peals, and now a lawyer in Memphis of high 
character. They had several children. Mrs. EUett 
died a few years since. Mary married Dr. Parker, of 
Pittsgrove, and died in 1821, Ebenezer died in 1846. 
Naomi married Jonathan Ayres, and died in 1850. 

Samuel W., born in 1807, is the only one living. 
He married Henrietta Seeley, daughter of Mason G. 
and his wife, Henrietta Potter. They have two sons, 
Robert and Henry. 

Anna Maria married Joseph Gibson, and died in 
1869, and has left descendants. 

Daxiel p. Stratton was born in Fairfield in De- 
cember, 1784. The family of Strattons were among 
the early emigrants from England, and are still quite 
numerous in this county and other parts of the State. 
Benjamin Stratton came from East Hampton, L. I., 
to Fairfield about the year 1700, and died in 1717. 
He had a son Benjamin, born in 1701, who married 
Abigail Preston, of Salem Town, in 1725. They had 
eleven children, of whom three died in infancy, and 
five died in 1759 of a pestilential disease, described 
in a journal of Ephraim Harris as " that fatal and 
never-to-be-forgotten year (1759) when the Lord sent 
the destroying angel to pass through this place, and 
removed many of our friends into eternity in a short 
space of time, — not a house exempt, not a family 
spared from the calamity. So dreadful was it that it 
made every ear tingle and every heart bleed ; in which 
time I and my family was exercised with that dread- 
ful disorder, the measles, but, blessed be God, our 
lives were spared." Four of his sons married and 
left descendants, — Jonathan, Benjamin (father of Dr. 
James Stratton, of Swedesboro, and grandfather of 
Governor Charles C. Stratton), Levi (father of Daniel 
P.), and John (father of NathaTTL). 

Very little is known of the early life of Daniel P. 
Stratton, who appears to have been an only child of 
his parents, his mother dying in 1785, and his father 
in 1792, at the age of forty-nine. He inherited some 
property from his father, and wasoneof thenextof kin 
of James Harris, who died in 1803, leaving a widow 
but no children, and personal property appraised 
at forty-five thousand dollars, esteemed at that time 
and for that place a large estate, so that he had a very 
fair start in life. Not long after he became of age he 
married, and commenced a country store at Fairton 
in company with his cousin, Nathan L. Stratton, but 



does not appear to have continued there very long. 
In 1814 he removed to Bridgeton, and entered into 
partnership with John Buck and Nathan L. Stratton, 
at the corner of Commerce and Laurel Streets, under 
the firm of Buck & Stratton. 

He was quite a large purchaser of real estate, and in 
1818 sold out his interest in the partnership, and pur- 
chased of Dr. Francis G. Brewster the house now owned 
by Dr. Smith, at the corner of Commerce and Atlantic 
Streets, including the store-house standing at the op- 
posite corner, and the adjoining property to the river. 
He then set up a store of his own, and resided in the 
dwelling the remainder of his life. About the same 
time he purchased the lot and erected the grist-mill 
now owned by Richard Lott. 

Mr. Stratton became a member of the Presbyterian 
Church early in life, and in 1818 was elected a ruling 
elder. He was an excellent man, earnest in pro- 
moting the cause of religion, but was not a little 
tenacious of his own opinions. From difierences 
which arose in the old congregation, he became prin- 
cipally instrumental in organizing the congregation 
and in erecting the stone building, now the Second 
Presbyterian Church, on the east side of North Pearl 
Street. 

This church continued for several years in connec- 
tion with the New School Presbytery of Philadelphia, 
but in 1850, under the pastorship of Rev. Henry J. 
Vandyke, it united with the West Jersey Presbytery. 

Mr. Stratton was twice married, — first, in 1808, to 
Jane, one of the daughters of Joseph Buck, deceased. 
They had two children who died in infancy. Two 
survived, — James, born in 1810, who graduated at 
Princeton, became a Presbyterian minister, and is 
now pastor of a church in Mississippi ; Daniel, born 
in 1814, graduated at Princeton, became a minister, 
and was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Salem 
fourteen years, and died in 1866 much lamented; they 
were both married and had children. The mother of 
James and Daniel died in 1816, at the early age of 
twenty-six years and four months. Wallace, son of 
Rev. James, a young man of bright talents and of 
fine education, became a Presbyterian minister, and 
died in Mississippi a few years ago. Morris Stratton, 
of Salem, and Daniel, of Missouri, both prominent 
lawyers, are sons of Rev. Daniel. Nearly two years 
after her death Mr. Stratton married Maria, daughter 
of Dr. James Stratton, and widow of Erkuries Fithian, 
who survived him, and died in April, 1857. They 
had three daughters, — Harriet, Maria, and Fanny, — 
who are all deceased. Harriet, the last survivor, who 
was much beloved by her associates and friends, con- 
tinued to occupy the house left by her father until 
her death, in 1873. 

Nathan L. Stratton was born at Deerfield, Jan. 
31, 1786, and was the son of John Stratton, of Fair- 
field, born in 1774, and who, in 1775, married Eleanor 
Leake, daughter of Nathan Leake. 

Benjamin Stratton came to Fairfield about 1700, 



CITY OF BRIDaETON. 



621 



and from him it is believed most of ttie Strattons 
have descended. John was a grandson. He lived 
during the early part of his life in Fairfield, and, like 
most of the Presbyterians, was a zealous Whig. He 
removed to Deerfleld in 1783, was a justice of the 
peace and a ruling elder. The Presbyterians there 
were much disturbed by the marriage of some of their 
members to sisters of a deceased wife, believed to be 
contrary to the discipline of the church and to the 
teachings of the Bible. Justice Stratton celebrated 
such a marriage, and thereby incurred the censure of 
. the Church Sessions, and although urged to acknowl- 
edge his error, declined to do so. The consequence 
of this disagreement was that he severed his con- 
nection with that church and joined the Pittsgrove 
Church, with which he was connected and much 
esteemed until his death, in 1814. 

Nathan Leake Stratton had the advantage of a 
good school in Deerfleld, but went in his early youth 
to Mount Holly, where he was employed in a store. 
Before he was of age he returned to Cumberland and 
entered into business with his cousin, Daniel P. Strat- 
ton, at Fairton, but with so little prospect of success 
that he soon left it and commenced a store at Laurel 
Hill, Bridgeton, in partnership with Thomas Wood- 
ruff. In 1810, upon the death of John Potter, one of 
the sons of Col. David Potter, they, in connection 
with John Buck, whose sister Mr. Stratton afterward 
married, bought the store he and his brother William 
had carried on at the southwest corner of Commerce 
and Laurel Streets, and entered into business under 
the firm of John Buck & Co. In 1814, Daniel P. 
Stratton took the place of Mr. Woodruff, and the new 
firm of Buck & Stratton purchased of William Potter 
the store-house and property. The price paid was 
fourteen thousand dollars, including a house that 
stood where Whitaker's store is, long owned by 
James B. Potter, and which Potter repurchased for 
three thousand dollars. The new firm purchased 
also large tracts of woodland and commenced a very 
prosperous business. Daniel P. Stratton left the con- 
cern in about four years, but the business was con- 
tinued with other persons and under different names 
until the death of Mr. Buck, in 1842. For a quarter 
of a century Nathan L. Stratton was the active man 
in the general merchandise department, and the busi- 
ness became the largest transacted in the county, sell- 
ing goods not only by retail, but in considerable quan- 
tities by wholesale, to other dealers in the smaller 
towns. During this time there were only from ten 
to fifteen stores in the town, and some of those were 
small affairs. Mr. Buck and Mr. Stratton accumu- 
lated considerable property. 

In 1815, Mr. Stratton married Hannah Buck, one 
of the daughters of Joseph Buck, deceased, and in 
the course of the succeeding two or three years built 
the brick house, still standing, on the north side of 
Commerce, a little below Bank Street, and afterwards, 
as his family increased considerably, enlarged it. 



He occupied a large adjoining lot, with a barn, 
stables, and carriage-house, on Bank Street, where 
the Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. Mrs. 
Stratton died in 1854, and Mr. Stratton, very sud- 
denly, in 1862. They were members of the Presby- 
terian Church. Several of their children died in- 
fants ; one daughter died at the age of twenty-two, 
and a son at the age of twenty-nine. Their son 
Alexander continued a mercantile business in the old 
stand, resided in the family mansion, and died, un- 
married, in the year 1873, at the age of fifty-six years. 

Three sons and two daughters are living. Charles 
P. Stratton graduated at Princeton in 1848, studied 
law. resides in Camden, and is presiding judge of the 
Camden courts. He married Clara Cooper, of Tren- 
ton, and has several children. George resides in 
Bridgeton, and is unmarried. Eleanor is not mar- 
ried. Sophia N. married Charles E. Buck, resides in 
Wilmington, Del., and has two children. 

Joseph Buck Stratton, oldest child of Nathan L. 
Stratton, was carefully educated. After a prepara- 
tory training at the school in Lawrenceville he en- 
tered Princeton College, and took his first degree in 
1833, receiving in due course the degree of A.M., 
and in 1856 the honorary degree of D.D. He studied 
law two years with Judge L. Q. C. Elmer, finished 
his course in Philadelphia, with John Sergeant, and 
was then admitted to the bar there, and commenced 
business as a lawyer. While thus employed he be- 
came a member of Rev. Dr. Boardman's church, and 
determined to engage in preaching the gospel. He 
then entered the Theological Seminary at Princeton, 
and during two years of his study there was a tutor 
in the college. Having finished the usual course of 
study, he wa^ licensed to preach, received a call to 
become the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 
Natchez, and was ordained and installed in 1848. 
For thirty-two years he has been the faithful and ac- 
ceptable minister of one of the most important Pres- 
byterian Churches in the South, and is justly ranked 
among the ablest preachers of the gospel in the 
country. Some years since he was created a Doctor 
of Divinity. He has been twice married, and has 
two sons, one of whom is an architect in New York, 
and the other is in a banker's office in Natchez. 

James H. Teenchard, son of Hon. John Trench- 
ard, of Fairton, and Eleanor, his wife, was born May 
20, 1811, and died Feb. 27, 1877, after a severe illness 
of about ten days' duration. He went into the mer- 
cantile business soon after his marriage, having pur- 
chased the interest of his father-in-law, the late 
Judge Barrett, which he continued for a time, until 
his removal to Centreville in the fall of 1839, where 
he entered largely into general store and milling 
business and the lumber trade. In early life he was 
for a while under Eev. Dr. George Junkin, at Easton, 
Pa. He had a liking for mathematics, and soon 
began surveying, this branch increasing in intricate 
cases and in great land trials. In the fall of 1848 



622 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



he was elected to the Assembly on the Whig ticket, 
representing Salem County in that body during the 
ensuing session. He was very popular in his own 
neighborliood, receiving the votes of many in the 
township of opposite politics purely from personal 
consideration. He refused to run a second time ; the 
corruptions of the lobby and the questionable char- 
acter of much of the public and private legislation as 
then and since directed had no charms for one of his 
honest, frank, and independent nature. 

Mr. Trenchard was very frequently called upon at 
this point to find old surveys, to settle disputes as to 
title, and to act as commissioner. Although engaged 
in surveying whenever needed, he did not give his 
whole attention to this profession until he moved to 
Bridgeton, in the spring of 1S63. Here once located, 
associated with his son, the firm of J. H. & W. B. 
Trenchard, surveyors, has been the principal one in 
that branch in this section of the State ever since.' 
No person in New Jersey has done more practical 
surveying, or tramped more miles in all weathers and 
under all conditions than had the subject of this 
sketch. He had had many valuable papers in his 
possession at various times, relating to the lands in 
the lower counties of the State, so that he became 
thoroughly conversant with the titles, butts and 
bounds, courses and distances of, and all other mat- 
ters relating to the real estate of Lower Jersey. He 
always carefully preserved copies of maps of all sur- 
veys he made, and was thus greatly useful to persons 
seeking information in regard to landed property. 

Mr. Trenchard possessed natural kindness of heart, 
and was generous in his impulses, which rallied 
■around him earnest and abiding friends. He was a 
kind husband and indulgent parent. He was emi- 
nently public-spirited, being ever the advocate of all 
public improvements. Not the least of his merits 
was his ardent and unflinching pati'iotism. He was 
city surveyor at the time of his death, which position 
he had long held. As such he established the pres- 
ent grade of our streets. At the time of his death he 
was serving his second term as councilman from the 
Second Ward. He was president of the original 
Water Company of Bridgeton, which was the fore- 
runner in the movement to secure the present City 
Water- Works. 

He left a widow, three sons, and two daughters, all 
now living. His children are all married except one 
daughter. William B. succeeded his father as city 
surveyor, and has an extensive business otherwise in 
his profession. James W. is cashier of the recently- 
established National Bank of Bridgeton. 

James D. Westcott was born in Bridgeton, Jan. 
26, 1775, and the son of John Westcott, who resided 
at that time in a small house built of the county 
brownstone, on the south side of the road from the 
bridge to Fairfield, now the southeast corner of Com- 
merce and Pearl Streets, which was afterwards owned 
and for a long time occupied by Mark Riley. He be- 



longed to the Fairfield family of Westcotts, now very 
numerous, early settlers of that place, but whose 
origin and genealogy is not known, and came to this 
place before 1773, and taught a school, giving special 
attention to mathematics and the business of survey- 
ing and navigation. 

John Westcott was the first lieutenant of the west- 
ern company of New Jersey artillery in the Revolu- 
tion, was promoted to be captain-lieutenant and then 
captain, and took part in the battles at Trenton, 
Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. 

After the war, and perhaps during its progress, 
John Westcott appears to have lived in Philadelphia, 
and his son James was educated at the university 
there, and with his brother was placed as an appren- 
tice to learn the art of printing. In 1794, James 
came to Bridgeton and established a newspaper called 
the Argus, which was continued nearly or quite 
two years. While residing here he married Amy 
Harris Hampton, daughter of Dr. John T. Hampton, 
of Cedarville, a sister of the late Dr. Isaac H. Hamp- 
ton, of Bridgeton. Soon after he removed to Wash- 
ington, and carried on the business of printing with 
'a partner, under the firm of Westcott & Co. In 1807 
they published a full report of the trial of Aaron Burr 
for treason, in three octavo volumes. 

In the year 1810, Mr. Westcott purchased of Ben- 
jamin Chew, of Philadelphia, the attorney and agent 
of the English proprietors, two surveys of land, cov- 
ering a large part of Fairfield, made in 1686 for Bel- 
lers, one of the original proprietors of West Jersey, 
one of which extended from the east branch of the 
Cohansey, at Fairton, to Back Creek, and the other 
included Jones' Island. He moved on to a good farm 
situate on Jones' Island, which he cultivated several 
years, and then removed to Bridgeton, having re- 
ceived the appointment of collector of the port in 
place of Ebenezer Elmer, who resigned. This place 
he held about five years. He continued to reside 
here until he received the appointment of Secretary 
of State, in 1839, from the joint meeting of the Leg- 
islature of New Jersey, then having a majority of ad- 
herents of Jackson, when he removed to Trenton ; 
and being reappointed, he held that oifice ten years. 

In 1816, Mr. Westcott was elected a member of the 
Assembly as a Democrat. In 1820 he was elected to 
the Legislative Council on a Union ticket, and again 
in 1821. He was, during most of his residence in 
Bridgeton, presiding judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas and a justice of the peace, and was an active 
business man of great intelligence and capacity. 
Shortly after he came to the place he purchased the 
house and property next below the Broad Street 
bridge, since owned and enlarged by John Buck, and 
resided there until he went to Trenton. He is the 
first person of the county who is known to have cul- 
tivated and used the tomato as an article of food. 

He died in Trenton in 1841, his wife surviving 
until 1849. 



i 





^^^/c 




CITY OF BKIDGETON. 



623 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



FRANCIS GILBERT BREWSTER. 

The family are of English extraction, and trace 
their descent from Elder Brewster, who sailed for 
America in the "Mayflower" in 1620. Francis Gil- 
bert, a lineal 'descendant, and the father of the sub- 
ject of this biography, was born in Deerfield, and 
married Miss Mary Gibbon Seeley, of Bridgeton. 
They had children, — Robert Gibbon, Francis Gil- 
bert, Charles Henry, and George. Dr. Brewster 
early became an exponent of the science of medicine, 
and followed his profession in Salem. Ill health 
causing him to relinquish active practice, he retired 
to Bridgeton and opened the earliest drug-store in 
the city. He was an influential citizen, and engaged 
in many public enterprises. He was an elder of the 
First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, and foremost 
in all good works, continuing to exercise a salutary 
influence in the community until -his death, in 1827. 
Francis Gilbert, his son, was born Feb. 10, 1809, in 
Bridgeton, the scene of his lifetime labors. The 
Bridgeton Academy afforded him opportunities of 
educatiion, and the early death of his father made 
him, at the age of eighteen, his successor in busi- 
ness. 

He was married, Feb, 17, 1830, to Miss Ruth 
Thompson Riley, daughter of Mark and Abigail H. 
Riley. Their children are Mary Gibbon (who mar- 
ried Dr. Edward M. Porter), Edwin Francis, and 
Elizabeth Reeves. Mr. Brewster continued in active 
business for many years, and during this period iden- 
tified himself with many enterprises tending to ad- 
vance the interests of the community. He main- 
tained extensive business connections, in all of which 
he established a character for integrity and fairness, 
while his judgment and sound common sense were 
proverbial. Mr. Brewster was a member of the Sec- 
ond Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, and served as 
elder from its organization until his decease. He 
was a cordial promoter of all religious and philan- 
thropic schemes. The Cumberland County Bible 
Society found in him an efficient treasurer and co- 
worker. He was in politics early a Whig, and later 
a Republican, though choosing candidates for office 
with regard to their fitness, irrespective of party. 

Mr. Brewster's life was ended Aug. 6, 1856, at the 
early age of forty-eight, after a brief illness. He was 
greatly esteemed for the many virtues exemplified 
in his character, and his death universally deplored. 



JACOB KIENZLE. 
Mr. Kienzle is of German extraction, and during 
his early life resided in Kirshenharthof, Wiirtemberg, 
Germany, where his grandfather, Goetleib, was born. 
The latter married a Miss Wuest, of the same town, 
to whom were born children, — Barbara (who became 



Mrs. Schwarderer), Louisa (who was Mrs. Gall), 
John Jacob, and Christian. Mr. Kienzle died in 
1840. His son, John Jacob, was born May 1, 1798, 
in the town above mentioned, where his early life was 
spent. Here he followed farming employments until 
1847, when he removed to Erbsteten, an adjoining 
town, and continued the same vocation until his 
death, in 1860. He married Ohristianna Krauter, of 
Erbsteten, and had children, — Goetleib, Christian, 
Jacob, Louis, Louisa, Paulina, Frederick, Ferdi- 
nand, Barbara, William, Fredericka, Karl, Caroline, 
Johanes, Christian (2d). The death of Mrs. Kienzle 
occurred at the house of her son, in Bridgeton, in her 
eighty-first year. 

Jacob Kienzle was born Jan. 29, 1830, in Kirshen- 
harthof, Wiirtemberg, and until his fourteenth year 
was a pupil at the public school. He was then ap- 
prenticed to a tanner in the adjoining town of Win- 
nenden, and on completing his term of service re- 
ceived a diploma for proficiency in his trade. He 
repaired to SchafFhausen, Switzerland, and later into 
the interior, at both of which points he followed his 
vocation of tanner. In 1849 he emigrated to America, 
and having settled iu Philadelphia, continued in the 
leather business until 1858, when he migrated to 
California and engaged in mining enterprises. He 
also, in connection with his brother Louis, conducted 
a bakery at Big Oak Flat, Tuolumne Co., remaining 
thus engaged until 1856. In 1857 he removed to 
Bridgeton and purchased the tannery which he has 
since conducted. 

In connection with it he has introduced the manu- 
facture of soap, which is conducted on an exteusive 
scale. He was married, Sept. 18, 1857, to Caroline R., 
daughter of Leonard Groetzinger, of Philadelphia. 
Their children are Annie S. (Mrs. Ludy), William J., 
Jacob (deceased), Henry C, Franklin F., Minnie 
(deceased), and Oscar J. Mrs. Kienzle's death oc- 
curred March 30, 1882. Mr. Kienzle is in politics a 
Democrat, and has ever manifested a deep interest in 
public affairs. He has for successive terms been a 
member of the City Council, and was in 1878 a can- 
didate for member of Assembly, being defeated after 
a close contest and a flattering vote in his favor. He 
has been also frequently a candidate to State and 
County Conventions. He is one of the directors of the 
Bridgeton National Bank, and affords aid and encour- 
agement to all worthy public enterprises. He is an 
active Mason, a member of the Evening Star Lodge, 
No. 39, of Brearley Chapter, No. 6, of which he is 
Past High Priest, and of Olivet Commandery, No. 10. 

Mr. Kienzle assisted in the organization of the 
German Lutheran Church of Bridgeton, in 1869, and 
is now one of its elders. 



CAPT. LEHMAN BLEW. 
George Blew, the grandfather of Capt. Blew, emi- 
grated from Germany during the Revolutionary war, 



624 



HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, 



in which he took part, and at its close settled in 
Deerfield township upon land he purchased. He had 
children, — Abijah, William, and Nellie, who became 
Mrs. Moore. William was born in Deerfield town- 
ship, and served with credit in the war of 1812 as 
captain. He devoted his life to farming employments, 
and married Judith, daughter of Benjamin Ingersoll, 
of Atlantic County. Their children were George, 
born Jan. 2, 1804, who died June 16, 1836, in his 
thirty-third year; Furman, born March 14, 1806; 
Prjscilla, who became Mrs. Lippincott^ and whose 
birth occurred March 20, 1808 ; Lehman ; Emily, 
who was Mrs. Ackley, and was born March 17, 1813; 
Eleanor, wife of Capt. Enoch Brooks, born March 1, 
1815; David W., born Dec. 23, 1817 ; William, born 
March 4, 1819 ; Eebecca, who became Mrs. Tracy, 
born March 21, 1821 ; and Harriet, born Sept. 8, 1823, 
and who died Nov. 12, 1888, in her fifteenth year. 
Capt. Blew was an Old-Line Whig in politics, and in 
later years a Republican, having been the incumbent 
of numerous offices in the township. He removed to 
Bridgeton before his death, which occurred at the 
home of his son Lehman. The latter was born Feb. 
3, 1810, in Deerfield, but removed with his father to 
Bridgeton when a lad, where his childhood was passed. 
He early acquired a taste for a seafaring life, and 
having left school at an early age became familiar 
during short cruises with a sailor's life. At the age 
of eighteen he took command of a sloop belonging 
to Robert S. Buck, of Bridgeton, sailing from the 
latter place to Philadelphia, and from that time for 
years continued both to build and sail vessels. He 
soon after embarked in the coasting trade, and sailed 
around much territory, including the United States 
and the West Indies. This was continued until 1865, 
when he took command of a steamer plying between 
Bridgeton and Philadelphia, his residence during an 
interval of twenty years having been at Maurice 
River, in the same county. Capt. Blew has, within 
the period of his active career, been much engaged 
in the building of vessels, in many of which he has 
an interest. An accident in 1875 deprived him of an 
arm, since which time he has been devoted to the 
management of his private business and the cultiva- 
tion of his farm. 

During the existence of the Whig party the cap- 
tain was one of the most earnest adherents to its 
principles. He joined at a later day the Republican 
ranks, and though not one of its active workers, has 
represented the Third Ward of Bridgeton in the 
board of freeholders. 

Capt. Blew has been thrice married, first to Miss 
Sarah Langley, daughter of John Langley, who died 
June 3, 1852, aged forty-one years. They had one 
daughter, Sarah L., wife of Capt. H. B. Lake, who 
was born Nov. 9, 1850. Capt. Blew's second wife was 
Ann Caroline Seran, daughter of Samuel and Anice 
Seran, who was born Dec. 11, 1824, and died Oct. 21, 
1854, in her thirtieth year. Their daughter Caro- 



line was born Jan. 28, 1854, and married Albert 
Fogg, of Camden, N. J. The third and present wife 
of Capt. Blew is Lydia A., daughter of John N. 
Spence, whose birth occurred Jan. 19, 1820, whose 
children are Emma D., born Feb. 27, 1861, and mar- 
ried to George W. MoPherson, of Trenton, and Mary 
Lee, who died Dec. 10, 1872, in her fifth year. Capt. 
Blew and his wife are members of Trinity Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Bridgeton, of which the former 
is steward and class-leader. 



CAPT. SAMUEL PERRY. 

Tradition chronicles the fact that Dan, the grand- 
father of Capt. Perry, emigrated from England and 
settled in Salem County, where he probably engaged 
in the cultivation of a farm. He had eight sons, one 
of whom, Samuel, born May 11, 1779, located in 
Salem County, and afterwards removed to Cumber- 
land County, where he followed agricultural pursuits. 
He married Mrs, Rachel Simkins, formerly a Miss 
Mills, born Dec. 29, 1778, and had children,— Mary 
(who was Mrs. Stimson), Sarah (who became Mrs, 
Ayars), Rachel Letitia (who was Mrs. Maul), Han- 
nah, and a son Samuel. Three of this number sur- 
vive. Mr. Perry died at Ireland's Mills, near Bridge- 
ton, Dec. 24, 1845, in his sixty-third year, and hisJ 
wife, Sept. 1, 1831, in her fifty-eighth year. Theirl 
son Samuel was born March 20, 1817, in Greenwich, i 
Cumberland Co., and early removed to Bridgeton, j 
where his youth was passed. A private school af- 
forded opportunities for education until his fourteenth 
year, when he became a member of the family of his 
brother-in-law, and aided in the cultivation of his 
farm. Here he remained until eighteen years of age, 
when a spirit of independence prompted him to seek 
other fields of usefulness. Sloops were then sailing 
almost daily from Bridgeton to Philadelphia, upon 
one of which he sought an engagement, which con- 
tinued for two years. He then followed coasting, 
first on small vessels running to New York, and later 
to the Southern ports and the West Indies. He sub- 
sequently embarked in the coal-carrying trade in the 
Eastern States. The captain from 1847 until 1872 
commanded a vessel, and in the latter year retired 
from the active pursuit of his vocation, though still 
retaining an interest in sailing-vessels and tug-boats. 

Though practically a gentleman of leisure, he finds 
both healthful exercise and much pleasure in the 
culture of flowers, in which he is eminently suc- 
cessful. He in politics indorses the platform of the 
Republican party, though neither a strong party ad- 
herent nor an office-seeker. He is a supporter of the 
Second Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs, Perry is 
a member, Capt. Perry was married on the 8th of 
July, 1869, to Miss Sarah W. Fithian, granddaughter 
of William Fithian, of Greenwich, who married 
Mary Clark, and had children, — Charles, Richard, 
Samuel, Enoch, Sidney, and Ruth. Richard Fithian 




'^:J^JlJy^\^^ Ou^^ /l/jLAJ--^ 



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CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



625 



married Ann E., daughter of Charles B. Fithian, who 

had six sons and two daughters, of whom Sarah W. 
is the wife of the subject of this sketch. 



WILLIAM DAKE. 

The progenitor of the Dare family in South Jersey- 
was Capt. William Dare, who emigrated from the 
county of Dorset or Somerset, in the south of England, 
at an early date, and in 1682 built the " Blue Anchor" 
tavern in Philadelphia, the headquarters of William 
Penn on the occasion of his landing. He afterwards 
removed to what is now Cumberland County, and 
Aug. 3, 1695, he bought one hundred acres of land in 
Back Neck, Fairfield township, and March 19, 1696, 
he had surveyed for him one hundred acres of cedar 
swamp on Lebanon Branch, about five miles east of 
Bridgeton. He is called " mariner" in some of the 
early conveyances, and doubtless obtained his title of 
"captain" in a seafaring life. He was a man of good 
education and a fine penman, and became one of the 
leading men in this community. He was appointed 
sheriff of Salem County by Governor Cornbury, Dec. 
9, 1703, and reappointed Sept. 13, 1704. He was also 
appointed ranger for Salem County in 1704, captain 
of company of militia in 1706, and a justice of Salem 
County Court in 1707, and was reappointed as justice 
in 1708 and 1710. He was a large land-owner, among 
his purchases being two hundred acres of land at 
Autuxit (as the region around what is now Newport 
was then called), where he finally settled, and died 
there in 1720. He left a widow. Constant Dare, and 
children, — William (2d), Benoni (see notice of James 
Dare), Elizabeth, Constant, Sarah, and Robert. 

William (2d), son of above, in 1710 bought one 
hundred acres, part of the Indian Fields tract, about 
a mile east of Bridgeton (but within the city limits), 
where he settled. This property remained in the 
family for five generations until about 1867. He 
owned large tracts of land and cedar swamp, which 
he left to his children. He died in 1749, and left a 
widow, Elizabeth, and children, — William (3d), John, 
Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Sarah. 

William (3d), son of above, lived on the homestead 
at Indian Fields, where he died in January or Febru- 
ary, 1760. His first wife's name was Freelove, by 
whom he had children, — Mary, William (4th), Levi, 
Abigail, Freelove, Rachel, and Jonathan. He mar- 
ried a second wife, Hannah, by whom he left one 
daughter, Amey. 

William (4th), son of above, born Sept. 6, 1736, on 
the homestead, where his life was spent, was the 
grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch. 
He was a soldier in the Revolution. He married, 
Dec. 21, 1768, Miss Eliaabeth Rose, who was born 
Aug. 27, 1744, and died July 9, 1810. He died May 
26, 1811. They had children,— William (5th), Levi, 
Ephraim, Jonathan, David, Lemuel, and Eliza- 
beth R. 
40 



David, of this number, was born Aug. 28, 1780, on 
the homestead in Bridgeton, where his life was de- 
voted to the cultivation of his land. He was an ar- 
dent Whig in his political predilections, and later a 
Republican, though not actively engaged in the party 
issues of the day, and with no taste for oflSce. He 
was united in marriage March 2, 1809, to Miss Re- 
becca Fithian, daughter of Jonathan Fithian, of 
Deerfleld, who was born May 28, 1791, and died Sept. 
3, 1839, and had children,— Jane E. (Mrs. E. E. 
Sheppard), Enoch F. (deceased), Sarah (Mrs. B. F. 
Garrison, deceased), William, Ephraim (who died in 
youth), Mary H. (Mrs. W. J. Banks, deceased), Eph- 
raim B. (died in youth), Robert H.,and Elizabeth R. 
(died in youth). The death of Mr. Dare occurred 
April 13, 1863, in his eighty-third year. His son 
William was born Sept. 16, 1817, at the homestead 
in Bridgeton. Until his twenty-first year the de- 
mands of the farm were varied by such advantages 
of education as the country afforded. After a Western 
tour he returned for two years to the farm, and in 
1841 purchased the Bridgeton and Cape Island stage- 
line, which included a contract for carrying the 
United States mail for three years. At the expiration 
of this contract, in 1844, he embarked in the manu- 
facture of lime, at Bridgeton, which was continued 
until the spring of 1857. In August of the same 
year he established the firm of Riley & Dare for the 
sale of fertilizers and farm products, which afterwards 
became Dare & Mulford. The business was con- 
tinued until 1877, when he devoted his attention more 
particularly to the management of his lands and his 
vessel interests, in which he has been largely en- 
gaged. In 1877 the Bridgeton water-works were con- 
structed, Mr. Dare having, as president of the Council, 
superintended their progress. The political sympa- 
thies of the subject of this sketch are with the Re- 
publican party. He has served for three years as 
collector of Bridgeton township, and nine years as a 
member of the City Council of Bridgeton, five years 
of which he was its presiding officer, and was for fif- 
teen years a member of the township committee prior 
to the incorporation of the city. Mr. Dare is an active 
Odd-Fellow, and a member of Cumberland Lodge, 
No. 35, I. 0. O. F. He is also a member of Good 
Intent Encampment, No. 15, I. O. O. F., of which he 
has been for thirty-four years treasurer. He is a trus- 
tee of the First Baptist Church of the city, of which 
both he and Mrs. Dare are members, and was among 
the largest contributors to the erection of the South 
Jersey Institute in that city. Mr. Dare was married 
June 16, 1846, to Sarah, daughter of John Cleaver, 
of Port Penn, Del., who died Oct. 18, 1852. He was 
again married Jan. 31, 1854, to Elizabeth S. Flanagin, 
daughter of James Flanagin, of Greenwich. By 
each marriage were two children, all of whom are 
deceased. 



626 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



CAPT. WILLIAM JBRRELL. 
The Jerrell family are of Scotch ancestry, though 
Zachariah, the grandfether, was born in Cumberland 
County, where he followed farming occupations. He 
had sons, Isaac, John, and Jeremiah, and a number 
of daughters. Mr. Jerrell resided in Fairfield town- 
ship, where his death occurred in advanced years. 
His son Jeremiah was born in the latter township 
in 1807, and spent the greater portion of his life 
either in that or the neighboring township of Downe, 
where he was a farmer. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Webster Souder, and had children,— 
Thomas, Gertrude (Mrs. John Banks), William, 
George M., John, Mary (Mrs. Robert Nixon), Annie 
(Mrs. John Owing), Jane E. (Mrs. Edward E. 
Emerton), and Rebecca (Mrs. Thomas Tribett). 
Mr. Jerrell, having retired from active pursuits, 
now resides in Downe township, where his son Wil- 
liam was born Nov. 12, 1836. He passed his youth 
until the age of twelve years at the house of his 
maternal grandfather, where opportunities for edu- 
cation were exceedingly limited. Having imbibed 
a taste for the waterman's craft he then engaged as 
cook on board a vessel, and remained in that capacity 
for four years, after which he went before the mast, 
and at the age of twenty became master of a vessel, 
which he sailed for two years. He then purchased 
the schooner " Beulah E. Sharp," plying between 
Philadelphia and Boston, of which he was master, 
and entered into the service of the government, trans- 
porting coal to Southern ports for the use of the army 
and navy. Capt. Jerrell sold this vessel in 1864, and 
purchased the schooner " D. Gifford" the following 
year, which he sailed until 1872, and was engaged in 
a general coasting trade. He in 1872 built the 
schooner "Nellie S. Jerrell," and for eight years 
sailed her between the ports of Maine and the West 
Indies. This vessel was sold in 1881, and the " Re- 
becca S. Mulford" built the same year, which the 
captain is now commanding, and in whose perfect 
equipments he manifests a commendable pride. He 
is engaged in coasting during the summer months, 
and runs to Southern ports in winter. Capt. Jerrell 
was married, in 1857, to Cornelia S., daughter of 
Fithian S. Parvin, of Downe township. Their chil- 
dren are Herbert P., W. Howard, and Nellie. Her- 
bert P. was a pupil of the West Jersey Academy at 
Bridgeton, after which he remained for three years at 
the New Jersey Institute at Hackettstowu, and com- 
pleted his studies with honor. He then spent four 
years at the Wesleyau University, and in 1882 entered 
the Law Department of Columbia College, New York. 
The family, in 1866, removed to Bridgeton, which has 
since been their place of residence, though frequently 
passing many weeks on board the vessel. The captain 
is in politics a Republican, though with neither time 
nor inclination for office. He is still actively en- 
gaged in his chosen pursuit, in addition to which he 
is interested either directly or indirectly in twelve or 



more vessels. Both Capt. and Mrs. Jerrell are mem- 
bers of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Bridgeton. 



SAMUEL M. COOMBS. 
Mr. Coombs is the grandson of Joshua Coombs, 
and the son of Jesse Coombs, a native of Cumberland 
County, who was born in 1780, and followed farming 
pursuits, first in Cumberland and later in Cape May 
Counties, N. J. His ultimate residence was Millville, 
where his death occurred in 1846. He married Mary 
Hitchner, of Pittsgrove, Salem Co., who was born in 
1782, and had children,— Ruth (Mrs. Riley), Jacob, 
Joshua, Elizabeth (Mrs. Garrison), Mary (Mrs. Higby), 
Jesse, David, Samuel, Jane A. (Mrs. McDougal), John, 
and Christina (Mrs. Wilson), of whom nine survive. 
Samuel, who is the subject of this biographical 
sketch, was born April 30, 1821, in Millville, at that 
time the residence of his parents. His advantages of 
education were such as were obtainable in the neigh- 
borhood, after which the farm and its attending labors 
engaged his attention. He remained thus employed 
with "his father until twenty-three years of age, and 
was subsequently interested for two years in cutting 
and shipping wood. At the age of twenty-five he 
purchased the homestead farm in Hopewell town- 
ship, and for a period of twenty-five years engaged 
in agricultural occupations, having combined with it 
dairying, in which he was extensively interested. In 
1878, Mr. Coombs, having rented his farm, removed 
to Bridgeton, with a view to retiring from active 
business. He soon, however, found activity more 
congenial than constant rest, and engaged again in 
farming pursuits, having purchased a farm of one 
hundred and ten acres within the city limits. Mr. 
Coombs married, in January, 1856, Miss Mary E., 
daughter of Isaac Paulin, of Hopewell township.,- 
They have a son, Samuel, and one daughter. Mr. : 
Coombs is a member of the Cumberland County 
Agricultural Society, and in politics a Republican, 
though not actively interested in the political meas- 
ures of the day. He is a supporter of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and worships with the congrega- j 
tion of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of^ 
Bridgeton. 



.JAMES B. POTTEK. 
The family of Dr. Potter are Scotch-Irish in thei*^ 
linea<^e his great-grandfather, Matthew, having emi- 
grated from Ireland to America in 1740, during the 
o-reat Presbyterian emigration to this country. Mr.; 
Potter married Miss Jane McCreaght, daughter of a 
Scotch clergyman, during the spring of 1740, who died 
at the age of ninety, and was buried in the city of Phil- 
adelphia, where the family settled. Their children 
were Matthew, James, John, Martha, David, Marga- 
ret Mary, and Samuel. Of this number. Col. David 
was born Nov. 27, 1745, in Philadelphia, and marned | 





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I 




JAMES B. POTTER. 



CITY OF BKIDGETON. 



62*7 



Miss Mary Mason. Their children were Jane, Mary, 
William (who attained distinction in the war of 1812), 
Harriet, and Henrietta. He was married, a second 
time, to Miss Sarah Boyd, to whom were born chil- 
dren, — James, John, Martha, Ann B., .James B., 
Robert B., and Margaret R. 

Col. David Potter was a man noted for his earnest 
patriotism, his generous hospitality, and his energetic 
character. He was the principal merchant in the 
town of his adoption, and carried on a large trade in 
grain, produce, and lumber, shipping the same in his 
own vessels to Philadelphia. In 1775, at the begin- 
ning of the conflict between America and Great 
Britain, he was elected captain of a military company 
at Bowentown. In February, 1777, he was commis- 
sioned brigadier-general by Governor Livingston, but 
refused to accept. He did receive a colonel's commis- 
sion, however, and joined Gen. Mercer's brigade. He 
was taken prisoner at the battle of Germantown, and 
was imprisoned for a time aboard the prison-ship 
" Jersey," in Wallabout Bay. He was paroled, but 
was unable to procure an exchange for many months, 
which seriously aflTected his business arrangements. 
In 1782, Col. Potter was appointed marshal of the 
admiralty, and sold several captured and confiscated 
vessels. In 1787 he was elected one of three dele- 
gates to the State Convention held at Trenton which 
ratified the Constitution of the United States, and in 
1791-93 he was elected sheriff of Cumberland County. 
Upon the division of parties, he warmly embraced 
the side of the Washington and Hamilton Federal- 
ists. He was eminently public-spirited, and was 
largely instrumental in erecting the Presbyterian 
Church of Bridgeton in 1792. He was also one of 
the charter members of Brearley Lodge, F. A. M. 
Col. David Potter died Dec. 10, 1805, aged sixty-one 
years. 

His son, James Boyd Potter, was born Feb. 7, 1796, 
in Bridgeton, where his life was spent, and where he 
subsequently became a prosperous merchant. He 
was married, April 28, 1818, to Miss Jane, daughter 
of John and Susanna Barron, of Centre County, 
Pa., and had children, — David, Sarah Boyd (Mrs. 
William G. Nixon), John Barron, James Barron, 
Francis H., Robert (deceased), Margaret E., Robert 
Barron, and William Elmer. Gen. David Potter, 
the eldest son, was born Feb. 7, 1819, and died at his 
home in Bridgeton May 7, 1866. For many years he 
had been connected with the public enterprises of 
South Jersey, and at the time of his death was one of 
the original directors of the West Jersey Railroad, 
and president of the West Jersey Marl and Transpor- 
tation Company. The former enterprise was largely 
indebted to his energy for its ultimate success. He 
also held the appointment of brigadier-general of the 
Cumberland Brigade. In all that pertained to the 
public welfare of hia native city and county Gen. 
Potter took a lively interest, and mainly through his 
efforts was the first charter for the citv of Bridgeton 



secured. His genial social qualities endeared him to 
a large circle of friends, and his sudden death was 
generally deplored. 

In a series of resolutions passed by the directors of 
the West Jersey Railroad Company he is spoken of 
as "a public-spirited citizen, an enterprising and en- 
ergetic man of business, and in all his relations to 
society of spotless reputation, high integrity, and 
amiable character." 

A brief review of the chai'acter of the late James 
Boyd Potter is afforded in the following extract, taken 
from an obituary notice published soon after his 
death : 

" He was a true-hearted patriot, and gave every 
possible service to his country in her hour of need, 
yielding his own sons to the conflict in sustaining the 
insulted honor of his country and flag. He was lofty 
in the purity of his principles, bold in their advocacy, 
and, what should render him immortal, he was an 
honest man. As a father he was kind and indulgent, 
as a husband affectionate and amiable, and just in all 
the relations of life. He was equal to every position 
he was called to fill. If he had a fault, there stood 
by its side a virtue so prominent as to overshadow it. 
If he committed an error, there stood out the purity 
of his motives, challenging the admiration of his 
friends, and commanding the respect of his oppo- 
nents. The humblest citizen or stranger never ap- 
proached him without receiving at his hands the 
most considerate attention, and often did he visit 
those whom disease had prostrated to counsel, en- 
courage, and to minister to them. To stern integrity, 
fearless candor, and a high sense of honor he united 
the positive virtues of benevolence, charity, and hos- 
pitality. The poor, the unprotected, and distressed 
never appealed to him without receiving succor and 
consolation." 

Mr. Potter's relations in Bridgeton continued over 
I a period of half a century, during which time he be- 
I came largely identified with its interests, and con- 
tributed greatly to its growth. His death occurred 
Oct. 26, 1865, in his seventieth year. His son, J. 
Barron, was born July 18, 1823, in Bridgeton, the 
scene of his boyhood experiences. His preparatory 
studies were pursued under the direction of L. F. 
Claflin, after which, in 1840, he entered Princeton 
College, and received his diploma as a graduate in 
1844. Choosing the profession of medicine, he en- 
tered the oflttce of his cousin. Dr. William Elmer, of 
Bridgeton, and later became a student in the Medical 
Department of the University of Pennsylvania, in 
Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1847. He 
chose Bridgeton as a desirable field of labor, and has 
since that time continued in active practice. The 
doctor is a member of both State and County Medical 
Societies. He has been successful in his professional 
labors, and enjoyed an extended practice as the re- 
ward of skill and assiduous devotion to the interests 
of his patients. He is a gentleman of quiet tastes, 



628 



HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



and finds both pleasure and rest in the improvement 
of his farm and in arboriculture. He is much inter- 
ested in the cause of education, and is a trustee of the 
West Jersey Academy, of Bridgeton. His political 
predilections are in sympathy with the platform of 
the Republican party, though not actively engaged 
in the strifes of party. In religion he is a supporter 
of the Presbyterian Church. 



BENJAMIN T. BRIGHT. 

Mr. Bright traces his lineage to James Bright, his 
great-great-grandfather, who emigrated from Eng- 
land and settled in Salem County, N. J. He had a 
son, James Kendell, whose son James was the grand- 
father of the subject of this biography. The children 
of the latter were William, James, Josiah,and Nich- 
olas, and two daughters. His son Nicholas was born 
in 1802 at Woodstown, Salem Co., N. J., and later 
made Bridgeton his residence, where he married Miss 
Esther Reeves, and had seven children, of whom two, 
Benjamin T. and James K., reached mature years, 
the latter having died in 1866. By a second marriage, 
to Miss Eliza Lawrence, was born a son, Theodore 
Frelinghuysen, who died in childhood. Mr. Bright 
served as a drummer-boy during the war of 1812. 
The larger portion of his business life was spent in 
Woodstown and Salem, where he pursued his trade 
of blacksmith, and by industry and judgment gained 
a competency. His son, Benjamin T., was born 
Nov. 2, 1832, in Woodstown, N. J., and at an early 
age removed with his parents to Bridgeton. His 
youth was varied, the intervals of rest from the de- 
mands of the public school having been spent in the 
shop of his father. Here were formed habits of ac- 
tivity and industry, which aided greatly in developing 
his character. After a period spent in farming, he 
entered the Cumberland Nail- and Iron- Works, under 
Robert C. Nichols, Esq., and devoted three years to 
labor in the engine-room. His studies were then re- 
sumed for one year, and at the age of twenty-one he 
entered the surrogate's office as clerk. His health 
having failed, a lengthened voyage was recommended, 
and Mr. Bright spent five years at sea. He was on 
his return married to Miss Rachel Ladow, of Cum- 
berland County, to whom were born children, E. 
Ellsworth and Mary E. Mrs. Bright having died, he 
was married a second time, to Sarah C, daughter of 
Thomas Parsons, of Atlantic County, N. J. Emma 
is their only surviving daughter. 

Mr. Bright in 1862 entered the army as a member 
of Company H, Twenty-fourth New Jersey Volun- 
teers, and served for ten months. During this period 
he participated in the battles of Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville. On returning he engaged in teach- 
ing, and in 1866 embarked in the grocery business in 
Bridgeton, which was continued for ten years. Since 
his retirement his time has been principally devoted 
to the cultivation of his farm. 



Mr. Bright is an enthusiastic Mason and Odd-Fel- 
low. He became, in May, 1854, a member of Cum- 
berland Lodge, No. 35, I. O. O. F., in which he has 
taken all the degrees. He entered the Grand Lodge 
of New Jersey in 1865, and was appointed Grand 
Guardian for 1865-66. He was one of the incorpo- 
rators of Bridgeton Lodge, No. 129, I. 0. 0. F., was 
Deputy Grand Master in 1870, and Grand Master in 
1871-72. Mr. Bright became, in November, 1855, a 
member of Brearley Lodge, No. 2, F. A. M. He has 
served as secretary of the lodge, and is now Past 
Master. He is also a member of Olivet Commandery, 
No. 10, of Knights Templar, and is Past Eminent 
Commander. He is also a member of the Grand 
Royal Arch Chapter of New Jersey. Mr. Bright 
does not actively interest himself in the political 
measures of the day. He is a Republican, and has 
represented the Second Ward of Bridgeton as chosen 
freeholder. He has also served as assessor, and been 
for years a member of the School Board. He is a 
member of St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church, 
and one of its vestrymen. 



JAMES H. ELANA6IN. 

Mr. Flanagin is of Irish birth, his great-grand- 
father, James, having emigrated to America and settled 
in Salem County, where he was a prosperous farmer. 
His two children were a daughter who died in early 
life, and a son James, the latter of whom resided in 
Salem County and followed his father's pursuits. He 
was united in marriage to Miss Mary Harris, whose 
ancestors were of Swedish extraction, and had chil- 
dren, eight in number, six sons and two daughters. 
James, one of these sons, was a native of Salem 
County, and acquired the trade of a cabinet-maker, 
which was followed assiduously for a period of fifteen 
years, after which he chose the more active vocation 
of a farmer, and removed to Cumberland County. 
On his retirement from business he became a resi- 
dent of Bridgeton, where his death occurred. 

He married Miss Mary Harris, of Bridgeton, and 
had children, — Rachel, James H., Harris, Jacob, 
John, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, and Hannah, all of whom 
lived to mature years. John, of this number, settled in 
Nebraska, where he became an extensive landholder, 
and reared a family of six children. Harris, another 
son, removed to Arkansas, purchased extensive tracts 
of land, and adopted the profession of law. He be- 
came judge of the Supreme Court of the State, was 
elected State senator, and Governor of the State in 
1864. He was also honored as one of the committee 
to revise the State Constitution at the close of the 
war. He died leaving a widow and three children. 

James H. was born March 7, 1816, in Roadstown, 
Cumberland Co., N. J., and remained on the home- 
stead until twenty-one years of age, either assistinjg 
in the labor of the farm or pursuing his studies. He 
engaged for three years in teaching, and Oct. 15, 1839, 



i 







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'^^>1^^CO^>^^ 



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O-t^'T^.a^ ^-^Cn-i-eV^ 



CITY OF BRIDGETON. 



629 



married Rachel, daughter of Deacon William Cook, 
of Greenwich, N. J. They had one daughter, Olivia 
S. Mrs. Flanagin died Oct. 13, 1843, and he mar- 
ried again on the 22d of October, 1844, Rachel H., 
daughter of John Miller, of Lower Hopewell, an ex- 
tensive land-owner and a Christian gentleman, who, 
as an elder in the Presbyterian Church, exerted a 
wide-spread influence. His father was one of the 
earliest settlers in the county, and a slave-owner in 
common with many others of the period. 

Mr. Flanagin began his farming career in 1840, 
which was continued until 1876, when he retired and 
removed to Bridgeton. He has since engaged in the 
sale of agricultural fertilizing material, which em- 
braces the preparing of formulas and the furnishing 
of material by which farmers are enabled to make 
their own fertilizers. He is greatly interested in the 
science of agriculture, and on the reorganization of 
the County Agricultural Society, was for three suc- 
cessive years its president. 

Mr. Flanagin is in no sense a politician, though 
frequently the incumbent of minor offices in the 
township. He is a member of the ' First Baptist 
Church of Bridgeton, and one of its most efficient 
trustees. 



JONATHAN ELMER. 



The Elmer family are of English extraction, the 
original orthography of the name having been Aylmer. 
Its progenitor was Edward, who came to America in 
1632, and settled in Cambridge, Mass. In the direct 
line of descent was Dr. Jonathan Elmer, who was 
born at Cedarville, Cumberland Co., N. J., Nov. 
29, 1745, and died in September, 1817. He chose 
medicine as a profession, began his studies in 1766, 
and graduated in Philadelphia in 1771. He was 
a thorough master of the science he espoused, and 
is mentioned by the celebrated Dr. Rush as ex- 
celled by no physician in the United States in medi- 
cal erudition. Dr. Elmer's first settlement was at 
Roadstown, from whence he removed to Bridgeton. 
He married Mary, third daughter of Col. Ephraim 
Seeley, in 1769, and had children, — Elizabeth, Sarah, 
William R., Jonathan, and William. The last-named 
son was born May 23, 1788, and, having chosen his 
father's profession, graduated as a physician in Phila- 
delphia during the year 1811, and began his career in 
Bridgeton. He was married, in 1812, to Nanc)' B., 
daughter of Col. David Potter, whose death occurred 
in 1816, after which her sister, Margaret K. Potter, 
became his wife in 1819. By the first marriage were 
born children, — .Jonathan, William, and David P. ; 
and by the second union, — Mary, Nancy P., and 
Benjamin F. 

Dr. Elmer was for years the leading physician of 
Bridgeton, though he retired from professional labor 
at an early age. He justly earned a reputation rank- 
ing him among the most successful physicians of the 



State. He was fearless yet discreet in practice, re- 
markable in diagnosis, and with a perception of dis- 
eases which seemed almost intuitive. On the occa- 
sion of the reception to Lafayette, in Philadelphia, he 
commanded a troop of cavalry, which for their thor- 
ough equipments and fine appearance attracted great 
attention. The doctor died May 6, 1836, at the early 
age of forty-eight years. His son Jonathan was born 
April 30, 1813, in Bridgeton, which has been his life- 
time residence. He in youth became a pupil at the 
Bridgeton Academy, and subsequently devoted his 
time to farming until twenty years of age, when he 
engaged in milling. He was married, on the 4th of 
March, 1835, to Miss Ruth B., daughter of Robert 
McLaen, of Roadstown, and has children, — Robert 
W. (a physician in Bridgeton), Charles R. (also re- 
siding in Bridgeton), Hannah M. (Mrs. John B. 
Bowen), Nancy P., Jonathan, Jr., of Bridgeton, and 
Elizabeth, deceased. 

Mr. Elmer continued the business of milling from 
1833 until 1850, after which he became interested in 
agricultural pursuits. He has identified himself 
largely with the growth and development of Bridge- 
ton, and been actively interested in enterprises of a 
public character. He is a director of the Cumber- 
land Mutual Insurance Company, and has been for 
nearly half a century a director of the Cumberland 
National Bank. He was elected and served twenty- 
one years on the board of freeholders, for twenty 
years of which period he was its director, the City 
Council having claimed his services for nine years. 
He is a supporter of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Bridgeton, and has been for thirty-five years presi- 
dent of its board of trustees. 



CAPT. DAVID P. MULFORD. 
The Mulford family are of English ancestry, its 
progenitors in America having, if tradition be cor- 
rect, settled on Long Island, from whence they re- 
moved between the years 1690 and 1700, and located 
in Fairfield township, Cumberland Co. One of the 
lineal descendants was Daniel Mulford, the grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, who with his wife, 
Nellie, resided at Pittsgrove, in the above county, 
where for years he ran the first stage from that point 
to Philadelphia. Among his sons was Moses, who 
resided in Bridgeton, where he acquired the trade of 
a blacksmith, and also followed the life of a sailor, 
having been both captain and owner of a vessel run- 
ning from Bridgeton to Philadelphia. He married 
Christiana, daughter of Philip Souder, of Bridgeton, 
who was of German descent, and the popular land- 
lord of a hotel in what is now known as the Third 
Ward of the city. The children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Mulford were Daniel, Philip, John, Mose.s, Enoch, 
David P., Joseph L., Allen W., Samuel, and a 
daughter who died in infancy. Three of this num- 
ber survive and reside in Bridgeton. 



630 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



David P. was born March 13, 1815, in Bridgeton, 
which has been his lifetime residence. He enjoyed 
no especial advantages of education, and early began 
a career of labor as one of the crew of a sloop run- 
ning from Bridgeton to Philadelphia, after which he 
became captain of a vessel and commanded it for a 
period of twenty years. He also owned and man- 
aged a packet which conveyed both freight and pas- 
sengers to Philadelphia. 

Capt. Mulford has, since he embarked in business 
pursuits, been engaged in the building of vessels, in 
many of which he exercised a whole or partial owner- 
ship, and is still thus interested in fifteen vessels. He 
was married, in 1837, to Phcebe, daughter of Amos Sut- 
ton, of Bridgeton, and has children, — Hai-riet D., wife 
of Jacob Mingel, a tobacconist in Bridgeton; Charles 
H., a merchant also in Bridgeton ; Josepii L., captain 
of a schooner running to Southern ports ; David P., 
Jr., who is associated with his father in business ; and 
Theodore F., of Philadelphia. 

Capt. Mulford retired from a seafaring life in 1859, 
and became a member of the firm of Dare & Mulford, 
which was continued until 1877, when, the senior 
partner liaving retired, David P., Jr., secured the in- 
terest with his father. 

In politics the captain is a Republican, though at 
an early day an Old-Line Whig. Although not an 
active partisan, he has been for ten years freeholder 
of the First Ward of Bridgeton, and was a member 
of the City Council during its first session, and again 
in 1879. He is an active Odd-Fellow, and a member 
of Cumberland Lodge, No. 35, I. O. 0. F., in which 
he has been the incumbent of all the ofiices within 
the gift of the lodge. He is also a member of Brearley 
Lodge, No. 2, F. A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Mulford are 
members of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church 
of Bridgeton, of which the former has been a trustee 
since its organization, and is now president of the 
board. 

DANIEL SHARP. 
Isaac Sharp emigrated from England prior to the 
year 1750, and settled in New Jersey. Among his 
sons was John Sharp, the grandfather of Daniel, who 
married Mary Parent, and had children, — Eli, Peter, 
Seth, Sarah (who became Mrs. John Yates), Margaret 
(Mrs. James Shellhorn), John, Imly, Enoch, Eph- 
raim, and Mary (who married Henry Berry). Mr. 
Sharp resided upon a fiirm near Mauricetown, in Cum- 
berland County, where his death occurred. His son 
Ephraim was born Nov. 3, 1800, on the homestead, 
in Commercial township, which has been for more 
than half a century his residence. During his early 
life he commanded a vessel trading along the coast, 
after which the occupation of a farmer engaged his 
attention. He married Mary, daughter of Gilbert 
Compton, of Haleyville, in Commercial township, 
and had children, — Lucy (who became Mrs. Isaac 
Haley) and Mary (who married Lafayette Weaver). 



By a second marriage, to Lucy, daughter of John 
Bowfen, were born three children, — Daniel, Lizzie, and 
John W. His wife having died in 1865, he married 
Mrs. Elizabeth Turner. 

Mr. Sharp resides upon the homestead, where he 
is still actively engaged in farming pursuits. His 
son Daniel was born Oct. 23, 1838, and received the 
best common school education obtainable at that day, 
which has since been utilized in a practical and suc- 
cessful manner, both as an instructor and in the ad- 
vancement of his business interests. Beginning at 
the age of eighteen, he taught in succession in all the 
districts of Commercial township for a period of seven 
years, after which for five years he followed the for- 
tunes of the sea, and became master of a vessel. On 
returning he acted for two years as principal of the 
boys' department of the public schools of the city. 
As a representative of the Republican party he was 
elected, in 1872, clerk of Cumberland County, and 
filled the ofiice for two terms of five years each. Mr. 
Sharp was married, Dec. 8, 1858, to Miss Mary B., 
daughter of Charles Compton, of Mauricetown, Cum- 
berland Co., and has children, — Harry H. (residing 
in Tacoma, Washington Territory, where he is prac- 
ticing the profession of law), Emma C, Lucy B. (de- 
ceased in 1881), Barton F., C. Compton, Walter, Dan- 
iel, Jr., and Mary. The death of Blrs. Sharp occurred 
in 1880. Mr. Sharp has been for years engaged in 
the propagation of oysters, and has extensive oyster- 
beds at Maurice River Cove, in Cumberland and Cape 
May Counties. During the present year he has em- 
barked largely in the enterprise, and devotes his at- 
tion exclusively to this branch of industry. He is 
also a director of the Cumberland and Maurice River 
Railroad, in the success of which he is greatly inter- 
ested. Mr. Sharp is an active Mason, and has been 
Master of the Evening Star Lodge, No. 97, of Bridge- 
ton. He was educated in the faith of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, of which his father was a most 
devout representative, but has more recently affiliated 
with the Presbyterian denomination. 



FRANCIS E. MINCH. 
The suliject of this biographical sketch is the sou 
of Archibald Minch, and was born Sept. 14, 1833, in 
Hopewell township, where he resided prior to his 
recent removal to Bridgeton. After a period spent at 
the neighboring district school, he was for three years 
a pupil of the Union Academy of Shiloh, and subse- 
quently engaged in farming occupations with his 
father, whose farm he at a later period successfully 
managed. He was married on the 1st of February, 
1860, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and 
Rachel Tice, of Hopewell township. Their children 
are Robert F., Bloomfield H., and Mary E. Mr. 
Minch was at the early age of twenty-one called to 
a participation in public affairs, and at the urgent 
solicitation of his friends was made a member of the 






—4^ 




LEWIS McBEIDE. 



r 




-^^^^^ji^i^^ -^^5C ^A^ 



CITY OF BRIDGBTON. 



631 



township committee of Hopewell on the Republican 
ticket. This was during the late civil war, when 
heavy taxes were levied for military purposes, and by 
his financial ability and discretion the township was 
largely relieved of its burden of indebtedness. He 
was elected a freeholder of Hopewell, and filled the 
ofiBce with great acceptance for a period of nine years. 




He has frequently been offered the nomination for 
■other important official positions, but invariably de- 
clined such honors. Mr. Minch has been a member 
of the County Agricultural Society since its organ- 
ization. He is also a director and one of the charter 
members of the Bridgetou National Bank. He has re- 
■cently removed from the homestead in Hopewell and 
become a citizen of Bridgeton, where he has erected 
a spacious and attractive residence on Commerce 
Street, and became actively identified with the inter- 
ests of the city. Mr. Minch has long been con- 
jiected with the Presbyterian Church in Greenwich, 
of which he was both a member and trustee, but has 
recently become a member of the First Presbyterian 
Church of Bridgeton, where the family are now 
worshipers. 

LEWIS McBRIDE. 
The subject of this biographical sketch is of Scotch- 
Irish ancestry, and was born in Burlington County, 
N. J., in 1797, where his boyhood was spent. His 
advantages of education were such as the public 
schools of the neighborhood afforded, after which, at 



the age of fifteen, he was apprenticed to Samuel 
Stackhouse, of Medford, with a view to acquiring the 
trade of a wheelwright, which then included the art 
of carriage-building. Here he remained until twenty- 
one years of age, and having completed his appren- 
ticeship, he removed, in 1818, to Bridgeton, and estab- 
lished a business under the firm-name of McBride & 
Clement. Mr. McBride finally obtained exclusive 
control of the business, and by his energy and skill- 
ful workmanship established an extensive industry, 
having at one period eighteen apprentices in his 
shops. He manufactured principally carriages and 
heavy wagons, the latter having an extended reputa- 
tion for superior excellence in construction. Mr. 
McBride was married, in 1822, to Miss Rebecca, 
daughter of Daniel Bowen, of Hopewell, represent- 
ing one of the oldest families in the county. Their 
children are Phoebe (the late wife of Joel Fithian), 
Edward (now residing in Logan, Iowa, and married 
to Mrs. Harriett Packard), Lewis (married to Miss 
Ruth Harris), Rebecca (the wife of Rev. Joseph W. 
Hubbard, of Iowa), David (married to Miss Caroline 
D. Mulford, of Bridgeton), Jesse (a physician, married 
to Miss Minnie Chambers, of Louisville, Ivy.), and 
Louisa (wife of Francis Clunn). David, of this num- 
ber, resides in Bridgeton, where he is activelj^ en- 
gaged in business. He was in 1878 elected sheriff 
of the county. His tastes have led to a deep interest in 
the agricultural development of the county, and to 
his identification with its agricultural society, of 
which he is president, and was for nine years pre- 
viously the efficient secretary. 

Mr. McBride was largely identified with the in- 
terests of the county, and wielded a considerable 
influence in matters of public import. He mani- 
fested much public spirit, and was the active pro- 
moter of all schemes having the public interest at 
heart. He was in politics a Whig, and was for years 
director of the board of freeholders of the county. 
He was the first incumbent of the office of super- 
intendent of public schools of Bridgeton, and filled 
the position until his death. He was the first presi- 
dent of the County Agricultural Society, and presi- 
dent of the Cumberland Steamboat Company. 

He was a supporter a,nd member of the Second 
Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, and one of its 
elders at the time of his death, which occurred in 
October, 1864, in his sixty-seventh year. 



STEPHEN COX. 
Among the master-builders of Shropshire, England, 
the place of his birth, was Isaac Cox. His children 
were Thomas, Isaac, John, Stephen, and two daugh- 
ters. At a later period of his life he removed to Staf- 
fordshire, where his death occurred. Thomas, his 
son, was a builder in Staffordshire, and a man of en- 
terprise and extensive business connections, while 
Stephen was a watchmaker in Kidminster, Warwick- 



632 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



shire. His son John removed to Shropshire, where 
his life was chiefly spent as a builder. He married 
Mary Pierce, of Staffordshire, and had children, — 
James, Ann, John, Mary, Richard, Francis, Joseph, 
Stephen, Thomas, Elijah, Sarah, and two who died in 
childhood. The death of Mr. Cox occurred in Staf- 
fordshire, in his seventy-eighth year, his remains 
being interred in Tipton churchyard. Mrs. Cox, 
who died in her seventy-first year, lies buried in 
the same spot. Their son Richard was killed by an 
accident while acting as engineer of a mail steamer 
plying between Southampton and Havre de Grace. 
Stephen, the subject of this biography, was born in 
Bridge Row, Toll End, Staffordshire, England, on the 
24th of December, 1822, his early years having been 
spent at the home of his parents. Such limited edu- 
cational opportunities as the parish school offered he 
enjoyed, after which, at the age of fourteen, he was 
apprenticed at the Horsley Iron-Works, in Stafford- 
shire, and remained until twenty-one years of age, 
when he removed to Smetherwick, in Warwickshire, 
when he was employed as foreman by Fox, Anderson 
& Co., at the London Works, near Birmingham. He 
remained thus engaged for ten years, and received on 
his retirement very flattering testimonials from his 
employers for proficiency and skill in his trade. 
Having discerned in America a broader field for the 
mechanic than his native land afforded, Mr. Cox 
emigrated with a view to prospecting. He traveled 
over various portions of the country and ultimately 
located in Reading, where he became foreman of the 
Nobles Machine- Works. At the expiration of the 
second year he accepted an engagement with the 
Phcenix Iron-Works, at Phcenixville, Pa., and later 
removed to Bridgeton, in the employ of the same 
company, where he assumed the foremanship of the 
shops of the Cumberland Nail- and Iron- Works. In 
the fall of 1866 he established machine-works in 
Bridgeton, the firm being Cox, Derube & Co. It later 
became Cox & Co., and subsequently Peace, Cox & 
Co. He has since admitted his sons, William and 
Stephen, to an interest in the business, the firm now 
being Cox & Sons. They manufacture steam heat- 
ing apparatus, horizontal and vertical engines and 
boilers. 

Mr. Cox was married July 24, 1843, to Miss Mary 
Partridge, of Staffordshire, England. Their children 
are William, Stephen, Mary (Mrs. Canfield), and 
Mercy, all born in England. Thomas was born in 
Phcenixville, and John T. and Charles Franklin in 
Bridgeton. Mr. Cox is in his political preferences a 
Republican, though not active in the political field. 
He is a member of St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal 
Church of Bridgeton, and one of its earliest wardens 
and the founder of its Sunday-school. Mrs. Cox is 
also a member of the same church. 



DAYTON B. WHITEKAR. 
The earliest representative of the Whitekar family 
in America was Richard, who left England in 1665, 
and subsequently joined the Fenwick colony. He be- 
came a member of the Fenwick Council of Proprietors 
to govern West Jersey, and wielded a commanding in- 
fluence. His residence until the year 1690 was in the 
town of Salem. It is impossible to trace the line of 
descent of the subject of this sketch from Richard 
Whitekar, though unquestionably the families are 
identical, and the ancestors of Dayton B. doubtless 
emigrated at a later date. The great-grandfather of 
the latter was Thomas, whose son Jeremiah had 
twelve children, as follows : Priscilla, Jeremiah, John, 
Henry, William, David, Thomas, Lydia, Hannah, 
Nancy, Sarah, and Maria. Mr. Whitekar died on 
the 18th of June, 1814. Jeremiah, his son, and the 
father of the subject of this sketch, was born March 
23, 1780, in Fairfield township. Here his life was 
principally spent either in pursuit of his trade of 
carpenter or as a successful landlord. He married 
Miss Amy D. Burt, and had children, — Ann R., 
John, Hannah D., Elim D., Jeremiah, Dayton B., 
Ruth B., Priscilla W., Jeremiah P., and William 
C, of whom four survive. The death of Mr. Whit- 
ekar occurred July 12, 1828, in Bridgeton. His son, 
Dayton B., was born at the latter place May 7, 1814. 
After limited opportunities at school, the early age of 
fourteen found him learning the trade of a carpenter, 
which he followed without interruption until 1849, 
though changing his field of labor in 1883 to Bridge- 
ton, to which place his parents removed. In 1849 he 
embarked in the business of contracting, and also 
became an extensive lumber dealer in Bridgeton. 
This enterprise he still continues, though released 
from active superintendence of his varied interests, 
which are conducted by his brother William. Mr. 
Whitekar was married Nov. 25, 1835, to Miss Naomi 
Gentry, to whom was born a daughter, Hannah M. 
(Mrs. Mason). By a second marriage to Mrs. Sarah 
A. Woodruff', April 9, 1839, he has one daughter, 
Laura C. (Mrs. Cox). In politics Mr. Whitekar is a 
Democrat, and though at different times the incum- 
bent of various minor township offices, his extensive 
business connections in Bridgeton and elsewhere have 
left little time for other pursuits. In his department of 
industry he has exercised a controlling influence for 
many years. He has been especially prominent as a 
member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, 
having held, together with many subordinate posi- 
tions, the offices of Grand Warden and Grand Master 
of the State, and Grand Representative of the Grand 
Lodge of the United States. Mr. Whitekar is a 
member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church 
of Bridgeton, of which he is steward and trustee, and 
an active worker. 



m- 



CITY OF MILLVILLE. 



633 



CHAPTER XCII. 



CITY OF MILLVILLE. 



Incorporation of the Township.— The township 
of Millville was set off from Fairfield and Maurice 
Biver by an act of the Legislature passed Feb. 14, 
1801, to take effect in March, 1802. Its boundaries, 
as created by this act, were : 

"Beginning iit the mouth of Buckshutum Creek, from thence run- 
ning up the middle of the water-course thereof to Northwest Branch ; 
thence up said Branch to a beaver dam ; thence a straight course to the 
head of Cbatfipld Branch ; thence down the same to Lebanon Branch ; 
thence along the line of Deerfield township to Maurice River; thence 
up the same to the line of Gloucester County ; thence along the same to 
Manamuskeen Branch; thence down the same to Scot's line; thence 
along said line to Menantico Creek ; thence down the said creek to 
Maurice River; thence across the river to the beginning." 

It included in its limits the present township of 
Landis, which was set off from it in 1864, reducing 
its limits to the present size. 

Incorporation of the City.— By an act approved 
Feb. 26, 1866, to take effect March 1, 1866, the whole 
township of Millville was incorporated as the city of 
Millville, and divided into three wards. All that part 
lying south of the Bridgeton and Millville turnpike 
on the west of the river, and all on the east of the 
river south of Main Street and the Leaming Mill 
road was made the First Ward. All that part lying 
east of a line running from Main Street up Buck 
Street to Cinder (now Broad) Street, then along the 
centre of that street to the centre of the Millville and 
Glassboro (now West Jersey) Railroad, and then 
northward along that road to the line of Landis 
township was made the Second Ward. All the re- 
maining part of the city was made the Third Ward. 

The city limits include a large scope of territory 
having few inhabitants, and mostly covered with a 
growth of oak and pine, which has been cut off sev- 
eral times, having a light sandy soil, and it has been 
held in tracts of hundreds and thousands of acres 
each by those who had no need or desire to sell. 
These causes combined have prevented it from being 
occupied and cleared by settlers. These portions, 
like the outlying portions of Bridgeton, were included 
in the city limits because of the opposition which 
would have arisen to creating new townships out of 
those outlying portions if the cities were made to in- 
clude only the built-up portions, as they properly 
should. 

A few early settlers had located in the bounds of 
Millville previous to 1795, mostly along Maurice 
River, below the built-up portions of the city, and a 
saw-mill, since called Learning's Mill, was on the 
Menantico as early as 1720. 

Millville Laid Out. — The land where the city 
proper now stands having passed into the hands of 
Joseph Buck and his associates, as already mentioned, 
a town was laid out and named Millville from the 
plan they had formed of bringing the water from the 



Union Pond, which had been created about three 
miles above the bridge, and establishing mills at this 
point. This town was located on the east bank of the 
river, at the head of tide-water and navigation, about 
twenty-five miles from its mouth, and fifteen miles in 
a straight line from Delaware Bay. 

Previous to 1754 there was at the place where this 
town was laid out a landing called Shingle Landing. 
The old King's Highway, from Cohansey Bridge to 
Cape May, crossed the Maurice River at a place called 
the "New Mill," near where the upper part of the 
Union Pond is, and ran off to the north and east of 
Millville to Leaming's Mill, where it crossed the 
Menantico. 

June 20, 1754, a road was laid from Beriman's 
Run, a branch of the Menantico, to the river at 
Shingle Landing, and crossing there was continued 
to the Beaver Dam at Lebanon Branch, where it 
joined the old road to Cohansey. The building of a 
bridge here caused the place to be called " Maurice 
River New Bridge," "The New Bridge," and " Mau- 
rice River Bridge," according to the idea of the one 
speaking or writing of it, showing that as there was 
nothing there but the bridge, the names meant 
nothing but that. 

Pioneer Houses. — On the west side of the river 
was a house as early as 1756, owned by Lucas Peter- 
son, which is probably the same house which belonged 
to Alexander T. Moore, the grandson of Alexander 
Moore (the first owner of the land covering the east 
side of the Cohansey at Bridgeton), and where a 
tavern was kept by Philip Souder, Jr., in 1793, and 
by Benoni Dare in 1796. In the latter year Moore 
built an addition to it for a kitchen, for the use of his 
tenant. 

Col. Buck and his associates did not carry out their 
plans of bringing the water down to the town, but 
mills were built at the pond. They sold a few lots in 
the town, on which houses were built. In 1802 the 
only houses were the one on the west side of the river, 
before referred to, the kitchen of which, built in 1796, 
remained until that and the main part of the build- 
ing (which was built after that date to replace the old 
part which was there when the kitchen was built) 
were burned, about January, 1867, having previously 
been converted into a packing-house for the canning 
establishment; on the east side of the river was a 
small house and store owned by Nathan Leake, near 
the bridge ; on the north side of the street, a little 
farther east, were two one-story houses joined together, 
occupied by Preston, Hannah, and Benjamin Ware; 
on the northeast corner of High and Main Streets 
was a one-story house owned by Jeremiah Stratton, 
who was one of the first purchasers of lots from Col. 
Buck ; farther east, about seventy feet from the hotel 
property which is on the northeast corner of Main 
and High Streets, was a small house where lived a 
Mrs. Newcomb ; on the south side of the street, about 
where there is a cigar-store occupied by Harvey Six- 



634 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



smith, was a story and a half house built and occu- 
pied by Ezekiel Foster, who was also one of the first 
purchasers of lots; a house also stood where the store 
of Isaac B. Mulford now is; just below the corner of 
High Street, on the south side of Main, was a small 
store kept at first by Nichols & Parker, and then by 
David Nichols alone, which is standing at the present 
day, and is occupied, as a barber-shop; a school- 
house stood on the ground now included in the grave- 
yard adjoining the Presbyterian Church, which was 
afterwards removed and used as a carpenter-shop, but 
is now gone; Col. Buck's house stood on the north- 
east corner of High and Main Streets, which he built 
shortly after his removal to Millville, and where he 
lived until his death in 1805 ; this was afterwards 
used as a tavern for many years, and was removed to 
make room for the present hotel building, built by 
Robert S. Tice. This comprised all the buildings in 
Millville in 1802. 

After the death of Col. Buck his executors sold off 
lots, but the growth of the place was very slow, there 
being nothing to cause a town to spring up until the 
starting of the first glass-works. So slight was the 
prospect of any value to the lots that some of the pur- 
chasers did not take their deeds, and their lots were 
sold by Buck's heirs many years afterwards. The 
chief business of the few inhabitants was the cutting 
and carting of cord-wood and lumber, and large 
quantities of these were shipped from this place to 
Philadelphia and other places. This business con- 
tinued to be carried on quite extensively until within 
the last twenty years, when the increasing use of coal 
as a fuel, and the decreasing supply of wood has 
caused the business to greatly decrease, and the small 
saw-mills which were situated on nearly every branch 
of Maurice River have been left idle, and most of them 
have been destroyed, and the ponds have mostly dis- 
appeared by the going down of the dams. 

Early Industries. — About 1806 began a new era 
for Millville, when James Lee and others started a 
window-glass factory on the site of the present works 
of Whitall, Tatum & Co., above the bridge. This 
was followed in 1814 by the iron foundry of Wood & 
Smith. Theland covering the site of the north part 
of Millville having passed into the possession of David 
C. Wood and Edward Smith, they erected a small 
iron-furnace on the bank of the river, and commenced 
the smelting of iron. Charcoal was the fuel then 
used for that purpose, and the large tracts of land 
covering all the northern and eastern parts of the 
then township of Millville, and extending into 
Gloucester and Salem Counties, owned by this firm, 
furnished the supply. It was cheaper to bring the 
iron ore to the fuel than to take the fuel to the ore. 
Smith soon sold his interest to Wood, who carried on 
the business alone. These manufactories brought 
new inhabitants to Millville, and the town planned 
by Col. Buck began to grow. The growth of it since 
that date has kept pace with the growth of its manu- 



factures. Surrounded by a country that was unim- 
proved, it has had to depend entirely on the resources 
contained in its own limits for its growth. 

Growth, of the Town. — In 1822 it was still a small 
village, of probably not over one hundred and fifty 
inhabitants. At that time there were but two houses 
on Main Street above Second, a one-story house at 
the southwest corner of Third, owned and occupied 
by John Coleman for many years after, and which 
stood until 1856, when it was bought by Lewis Mul- 
ford and torn down to make room for his present 
dwelling, and the other at the southwest corner of 
Fourth Street, owned by Dr. Charles Garrison, and 
occupied by Isaac Powell, which is still standing. 
At the southeast corner of Second and Main was the 
" Red House," as it was called for many years, owned 
by Dr. Gai-rison, and in which he resided until his 
death, when he willed it, together with quite a num- 
ber of valuable lots in Millville and a large tract ad- 
joining the town on the east, to his adopted son, 
Charles Garrison Ireland, for his life. Mr. Ireland 
has lately died, and the property has come into the 
possession of his heirs. The tying up of this prop- 
erty in that way for so many years has been a great 
detriment to the eastern part of Millville, and to the 
interests of the heirs, by turning the tide of improve- 
ment to other parts of the town. In 1822 the window- 
glass works were idle, the former owners having made 
a failure. 

In 1837 a strong effort was made to locate the 
county-seat at this place, but in the election to deter- 
mine the question in that year Millville was defeated, 
and was left without the help which the possession of 
the county buildings would have given. 

The building of glass-works at Schetterville (now 
South Millville) in 1832, the erection of the cottou- 
mill from 1852 to 1854, and the enlargement of those 
works from time to time have been the great sources 
of the prosperity of Millville. 

The population of the city proper, excluding the 
country portions of the municipality, may be approxi- 
mately given at about 1200 in 1840, 1600 in 1850; 
3300 in 1860, 5700 in 1870, 7200 in 1880, and is now 
about 8000, and including the country portions is 
about 8500. 

Streets in Millville.— The town plat of Millville, 
as originally laid out by Joseph Buck, extended from 
Smith Street on the south to the present Broad Street 
on the north, and from the river eastward to Fourth 
Street. Main Street, from the river due east forty- 
two perches, and Malaga road (Second Street) were 
laid out in 1796, but none of the other streets were 
regularly laid out until March 9, 1815, when the 
streets as they now exist within the above bounds, 
and with their present names, were duly recorded in 
the road-book of the county. 

As the town increased in size these streets were 
lengthened out, and others were opened, some of them 
regularly laid out, but many of them not. In 1858, 



CITY OF MILLVILLE. 



635 



Thomas H. Paschall, under the direction of the town- 
ship committee, made a survey of the streets of the 
place, and completed a map of them, called the 
"Millville town plat." March 9, 1859, an act was 
passed by the Legislature that upon a copy of that 
map, showing the location of the different streets, 
being filed in the county clerk's office, they should 
become public highways, and be kept in order by the 
overseer of roads of the township. Since the incor- 
poration of the city the laying out of new streets has 
been in the power of the Council, and a large number 
of new ones have been laid out, especially on the west 
side of the river, on both sides of and crossing the 
Bridgeton and Millville turnpike. A large tract of 
land now crossed by these streets was the dower-land 
of a Mrs. Brandriff, and ou partition proceedings in 
the Orphans' Court of this county it was ordered 
sold by commissioners. Streets were run through it, 
and it was sold in lots. Most of the new houses on 
the west side of the river have been built on this 
property since 1870. 

The roads and streets were always bad, and at times 
almost impassable, owing to the depth of the loose 
white sand which covered the site of the town. They 
were in their best condition when frozen. Upon the 
incorporation of the city the Council commenced to 
improve the streets and principal roads leading to the 
city. The streets were straightened, and lot-owners 
were compelled to move back their fences when they 
were found to have encroached upon the line of the 
streets, as they had in many instances. Clay and 
gravel were carted in immense quantities and at great 
expense, and all the streets and leading roads were 
heavily coated with it. This work was pushed on 
from year to year, and at the end of ten years, when 
it was substantially completed, it was found that 
eighty-two thousand dollars had been expended for 
this purpose, every cent of which was raised by tax, 
a marked contrast to those municipalities in other 
portions of the State which during the same decade 
became involved in enormous debts, mostly borrowed 
for public improvements. Large sums are still spent 
yearly in keeping the streets up to their good condi- 
tion and in improving the new streets since laid out. 
Great complaint was made at the time by many of the 
inhabitants because of the large sums spent in this 
way, but it is safe to say that not a single inhabitant, 
after enjoying this great improvement for a year, 
would be willing to go back to the old condition of 
the streets. For every dollar spent in this way Mill- 
ville had received many in return in the increased 
value of property and the great change in the at- 
tractiveness of the place. The improvement of the 
streets has been followed by a general spirit of im- 
provement by the property-owners. The old-time 
rows of frame tenement-houses, so well known in 
former years as a marked characteristic of towns 
where the manufacture of glass was a leading occu- 
pation, are no longer built, and the former ones are 



I disappearing. In their places neat single and double 
I houses are building, with many of the modern im- 
I provements and ornamentations, and the painting of 
houses and building of porticos and verandas have 
contributed to change Millville from a sandy, un- 
interesting glass-house town to a neat, well-built, 
attractive city. 

Bridges. — The first bridge at the place now called 
Millville was built between June 20, 1754, when the 
road before mentioned was laid out across the river 
at this place, and October, 1856, when it is referred 
to as having been " lately built" in laying out a road 
from it to Fairfield. It was a short distance below 
the present one, and rested on log cribs, and was with- 
out any draw. Whether this bridge was replaced by 
another before the beginning of this century is un- 
known, but, judging from the length of time other 
bridges lasted, it is probable that it was. After the 
law was passed requiring bridges to be built by the 
county repairs were made to it, and in 1807, after the 
glass-works were established above it, a new one was 
ordered built by the board of freeholders, with a 
hoisting draw in it, the building of the glass-works 
necessitating a draw. A contract was made with 
Jeremiah Buck, and the bridge was built in that 
summer for .the sum of one thousand and fifty dollars. 
It was a continual source of trouble, and in 1816 was 
radically rebuilt. In 1823 a new bridge was built on 
the site of the old one, three rods longer on the west 
side. This bridge was eleven rods long, and twenty 
feet wide, with wings extending twenty feet above and 
below the bridge, and a draw twenty-three feet wide. 
A contract was made with John Elkinton, who built it 
at a cost of fifteen hundred and fifty dollars. This 
draw not answering the purpose, a new one was built 
in 1828, on the same plan of the one at Bridgeton. 
This bridge stood until 1837, when the board resolved 
to build a new one, a law having been passed by the 
Legislature of that year authorizing a bridge over 
the river. Previous to that no law authorized it, and 
it was without any protection from any one who in- 
jured or interfered with it. This bridge was located 
a short distance above the former ones, on a line with 
Main Street, and was one hundred feet long, twenty 
feet wide, and was a pivot-bridge. The draw was 
twenty-four feet wide, and the abutment on the west 
side of the river was built of stone ; previous to this 
only log abutments having been used. The north 
wing of the western abutment was run out one hun- 
dred feet, so as to hold the dirt to be filled in. In 
November, 1860, the board of freeholders met at Mill- 
ville, and resolved to build a new draw to the bridge, 
but the next month they authorized their committee 
on the bridge to reconstruct so much of it as neces- 
sary. During that year it was rebuilt, and was essen- 
tially a new bridge. This bridge lasted until 1873, 
when the present wrought-iron pivot-bridge was built, 
at a cost of 824,574.48. 

In 1860 a new bridge was built over the river on 



636 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Sharp Street, then lately laid out from the vicinity of 
the cotton-mill across the river to the turnpike to 
Bridgeton. The length of this bridge was eighty-four 
feet, and its width sixteen feet, with stone abutments, 
and it rested on white-oak posts. It was located close 
to the hill on the west side of the river. After the 
putting. up of the present dam, in 1868, the location 
of the bridge was not suitable to the overflow of the 
dam, and after several efforts to move it, the board of 
freeholders, in May, 1871, resolved to build a new iron 
bridge opposite the tumbling-dam of the pond, which 
was done that summer, and the old bridge was adver- 
tised and sold. 

Menantico Bridg'es. — When the present .straight 
road from Millville to Port Elizabeth was laid, after a 
long contest over its location, the board of freeholders, 
on May 8, 1805, ordered a bridge built, which was 
done that year, at an expense of two hundred and 
twenty-eight dollars and forty-four cents. This bridge 
had no draw. In 1819 a law was passed for the build- 
ing of a draw in the bridge here, in order to allow 
vessels to ascend to Schooner Landing. At a meet- 
ing of the freeholders in June of that year, a new 
bridge with a draw was ordered built, and one thou- 
sand dollars appropriated for it, and it was completed 
the same year. So imperfect was this that six years 
after, in 182.5, the board ordered a new draw built on 
same plan as the one at Bridgeton, and in August, 
1827, they appointed a committee to contract for tim- 
ber for a thorough rebuilding of the bridge and for 
doing the work, and ordered the draw to be made 
twenty-four feet wide, the abutments, of white-ash 
logs, to be extended into the creek on both sides so 
as to make the bridge shorter, and the bridge to be 
raised one foot higher. This was done during 1828. 
In 1844 the board resolved to build a pivot-bridge at 
this place, fifty feet long between abutments and four- 
teen feet wide in the clear, the draw to be twenty-five 
feet wide. In 1868 a new draw was built. In May, 
1873, the bridge was thoroughly rebuilt, and the draw 
retained, although it was little used owing to Schooner 
Landing having fallen into decay, and the wood trade 
having almost entirely ceased. In 1881 the bridge 
was repaired, and a new draw built. 

Post-Offices. — A mail route was established from 
Woodbury to Bridgeton, Millville, Port Elizabeth, 
and Cape May in 1802, and offices were established 
and postmasters appointed for the latter three places 
Jan. 1, 1803. The first postmaster at Millville was 
Robert Smith, who was one of the purchasers of the 
property at Millville, with Joseph Buck and others. 
The present incumbent is John W. Newlin, who was 
appointed March 28, 1878. 

Stages and Steamboats.— Previous to 1815 the 
stage route from Millville to Philadelphia ran by 
way of Bridgeton. At that time a stage was started 
directly north through Malaga, and for several years 
before the building of the railroad, in 1860, there was 
a daily line. 



The first steamboat to Philadelphia was started by 
a joint-stock company in 1846, but the expense of 
running a boat, owing to the length of the route, was 
such that it was soon abandoned. Since that a boat 
called the " Chickapee" was run from here to Phila- 
delphia by Samuel F. Fries, but she was burnt in 
about a year, while lying at Feaster's Landing, two 
miles below Millville. More recently the " Helen 
Getty" ran on that route, but she shared the fate of 
her predecessor, and was burnt at the wharf in Mill- 
ville. 

Press in Millville. — The Millville Republican was 
established Jan. 4, 1864, by John W. Newlin, who 
has continued its editor and proprietor ever since. 
It is the organ of the Republican party in this end 
of the county, and is published weekly. 

The Millville Herald is a weekly Democratic paper, 
first issued in October, 1871, by William A. Gwynne, 
who remained its proprietor until October, 1878, when 
he sold it to Henry C. Whitaker and his son, Frank 
A. Whitaker, who are the present editors and pro- 
prietors. 

The Transcript was first issued March 10, 1882, by 
J. Bennington Elfreth, and has been published by 
him ever since. It is a Democratic paper. 

Public Schools. — The first public school-house in 
Millville was built in 1849, at the corner of Third 
and Sassafras Streets. It is a three-story building, 
the first story being of brick, and the upper two of 
frame, and it will seat about four hundred and fifty 
scholars. It is called the Central School. About 
1862 a second school-house was built, now called the 
Furnace School, on the corner of Powell and Dock 
Streets, in the neighborhood of the cotton-mill. It 
is a two-story brick house, and it will seat about three 
hundred and fifty scholars. The increase of inhab- 
itants west of the river called for a school-house in 
that portion of the city, and in 1871 a two-story brick 
house, with a seating capacity of two hundred, was 
built on West Main Street, or Bridgeton and Millville \ 
turnpike, and is known as the Western School. 

In 1872 a two-story brick house of about the same 
seating capacity as the Western was built on South 
Fourth, below Smith Street. This is now called the I 
Eastern School. The Northeastern school-house, on 
North Fourth Street, was built in 1878. It is a one- 
story brick building, and will seat one hundred schol- 
ars. A new school-house was built at Schetterville , 
in 1879, and is a one-story brick building, seating one 
hundred and fifty scholars. The New Furnace School, 
at the corner of Archer and McNeal Streets, a fine 
two-story brick building, seating two hundred, was 
built in 1882. Beside these seven school-houses 
within the city proper, there are five schools in the 
country portions of the territory of the city. Pine 
Grove, on the Bridgeton and Millville turnpike, three 
miles from the bridge at Millville, is a neat and con- 
venient one-story building, of brick, and has seating ,! 
room for thirty scholars. Farmington, formerly called j 



CITY OF MILLVILLE. 



637 



Zoar, is on the road from Bridgeton to Buckshutum, 
at the junction of the road running soulh from the 
Pine Grove school-house, and near the southeastern 
limits of the city. It is a one-story frame house, seat- 
ing about forty scholars, built in 1873, and is in good 
condition. Oak Grove school-house is a small frame 
building, in poor condition, at the junction of the 
roads to Buckshutum from Bridgeton and Millville. 
It was built by John H. Sharp about 1870, who 
allowed the Board of Education to use it, which they 
have ever since done. It will seat about twenty-five 
scholars. 

About one and a half miles east of the river, on the 
road leading to the place where was formerly Learn- 
ing's mill, is a brick school-house, one story high, 
built in 1875, that will seat about thirty pupils. It 
is called Nevvcomb's. On the road to Port Elizabeth, 
near the line of the city, is the Menantico house, a 
two-story brick, the first story used for the school, and 
the upper room used by the people of the neighbor- 
hood to hold religious meetings in, they contributing 
toward the expense of the extra story. It was built 
in 1876, and the school-room will seat forty. 

The Board of Education maintain good schools in 
all of these, and those in the city proper are of an 
excellent character. They employ six male and 
thirty female teachers, and the total running expenses 
of the schools each year are about nineteen thousand 
dollars. The school property is valued at fifty thou- 
sand dollars, and the total number of children in the 
city limits within the school age is two thousand five 
hundred and fifty-six. 

Workingmen's Institute of Millville.^— The in- 
stitute was organized in March, 1882. It comprised 
over four hundred members-, and opened a hall hired 
for the purpose, in which it provided games, music, 
lectures, debates, etc., and smoking and conversation 
was unrestrained. Three months of trial proved its 
success in attracting young men from the saloons. 
The absence of any rules of order placed them on 
their sense of propriety, and no case of rowdyism 
was had. 

A fine lot was bought at head of High Street, with 
large grounds in the rear. The foundation was begun 
in May, 1882, and the corner-stone was laid July 4, 

1882, the whole town joining in a holiday on the occa- 
sion. The superstructure was completed in February, 

1883. The opening was celebrated by a tea-party 
given by the ladies of the city. It realized one thou- 
sand dollars for the institute. The purpose of the 
institute is to advance the moral and educational in- 
terests of the people. Organized by the workingmen 
on the basis of improving their leisure hours, it was 
founded largely on the basis of entertainment. Act- 
ing on this principle, the chief room in the building 
on the main floor is fitted up as a club-room, with 
pictures, tables, and comfortable chairs. Music and 

1 From Bichard M. Atwater of Millville, 



singing are heard, and games of checkers, chess, 
authors, jack-straws, puzzles, etc., amuse the crowd 
nightly. The attendance numbers over a hundred 
nightly. The noise is social, not boisterous. In an 
adjoining room is the library of two thousand vol- 
umes, and a reading-room which has been made quite 
attractive. The latter is supplied with the daily New 
York and Philadelphia papers, together with illus- 
trated magazines and papers. The room is open to 
ladies and children, while the club-room is only open 
to men. The average number in attendance in this 
room is sixty. In the basement is located the gymna- 
sium, bath-rooms, kitchen, for use in festivals, and 
the steam-heating apparatus. The gymnasium is now 
being fitted up with approved apparatus. The bath- 
rooms are popular, and have an average attendance 
of fifty per week. A charge is made for the bath, 
but members have the use of it at a reduced rate. 

The upper story contains a hall with seats for five 
hundred people, a stage fitted with scenery, and two 
dressing-rooms attached. This hall is largely used 
for amateur performances, school exhibitions, and 
social gatherings. The various temperance organiza- 
tions use it as their meeting-room, and the Sunday 
afternoon temperance meetings of the Women's Chris- 
tian Temperance Union are held there. The audi- 
ences are largely from a class which rarely attend a 
temperance meeting in a church. The rental of the 
hall afibrds a large income. 

Beside the hall there are four class-rooms on the 
upper floor, which are occupied almost every evening 
by classes in English branches. This is one of the 
most important branches of the work planned by the 
directors, and they hope to extend it to a regular 
course of industrial education. The building and 
furniture cost twenty-three thousand dollars. Mr. 
E. Pearsall Smith, one of the members of the firm of 
Whitall, Tatum & Co., gave five thousand dollars, 
and advanced the rest at a low rate of interest. The 
institute has itself raised, by subscription, members' 
dues, and entertainments, two thousand five hundred 
dollars. Members' dues and the baths are expected 
to pay the expenses. The annual tax is only one dol- 
lar, with an extra charge for the use of the depart- 
ments. Its membership and management are chiefly 
from the ranks of the glass-factories, and the build- 
ing stands as a testimonial of the earnest endeavor of 
the employes of the great establishments to advance 
the interests of temperance, co-operation, and educa- 
tion, the three fundamental principles of the insti- 
tute. 

MillviUe National Bank. — This bank was char- 
tered under the name of Millville Bank, as a State 
bank, by act of the Legislature approved March 19, 
1857, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and 
was at once organized. The first oflicers were : Presi- 
dent, Nathaniel Stratton, and cashier, Lewis Mul- 
ford. They built a convenient bank building in 1857, 
at a cost of two thousand eight hundred dollars, on 



638 



HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the northeast corner of Second and Main Streets, 
which they still occupy. In 1865 it became a na- 
tional bank under the above name, and the capital 
stock was increased to one hundred thousand dollars. 
Mr. Stratton remained president until Jan. 14, 1868, 
when he resigned, and was succeeded by Lewis Mul- 
ford, the cashier, who has held the office to the 
present time. On the promotion of Lewis Mulford to 
the presidency, Thomas E. Mulford became cashier, 
and continued until his death, March, 1875, when he 
was succeeded by Edward H. Stokes, who was elected 
March .30, 1875, and is the present efficient officer. 
The bank building was rebuilt and refitted during 
1883, at an expense of two thousand five hundred 
dollars, and it is now one of the most convenient edi- 
fices of the kind to be found outside of the larger 
cities. The bank is a paying institution, the divi- 
dends on its stock having been as high as ten per 
cent., and for several years past they have been eight 
per cent. 

The Millville Mutual Marine and Fire In- 
surance Company. — ^The charter of this company 
was granted by the Legislature in 1859, but no organ- 
ization was effected until 1867, when the company was 
formed, with Nathaniel Stratton as president, and 
Samuel F. Fries as secretary, the latter of whom was 
succeeded by Furman L. Mulford in 1872. It built 
a handsome brick building on the south side of Main 
Street, not far from the river, part of which it occu- 
pies for its own offices and part is rented for offices to 
other parties. It did not confine itself to local busi- 
ness, but effected insurance on both the stock and the 
mutual plan throughout the whole country east of the 
Mississippi. The great extent of their risks proved 
disastrous to the company, and they met with heavy 
losses. This necessitated a suspension of business 
until sufficient funds were raised by an assessment of 
the premium notes held by them to pay off their 
losses. It recommenced business Oct. 26, 1880, with 
Furman L. Mulford as president, and Richard L. 
Howell as secretary. On the death of Mr. Mulford, 
March 21, 1881, he was succeeded by Francis Reeves, 
who is the present head officer. Since its reorganiza- 
tion it has confined its business to this State, and it is 
now a safe and reliable insurance company. 

Millville Gas-Light Company.— This company 
was chartered in 1857, and the works built to supply 
the cotton-mill, and the pipes were not extended 
through the town until six or seven years later. 

The Millville Water Company.— This is a cor- 
poration, all of the stock of which belongs to the 
heirs of Richard D. Wood, deceased. A contract 
between the company and the city of Millville was 
entered into Jan. 16, 1879, by which the city agreed 
to pay the sum of thirty-nine thousand dollars, in 
consideration of which the company agreed to erect 
water-works, and allow the city the use of the water, 
free of all cost, for fire purposes, flushing gutters, and 
sprinkling streets. The works were erected that year, 



and water was turned on about July 1, 1879. The 
works are supplied with one of E. Gaylin's duplex 
turbine-wheels, with a pumping capacity of one mil- 
lion two hundred thousand gallons every twenty-four 
hours. A stand-pipe twelve feet in diameter and one 
hundred and twenty-eight feet high is erected, from 
which the city is supplied. Water to operate the 
turbine is drawn from the pond, and the water for 
city use is taken from a large well. Over eight miles 
of water-pipe have been laid throughout the city. 
The purchase of the works by the city is now in con- 
templation. 

CHOSEN FKEBHOLDEKS AND CITV OFFICBES. 



1802. Fithiiin Stratton, Sr. 


1833-34, William G, Leake, 


Niithan Leake. 


Cooper Madden, 


1803. Fithian Stratton. 


1836. Lewis Mulford. j 


Robert Smith. 


Cooper Madden. I 


1804. Robert Smith. 


1836. Preston Stratton. ' 


.Teremiah Stratton. 


Cooper Madden. 


1805-6. Robert Smith. 


1837. Lewis Mulford. 


Ezekiel Foater. 


Robert Jordan. 


1807-10. Ezekiel Foster. 


1838. Jeremiah Stratton. 


Daniel Richman. 


Isaiah Barnes. 


1811. Daniel Bichman. 


1839. Jeremiah Stratton. 


Nathan Leake. 


William G. Leake. 


1812. Ezekiel Foster, 


1840. Jeremiah Stratton. 


Nathan Leake. 


Cooper Madden. 


1813-15. Ezekiel Foster. 


1841-42. Jeremiah Stratton. 


John Wishart. 


William G, Leake, 


1816. Nathan Leake. 


1843-44, Jeremiah Stratton. 


Israel Stratton. 


James Loper. 


1817. Nathan Leake. 


1845-^6. James Loper. 


James McCIong. 


Lewis Mulford. 


1818-20. Jeremiah Stratton. 


1847. William G, Leake. 


Nathan Leake. 


William Stratton, 


1821-22. John Lanning, Jr. 


1848. William Stratton, 


Nathan Leake. 


Lewis Mulford. 


1823-25. Daniel Brandriff. 


1849-60. James Loper. 


William Duffee. 


Lewis Mulford. 


1826. Nathan Leake. 


1851-62. Lewis Mulford. 


William Duffee. < 


William Stratton. 


1827-28. Spencer Frasey. 


1853-64. Lewis Mulford. 


Daniel Brandriflf. 


Edward Tatum. 


1829. Jeremiah Stratton. 


1865-56, George B, Cooper. 


Nathan Leake. 


Jacob Johnson. 


1830. Richard L. Wood. 


1857-58. Dr. Ferdinand F. Sharp. 


Daniel Brandriff. 


William D. Wilson. ^ 


1831. Richard L. Wood. 


1859-64. Dr. Ferdinand F. Sharp. 


Cooper Madden. 


Nathaniel H. Reeves. 


1832, Joseph T. Ward, 


1865. Thomas Corson. « 


Daniel Brandriff. 


Francis Reeves. ^ 


First 


Ward. f , 
1876. Somers L, Irwin. ?"',' 


1866. Nathaniel H. Beeves. 


Tlioraas Corson. 


Peter G. Ludlum, Q'> 


1867. John L. Sharp. 


1876, Somers L, Irwin, :#. 


Lewis Mulford. 


Smith Reeves. « 


1868. Nathaniel H, Beeves, 


1877. Somers L. Irwin. jfc; 


Nathaniel Stratton, 


Peter G. Ludlum. MJ 


1869-70. Samuel Hilliard. 


1878. Sumers L. Irwin. ^H 


Smith Beeves. 


John N. Brannlu. j^m 


1871. Smith Eoevea. 


1879 Somers L. Irwin. ^B 


Albert Harris. 


Elbridge G. McClong. '^1 


1872-73. Smith Beeves. 


1880. Somers L. Irwin. ^1 


Peter G. Ludlum. 


1881-82, Francis L. Godfrey. W 


1874, Somers L, Irwin, 


1883. Jeremiah Corson. 


Smith Reeves. 




Sfcond 


Ward. 


1866. Francis Beeves. 


1868. Francis Beeves. 


Furman L. Mulford. 


Furman L, Mulford, 


1867. Francis Beeves. 


1869, Nathaniel Beeves, 


Stephen A. Garrison. 


George W, Dummett, 






I 



CITY OF MILLVILLE. 



639 



1870. Francis Reeves. 
George W. Dummett. 

1871. John W. Newlin. 
Elias Wilson. 

1872. Elias Wilson. 
Francis Reeves. 

1873-74. Francis Reeves. 

John Carrell. 
1875. Francis Reeves. 



1866. George Wood. 

Elias Wilson. 
1867-78. James L. Wilson. 

George Wood. 
1869-70. John McNeel, Sr. 

George Wood. 
1871. John McNeal, Sr. 

Malcolm R. McNeal. 
1872-73. James McLaughlin. 

George B. Langley. 
1874. George B. Langley. 

Samnel Billiard. 



1875. Andrew J. Steelman. 
1876-77. Francis Reeves. 

John Carrell- 
1878-79. Francis Reeves. 

Aaron Riley. 

1880. Francis Reeves. 

1881. Alfred Brandriff. 

1882. William McClure. 

1883. Francis Reeves. 



1875-76. George B. Langley. 
William McClure. 

1877. William McClure. 
Charles McQuilkin. 

1878. William McClure. 
George B. Langley. 

1879. Charles McQuilkin. 
John W. Hannold. 

1880. William McClure. 

1881. Clarence Westcott. 

1882. Alfred Brandriff. 

1883. James McLaughlin. 



1866. James M. Wells. 

1868. Thomas Carson. 

1869. James M. Wells. 



MAYORS. 

1871. George W. Dummitt. 
1874. Dayton Wallen. 
1877. Josiah B. Comer. 



CITY TREASURERS. 

1866. Thomas E. Mulford. I 1875. Edward H. Stokes. 

1869. Tbomas M. Ludlam. 1878. James Elfreth. 

1871. James McLaughlin. I 1879. Edward 11. Stokes. 

CITY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 



1866. Dr. E. B. Richman. 

1872. Richard Atwater. 

1873. George C. Smith. 

1874. John W. Newlin. 



1878. Dr. W. H. C. Smith. 
1880. John W. Newlin. 
1882. Dr. J. A. Bolard. 



1866. James H. Nixon. 
1880. J. L. Van Syokel. 



CITY SOLICITORS. 

1881. James H. Nixon. 



Under the provisions of the act incorporating the 
city the following have been the city officers : 



The present officers, and the time of their last elec- 
tion, are: 

Mayor, Josiah B. Comer, 1883 ; President of City Council, Eugene B. 
Goodwin, 1883; Councilmen, 1st Ward, John J. Dunham, 1882; 
Charles P. Bartlett, 1882 ; Johnson Garton, 1883; 2d Ward, Eugene 
B. Goodwin, 1883 ; Lnke W. Vanneman, 1882; J. Wesley Simmons, 
1883; 3d Ward, Clarence Westcott, 1883; George B. Langley, 1882 ; 
James McLaughlin, appointed to fill vacancy; Recorder, John S. 
Hand, 1883; City Treasurer, Edward H. Stokes, 1883; City Solicitor, 
James H. Nixon, 18S3; City Marshal, Jesse L. Rutter, 1883; Board 
of Education, John H. Sixsmith (president), Thomas Carson, Jr., 
Robert Rumbf, Joseph Congdon, Samuel Berry, William Mauks, 
Edward P. Counseller, Dr. Thomas Sturdivant, Jacob Rieck. 

City Hall. — Since the incorporation of the city the 
city offices liave been held in rented buildings until 
1881, when a city hall was built on the northeast cor- 
ner of Second and Sassafras Streets, in the Second 
Ward of the city. In the lower story is the mayor's 
office, lock-up, and a fire-engine room, while the 
upper story is in one room, and used as a Council 
chamber, and for the meetings of the Board of Educa- 
tion and other public bodies. It is a handsome brick 
building, and co.st about four thousand dollars. 



ECCLESIASTICAL. 

First Methodist Episcopal Church of Millville. 

— Cumberland Circuit was set off from Salem Circuit 
in 1807, and in 1808 its total membership was seven 
hundred and eleven. In that year Samuel Cassa- 
boon, a local preacher, organized in Millville the 
first class, consisting of three members. In 1814, 
John Walker preached statedly at the dwelling of 
Thomas Byonts, and made an unsuccessful attempt 
to organize a society. At this time the only place 
of worship, aside from private houses, was the old 
school-house, which was built about 1800, on the 
north corner of Second and Sassafras Streets. In 
this house it is said that the celebrated and eccen- 
tric Lorenzo Dow preached to the few Methodists 
and others here at an early time. 

In 1819 two local preachers — Jesse Coombs and 
William M. Wigan — held services in the old school- 
house, and organized a class, which in 1821 num- 
bered twenty-eight members, and in 1823 sixty-three. 
In the latter year an unfinished stone dwelling-house, 
on the corner of Second and Smith Streets, was pur- 
chased, and fitted up for a place of worship, and was 
dedicated in 1824. Here the congregation worshiped 
till 1845, when a new church building was erected, 
and in 1867 the present fine edifice was built. 

In 1853 Millville became a station. The pastors 
have been Eevs. T. W. McDougal, C. S. Downs, 
Daniel Duffle, Samuel E. Post, Samuel Vansant, G. 
Hughes, L. K. Street, G. K. Morris, U. M. Brown, 
Kichard Thorne, Jr., B. F. Sharp. Ananias Lawrence, 
William Boyle, G. B. White. 

The membership was in 1867 five hundred, and in 
1877 eight hundred. In the latter year Trinity 
Methodist Episcopal Church was formed from this 
society, which, of course, reduced the number of 
members. In 1883 the membership is six hundred 
and seventy-three. The value of the church property 
is estimated at twenty-eight thousand five hundred 
dollars. 

Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church, Mill- 
ville, was organized in 1855. In that year its church 
edifice was built, and it was dedicated in 1856. The 
society was set off as a separate charge in 1857, at 
which time it had thirty members and ninety proba- 
tioners ; and during that year one hundred and forty 
members were added to the church. The present 
membership is two hundred and seventy. 

The pastors have been Eevs. Joseph G. Crate, I. S. 
Hugg, David Duffle, James S. Tucker, C. H. Flem- 
ing, M. Ealeigh, S. F. Wheeler, J. H. Hutchinson, 
E. J. Andrews, C. H. Whitaker, S. W. Lake. 

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Millville. 
— This society was organized in 1877, with thirty-six 
original members, who withdrew from the First Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church for the purpose of forming 
this. The new organization took the old church 
edifice of the parent society subject to a lien of two 
thousand dollars, and in the same year rebuilt it at a 



640 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



cost of twelve hundred. In 1878 the membership 
numbered 231 ; in 1880, 377; and in 1883,- 462. The 
pastors have been Revs. John S. Gaskill, James H. 
Payran, and Joseph L. Roe. The value of the 
church property is estimated at eight thousand 
dollars. 

Corse Chapel (African Methodist Episcopal), 
Millville. — A society was organized here in 1864, 
with sixteen members. A house of worship was 
erected about a year subsequent to the organization of 
the church, It was named Corse Chapel, in honor of 
William Corse, who was the founder and most active 
member of the society. It is a modest and neat 
wooden structure, fifty-five by twenty-five feet in 
size, and its total cost was five hundred and twenty- 
five dollars. 

The pastors who have served the society have been 
Revs. Joshua Woodin, William Watson, Joseph Nel- 
son, Benjamin Darks, Leonard Patterson, Joseph 
Smith, James Pierce, Alfred Garrison, John H. Bean, 
Wilson Peterson, J. T. Gilbert Waters, Elisha Paul 
Griuwedge, and the present pastor, R. M. Yeamans. 
The present membership of the society is thirty-five, 
and it is in a prosperous condition. 

Millville Presbyterian Church.'— Prior to 1823 
there was no house of worship in Millville. People 
of all denominations held services in the old school- 
house that stood on the northeast corner of Second 
and Sassafras Streets. In 1823-24 the Methodists 
fitted up a building that they had purchased for a 
house of worship, but the Presbyterians and Baptists 
continued to meet in the old school-house. 

Aug. 12, 1820, Rev. Ethan Osborne and Jonathan 
Freeman, who were appointed for that purpose by the 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, met at the house of James 
Park, in Port Elizabeth, and organized the first Pres- 
byterian Church in Maurice River, Cumberland Co., 
with the following constituent members : 

Nathaniel Foster. Eannab Newcomb. 

Lydia Foster. George Bush. 

Jane Bush. 

Betsey Craig. 

Robert McGriffin. 

Mary McGriiRn. 

Virgil M. Davis. 

Elizabeth Davis. 

Samuel T. Barry. 

Ruth Barry. 

Jeremiah Stratton, Nathaniel Foster, and Samuel 
Barry were chosen elders. 

Most of the influential members resided in Mill- 
ville, and the interests of the church gradually cen- 
tred there, hence the society came to be commonly, 
though erroneously, called the " Millville Presbyterian 
Church." 

Occasional supplies were sent by the Presbytery, 
and of such the names are remembered of Revs. Os- 
borne, Freeman, Hofi', Janvier, Parvin, Burt, Law- 
rence, and Manton. 

1 Condenaed from a history of this church by Elder Edward W. Maylio. 



Jeremiah Stratton. 
Zerviah Stratton. 
Preston Foster. 
Mariah Vanhook. 
Ruth Stratton. 
Hannah Stratton. 
Hannah Glaspey. 
Hannah Jordan. 



A lot on the northeast corner of Second and Sassa- 
fras Streets was donated to the society by the Buck 
family, and on this a church edifice was erected. It 
was completed and dedicated in 1838. It was a 
wooden building thirty by forty feet in size. It was 
enlarged in 1855, and again in 1868 it was further 
enlarged, improved, and modernized, and a tower was 
erected in front in which was placed a bell, the gift 
of Mrs. Amanda Mulford, wife of Lewis Mulford. 
The whole cost of the church was about five thousand 
five hundred dollars. A parsonage was built in 1843 
on the corner of the lot north from the church. 

At the time of the first enlargement a reed organ 
was introduced, the first musical instrument used in 
any of the churches in Millville. The organists have 
been Miss Sarah W. Maylin, Miss Maggie F. Maylin, 
Miss Eva Fithian. The pastors of the society since 
the erection of the church have been, in the order of 
their pastorates, Revs. John McCoy, Richard Curran, 
Theophilus Potts, Simeon Peck, Isaac Davidson, 
Charles Oakley, David McCoy, David Henderson, 
Olmstead, Henry C. Fries, I. H. Northrup, Na- 
thaniel McConaughy, Joseph E. Scott, Joseph D. 
Wilson, Henry L. Mayers, and Clearfield Park, the 
present pastor. 

MiUville Baptist Church. — Immediately after the 
disbandment of the Baptist Church at Port Elizabeth 
this church was organized, with forty-three constitu- 
ent members, most of whom were from the disbanded 
church. In the year of its organization the society 
erected its first church edifice, which was rebuilt in 
1872, and again in 1882. Its present value is esti- 
mated at ten thousand dollars, and the society has an 
elegant parsonage, which is valued at three thousand 
dollars. The church is free from debt and in a pros- 
perous condition. 

been, in succession. Revs. H. 
E. Sheppard, one ; William P. 
Smith, three ; J. Currie, two ; 
William Humpstone, two ; H. 
D. Burdick, one ; Harden Wheat, one ; E. L. Stager, 
four; H. C. Applegarth, one; and C. A. Mott, since 
Jan. 1, 1880. 

St. Mary Magdalen's Church' at Millville.— The 
first mass in Millville was celebrated at the house of 
John Marshall, on Main Street, in 1859. A flock was 
soon gathered, and in 1861 a church was built. In 
1871 a new church was erected, at a cost of thirty 
thousand dollars. It is a brick structure, with a seat- 
ing capacity of five hundred. The parochial residence 
stands next the church. It is a wooden building, and 
its cost was five thousand dollars. It is one of the 
finest Catholic parsonages in New Jersey. 

The pastors of this church have been Rev. Fathers 
Hyman, Martin Gessner, Theophilus Degen, Peter 
Vivert, William J. Dwyer (deceased), and the present 
pastor, C. J. Giese. 

2 Information furnished by D. A. Marshall. 



The pastors have 
Westcott, one year; 
Maui, five; William 
H. W. Weber, two ; 



CITY OP MILLVILLE. 



641 



A parochial school was established here in 1872, in 
rooms under the same roof with the church. The 
principals have been Miss Mary Gillin, Mr. D. A. 

Marshall, Miss Eosa Regan, Miss Malone, Miss 

Maggie Welser, and the present teacher, Miss Alice 
Marshall. The average attendance at this school is 
sixty. 

St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of Millville, — St. Paul's congregation was 
organized in 1859. It worshiped during several years 
in the town hall, but in 1867 the present house of 
worship, on the corner of Third and Mulberry Streets, 
was erected. It is a commodious wooden structure, 
thirty by fifty feet in size, and its cost, including site, 
was two thousand dollars, all of which has been paid. 

The pastors have been Revs. John H. Fritz, John 
Leonberger, and the present one, George F. Miller. 
The present membership is about thirty, and the 
society has from the first enjoyed a reasonable degree 
of prosperity. 

Christ Church (Episcopal)^ of Millville was or- 
ganized in November, 1860, with Miss Adelaide 
Thomas, G. B. Cooper, Mrs. G. B. Cooper, J. S. Six- 
smith, and Margaretta Sixsmith as constituent mem- 
bers. 

The rectors and the year of the commencement of 
each rectorship are as follows : Revs. Dr. Knight, F. 
E. R. Chubbuck, 1865; Lucius N. Voight, 1868; 
Merritt H. Wellman, 1873; B. W. Bradin, 1879; and 
A. G. Baker, 1883. 

The first place of worship was the town hall, but a 
house of worship was erected, and dedicated June 
22, 1881. It is a framed structure located on the 
corner of Second and Sassafras Streets, and the prop- 
erty is valued at two thousand dollars. The parish 
has no debt. The membership is sixty-four. 



Millville Lodge, No. 47, 1. 0. 0. F.— On Oct. 29, 
1846, five members of Cumberland Lodge, No. 35, 
located at Bridgeton, took withdrawal cards for the 
purpose of forming a new lodge at Millville, which 
was accomplished on Feb. 4, 1847, when Lewis Mul- 
ford was chosen and installed the first Noble Grand. 
They fitted up a lodge-room in the old town hall 
at the corner of Second and Pine Streets, and have 
held their meetings in that place ever since. It is 
one of the largest lodges in the State, having about 
two hundred members, and pays out about two thou- 
sand five hundred dollars yearly, nearly all for 
benefits. They have a surplus fund of over ten thou- 
sand dollars. The present oflBcers are : N. G., Joseph 

A. Webb ; V. G., William Syfer ; Rec. Sec, James 
Fithian ; Fin. Sec, Edward Conover ; Treas., Josiah 

B. Comer. 

Millville Encampment, No. 29, 1. 0. 0. F.— This 
encampment was organized Oct. 11, 1865, having as 



41 



I Information furnished by J. H. Sixsmith, 



Chief Patriarch George R. Green. They have 

always occupied the lodge-room of Millville Lodge, 
and have carried on the work of the encampment 
with prudence and energy. They have a surplus of 
about sixteen hundred dollars on hand, and number 
about seventy members at this time. The present 
officers are: C. P., Robert Little; S. W., John Geis- 
singer; J. W., William Syfer; S., Samuel B. Cam- 
brow ; Treas., Conrad Waltman. 

Humane Lodge, No. 127, I. 0. 0. F., was organ- 
ized Nov. 19, 1868. Jesse D. Claypoole was the first 
N. G. ; George W. Payne, V. G. ; Thomas Sturdivant, 
Sec. ; and Joseph R. Wells, Treas. This lodge uses 
the lodge-room of Millville Lodge, and has ever since 
its organization. Past Grands of this lodge are as 
follows : James M. Wells, James B. Cox, George W. 
Payne, James McCowan, Adam P. Zane, Irvin Marts, 
Reed Westcott, David Ross, William W. Pierce, 
Henry A. Miller, John Parker, John P. Newkirk, 
John Goodwin, John Cassaboom, Samuel B. Cain- 
bron, Daniel L. Ramse}', James Shelhorn, Andrew 
Anderson, Robert Ramsey, John H. Heintz, John 
Pancoast, Malcolm B. TuUer, Michael Geissinger, 
John A. McGonigal, Robert C. Little, N. Edward 
Hughes, and John C. Geissinger. They have about 
twelve hundred dollars on hand, and are in good con- 
dition, having about one hundred members. The 
present officers are : N. G., Andrew Martin ; V. G., 
Theodore F. Birch; Sec, AVilliam W. Pierce; and 
Treas., John Heintz. 

Shekinah Lodge, No. 58, F. and A. M.,' at Mill- 
ville, commenced work under dispensation. May 21, 
1861, and was instituted Feb. 20, 1862, by Deputy 
Grand Master Robert C. Busby. The first officers 
were E. M. Richmond, W. M. ; A. S. Porter, S. W. ; 
Job Ladd, J. W. ; Henry A. Forbes, Treas. ; and Jo- 
seph B. Tucker, Sec. 

The Past Masters are E. B. Richmond, Alexander 
Gillan, W. J. Thompson, Elwood Beakley, J. S. Sim- 
merman, J. S. Whitaker, J. W. Newlin, AV. L. New- 
ell, J. Congdon, S. Steinmetz, E. Ireland, A. W. San- 
bern, J. J. Dunham, S. C. Smith, E. S. Wynn, S. 
Berry. The present officers are J. W. Shaw, W. M. ; 
E. S. Leigh, S. W. ; J. A. Bolard, J. W. ; J. Cong- 
don, Treas. ; J. S. Simmerman, Sec. 

Olivet Commandery, No. 10, K. T., at Millville, 
was instituted Oct. 12, 1869, by R. E. Sir Isaac A. 
Nichols, Grand Commander. The first officers were 
E. B. Richmond, E. C. ; J. W. Newlin, Gen. ; J. S. 
Simmerman, Capt.-Gen. ; W. J. Thompson, Treas. ; 
and James H. Nixon, Recorder. 

R. E. Sir W. L. Newell is P. G. C. 

The Past Commanders are E. Sir J. W. Nev^lin, E. 
Sir J. S. Simmerman, E. Sir W. L. Newell, E. Sir 
J. S. Whitaker, E. Sir J. W. Shaw, E. Sir J. J. Dun- 
ham, E. Sir R. W. Meredith, E. Sir A. H. Gee, E. 
Sir J. Congdon, E. Sir B. T. Bright. 

" For information concerning Masonic societies in Millville the histo- 
rian is indebted to Dr. J. S. Whitaker. 



642 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



The present ofBcers are E. Sir J. J. Dunham, E. C. ; 
E. Sir S. Steinraetz, Gen. ; E. Sir J. W. Shaw, P. E. C, 
Capt.-Gen. ; E. Sir J. Congdon, P. E. C, Treas. ; E. 
Sir J. S. Simmerman, P. B. C, Recorder. 

All these societies meet in Masonic Hall, corner of 
Pine and High Streets. 

Richmond Chapter, No. 22, R. A. M., at Mill- 
ville, was instituted May 16, 1870, by M. E. G. H. P., 

D. S. Batty. The first ofBcers were J. W. Newlin, 
M. E. H. P. ; J. B. Madden, E. K. ; J. S. Whitaker, 

E. S. ; G. W. Dummitt, Treas. ; and E. B. Richmond, 
Sec. 

The Past High Priests are J. W. Newlin, J. S. Whit- 
aker, W. L. Newell, J. S. Simmerman, A. W. Shaw, 
J. J. Dunham, J. Congdon, R. W. Meredith, T. B. i 
Somers, S. C. Smith. 

The present officers are S. Berry, M. E. H. P.; J. J. 
Dunham, E. K.; S. C. Smith, E. S. ; .1. Congdon, P. i 
H. P., Treas. ; J. S. Simmerman, P. H. P., Sec. i 

Manaumuskin Tribe, No. 13, 1. 0. R. M., was or- I 
ganized Jan. 14, 186S. The first officers were: 8., ] 
John W. Newliu ; S. S., James M. Wells ; Sec, Sam- 
uel H. Ortlip ; Treas., Henry Bornhoff. The Past 
Sachems are John W. Newlin, Henry Bornhoff, Con- 
rad Waltman, Charles Ahl, James W. Madden, John 
D. Brandriff, Nicholas Griner, Harry Wettstein, John 
P. Miller, John A. Kaufman, Julius Gauer, William 
C. Thomas, and James P. Beckley. The lodge has 
had a prosperous career, and now numbers one hun- 
dred and twenty members. The present officers are 
William A. Garrison, S. ; Henry Seeds, S. S. ; Henry 
Bornhoff, Treas. ; and Joseph A. Chester, Sec. The 
lodge has a surplus of about six hundred dollars on , 
hand. | 

Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 6, K. of P., was organized ' 
Feb. 19, 1868, by Samuel Read, Grand Deputy Chan- 
cellor of New Jersey, with the following officers : 
C, John W. Newlin ; V. C, George W. Dummitt ; 
R. S., George W. Payne; F. S., Joseph R. Wells; 
B., James McLaughlin. The lodge was prosperous 
until 1870, when dissensions arose in the order ' 
throughout the State. This lodge was affected with 
the others, and a separation of the two contending 
parties, and a division of the properties took place. 
The officers at that time were : C, Jesse D. Clay- , 
poole ; V. C, James B. Wells ; R. S., F. Burroughs ; 

F. S., E. R. Dougherty. This dissension has been 
settled, and the two lodges are working harmoniously 
together. The present officers are : C, Frederick 
Munster ; V. C, Thomas Whitaker ; K. of R. and S., 
S. C. Smith ; M. of E., George Comer. The present I 
membership is eighty-five. 

Millville Lodge, No. 59, K. of P.— After the set- 
tling of the difficulty in the order, the part which had , 
not been in unison with the original Grand Lodge of \ 
the State was reinstated July 28, 1871, with a mem- j 
bership of forty, and the following officers: C, Sam- 
uel L. Garrison ; V. C, William Boyd ; R. S., W. F. | 
Moore ; B., John W. Newlin. The list of Past Chan- i 



cellors is as follows: Samuel L. Garrison, Smith 
Reeve.s, George W. Boady, John N. Brannin, John 
W. Newlin, John Goodwin, William Hunter, Wil- 
liam Ludlam, John S. Hand, Samuel Allison, Cor- 
nelius Newkirk, Andrew Anderson, John Newkirk, 
Irwin Marts, Charles McQuilkin, William Bayley, 
Samuel Cambron, Joseph Webb, Allen W. Wallen, 
John Bolard, Jacob Rocap, Theodore F. Birch, H. H. 
Jones, James Shelhorn. The lodge is in a very 
flourishing condition, having one hundred and sev- 
enty-nine members, and a surplus in the treasury of 
two thousand nine hundred dollars. The present 
officers are : C, Thomas Simmerman ; V. C, Wil- 
liam Gibbon ; K. of R. and S., John Goodwin ; M. 
of E., John Parker. 

Fidelity Council, No. 8, Junior 0. IT. A. M.,' 
was organized in 1869, with sixteen charter members 
and the following principal officers: Albert W. San- 
born, C. ; Charles B. Cottrell, V. C. ; M. H. Nipling, 
R. S. ; Charles Johnson, A. R. S. ; George Doyles, 
F. S. ; and Harrie F. Sockwell, Treas. 

The council has been in a prosperous condition 
ever since its organization, and it now numbers one 
hundred and fourteen members. Its assets above its 
liabilities are two thousand one hundred and eighty- 
five dollars. The following is a list of its Past Coun- 
cilors : 

A. W. Sanborn, Charles B. Cottrell, Clarence West- 
cott, John K. Johnson, Lewis C. Leake, Frederick 
Jones, Joseph Jones, William Sypher, John Stevens, 
Restore M. Doughty, Thomas Warren, Fernando 
Jones, Jacob Clonn, William Westcott, Thomas West- 
cott, Jesse Robinson, John Stites, Edward Mayhew, 
William Anderson, Joseph Parent, Ed. Garton, W. R. 
Hughes, John Bennet, Joseph Ramsey, John Walker, 
Walter Hartman, Isaiah Cossaboon, Joshua Cossa- 
boon, Frank Griffith, D. Tucker, Jesse W. Fleet, Al- 
bert Loper, Thomas Berry, Samuel V. Stites, John 
F. L. Green, Frank Lutes, William Angelo, C. F. 
Nabb, Samuel G. Taylor, John W. Hughes, Frank 
McChesney, James G. Hand, William Walker. 

The present officers are Thomas Morgan, C. ; Ed- 
ward McLear, V. C. ; Restore M. Doughty, R. S. ; 
Charles Shaw, A. R. S. ; Joshua Cossaboon, F. S. ; 
Augustus Marts, Treas. ; and Frank McChesney, Ed- 
ward McLear, and John M. Stites, Trustees. 

Resolute Council, No. 36, 0. U. A, M.,'- was or- 
ganized in 1870, and has maintained an uninterrupted 
prosperous existence since. Its first officers were Al- 
bert Harris, C. ; , V. C. ; John R. Leach, 

R. S. ; Charles P. Smith, A. R. S ; Joseph T. Rose, 
F. S. ; Josiah B. Coomer, Treas. 

The Past Councilors are Albert Harris, B. M. Hogan, 
John R. Leak, George H. Wood, John B. Averil, 
John Bitters, Joseph W. Green, Elmer Y. Robinson, 
Joseph Hogan, J. W. Wallen, Joseph G. Sheldon, 



1 FuriiiBlied by John M. Stites. 

- Information furnisbed by Daniel L. Ramsey. 



CITY OF MILLVILLE. 



643 



J. B. Coomer, Robert C. Ramsey, Daniel L. Ramsey, 
Samuel Cossaboon, J. T. Habb, Henry Herrs, James 
Sooy, Cornelius Cossaboon, J. W. Mulford, William 
Cossaboon, Charles M. Fisher, Frank Rocap, John 
Hoover, James Estlow, William Garrison, G. H. Mul- 
ford. 

The present officers are William Garrison, C ; 
George H. Mulford, V. C. ; Daniel L. Ramsey, R. 8. ; 
Elwood Flowers, A. R. S. ; Robert C. Ramsey, F. S. ; 
Joseph Green, Treas. 

The membership of the council is sixty-one, and its 
assets above its liabilities are thirteen hundred dol- 
lars. 

Pocahontas Council, No. 65, 0. TJ. A. M.,^ was 
organized in the summer of 1871, with about one hun- 
dred charter members. The flr.st officers were Joseph 
Jones, C. ; John Johnson, V. C. ; Joseph Headly, R. 
S. ; J. J. Chester, F. S. ; and James Downs, Treas. 

The council has been uniformly prosperous, and its 
present membership is fifty. The net assets of the 
council amount to twelve hundred dollars. 

The Past Councilors are Joseph Jones, Joel He.ss, 
Luke Vanneman, J. J. Chester, Clarence Westcott, 
Thomas Bard, Jesse L. Hand, Levi Brown, Charles 
M. Carter, George Madden, Samuel Chamberlain, 
Edward Garrison, William Williams, John Johnson, 
Jacob Kates, Joseph F. Headly, Charles Lutz. 

The present officers are James Bard, C; William 
Surran, V. C. ; Joseph F. Headly, R. S. ; Joseph J. 
Chester, F. S. ; and Joseph Jones, Treas. 

Larnard Tice Post, No. 49, G. A. R.— This post 
was organized Sept. 24, 1880, with the following offi- 
cers : C, Samuel B. Cambron ; S. V. C, John P. 
Miller; J. V. C, Irvin Marts; A., Avery Messick; 
Q.M., Harry Brown. Its Past Commanders aj-e 
Samuel B. Cambron, John P. Miller. The present 
officers are : C, Irvin Marts ; S. V. C, Benjamin F. 
Buck ; J. V. C, Albert Ottinger ; A., Albert Norton ; 
Q.M., Theodore F. Birch. The post is in a flourish- 
ing condition, and now numbers eighty-sis members. 

Union Post, No. 55, G. A. R. — This post was or- 
ganized Aug. 17, 1881, with a membership of thirty- 
seven, and having as Commander James Kershaw. 
It also is in a very flourishing condition, with a 
beautiful and convenient hall, and with a surplus in 
the treasury of over five hundred dollars. Its pres- 
ent Commander is Jacob De Hart, and its member- 
ship sixty. 

Manufactures. — As before stated, Millville de- 
pends almost entirely on her manufactures, and of 
these the two great firms of Whitall, Tatum & Co., 
in the glass business, and that of the heirs of Richard 
D. Wood, in the different manufactures in which they 
are engaged, comprise nearly the whole. All other 
branches of manufacture are overshadowed by them. 
Millville lacks the variety of manufactures which 
Bridgeton has, but her great firms exceed anything in 

1 Furnished by Charles M. Ciirter. 



that city. The heirs of Richard D. Wood own the 
branches hereafter given as the Millville Manufac- 
turing Company, R. D. Wood & Co.'s foundry, 
Wood's window-glass works. 

Millville Pond and Water-Power.— When Smith 
& Wood built the iron-furnace, in 1814, the water- 
power, made by damming the river at the Union 
Mills, was made use of by means of a small canal, 
two and one-half miles long, which ran along the 
edge of the swamp. It furnished about fifty horse- 
power, and the rest was allowed to go to waste. After 
Richard D. Wood purchased the property, in 1851, he 
dug a much larger canal, about forty-eight feet wide 
and four and one-half feet deep. 

In 1868, finding the capacity of this canal insuffi- 
cient to supply his works, an act was obtained from 
the Legislature authorizing him to dam the river at 
Millville. The present dam was erected and finished 
in 1869, at a cost of over seventy-five thousand dol- 
lars. The pond formed by it is three and one-half 
miles long, and covers about eleven hundred acres, 
and has twenty-four feet fall, giving a capacity of one 
thousand horse-power. 

R. D. Wood & Co.'s Foundry.— Erected in 1814 
by Smith & Wood, this foundry was used by them 
and by David C. Wood, after he came into possession 
of the whole of it, for the casting of stove-plates from 
the iron smelted in the furnace. This was continued 
until about 1840, when the manufacture of iron di- 
rectly from the ore was given up, and the casting of 
water-pipe commenced. Upon the purchase of the 
property by Richard D. Wood, he at once erected two 
large foundries, capable of smelting forty tons of iron 
per day, and the manufacture of gas- and water-pipe 
has been continued on a wider scale until the present 
day. About one hundred and twenty-five hands are 
employed, and the production is about three hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars' worth annually. 

MillviUe Manufacturing Company.— In 1852, 
Mr. R. D. Wood began the erection of a cotton-mili 
near the bank of the river, but it was not finished 
until 1854. The main building is two hundred and 
eighty feet long, and four stories in height. The 
original cost of the mill and machinery was about 
$250,000, and the material and other things needed to 
put it into operation about 1100,000 more. It began 
operations with about 350 looms, and from 15,000 to 
18,000 spindles. In 1860 he erected a bleachery and 
dye-house for finishing goods manufactured there. 
The cotton-mill has been enlarged from time to time 
as the increasing business demanded, and now con- 
tains 700 looms and 32,000 spindles, turning out 
525,000 yards of cotton cloth and sheeting each 
month, consuming 140,000 pounds of cotton in the 
operation. A new and enlarged bleachery was erected 
a few years ago, where are bleached not only the 
products of this mill, but those of the mill at May's 
Landing, Atlantic Co., belonging to the same propri- 
etors, and also of mills of other parties. 



64i 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Wood's Window-Glass Works, — The window- 
j^lass works are situated on the east bank of the river, 
on Columbia Avenue, between that street and the 
river. They were built in 1863, by Richard D.Wood, 
and on his death they became the property of his 
son, Edward R. Wood. They were operated by the 
firm of Sharp & Westcott, composed of Ferdinand 
F. Sharp and Aaron Westcott, and at Westcott's 
death the firm became Evans, Sharp & Co. The 
business did not prove remunerative, and the works 
passed under Edward R. Wood's control, who retained 
them until 1881, when Jones & Townsend leased and 
took charge of them. The works consist of two large 
furnaces, a flattening-house, pot-houses, etc., and are 
capable of producing six thousand boxes of window- 
glass monthly. They employ about two hundred and 
fifty men. 

Whitall, latum & Co.'s Glass-Works.— About 
1806 James Lee and others started a window-glass 
factory on the bank of the river where are now the 
Glasstown works of this firm. The works passed into 
the control of Gideon Scull, who managed them for a 
while, and then Nathaniel Solomon was manager for 
a company of blowers, who occupied the works, but 
who made a failure. They then passed to Burgin, 
Wood & Pearsoll, who sold them to Scattergood, 
Haverstick & Co., and they, in 1834, sold them to 
Whitall & Brother. In 1849 the firm was changed to 
Whitall, Brother & Co., and in 1857 to Whitall, Tatum 
& Co., which has remained the title to the present 
time. When Whitall & Brother bought the works there 
were six furnaces there, and there are only five at the 
present day, but at that time they were very small, 
the production of all of them not equaling two of the 
present ones. Glass bottles were originally made in 
clay moulds, but iron moulds were almost entirely 
substituted between 1855 and 1860. The glass now 
manufactured at these works consists entirely of green- 
glass bottles, the ordinary ware. Between five hun- 
dred and six hundred hands are employed at these 
works, producing annually about six million pounds 
of glass, of an approximate value of $300,000. 

In 1832, Frederick Schetter came from Baltimore, 
and built, glass-works about one-third of a mile below 
the town. The village which grew up about the works 
was called Schetterville for many years, but of later 
years the neighborhood is called South Millville. 
The intervening space between here and the town 
has been mostly built up, and the two towns are 
practically one. Mr. Schetter owned them until 
1844, when he failed, and Lawis Mulford, in connec- 
tion with Messrs. William Coflin and Andrew K. Hay, 
comprising the glass manufacturing firm of CoflSn & 
Hay, of Winslow, bought them, and carried them on 
under the management of Mr. Mulford until 1854, 
when they were sold to Whitall, Tatum & Co. At 
that time the works consisted of two green-glass 
factories. In 1862 the firm began the manufacture 
of flint-glass, but with only partial success. In 1864, 



Mr. John H. Sixsmith took charge of flint glass 
making, and a new flint-glass house was built, and 
in 1869 the firm had only two factories of that kind. 
The making of flint-glass became a success, and since 
1870 the progress in that branch of the business has 
been quite rapid, so that at the present time there are 
ten flint-glass furnaces, and one tank-furnace for the 
manufacture of colored glass. Between eleven and 
twelve hundred men are employed at these works, 
and the annual production of flint/glass is about 
twelve million pounds, of an estimated worth of 
about one million dollars. The products of these 
works consist principally of chemists', druggists', and 
perfumers' glassware. They are the largest works of 
the kind in the United States, and will well repay a 
visit to them. 

Branch tracks from the railroad have been laid to 
both the Glasstown and South Millville works, to fur- 
nish more convenient methods of transportation. The 
one to the South Millville works was laid in 1882, 
and the one to the Glasstown works was completed 
in October, 1883, the first train upon it being run on 
October 27th. 

The ftuinton Packing Company.— This company 
was established by Sharp, Fries & Co. and F. L. 
Mulford about 1865, and carried on by them until 
about 1868, when Mr. Sharp retired, and it was con- 
tinued by Mr. Mulford and Mr. Fries, and afterwards 
by Mr. Mulford alone. He then associated with him- 
self the firm of Reeves, Parvin & Co., of Philadel- 
phia, wholesale grocers, and took the name of the 
Quinton Packing Company, with Eugene Ely as 
manager for the last four years. They do a large 
business during the season, and are quite prosperous. 

Besides those already mentioned, Millville has a 
ship-building establishment on the west side of the 
river, south of the turnpike, formerly Furman L. 
Mulford's, now Owen N. WorstaU's since Mr. Mul- 
ford's death, in March, 1881. A large vessel is now 
building on the stocks. Cramer & Sparks started a 
machine-shop in 1882, and have plenty of business. 
Richard Ireland and Clark & Bishop are manufac- 
turers of carriages, and Lemi Kurtz and Hund & Son 
manufacture cigars. 

Langley's Grist-MiU. — This mill belongs to the 
estate of R. D. Wood, and is run by the water from 
the dam. Richard Langley and his son, George B. 
Langley, first leased the mill and conducted a mill- 
ing business at this place, but the father has since re- 
tired, and George B. Langley is proprietor of the 
business, which is quite extensive. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



.JOHN L. SHARP. 
Hon. John L. Sharp, a widely-known and highly- 
respected citizen of Millville, died at his residence in 



£ ® 
© 

(Ft, H 




TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCIAL. 



G45 



that city, Aug. 6, 1880. He was born at Mount Holly, 
of Quaker parentage, in the year 1824. His parents 
removed to Buckshutum when he was about fourteen 
years old, where he taught school in after-years, and 
then engaged in the brick-making business, which he 
continued largely and successfully after his removal to 
Millville. In 1856 he was elected to the State Senate 
as a Democrat, and filled the position with great credit 
to himself and his party. He was an active politician, 
but honorable in his career. He was widely known 
throughout this part of the State. He was a member 
of City Council for nine years, and held several other 
city offices. The late Mr. Furman C. Mulford mar- 
ried his sister, now also deceased. He was a kind 
husband and father. His estimable wife died about 
two years before. He left two daughters. 



CHAPTER XCIII. 

TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCIAL. 

Incorporation, — This township was set off from 
Downe township by an act of the Legislature, ap- 
proved Feb. 27, 1874. By this act all that portion of 
Downe included within the following bounds, viz.: 
beginning at the mouth of Dividing Creek, and run- 
ning up the middle of that creek to where the branch 
called Hansey's Creek empties into it; then up Han- 
sey's Creek to the bridge across it, near where Frazier 
Glann formerly lived ; then a straight course to the 
bridge over the same creek, known as the Indian 
Going-over, on the old road from Dividing Creek to 
Port Norris ; then a northerly course to the west end 
of Lore's mill-dam, in the line of David Lore's land ; 
then a north course to the Ackley road, leading from 
Baileytown neighborhood to Newport; then along 
that road westward to the road from Dividing Creek 
to Millville; then along the east side of that road to 
Buckshutum Creek, the line of the city of Millville ; 
then down that creek to Maurice Eiver, and down 
that river to the bay, and up the bay to the begin- 
ning, was set off to the new township. 

Downe township was one of the largest in the ' 
county, but had increased in population and resources i 
slowly, owing to the lack of ready means of commu- 
nication with other places, and to its inhabitants 
being engaged in the coasting and oyster trades, pre- 
venting that attention to the development of the re- 
sources at home which otherwise would have taken i 
place; but the opening of the Bridgeton and Port I 
Norris Eailroad (now the Cumberland and Maurice i 
Kiver Eailroad) gave a new impetus to this part of 
the county, and led to the setting off of this town- 
ship. 

Description. — It is about ten miles from the north 
line of the township to Delaware Bay, and from two 



and a half miles wide at the lower end to four miles 

towards the northern end. Small creeks emptying 
into Maurice Eiver intersect the mainland, making 
it more rolling along the river than are some other 
portions of the county. 

Settlement. — A few of the early settlers of the 
county seated themselves in the bounds of this town- 
ship, as has been mentioned in the chapter on the 
early settlements of the county. They occupied the 
lands lying along the river, the best and most pro- 
ductive in the township, the lands lying back from 
the river being a much lighter soil. The growth of 
the population was slow, and nothing of historical 
interest took place. A large part of the male inhab- 
itants along Maurice Eiver became engaged in the 
coasting trade, and while that business has in general 
been prosperous, and money has been acquired by 
many of them, their absence from home in the pur- 
suit of their business has prevented that development 
of this portion of the county and its resources which 
would undoubtedly have taken place if these enter- 
prising men had acquired their means from other 
sources. 

The township contains two small towns, Port 
Norris and Mauricetown, and the village of Haley- 
ville. The population of the township in 1880 was 
two thousand two hundred and sixtv-flve. 



Port Norris. — Port Norris, the terminus of the Cum- 
berland and Maurice Eiver Eailroad, twenty-two miles 
southeast of Bridgeton, is beautifully situated on the 
last fast land on the west bank of Maurice Eiver, near 
the bay, and is, on account of the oyster trade, grow- 
ing rapidly in size and importance. Up to 1810 it 
had been called Dallas' Ferry, from Jonathan Dallas, 
who established a ferry at that -place. In that year 
Joseph Jones, who had inherited large wealth from 
his father, a rich coffee merchant in Philadelphia, 
settled here. Joseph was universally called from this 
fact "Coffee Jones." Like many such inheritors of 
wealth, he entered into schemes of speculation of 
doubtful expediency. He purchased large tracts of 
land at Port Norris and elsewhere in the county. He 
owned hundreds of acres in this locality, principally 
woodland and marsh. The tavern-house yet standing 
near the landing, on Main Street, but no longer used 
for that purpose, was built by Jones for John Ogden 
and Norton Harris, who became two well-known citi- 
zens of the county, the former at Port Norris and the 
latter for years a resident of Bridgeton, where he died 
upwards of forty years ago. Not far from the tavern, 
on the high land on the south side of the road, stood 
an old-fashioned windmill. The other buildings in 
the neighborhood at Coffee Jones' accession were a 
house occupied by Abraham Stull, and another near 
where the depot now is. Ogden lived in tlie tavern, 
and Harris in a house built for him which stood near 
by. Ogden and Harris carried on the wood business 



646 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



for Jones, who had the wharf built. Several vessels 
were kept running to Philadelphia loaded with wood. 
The " Plow Boy" was one of these craft. She was 
launched at Port Elizabeth by Messrs. Brick & Lee. 
During the last war with Great Britain, which oc- 
curred soon after the purchases made by Jones, this 
vessel was captured by the British in Delaware Bay, 
and was soon thereafter ransomed for one thousand 
dollars in specie. 

Port Norris was named by Jones, soon after he set- 
tled there, in honor of his son Norris. The place was 
then rather insignificant, and showed no evidence of 
becoming important. Tlie father being of a specu- 
lative turn of mind and rather chimerical, went 
largely into the sheep-raising business, and engaged 
several men as agents in buying up sheep all through 
South Jersey. He induced a shepherd named David 
Owen, a Welshman, to come to this country. He 
bought three Merino rams, and paid nine hundred 
dollars for them, they having just been brought into 
the country. At that day the price was deemed by 
the people to be extraordinary. He erected a sheep- 
fold not a hundred yards from where the depot now 
is, eight skillful carpenters coming from Philadelphia 
to do the work. This sheep-pen was three hundred 
feet long, sixty feet wide, divided into rooms holding 
fifteen sheep each. There were literally thousands of 
sheep owned by him. Many of the lambs were 
caught by foxes, which wei'e then numerous in that 
locality. The sheep appeared to thrive well enough 
for awhile, but after the great northeast storm, about 
the time of " Nimrod's Prophecy," in 1812, which 
our old people recollect, in which the large sheep- 
fold was blown down, all of them died save about 
three hundred. It is said that the poor animals died 
faster than two adepts could take off their pelts. 
Wool was worth then one dollar a pound. The three 
hundred which survived were sent to Hog Island, up 
the Delaware, and thus ended the sheep speculation 
at Port Norris. There are now few, if any, sheep in 
the neighborhood. Coffee Jones, disheartened and 
disgusted, made a lottery of his real estate, selling the 
tickets wherever he could. Ogden drew the tavern 
property, which has been in the hands of his heirs 
ever since, and many of the finest building lots now 
coming into market belong to them. It might be 
added that .Tones' cleared and meadow land was di- 
vided into four-acre lots, under four thousand seven 
hundred panel of fence, but a man gunning for a fox 
one day accidentally set fire to the meadow grass and 
almost totally burned the fence up. Occasionally one 
of the old burned posts can yet be seen standing. 

During the occupation of the tavern by Mr. Ogden, 
Port Norris was a pretty lively place. The roadway 
leading to the landing. Main Street, was for a number 
of years a great avenue for horse-racing, which sport, 
except at parks and fairs, has almost entirely gone out 
of fashion, as it should for obvious reasons. 

Trade of the Town. — Port Norris, after the lapse 



of seventy years, has ceased being the shipping port 
of cord-wood, and has become the great oyster ship- 
ping mart of Delaware Bay. There are three hun- 
dred and sixty-five boats registered under the Oyster 
Act. There are over two hundred boats sailing to Port 
Norris, employing between eight and nine hundred 
hands. A dozen or more firms are engaged in ship- 
ping oysters to all parts of the country to regular 
customers. The oysters are put up in strong coarse 
sacks, each holding about seven hundred and fifty 
prime, or eleven to twelve hundred cullings. The 
average shipment by rail is ninety car-loads a week, 
about twenty thousand oysters to the car. Some idea 
of the immense trade in this article of commerce can 
be gathered from this statement. Cash returns are reg- 
ularly received by the dealers. The oysters are of excel- 
lent quality, and the demand for them is constantly 
increasing, it keeping pace with the supply. The busi- 
ness in the trade, formerly carried on altogether along 
the oyster wharves in Philadelphia and New York, is 
now centred at Port Norris, so far at least as the bay 
oysters are concerned. The cultivation of oysters] 
seems to be yet in its infancy, and the knowledge ofl 
propagating this luscious bivalve is far greater than aj 
few years ago. It has been clearly demonstrated! 
within a short time by the oystermen that the best 
things to spread upon the grounds to catch the spat 
are clean, fresh oyster-shells, and thousands of bushels 
are now brought here from Baltimore shucking-houses 
for that purpose. 

The town of Port Norris is rapidly growing; new 
and handsome houses are being built and others pro- 
jected. Tenement-houses are badly needed. A large 
new school-house and hall, with a bell, was finished 
and occupied September, 1882. There has been for 
about fifteen years a steam saw-mill owned by Hand, 
Robbins & Burt. There is also a marine railway and 
ship-yard for the repair of oyster-boats owned by 
Thomas Hand. There are shops for the manufacture 
of dredges and all other implements used by the 
oystermen. 

A post-oflSce was established here Sept. 12, 1870, 
Henry S. Robbins being the first postmaster. Samuel 
Shinn, the present postmaster, was appointed May 2, 
1879. By the census of 1880, Port Norris had a popu- 
lation of eight hundred and eighty-five, which has 
increased to about one thousand. 

Mauricetown. — Mauricetown was for many years 
the chief place in what is now Commercial township, 
but is now surpassed in population and business by 
Port Norris. It is situated on the high land, which at 
this point runs to the river, about eleven miles from 
its mouth, and is about eighteen miles southeast of 
Bridgeton. 

It is included in John Peterson's survey, and he 
was the first settler here, about 1730. Luke Mattox 
became the owner of the land previous to 1789, 
and had a landing here, and from him the place re- 
ceived its first local name of Mattox's Landing. Like 



TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCIAL. 



647 



all the landings on the various streams in this county, 
this was principally used for shipping cord-wood and 
lumber. In 1803, George Elkinton had a wharf here. 
About 1814 three brothers named Compton became 
the proprietors. They laid out a town plot, sold lots, 
and built several fine dwelling-houses. After this 
the former name of Mattox's Landing gave way to 
that of Mauricetown, derived from the river, on the 
bank of which it is located. Eattlesnakes formerly 
abounded in the swamps along Maurice River, but at 
the present day few, if any, of these reptiles can be 
found. The following account, published in a news- 
paper about forty years ago, of a den of rattlesnakes 
found near Mauricetown about forty years before that, 
is as interesting as it is extraordinary, and is given as 
published, without vouching for its authenticity: 

" In the early part of summer Mr. Ichabod Compton, father of Mr. S. 
Compton, was attracted by the noise of some crows to a small island in 
a swamp 13'ing contiguous to his farm. While in pursuit of the crows 
he was startled by the sight of a large rattlesnake. He killed this and 
another of the same kind that afternoon, and returning the next day 
he killed seven more, the last of which he found coming out of a hole 
in the ground. This circumstance led to the suspicion that this might be 
the place where the whole battalion had their usual winter-quarters. In 
the winter young Compton, accompanied by two of his brothers, repaired 
to the spot with implements for digging, and after removing about eight 
inches of the turf, or upper surface of the ground, they found immersed 
in three inches of clean water, and lying side bj' side, twenty-eight rattle- 
snakes, one large spotted snake, and four black snakes; and to complete 
this * interesting group' there was at least a peck of spring frogs asso- 
ciated with them. All of these reptiles were in a torpid state. For sev- 
eral years immediately preceding the period above alluded to from ten 
to twelve rattlesnakes had been destroyed annually in the neighborhood. 
It is also stated that several dens of a similar description had been dis- 
covered in the neighborhood of Buckshutum, in all or most of which 
several kinds of snakes, and also frogs, were found grouped together." 

Press in Mauricetown. — A newspaper called the 

Mauiicetown Pilot was started in this place in No- 
vember, 1878, by J. B. Elfreth (now the editor of The 
Transcript, at Millville) and Charles S. Haslett, as an 
independent paper. Mr. Elfreth sold his interest to 
his partner about May, 1880, who continued to pub- 
lish it until Feb. 1, 1882, when its subscription list 
was transferred to the Bridgeton Chronicle, and its 
publication ended. 

Ship-Yard. — The principal business carried on is 
the ship-building yard of Joseph W. Vannarnan & 
Brother, at the foot of South Street. A large number 
of vessels, some of them of large size, for the coasting 
and oyster trade have been built here. A steam saw- 
mill was erected here about ten years ago, owned by 
John C. Weaver and others, and is still in operation. 
A canning establishment was in operation some years 
ago, but not at the present time. 

Business of the Inhabitants. — A large proportion 
of the male inhabitants lead a seafaring life, many of 
whom are captains of large coasting vessels, trading 
among the different ports from Maine to the West 
India Islands, and some of them to South American 
and European ports. These have large and very 
convenient residences, and the town is one of the 
handsomest of the smaller places in the county. 



A post-oflBce was established here May 15, 1820, 
with John Hill as the first postmaster. The present 
incumbent is Emma S. Howell, who was appointed 
Nov. 17, 1870. The population of the town, by the 
census of 1880, was five hundred and seventy-five. 

Haleyville is a small village situated about three- 
quarters of a mile east of the Mauricetown Station on 
the Cumberland and Maurice River Railroad, and 
about one and three-quarter miles west of Maurice- 
town. It is an agricultural community, and contains 
a Methodist Church, around which the village has 
gathered. A post-office, with John W. Bradway as 
postmaster, was established here April 27, 1873. The 
present postmaster is David McElwee, appointed 
Dec. 6, 1880. 

Buckshutum. — The mill-pond on Buckshutum 
Creek was raised and a saw-mill built as early as 1705, 
when it was called Daniel England's saw-mill. He 
did a large amount of business for that early day. 
His name appears in the early court records of Salem 
County a number of times, generally as plaintiff' in 
actions of debt. At a later date it was known as 
Cormack's Mill, and in 1756 as Iszard's Mill, Gabriel 
Iszard, who was one of the early settlers along Mau- 
rice River, probably being the owner. As early as 
1789 the neighborhood was known as Buckshutum, 
and has ever since retained the name. A grist- and 
saw-mill were both in operation until about a dozen 
years ago, when the grist-mill was burned, being then 
owned by Furman L. Mulford, and has never been 
rebuilt. The saw-mill is still in operation. The 
water-power is one of the best in the county. 

Mauricetown Bridge. — In 1867 an act of the Leg- 
islature was obtained chartering the Maurice River 
Bridge Company, for the purpose of building a bridge 
over the river at Mauricetown. The company at 
once proceeded to build a wooden bridge with a 
pivot draw. But it proved a losing investment, and in 
a few years the bridge began to need repairs. They 
offered it to the board of freeholders, and after a law 
was procured authorizing it, the board bought it for 
six thousand dollars. In 1874 they built a new draw 
and renewed the east end of the bridge, and the next 
year the western end was rebuilt. Its location has 
not been satisfactory to the watermen who have had 
occasion to pass through it, the set of the tide being 
such as to render it difficult to pass without injury to 
the bridge or vessel. 

Lore's Grist-Mill. — This mill is of ancient date, 
and was probably erected shortly before 1751, when 
a road was laid out from it to Dividing Creek. It 
was then owned by Hezekiah Lore. It is situated on 
the main branch of Dividing Creek, about half-way 
between the village of Dividing Creek and Haley- 
ville, and just east of the division line between this 
and Downe township. It has remained in the Lore 
family ever since. John Lore owned it in 1796, and 
Ephraim Lore forty years later. His son Ephraim 
inherited it and sold it to Nathaniel Lore, the present 



648 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



owner, over a score of years ago. A saw-mill was 
maintained for many years at the western end of the 
dam, which was allowed to go down nearly forty years 
ago. 

CHUKCHES. 

Haleyville Methodist Episcopal Church.— It is 

not certainly known when a society was formed here, 
but it was probably about 1810. It is not known 
when the first house of worship was erected here, 
but the old house was in existence half a century 
since, and at that time a local preacher named 
Wishart, of Port Elizabeth, labored successfully in 
connection with the circuit preachers who served 
the charge. The old church building was a frame 
structure, with a single centre aisle, an end gallery, 
and a seating capacity of two hundred. It was ceiled 
inside, as was then the custom. In this house the 
congregation worshiped till about 1838, when an ad- 
dition was built to the end opposite the gallery. It 
is remembered that, to prevent the spreading of the 
sides, a chain was stretched across. This house was 
used till the erection of the present church building, 
which is thirty-eight by fifty-five feet in size, and has, 
like the first, an end gallery. 

The pastors who have served this charge, whicli 
was a part of the Cumberland Circuit till 1855, have 
been as follows : 



1862-63. Socrates Townsend. 
lS64-(i5. Levi Khodes. 
1S6G-6S. John McDougiil. 
1869-70. William Stocl;ton. 
1871-73. E. H. Deurell. 
1874-76. James Moore. 



1877-78. Gideon F. Bislinp. 
1879-80. William P. Abbott. 

1881. William II, Burley. 

1882. William 0. Ludlown. 

1883. W. BaUcork. 



1812 


William Smith. 


1836. William Williams. 




Joseph Bennet. 


John McDougal. 


1813 


-14. Daniel Kdler, 


1837. Thomas Christopher. 


1815 


Solomon Sharp. 


Mulford Day. 




Nathan Swinn. 


1838. Thomas Christopher. 


181G 


Solomon Sharp. 


Jacob Seeper. 




Thomas Davis. 


1839-10. Thomas G. Stewart 


1817 


Thomas Neal. 


John F. Crouch. 




Thomas Davis. 


1841. Jacob Loudenslager. 


1818 


Thomas Neal. 


George Jennings. 




John Cl-amer. 


1842. Jacob Loudenslager. 


1819 


Edward Stout. 


George Jennings. 




John Cramer. 


Dr. Perdue. 


1820 


Edward Stout. 


1843. Abraham Gaarhart. 




Daniel Fidlcr. 


Levy Herr. 


1821 


John Finley. 


1844. David Duffield. 




John Collins. 


William R. Rogers. 


1822 


John Finley. 


1845. David Duffield. 




James McClure. 


Joseph Gaskill. 


1823- 


-24. Ed ward Page. 


1846. Thomas Christopher. 




Eliphalet Eeed. 


Joseph Gaskill. 


1825 


-26. William Williams. 


1847. Noah Edwards. 




William Summis. 


S. B. Beagle. 


1827-28. John Woolston. 


Samuel Parker. 




Sedgwick Kuslin. 


1848. James White. 


1829 


Waters Burrows. 


Noah Edwards. 




Joseph Ashbrook. 


1849-50. Joseph Atwood. 


1830 


Waters Burrows. 


J. F. Canfield. 




James Ayers. 


1851. William Brooks. 


1831. 


Joseph Folk. 


Abraham K. Street. 




William H. Stephens. 


1862. William Brooks. 


1832 


Joseph Folk. 


William Walton. 




Nathaniel Chew. 


1853. Edwin Waters. 


1833 


John Henry. 


J. B. Howard. 




Jacob Loudenslager. 


1854. Edwin Watera. 


1834. 


Edward Stout. 


E. 0. Parviu. 




George A. Eeybold. 


IS.'iS. James Vausant. 


1835. 


Nathaniel Chew. 


1856-57. James Chew. 




Mulford Day. 


1858-59. Joseph Summerill. 




George A. Reybold. 


1860-61. S:imnel H. Johnson 



Mauricetown Methodist Episcopal Church.— 
This is an offshoot of the Haleyville society, and from 
the time of its organization till 1881 it was served by 
the same pastors. The date of its organization can- 
not now be learned, but it is known that it was ear- 
lier than 1837. During many years the flock here 
worshiped in the school-house at Mauricetown. In 
1841 a church edifice was erected. It was thirty-eight 
by forty-eight feet in size, with sixteen-feet posts, and 
no gallery. In this building the society worshiped 
during forty years, or till the erection of the present 
church edifice. In 1880 the old house was sold, moved 
away, and converted into a town hall, and the present 
building was erected. It was dedicated in February, 
1881. It is a framed structure, forty by sixty-five 
feet in size, with a basement, in which are a lecture 
and Sunday-school room and class-rooms. The audi- 
torium is of the entire size of the building except the 
vestibule, over which is an end gallery. Its cost was 
seven thousand five hundred dollars, and it was dedi- 
cated free of debt. The present parsonage, on the 
opposite side of the street from the church, was pur- 
chased in 1881, at a cost of sixteen hundred dollars. 

This was made a station in 1881, in which year Rev, 
William P. Abbot was pastor. In 1882 the present] 
pastor. Rev. Samuel C. Chatten, assumed that relation:. 

The class-leaders in this society have been, since] 
1840, Samuel Compton, Samuel Cobb, Samuel P. Lou- ' 
denslager, Joseph Vanneman, James Compton, S. M. 
Ware, and James Bucaloo. The present membership i 
is one hundred and fifty-one. 

Port Norris Methodist" Episcopal Church. 
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Port Norris was-'f 
erected in 1871. There had been class organizations 
many years before, and the members attended largely 
the church at Haleyville. The growing importance 
of Port Norris demanded a church of its own. It 
was dedicated Jan. 17, 1872, by Rev. Thomas Fernley, 
assisted by Presiding Elder Ballard and others. The 
church is a neat structure situated on a large lot, with 
graveyard, near the main street, and is in size sixty 
by forty feet, costing eight thousand dollars. The 
number of regular members is one hundred and 
thirty-two. 

The first minister appointed by Conference was 
Rev. E.J. Lippincott, in March, 1869-70; then Ezra 
B. Lake, 1871; Dickinson Moore, 1872; James E. 
Lake, 1873-74 ; Edwin K. Bacon, 1875 ; John S. Price, 
1876-77 ; C. Rollin Smith, 1878-79 ; C. Wesley Tur- 
rell, 1880 ; Thomas C. Parker, 1881 ; and the present 
pastor, C. S. Lawrence, appointed March 14, 1882, 
and reappointed by Conference for this year. 

A new church building is now being erected upon 
this charge at Middletown, or North Port Norris, on 



TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCIAL. 



649 



the road to Haleyville, for the accommodation of 
those residing in that vicinity. 

Port Iforris Baptist Church. — A large propor- 
tion of the old residents of Port Norris before the 
building of the railroad were of the Baptist faith, 
and were included in the field of the Dividing Creek 
Church. Feeling the need of a place for meetings 
and for Sunday-school, they erected a small school- 
house in the fall of 1856. The pastor would preach 
for them about once a month. After 1870 preaching 
was had every Sunday afternoon. A Sunday-school 
also had been maintained since the building of the 
school-house. A lot was secured for a meeting-house 
in 1873. In 1880 the present house of worship was 
erected, and completed in the following winter. It 
is a neat and well-arranged building, fifty-five feet 
long, with cupola and a bell weighing three hundred 
pounds, and it will seat three hundred and twenty-five 
persons. On the completion of the house a church 
was constituted April 16, 1881, with sixty-three mem- 
bers, all of whom were dismissed for that purpose 
from the Dividing Creek Church. Rev. Matthew M. 
Finch, the pastor of the mother-church, at once be- 
came the pastor of this interest also, and continued 
as such until July 1, 1883, when he resigned, owing 
to the wide extent of his field. Eev. A. W. Hodder 
preached as a supply on the next Sunday, and in 
September of this year became the pastor of the 
church. It now numbers eighty-eight members. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM BRUNYATE. 

The subject of this biographical sketch is the 
grandson of John Brunyate, and the son of Peter and 
Christiana Brunyate, and was born May 29, 1834, at 
West Haddlesey, Yorkshire, England. His father, 
whose occupations were those of a farmer, married 
the daughter of William Bervers, a hotel-keeper and 
farmer at Killington, Yorkshire, England. 

Their family consisted of seven sons and two 
daughters, Ann Mary, who married Thomas Holmes, 
of Haddlesey, England, and died in 1862, and Eliz- 
abeth B. Their son John is a cattle-raiser at Port 
Natal, Africa; Peter is a minister of the Methodist 
Church and a merchant in Derbyshire, England ; 
Wesley is a clergyman of distinction in the Method- 
ist Church, residing in Halifax, England; Fletcher 
is an iron merchant in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia ; 
Samuel is a merchant at Skipton, England; and 
Edwin E. is a clergyman of the Methodist Church, 
residing at Seaville, N. J., who first removed to Hal- 
ifax, Nova Scotia, joining that Conference in 1872 or 
1873, and married Miss Eliza, daughter of Rev. James 
England, of the same Conference. He emigrated to 
the United States in 1881, with his family, and be- 
came a member of the New Jersey Conference. 



William, whose life is here briefly sketched, was 
born at West Haddlesey, Yorkshire, England, May 
29, 1834, and attended the school in his native village 
until ten years of age, when he became a pupil of the 
Methodist training-school at Wakefield, England, 
and remained four and a half years, when, at the age 
of fifteen, he was apprenticed to Tlionuis Routledge, 




a merchant, of Pontefi-act, England. At tlie expira- 
tion of his fifth year he became assistant at the 
grocery establishment of John Lee Smith & Co., of 
Hull, in the same county. In 1855 he entered the 
"wholesale house of Adam Oldroyd, of Huddersfield, 
as an assistant, and remained two years, after which 
a year was spent at home. In 1859 he repaired again 
to Pontefract as manager of the branch house of 
John Wilton. Early during the year 1861, Mr. 
Brunyate determined to emigrate to America, and 
having spent a brief time in Philadelphia, engaged 
as an employe of the government at Washington, 
D. C, when he was assigned to tlie commissary de- 
partment, and ordered to Acquia Creek, Va. He was 
for three years thus occupied in the various depart- 
ments, after which he became identified with the 
water as a sailor or in the oyster business. He did 
not, however, meet with success in his commercial 
ventures, and in 1872 entered the employ of John A. 
English, the most extensive oyster dealer in Phila- 
delphia, as a laborer. This gentleman, who was not 
slow to discover his thorough business training, nor 
to appreciate his energy and integrity, gave him 
charge of the shipping department, and subsequently 



650 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



advanced him to the position of buyer, which he at 
present fills. He gradually regained liis financial 
status, became a successful business man, and is now 
interested in a number of vessels, and extensively 
engaged in the oyster business, while still holding 
his position with Mr. English. In politics he is a 
Republican, though not an active partisan. He is 
an attendant upon the services of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, as are also his family. He is a 
member of the Masonic Order, of the Independent 
Order of Odd-Fellows, Knights of Birmingham, and 
Improved Order of Red Men. 

Mr. Brunyate was married to Miss Rebecca Fithian, 
born March 5, 1840, daughter of Rev. Samuel Law- 
rence, late of Lewiston, Pa., a Presbyterian clergy- 
man, born in Pliiladelpliia, Dec. 28, 1795, and mar- 
ried, Jan. 3, 1825, to Sarah Dare Fithian, boru May 
10, 1807, and daughter of Samuel Fithian. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brunyate have one daughter, Ella Dowdney, 
who is now in lier sixth year. 



CHARLES COMPTON. 
The Compton family trace their descent from Eng- 
lish ancestry. Ichabod, the grandfather of Charles, 
removed from Monmouth County, N. J., to Cumber- 
land County, and settled in Downe (now Commercial) 
township. To his wife Anne were born children, — 



E., born April i, 1817 ; and Daniel B., born March 
19, 1822. 

Mr. Compton followed a seafaring life and also en- 
gaged in farming and lumbering. His death occurred 
Jan. 19, 1833, aged fifty-one years. His son Charles 
spent his early years in Mauricetown, the scene of 
his birth, and enjoyed such advantages of instruction 
as the schools of the day afforded, after which he en- 
gaged in farming occupations in Commercial town- 
ship. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of 
Jonathan Lore, of Maurice River township, whose 
birth occurred April 16, 1813. Mrs. Compton's great- 
grandfather was Hezekiah Lore, who died June 19, 
1770, aged seventy-three years. David, his son, grand- 
father of Mrs. Compton, was born about the year 
1740, and died Oct. 16, 1798, aged fifty-eight years. 
His son Jonathan was born in 1784, and died Oct. 31, 
1858, having been the father of seven children. A 
view of the homestead, the residence of the family for 
six generations, and built by David Lore, is shown 
herewith. To Mr. and Mrs. Compton were born 
children,— Mary, on Sept. 9, 1838 (Mrs. Daniel Sharp, 
deceased) ; Emma, Nov. 1, 1840 (Mrs. Edward Comp- 
ton) ; Milton, Jan. 9, 1843, who died in infancy; Ros- 
coe, March 11, 1844; Milton (2d), June 1, 1846, who 
also died in infancy ; Anna Ceola, Nov. 9, 1847 ; 
Charles C. and William (twins), March 23, 1851. 
Mr. Comiiton, though engaged in farming during his 




OLD HUMhloTiiAU OF HKZEKIAII, D.WID, 
Commerciiil To\vn5lii[>, Cu 

William, James, Gilbert, Ichabod, John, Samuel, 
David, Betsey (Mrs. Peter Ladue), and Lucy (Mrs. 
Charles Bacon). Mr. Compton was both a farmer and 
an active business man. His son Ichabod was born 
Jan. 9, 1782, and spent his boyhood in Mauricetown 
and the vicinity. He passed through vicissitudes of 
a peculiar character in early life, having been cap- 
tured during the war of 1812 and taken to Halifax, 
where he was imprisoned and detaiinj.l until paroled. 
He married Mary Buzby, who was born in March, 
1790, and had children,— Azel, bn)rii Feb. 26, 1808; 
Sarah, whose birth occurred Sept. 26, 1809; Charles, 
born Aug. 3, 1812; Jose;-)>^ iinrn \;iril 7,1815; George 



AND .JONATHAN LOEB, ERECTED 1760. 
nilierlHinl County, N. J. 

lifetime, was also interested in other business ventures, 
having been largely active in lumber dealing and in 
the cutting and transporting of wood. His judgment 
in matters of business was excellent, and contributed 
greatly to his success. His personal integrity and 
solidity of character gave him a commanding influ- 
ence in his township, while his conservative opinions 
and ability as a financier caused him to be identified 
with the settlement of many estates. He was in early 
life much interested in public affairs,, and for succes- 
sive terms freeholder of Downe township. When 
frequently importuned to fill other positions he in- 
variably declined. Mr. Compton was a supporter of 




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I 



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^ ^3cc^^^^^^ <4{>;«^«^-c<».^*fc«JX/ 




( 



^g^<J^ 




( 



TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCIAL. 



651 



-the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mauricetown. 
His death occurred Oct. 17, 1854, in the midst of a 
career of usefulness, in his forty-third year. 



CAPT. J. BURTOJS^ DAVIDSON. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of Joseph and 
Mary Davidson, and was born May 20, 1847, near 
Daysboro, Sussex Co., Del., where his father culti- 
vated a farm. His advantages of education were 
limited to the instruction received at the common 
school of the vicinity, after which the lad rendered 
substantial assistance to his father upon the farm. A 
more independent career presented itself as a sailor, 
and the year 1863 found him filling the subordinate 
offices on board a vessel. From this position he 
steadily rose and became in 1874 master of a three- 
masted schooner. Later he acquired an interest in the 
bark " Eliza J. McMannery," of which he was master. 
This he disposed of in 1880, and bought a portion of 
the schooner " Agnes R. Bacon," which was retained 
until 1883, when he became part owner of the 
schooner " William B. Wood," of which he is at 
present master, the last two vessels having been built 
and sailed by Capt. B. F. Haley. Capt. Davidson 
has during liis seafaring life been exceptionally for- 
tunate, never having met with an accident worthy of 
mention. He married Miss AUie H., daughter of 
Capt. Haley, above mentioned. Their only child is 
a daughter, Susie H. 



CAPT. B. F. HALEY. 

Capt. Haley is the son of Asa and Mary Haley, the 
former of whom was reared as a farmer, which pur- 
suit was continued until his twentieth year, when, 
desiring a more exciting and active life, he became a 
mariner. He, in 1842, secured an interest in a small 
ves.sel, which was disposed of in 1847, with the inten- 
tion of resuming his former occupation as a farmer, 
when he purcliased a farm at " Ewing's Neck," and 
resided upon it for six years. He then sold this land, 
and bought a vessel named the " Sarah C. Engle," 
which was sailed by him for one year, when he built 
the schooner "Mary Haley," and sailed her until 
1859. His retirement occurred the same year, and 
his death in 1880. His son, the subject of this sketch, 
was born June 16, 1834, and remained with his father 
upon the farm until his eighteenth year, but finding 
a seafaring life more congenial adopted it, and ac- 
cepted an humble position on a vessel engaged in the 
coasting trade. In 1864 he had risen to the position 
of captain, and has since been interested in the con- 
struction and ownership of several vessels. He has 
just completed a finely-built and equipped schooner, 
christened the " Susie H. Davidson." His education 



was limited to the rudiments taught at the common 
school near his home, and the science of navigation 
acquired more from experience than from study. 
Capt. Haley married Miss Susan P., daughter of Jo- 
seph Corson. Their children ai-e Charles C, who 
died in 1873, and Allie H., who married Capt. J. 
Burton Davidson, whose only child is Susie H. 



CAPT. JOHN SHARP. 

Facts regarding the earlier representatives of the 
Sharp family will be found elsewhere in this volume. 
John Sharp, the grandfather of the subject of this 
biographical sketch, was a resident of Cumberland 
County, and there engaged in business pursuits. His 
son Imly married Abigail Haley, and had children, 
— John, Samuel, Charles, Alfred, Elizabeth, Abbie, 
and Caroline. 

Imly Sharp was an enterprising business man, and 
engaged largely in the cutting and shipping of wood, 
which afforded employment to a great number of 
laborers. His son John was born Feb. 21, 1819, and 
died on the 5th of the same month, 1873, in his fifty- 
fourth year. His youth was spent at Haleyville and 
Silver Run, where for a brief period he enjoyed the 
advantages of the common schools. He was at the 
age of ten years deprived of the protection and care 
of his father, and, having thus early been made by 
the force of circumstances the architect of his own 
fortune, began a career of labor as a woodchopper. 
Soon after he engaged as cook on a sloop, and from 
this position steadily advanced until he became mas- 
ter of the vessel. From that date he continued to 
follow a sailor's life, and eventually became owner of 
several vessels. He studied and became proficient in 
the science of navigation, and was regarded as one of 
the most skillful navigators on the coast which he 
frequented, his point of destination usually being the 
Southern ports, or the islands of the West Indies. 
Some years prior to his death, Caf)t. Sharp purchased 
a farm near Mauricetown, and on retiring from the 
water spent the remainder of his life in agricultural 
employments. He, however, still contiuued to inter- 
est himself in the building and equipment of vessels, 
and engaged in this as in other business pursuits, hav- 
ing, in company with George Burdsel, constructed the 
bridge at Mauricetown. He was favorably known as a 
gentleman of intelligence, of excellent busine.ss ca- 
pacity, and of strict integrity. He was in no sense a 
politician, nor an aspirant for office, though evincing 
always as a Whig, and later as a Republican, a desire for 
the success of his party. Capt. Sharp was married, in 
1839, to Vashti Corson, of Mauricetown, whose birth 
occurred June 5, 1817. Their children are Priscilla 
(Mrs. Henry Moore), Imly, Ann P. (Mrs. William 
Compton), Joseph C, Abigail H., Albert, Alice (Mrs. 
M. R. Spear), and Harriet (Mrs. John Mayhew), John 
R., and Alfred, all of whom are still living. 



( 



652 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XCIV. 
TOWNSHIP OF DEERFIELD. 

Organization and Description. — This was one of 
the original six townships into which the county was 
divided by the act of the Legislature creating the 
county. It is bounded on the northeast by Pitts- 
grove, Salem Co., on the northwest by Upper AUo- 
ways Creek, Salem Co., on the west by Hopewell 
township, and on the south by the city of Bridgeton. 
The First and Second Wards of the city of Bridge- 
ton were a part of it until 1845, when they were set 
off as the township of Bridgeton. Its early settle- 
ment has been already given, and its history is inter- 
woven with that of Bridgeton, the county-seat and 
chief place in the township. 

Villages and Hamlets. — Deerfield, Cedar Grove, 
and Eosenhayn are the only villages in the township, 
and Finley's and Woodruff are post-offices at rail- 
road stations. The population of the township is 
engaged almost exclusively in agricultural pursuits. 

Deerfield. — The village of Deerfield, or Deerfield 
Street, as the post-office is called, is six miles north 
of Bridgeton, and is built upon both sides of the 
Bridgeton and Deerfield turnpike. The early inhab- 
itants were Presbyterians, who came mostly from 
Fairfield and established the church of that denomi- 
nation in the village, an account of which is else- 
where given. The village contains about fifty dwell- 
ings, and had a population in 1880 of one hundred 
and eighty-one. Besides the Presbyterian Church, 
it also contains a Methodist Church, built in 1868. 
A hotel has been kept in this place for many years, 
but is now empty. A post-office was established 
here Jan. 1, 1803, with John Dare as postmaster. 
Edward O. Leake holds the office now, having been 
appointed July 13, 1851. 

Cedar Grove is a village of about fifty inhabitants, 
situated at the mills now called by that name, on the 
east side of the Cohansey, four miles north of Bridge- 
ton. 

Rosenhayn is a small village in the southeastern 
end of the township, which was planned and laid out 
by Joseph W. Morton after the close of the Rebellion. 
Mr. Morton sold some of the lots, and a few houses 
were built, but he was not able to make it a rival of 
Vineland, which had secured a few years' start, and 
after which Rosenhayn was planned. The settlement 
contains fifteen or twenty houses, and about seventy- 
five inhabitants, engaged in agricultural pursuits. A 
post-office was established Jan. 20, 1870, and Irving 
E. Burdick was appointed postmaster. The present 
postmaster is William J. Purves, who was appointed 
May 8, 1882. 

Finley's Station, on the West Jersey Railroad, 
about three and a half miles from Bridgeton, was 
made a post-office Aug. 19, 1867, with Jesse Finley 
(after whom the station was first named) as postmaster. 



The present incumbent is Charles Weber, appointed 
March 14, 1883. 

Woodruff is a station on the New Jersey Southern 
Railroad, about the same distance from Bridgeton, 
and about a mile southeast of Finley's. A post-office 
was established there May 10, 1882, with John S. 
Woodruff as postmaster, who still holds the office. 

Husted's Station, on the West Jersey Railroad, 
seven miles north of Bridgeton, and close to the Salem 
County line, is the station for Deerfield village and 
Centreton, Salem Co. 

MILLS. 

Cedar Grove Mills. — The pond which furnishes 
the water-power to the grist-mill at Cedar Grove is on 
the main stream of the Cohansey. The pond on 
which is the saw-mill is a branch of the Cohansey, 
which empties into it below the grist-mill pond. They 
were erected early in the last century, and in 1748 
were owned by Jonathan Fithian. In 1752, Joseph 
Golden was the proprietor, and remained the owner 
until after 1757. Ephraim Seeley (2d) bought the 
projierty of John and Joseph Golden and died in 
1774, and by his will left the grist-mill and saw-mill 
to his son Josiah. At that time a new grist-mill was 
partly completed, with two runs of stones. His son 
Josiah owned both of the mills until his death, in 
1832, and left them to his heirs, by whom they were 
sold. William Null afterwards owned them, from 
whom the vicinity was long known as Null's Mill. 
The grist-mill became the property of Arthur Davis i 
& Co., and finally of Robert Ware, the present owner. 
James Hand owned the saw-mill in 1862, and Benja- 
min M.Welsh in 1876, and afterwards sold it to Abijah 
Hand, who now operates it. The mill property at 
Cedar Grove is of great value, owing to its proximity 
to the well-settled portions of Hopewell and Deerfield 
townships. 

George Davis' Grist-Mill. — -This mill is situated 
on Loper's Run, about a mile south of Cedar Grove 
Mills. At the beginning of this century it was owned 
by Daniel Moore. Samuel Rommel owned it for a 
long while, and it was called after him. Upon the 
failure of Mr. Rommel and the sale of the mill prop- 
erty it passed into the possession of George Davis, 
the present owner. He had just completed a thorough 
repair of the building and machinery, and was ready 
to resume business on the next day, when, on the night 
of Oct. 29, 1883, it caught fire in some unknown way 
and was burned. 

Harris' Grist-Mill. — The mill-pond on the upper 
part of the Cohansey, near the county line, about two 
miles northwest of Deerfield, had been erected before 
the Revolution, and at tliat time was owned by Joseph 
Sneathen. It remained in the Sneathen family for 
many years, and passed to its present owner, A. D. 
Harris, about a quarter of a century ago. He removed 
the mill from its old position near the pond to a new 
location about a quarter of a mile below, and dug a 
race-wav to bring down the water. 



TOWNSHIP OP DBERFIELD. 



653 



Chosen Freeholders,—' 

of freeholders from this 
follows : 

1748. Edward Liimiuas. 

Matthew Parviu. 
1749-50. Edwavd Lummas. 

Henry Seeley. 
1751-54. Matthew Parrin. 

Alexander Moore. 
1755-56. Alexander Moore. 

Daniel Ogden. 
1757. Alexander Moore. 
175S. Ephraim Seeley. 

Daniel Ogden. 
1759. Ephraim Seeley. 
1760-63. Alexander Moore. 

Daniel Ogden. 
1764. Alexander Moore. 

Arthur Davis. 
1765-67. Alexander Moore. 

John Dare. 
1768. Noali Harris. 
1769-70. Noah Harris. 

John Dare. 

1771. . 

1772. Alexander Moore. 

Nathan Leek. 
1773-74. Noah Harris. 

Enos Seeley. 

1775. John Buclf. 
John Westcott. 

1776. Noah Harris. 
Enos Seeley. 

1777-78. Enos Seeley. 

Recompence Leako. 
1779-80. Marl! Kiley. 

1781. John Buck. 
John Dare. 

1782. John Dare. 
1783-84. Daniel Ogden. 
1785-88. David Moore. 

William Garrison. 
1789. William Garrison. 
1790-91. William Garrison. 

David Moore. 
1792. Ephraim Seeley. 
179^-97. Ephraim Seeley. 

David Moore. 

1798. Ephraim Seeley. 
Zachariah Lawrence (died). 
David Moore.i 

1799. David Moore. 
Enos Johnson. 

1800. Enos Johnson. 
Dan Bowen. 

lSOl-3. David Moore. 

James Burch. 
1804. Ebenezer Seeley. 

Dr. John Garrison. 
1805-6. Ebenezer Seeley. 

Jonathan Moore. 

1807. Ebenezer Seeley. 
Dr. Benjamin Champneys. 

1808. Ebenezer Seeley. 

1809. Ebenezer Seeley. 
Jonathan Moore. 

1810. Jonathan Moore. 
Dr. Azel Pierson. 

lSU-12. Dr. Ebenezer Elmer. 
Dr. Azel Pierson. 

1813. Dr. Ebenezer Elmer. 
Samuel Seeley. 

1814. Samuel Seeley. 
David 0. Garrison. 



The members of the board 
township have been as 

1815. Abijah Harris. 
Garrison Maul. 

1816. Samuel Seeley. 
George Sender. 

1817-18. Samuel Seeley. 
Dayton Kiley. 

1819. James Clark. 
Thomas WoodrufT. 

1820. James Clark. 
Samuel Seeley. 

1821. Samuel Seeley. 
Ephraim Buck. 

1822. Smith Bowen. 
George Sender. 

1823-26. Samuel Seeley. 

Enoch H. More. 
1827-28. Ephraim Buck. 

George Sonder. 

1829. George Souder. 
William Bevan. 

1830. Samuel Seeley. 
William Bevan. 

1831-33. James Hood, Jr. 

George Souder. 
1834. James Hood, Jr. 

Joel Moore, Jr. 
1835-36. Lewis Woodruff. 

Samuel W. Seeley. 

1837. Samuel Seeley. 
Henry T. Ellet. 

1838. Samuel W. Seeley. 
Daniel Elmer. 

1839-40. Lewis Woodruff. 
Jeremiah Stull. 

1841. Samuel W. Seeley. 
Jeremiah Parvin. 

1842. Samuel W. Seeley. 
Lewis Woodruff. 

1843. James M. Newell. 
James P. Powers. 

1844. Ephraim E. Sheppard. 
James M. Newell. 
Daniel Garrison. 
Samuel Barker. 
William Null. 
Lewis Woodruff. 
William Null. 
William Parvin. 

1848. William Null. 
Lewis Woodruff. 

1849. Daniel Garrison. 
Lewis Woodruff. 

1850. Jeremiah J. Hitchner. 
Lewis Woodruff. 
Jeremiah J. Hitchner. 
William Null. 
William Null. 
Lewis Woodruff. 

1853. John Hepner. 
Alfred Davis. 

1854. Lewis Woodruff. 
Lewis Garrison. 

1855. Lucius Moore. 
William Laning. 
Lucius Moore. 
Lewis Garrison. 
Lewis Woodruff. 
Enoch Garrison. 
Lewis Woodruff. 
Jeremiah Carll. 
Lewis Garrison. 



1845. 



1846. 



1847. 



1851. 



1852. 



1856. 



1857. 



1868. 



1859. John S. Lewallen. 
1860-61. Lewis Garrison. 

Alfred Davis. 
1862-63. Lewis Woodruff, 

Lewis Garrison. 
1864. Charles Laning. 

James Hand. 
1866. James Hand. 

Lewis Garrison. 
1866-67. Dr. Charles C. Philips. 

Lewis Garrison. 
1808. Dr. Charles C. Philips. 

Samuel M. Fox. 
1869-72. Dr. Chartes C. Philips. 

John S. Woodruff. 



1873. Dr. Charies C. Philips. 
Henry Ott. 

1874. Dr. Charles C. Philips. 
Samuel M. Fox. 

1875. Samuel M. Fox. 
Henry Ott. 

1876. Samuel M. Fox. 
John H. Avis. 

1877. Michael Vanlior. 
John H. Avis. 

1878. John H. Avis. 
William G. Garrison. 

1879. John H. Avis. 
1880-82. Cliaries Barker. 
1883. William M. Ott. 



1859. 



1 From Sept. 8, 1798. 



CHURCHES. 

Deerfield Presbyterian Church. — A number of 
Presbyterian families settled in Deerfield about the 
year 1732. These families came from New England 
and Long Island, by way of Fairfield. The names 
that appear among the earliest in the records of the 
church are Leake, Foster, Davis, More, Garrison. 
They formed themselves into a congregation and 
worshiped in a school-house that stood on the eastern 
side of the road opposite the old graveyard. 

About 1737 was erected the original Deerfield 
Church, a log house, standing south of the present 
building. The place where it stood has long since 
been filled with graves. The log church stood until 
1771, when the present building was erected. In the 
original humble temple men of great distinction at 
different times preached, as Edwards, Blair, Gilbert, 
Tennant, and Finley, and it is very probable that 
Whitefield did not pass Deerfield by, for it is known 
that he traveled through this region in the spring and 
fall of 1740, and preached at Pittsgrove, Greenwich, 
and Salem. Thus was prepared the way for the in- 
stallation of the first pastor. The Rev. Andrew Hun- 
ter was ordained and installed their pastor Sept. 4, 
1746. He was also pastor of Greenwich Church, 
and the two constituted one church, but for conve- 
nience worshiped in two places. Mr. Hunter gave 
up Deerfield in 1760, and from this time these churches 
became two distinct organizations. 

In 1764 came Rev. Simon Williams, of whose pas^ 
torate no record is preserved. He only stayed about 
two years. A single incident in his career is interest- 
ing and quite apropos. On one occasion he rode up 
to a certain house in his parish, and approaching the 
lady of the house, remarked, " Madame, I have se- 
lected your funeral text ;" and in reply to her inquiry, 
" What is it?" he answered, " You will find it in Acts 
ix. 31 : ' Then had the church rest.' " The Rev. R. 
Hamill Davis, in his very valuable and interesting 
history of the Deerfield Church, from which the prin- 
cipal facts in this sketch are obtained, observes, "The 
sin of which that woman was guilty has unsettled 
more pastors than all other causes combined." 

The Rev. Enoch Green was installed pastor June 
9, 1767. He was a man of superior learning and in- 
tellect. During his time the present church building, 
or rather the building of which it is the enlargement, 



654 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



was erected in 1771. It might be noted here that in 
1871, just a century from the laying of the corner- 
stone of the present church edifice, centennial exer- 
cises were held in the church, on which occasion Mr. 
Davis delivered his historical discourse, since pub- 
lished, and which we have alluded to. The occasion 
brought together from all directions a large concourse 
of people. Mr. Green was the first pastor who occu- 
pied a parsonage in Deerfield. In the old brick par- 
sonage, which stood nearer the stream than the 
present building, upwards of one hundred years ago, 
he sustained a successful and somewhat celebrated 
classical school, where a considerable number of 
young men received a good education, some of whom 
attained positions of eminence. 

He remained pastor of the church more than nine 
years. He died at the beginning of the Revolution- 
ary war, Dec. 2, 1776, and is buried beneath the 
church. The Rev. John Brainerd, brother to Rev. 
David Brainerd, and his successor as missionary to 
the Indians, took charge of the church in 1777. 
After a brief and very useful pastorate of four years 
he died, and was buried, like his predecessor, beneath 
the church. 

In 1783, the church in the mean time being fur- 
nished with supplies, the Rev. Simeon Hyde was or- 
dained and installed, but in six weeks he died. On 
June 20, 1786, Rev. William Pickles, an Englishman, 
an eloquent man, but of loose character and danger- 
ous doctrines, was installed. He was dismissed in a 
summary and somewhat irregular method, but the 
Session was determined that he should never enter 
the pulpit again. For a long period following the 
dismissal of Pickles, in November, 1787, the pulpit 
was supplied by Dr. Robert Smith, Messrs. Law, Fai- 
toute, Foster, and Cowles, and perhaps others. It 
was not until the year 1810 that the church was in- 
corporated, and the names of the first trustees ap- 
pointed were Josiah Seeley, Samuel Thompson, Jere- 
miah Parvin, Jonathan Smith, and David O. Garrison. 
The Rev. John Davenport, a native of Freehold and 
a graduate of Princeton College, was installed pastor 
at Deerfield, Aug. 12, 1795. He was an able and ex- 
cellent man. He was dismissed on account of feeble 
health, Oct. 16, 1805. The church was without a 
pastor until Oct. 20, 1808, when the Rev. Nathaniel 
Reeve was installed. Mr. Reeve was dismissed at his 
own request April 17, 1817, and the church remained 
without a pastor until the installation of the Rev. 
Francis S. Balleutine, June 22, 1819. He was dis- 
missed from this charge at an adjourned meeting of 
the Presbytery of Philadelphia, held June 8, 1824. 
It was during his ministry that the present parsonage 
building was erected. During his time also the first 
Sabbath-school was organized within the bounds of 
the congregation. The school at Deerfield was or- 
ganized March 29, 1820, and the one at West Branch 
April 30th of the same year. 

On the 27th of April, 1826, the Rev. Alexander 



McFarland was ordained and installed pastor. After 
a pastorate of four years, Mr. McFarland was called 
to a professorship in Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. 
He is said to have been a fine scholar. After him the 
Rev. John Burt supplied the pulpit for four months. 
He went from Deerfield to edit The Presbyterian, and 
was afterwards settled at Black woodtown. He died 
a few years ago at Salem, which he had made his res- 
idence. The Rev. G. D. McCuen was installed pas- 
tor Nov. 9, 1831. He was pastor for five years. The 
last three ministers were natives of Scotland. The 
Rev. Benjamin Tyler, of a Greenwich family, was or- 
dained and installed Oct. 18, 1837. On account of 
failing health Mr. Tyler was obliged to seek a disso- 
lution of the pastoral relation, Feb. 19, 1842, and re- 
tired to his father's farm in Greenwich, where he died. 
His widow survives him, now residing in Bridgeton. 
The Rev. Jacob W. E. Kerr was installed pastor Aug. 
16, 1842. The pastoral relation was dissolved at a 
meeting of the Presbytery, held at Bridgeton, May 1, 
1855. During Mr. Kerr's pastorate ninety-seven were 
received into the church. Elder Ludlam Dare died 
Sept. 4, 1847. In December, 1847, Samuel Barker 
and Jeremiah Parvin were ordained as ruling elders, 
but that very month Mr. Barker died, and in February 
Mr. Parvin followed. In 1854, Mr. Elijah D. Riley 
died, after a faithful service of thirty-one years in the 
eldership. The Rev. Thomas W. Cattell was installed 
pastor Oct. 9, 1855. During his pastorate the church 
was enlarged to its present size. The corner-stone 
was laid with appropriate ceremonies Aug. 25, 1858. 
The first service was held in the enlarged church 
March 9, 1859. Feb. 9, 1860, the pastoral relation 
was dissolved, and in August of that year Rev. R. 
Hamill Davis came as a supply. On Tuesday, June 4, 
1861, he was ordained and installed pastor. After a 
long and successful pastorate, he was succeeded by 
the Rev. William H. Dinsmore, who was installed 
March 5, 1876. He died May 26, 1877, in the forty- 
fourth year of his age. His remains were taken to 
Phillipsburg, N. J. He was succeeded by Rev. E. P. 
Heberton, who was followed by the present pastor, 
Rev. J. D. Hunter, who resigned Sunday, the 4th of 
November, 1883, his resignation to take eflfect in two 
weeks. He has been pastor just three years. 

Pleasant Grove Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Woodruff. — Early in the present century several 
Presbyterians in the vicinity of what is now known 
as Woodruff" became Methodists and formed a class. 
The meetings were at first held in a school-house on 
the Deerfield road, one-fourth of a mile north from 
the present church. Preston Stratton was the first 
class-leader. This class, in its best days, had about 
twentj' members. When Preston Stratton left his 
place was supplied by Joel Harris, but he also moved 
away, and the class went down, the members joining 
another class in Broad Neck. Preaching was resumed 
in 1823, and a new class, of which the late Judge 
Lewis Woodruff' was the leader, was formed. In 



TOWNSHIP OP DEERFIELD. 



655 



1830 a house was built, to be used as a school-house 
as well as for preaching, and regular services were 
held in it. In 1835 this house was blown down in a 
severe storm of wind, but was rebuilt, and afterward 
moved away. 

In 1840 a church building was erected, near where 
the present church stands. It was a plain wooden 
structure, twenty-four by thirty-six feet in size, and 
its cost was six hundred dollars. In this the society 
' worshiped till the erection of the present church at 
Woodruff. The lot on which this stands includes 
five acres, and it was donated by Thomas G. Wood- 
ruff and the other heirs of the Woodruff estate. A 
portion of it is used as a cemetery. 

The stones (in the ground) for the foundation of 
the church were donated by James Stiles, of Bridge- 
ton. They were dug and carted, and the foundation 
was laid by J. A. Cann, J. S. Woodruff, R. S. Wood- 
ruflf, Abel S. Garton, and othei-s. The building com- 
mittee consisted of J. A. Cann, J. S. Woodrufi', David 
Adcocb, Abel S. Garton, E. S. Woodruff, and George 
G. Garrison. The corner-stone was laid July 8, 1869, 
and the house was dedicated Jan. 20, 1870. It is a 
tasteful wooden structure, with a seating capacity of 
four hundred and fifty. The church property is 
valued at seven thousand dollars. 

The old church building was sold, removed, and 
fitted up for a school-house. 

This has never been a station, but at different times 
has been on different circuits or attached to stations. 
At present the same pastor serves this and a small 
charge at Eosenhayn. 

Among the preachers who have served this society 
the names are remembered of Eevs. John F. Crouch, 
Thomas Stewart, Edward Stout, William Williams, 
John McDougal, Thomas Christopher, George A. 
Eeybold, Jonas Chew, Osborn Downs, Nathaniel 
Chew, James White, Samuel F. Wheeler, Albert 
Matthews, Matthias H. Shimp, .lacob Loudenslager, 
George Jennings, William Eodgers, Samuel Parker, 

Beegle, Joseph A. Cann, Charles F. Garrison, 

Albert Tidwell, G. Wesley Moore, F. S. Chubbuck, 
W. H. Burley, and T. N. Given. 

The present membership is seventy. The church 
has no debt. 

The trustees are Enoch Garrison, Eobert S. Wood- 
ruff, John S. Woodruff", Abel S. Garton, andJ3amuel 
Stevens. 

The class-leaders are Enoch Garrison, Charles 
Nichols, and George Carnian. 

At Eosenhayn is a branch of this society, consist- 
ing of about twenty, with Henry Dare as class-leader. 
It has been an appointment about ten years. Its 
place of meeting is a school-house. 

DeerfieldMethodist Episcopal Church,— Through 
the instrumentality of Sarah E. Cole, Euth Danzen- 
baker, and a few others, Methodist preaching was first 
regularly had, in the hall at Deerfield, in 1867. A 
revival soon followed, the result of which was the for- 



mation of a church, consisting of eleven members 
and seventy-two probationers. An acre of ground 
was presented to the society by Henry Danzenbaker 
for the site of a church, and an acre more was pur- 
chased. During 1868 a church was erected on this 
site, at a cost of four thousand dollars, which was 
dedicated Nov. 12, 1868. 

The pastors of this church up to 1872 were also pas- 
tors of Pleasant Grove Church, and since that time 
they have had the services of a pastor in connection 
with the Nazareth Church at Watson's Corners, Salem 
Co. The pastors who have served this church are : 
1868-69, J. A. Cann; 1870-71, Charles F. Garrison; 
1873-74, Albert Matthews; 1875-76, ShuylerT.Eequa; 
1877, Peter Provost ; 1878-80, William Margerum ; 
1881, J. E. Willey; 1882, Phineas G. Euckman ; 
1883, W. A. Allen. The entire church property is 
valued at seven thousand dollars, and they have no 
debt. 

Friendship Methodist Protestant Church,' four 
miles northeast from Bridgeton, was organized about 
1832. Among the prominent early members were 
Uriah Brooks and wife. Lot Cornell and wife, Jona- 
than Garton and wife, Mrs. Dorcas Joslyn, Mrs. Mary 
Garton, and Mrs. Hannah Chew. 

The society first worshiped during several years in 
a school-house, but about 1840 a cluirch edifice was 
erected. It was a frame structure, twenty-six by 
thirty-six feet in size. About 1850 this was en- 
larged by the addition of a vestibule. In this house 
the society worshiped till 1881, when the erection of 
a new church on the same site was commenced. It 
was completed and dedicated in November, 1882. 
This is a tasteful wooden structure, with a seating 
capacity of four hundred. The seats are arranged in 
modern style, and it has an end gallery for the choir. 

The following names are remembered of preachers 
who have served this society: Eevs. William Smith, 
James Lane, Dr. Wallace, Thomas Calhaner, Henry 
Watson, John Watson, Alfred Pierce, T. T. Heist, 
Joseph Brockbank, George Fisher, and C. S. Powel- 
son. 

Nathan Leake. — Nathan Leake, son of Eecom- 
pence, married for his first wife a Miss Brick, and had 
two children. He was a man of property and conse- 
quence in his day, and lived in a house still standing 
in Deerfield. 

Nathan Leake (2d) was born in 1770, married Euth 
Garrison, moved to Millville, and resided there until 
his death, in 1836. He was, though not a man of 
more than ordinary capacity, an influential and re- 
spectable citizen and magistrate. He took the side 
of the Democrats in politics, and in 1815, '16, '20, 
'24 was elected a member of the Legislature. Quite 
a number of the Leakes have from time to time emi- 
grated to the Western States, some of whom have 
attained to elevated positions there. 

1 Information furnished by George Fox. 



656 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



David Mooue was born in Cumberland County, 
in the year 1747, and was the son of Samuel Moore, 
whose father, it is believed, was of the Scotch-Irish 
stock. 

Samuel Moore had three sons and two daughters, 
viz.: Samuel, born in 1743, was in the army under 
Lord Amherst, in Canada, in the year 1760, came 
home in December of that year, was taken ill with 
the smallpox, and died ; David ; Israel, who was 
taken prisoner by the British in 1780, and died on 
board the prison-ship at New York ; Elizabeth, who 
died in 1775; Hope, who married William Shute, 
and was the mother of David Shute, who taught sev- 
eral years in the Bridgeton Academy, and of Dr. 
Samuel Moore Shute, a lieutenant in the Continental 
army during the war of the Revolution, and after- 
wards a well-known physician in Bridgeton until his 
death in 181(5. 

David Moore married Lydia Richman about the 
year 1771. In the latter part of the year 1776 two 
companies of New Jersey State Artillery were organ- 
ized, the western company commanded first by Sam- 
uel Hugg, and afterward by John Westcott, and in 
this Moore was a lieutenant. It was attached to the 
Continental army, and formed a part of the forces at 
the battle of the Brandywine, under Wayne at Paoli, 
and then at the battle of Germantown. At this last 
engagement he was wounded by a grape-shot and 
obliged to return to his family. He recovered and 
was at the battle of Monmouth in June, 1778. This 
seems to have been the last of his service with that 
company, the subsequent condition of which is un- 
known. He was no doubt connected with the local 
militia, in which after the close of the war he held 
the rank of captain, and was then appointed by the 
Legislature of the State a colonel, holding that posi- 
tion and commonly known as Col. Moore during the 
remainder of his life. 

Shortly before he entered the army he purchased 
a farm at Deerfield, where he resided, and about the 
year 1790 he had erected upon it a good house, at the 
time the best in the neighborhood, still standing on 
the north side of the main street of the village, and 
now owned by Lucius Moore, who is a descendant of 
Joseph Moore. In the years 1796 and 1797 he was 
elected a member of the Assembly, but in the divis- 
ion of parties which soon took place he took the side 
of the Democrats, and during the next three years 
was defeated. In 1801-2 he was placed at the head 
of the Democratic ticket as member of the Council, 
and succeeded, proving himself to be a man personally 
popular, for the contest between the rival parties was 
at this time severe, and the result doubtful. He was, 
in fact, elected on the first Democratic ticket that 
succeeded in the country. Before the election again 
occurred, in 1803, he died. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GEORGE FOX AND SAMUEL M. FOX. 

Frederick Fox, the great-grandfather of Samuel 
M., emigrated from Germany and settled in Salem 
County. He served during the war of the Revolu- 
tion, when he was a corporal, and on his return to 
civil life settled in Deerfield township, Cumberland 
Co. Among his children was a son Frederick, born 
in Salem County, March 15, 1768, who married Anna 
Mary B. Meglin, only daughter of George and Barbara 
Meglin, who emigrated from Wiirtemberg, Germany. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Fox were Mary (Mrs. 
Abram Stull), Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Hopner), John, 
Margaret (Mrs. J. B. Mounts), Catherine (Mrs. Lewis 
Woodruff), Frederick, George, Ann (Mrs. James 
Colder), Lydia (Mrs. William Keen), Susan (Mrs. 
William Keen), and Phojbe, of whom three survive. 
Mr. Fox died July 12, 1839, in his seventy-second 
year, and his wife in July, 1860. 

His son George was born Aug. 18, 1804, in Deer- 
field township, where he still resides on land origi- 
nally owned by his father. His advantages of edu- 
cation were confined to the winter months at the 
neighboring school, after which the farm became the 
scene of his more active labors. He was married on 
the 11th of October, 1828, to Miss Susannah Caudal, 
of Lower Pittsgrove township, Salem Co., born July 
14, 1808. Their children are Samuel ; Adam, born in 
1880, and married to Harriet A. Barnes, who has had 
fifteen children, of whom nine survive ; George, born 
in 1832, deceased, and married to Elizabeth Garri- 
son, who has three children ; Margaret, deceased, 
born in 1833 ; Enoch, born in 1836, married to Mar- 
garet Brooks, who has three children ; Anna Mary 
B., born in 1839, married to James DufBeld, who 
has five children ; Charles F., born in 1842, mar- 
ried to Harriet Filer, who has three children ; and 
Emily J., born in 1851, married to Edward Seeley, 
who has five children. Soon after his marriage Mr. 
Fox settled upon the farm which is his present home, 
a portion of which he inherited, and the remaining 
shares of which he purchased. Though not an active 
politician, Mr. Fox has ever been an earnest partisan, 
and cast his first vote in favor of Andrew Jackson and 
the Democracy. He has been collector of the town- 
ship, a member of its committee, and held other less 
important offices. He is a member and trustee of 
Friendship Protestant Methodist Church of Deerfield 
township, Mrs. Fox being also a member. 

Their son, Samuel M., was born Feb. 21, 1829, in 
Deerfield, at the paternal home. His opportunities 
of education were such as the Friendship school, in 
the immediate neighborhood, afforded, after which he 
removed to the home of his grandmother, and re- 
mained until twenty-two years of age, when he en- 
gaged in teaching. 

At a later period he removed to Camden, N. J., 





-^^T-O^CL 




^^ 



f 



■*': 



( 





c^^'cIl ^^f>^^*^>^i 



TOWNSHIP OF DEERFIELD. 



657 



and followed the trade of carpenter until his mar- 
riage on the 6th of December, 1855, to Ruth C, 
daughter of Enoch Garrison, of Deerfleld. Their 
children are Margaret K. (Mrs. Daniel D. Coney), 
Albert K., Sarah G., Lydia G., and George. Mr. 
Fox has since that time devoted his attention to 
farming occupations, having in 1858 purchased a 
farm in Deerfield township, which is his present 
residence. 

He, during his school-days, developed a taste for 
mathematics, and acquired a knowledge of surveying, 
in which science he has evinced both skill and accu- 
racy. This has caused his services to be in demand 
both in Cumberland and the adjacent counties. 

Mr. Fox is in politics a Democrat. He has repre- 
sented his township for successive terms in the board 
of freeholders, has been assessor, collector, a member 
of the township committee, and justice of the peace. 
The family were at an early date supporters of the 
Lutheran Church, though Mr. Fox is a worshiper at 
the Pleasant Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
which Mrs. Fox is a member. 



JOEL GARRISOjS\ 
The Garrison family are of English descent. Dan- 
iel, the grandfather of Joel Garrison, was a resident 
of Deerfleld ton'nship, and devoted his life to active 
farm labor. He married, Oct. 23, 1775, Miss Hannah 
Cornwall, of Deerfield, and had children, — Arthur, 
who was married to Hannah Cornwall ; William, who 
married Eebecca Biggs; Aly, married to Susan 
Coomer ; and a daughter, Susan, who became Mrs. 
Israel Joslin. The death of Mr. Garrison occurred 
Dec. 10, 1810. His son Arthur was born in Deer- 
field township, and married as above mentioned. He 
had two daughters, — Jemima, married to Lemuel 
Parvin, and Keturah, who became Mrs. Richard 
Langley. His sons were Joel, and Enoch who mar- 
ried Lydia Cornwall. Joel was born March 6, 1808, 
in Deerfield township, and remained at home during 
his early years, meanwhile enjoying such opportuni- 
ties as the neighboring schools offered during the 
winter months. He aided in the cultivation of the 
farm, and when nearly twenty years of age was mar- 
ried to Sarah Hires, of Pittsgrove township, Salem 
Co. Mrs. Garrison died Nov. 19, 1872, and he was 
again married on the 3d of November, 1875, to Miss 
Angeline Hutchinson, of Deerfield. Mr. Garrison 
rented the farm of his father until 1858, when he 
became owner of one by purchase, and continued 
upon it until 1861, when, having decided for a period 
to lead a life of retirement and rest, he removed to 
Bridgeton. Four years later he removed to the home- 
stead farm, which he had purchased and now occu- 
pies. Mr. Garrison resumed his farming occupations, 
and has since purchased and improved two farms and 
erected a saw-mill on Muddy Run stream, Pittsgrove 
township, Salem Co. His political sympathies are 
42 



with the Democracy, though not actively interested 
in party contests. He is a member of the Pleasant 
Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also the 
first Mrs. Garrison. In this church he has officiated 
as steward. Mr. Garrison indulged his taste for 
travel by making in 1879 a tour to Kansas, and the 
following year made a pleasure trip to California. 
Though now seventy-five years of age, he cannot re- 
call during this time a day of ill health. 



LEWIS WOODRUFF. 
The family are of English descent, and were early 
represented in America by two brothers who settled 
in New York and New Jersey respectively. Ephraim, 
father of the subject of this biography, was a native 
of New Jersey, and resided until his death upon the 
farm now occupied by Robert Woodrufi". He married 



( 




4 /7''7a--^y^>^.,-i^ 



Susan Dunham, of East Jersey, and had children, — 
Lewis and a daughter who died in infancy. Mr. 
Woodruff's death occurred about the year 1832. His 
son Lewis was born Oct. 20, 1796, in Salem County, 
and spent his youth in acquiring a knowledge of 
farming pursuits. At the age of sixteen he, with his 
father, became a resident of Deerfield township, and 
on the decease of his parent came into possession of 
i;he estate. He married a daughter of Frederick Fox, 
and had one child, — Susan Doughaday. By a second 
marriage to Margaret, daughter of Jacob Souder, of 
Bridgeton, were born children, — Robert, Catharine 



658 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



(deceased), John, Lewis, Edward, Margaret, and 
Joseph. Mr. Woodruff married, a third time, Mrs. 
Rachel Lloyd, of Camden, and had one son, Thomas 
G., living at Atlantic City. Lewis Woodruff during 
his lifetime resided in the country, and devoted his 
energies to farming employments. He was energetic, 
ambitious, and led rather than followed public 
opinion. As a representative Democrat in his town- 
ship and county he held the offices of freeholder, 
associate judge of the County Court, and member of 
the State Legislature, besides many other less impor- 
tant positions. He was a member of the Masonic 
order, and an active representative of the agricultural 
society of the county. This sketch and the accom- 
panying portrait are contributed as a tribute of filial 
regard by his sons, John S., Edward S., and Joseph 
A. John S. was born Nov. 25, 1829, and married 
Elizabeth Hitchner, of Salem County. Their chil- 
dren are Sadie H., Harry L., and Warren C. Ed- 
ward S. was born July 3, 1836, and married Hannah 
F., daughter of Rev. John F. Crouch, of the New 
Jersey Conference. Their children are Ida and Mil- 
ton. Joseph A., who resides in Bridgeton, was born 
Dec. 19, 1839, and married Ruth, daughter of Zaccheus 
Bitter, of Greenwich. 



CHAPTER XCV. 



TOWNSHIP OF DOWNB. 



Incorporation. — Downe township was included in 
the bounds of Fairfield at the time the county was 
set off from Salem, and until 1772, when Governor 
Franklin set off the township by letters patent, re- 
corded in the Secretary of State's office at Trenton, it 
was a part of the royal prerogative to create munici- 
palities, but was seldom exercised in that day, and 
not at all at the present time in Great Britain. Gov- 
ernor Franklin, by virtue of his commission as Gov- 
ernor, exercised this power as a part of the royal pre- 
rogative which had been delegated to him in his 
commission, and accordingly set off the lower part of 
Fairfield as a township. This power was seldom ex- 
ercised in this State, and what were the reasons which 
called for the exercise of such extraordinary powers 
is now unknown. The township was named by the 
Governor after his wife, whose maiden name was 
Elizabeth Downes. By a clerical error the name was 
printed Downe in the act incorporating the inhabit- 
ants of the townships of the State, passed in 1798, 
although it is Downes in the record of the letters 
patent, and it has been so printed ever since. The 
bounds of the township as originally set off included 
the present township of Commercial, which was cre- 
ated from the eastern part of Downe in 1874. 

Soil. — A large portion of the township along the 
bay shore and on each side of the small creeks put- 



ting up into the fast land is salt marsh ; a strip of 
probably a mile in width adjoining the marsh is a 
good loam, while the interior is more sandy. 

Settlement and Growth. — The early settlers came 
mostly from Fairfield, and settled on the strip of 
loamy soil along the marsh, as has been related under 
the early settlements. 

Like Commercial, the great body of the male citi- 
zens of Downe are employed in a seafaring life, but in 
this townsliip they are nearly all in the oyster trade, 
while in Commercial many of them are in the coast- 
ing service. The growth of the township has been ■ 
steady but slow. With no manufactories within its 
limits, the greater portion of its soil a salt marsh, or 
so light as to be uninviting to the settler, with scant 
means of communication with places outside of its 
own limits, and with roads neglected and little atten- 
tion paid to the thorough cultivation of the soil, as 
seems almost inevitably to be the result where nature 
bestows her gifts of food freely to those who have 
only to gather the crops, it is not to be wondered at 
that Downe township has not increased as have some 
other portions of the county. 

Villages. — The township contains two villages, 
Dividing Creek at the eastern, and Newport at the 
western end. The population of the township in 
1870 was sixteen hundred and eighty-seven. 

Dividing Creek. — ^This village is situated on Di- 
viding Creek, near where it divides into numerous 
branches, from which the name of the creek was de- 
rived, while that of the village was obtained from 
the creek. The greater part of the village is along 
the main street on the west side of the creek. It is 
sixteen miles south by southeast of Bridgeton, and 
about five miles northwest of Port Norris. It is a 
quiet village, of about three hundred inhabitants, 
mostly engaged in the oyster trade. A marine rail- 
way for the repair of oyster-boats, owned by John 
Burt, Mr. Howell, and George Sloan, was completed 
during the last summer. 

The school-house which accommodated all the 
children of this neighborhood stood on the road 
leading from the village to Turkey Point, about half- 
way to the present Turkey Point school-house. It 
was a one-story house, and was an old building fifty 
years ago, about which time two districts were made, 
and the Turkey Point school-house built, and also 
one at Dividing Creek, on the lot where the present 
one is, but about half-way back to Union Street. 
This was a one-story building. It was occupied until 
1875, when the present commodious house was built, 
and the old one moved back to Union Street and 
raised to two stories, making a hall above, while the 
township has the use of the lower floor for township 
purposes. A new school-house has been built at 
Turkey Point during this summer. About a mile 
west of Dividing Creek bridge at Dragston, as the 
neighborhood is called, there was an old school- 
house many years ago, which was used until 1866, 



TOWNSHIP OF DOWNE. 



659 



when a new one was built one-half mile west of the 
former one, a lot being bought for the purpose. The 
post-office was established April 1, 1810, and the first 
postmaster appointed was Asa Douglass. The pres- 
ent one is John Tubman, appointed Dec. 1, 1874. 

Newport. — Newport lies on the south side of Au- 
tuxit Creek, and is about twelve miles from the 
county-seat. The ancient name of the place and of 
the whole vicinity is Autuxit, a better name than the 
present one. Its male inhabitants, as already said, 
are engaged almost entirely in some branch of the 
oyster trade, and are away from home the greater 
portion of each week. It contains a Methodist and a 
Baptist Church, and the inhabitants number about 
three hundred. A post-office was established here 
July 1, 1816, with William Chard, Esq., as postmas- 
ter. The present one is John Compton, who was ap- 
pointed Nov. 10, 1880. 

Fortescue is a place of summer resort, well known 
throughout all this region. It is situated on the east- 
erly shore of Delaware Bay, on an island of fast land 
in the marsh, containing about ten acres. The name 
is derived from a former owner, John Fortescue, who 
sold to William Smith ten thousand acres of land, in- 
cluding the site of Fortescue, in June, 1776. It be- 
came a place of summer resort many years ago, and 
has always been popular among those who were ac- 
quainted with it. The present buildings are inconve- 
nient and far from handsome, having been added to 
from time to time. A pier eleven hundred and 
twenty feet long was built in 1880 for a landing- 
place for a steamboat which was then intended to be 
run to this place from Philadelphia, but that plan 
faded away, and the boat ceased running after a few 
weeks. 

Egg Island was surveyed by John Worledge and 
John Budd in the spring of 1691, and was taken up 
by Thomas Budd. At that time it contained three 
hundred acres. Since then the tides and storms have 
constantly decreased its size. In 1785 a survey of it 
by courses and distances gave the contents as sixty 
acres, and its distance from the main shore as about 
thirty-two rods. It has now entirely disappeared 
below the waters, no portion of it being visible except 
at very low tides. The main shore has also been en- 
croached upon to such an extent that a new light- 
house was built a number of years ago, several hun- 
dred yards back from the shore, and the waters of the 
bay now flow over the site of the old one, the piling 
for which still stands in part. 

Dividing Creek Bridge, — How early a bridge was 
built at Dividing Creek is unknown, but it was pre- 
vious to 1763. It was built at the time when bridges 
were put up at the expense of the township in which 
they lay. By 1805 this bridge had become quite di- 
lapidated, and in September of that year the free- 
holders ordered it to be rebuilt with a draw, and it 
was finished by the ensuing spring. It proved to be 
a poor affair, and had a great deal of repairs done to 



it. In 1824 that bridge was replaced by another one 
with a draw, which lasted until 1841, when the free- 
holders built the bridge now spanning the creek. It 
is built on the truss plan, sixty feet long and sixteen 
feet wide. The draw was done away with. This is 
still a good bridge. 

Newport (or Shaw's) Grist-Mill.— A pond and 
grist- and saw-mill were erected on Page's Run, a 
branch of Autuxit Creek, about one and a half miles 
above the hotel at Newport, at a very early date, it 
being known as early as 1763 as Ogden's mill, Sam- 
uel Ogden being the owner. It became the property 
of Esquire Henry Shaw as early as the beginning of 
this century, who continued to own it for about forty 
years. He let the saw-mill go down. After his death 
it became the property of Holmes Hand, but it has 
now passed into the possession of Harris O. Elmer. 

Page's Grist-MiU. — Below Shaw's mill, on the 
same stream, just north of where the road from 
Cedarville to the Dividing Creek road crosses Page's 
Run, there was as early as 1776 a grist-mill owned 
by David Page, the stream being dammed at that 
point also. This mill was still in existence and 
owned by David Page as late as 1803, but was al- 
lowed to go down at least fifty years ago. After Mr. 
Hand obtained the property he again put up the 
dam and built a saw-mill where the old grist-mill 
had been years before. He made a failure after a 
few years. The saw-mill was run a few years longer, 
when that also went down. 

About two miles north of Dividing Creek, just 
south of the railroad, there was a saw-fcill toward 
the beginning of this century on Cedar Creek, a 
branch of Autuxit. This went down more than 
fifty years ago. About twelve or fifteen years ago a 
steam saw -mill was put up about fifty paces fi'om the 
old one, which has since been removed to Cedarville, 
where it is now in operation. 

Ladow's Saw-Mill.^This mill and pond, situated 
just north of the Baptist Church, on the western 
branch of Dividing Creek, has existed for many 
years, and was owned by Peter Ladow, who at his 
death left it to his son Furman, who carried it on 
until his death, about a year ago. It is now being 
rebuilt and enlarged, and improved machinery is 
being put in by his heirs, who still own it. 

FEEEHOLDEES. 

The following have been members of the board of 
freeholders from the township of Downe: 

1773. 

1774-76. Joseph Newcomb. 
Jonathan Lore. 

1777. Jonathan Lore. 

1778. Joseph Newcomb. 
Jonathan Lore. 

1779. 

1780. Henry Shaw. 

1781. Jonathan Lore. 
David Page. 

1782. Thomas Campbell. 
Jonadab Sheppard. 



1783. David Page. 
William Campbell. 

1784. Jonadab Sheppard. 

1785. David Page. 
"William Mason. 

1786-87. David Page. 
Gideon Heaton. 
1788. David Page. 
Samuel DoUas. 

! 17S9-90. ■ 

j 1791-92. David Page. 
Samuel Dollas. 



660 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



1793. Constant Long. 


1830. Henry Shaw, Esq. 


Gabriel Glann. 


Isaac Murphy. 


1794-96. David Page. 


1831. Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 


Samuel Dollas. 


Daniel Buzby. 


1797. Samuel Dollaa. 


1832-35. Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 


William Moore. 


John Ogden, Jr. 


1798. William Chard. 


1836. Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 


Dollas Lore. 


Daniel Buzby. 


1799-1800. William Moore. 


1837. William Lore. 


Samuel Dollas. 


William C. Lore. 


1801. Dollas Lore. 


1838-42. David Campbell. 


Geor^re EJkinton. 


Dr. Joseph Butcher. 


1802-3. Henry Shaw, Esq. 


1843-45. Charles Compton. 


John Bobbins. 


Kichard Lore. 


1804-.i, Henry Shaw, Esq. 


1846-49. Eichard Lore. 


George Elkinton. 


Dr. Joseph Butcher. 


1806-7. Henry Shaw, Esq. 


1850-54. Dr. Joseph Butcher. 


M.ajor Henderson. 


Dr. William Bacon. 


1808-9. George Elkinton. 


1865-59. Dr. Joseph Butcher. 


Henry Shaw, Esq. 


David Campbell. 


1810. Henry Shaw, Esq. 


1860-61. David Campbell. 


Gideon Heaton. 


Dr. Charles Butcher. 


1811. Henry Shaw, Esq. 


1862-63. Peter Camblos. 


George Elkinton. • 


Allen Sheppard. 


1812. Henry Shaw, Esq. 


1864. John T. Ladow. 


Major Henderson. 


Allen Sheppard. 


1813. Ichabod Compton, Esq. 


1865-67. Allen Sheppard. 


Henry Shaw, Esq. 


Richard Lore. 


1814. Jouatlian Sockwell. 


1868. Allen Sheppard. 


Ichabod Compton, Esq. 


Daniel Lore. 


1815-17. Ichabod Compton, Esq. 


1869. Daniel T. Howell. 


Henry Shaw, Esq. 


Holmes Hand. 


1818. Ichabod Compton, Esq. 


1870. Daniel T. Howell. 


Jonathan Sockwell. 


Daniel Lore. 


1819. Ichabod Compton, Esq. 


1871-73. Daniel Lore. 


Major Henderson. 


Dr, Charles Butcher. 


1820-21. Ichabod Compton, Esq. 


1874. Daniel Lore. 


John Ogden, Jr. 


George S. Marts. 


1822. John Ogden, Jr. 


1875-76, Daniel Lore. 


Ethan Lore. 


George W. Sloan. 


1823. John Ogden, Jr. 


1877. Daniel Lore. 


John Compton. 


George W. Sloani(partof the 


1824. Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 


year). 


John Chttttin. 


George S. Marts (remainder 


1825. Ichabod Compton, Esq. 


of year). 


Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 


1878. Daniel Lore. 


1826. John Hill. 


William C. Lore. 


Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 


1879. Daniel Lore. 


1827-28. Dr. Edmund Sheppard. 


1880. George W. Sloan. 


Daniel Wells. 


1881-82. Charles T. Campbell. 


1829. Ethan Lore. 


1883. Luther Bateman. 


Daniel Buzby. 




OHITE 


□HES. 



Dividing Creek Baptist Church. — About the year 
1749 several families from Cohansey settled in this 
vicinity, among whom particular mention is made 
of Jonadab Shepherd, Thomas Shepherd, William 
Paulin, William Dallas, Temperance Shepherd, Ann 
Shepherd, and Patience Paulin. The settlement of 
these families in this neighborhood induced the pas- 
tors of Cohansey Church (which stood near Shep- 
pard's mill, the graveyard still existing), Rev. Na- 
thaniel Jenkins, and after him Eev. Eobert Kelsay, 
to visit and preach among them. In the month of 
July, 1760, Rev. Samuel Heaton and family came 
from Cape May, and located in the neighborhood. 
An independent church was deemed necessary in 

1 Mr. Sloan was returned as elected by the board of election, hut his 
election was contested, and the court decided that Mr. Marts was 
elected after Mr. Sloan had served part of the year. 



this large and inviting field, and accordingly the 
above-named brethren and sisters, having solicited 
and obtained dismission from Cohansey and Cape 
May Churches, were, in connection with John Terry, 
Sarah Terry, and Eve Sockwell, previously baptized, 
constituted and publicly recognized as a regular Bap- 
tist Church May 30, 1761. Their field of labor ex- 
tended over a wide range of country, from Newport 
(known in those days as Autuxit) to Millville, Tuck- 
ahoe. West Creek, Port Elizabeth, and immediate 
neighborhoods. 

The first meeting-house was erected on a lot do- 
nated by Seth Lore in 1751. Their first house was 
destroyed by fire in 1770, and rebuilt in 1771. The 
size of this new edifice was thirty by twenty-two feet. 
They continued to occupy this second sanctuary 
without interruption from 1771 to April 21, 1821, a 
period of fifty years, when it was accidentally de- 
stroyed by fire. The third edifice was completed and 
dedicated in June, 1823. The size of the house was 
forty by thirty-four feet. In 1860 twenty feet were 
added to the length of the house, the old side galler- 
ies removed, and the entire building beautified. 
About the year 1850 they secured a lot in the village 
near the meeting-house, on which they erected the 
present parsonage. The Rev. Samuel Heaton, a C(m- 
stituent member, was chosen pastor, and held .such 
oversight from 1761 until the time of his death, Sept. 
26, 1777, at the age of sixty-six years. The Rev. 
Peter Peterson Vanhorn took the pastoral oversight 
of the church in 1779, remained four years, when he 
resigned and went to Salem, where he died, Sept. 10, 

1789, in the seventy-first year of his age. Rev. Wil- 
liam Lock commenced his labors in this capacity in 
the spring of 1785, but he was removed by death the 
following September. The Rev. John Garrison suc- 
ceeded him. He was born about 1745, and baptized 
by Mr. Heaton, whose daughter he married. He was 
regular pastor from Sept. 8, 1787, until his death in 

1790. The Rev. Garner A. Hunt was pastor from 
November, 1792, until the beginning of 1796. He 
became a Presbyterian, and took charge of a church 
in Upper Harmony, Warren Co., where he died Feb. 
11, 1850, at the age of eighty-four years. 

The Rev. John Rutter was pastor about two years. 
The Rev. David Stout became pastor in 1804, and his 
settlement terminated June, 1808. His successor was 
Rev. David Bateman, whose labors commenced in 
July, 1810, and were continued about two years. Mr. 
Bateman was a native of Cohansey, where he was born 
in 1777. He was among the brethren who met at Not- 
tingham Square, near Trenton, July 27, 1830, and 
organized the New Jersey Baptist Association. He 
died Sept. 10, 1832, aged fifty-five years. His succes- 
sor at Dividing Creek was the Rev. Thomas Brooks, 
who became pastor in April, 1816, and was such until 
June 20, 1836, a period of twenty years. He died 
Jan. 24, 1837, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. 
Eev. William Bacon, M.D., was his successor. He 



TOWNSHIP OF DOWNE. 



661 



was a native of Greenwich, and became supply first 
of the church at Pittsgrove \n 1829, then in 1833 took 
charge of the Woodstown Church until 1838, when he 
removed to Dividing Creek. He died in 1866, aged 
sixty-six years. Rev. Daniel Kelsey, who was born, 
baptized, and licensed atCohansey, was his successor. 
He commenced his pastorate at Dividing Creek in 
1850, and relinquished it in December, 1853. The 
parsonage was built in 1851. The Rev. Uriah Kauff- 
man succeeded Mr. Kelsey in June, 1854. After a 
brief pastorate of ten months he died, April 17, 1855, 
at the early age of twenty-eight years. The Rev. 
George Sleeper became pastor in June of the same 
year. In 1847 he took charge of the Medford Church, 
and from there he spent five years in Canton ; thence 
in 1855 he came to Dividing Creek, and remained 
until 1859. The Rev. Henry W. Webber succeeded 
him in that year, and remained two years. In the 
autumn of 1861, Rev. Alexander H. Folwell suc- 
ceeded him, and resigned in February, 1863. Rev. 
Benjamin Jones became pastor in August, 1863, and 
after a connection of less than two years resigned. In 
1865, Rev. E. V. King became pastor, but did not 
continue moi'e than one year. He returned to the 
Methodists. Rev. Lathrop W. Wheeler was pastor 
from 1866 to 1868. In 1869, Rev. James H. Hyatt 
became pastor, and remained a little over one year. 
The Rev. Ellis L. Stager became pastor Jan. 1, 1871, 
and was such to 1873, when Rev. Amos B. Still, in 
the same year, became pastor for a few months, and 
in December, 1873, Rev. H. B. Raybold took charge, 
and was there until July 3, 1877. Rev. Charles P. 
DeCamp became pastor Aug. 26, 1877, and resigned 
in the early part of 1879. The present pastor, 
Matthew M. Finch, succeeded April 1, 1879. 

In March, 1855, the church dismissed fifty-one 
members to constitute the Newport Baptist Church. 
Besides the latter church this church is the mother 
of the church at Port Norris. The present member- 
bership of the Dividing Creek Church is one hundred 
and seventy-six. 

Newport Baptist Churcli. — Those of the Baptist 
belief in this neighborhood were members of the 
Dividing Creek Church, the pastors of which preached 
here every two or three weeks in an old one-story 
school-house which stood where the present school- 
house is on the road to Fortescue. The school-house 
not being suitable, and the Baptists gaining strength, 
they bought the lot where their meeting-house now 
is, containing about one acre, of Seth Page, and in 
1852 commenced the erection of a house of worship ; 
this and the new Methodist Church both being raised 
the same day, but the Baptist house was not com- 
pleted until two years later. As soon as completed 
fifty-five members of the Dividing Creek Church ob- 
tained letters of dismissal, and March 28, 1855, they 
were constituted a regular Baptist Church by a coun- 
cil composed of delegates from five churches. They 
united with Dividing Creek Church in calling Rev. 



George Sleeper as pastor of the two churches in June, 
1855, and he remained until June, 1859, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Henry W. Webber the same year. 
When Mr. Webber left Dividing Creek Church he re- 
mained with this church a short time longer. They 
then depended on supplies, mostly by Mr. Webber 
and the pastors of Dividing Creek, until the two 
churches settled Rev. L. W. Wheeler as pastor of both 
of them, as was also his successor, Rev. J. H. Hyatt. 
From that time they had the same pastor as Dividing 
Creek until H. B. Raybold resigned |he Newport 
charge, and Rev. William A. Durfee, of Cedarville 
Church, became their pastor also in May, 1876. He 
resigned in the spring of 1878, and they depended on 
supplies until April 1, 1879, when they settled Rev. 
Matthew M. Finch, in connection with Dividing 
Creek, who still remains their pastor. During the 
present year they have put a new roof on the church, 
and repaired and painted it throughout. The present 
number of members is one hundred and twenty-one. 
Newport Methodist Episcopal Church.— The 
first Methodist preaching at Newport, or Autuxit, as 
it was then called, is said to have been by a Capt. 
Webb, of the English navy, who landed here before 
1800, and preached a sermon in a barn, and so com- 
menced a society here. This society built a church 
in 1804, the same year in which a class was first 
formed in Bridgeton. This house is said, in some 
accounts, to have been burned in 1812, but that is 
probably a mistake. On the morning of Oct. 23, 
1821, the Methodist meeting-house at this place was 
burned, it having recently been repaired at a cost of 
one thousand dollars. It is not probable that any 
church built after the fire in 1812, if there had been 
such a fire, would have needed so extensive repairs 
as that by 1821. The conclusion seems rather to be 
that the first house was not burned until 1821, an 
error of date having been made, perhaps by a trans- 
position of the last two figures of the date, in the 
first publication concerning it, and followed by all 
subsequent writers. This church was included in a 
circuit which commenced at Bridgeton, and at that 
time took in Fairfield, or Swing's meeting-house, 
Newport, Haleyville, Port Elizabeth, and Heisler- 
ville, and the intermediate places as classes were 
formed at them. As the churches became stronger 
they were made stations, and had regular appoint- 
ments made for them. Among those who preached 
at Newport Church while it was a part of the circuit 
were John W. McDougall, Mr. Greenbank, George 
Raybold, Mr. Christopher, Mr. Sleeper, Thomas 
Stewart, John F. Crouch, George Jennings, Jacob 
Loudenslager, Abraham Gerheart, David DufBeld, 
Joseph Gaskill, Joseph Atwood, Mr. Canfield. Noah 
Edwards, William Brooks, Abraham Streets, Joseph 
Summerill, Jonas Chew, Mr. Christopher (a second 
time), Samuel Johnson, John Herr, William Walton, 
and Henry Belting, the greater part of whom have 
gone home to reap the reward of faithful service. 



( 



662 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



The second church was an old building which stood 
a little southeast of the present one, in which they 
worshiped until 1852, when the present meeting- 
house was built, the church buying an additional 
quarter acre of ground on wliich to erect the new 
church and a parsonage. 

At the Conference in March, 1862, Newport and 
Dividing Creek were made stations, but both have 
been served by one pastor ever since, with the excep- 
tion of a few years. The pastors who have served 
at Newport are: 1862, Joseph M. Pierson ; 1863-64, 
Samuel C. Chattin ; 1865-66, Noah Edwards; 1867- 
68, Caleb Malmsbury ; 1869-70, John B. Westcott; 
1871, William C. Chattin; 1872-73, Charles W. 
Livezly; 1874-76, John P. Connelly; 1877-78, 
Hamilton S. Norris; 1879-80, Furman Bobbins; 
1881, C, Wesley Turrell (six months), George New- 
ton (six months) ; 1882, William A. Lilley ; 1883, 
J. 0. R. Corliss. During the pastorate of Mr. Malms- 
bury, in 1869, the society built their parsonage ad- 
joining the church. They are uow engaged in 
erecting a belfry in which to put a two hundred 
pound bell, at an expense of four hundred dollars. 
This and Dividing Creek charges number together 
two hundred and twenty members and twenty-one 
probationers. 

Dividing Creek Methodist Episcopal Church. 
■ — A society was formed here more than fifty years 
ago, but the exact date could not be learned. Their 
first house of worship was an old dwelling-house, 
formerly one Kimball's, and which was remod- 
eled for their use more than fifty years ago, and 
which stood where is now the Baptist parsonage. 
They were supplied by the same circuit preachers as 
Newport, the preachers being here once in four 
weeks. The ground where their present house and 
graveyard now is was given to them by Noah Burt, 
and this house was erected in the summer of 1851 and 
dedicated in the following winter. The lumber was 
given to them, and carted by some of the members. 
Its seating capacity is about two hundred and fifty. 
It was made a station at the same time as Newport, 
and has been served by the same preachers, except 
as follows: 1872, Dickinson Moore; 1876-77, John 
Price. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



JAMES G. GANDY. 

The parents of Mr. Gandy are Miles and Abigail 
Gandy, the former having been a sea-captain, ship- 
rigger and corker, who achieved a considerable de- 
gree of success in his calling. 

Their son, who was born Nov. 6, 1827, after a lim- 
ited time spent at school, determined to follow the 
life of a sailor, and at the age of nineteen went be- 
fore the mast. Here he remained for three years, and 



leaving the coast engaged in the oyster business, which 
was continued for a period of eighteen years. In 1862 
he became a popular landlord at Fortescue, N. J., and 
continued thus employed until 1872, when farming pur- 
suits engaged his attention, and to which he still devotes 




his energies. Mr. Gandy, on the 1st of January, 1853, 
married Miss Pleasant, daughter of Samuel and 
Rhoda Smith. Their children are Oliver S. (who 
married Elsie, daughter of Hoenshead Peaterson), 
Abigail G. (who is the wife of Thomas Bow, and has 
one child, Elmer G.), Henry P., Charles G., and 
Samuel (who died in infancy). 



CHAPTER XCVI. 

TOWNSHIP OP FAIRFIELD. 

Incorporation. — Fairfield was one of the original 
townships, the bounds of which were made definite by 
the act creating the county. By that act it included 
not only its present limits, but also what is now the 
townships of Downe and Commercial, and all that 
part of the city of Millville west of the Maurice 
River. It was reduced to its present limits by the 
creation of Downe township in 1772, and of Millville 
in 1802. It was originally created, but with no defi- 



iif. 



TOWNSHIP OF FAIRFIELD. 



663 



nite bounds, by an act of the Provincial Assembly- 
passed in May, 1697, which enacted that 

*' the Tract of Land in Cohanaey, purchased by several people lately in- 
habitants of Fairfield inKewEDgland,befromand after the date hereof, 
erected into a Township, and be called Fairfield, which is hereby em- 
powered to the same privileges as any other Townships in this Province 
are or have been, that are not Towns incorporate." 

Settlement. — These settlers were those who came 
from Fairfield, Conn., and from Long Island, within 
a few years previous, and established the settlement 
at New England Town. No definite bounds were as- 
signed to this township, but it is probable that it in- 
cludedall thesettlementseastof theCohansey. When 
a few years later, in 1701, officers were appointed for 
the different precincts of Salem County, the east side 
of the Cohansey was called "Fairfield, and the lower 
side of Cohansey." After 1718 the portion along the 
east side of Maurice River was included in the ap- 
pointment of constables for Maurice River. 

These settlers probably established a local township 
government .such as they had been accustomed to in 
the towns of Connecticut and Long Island, but there 
are no records preserved of their town-meetings. Their 
enterprise and thrift made them prosperous, and the 
descendants of the first-comers peopled other portions 
of the county. This township has contributed to the 
county many of her leading men in former years, and 
has held a prominent place in the history of the 
county. 

SoiL — The township contains a large quantity of 
salt marsh along the shore of the bay and skirting 
the various creeks, but bordering on that the soil is a 
sandy loam, well suited to the raising of fruits and 
produce, large quantities of which are annually raised. 
The eastern portion of the township is mostly covered 
with oak and pine in various stages of growth. 

Villages. — The principal places, and the only post- 
offices in the township, are Cedarville and Fairton. 
The population of the township by the last census was 
three thousand two hundred and fifteen. 

Cedarville is situated on both sides of Cedar Creek, 
about four miles from Fairton and eight from Bridge- 
ton. It is mostly built along the main road, which 
passes through it from Bridgeport to the lower part 
of the county. The mill was probably the first build- 
ing erected, and the others gradually grew up around 
it. It became a place of some local importance after 
the Revolution. A number of the leading citizens of 
the county lived there, and its relative importance in 
the county was much greater than now. It was called 
Cedar Creek until the establishment of the post- 
office, since which it has been called by its present 
name. Its inhabitants are largely engaged in oyster- 
ing. Cedarville Landing is about one-third of a mile 
from the main street, and vessels of three liundred 
tons come up Cedar Creek to that point. 

Cedarville has two of the handsomest .school-houses 
in the county. The one on the south side of the mill- 
pond stands in the forks of Main and Franklin Streets, 



adjoining the Baptist Church, on the same ground 
where formerly stood the old Friendship school- 
house. The present house is a large, well-arranged 
twostory house, containing four rooms, all of which 
are filled. It was built in 1872, and cost about four 
thousand five hundred dollars. The Central school- 
house, situated about three-fourths of a mile north of 
the mill-dam, at the corner of the main road and the 
road leading to James' Island, is also a fine two-story 
building, adapted to the purpose, and was built three 
or four years after the other one. Excellent schools 
are kept in these buildings. There is a small one- 
story school-house, old and poor, at the Factory, as the 
neighborhood of the old woolen-factory pond is called, 
which will hold about twenty-five scholars. 

At the Landing is the vessel-building yard of Clay- 
poole & Parsons. Years ago vessels were built here, 
but it ceased during the Rebellion, and was revived 
by the present firm about three years ago. They also 
have a marine railway for the repairing of vessels. 
The canning-works were first established as the 
" South Jersey Packing Company," but were sold out 
during the last summer, and were bought by the 
present owners, John E. Diament and Charles Dia- 
ment. During the busy season they afibrd employ- 
ment to a large number of people, and produce about 
two hundred and fifty thousand cans yearly. A steam 
saw- and planing-mill has been in operation several 
years, and is owned by Phoenix Cosier. The steam 
sand-wash of William 0. Garrison, along the line of 
the Cumberland and Maurice River Railroad, about 
a mile below the Cedarville Station, washes and pre- 
pares for glass-house use about thirty tons of sand a 
day. It was established in the spring of 1883, and 
such is the demand that it is run day and night part 
of the time. 

A post-office was established here Jan. 1, 1806, and 
Amos Westcott was appointed postmaster. The 
present officer is C. Howard Bateman, who was ap- 
pointed May 25, 1877. The population of Cedarville 
by the census of 1880 was one thousand and seventy- 
seven. 

Fairton is the next largest village in the township. 
It is four miles from Bridgeton, and is situated on 
Mill Creek and Rattlesnake Run, which unite and 
run into the Cohansey a few hundred yards below the 
village. The old name of the place, used as early as 
1779, which could still be heard until within a few 
years past, was Bumbridge, a name which, according 
to Judge Elmer, was said to have originated from the 
circumstance of a constable, who was then often called 
' a bum-bailiflf, a corruption of bound-bailifi', or a bailift 
bound with security, having fallen through the bridge 
over Rattlesnake Run while attempting to arrest a 
person. This caused the bridge to be repaired and 
gave it a name. The name of Fairton was not given 
it until the post-office was established. Mill Creek 
was called the North Branch of the Cohansey when 
the first settlements were made in the vicinity. Like 



664 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the other towns and villages in the lower part of the 
county, a large part of the inhabitants of Fairton are 
engaged in oystering. 

A fine school-house furnishes accommodations for 
one hundred and fifty scholars. It was built in 1869, 
and it is a two-story building, with the modern im- 
provements, surmounted with a belfry containing a 
fine-toned bell. Its cost was about three thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

The beef- and pork-packing house of Furman R. 
Willis is the principal industrial establishment in the 
village. In connection with James McNichols, the 
business was started with a capital of fifty dollars, in 
September, 1870. They first did an ordinary butcher- 
ing business, selling their meats from house to house 
in the surrounding towns and country, but the same 
fall began putting up mince-meat for market. The 
first batch was a thirty-eight-pound bucket, but this 
branch of the business increased until they sold seven 
tons in one week. Mr. McNichols died in the fall of 
1879, since which time the business has been carried 
on by Mr. Willis alone. A large business is now done 
in packing beef and pork, amounting to sixty tliousand 
dollars a year, and employing thirteen hands. The 
goods packed are sold at wholesale and retail, mostly 
in the counties of Cumberland and Cape May. 

The post-oflice was established Jan. 1, 1806, with 
James Clark as postmaster. He held the office until 
September, 1818, and was then succeeded by Lemuel 
Hoyt. The present postmaster is Theophilus Tomlin- 
son, who has held the office since Sept. 24, 1861. The 
population of the village was four hundi'ed and nine 
in 1880. 

Centre Grove, in the extreme eastern end of the 
township, is a neighborhood of ten or twelve houses, 
within half a mile of the school-house, which is a 
good one-story building. 

Eockville. — The neighborhood now called by this 
name was called Kill-pig-hole as early as 1732. In 
March, 1870, the inhabitants of the neighborhood held 
a meeting, and changed the name to the more eupho- 
nious one of Rockville. 

Fairton Mills. — The mills at Fairton were prob- 
ably erected soon after the arrival of the New England 
Town settlers. Samuel Fithian came to Fairfield 
between 1698 and 1700, and was a leading man among 
those settlers. He settled at the Cross-Roads, and died 
there between July and November, 1702. In his will, 
dated July 3, 1702, he devised to his son John " the 
Eight part of ye Saw Mil! & Griss Mill Standing on 
ye forke Creek." The inventory of his property in- 
cludes "ye Saw Mill & ye Dam &all materials £65." 
His son John died intestate soon after his father, 
when his estate was appraised, " An Eight part of a 
Saw Mill, £20," and " An Eight part of a Grisse Mill, 
£25." Who were the other owners is unknown, but 
it is probable that several of the principal settlers 
united to build these much-needed institutions, and 
were owners in common of tlie property. They soon 



passed into the possession of John Ogden, who was 
probably one of the former part-owners, and were 
known as Ogden's mills for a century. He died Dec. 
22, 1745, aged seventy-five years, and the mills passed 
to his son, Thomas Ogden. The saw-mill was taken 
away before this time. Previous to 1763 the site of 
the mill-dam was changed, and it was built on its 
present location, and at that time was owned by Jo- 
seph Ogden, who retained the property to his death, 
July 27, 1772, aged forty-eight years. At high water 
the tide formerly flowed up to the mill, but in 1759 
David Ogden, son of John, put up the dam along 
where the present road crosses, so as to keep out the 
tide. This mill property afterwards passed into the 
hands of David Clark, who sold the same to John 
Trenchard in 1843. He removed the mill to its 
present position on the main road, at Fairton, and 
brought the water from the pond by a race to the mill. 
After his death it became the property of Theophilus 
Trenchard, who now owns it. 

Cedarville Grist-Mill.— The New England Town 
settlers doubtless utilized the water-power of Cedar 
Creek soon after their arrival. The earliest record, 
however, now known concerning it is when it became 
the property of Henry Pierson, partly from William 
Dillis, March 10, 1753, and partly from John Barns. 
Henry Pierson retained the ownership of this mill 
property, and carried on the grist-mill until the Revo- 
lution, about the beginning of which he sold it to 
John Daniels, by whom it was conveyed to Jesse 
Carey, May 12, 1779. Mr. Carey carried on the busi- 
ness until becoming involved, and the saw-mill above 
having first been sold from him, the grist-mill was 
sold by Sheriff David Potter to James Harris, April 7, 
1792, aud by him to John Trenchard, Nov. 20, 1794. 
Trenchard entered into partnership with Dayton New- 
comb, and conveyed to liim a two-thirds interest in the 
property, and on Jan. 28, 1800, they each sold their 
interests to Amos Fithian and Norton Lawrence, and 
Oct. 10, 1801, Lawrence quit-claimed his interest to 
Fithian. Mr. Fithian was one of the leading citizens 
of Fairfield, and the mills did a large business while 
owned by him. Upon the death of Mr. Fithian the 
grist-mill and pond was set off, one-quarter to each ot 
his sons, Joseph and Joel, and one-half to his son 
Amos ; but the title soon became united in Joseph 
and his sister Hannah, the wife of Dr. Charles Garri- 
son, who sold the same to Lewis Rice and William 
Mounce, Jan. 24, 1833, and on May 80th Mounce quit- 
claimed his interest to Rice. Oct. 1, 1844, it was sold 
by Sheriff Levi B. Davis to the Salem Banking Com- 
pany, a creditor of Rice, by whom it was conveyed to 
Adrian Bateman and Richard Curran, May 30, 1848. 
They sold to H. C. Trenchard, Dec. 5, 1865, and he 
conveyed to the present owner, Charles O. Newcomb, 
June 16, 1877. During the summer of 1883 Mr. New- 
comb tore away the old mill and erected a large and 
well-arranged new one in" its place, with the best ot 
machinery, making it one of the best in the county. 



TOWNSHIP OF FAIRFIELD. 



665 



Lummis' (formerly Ogden's) Saw-Mill, — This 
mill is situated on Cedar Creek, about a mile above 
the grist-mill pond. The early deeds of this prop- 
erty, previous to and during the time of the Revo- 
lution, call it the " Iron- Works tract," and the 
dam the " Iron-Works dam." Diligent inquiry has 
failed to give any more light as to the character 
of these iron-works, but there was probably a furnace 
for the smelting of the bog iron ore, deposits of which 
were found in that day in the swamps of Downe, and 
probably of Fairfield also. During the Revolution 
the furnace at Batsto, Burlington Co., in the in- 
terior of the pine region, beyond the incursions of 
the British, was engaged in the casting of cannon and 
other materials of war for the supply of the Ameri- 
can army, and it may be that this furnace was used 
for a like patriotic purpose. The supply of ore 
having probably been exhausted, a saw-mill was 
erected here previous to 1789. The property had 
been sold by John Burt to John Daniels, Feb. 14, 
1779, who owned the grist-mill on the same stream 
at Cedarville, by whom the saw-mill was probably 
built. Daniels retained the saw-mill until May 14, 
1789, when he sold it to Jesse Carey, to whom he had 
previously conveyed the grist-mill. But Carey being 
involved in debt, it was at once levied upon by the 
sheriff, Eli Elmer, and sold June 20, 1789, to Alexan- 
der White. From him it passed to John Elmer and 
Dayton Newcomb, who conveyed the property to 
David Page, and in the division of his land in 1803, 
after his death, the saw-mill property was set off to 
his daughter, Ruth Hunt, who, with her husband. 
Garner A. Hunt, sold it to Richard Burt, and he to 
Amos Fithian, Jan. 30, 1807. When his property 
was divided in 1819 it was set off to his son Joel, 
and was sold from him by Sheriff Robert S. Buck, 
Feb. 10, 1810, and bought by his brother Joseph. It 
afterwards became the property of J. F. Ogden, and 
then of Richard P. Ogden, and was conveyed by his 
trustee to John 0. Lummis, Sr., and others, who are 
the present owners. 

CedarviUe Woolen-Factory.— Feb. 10, 1810, Amos 
Fithian, who owned the grist-mill at Cedarville and 
the saw-mill above, together witli the land lying be- 
tween the same, conveyed to the Fairfield Manufac- 
turing Company a small lot of land, with the right 
to erect a dam, and flow the swamp at the head of 
his grist-mill pond up to the saw-mill pond above. 
The pond was raised, and a building built for a 
woolen-factory, which was carried on for a number 
of years. It passed into the possession of Dr. 
Ephraim Bateman and the late Judge Lucius Q. 
C. Elmer, and they in 1818 associated with them- 
selves John E. Jeffers, who had been engaged in the 
business in New York State, but the next year the 
partnership was dissolved. Bateman and Elmer 
continued the business for some years, but the 
woolen business at Cedarville not proving remu- 
nerative, was discontinued. The building was after- 



wards used for several purposes for short times, and, 
after being empty for several years, was taken down 
about twenty years ago and removed to Bridgeton, 
and is now the planing-mill of Norton L. Paulin. 
The pond and water-right passed again into the pos- 
session of the owners of the grist-mill property, and 
the pond is now drawn off. 

Lummis' Grist-Mill. — This mill is also situated 
on Cedar Creek, about half a mile above the saw- 
mill. It was erected by David Pierson about 1790. 
A road was laid out from the Presbyterian meeting- 
house, now the Old Stone Church, by what is now 
Westcott's Station, to this mill in June, 1791, at 
which time it was called " David Pierson's new grist- 
mill." It soon passed to Isaac Preston, who sold, 
March 7, 1798, to William Conner and Jeremiah 
Nixon, and Nixon sold his half to Conner,. March 
26, 1804. Conner carried on the mill for many 
years, but he made a failure, and the mill property 
was sold by the sheriff and bought by Josiah Ray, 
April 11, 1822, who sold the same to Lewis Rice, 
Feb. 2, 1839. It shortly became the property of 
John 0. Lummis, who has continued its owner to- 
the present time. 

Freeholders. — The following is a list of chosen 
freeholders from Fairfield : 



( 



174S. EbeiiezLT Westcott. 


1778-79. Thomas Harris. 


Jeremiah Buck. 


Thomas Ogden. 


1749. David Westcott. 


1780-81. Silas Newcomb. 


Jeremiah Buck. 


Charles Howell. 


1751-51. Jeremiah Buck. 


1782. John Bower. 


Henry Pierson.-^ 


William Newcomb. 


1752. David Westcott. 


1783. Col. Samuel Ogden. 


Abraham Smith. 


1784. Charles Howell. 


1753. Abraham Smith. 


John Bower. 


1754. Jonadab Shepherd. 


1785. Amtiriah Harris. 


Joseph Reeves. 


Col. Samuel Ogden. 


1755. Jonadab Shepherd. 


1786-88. Samuel Westcott. - 


175G. 


Ephraim Newcomb. 


1757. 


1789. Ephraim Newcomb. 


1758. Joseph Ogden.' 


1790. Ephraim Newcomb. 


Stephen Clark. 


Thomas Buich. 


1759. Joseph Ogden. 


1791. Thomas Burch. 


Henry Westcott. 


Dr. John T. Hampton. 


1760. Thomas Ogden. • 


1792-97. Thomas Burch. 


1761-62. Joseph Ogden. ■ 


James Harris. 


Thomas Ogden. 


1798. James Harris. 


1763. Thomas Ogden. 


Ephraim Buck. 


Theophilus Elmer. 


1799-1SU3. James Harris. 


1764-65. Joseph Daton. 


Thomas Burch. 


David Westcott. 


1804. John Trenchard. 


1766-67. Theophilus Elmer. 


Ephraim Buck. 


Thomas Ogden. 


1805. James Diament. 


1768-69. David Westcott. 


Moses Batemau. 


Ephraim Harris. 


1806. Epliraim Buck. 


1770. Thomas Harris. 


Thomas Burch. 


Theophilus Elmer. 


1807. Amos Fithian. 


1771. 


David Clark. 


1772. Theophilus Elmer. - 


1808. David Clark. 


Ephraim Harris. 


Daniel Parvin. 


1773. Isaac Preston. 


1809-11. Thomas Burch. 


1774. Silas Newcomb. 


Sheppard Westcott. 


Abial Shaw. 


1812-14. Dr. Ephraim Batemau 


1775. Thomas Ogden. 


John Ogden. 


Isaac Preston. 


1815-17. Daniel Parvin. 


1776. Thomas Ogden. 


Sheppard Westcott. 


Timothy Elmer, y 


1818-20. Dr. Daniel C. Pierson. 


1777. . 


John Trenchard, Jr. 



666 



HISTORY OF CUMBEELAND COUNTY. 



1821. Amos Westcott. i 
Moses Bsiteman. 

1822. Jolin Trenclmrd, Jr. 

1823. John Trencliard, Jr. 
Moses Batenian. 

1824. John Trenohard, Jr. 
Dr. Daniel C. Pierson.' 

1825-26. Dr. Daniel C. Pioreon.' 
David Clark. 

1827. David Clark. 
Leonard Lawrence. 

1828. Leonapl Lawrence. 
Daniel L. Burt. 

1829. Daniel L. Burt. 
Daniel Parvin. 

1830. Daniel L. Burt. 
Norton 0. Lawrence. 

1831-32. Norton 0. Lawrence. 

David Chirk. 
1833. David Clark. 

David Whitaker-. 
1834-35. David Whitaker. 

Norton 0. Lawrence. 
1836-38. William Westcott. 

John Trencliard. 

1839. Leonard Lawrence. 
Joseph Dayton. 

1840. Leonard Lawrence. 
William D. Barrett. 

1841-42. William D. Barrett. 
Charles Wheaton. 



1843-45. John Trenohard. 

David Whitaker. 
1846-47. John Trenchard. 7 

William Westcott.-- 
1848-60. Reuben Ware. 

George M. Swing. 
1861. George M. Swing. 

William Westcott. 
1862-54. George M. Swing. 

Benjamin F. Moore. 
1856-60. George M. Swing. 

Dr. Benjamin R. Bateman. 
1861-64. Dr. Ephraim Bateman. 

George S. Whiticar. 
1865-67. Jehiel Westcott, Jr. 

Robert T. Whitaker, 
186S. Harris Ogden, Jr. 

John Whitaker. 
1860-72. Harris Ogden, Jr. 

Jostas M. Cobb. 
1873-75. Josias M. Cobb. 

Dr. Ephraim Bateman. 

1876. Josias M. Cnbb. 
Robert Howell. 

1877. Josias M. Cobb. 
George E. Elmer. 

1878. Josias M. Cobb. 
William H. Westcott. - 

1870-81. Josias M. Cobb. 
1882-83. Charles S. Husted. 



CHURCHES. 

The Fairfield Presbyterian Church (Old Stone 
Church). — The organization of this church is be- 
lieved to have been a few years previous to the erec- 
tion of the township of Fairfield. The records are 
very meagre in regard to the early settlement of this 
region of country. The provincial law of 1697 enacts 
" that the tract of land in Cohaiisey purchased by 



OLD STONE CHURCH. 

several people lately inhabitants of Fairfield, in New 
Engbmd, be from and after the date hereof erected 
into a township, and be called Fairfield." The origi- 
nal meeting-house was built of logs in the log cabin 
period, and was erected doubtless at the place then 
known as New England Cross-Eoads, on the lot situate 
on the south bank of the Cohansey, where the ancient 
graveyard still remains. The first minister was the 
Rev. Thomas Bridge, born at Hackney, England, in 




1657, a graduate of Harvard, became a minister in 
England, and in consideration of his settling here he 
obtained from the West Jersey Society of England 
the right to locate a thousand acres of land wherever 
he should please to take up the same. He selected 
the lands known as the Indian Fields tract, which we 
have elsewhere described, and remained pastor of 
"Christ's" or "Cohansey Church" until about 1703. 
He died while pastor of the First Church of Boston, 
Sept. 26, 1715, aged fifty-eight years. Dr. Epher 
Whittaker, of Southold, L. I., a descendant of one of 
the earliest settlers, in his admirable historical dis- 
course on the occasion of the bi-centennial celebra- 
tion of the Old Stone Church, Sept. 29, 1880, enters 
fully into a description of the origin and growth of 
the primitive church. 

The records of the early church are all lost. The 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, with which it became 
united in 1708, was first established in 1705. Early in 
the former year, at the instance of Jedediah Andrews, 
—who came to Philadelphfa in 1698, and became the 
pastor of the First Presbyterian Church there, — Jo- 
seph Smith, a graduate of Harvard, who had been 
licensed as a preacher, came to Cohansey. Smith met 
the Presbytery in May, 1708, and was ordained and 
installed in May, 1709 ; but complaining of negli- 
gence in making up his support, he soon returned to 
New England. 

In 1710, Samuel Exall came to Cohansey, but he 
was soon deemed unsuitable. Howell Powell, who 
had been ordained in Wales, came in 1713, and was 
installed pastor, continuing until 1717, when he died. 
About this time or a little before the old log meeting- 
house was superseded by a comfortable frame build- 
ing, shingled on the sides, as was then the fashion. 
This structure, by the way, remained until 1775, when 
it became so dilapidated as to be unsafe to preach in, 
and the benches were taken out and placed under a 
large oak-tree which stood hard by, and there in good 
weather the pastor preached. 

Henry Hook, from Ireland, came to Cohansey in 
1718, and was installed pastor. For some trouble in 
the church he was suspended. He removed to Dela- 
ware in 1722. 

Noyes Parrish, a graduate of Harvard, preached to 
the congregation from 1724 to 1729, when, having 
fallen under serious imputations, he withdrew to 
New England. 

In 1729, Eev. Daniel Elmer came from Connecti- 
cut, and was ordained and installed pastor. He was 
a graduate of Yale College, and for some time taught ' 
a grammar school at West Springfield. He soon 
built himself a comfortable house, near the church, 
which was burned down shortly before his death, and 
the church records were thus unfortunately destroyed. 
He died Jan. 14, 1755. His descendants are very 
numerous and highly respectable. 

William Eamsay, of Irish descent, who had grad- 
uated at Princeton in 1754, was induced to go to 



TOWNSHIP OF FAIRFIELD. 



667 



Fairfield, and was licensed and ordained and settled 
there by the Abingdon Presbytery, to which he be- 
longed. He was a man of ardent piety and elo- 
quence, and succeeded in producing harmony, the 
church having been rent more or less, like all others 
of the denomination, by the prevailing schism. In 
1758 the breach in the Presbyterian Church was 
healed, and the two hostile Synods united. In that 
year he married the eldest daughter of Col. Ephraim 
Seeley, of Bridgeton, his congregation including per- 
sons residing there and at the Indian Fields. Upon 
the occasion of his marriage his people purchased a 
parsonage, consisting of a farm of one hundred and 
fifty acres in Sayres' Neck, about a mile southwest 
of where the Old Stone Church now stands, and he 
here resided until his death, in 1771. He was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. William Hollinshead, who was 
quite a distinguished preacher, and who was installed 
pastor in 1773. 

The troubles and privations produced by the Revo- 
lutionary war fell heavily on the congregation, and, 
to increase their dilBculties, it became necessary to 
build a new meeting-house. The ground was pur- 
chased in 1775, and subscriptions obtained to com- 
mence the work, but it was not until May 1, 1780, 
that the first stone of the " Old Stone Church" was 
laid, and on June 14th it was raised and the roof put 
on. On Sept. 7, 1780, Mr. Hollinshead preached the 
first sermon in it, but a year passed before it was 
completed and everything in good working order. 
In 1783 the society was incorporated by a special act 
of Assembly, and in the same year Mr. Hollinshead 
left, having been chosen pastor of the principal 
church in Charleston, S. C, where he remained until 
his death, in 1817. A very signal revival of religion 
occurred in the winter of 1780-81. The next spring 
forty-eight new members were added, and the suc- 
ceeding winter forty-six more, followed by a few 
others ; in all, during these years, one hundred and 
fifteen. 

In 1786 the parsonage was rented on shares. In 
1788 the Rev. Ethan Osborn, then thirty years old, of 
Litchfield, Conn., having visited Philadelphia, was 
induced by the Rev. Dr. Sproat to extend his journey 
to Fairfield. He preached for them on trial for six 
months, as was the custom. Having received a unani- 
mous call to be pastor, he accepted it, and was or- 
dained and installed Dec. 3, 1789. He married in 
1794, and commenced housekeeping at the parsonage, 
but in a few years purchased the homestead about a 
mile from his church, on the northeast side of the ' 
road leading to Cedarville, where he took up his resi- 
dence in 1803, and continued to occupy it fifty-five ; 
years, transmitting it to his family. In 1807 it was ' 
resolved to sell the parsonage, and the salary was put ' 
at four hundred dollars. It was soon subsequently 
slightly increased. Judge Elmer says, " Mr. Osborn 
was a remarkable man, and obtained a character and 
influence not only in his congregation, but through- 



out the county, which no one else can expect to emu- 
late." 

The total number of members in 1831 was three 
hundred and thirty-six, and the congregation had so 
increased that the Old Stone Church had become 
filled. Not a pew, and scarcely a sitting either on 
the floor or in the spacious galleries could be obtained 
by a new-comer. During his pastorate, which lasted 
fifty-five years, he admitted more than six hundred 
members to the communion of his church. 

In 1836, having reached his seventy-eighth year. 
Rev. David McKee was installed as co-pastor, and 
continued in this relation about two years. In 1844, 
at the age of eighty-six, Mr. Osborn offered his resig-' 
nation, and in April the Third Presbytery of Phila- 
delphia (New School) dissolved this pastoral relation, 
and adopted a minute of peculiar interest. His last 
sermon was preached in 1850, in the Old Stone Church, 
just prior to the removal of the congregation to Fair- 
ton, being a solemn farewell to that place, hallowed 
by so many endearing associations, and to the people 
so long under his charge. From this time his faculties 
gradually decayed, but he survived eight years longer. 
He died of old age alone, with no disease. May 1, 
1858. At the time of his decease he lacked only three 
months and twenty days to make his age one hundred 
years. The number of marriages that he solemnized 
and the number of funerals he attended during his 
prolonged ministerial career were enormous. When 
he offered his resignation in 1844 there was but one 
person living who was a member of the church wiien 
he became pastor ; but few could remember his coming. 
The pastorate of " Father Osborn," as he was univer- 
sally styled in his latter years, was like his general 
life, tranquil, and marked chiefly by revivals. The 
story of his most remarkable and worthy life and min- 
istry is well told in the volume on " The Pastor of the 
Old Stone Church," by his immediate successor, the 
Rev. Beriah B. Hotchkin, D.D. 

The number of persons nurtured in this church 
who became distinguished in life, many of whose 
ancestors held high ofiices of trust therein, is re- 
markable. Brief sketches of a few such are given 
elsewhere. 

The congregation worshiping in the Stone Church, 
which joined the New School party, removed in the 
spring of 1850 to Fairton, where a fine edifice, thirty- 
eight by fifty-two feet, was erected. John Trenchard 
and Theophilus Harris, the building committee, re- 
ported, March 29, 1850, the house was completed. 
The pastoral relation of Rev. B. B. Hotchkin was 
dissolved, agreeably to his request, June Hth. The 
Rev. D. C. Meeker, having preached as supply, a call 
was extended to him, which he accepted, and he was 
installed Feb. 12, 1851. A new parsonage was com- 
pleted in 1853. The Rev. James Boggs, having been 
employed as supply for nearly nine months, receiving 
and accepting a call, was ordained May 19, 1857. 



668 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



1866. The congregation so increasing that the build- 
ing became too small for them, it was resolved to 
enlarge the church, and Messrs. George E. Elmer and 
Theophilus Trenchard were appointed the building 
committee. In 1862 they reported the work com- 
pleted. The church as enlarged seats about five 
hundred. The Rev. H. S. Johnson, on the with- 
drawal of Mr. Boggs, was obtained as stated supply, 
which arrangement continued for a little more than 
two years and a half. Messrs. George S. Whitecar, 
Samuel H. Williams, and Theophilus Tomlinson ap- 
peared in Session for the first time as ruling elders 
March 31, 1867. A chapel was erected that year at 
the rear end of the church, which is used for Sunday- 
school purposes. The whole cost of lot and building 
in Fairton amounts to about five thousand dollars. 
The Rev. Mr. Johnson's labors closed May 9, 1869. 
The Rev. Dr. Samuel Beach Jones was invited to 
preach as supply on the following Sabbath, which 
invitation he accepted, and thus continued until laid 
aside by apoplexy, Sabbath morning, Oct. 4, 1874. 
His services had been very acceptable to them. The 
Rev. Samuel Rutherford Anderson, of Tuckerton, 
was invited to come and preach for a year. Having 
accepted, he took charge Feb. 15, 1875. He was 
installed pastor Nov. 12, 1875. In April, 1883, Rev. 
Mr. Anderson resigned his charge, and his resigna- 
tion was presented by Rev. Henry Reeves on the iarst 
Sunday in May. Mr. Reeves has since been supply 
for the church, preaching regularly. 

At present there are five elders and one hundred 
and forty members. 

The Sunday-school has had the following super- 
intendents : Joseph Dayton, Josiah Bennett, Theoph- 
ilus Trenchard, James Campbell, Ephraim H. Whit- 
ecar, Levi J. Craig, and James H. Elmer. The school 
consists of one hundred and seventy members. 

The First Presbyterian Church, CedarvUle. — In 
1818, when the Stone Church at New England Town 
was the only Presbyterian Church in Fairfield, and 
when nearly all the people of Cedarville attended 
worship there, there vi'as a Sabbath-school organized 
and sustained in a school-house called "Friendship," 
situated on the south side of the dam in that place. 
This school was organized on the 13th of September, 
ISIS, with one hundred and ninety scholars. The 
first officers were John (afterwards Rev.) Burtt and 
Norton 0. Lawrence. It was organized by and under 
the supervision of a committee of twelve gentlemen, 
of whom the Rev. Ethan Osborn was one. It was 
made the duty of the superintendent to make a report 
quarterly to the patrons of the school, and from these 
reports, which have been preserved, we learn that this 
early institution of the kind strictly adhered to the 
original idea that the Sabbath-school is for the study 
of the Bible. The distance to the mother-church was 
very great, and a considerable number of people were 
compelled to walk to the church, so an organization 
of a church at Cedarville was effected on the 23d of 



October, 1838, when thirty-five came with certificates 
from the Old Stone Church and four from other 
churches. The Rev. George W. Janvier preached 
the sermon at the organization. On the 28th of No- 
vember following, Asa Fish (who had been an elder 
of the old church), David Whitecar, and David 
Harris were ordained elders. Previous to the ordi- 
nation of the elders, on November 10th a board of 
trustees, consisting of five persons, was chosen. The 
Rev. David McKee preached for a time for the new 
organization, but was not settled over it as pastor. 
The Rev. Richard Curran was ordained while they 
were worshiping in the school-house in August, 1839, 
and was regularly supplying them ; he was not, how- 
ever, called to the church to become pastor until 
March 30, 1842. The reason assigned was that the 
church was receiving aid from the Board of Home 
Missions, and they wished to become self-sustaining 
before they should call a pastor. The new house of 
worship was built about 1840, commenced in 1839, 
and was about thirty-seven by fifty feet in size, situ- 
ated on the north side of the dam, where the church 
now stands; it was built of brick. Mr. Curran's 
pastorate lasted to the 11th of January, 1848, when 
it was dissolved by the West Jersey Presbytery. 
The Rev. Thomas C. Cattell was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor within one week thereafter. His min- 
istry was extended a little over three years, when the 
pastoral relation was dissolved by the West Jersey 
Presbytery, sitting at Bridgeton, September, 1851. 
During this pastorate there were frequent additions 
to the church, and the building was enlarged by the 
addition of twenty feet to its length. 

The Rev. J. A. Annin, of Franklin, Ohio, com- 
menced to labor among them on Sept. 19, 1852, and 
on the 18th of January, 1853, a call was extended to 
him to become the pastor of the church, which he 
accepted. The pastorate of Mr. Annin was the long- 
est that has yet existed, extending over nearly four- 
teen years. At his own request the pastoral relation 
was dissolved by Presbytery on July 19, 1866. 

On the 25th of August the Rev. William E. Jones, 
having accepted a call, commenced his labors in this 
church. 

The Rev. James H. Clark followed Mr. Jones, 
having received a call on Aug. 24, 1870. His pas- 
torate lasted until July 19, 1874. Sept. 7, 1874, Rev. 
James K. Wilson was invited to supply the pulpit 
for one year, and was afterwards installed, and re- 
mained pastor of the church until April 17, 1878. 
Nov. 23, 1878, a call was extended to Rev. George L. 
Smith, late pastor, who was installed April 25, 1879. 
His pastoral relation was dissolved July 28, 1883, 
and he preached his last sermon August 1st fol- 
lowing. 

Of the original petitioners for the new organization 
there are but three living. The Sabbath-school con- 
nected with this church was organized April 5, 1840. 
The names of the superintendents who have served 



TOWNSHIP OF FAIRFIELD. 



669 



in this school are Dr. B. Kush Bateman, William 
Ogden, George W. Hires, David Whitaker, Jeremiah 
Hann, David Harris, Jasper Bateman, Dr. Robert M. 
Batemau, and A. F. Bateman. The church has a large 
and commodious parsonage. During the last summer 
the church has been further improved and beautified. 
The number of members is two hundred and twenty- 
two, and the number of Sunday-school scholars is one 
hundred and twenty-seven. 

Second Presbyterian Church, Cedarville.— It 
was at the end of that period, from 1830-38, when 
the Presbyterian Church had been rent asunder by 
feuds and doctrinal discords, and when the churches 
once more began to have a foundation, that the 
Second Church was formed. A considerable portion 
of the people of Cedarville and vicinity, connected 
with the Presbyterian Church and congregation of 
Fairfield, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Ethan 
Osborn, concluded that the time had arrived to have 
a Presbyterian Church at Cedarville. The reason 
why a church there was judged necessary was that 
a greater portion of Mr. Osborn's congregation were 
considerably remote from the place of worship, which 
occasioned great inconvenience in attendance at the 
church. Although this church did not originate 
through the spirit of schism, yet the theological 
strife of this time within the Presbyterian Church 
did affect its ecclesiastical relations. But a little 
fanning was needed to cause the smouldering fire to 
burst into flame. The Rev. Mr. McKee, co-pastor 
with the Rev. Mr. Osborn, preached a sermon which 
contained views in harmony with the majority of the 
General Assembly of 1837, and Mr. Osborn favored 
the minority of that Assembly. This, as is natural, 
caused two parties in the congregation. The congre- 
gation voted to be organized by the Third Presbytery 
of Philadelphia, retracting from a previous resolution 
to be organized by the West Jersey Presbytery. Ac- 
cordingly, the Rev. Alexander Porter came down and 
preached, and acquainted himself with the situation. 
On the 6th of November, 1838, twenty-seven persons, 
with one general certificate of dismission from Rev. 
Ethan Osborn's church, were organized by the Rev. 
Robert W. Landis into a new church, to be known 
by the name of "The Second Presbyterian Church 
of Fairfield." Nathaniel Diament was elected and or- 
dained ruling elder. Their first minister, Rev. Alex- 
ander Porter, was employed for three months, whose 
term of service expired on March 24th the following 
year, 1839. The second elder was Isaac Harris, elected 
and ordained Aug. 10, 1839. 

In the beginning of 1840, Rev. A. G. Moss began 
to preach to this church as stated supply, and con- 
tinued till in July, 1843, over three years. A num- 
ber of ministers preached to the church at stated 
intervals until Nov. 19, 1845, when Rev. Beriah B. 
Hotchkin was installed, by a committee of the Third 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, as pastor of this church, 
in connection with the First Presbyterian Church of 



Fairfield. Thus the mother and daughter were re- 
united under one pastorate. This relation existed for 
nearly five years. June 11, 1850, the Fourth Presby- 
tery of Philadelphia dissolved the pastoral relation 
of Mr. Hotchkin with the "First and Second Presby- 
terian Churches of Fairfield." 

April 24, 1851, Rev. William R. Purnett, called to 
supply the pulpit for one year, appeared. The Rev. 
Charles F. Diver, pastor-elect, was installed Oct. 14, 
1852. His pastoral relation was dissolved Dec. 24, 
1860. Rev. J. F. Baird was stated supply from March 
27, 1861, to March 2, 1862. Rev. B. Emerson was 
supply from spring of 1862 to Sept. 3, 1865. Eev. C. 
F. Diver was stated supply from Oct. 1, 1865, to March 
11, 1867. Rev. Albert Worthington, of Vineland, was 
stated supply from March 31, 1867, to Sept. 4, 1870. 

On Dec. 20, 1870, the Presbytery of West Jersey 
changed the name of this church from the Second 
Church of Fairfield to the Second Church of Cedar- 
ville, by which name it is now known. On Tuesday, 
Nov. 15, 1870, Rev. L. H. Parsons was called as pastor, 
and was installed Dec. 21, 1870. The building of the 
parsonage was commenced in the fall of that year and 
finished that winter. Mr. Parsons left Nov. 20, 1871. 
Eev. William W. McNair was elected Jan. 26, 1872, 
and stayed to July 1, 1876. Rev. John E. Peters was 
stated supply until Jan. 20, 1877. Rev. C. W. Winnie, 
late pastor, commenced March 25, 1879. He resigned 
on account of failing health, and preached his last 
sermon Sept. 23, 1883. The church is now without a 
pastor. When the last report was made there were 
eighty-four members and ninety-five Sunday-school 
scholars. 

Cedarville Baptist Church. — The first Baptists 
in this county settled in this township, at Back 
Neck, and the Cohansey Baptist Church was organ- 
ized and had their first house of worship there. After 
the removal of that church to the north side of the 
Cohansey, many of its members lived in Back Neck. 
In 1714, Rev. Valentine Wightman, of Groton, Conn., 
preached in the Presbyterian meeting-house at Fair- 
field, and, as Morgan Edwards says, " forgetting his 
situation, he talked away as if he had been in a 
Baptist pulpit, and eight Presbyterians joined the 
society." In a foot-note he adds, " Since I have been 
informed but four joined the Baptists ; the otlier four 
were baptized to ease a scrupulous conscience, and 
then returned to their own church." 

Nathan Lorrauce, who resided on the south side of 
Cedar Creek, at Cedarville, became a Baptist, and 
was probably one of the converts of Wightman. He 
built a meeting-house on his land, which stood on 
the same lot where now is the Baptist meeting- 
house. In this house, there is no doubt, the pastors 
of the Cohansey Church frequently preached. Mr. 
Lorrance by his will, dated Nov. 23, 1744, left to his 
daughter, Abigail Elmer, his property at Cedarville, 
" except one acre where the Baptist meeting-house 
now standeth, where the Baptist members that liveth 



( 



1/ 



670 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



on the south side of Cohansey Creek shall think fit 
to take it," and he also laid a penalty on all his chil- 
dren if they should contribute to the support of a 
Presbyterian minister. He was buried in the ground 
adjoining the meeting-house, where his tombstone 
formerly stood. His children became supporters or 
members of the Presbyterian Church, and disregarded 
the provisions of his will. Whether the Baptists used 
the meeting-house after his death is unknown, and 
they do not seem to have claimed it under the will of 
Lorrance. Daniel Elmer, Jr., the husband of Abigail, 
seems to have been in possession of it, and it is said 
to have been used by preachers of the New Light side 
after the split in the Presbyterian ranks, among others 
by Whitefield, in 1748. Timothy Elmer, son of Daniel, 
removed it during his lifetime (he died in 1780) to 
his property below the hotel at Cedarville, and con- 
verted it into a barn. The lot was sold under the 
Elmer title, about 1828, although some claim was 
made to it by the Baptists at that time. 

In 1835, Rev. Michael Frederick, pastor of the 
Bridgeton Baptist Church, established a mission sta- 
tion at Cedarville, where he preached regularly every 
two weeks. In the fall of that year several persons 
living at Cedarville were baptized and united with 
his church. Feb. 21, 1836, he baptized thirteen per- 
sons at Cedarville, and in April, July, and September 
others were baptized there. In June, 1836, the ques- 
tion of church organization was agitated, and steps 
taken to effect it. A council having been called at 
Cedarville on Sept. 6, 1836, met in Butler Newcomb's 
woods, and thirty-one persons, members of the 
church at Bridgeton, were constituted a regular 
Baptist Church. Their meetings had been held in a 
Union meeting-house, preference only being given to 
the Reformed Methodists, but their success aroused 
the opposition of those of a different faith, and they 
were deprived of the use of the house. A temporary 
place of meeting was found in a shoemaker-shop. 
In March, 1837, they resolved to build, and the lot 
where Nathan Lorrance's meeting-house stood was 
bought, and thus finally became the property of the 
Baptists. A meeting-house thirty-two by forty feet 
with a gallery was built, and was formally opened 
June 15, 1838. The total cost of house and lot was 
.$1375.37.1. 

Rev. W. B. Bingham was the first minister in 
charge of the church, but he only remained a short 
time. In the fall of 1838, Rev. Edward D. Fendall 
became the pastor, and finished a very successful pas- 
torate in March, 1843. He was succeeded in the 
summer of that year by Rev. Henry Westcott, during 
whose short pastorate the church was much harassed 
by debt. After his departure the church obtained 
the services of Rev. Ephraim Sheppard, the pastor 
of the Millville Baptist Church, until he closed his 
labors with both churches in the fall of 1846. Rev. 
William Maul became pastor of both of these 
churches in January, 1847, and remained until May, 



1853. In the early fall of that year Rev. John Todd 
became pastor of Cedarville, and resigned Oct. 1, 
1857. 

During the year 1854 the church, after making no 
progress for several years, again commenced moving 
forward. Their burdensome debt was paid, and in 
1855 they erected a parsonage at a cost of nine hun- 
dred dollars. Rev. E. D. Farr, M.D., became the 
next pastor, early in 1858, and resigned June 25, 
1860, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel L. Cox, in 
January, 1861, who remained two years. Rev. Enoch 
M. Barker commenced his pastorate in October, 1863, 
apd during the next year they moved their meeting- 
house a few yards to a more eligible site on the other 
part of their lot, fronting on the main street, and en- 
larged and greatly improved it. Mr. Barker resigned 
Oct. 1, 1870, and was succeeded by Rev. George G. 
Craft, May 1, 1871, who remained until May, 1872. 
Rev. William A. Durfee became pastor Sept. 1, 1872. 
During 1873 the church erected the present hand- 
some Gothic meeting-house, and the old building 
was placed at the rear of the new, and remodeled 
into a lecture- and Sunday-school-room, correspond- 
ing in style to the main edifice. The dedication of 
the building took place in February, 1874. Mr. Dur- 
fee closed his labors in 1877. Rev. William Swin- 
den became pastor April 1, 1878, and remained until 
Sept. 1, 1879, and was followed by the present pastor, 
Rev. William W. Bullock, April 1, 1880. Their large 
debt having been previously reduced to five thousand 
dollars by the liberal contribution of Ananias Mul- 
ford, one of their members, an effort was made, after 
the coming of Mr. Bullock, to pay it off, and with the 
assistance of Mr. Kimball, the noted church debt 
raiser, it was accomplished. The church is now in a 
prosperous state, and numbers one hundred and sixty- 
two members, with two Sunday-schools and one hun- 
dred and ninety scholars. 

Fairton Methodist Episcopal Church. — About 
1790, Michael Swing, the pioneer of Methodism in 
Fairfield, removed from Pittsgrove, Salem Co., and 
settled on a farm which he purchased at New Eng- 
land Town. His father-in-law, John Murphy, who 
was a local preacher, accompanied him, and they 
two held meetings throughout the surrounding coun- 
try in private houses. In 1791, Mr. Swing received 
license as a local preacher, and the same year a class 
was formed at New England Town. Rev. William 
Walton, in his "History of Methodism in Bridge- 
ton," says the first meeting-house at New England 
Town was built in 1791 ; but this is a mistake, as the 
records of the church show that the subscription 
papers for this purpose were dated Jan. 5, 1819, and 
that it was built in that and the succeeding year. 
This house was built on a part of Mr. Swing's farm, 
on the road from Fairton to Back Neck, about a half- 
mile from the village, directly in front of the old 
graveyard of the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, and;1 
where the first house of worship of the Presbyterians^ 



*• 



TOWNSHIP OF FAIRFIELD. 



671 



in this county stood. The total amount of the sub- 
scriptions, which were made by persons of all denom- 
inations, and residing in different parts of the county, 
as recorded in the church records, was .?2058.15, and 
also donations of materials, labor, etc., amounting to 
$294.86 additional. Mr. Swing was the treasurer and 
active manager, and the largest contributor towards 
the building, and it being located on his land the 
house was generally called Swing's meeting-house as 
long as it existed. 

This church belonged to the Salem Circuit, as it 
was originally called, and then, upon its formation 
from Salem, to Cumberland Circuit. These circuits 
included the different preaching-places in their limits, 
and were generally served by two preachers, who 
were appointed by the Conference. These traveled 
the circuit from church to church, alternating their 
services every two weeks at each place. At a later 
date the circuits were generally composed of four 
preaching-places, two of which were served by each 
preacher every Sunday, preaching at one in the 
morning and the other in the afternoon, and the next 
Sunday at the other two appointments in like man- 
ner, thus giving each of them a preaching service 
every Sunday. 

The toils and privations of the circuit-riders were 
great, and the heroic manner in which they not 
only endured but zealously sought the service, not- 
withstanding its arduous work and exposures, is a 
convincing proof of the earnestness of their faith 
and their self-denying desire for the good of souls, 
and bore the legitimate fruit which self-denying 
labor by those thoroughly imbued with the impor- 
tance of the great truths they promulgate will ever 
produce of a rich harvest of many souls. 

Eaybold, in his " Keminiscences of Methodism in 
West Jersey," says that R. Swain and K. Lyon were 
the preachers on this circuit in 1800, and that at one 
of his meetings at Fairfield, Lyon announced that on 
four weeks from that day he would be there again, 
" preach, pray, work a miracle, and have a revival." 
Mr. Swing wrote to Swain to try to be there at the 
same time, so as to keep Lyon in order. Both ap- 
peared, and an immense crowd, including almost 
the whole neighborhood, was present. After Swain 
preached, Lyon arose and proclaimed, " Lyon is here, 
and he will yet preach ; the miracle is there," point- 
ing in the midst of the audience. " Who ever saw 
the Presbyterian minister and his flock here before ? 
Now I shall preach, and the Lord will do the rest ; 
we shall see the revival." A great revival did follow 
his preaching, and the strange method he adopted to 
attract the audience was forgotten in the beneficence 
of the results. 

Feb. 24, 1834, the church met, elected trustees, and 
became incorporated under the general laws of the 
State. In 1839 and 1840, Rev. John F. Crouch was 
the minister in charge on this circuit, and Rev. Thos. 
Stewart his assistant. At the Quarterly Conference on 



Cumberland Circuit for 1840 it was resolved that Fair- 
field and Cedarville be thereafter known as stations, 
and at the Annual Conference in the spring of 1841 
they were set off as such. Cedarville was connected 
with this church until it was made a separate station in 
1861. In 1848 subscriptions were again made, and 
the meeting-house was repaired, painted, and im- 
proved. As the village of Fairton grew the incon- 
venience of the meeting-house became greater, and 
Sept. 30, 1865, a committee was appointed to examine 
concerning a site for a new church in the village. 
October 6th of the same year the committee were 
directed to buy the lot now occupied by the church 
from George M. Swing and Theophilus Tomlinson 
for three hundred and fifty dollars. July 16, 1866, 
the tearing down of the old building, "Swing's meet- 
ing-house," was commenced, and soon finished. The 
new church was completed and dedicated Jan. 26, 1867. 

The church records contain no account of those who 
preached here while this was connected with the cir- 
cuit. Since it was made a station, in 1841, the follow- 
ing have been the ministers here, in connection with 
Cedarville until 1861, and since that at Fairton alone : 
1841, Abraham Owen ; 1842, Matthias German ; 1843, 
Jacob Loudenslager ; 1844, Joseph Gaskill ; 1845, 
George A. Raybold ; 1846^7, Abraham Gearhart ; 
1848-49, Levi Herr; 1850-51, William Tunison ; 
1852-53, J. C. Summerill; 1854, Jacob Loudenslager; 
1855-56, William Walton ; 1857-58, Isaac Hugg ; 
1859, Furman Robbins; 1860, Richard Thorn ; 1861, 
Henry B. Beegle; 1862, Joseph H. James; 1863-64, 
Thomas D. Sleeper; 1865, William C. Stockton; 
1866-67, John H. Hutchinson ; 1868-69, George H. 
Tullis; 1870-71, Socrates Townsend; 1872-74, Wil- 
liam T. Abbott; 1875-77, John W. Hickman ; 1878, 
Samuel S. Weatherby; 1879-80, Joseph E. Willey; 
1881-82, James Rogers ; 1883, Jacob T. Price. 

The church also has a commodious parsonage ad- 
joining the church. The present membership is one 
hundred and eighty-seven, and that of the Sunday- 
school two hundred. The trustees are Smith Davis, 
Ephraim Harris, William Sink, Eli Elmer, Israel 
Brown, Charles Taylor, and Joseph Woodruff. 

Cedarville Methodist Episcopal Church.'— The 
exact time of the introduction of Methodism into 
Cedarville is not known. A few Methodists were here 
a little before 1820, among whom was Dr. James B. 
Parvin, a local preacher. 

The first sermon by a regular " itinerant" was 
preached in the house of one Tunis Egbert, some 
time after 1820. Until the year 1832 there was only 
occasional worship ; during that year a wheelwright- 
shop was fitted up for that purpose. After the work- 
men were through with their work on Saturday 
morning the shavings were cleared away and rough 
boards were used as benches. It was in this shop 
that the society was organized. The wheelwright- 

1 By Rev. Nelson A. Macnichol. 



672 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



shop was used for divine worship about five years. 
In 1837 a small church was erected on a lot adjoining 
the graveyard. The society continued in this church 
for thirty-two years. On the 2d of January, 1869, 
the lecture-room of the present edifice was dedicated 
to the service of God. The audience-room, being left 
unfinished for a time, was not dedicated until the 
8th of January, 1^1. 

The number of members at the organization of the 
society was about twenty. In 1837 the number was 
increased to fifty. The membership has steadily in- 
creased until it now (1883) numbers two hundred. 
The cost of the first church was about $1500. The 
cost of the present edifice was $10,000, and it was 
dedicated free from debt. For about nine years Ce- 
darville was connected with what was known as Cum- 
berland Circuit. In 1841 it was set off with Fairton 
as one charge, and remained so for about twenty years. 
In 1861 these two churches asked for and obtained a 
pastor each, and have supported one separately ever 
since. During the year 1873 the new parsonage was 
built under the direction of the pastor. Rev. B. C. 
Lippincott, at a cost of about $2000. 

The following is the list of the pastors of the church 
and their years of service: Rev. Edward Stout, 1832- 
33; Rev. Joseph Gaskill, 1834-35; Rev. John W. 
McDougall, 1834^35; Rev. William Williams, 1834- 
36 ; Rev. J. J. Sleeper and Brother Christopher, in 
1837-38 ; Revs. John F. Crouch and Thomas G. Stew- 
art, in 1839-40 ; Rev. Abraham Owen, in 1841, was 
the first pastor of Cedarville and Fairton. 

Rev. Matthias German occupied the charge in 1842 ; 
Jacob Loudenslager, inl843; Joseph Gaskill, in 1844; 
George A. Raybold, in 1845; Abraham Gearhart, in 
1846-47; Levi Herr, in 1848-49; William Tunison, 
in 1850-51 ; J. C. Summerill, in 1852-53 ; Jacob Lou- 
denslager, in 1854; William Walton, in 1855-56; 
Isaac Hugg, in 1857-58; Furman Robbins, in 1859; 
Richard Thorn, in 1860, and in 1861 he was the first 
pastor for Cedarville after separating from Fairton ; 
D. L. Adams, in 1862 ; Joseph Ashbrook, in 1863-64 ; 
L. O. Manchester, in 1865-66 ; Henry G. Williams, in 
1867 ; George L. Dobbins, in 1868-70 ; Benjamin C. 
Lippincott, in 1871-73; M. C. Stokes, in 1874^75; 
William S. Barnart, in 1876-77 ; Levi Larew, in 1878- 
80 ; John S. Price, in 1881-82, died at his charge in 
March, 1883. In March, 1883, its present pastor, 
Nelson A. Macnichol, was appointed. The charge 
has a large Sunday-school; under the efficient'man- 
agement of Capt. B. F. Simms. 

Moses Batejian was born in the township of Fair- 
field, July 19, 1760; was the son of Nehemiah Bate- 
man, and probably a descendant of John Bateman, 
one of the original settlers from Long Island, who 
came from there at the close of the seventeenth cen- 
tury. 

Moses Bateman, like most of the Fairfield people, 
was an ardent Whig, and when the contest with Great 
Britain began, before he had attained the age of 



eighteen, he became a member of Capt. Pearson's 
company of militia, and then enlisted in the Conti- 
nental army. He was married three times, — first, to 
Hannah Jones, July 29, 1783 ; second, to Hannah 
Hogbin, March 17, 1791; and, third, to Elizabeth 
Bateman, Dec. 23, 1808. He had nine children, all 
of whom are now deceased except Dr. Eli E. Bate- 
man, who resides at Cedarville. His oldest son, Dr. 
Moses Bateman, was surgeon of the militia in service 
at Billingsport, and died there Nov. 7, 1814, in the 
thirtieth year of his age. The father had but little 
education, but was a man of sound judgment, and 
made a good use of his opportunities. For many 
years he occupied a farm opposite the parsonage of l 
Mr. Osborn, of whom he was a warm friend and sup- 
porter, and like him was a Democrat in politics. His 
principal business was a farmer, in which he was 
very successful, accumulating a very handsome estate. 
He was for several years a judge of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, and for twenty years a justice of the peace, 
in which capacity he was much employed. He died 
Aug. 12, 1841. 

Henry Buck, Je., was the son of Henry Buck, of 
the township of Wethersfield, Hartford Co., Conn. 
Henry Buck, Jr., and his father were both black- 
smiths by trade. His father died previous to 1721. 
Henry, Jr., came to Cohansey previous to 1702, and 
settled in Back Neck, below New England Town. He 
soon formed a partnership with Richard Whitacar 
in the store business, trading in dry-goods, groceries, 
clothing, liquors, tools for farming, books, etc. They 
also owned a sloop, and traded with New York and 
Boston. The old store-book of the firm is still in 
possession of a member of the Whitacar family. 
They did a large business for that early day, it being 
probably the only store east of the Cohansey. Aug. 
17, 1709, his father deeded him a dwelling and lands 
near a place called Rocky Hill, in Hartford Co., 
Conn., which he sold, June 20, 1721, to James Goold, 
of Boston, mariner, who traded at Greenwich for a 
number of years, for three hundred and forty-seven 
pounds. Both he and his partner were among the 
most prominent inhabitants of Fairfield, and trans- 
acted a large amount of public business. In 1707 
and 1708 he was overseer of roads for the south side 
of Cohansey. In 1709 he was appointed assessor. 
At December term, 1710, and March, 1710-11, he 
was foreman of the grand jury. In 1716 he was one 
of the chosen freeholders, and also constable. In 
1718 he was again chosen freeholder, and in 1719 
and 1720 assessor. In 1721 and 1722 he was a justice 
of the peace. These oflices were of far greater im- 
portance in that day, and were filled by the best men 
in the community. 

Nathaniel C. Burt, D.D. — Nathaniel Clark Burt 
was born in Fairton, April 23, 1825. He was the son 
of Daniel L. and Sarah Clark Burt. He was gradu- 
ated at the College of New Jersey, valedictorian of 
his class, in 1846, and at the Princeton Theological 



TOWiNSIIlP OF FAIRFIELD. 



673 



Seminary in 1850 ; installed pastor of the Franklin 
Street Cliurcli, Baltimore, 1855, and of the Broadway 
Street Church, Cincinnati, in 1860, and retained this 
charge eight years. On account of ill health he trav- 
eled in 1866 through Europe, Egypt, and Syria. 
When the same cause impelled him to resign his pas- 
toral charge in 1868, he was elected president of the 
Ohio Female College, and he well fulfilled the duties 
of the office two years, as long as failing health per- 
mitted. In the summer of 1870 he sailed with his 
family for Europe, and remained there, mainly in the 
southern part, until his death, which occurred in 
Rome, March 4, 1874. He made a free and excellent 
use of his pen as well as of his speech. He was the 
author of " Redemption's Dawn," " Hours Among the 
Gospels," " The Far East," and " The Land and its 
Story." He was scholarly, eloquent, and spiritual. 
He wrote much for periodicals, both secular and re- 
ligious. 

Daniel Elmee, Jr., was the son of Rev. Daniel 
Elmer, and came to Fairfield with his father when 
he was chosen pastor of the old Cohansey Presbyte- 
rian Church in 1728. He was born in Massachusetts 
in 1715, and was educated, principally by his father, 
so as to fit him for the profession of a surveyor, which 
he followed. 

In 1738 the son married Abigail Lawrence, daugh- 
ter of Nathan Lorrance, as he usually spelled his 
name, who came to Cedarville from Long Island, and 
was the owner of quite a large property. He took 
his residence at Cedarville, and lived in a house on 
the southeast side of the road leading to the Landing, 
about half a mile from the mill-pond. He had a good 
business as a surveyor, and held a deputation from 
the surveyor-general of West Jersey, then a valuable 
office on account of the facilities it afforded for pur- 
chasing land and for locating vacant tracts. 

lu 1757 he was appointed by the royal Governor 
and his Council clerk of the county, holding the office 
until his death in 1761. There being at that time no 
public building appropriated to the office, he per- 
formed its duties and kept the books and papers, ex- 
cept during the sittings of the courts, in his dwelling. 
As there was at this time no law requiring deeds or 
mortgages to be recorded, the records were compara- 
tively few and unimportant. 

His married life lasted only twenty-three years, his 
wife surviving him nearly ten years. They had five 
sons and five daughters. Most of those bearing the 
family name now residing in FaiiJield are descend- 
ants of Theodoras Elmer, the youngest son of the 
Rev. Daniel and his first wife, Margaret Parsons. 
Those residing in Bridgeton are all descendants of 
Daniel, Jr. His eldest son, Daniel 3d, married Mary 
Shaw, lived at Cedarville, and died in 1775, at the 
age of thirty-four, leaving one son, Daniel 4th. 

Theophilus Elmer was the son of Rev. Daniel 
Elmer, and was born at New England Town in 1727, 
shortly after his father settled there, and resided there 
43 



as a farmer until his death. He was a magistrate 
and an influential member of society. In 1767 he 
was appointed by Governor Franklin sheriff of the 
county, the commission being in the name of the 
king, to hold the office for three years, or during his 
pleasure. In 1772 he was elected member of the 
Assembly, when to entitle him to a seat it was neces- 
sary that he should have one thousand acres of land, 
or be worth five hundred pounds, equal to thirteen 
hundred and thirty-three dollars, of real and personal 
estate. In September, 1775, while still a member of 
Assembly he was elected a member of the Provincial 
Congress. 

During the years 1777 and 1778, those trying years 
of the Revolution, he was a member of the Council 
of Safety, consisting of tlie Governor and twelve 
Councilors, who by temporary laws were invested 
with extraordinary powers almost equal to a dictator 
of ancient Rome. 

Mr. Elmer acted as treasurer of the Council part 
of the time, and considerable sums of money were 
disbursed. During the year 1780, after he was a 
member of the Legislature, or of the committee, he 
was appointed a commissary in Cumberland County, 
with full power to obtain horses and provisions by 
purchase at the regulated price, or, if needful, by 
impressment. 

In 1765, during the pastorate of Mr. Ramsay, he 
became a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in 
1773 was chosen a ruling elder, but declined to act. 
He was the principal manager in buildiug the new 
stone church in 1780, now called the "Old Stone 
Church," the centennial celebration of which was 
held in September, 1880, at which the venerable ex- 
Judge L. Q. C. Elmer presided. 

He was three times married, — first to Theodosia 
Sayre, daughter of a leading citizen of the county, in 
1765 sheriff, who resided at the place for a long time 
called Sayre's Cross-Roads, now Roadstown. She 
died in 1765. They had two sons and two daughters, 
who all married and left children, many of whom 
from female branches of the names of Holmes, Dia- 
ment, Lummis, Harris, and others still reside in the 
county, but none bearing the family name. His 
second wife was Abigail Lawrence, widow of Timothy / 
Lawrence, who was the brother of his mother. She 
died in 1775, and some time after he married Hannah 
Merseilles, a widow residing near Trenton, the mother 
of Eden Merseilles, who lived for several years in 
Bridgeton, and was one of the firm of Seeley & Mer- 
seilles. 

His will, on file at Trenton, is dated Feb. 22, 1783. 
He died Aug. 1, 1783. 

Timothy Elmer was born at Cedarville, in ihe 
year 1748, and was the son of Daniel Elmer, Jr., and 
grandson of Rev. Daniel Elmer. He died in 1780 at 
the early age of thirty-two, but during his short life 
was a man of considerable importance. His father 
died when he was about thirteen years old, and but 



67-1 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



little is known of his early life. In 1772 he married 
Mary Dayton, and lived on a farm left to him by his 
father, on the main road a little below the Cedarville 
tavern, where Joab Sheppard now lives. He was an 
earnest Whig, and at the breaking out of the war of 
the Revolution was prompt to take up arms to resist 
the oppressive measures of the British government. 
When the militia was organized in 1776 he was ap- 
pointed a captain, and in 1777 was a major. 

In the fall of 1779 he was elected a member of the 
Assembly of New Jersey. He had three children, — • 
Timothy, born in 1773, died in 1836. In the years 
1805-7 he was sheriff, and in 1815 he was appointed 
surrogate of the county. Oliver, born in 1775, lived 
on the old homestead, and died in 1857 ; and Jane, 
born in 1777. 

Norton O. Lawrence was the son of Norton 
Lawrence, and was born in the townsliip of Fairfield, 
in the year 1787. His great-grandfather, Nathan (who 
spelled his name Lorrance, as some of his descendants 
did), came from Long Island at the commencement 
of the eighteenth century and settled at Cedarville, 
where he became the owner of a very considerable 
real estate. 

Jonathan was the father of Norton, who was born 
in 1763, married Abigail Ogden, and had four chil- 
dren, — Norton O., Lorenzo, Leonard, and Lemuel. 
He was at first a farmer, and lived at a place called 
Herring Row, removing soon from there to Cedar- 
ville, where he carried on a considerable mercantile 
business in connection with Amos Fithian. He was 
an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and died in 
1805. His four sons are also deceased, the last sur- 
vivor having been Dr. Leonard, who married Anna 
Osborn, the oldest child of Rev. Ethan Osborn, and 
carried on a considerable business at Cedarville for 
several years. 

Norton O. Lawrence married Phoebe Buck, only 
child of Maj. Ephraim Buck, one of the original set- 
tlers of Cedarville Landing, and carried on business 
at that place, maintaining a country store and en- 
gaging extensively in building vessels, and sending 
wood and lumber to Philadelphia. They had nine 
children, of whom three, viz., Norton, Franklin, and 
Albert, are living. The wife and one of her sons 
were stricken and died with the cholera in Septem- 
ber, 1884. He died in 1836. 

Mr. Lawrence became early in life a member of 
Mr. Osborn's church, of whom he was a devoted 
friend, and was active in promoting all good works. 
In connection with Mr. (afterwards Rev.) John Burtt, 
who emigrated from Scotland to his neighborhood in 
early life, he is said to have established the first Sab- 
bath-school in the county. At one time he traveled 
considerably in the adjoining townships to establish 
schools, engaged early in the measures adopted for 
suppressing intemperance, and was an active mem- 
ber of the Bible Society. 

Jerbjiiah S. Nixon was born near Cedarville, 



Sept. 20, 1794, on the family farm, Jones' Island, 
where all his Cumberland County Nixon ancestors 
lived and died. His father and grandfather, both 
named Jeremiah, were both elders of the "Old Stone 
Church." Mr. Nixon married, in 1816, Mary Shaw 
Thompson, who was born on the family farm adjoin- 
ing the Nixon farm. In 1829, Mr. Nixon moved to 
Delaware, where he engaged largely in the timber 
business. In the mean time his two youngest chil- 
dren were born there. In 1839 he returned to New 
Jersey, and settled in Bridgeton. He resided here 
until 1845, when he moved to Dennisville, Cape May 
Co., and there became extensively engaged in the 
lumber trade and ship-building. He launched a 
number of vessels, some of large tonnage. He con- 
tinued to reside in Dennisville until the death of his 
wife in 1861, when early in the following year he 
moved to Bridgeton, making his home with his 
daughter. Mr. Nixon was a man of more than 
average natural ability. He was remarkably ener- 
getic, possessing an indomitable will, which shrank 
from no obstacle. He was an ardent, uncompro- 
mising patriot. He was an excellent practical sur- 
veyor, having few superiors as such. He died May 
1, 1878, in the eighty- fourth year of his age. Mr. 
Nixon left seven children, four sons and three 
daughters. 

John Ogden (3d) was born in the township of 
Fairfield, in the year 1755. He was the youngest son 
of David Ogden, born in 1707, who died in 1760, and 
grandson of John Ogden, born in 1671, who died in 
1745. This grandfather is supposed to have been a 
son or grandson of John Ogden, who came from 
England to Connecticut about the year 1641. 

This John Ogden was one of the persons to whom 
King Charles II. granted the charter of Connecticut 
in 1662. He lived for a time on Long Island, and 
about the year 1673 settled at Elizabeth Town, in New 
Jersey, where, in connection with other persons, he 
purchased a tract of land from the Indians, for which 
a patent was granted by Governor Nichols, and he 
was Governor of the colony under the Dutch while 
they held New York. This " Elizabeth Town grant" 
was the occasion of much contention with the Eng- 
lish Proprietors, and caused Ogden to be regarded as 
a " leading malcontent." He seems, however, to 
have been a true patriot, a leader of the people, and 
an earnest Cliristian. He was the acknowledged pio- 
neer of the town, tlie (ihlest in the State, in whose 
house the first white child of the settlement was bnrn. 
He died early in 1682, leaving many descendants, 
wlio have held distinguished places in the govern- 
ment of the State, among whom were Col. Aaron 
Ogden, Governor in 1813, and his son, Elias D. B. 
Ogden, judge of the Supreme Court. 

John Ogden, the grandfather of John (3d), the 
subject of this notice, came to Fairfield among the 
early settlers about the year 1690. 

.lohn Ogden, who first settled at Cohansey, owned 



TOWNSHIP OF FAIRFIELD. 



675 



the mill on the branch of the Cohansey called by the 
early settlers the North Branch, afterwards "Mill 
Creek." He married Mary Diament, and had six 
children. His oldest son, John (2d), left many de- 
scendants. One of them, named Jedediah, had a son 
Isaac Ambrose, who studied theology with Rev. 
Jonathan Freeman, pastor of the Bridgeton Church, 
in 1806, became a preacher, first at Cape May and 
afterwards in Ohio, where he died. 

The descendants of the Ogdens of this county in 
the male and female branches are very numerous. 
During the war of the Revolution they were active 
Whigs. One of them, named Benjamin, was taken 
prisoner, and died in 1778. Benjamin S., son of 
Thomas, a grandson of John (1st), was a captain in 
the United States army in the war of 1812. David, 
his second son, had eleven children. His youngest 
son, John (3d), lived while a young man with Jere- 
miah Nixon (grandfather of Jeremiah S. Nixon), who 
married his sister Hannah. He had two wives and 
eleven children. He was thirty years an elder of the 
Old Cohansey Presbyterian Church, and during all 
the latter years of his life lived at the place formerly 
called "Kill-Pig Hole," now Rockville. He died 
June 27, 1882. 

^William Ramsay was one of the Scotch-Irish 
people who settled in Pennsylvania and became the 
parents there of so many excellent citizens. His 
father was James Ramsay, a pious Presbyterian, who 
came from Ireland and settled in Lancaster County 
on a farm. William was born in 1732. 

He graduated at the College of New Jersey in the 
year 1754, during the presidency of Rev. Aaron Burr. 

Ramsay, who was of mature age when he finished 
his collegiate course, had embraced religion before he 
entered upon it, and pursued the study of theology, 
but under whose direction is not known, probably at 
the celebrated " Log College" at Neshaminy. He 
took the degree of A.M. in regular course at Prince- 
ton. In January, 1755, Rev. Daniel Elmer, pastor of 
the Cohansey Presbyterian Church at Fairfield, died. 

In March, 1756, Ramsay having received a regular 
call to be their pastor, he was received by the Abing- 
don Presbytery, " New Side," May 11, 1756, and in- 
stalled by the same Presbytery, Dec. 1, 1756. He 
married Sarah Seeley, daughter of Col. Ephraim 
Seeley, in 1758, and had six children, five of them 
sons, who lived to mature age. 

Mr. Ramsay was a man of ardent piety, an excel- 
lent pastor, and an eloquent preacher. In the midst 
of his usefulness he was struck down by disease, and 
died in 1771, at the early age of thirty-nine. Seldom 
has the death of a minister been more sincerely 
mourned^ 

JoHX Trenchard was born in tlie year 1783, 
probably in the township of Fairfield, on the farm 
where his father lived for several years, situate on the 
straight road from the Old Stone Church to Fairton. j 
He was of a respectable English family, one of whom, ' 



named George, settled at an early date in Salem 

County, where he purchased a considerable tract of 
land on Monmouth River, now called AUoways Creek, 
and was a surveyor. In the years 1723-25 he was 
sheriff of the county, and died in 1728. 

George Trenchard, Jr., had five sons and several 
daughters. The daughters married into several of 
the leading families of Salem, and have left numerous 
descendants. The sons were John, Curtis, James, 
George, and Thomas. 

John Trenchard, son of George, was born in 1742. 
By his first wife, Theodosia Ogden, he had ten chil- 
dren. Of these three were sons, — John, Curtis, and 
Richard. He lived for a time at Cohansey Bridge, 
and about 1768, with his brother, bought the prop- 
erty at the northwest corner of Laurel and Jefferson 
Streets, which was soon afterwards owned by James 
Boyd. At the commencement of the Revolutionary 
war, and for several years afterwards, Mr. Boyd's 
widow resided and kept store there. Trenchard, 
about 1769, sold this property, and afterwards re- 
moved to Fairfield, where he died in 1823. His son 
Curtis (2d) was for several years a well-known consta- 
ble of Fairfield. 

John Trenchard, Jr., worked in early life as a 
blacksmith with Curtis Edwards, whose shop was 
situate on the old road from Bridgeton to Fairfield, 
near Rocap's Run. About 1801 he commenced going 
by water in vessels trading to Philadelphia and else- 
where, and continued in that employment four or five 
years, and then went into business at Fairton in keep- 
ing a store with Daniel P. Stratton. When Mr. Strat- 
ton removed to Bridgeton, in 1814, he continued the 
busine.ss, sometimes alone and sometimes with a part- 
ner, for twenty years, being engaged in building ves- 
sels and in cutting wood and lumber and shipping the 
same to Philadelphia, this being at that time a prof- 
itable business. He also sent produce to Bermuda. 
In the year 1843 he purchased of David Clark the 
mill property at Fairton. This mill Mr. Trenchard 
soon removed to where it now stands, near the straight 
road from Bridgeton to Fairton. By close attention 
to business and wise economy he amassed a very con- 
siderable estate, and he was during all his life highly 
esteemed by his fellow-citizens. In early life he was 
Democratic, but he supported John Quincy Adams 
rather than Jackson and became a Whig. In the 
years 1827-28 he was elected a member of the Legis- 
lative Council of New Jersey. 

He died in 1863. He was twice married. By his first 
wife, Eleanor Davis, to whom he was married in 1803, 
he had seven children, of whom James H. (deceased), 
Ethan, and Eleanor (deceased) survived him. By his 
second wife, Hannah L. Pierson, to whom he was mar- 
ried in 1816, he had children, — Dr. John, living in 
Philadelphia ; Theophilus, now living in Bridgeton ; 
Emily, wife of Hon. George S. Whiticar, of Fairton ; 
Rufus, Nancy (deceased), Jane (deceased), and Henry 
Clay. 



676 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Richard Whitacar, of London, came with Fen- 
wick in the ship "GrifEn." By tradition he is said 
to have first come to America in 1665 or 1666, after 
the great fire in London, and then returned to Eng- 
land. He was one of the leading spirits who came 
with Fenwick, and was one of his most earnest sup- 
porters in his numerous trials while trying to build 
up his colony. William Hancock, who had bought 
in England one thousand acres of Fenwick, appointed 
him his attorney July 6, 1675, to manage his land for 
him in New Jersey. The power of attorney is still 
preserved in the family. When the first government 
for the new colony was organized in the spring of 
1676, Fenwick was chosen Governor, and fifteen mag- 
istrates, of whom Richard Whitacar was one, were 
chosen. They probably exercised legislative as well 
as judicial powers, and made the laws needed for 
the colony. He settled iu Salem at first, but re- 
moved to the south side of Cohansey between 1690 
and 1700, where he took up a large tract of land near 
New England Town, and built a brick dwelling, which 
was taken down about twenty years ago. He and 
Henry Buck kept a general merchandise store near 
there, and had a sloop trading to New York and 
Boston. One of his descendants still has the old 
store-book of the firm. Besides the other public busi- 
ness mentioned under the notice of Henry Buck, 
Whitacar was a member of the grand jury April 12, 
1709. No man exercised a greater influence at that 
day than did Richard Whitacar. He married on 
April 4, 1680, Else Adkins, daughter of George Prevo, 
late of Alloways Creek, and had children, — Richard, 
Jr., and others. He and his wife were Friends, but 
most of his descendants are Presbyterians, resulting 
from his near location to the Old Fairfield Presbyte- 
rian Church. He probably died soon after 1709, as 
his name disappears from the court records after Sep- 
tember term of that year. 

Rev. Epher Whitaker, who has been for many 
years pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Southold, 
L. I., was born in Fairton. He is the son of Reuel, 
a descendant of Richard Whitaker. Richard Whit- 
aker's descendants are very many in both South and 
North Jersey, in New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
and other States. 

Epher Whitaker entered the office of the Bridgeton 
Chronicle SI& a journeyman printer, when the West Jer- 
sey Observer and Washington Whig were consolidated, 
and the name of the consolidated paper is due to his 
suggestion. Being of a very studious turn and piously 
inclined, he believed it to be his duty to prepare for 
the gospel ministry, and, as he says, was urged to do 
so by the vener.able Gen. Elmer, then in his ninety- 
second year, and only six months before his death, in 
1843. Mr. Whitaker graduated at Princeton Semi- 
nary, and has been one of the ablest and most useful 
ministers of the Presbyterian Church ever since. He 
is a writer of much repute, and has been especially 
noted for his historical researches. His exceedingly 



valuable address at the bi-centennial celebration of 
the Old Stone Church, which has been published and 
extensively circulated, will ever endear his memory 
to the descendants of the early fathers. 

The Rev. Dr. Whitaker is the father of the Rev. 
William Force Whitaker, who was graduated at the 
University of Pennsylvania, first in his class and with 
the highest honors, in 1873, and at the Union Theo- 
logical Seminary, New Y'ork City, in 1876. He is the 
first pastor of the St. Cloud Church, Orange, N. J. 
His mother, who was married March 12, 1810, still 
survives at the extreme old age of ninety -three, and 
is the oldest woman in the township of Fairfield. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



RICHARD LANING. 

The family of Lanings are of Welsh origin, David 
Laning, the pioneer, having emigrated from Wales 
in 1706, and settled in Burlington County, N. J. He 
married about 1732, and had among his sons Samuel 
and John Laning. The latter, who is the grandfather 
of the subject of this sketch, was born in the county 
of Burlington, N. J., Jan. 19, 1738, and married, 
about the year 1774, Miss Rhoda Izard. Soon after 
their marriage they removed to Cumberland County, 
and resided iu the township of Greenwich, where Mr. 
Laning followed the trade of a chair-maker. In 
1781 he purchased a large and productive farm, which 
afterwards became the property of the subject of this 
sketch. The children of John and Rhoda Laning 
were Samuel, born in 1776 ; Richard, whose birth oc- 
curred in 1777 ; and John, born in 1780. 

Mrs. Laning having died Oct. 26, 1780, he married 
Ann Ewing, born Aug. 12, 1748. To this marriage 
were born children, — Anna, in 1786 ; Rhoda, in 1787 ; 
and George, in 1789. Mrs. Laning died June 27, 
1824, aged seventy-six years, and her husband Jan. 
14, 1826, in his eighty-ninth year, after maintaining 
throughout his long life an excellent character for 
integrity and probity. He was in religion a consistent 
member of the Friends' Meeting. 

John, the third son of John and Rhoda Laning, 
was born Oct. 16, 1780, and married Judith, daughter 
of David Westcott, of Fairfield, to whom were born 
six children, — Mary Ann, Richard, David W., Julia 
A.., Rhoda, and Phosbe. John inherited the Fairfield 
property, was an active business man, a member of 
the State Legislature, and sheriff of the county of 
Cumberland. His death occurred on the 11th of 
November, 1850, in the seventy-first year of his age. 
His son Richard was born Sept. 20, 1807, in Fairfield 
township. Soon after his birth his father removed to 
Maurice River township, where the son remained 
until his fifteenth year. He inherited the strength 
and powers of endurance of his ancestors, and early 



:s*s 




'''^ -'ir)'AJ{.Ritaai! 



^ 



-Z^C^^^M 



4 




<J 





ABEL S. DARE. 



TOWNSHIP OF FAIRFIELD. 



677 



bore his part in tlie labors of the farm, of which, 
during the ofBcial career of Mr. Laning, his son 
Richard became sole manager. 

He was on the 5th of May, 1835, married to Miss 
Violetta W., daughter of John Whitaker and grand- 
daughter of Jeremiah Whitaker, of Fairfield town- 
ship. Their children are John W., Samuel, Eliza- 
beth W. (deceased), Julia Ann (deceased), Richard 
G., Rhoda W., Ebenezer W. (deceased), and Wil- 
liam W. (also deceased). After his marriage Mr. Lan- 
ing removed to a farm on Manantico Creek, Mill- 
ville township, and remained four years, when a 
farm was purchased in Fairfield township which be- 
came his home. His father's death occurred in 1850, 
and a year later he became owner of the homestead 
both by inheritance and purchase. Here he remained, 
actively engaged in agricultural employments, until 
1869, when he again removed to a farm near Fairton, 
in Fairfield township. In 1878, Mr. Laning and his 
family became residents of Bridgeton, where he died, 
Dec. 3, 1880, in his seventy-fourth year. He was 
highly esteemed for liis genial qualities of heart no 
less than for his upright character and his sound 
business principles. Mr. Laning rarely participated 
in the exciting scenes of a political campaign. 
Though a strong party man, and an earnest exponent 
of the principles of Republicanism, he coveted not the 
honors of olfice, and found his chief pleasure in the 
quiet delights of his own fireside. He was a member 
of the County Agricultural Society, and actively inter- 
ested in its growth. In religion he was a supporter of 
the First Baptist Church of Bridgeton, of which Mrs. 
Laning, their son, John W., and daughter, Rhoda W., 
are members. John W. was married, Feb. 16, 1860, to 
Miss Emily H., daughter of Jehiel Westcott, of Fair- 
field township. Their children are Lizzie (Mrs. E. 
Coates Swing, of Fairton), Milton W., Enos, and 
Frank N. Samuel married Ann Eliza, daughter of 
Joab Sheppard, of Cedarville. Their children are 
Laura B., Julia A., Blanche B., and William W. 

Richard married Charlotte, daughter of Smith 
Westcott, of Cedarville. 



JEHIEL WESTCOTT. 



The Westcott family are of English lineage. Eben 
ezer Westcott and Pha'be, his wife, resided in Fair- 
field township, and were the grandparents of the sub 
jectof this biography. Their children were Ebenezer, 
born in 1750 ; Philip, in 1751 ; Temperance, in 1758 ; 
Sarah, in 1756; David, in 1757; Jonathan, in 1759; 
Rhoda, in 1760; Henry, in 1762; Jehiel, in 1764; 
Sheppard, in 1766; Abraham, in 1768; Phfebe, in 
1769; and Lydia, in 1771. Jehiel, of this number, 
was born Oct. 31, 1764, and died in 1812, his resi- 
dence having been at Back Neck, where he followed 
farming employments. He married Mary, daughter 
of Elias Sheppard and his wife Susannah, and grand- 



daughter of John and Mary Sheppard, on the 2d of 
December, 1770. Their children were Abraham, 
who was born in 1789, and died in infancy; Lydia, 
born in 1792; Ann, in 1795; Elias, in 1798; Jehiel, 
in 1800; Jane, in 1802; Elias (2d), in 1804; John 
Bunyan, in 1806; Mary, in 1810; and Susannah, in 
1812. But four of this number attained adult yonrs, 
namely, Jehiel, John B., Ann (who became .Mrs. 
William Taylor), and Jane (Mrs. Ephraim Shep- 
pard). Jehiel, the subject of this sketch, was born 
Aug. 14, 1800, upon the ancestral property in Fair- 
field township. He resided during the greater por- 
tion of his life at the place of his birth, and in his 
youth enjoyed but limited advantages of education. 
A strong mind and quick powers of perception, how- 
ever, in a large measure supplied the wants of early 
training, and enabled its possessor to become one of 
the most useful citizens of his township. He con- 
tinued to reside during his youth upon the home 
property, temporarily under the management of his 
step-father, of which he eventually became owner, 
having inherited a portion and purchased the remain- 
ing shares. This farm he cultivated until 1867, when 
Greenwich township became for three years his resi- 
dence, after which he resided with his children alter- 
nately until his death, in November, 1873, at the house 
of his son, Jehiel Westcott, Jr. Mr. Westcott mar- 
ried Miss Phoebe Remington, daughter of Mark Rem- 
ington, of Salem County. Their children were Henry 
S., Jane (Mrs. Robert Newton), Jehiel, Jr., Josiali, 
Enos, Mary (who died in youth), Sarah M. (Mrs. 
Ephraim Mulford), Emily (Mrs. John W. Laning), 
Phoebe R. (Mrs. Robert Sheppard), and Mark S. (who 
occupies the homestead). All of this number survive 
with the exception of Mary, Henry, and Enos, the 
latter having left a wife and two children. Mr. 
Westcott was a consistent and unswerving Democrat, 
who for fifty-two years voted without variation the 
ticket of his choice. He cared little for office, hut 
was induced to accept one or more minor positions in 
the township. He had been from early manhood an 
active and earnest member of the Baptist Church of 
Roadstown, but prior to his death placed his name 
upon the membership roll of the Pearl Street Baptist 
! Church of Bridgeton. His wife was also a member 
of both churches. 



ABEL S. DARE. 
The Dares were formerly residents of Dorset or 
Somerset Counties, in the south of England, and 
came to America about the year 1680. Their pro- 
genitor in South Jersey was Capt. William Dare, 
who purchased land at Back Neck in 1695. In the 
line of descent from him is David Dare, who was 
probably born in Roadstown, and followed the trade 
of tailor. He married and had children, — David, 
born in 1767 ; Mary, in 1768 ; Cynthia, in 1790 ; David, 
in 1791; Sarah, in 1793; Mary, in 1795; Lucy, in 



678 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



1798; Phoebe, in 1799; Isaac, in 1802; Abel S., in 
1803 ; Ruth, in 1806 ; and Amelia S., in 1809. 

Abel S., of this number, was born in Roadstown, 
May 5, 1803, and was deprived at an early age of a 
father's care, when he became an inmate of the house 
of his brother-in-law, Mr. Richard Garrison, where 
he remained until his majority was attained. Very 
few opjjortunities of education were available at this 
early period, and the youth of the neighborhood 
were as a rule made proficient in the labors of the 
husbandman. Mr. Dare at first rented a farm in 
Stow Creek, but eventually became so successful in 
his pursuits as to become the owner of four produc- 
tive farms. He married Susan, daughter of Daniel 
Husted, who was born Nov. 19, 1S04, and had one 
son, Ebenezer (born Nov. 5, 1829), who died in 1876, 
at the age of forty-six, on the homestead. Mrs. Dare 
having died Oct. 19, 1829, Mr. Dare married again 
Mrs. Jane Husted Westcott, born Feb. 9, 1796, half- 
sister of his first wile. Their children are Edgar 
(born Nov. 16, 1831), David (whose birth occurred j 
Oct. 6, 1833), Smith (born Dec. 19, 1835), and Maria 
(born March 17, 1838). Edgar married Catharine 
Bechtel, and has four children, — David, married 
Addie, daughter of Richard Jaggers ; Smith is un- 
married, and Maria is the wife of Norton L. PauUin, 
of Bridgeton, and has one daughter, Jennie D. About 
the year 1850, Mr. Dare purchased the farm in Fair- 
field township now occupied by his sons David and 
Smith, and continued farming occupations until his 
death, which occurred Jan. 28, 1877, aged seventy-four 
years. He was in politics a Democrat, and held the 
offices of township committeeman and surveyor of 
highways, though not especially active in local con- 
tests. He was a devout member of the Baptist Church 
of Cedarville. 



ROBERT F. SHEPPARD. 

The ancestral record of the branch of the Sheppard 
family from which the subject of this sketch is de- 
scended is given in the sketch of Edward H. Shep- 
pard, of Stow Creek, his brother. Robert F. was 
born Oct. 5, 1827, in Fairfield township, upon the 
farm where his boyhood was spent. At the age of 
fourteen years he embarked on a schooner and en- 
gaged with his brothers in the oyster trade, which 
occupation was continued for seven years. On his 
return he married Miss Amanda, daughter of Simon 
S. Swing, of Fairfield township, who was born in 
1831. Their children are Ellen Louisa, born Novem- 
ber, 1853, whose death occurred Dec. 26. 1856; Emily 
F., born June 80, 1855 ; Lewis F., born October, 1860, 
who died in May, 1865; and Sarah E., born April, 
1865, whose death occurred April 12, 1866. 

Mrs. Sheppard died Jan. 11, 1878. She maintained 
throughout her life a consistent Christian character, 
was a devoted wife and mother, an affectionate and 
kindly neighbor and friend, and a zealous member of 



the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Sheppard married a 
second time on the 24th of December, 1879, Miss 
Phcebe R., daughter of Jehiel Westcott, and had chil- 
dren, — Robert F. and Franklin R. (twins), born June 
23, 1881, the former of whom died Aug. 25, 1881. 
Mr. Sheppard on his first marriage removed to a farm 
at Sayre's Neck, and six years later to Back Neck, in 
Fairfield township. In 1865 he purchased his present 
home, and has since that time been engaged in farm- 
ing of a general character and the raising of produce, 
which business he has conducted with success. He 
has ever been in politics a stanch Republican and 
strong partisan, and though aiding materially by his 
influence and vote the success of the ticket in local 
contests, is not himself an aspirant for office. He has, 
however, been commissioner of appeals, and held other 
minor offices. He has been a member of the Cedar- 
ville Division, No. 36, Sons of Temperance, since 
eighteen years of age. He is also a member of Wel- 
come Friends Lodge, No. 48, I. O. O. F., of the same 
place. ?Ie has been for years a trustee and member 
of the Presbyterian Church of Cedarville, and is es- 
pecially interested in Sunday-school work, having at 
various times acted as superintendent, and by his zeal 
and ability greatly advanced the Sunday-school 
cause in the township. 



ISAAC W. MULFORD. 
The Mulford family early emigrated to America 
from England, and after a brief sojourn on Long 
Island removed to Fairfield, in the county of Cum- 
berland, N. J. Branches of the family located else- 
where in the county, David, the grandfather of Isaac 
W., having been a farmer at Roadstown, where he re- 
sided until his death. He married Mary Sayres, of 
the same county, and had children, — Hannah, born in 
1776; Ephraim, in 1778; Mary, in 1780; Thomas, in 
1782 ; Nancy, in 1785 ; David, in 1787 ; Sarah, in 
1790 ; William, in 1792 ; Rebecca, in 1794; John, in 
1796 ; and Elizabeth, in 1799. The birth of Ephraim 
occurred in Roadstown, where his boyhood was passed. 
In 1819 he removed to a farm now the property of his 
son Isaac, where his death occurred in 1868, in his 
ninety-first year. He was united in marriage to Ruth, 
daughter of Isaac Wheaton, and had children, — Isaac 
W., Ananias S., William, and David. By a second 
marriage, with Rhoda, daughter of John Laning, 
were born Ruth Wheaton (Mrs. Rush Bateman), Al- 
fred (of Bowentown), Ellen (Mrs. M. D. Dickinson), 
and John L. (deceased). Isaac W. was born on the 
26th of July, 1805, in Greenwich township, where his 
early years were spent. At the age of eleven he re- 
moved with his father to Fairfield, which has since 
been his I'esidence. Until thirty years of age he re- 
mained upon the homestead farm, and in December, 
1837, was married to Sarah E., daughter of John Par- 
vin, of Dennisville, Cape May Co., N. J., born in 
1814. Their children are Eliza L., Charles E. (mar- 







Uicyl&U^ / <i/i^.^^^^utA^ 





Q^^actc /ff^jLdo-cd, 




/^^^tM^C 



'£>tyt^ 




I 



5.^.^;u^ 



TOWNSHIP OF FAIRFIELD. 



679 



ried to Mary Powell, who has three children, — Belle, 
Charles Ewing, and Lizzie P.), John L., and The- 
ophilus D. (married to Emma Tomlin, who has two 
children,— I. Ward and William T.). Mrs. Miilford's 
death occurred July 1, 1878, in her sixty-fourth year. 
Mr. Mulford has devoted his life to farming employ- 
ments, and never deviated from his routine of home 
pursuits to engage in business of a public character 
or in the exciting conflicts of the political world. He 
was for years a Whig, and later became a Republican, 
but never an office-holder. The family are support- 
ers of the Presbyterian faith, and worship at the 
church of that denomination in Cedarville. 



married Ella C. Banford ; Leonard C, born .July 15, 
1862; John, born Sept. 9, 1866 ; Smith, born March 
7, 1860; and Annie F., whose birth occurred May 21, 
1872. 



SMITH DAVIS. 



Smith Davis is the son of Joel Davis, who came to 
Deertield township when a boy, and, remaining for 
a brief time, subsequently removed to Maurice River. 
Here on reaching man's estate he engaged in the busi- 
ness of cutting and shipping wood and cultivating 
the land on which this timber grew. He was married 
to Priscilla Coombs, of Maurice River township, and 
had children, — Mary (Mrs. Andrew Cassidy), Ruth 
(Mrs. Simon Woodruff), Esther (Mrs. Samuel Shaw), 
Sarah (Mrs. Philip Birch), Jane (Mrs. Elmer Dou- 
zenbaker), Joshua, John, Joel, Benjamin, David, 
Jesse, and Smith, of whom nine survive. Mr. Davis 
added farming to his other profitable occupations, 
and continued to reside in Maurice River until his 
removal to the residence of his son. Smith, in Fair- 
field township. His death occurred in Bridgeton, 
February, 1868, in his seventy-fourth year. Smith 
Davis was born Aug. 12, 1834, in Maurice River, 
where he remained until thirteen, when his removal 
to Fairfield occurred. Here, with the exception of a 
brief interval, the -remaining portion of his life has 
been spent. He early developed a taste for agricul- 
tural employments, and was a tenant of his father 
until the hitter's death, when one of his farms became 
the property of his son by inheritance. Here he has 
continued to cultivate the soil, and makes a specialty 
of produce for the New York and Philadelphia mar- 
kets. He is also an extensive dealer in fat cattle, 
which are principally sold for home consumption. 
Mr. Davis is descended from Whig stock, but now 
votes the Democratic ticket, though not specially in- 
terested in the political issues of the day. The family 
are strongly attached to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of which, with the exception of the younger, 
all are members. Mr. Davis was married June 18, 
1853, to Frances A., daughter of William Roecap, 
of Millville. Their children are William, born April 
28, 1854, and married to Annie Phillips, of Cumber- 
land County ; Esther, born July 4, 1855 (Mrs. Howard 
Banford) ; Mary, born April 22, 1857 (Mrs. Alexander' 
Williams); Joel, born Aug. 23, 1858, and married to 
EmelineT. Westcott; Edmund P., born April 3,1860, 



GEORGE E. AND JAMES E. ELMER. 

The Elmers are of English lineage, and are, in 
America, descended from Edward Elmer, who, hav- 
ing emigrated in 1632, located in Cambridge, Mass. 
A branch of the family removed to New Jersey, from 
which Jonathan Elmer, the grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch, traced his descent. He was both a farmer 
and surveyor, and resided three miles from Fairton, 
in Fairfield township. He married Theodosia Bate- 
man, and had children, — Jonathan, born in 1779; 
Theodosia, in 1781; Jane, in 1782; Esther, in 1784; 
Sabrinah, in 1787; Martha, in 1790; Sabra, in 1792; 
and Ruth, in 1795. By a second union with Pamelia 

, of Cape May County, N. J., were born children, 

— Hannah, in 1799; Pamelia, in 1801; and Ruth, in 
1806. Jonathan, of this number, was born Dec. 12, 
1779, in Fairfield township, near Fairton, and mar- 
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Earl, whose birth 
occurred Aug. 16, 1782. Their children were Eli, 
born in 1801; John, in 1803; Jonathan, in 1806; 
George E., in 1808; Owen, in 1810; Betsey, in 1813; 
Martha, in 1815 ; Jaihes E., in 1816 ; Ebenezer, in 

; and Harris O., in 1820. Mr. Elmer's death 

occurred Oct. 25, 1862, in his eighty-third year. His 
son, George E., was born Aug. 17, 1808, in Fairfield 
township, where his early years were spent at the 
home of his father. The educational opportunities 
of that day were usually limited to three months of 
study during the winter, under masters employed by 
the families of the neighborhood, and Mr. Elmer was 
not an exception in the advantages of education he 
enjoyed. He early embarked in the cutting and sell- 
ing of wood, and in 1835, having purchased a farm 
near Fairton, added the improvement of his land to 
other business interests in which he was engaged. 
He was married on the 14th of March, 1833, to Miss 
Deborah C. Ogden, of Fairfield township. Their 
children are Martha J. (Mrs. Isaac Sheppard), The- 
ophilus H., George L., Ruth O. (Mrs. Nathaniel 
Gandy), Sarah E. (Mrs. John P. Jerrell), and three 
who are deceased. By a second marriage, to Mrs. 
Ruth Smith, was born a son, Daniel C. 

Mr. Elmer has practically retired from the activities 
of business life, though he is still energetic, and lends 
a willing hand when emergencies arise requiring his 
aid. He is not in any sense a party man in politics, 
though Democratic principles receive his support. 
He has served as freeholder of the township, and 
also as collector. Both he and Mrs. Elmer are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church at Fairton. 

His brother, James E. Elmer, was born Nov. 15, 
1816, on the homestead in Fairfield, where the years 
of his youth were spent. After limited opportunities 



680 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



at the school of the neighborhood he began farming 
employments, and rendered invaluable assistance to 
his father in the cultivation of his land. He also en- 
gaged in the cutting and shipping of wood, which 
proved an extensive and lucrative business. When 
twenty-five years of age he purcliased a farm, and has 
since that time continued to follow farming employ- 
ments. Mr. Elmer was married, on the 21st of April, 
1841, to Miss Lydia M., daughter of John M. Swing, 
of Fairton. Their children are Lydia (Mrs. Edwin 
Starin), born in 1842; James H., born in 1844; Isa- 
bella P. (Mrs. S. H. Williams), born in 1846; Emily 
(Mrs. James C. McNichols), born in 1848 ; John S., 
in 1850 (deceased) ; Sophronia, in 1857 (deceased) ; 
Ellen T. (Mrs. Charles O. Whitaker), born in 1859; 
Charles S., in 1862 ; and Wilber B., in 1864. Mr. 
Elmer, in 1883, removed from the farm which for a 
period of forty-two years had been his home to the 
village of Fairton, where his brothers — George E., 
Harris O., and Owen — also reside. He has abandoned 
active labor, and now enjoys the rest and coinlbrt to 
which his life of industry entitles him. 

In politics he is a Democrat, though not an active 
politician. He is connected with the Presbyterian 
Church of Fairton, of which his wife is also a mem- 
ber. 



CHAPTER XCVIL 

TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 

Boundaries. — This township has the same bounds 
as when it was erected by the act setting oif the 
county from Salem. It is bounded by Stow Creek on 
the north, Hopewell on the east, the Cohansey sepa- 
rates it from Fairfield on the southeast, Delaware 
Bay is on the southwest, and Salem County on the 
west. Previous to the separation from Salem County 
the whole of the north side of Cohansey was one 
township, or precinct, as they were then called, called 
the "North Side of Cohansey"; but sometimes it was 
called Greenwich Precinct, probably because tliat was 
the chief town. The township as a whole comprises 
the richest agricultural portion of the county. 

Town of Greenwich. — The only town in it is of 
the same name, and stretches along the main street 
from the Cohansey to the Presbyterian Church at the 
Head of Greenwich, a distance of about one and a 
half miles. 

Fenwick designed calling the town which he or- 
dered laid out where Greenwich now is by the name 
of Cohansey, but the settlei's called it Greenwich, 
probably after Greenwich, Conn., from which place 
or its neighborhood some of the settlers had come. 
The executors of Fenwick after they laid out the 
town sold lots, an account of which, with the names 
of many of the purchasers, has already been given. 
The sixteenacre lot at the wharf on the north side 



of the street, they sold to Mark Reeve, Aug. 9, 1686, 
and he sold to Joseph Browne, Dec. 4, 1686, reserving 
free egress to twenty square feet of ground, where his 
wife was buried. Browne sold a lot of fifty by fifty- 
five feet, for a Quaker meeting-house and graveyard, 
and sold the remainder to Thomas Chalkley, a Quaker 
minister, in 1738. He conveyed it to John Butler, 
who kept a tavern there, and sold it to Thomas Mul- 
ford in 1752, and he toAVilliam Connor, Oct. 25, 1753, 
who conveyed it to John Sheppard, Dec. 16, 1760. It 
is still owned by one of his descendants. In 1789, 
Chalkley had a survey made for him for a half acre 
adjoining it, including the wharf, and in 1743 for 
fifteen and a half acres additional, making up his 
sixteen acres. 

Fairs. — The number of people at Cohansey, or 
Greenwich, increasing, the Assembly passed an act 
in May, 1695, for the holding of two fairs yearly " at 
the town of Greenwich, at Cohansey, alias CaBsarea, 
River," the first to be held on April 24th and 25th, 
and the other on October 16th and 17th of each year, 
and enacted that it should be lawful for all persons 
to buy or sell all manner of lawful goods, and to be 
free from arrests on said days and for two days before 
and after the fair days, except it be for breach of the 
peace. These fairs were a public market, and were 
popular because of the freedom allowed to individ- 
uals and the lack of trammels upon the sales. These 
fairs were continued until 1765, when a law was 
passed abolishing them as unnecessary. Retail 
stores had become more plentiful, and there was 
not the same need of the fairs. Ebenezer Miller, 
who lived at Greenwich, and who was one of the 
members of the Assembly at that time, probably had 
the act passed. 

In 1701 a memorial of the Proprietors, expressing 
their willingness to surrender the government of the 
province to the crown, expressed the desire that the 
port of Perth Amboy, in East .lersey, and the ports 
of Burlington and Cohansey, in West Jersey, might 
be established as ports of the provinces. 

School Lot. — Zachariah Barrow owned a farm on 
the east side of the street, just where the street, after 
making a short turn to the eastward, again turns 
northward. By his will, executed in 1725, he devised 
it " for the benefit of a free school for the Toionship 
of Greenwich forever." In 1749, Ebenezer Miller 
had a survey laid on it to himself and two others, 
attorneys, constituted by the tovn of Greenwich, and 
they executed a conveyance for it to David Sheppard, 
subject to the payment of a yearly rent of £13, for 
the use of a free school to the inhabitants of the 

I town of Greenwich within the bounds set forth in 

1 

the deed. A dispute arising concerning this rent, a 
bill in chancery was filed, and it was adjudged that 
it be paid for the benefit of the public schools within 
the bounds described in the deed, which has ever 
since been done. 

Trade. — Up to the beginning of this century Green- 





/^--^-v^ 1? I^^^^^X^-;^^ 



# 



TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 



681 



wich was the most important business-place in the 
county. Trade was carried on directly with the West 
Indies and other places, but it could not maintain a 
rivalry with Philadelphia, which finally absorbed all 
of the foreign trade. The firm of Wood & Sheppard 
did such a large business as to have bonds printed 
payable to them. 

Ferry. — In 1767 a law was passed for the estab- 
lishment of a ferry across the river to Back Neck, 
and to lay out a road from the landing-place through 
the marsh to the fast land in Back Neck. The chosen 
freeholders of Greenwich and Fairfield made an agree- 
ment with John Sheppard, Jan. 8, 1768, who had 
bought the wharf property a few years before, where- 
in they leased the ferry rights to him for nine hun- 
dred and ninety-nine years, he agreeing to maintain 
the ferry in good order, keep good and suflicient 
boats, and maintain the roads, and he bound his 
property for the performance of these conditions. 

In 1810 and 1820 efforts were made to have a draw- 
bridge built, but they did not succeed. For a num- 
ber of years a horse-boat was used on the ferry, but 
as Bridgeton and other places grew in importance, 
Greenwich became less so, and travel across the ferry 
became so infrequent that its further keeping up was 
quite a burden. June 11, 1838, a new agreement was 
made by the freeholders of Greenwich and Fairfield, 
whereby they agreed to release John Sheppard, son 
of the John who made the original agreement, from 
his obligation to keep up the ferry for three hundred 
dollars, which Mr. Sheppard accepted and paid. 

Of later years Greenwich has been only a quiet 
country town, with very little business, but sur- 
rounded with a rich agricultural region, the best in 
the county. It is best known in history as the place 
where the tea was burned, Dec. 22, 1774, as previously 
narrated. 

Greenwich in 1883. — It contains two Friends' 
meeting-houses, a Presbyterian and a Baptist Church. 
A canning establishment, carried on by Job Bacon, 
constitutes the principal business establishment of the 
place. A post-oflice was established July 1, 1811. 
The first postmaster was George Bacon, who held the 
office a long term. The present incumbent is Priscilla 
H. Williams, appointed Aug. 17, 1870. The town- 
ship contains a population of twelve hundred and 
forty-five by the census of 1880, and the village five 
hundred and thirteen. 

Suena Vista, a landing on the Cohansey a mile 
below Greenwich, formerly did quite a large trade in 
the handling of grain, fertilizers, etc., but for nearly 
a score of years no business has been done there. 

Springtown, in the northeastern part of the town- 
ship, is a settlement of colored persons, scattered 
over a consider.able tract of sandy land. 

Sheppard's (now Young's) Grist-Mill.— This mill 
is of very ancient date. It was formerly owned by 
John Brick, and afterwards by Joseph Higbee, and 
was bought at sheriff's sale by John Sheppard, in the 



beginning of this century. He rebuilt it, and from 
him it passed to his son, Benjamin Sheppard. He car- 
ried on the business for many years, and sold it a few 
years ago to Henry J. Young, the present owner. 

FKEEHOLDERS FROM GREENWICH. 



1748. Thomas Waithman. 

David Shepherd. 
1749-51 . _JohnJBiicoju 

David Sliopherd. 
1752-57, David Slieplierd. 

Philip Doimis. 
1758. David Shepherd. 

Thomas Ewing. 
1769. David Shepherd. 
1760-64. David Sliepherd. 

Thomas Ewing. 
1765-68. Francis Brewster. 

Thomas Ewing. 
1769-70. John Sheppard. 

Thomas Ewing. 
1771. . 

1772. John Sheppard. 
Providence Ludlam. 

1773. Benjamin Tyler. 
Kicliard Wood. 

1774. Eichard Wood, 
1775-76. lUchard Wood. , 

Enos Woodruff. (^ 
1777. Enos Woodruff. 

Proviilence Ludlam. 
1778-81. Providence Ludlam. 

Isaac Watson. 
1782-85. Jolln Ewing. 

Ladis Walling. 
1786. Providence Ludlam. 

John Bacon. 
1787-95. Masliell Ewing. 

Kichard Wood, Sr. 
1796. Abner Ewing. 

Isaac Smith. 
1797-98. John Sheppard, Jr. 

Abner Ewing. 
1799. Thomas Daniels. 

Abel Bacon. 
1800-5 Thomas Daniels. 

Samuel Watson. 
1806-8. Thomas Daniels. 

Enos Ewing. 
1809-11. Enos Ewing. 



1809-11. Dr. William B, Ewing. 
1812-l;i. Dr. William B. Ewiug. 

Joseph Harmer. 
1814-26. George Bacon. 

Dr. William B. Ewing. 
1827-29. Dr. William B. Ewing. 

Thomiis E. Hunt. 
1830-;12. Thomas E. Hunt. 

Charles B. Filhiau. 
18:W. Charles B, Fithian. 

Dr. William B. Ewing. 
1834-;i6. Charles B. Fithian. 

Thomas E. Hunt. 
1836-38, Charles B. Fithian. 

Clayton Ayres. 
1839^0. Clayton Ayres. 

Jacob Harris. 
1841-42. Clayton Ayres. 

Thomas E. Hunt. 
1843-44. Thomas E. Hunt. 

Benjamin Sheppard.. 
1845-47. Thomas E, Hunt. 

John Bacon. 
1848-66. Charles B. Fithian. 

Enoch Mulford. 
1866-58. Enoch Mulford. 

Thomas C. Sheppard. 
1859-60. Benjamin Ayres. 

Ebenezer Hall. 
1861. Wilmon Bacon. 

Benjamin Ayres. 
1862-69. Job Bacon. 

Benjamin Ayres. 
1870-72. Job Bacon. 

Thomas E. Hunt. 
1873-75, John F, Keen. 

Thomas B.Hunt. 
1876. Thomas E. Hunt. 

Daniel M. Sheppard. 
1877-7S. Dr. Thomas E. Statl:ems. 

William m. Stewart. 
1879-81. Dr. Thomas E. Stathems. 
1882-83. Morris Bacon. 



CHUKCHBS. 

Friends' Meeting at Greenwich.— The Friends' 
Meeting at Greenwich was established at an early 
period in the settlement of the colony. Marie Reeve, 
William Bacon, James Duncan, and others applied 
to ^alem Monthly Meeting for assistance in building 
a meeting-house. Previous to that time meetings 
were held at private houses. By Deed-Book No. 5 
of Salem County records, in the Secretary of State's 
ofiice at Trenton, we learn that Joseph Browne, of 
town of Greenwich, sold to Charles Bagley, reciting, 
" Whereas, Mark Reeve, of Cesarea River, yeoman, 
by a deed of Dec. 4, 1686, sold to said Joseph 
Browne 16 acres in Greenwich, now he sells to 
Charles Bagley a lot 50 feet on the street and 55 
feet deep, for the only use, service, & purpose of 
a Meeting-House & graveyard for those people in 
scorn called Quakers," between " ye now dweling- 
house of ye s"" Joseph Browne & his now Barne." 



6S2 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Members of Greenwich Meeting, with the assistance 1 
of Salem Monthly Meeting, built a meeting-house 
soon after. It stood where the present meeting- ; 
house is located, near the Cohansey, for the purpose | 
of accommodating the Friends that resided on the 
south sideof the river, in Fairfield township. Green- 
wich Meeting, in the forepart of the last century, in- | 
creased largely in the number of its members, so j 
much so that it was deemed necessary to build a [ 
larger house for their accommodation. There was a j 
substantial brick house erected on or near where the ' 
old log house formerly stood. It was what is termed 
an "Indulged Meeting," or meeting for worship only, 
being under the care of Salem Meeting, and con- 
tinued so until 1770, when this and the meeting at 
Alloways Creek were united and formed one Monthly 
Meeting, to be held alternately at each place. The 
influential persons and their families that were mem- 
bers of Greenwich Particular Meeting during the 
middle and latter part of the eighteenth century 
were the Reeves, Davises, Millers, Woods, Sheppards, 
Tests, Bricks, Dennises, Harmers, Bacons, Stewarts, 
and several others. Several of those mentioned were 
conspicuous men in the generation in which they 
lived. At the time of the great division of the so- 
ciety in 1886 into the two parties called Orthodox 
and Hicksite, the former, being the most consider- 
able in number, retained the old building, where 
they still worship. The other party built a small 
meeting-house near the Head of Greenwich. From 
death, emigration, and attaching themselves to other 
denominations the Friends in the neighborhood are 
now very few in number. The number of Friends 
that settled at Greenwich or elsewhere in the county 
was never very large. A Friends' meeting-house 
still remains at Port Elizabeth, built in 1800, but the 
society is now quite e.'ctinct. 

Greenwich Presbyterian Church. — There is no 
record extant of the church or congregation of Green- 
wich until 1747. The church records previous to that 
time are supposed to have been burned in the fire 
which consumed the parsonage, about the year 1740. 
The church was without a pastor from 1740 to 1746. 
In the absence of church records previous to 1747, 
and for other data, we must rely entirely upon the 
venerable Dr. Enoch Fitliian's admirable history of 
the church, who has bestowed the utmost. pains in 
gathering information from all accessible sources. 

A deed of gi/t is preserved from Jeremiah Bacon 
to Henry Joyce and Thomas Maskell, for " one acre of 
land f(ir the people called Presbyterians, on the north 
side of Cohansey, to build and establish a meeting- 
house for the worshi]) of God." It is said the church 
was formed in 1700 and supplied by Mr. Black. It is 
not known in what year Mr. Black left Greenwich. 
He was in Lewes, Del., in 1708, and probably never 
returned to Greenwich. 

From the time of Mr. Black's removal to Lewes to 
the installation of Mr. Goold, in 1728, the pulpit of 



the Greenwich Church was probably vacant, with the 
exception of occasional supplies. It is possible that 
the two coilgregations of Fairfield and Greenwich had 
the same pastor, in the person of Rev. Henry Hook, 
ministering to each on alternate Sabbaths. He was 
censured by Presbytery for some misconduct, and re- 
moved in 1722 to Delaware. 

Rev. Ebenezer Goold was installed pastor of the 
Greenwich Church in 1728. He was a native of New 
England, and graduated at Yale College in 1723. The 
next year after the installation of Mr. Goold the con- 
gregation procured a piece of land, on which they 
built a parsonage. The deed for the land, of which 
there were six acres, was from Nicholas Gibbon and 
Leonard Gibbon to " Josiah Fithian, Thomas Mas- 
kell, and Noah Miller, in behalf the Presbyterian or 
Descenting Presbyterian inhabitants of the north side 
of Cohansey," etc. The deed is dated Jan. 13, 1729- 
80. On this land the congregation built a house, iu 
which their pastor, Mr. Goold, resided until it, to- 
gether with the furniture it contained, was consumed 
by fire. 

After Mr. Goold came to Greenwich he was married 
to Amie Brewster, a sister of Francis Brewster, one 
of the elders of the church, and a descendant of the 
Elder Brewster who landed from the " Mayflower" at 
Plymouth in 1620. She died in the year previous to 
that in which Mr. Goold resigned his pastoral charge, 
and was interred under the communion-table of the 
church, which had been recently erected. Near lier 
grave still remains a marble slab, on which her death 
is recorded, July 16, 1739, aged thirty-six years. 

The congregation so increased during the pastorate 
of Mr. Goold that it could not be conveniently ac- 
commodated in the wooden building, and in the spring 
of 1735 subscriptions were made for a new church 
edifice. The church was of brick, forty-four feet in 
length by thirty-four in breadth. It was used for 
public worship several years previous to its entire 
completion, which was not effected until some time 
in the year 1751. Tradition says the pulpit, which 
was hexagonal and of black walnut, and the sound- 
ing-board were made in Boston. When completed 
it was the largest and most imposing edifice in the 
county of Salem, — Cumberland at that time being a 
part of Salem County. Mr. Goold died at Granville, 
Mass., in 1778. Feb. 13, 1738, the graveyard was en- 
larged by the addition of one acre and a half to its 
southern end. 

After the removal of Mr. Goold the church was 
without a pastor for six years. Its pulpit was occa- 
sionally supplied by some of the most eminent 
preachers in the church. The celebrated Whitefield 
visited Greenwich, and preached there with his accus- 
tomed eloquence, and on one occasion the number of 
people who assembled to hear him was so large that 
the church could not .contain them, and the congre- 
gation assembled in the shade of an adjacent wood. 

The Rev. Andrew Hunter, A.M., was ordained and 



TOWNSHIP OP GREENWICH. 



683 



installed pastor of the churches of Greenwich and 
Deerfield, Sept. 4, 1746. During his pastoral relation 
to the two churches he preached two Sabbatlis in 
immediate succession at Greenwich, and on every 
third Sabbath at Deerfield. The elders of both 
churches acted as the officers of but one church. 

The congregation purchased a farm for a parsonage 
of Joseph James, May 3, 1754. The farm contained 
one hundred and five acres of land. It was after- 
wards somewhat enlarged. The parsonage farm be- 
came one of the best farms, with the best buildings 
thereon of any farm in the congregation. It was 
sold in the year 1811 to Abijah Harris. 

The Rev. Andrew Hunter was born in Ireland in 
or about the year 1716. He was an able scholar and 
divine, and was much beloved by the people of his 
charge, among whom his influence and usefulness 
was great. From the first he took an active and de- 
cided part in favor of his adopted country. No other 
person probably was more influential in enkindling 
the flame of patriotism, which burned with so much 
ardor in the bosoms of the citizens of Cumberland 
County, than the Rev. Andrew Hunter. At the close 
of Mr. Hunter's ministry the church and congrega- 
tion had never been in a more prosperous state. Mr. 
Hunter died of dysentery July 28, 1775. His re- 
mains were interred in the middle aisle of the church, 
near the pulpit. 

After the death of Mr. Hunter the church was 
without a pastor till the year 1782. The Rev. Isaac 
Keith was for a time supply. 

The Rev. George Faitoute being called to take the 
pastoral charge of this congregation, accepted the 
invitation and commenced his ministerial services 
Aug. 18, 1781. He was eventually called as pastor, 
and was installed April 8, 1782. At his request his 
relation to the church and congregation was dissolved 
in 1788. He was installed pastor of the church at 
Jamaica, L. I., Dec. 15, 1789. During the interval 
between the removal of Mr. Faitoute and the in- 
stallation of another pastor a congregation was 
formed at Bridgeton, which drew largely for the 
materials for its formation from the Greenwich 
Church. Dr. William Clarkson was called as pastor 
of both churches, each to pay a salary in proportion 
to the time they enjoyed his labors. Dr. Clarkson 
was installed pastor of both churches in Novem- 
ber, 1794. Dr. Clarkson, who had resided on the 
parsonage farm, became dissatisfied with farming, 
and in the spring of 1798 removed to Bridgeton. 
Having been a practicing physician previous to his 
engaging in the study of theology, he resumed the 
practice of his former profession. This proved a 
most unfortunate step. He was dismissed upon his 
own application to the Presbytery in 1801, and be- 
came pastor of a church in Savannah, Ga., where a 
few years afterwards he died of yellow fever. He 
was a popular and excellent preacher. 

In the year 1802 the Rev. Alexander Boyd preached 



for one or two months for the congregation of Green- 
wich. The Bridgeton congregation did not concur 
in calling Mr. Boyd. 

On the 4th day of July, 1804, the congregation 
unanimously agreed to call the Rev. Jonathan Free- 
man, of Newburgh, N. Y., to be pastor of the church 
and congregation. The congregation at Bridgeton 
concurred in the call of Mr. Freeman. He was in- 
stalled pastor of both churches, in the church at 
Bridgeton, Oct. 16, 1805. After living a few years at 
the parsonage, Mr. Freeman was induced to change 
his residence to Bridgeton, and alter the time of pub- 
lic worship at Greenwich from the morning to the 
afternoon, and have public worship at Bridgeton 
morning and evening. This, with the pastor's change 
of residence, seemed to have been somewhat disas- 
trous to the congregation of Gi'eenwich for various 
reasons detailed by Dr. Fithian. A notice o'f the 
Rev. Mr. Freeman, one of the ablest men in the Pres- 
byterian body, is given under the head of Bridgeton. 

After the death of Mr. Freeman in 1822 the pulpits 
of the united congregations were supplied by the 
Presbytery. 

After many vicissitudes, in April, 1824, the Rev. 
Samuel Lawrence supplied the pulpit until Septem- 
ber, when, having been called, he was ordained pas- 
tor Nov. 10, 1824. A notice of Mr. Lawrence is also 
given under the head of Greenwich township. 

The church edifice had become so much dilapi- 
dated it was resolved at a meeting of the congregation, 
held Feb. 14, 1835, to build a new church. Thomas 
E. Hunt, Philip Fithian, and Enoch Fithian were 
appointed a building committee. The congregation 
assembled in the old church on Sunday, April 12, 
1835, to hear the last sermon and unite in the last 
song of praise within its venerated walls. 

A lot of land containing twenty-four perches, ad- 
joining the lot belonging to the congregation, east of 
the main street, was purchased, and on this lot the 
corner-stone of the new church was laid May 7, 1835. 
The church was built at an expense not exceeding 
five thousand dollars. On the morning of Dec. 28, 
1845, the church sustained considerable damage by 
fire. In the spring of 1847, Mr. Lawrence applied to 
the Presbytery for dismission, which the congregation 
acquiesced in with affectionate regard for himself and 
family. 

At a congregational meeting, Nov. 11, 1847, the 
Rev. Shepherd Kosciusko Kollock was unanimously 
called. He accepted, and was installed pastor Jan. 26, 
1848. During the summer and autumn of 1852 a 
lecture-room was built in the lower part of the town 
of Greenwich. It was dedicated Jan. 30, 1853. In 
the spring of 1860 the church was enlarged and re- 
paired, and the church lot was also enlarged by pur- 
chase. The church was reopened for public worship 
on Feb. 14, 186 L March 9th the Rev. Dr. Kollock, 
on account of-impaired health, declared his intention 
of resigning. Tlie pastoral relation of Dr. Kollock 



684 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



was dissolved March 11, 1861. He was a fine scholar 
and was excelled by but few as a preacher. While 
pastor of the Greenwich Church he received from the 
college at Princeton the degree of Doctor of Divinity. 
He died in Piiiladelphia, April 7, 1865, aged nearly 
seventy years. 

Nov. 4, 1861, Rev. John S. Stewart was unani- 
mously called. He accepted the call, and was or- 
dained pastor of the church and congregation Feb. 
11, 1862. The burial-ground in 1863 was made larger 
by purchase of half an acre of land of Reuben Hunt. 
In 1867 the pastor's salary was increased and an organ 
was purchased. Feb. 9, 1870, having accepted a call 
from Towanda, Mr. Stewart sent in his resignation. 
The Presbytery dissolved the pastoral relation to the 
church Feb. 11, 1870. At a meeting of the congre- 
gation, Dec. 5, 1870, it was unanimously resolved to 
purchase a parsonage, situated a few rods south of the 
church on the main street. 

March 14, 1870, the Rev. Henry E. Thomas, of 
Olney, 111., was unanimously called to be pastor, at a 
salary of twelve hundred dollars and a parsonage. 
The call was accepted by him, and he was installed 
June 8th of the same year. He has been pastor for 
the past thirteen years. The congregation has, per- 
haps, never been larger than at the present time since 
so many of its members left it to form the congre- 
gation at Bridgeton. It consists of about ninety 
families. 

Greenwich Baptist Church. — Rev. Henry Smal- 
ley, the pastor of the Cohansey Church at Roadstown 
for about a half-century, was accustomed to hold a 
meeting for preaching in Greenwich, in the town 
school-house and in private houses. The number of 
members living in Greenwich having increased, 
weekly prayer-meetings were established and were 
regularly held from house to house. 

In 1837 and 1838, Rev. E. D. Feudally, during the 
hatter part of the pastorate of Mr. Smalley, having 
business connections in the jjlace, had regular ap- 
pointments for preaching in the town school-house, 
which resulted so favorably that the subject of build- 
ing a meeting-liouse was agitated. Money was sub- 
scribed, but the mother-church at Roadstown opposed 
it, fearing lest a new church here might seriously 
cripple the home church. Preaching was regularly 
kept up by the succeeding pastors of the Cohansey 
Church. 

In the spring of 1843 meetings held at Roadstown, 
at Bacon's Neck, and at the town school-house, near 
the Head of Greenwich, resulted in large additions to 
the Baptists' ranks in this vicinity, while the oppo- 
sition they met with during the meetings impressed 
upon them the need of a house of their own. In De- 
cember, 1843, a subscription paper was started, and in 
two days and a half over two thousand dollars were 
pledged in the neighborhood. A society was organ- 
ized, whose only object was to build a meeting-house, 
with twenty-three members, every one paying over 



fifteen dollars and a member of a Baptist Church 
being a member. They bought a lot, and early in 
1844 the house was commenced, and was completed 
by October 21st, at a cost of two thousand eight hun- 
dred and two dollars and fifty cents, and on Saturday, 
Nov. 9, 1844, it was dedicated. From this time ser- 
vice was held every Sunday evening in the new 
building. 

In the summer of 1849 a new organization was ad- 
vocated, and Dec. 1, 1849, forty-nine members were 
dismissed from the Cohansey Church, and with one 
from Cape May became the fifty constituent members. 
The church was constituted Jan. 16, 1850. Rev. J. 
R. Murphy became the first pastor, Feb. 1, 1850, and 
remained until Sept. 11, 1852, when he resigned, owing 
to the condition of his throat, which required him to 
cease his labors for some time. Rev. George Young 
succeeded him in December, 1852, but he ceased his 
labors Aug. 1, 1853. He was followed by Rev. H. C. 
Putnam, who became pastor Dec. 1, 1853, and con- 
tinued as pastor until the third Sunday in August, 
1857. Rev. William Maul began to supply them in 
February of the next year, and in April, 1858, became 
pastor of the church, and after a successful pastorate 
of nine years left them, April 1, 1867. During the 
latter year the church erected a commodious parson- 
age adjoining the meeting-house at a cost of four 
thousand dollars. 

Rev. Andrew J. Hay became the next pastor, Oct. 
1, 1867, and remained until May, 1870, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Samuel C. Dare, June 12, 1870. Dur- 
ing the winter of 1870-71 the church experienced the 
greatest revival it has ever known in its history, as a 
result of which seventy-four persons were baptized. 
In 1874 a recess for the pulpit was added to the house, 
heaters put in, and other improvements made. In 
1878 they paid off the last debt on their church prop- 
erty. After a very successful pastorate of a little over 
ten years Mr. Dare resigned, July 1, 1880. The next 
pastor, Rev. Thomas M. Eastwood, commenced serv- 
ing the church Nov. 1, 1880, and closed his labors in 
September, 1882. He was succeeded by Rev. J. M. 
Scott, the present pastor, in February, 1883. The 
present membership of the church is two hundred and 
forty-four, and of the Sunday-school one hundred and 
twenty-eight. 

Greenwich Episcopal Church. — Nicholas and 
Leonard Gibbon, the first proprietors of a large por- 
tion of the land in this township, were Episcopalians, 
and built a church on land belonging to them. It 
was occasionally used for service by the rector of the 
church at Salem, after being consecrated in due form 
by Rev. Phineas Bond, a clergyman from New Castle, 
Del., and Rev. John Pearson, of Salem, in 1729, by 
the name of " St. Stephen's." The Gibbons arranged 
with the rector at Salem to serve this cliurch, but the 
current of religious life did not run that way, and 
with the death or removal of its originators it 
dwindled awav. Leonard Gibbon and his wife were 



TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 



685 



buried in the chancel. The building was of brick, 
and was removed nearly fifty years ago. A few tomb- 
stones could be seen a short time ago. The bodies of 
Gibbon and his wife were removed to the Presbyterian 
yard by some of his descendants. 

MASKJ3LL EwiNG was the oldest sou of Thomas 
Ewing and his wife, Mary Maskell, and was born at 
Greenwich in 1721. His father was one of the Scotch- 
Irish emigrants; who came from Londonderry to Long 
Island in 1718, and pretty soon from that place to 
Greenwich. The grandfather had fought with dis- 
tinguished bravery at the battle of Boyne Water, and 
received from King William a sword, which was after- 
wards brought to this country and worn by a grand- 
son during the Revolutionary war. Persons more or 
less remotely connected with this family are numer- 
ous in different parts of the United States. The late 
Thomas Ewing, of Ohio, who was a member of Presi- 
dent Taylor's cabinet, was a grandson of Thomas 
and Mary. His daughter is now the wife of Gen. 
Sherman. 

Maskell Ewing received only such an education as 
the schools in his neighborhood could furnish, but he 
made good use of his opportunities, and was an in- 
telligent, well-informed man. 

Mr. Ewing was held in high esteem by his fellow- 
citizens. In 1761 he was appointed surrogate, and 
held the oflBce until the Eevolution. In 1769 he was 
appointed sheriff, executing the duties of that office 
the legal term of three years. He was a justice of 
the peace before the Eevolution, but when that event 
occurred he declined holding any office under the 
new government, upon the ground that having sworn 
allegiance to the king he could not conscientiously 
take the oath of abjuration required by the new law, 
and rather than do so he preferred to pay a fine and 
give security for his good behavior as those laws re- 
quired. After the acknowledgments of our independ- 
ence by the treaty of peace he was appointed a 
iudge of the pleas, holding the office until his death. 
Although more conscientious about the change of 
allegiance than others equally intelligent and honest, 
it need but be inferred that he was properly classed 
among the "disaffected." His children were earnest 
Whigs, one of them, Dr. Thomas, having joined in 
burning the tea, and afterwards served with distinc- 
tion in the army. 

Samuel Fithian, second son of William and 
Margaret Fithian, of East Hampton, L. I., was mar- 
ried March 6, 1679, to Priscilla, daughter of Thomas 
and Mary Bennet, of Southampton. His sons, Jo- 
siah and Samuel, settled in Greenwich, Salem Co., 
about the year 1705. 

Josiah, second son of Samuel and Priscilla Fithian, 
was born May 6, 1685, and married Nov. 7, 1706, to 
Sarah, daughter of Philip Dennis, a minister of the 
Society of Friends. 

He was married to Abigail, daughter of the first 
Thomas Maskell, of Greenwich. His only child, a 



daughter, was married to Dr. Thomas Ewing, and 
was the mother of the late Dr. William B. Ewing. 
He died in the year 1752. 

Samuel Fithian, son of Josiah and Sarah Fithian, 
was born Oct. 12, 1715, and married Sept. 3, 1741, to 
Phoebe, daughter of Ephraim Seeley, of Bridgetown, 
whose brother Ephraim married his sister. His 
commission as sheriff of Cumberland County, in the 
reign of George II., is dated Feb. 5, 1750. He was a 
justice, a judge, and was chosen by his fellow-citizens 
to represent them in the Provincial Congress of New 
Jersey in 1775. 

His wife died March 12, 1764. While a member 
of the Provincial Congress, or soon after his return 
from one of its sessions, he had an attack of paralysis, 
which terminated his active and useful life, Nov. 2, 
1777. 

Joel Fithian, eldest son of Samuel and Phoebe 
Fithian, was born Sept. 29, 1748. He received the 
principal part of his education from Mr. McGalliard, 
an Irishman or Scotchman, who had been trained for 
the ministry. In the years 1776, 1777, and 1778 he 
was elected sheriff of Cumberland County, being the 
first sheriff elected by the people, and serving during 
a period of his country's history when such service 
was attended with peril as well as difficulty. He was 
elected captain of a military company which was 
raised while the war of the Revolution was in prog- 
ress, and composed of young men well qualified for 
the service, of which Isaac Mulford was lieutenant; 
John Worthington, ensign; and Josiah Seeley, John 
Woodruff, Levi Leake, and Joel Miller, sergeants. 
This company was engaged in the battle of Princeton, 
and it is believed in that at Monmouth, as well as in 
several other encounters with the enemy. He was 
elected a representative in the Legislature of New 
Jersey in 1779 and 1791-93, and a member of the 
Legislative Council in 1798, but being a decided 
Federalist, when the Democrats gained the political 
ascendency in 1800 his career as a civil office holder 
was ended. 

Philip Vickeks Fithian was born Dec. 29, 1747, 
and was the oldest son of Joseph Fithian and his 
wife, Hannah Vickers. His father was a son of Jo- 
siah Fithian, and grandson of Samuel Fithian, who 
came from East Hampton, on Long Island, to New 
England Town, Fairfield, about the year 1698. 

Philip V. Fithian having received a good prepara- 
tory education at a classical school taught by Rev. 
Enoch Green, at Deerfield, entered the college at 
Princeton, and graduated there in 1772, during the 
presidency of Rev. Dr. Wilherspoon. 

Mr. Fithian was licensed to preach Dec. 6, 1774. 
He does not appear to have been ordained, but he 
immediately commenced to preach in different places, 
and among others at Great Egg Harbor and else- 
where on the sea-shore. Shortly after he received 
his license, viz., on the night of December 22d, the 
tea was burned at Greenwich, a transaction in which 



68fi 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



it has been always understood he took a part, with 
liis classmate, Andrew Hunter, Jr., who, like himself, 
wiis a licensed preacher. 

In the summer of 1776 he was apf>ointed chaplain 
in the army, and was with the troops in the fall of 
that year, during the disastrous operations at Long 
Island and White Plains, upon one occasion taking 
part with his musket in an engagement with the 
army. On the 8th of October he died from an attack 
of dysentery. He left no descendants. 

Andrew Huxteb was born about the year 1715, 
in Ireland, and it is believed emigrated first to 
Virginia. He came to New Jersej' in the year 
1744, when he was taken on trial for the ministry by 
the Presbytery of New Brunswick, by which he was 
licensed as a preacher May 28, 1745. This was after 
the division of the cluirch into two parties, called 
the Old Light and New Light, the New Brunswick 
being the leading Presbytery on the New Light side, 
while the old Presbytery of Philadelphia was at the 
head of the Old Light party. He preached at Deer- 
field and Greenwich, both of which churches were 
without pastors and inclined to the New Side, espe- 
cially at Greenwich, where Whitefield had preached 
to a large assembly with great effect in 1740. 

These two churches united and called Mr. Hunter 
as their joint pastor, as it would seem, as one church 
worshiping in two different places nearly twelve 
miles apart. He resided at Greenwich, and was 
accustomed to preach two Sabbaths in succession 
there, and on the third Sabbath at Deerfield. In 
1754 the Greenwich people purchased a fine par- 
sonage farm adjoining the south line of the farm 
now owned by John S. Holmes, shortly after which 
Mr. Hunter took up his residence there, where he 
continued during the remainder of his life. In 1760 
the connection with the Deerfield congregation was 
dissolved, and he confined his labors to the Green- 
wich people, who were scattered over a considerable 
distance, including part of Bridgeton, in his day 
usually designated as " Cohansey Bridge." He some- 
times preached in the court-house at this place. 

He died at the parsonage July 28, 1775. 

Andrew Hunter, Jr., was the son of a brother, 
who was at one time an officer in the British army, and 
was born in Virginia. He came to New Jersey while 
a youth and resided with his uncle ; was a student at 
Princeton College, where he graduated in 1772. 
Having studied theology under the direction of his 
uncle, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery 
of Philadelphia in 1773, and was then sent by that 
body as a missionary into destitute parts of Penn.syl- 
vania and Virginia. 

He was at his uncle's in December, 1774, and took 
a part in burning the tea at Greenwich ; and after 
the uncle's death he preached sometimes to his con- 
gregation. In the year 1778 he was appointed a 
chaplain in the American army, and about this time 
he married a lady of Cumberland County. • 



In 1784-85, Mr. Hunter resided in Bridgeton, and 
taught a classical school in part of the house then 
owned and occupied by Mrs. Seeley, widow of Col. 
Ephraim Seeley, now occupied by Mrs. Paulding, on 
Broad Street. 

He was appointed Professor of Mathematics and 
Astronomy in 1804 in Princeton College, occupying 
that position until 1808, when he resigned and took 
charge of an academy in Bordentown. He was soon 
appointed a chaplain in the United States navy and 
stationed at the navy-yard in Washington. He died 
in 1823. 

Samuel Lawrence, pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church at Greenwich from 1824 to 1847, was born in 
j the city of Philadelphia in the year 1795. He was 
licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Philadelphia 
I in the year 1823. The Bridgeton and Greenwich 
; congregations becoming vacant by the death of Mr. 
Freeman, he was engaged as a stated supply of the 
I united churches, and preached- his first sermon in 
I Bridgeton, Nov. 23, 1823. In the ensuing spring 
I these churches separated, and Mr. Lawrence received 
I a call as pastor of the Greenwich Church, and was or- 
dained and installed in November, 1824. 

In the year 1847, Mr. Lawrence resigned his pas- 
torate of the Greenwich Church, and after acting for 
some time as a missionary under the direction of the 
Presbytery of West Jersey, he removed to Pennsyl- 
vania and took charge of the church of Perryville, 
in the Presbytery of Huntingdon, and continued their 
pastor until 1857; after which time he was employed 
by that Presbytery as an itinerant preacher until his 
death, Aug. 30, 1875. 

Mark Reeve came with Fenwick's company in 
the " GriflBn," as a servant of Edward Champneys, 
who married Fenwick's daughter Priscilla. It has 
been said that those who came to America without 
any estate, and relying entirely on their own exer- 
tions, frequently became possessed of greater influ- 
ence and property than those whose circumstances at 
first were more prosperous. This was exemplified in 
Mark Reeve. His mental endowments and native 
force gave him an influential position in the colony, 
and he became possessed of large tracts of land. 
After the expiration of his term of service with Ed- 
ward Champneys, he purchased a plantation in Man- 
nington, on the south side of Fenwick's Creek, on 
which he re-ided until after the death of Fenwick. 
He soon took a prominent position in the public 
affairs of the colony, and was a member of the As- 
sembly that met at Burlington in May and September, 
1683, and in November, 1685. The executors of Fen- 
wick conveyed to him, Aug. 9, 1686, a sixteen-acre 
lot at Greenwich, beginning at the second landing on 
the northeast side of the main street, and running up 
the street sixty-four perches to a stake. He built a 
house upon this property, and conveyed it to Joseph 
Browne, late of Philadelphia, Dec. 4, 1686, reserving 
a right of way to a piece of ground containing twenty 



TOWNSHIP OF GEEENWICH. 



687 



square feet, where his wife was buried. This is the 
property well known as the Sheppard wharf property 
at Greenwich, it having been in the John Sheppard 
family since Dec. 16, 1760, and it is now owned by 
one of his lineal descendants, Philip G. Sheppard. 
A view of this property is among the illustrations of 
this work. 

Mark Reeve's first wife, whose name is not known, 
was buried on this property, as above mentioned. 
He married as his second wife Ann Hunt, a widow, of 
Pennsylvania,on Dec. 3, 1686, the day before he sold 
to Browne. He had become the owner of a large tract 
of land in Back Neck, on the other side of the Cohan- 
sey, opposite Greenwich, on which he built a house, 
and to which he removed from Greenwich. He was a 
prominent member of the Society of Friends, and in 
1698 he and James Duncan applied to Salem Monthly' 
Meeting and obtained assistance in building a meet- 
ing-house at Greenwich, on a part of the lot he for- 
• merly owned, and which has ever since been used by 
the Friends for religious purposes. He died in No- 
vember or December, 1694, leaving his widow, Ann, 
and children, — Charles, Mark, and Joseph, the latter 
by his second wife, among whom he divided his 
landed estate. His descendants were among the 
leading citizens of that community, retaining their 
estates there until about 1820 to 1830, when the last 
of them sold their property and removed from that 
neighborhood. 

John Sheppaed, the third of that name res- 
ident in the county, was born at Greenwich 1st 
month 29, 1767. This family is one of the oldest 
and now one of the most numerous in the county, 
the tradition being that four of the name from Ire- 
land, originally Baptists, then written Shepherd, came 
to Fairfield about the year 1690, two of whom were 
brothers, and the other two also brothers, and cousins 
of the others. Their names were Thomas, David, 
John, and James. Thomas purchased two hundred 
and fifty acres of land in Shrewsbury Neck in 1698. 
A "Shepherd,"' whose first name is not stated, was a 
member of the Assembly from this county, then a 
part of Salem, in 1709. Thomas had two sons, Moses 
and David, and perhaps others. Moses, born about 
1700, married in 1722 Mary Dennis, a Friend. He 
lived on the two hundred and fifty acres which he 
inherited as " son and heir" of his father, and was a 
member of the Old Cohansey Baptist Church. He 
was elected a member of Assembly from Salem County 
in 1744, previous to which time, and as early as 1784, 
he removed to the north side of the Cohansey. In 
1752 he made his will, which was proved Jan. 19, 
1753. 

The children of Moses were Rachel, born in 1723, 

married Remington, and had a son Moses ; 

Nathan, born 1726 (by the will of his father became 
the owner of the two hundred and fifty acres, and 
would have inherited it as oldest son and heir, which 
in 1753 he sold to John Reeve), he became a Friend ; 



John (2d) born 1780 ; Sarah, born 1732, married 
Providence Ludlam, and died 1782 ; Moses (8d) born 
1737 (was a merchant in Philadelphia, then lived at 
Chelsingham, and was a Friend), died in 1820 ; Mary, 
born 1741. 

John Shepherd (2d) was received by the Monthly 
Meeting of Friends as a member in 1754, and in 
1756 he married Priscilla, daughter of Richard Wood- 
sen. In 1766 he purchased the house built by Mark 
Reeve in 1686 at Greenwich Landing, since greatly 
enlarged and improved, with the sixteen-acre lot on 
which it was situate, and established himself in 
business there, .soon becoming a rich and prosperous 
merchant. In 1772 he was elected a member of the 
Assembly from the county of Cumberland. 

John Sheppard (3d) succeeded his father in the 
business at the Landing. He was much respected 
by his neighbors, and in 1798 was elected a member 
of the Legislature as John Sheppard, Jr., but, having 
taken the side of the Federalists, he did not again 
succeed. He married Mary, daughter of Mark Miller, 
son of Ebenezer Miller, the surveyor, a woman greatly 
beloved by all who knew her. He died in 1855, in the 
eighty-ninth year of his age. 

RlCH.VED Wood was born at Greenwich in the 
year 1755. He was the third of that name who lived 
in that vicinity. Their ancestor, also named Richard, 
emigrated to America from Bristol, England, in 1682, 
as one of the friends or followers of William Penn. 
Two of his children, Ricjiard and Walter, came to 
South Jersey about the year 1720, and purchased a 
large tract of land on what was then called Gravelly 
Run, now Stow Creek. Richard married Priscilla 
Bacon, and they had thirteen children, many of whom 
died in infancy. He lived on the place where George 
W. Sheppard, one of his descendants, now lives, and 
died there in 1759. He was buried in a family burial- 
ground on the place, which is still maintained and 
kept in good order. 

Richard Wood (2d) was born in 1728, and learned 
the trade of a cooper, which for a time he followed 
in the town of Greenwich, and was a man much re- 
spected and of good business capacity. 

Richard Wood, the cooper, had two wives. His 
first wife was Hannah Davis, of Welsh descent. His 
second wife was the widow of Job Bacon. During 
the latter years of his life he had a sufiicient property 
to enable him to retire from business, and was one of 
the judges of the Cumberland Court of Common 
Pleas. He purchased and lived in the house on the 
east side of the main street of Greenwich, originally 
built by Nicholas Gibbon in 1733. 

Richard Wood (3d) was a man of superior intellect, 
well educated in the branches of learning taught at 
a good school maintained by the Friends in his native 
place, and for a few years was himself the teacher. 
He soon entered into mercantile business at the Land- 
ing, as a partner in the firm of Shejipard, Daniels & 
Wood, a very prosperous concern. The firm, how- 



688 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



ever, did not last very long, Sheppard having bought 
out his two partners, who stipulated not to set up a 
rival business for three years. During this interval 
Wood built the store-house, still standing, at the 
southwest corner of Main and Willow Streets, and 
carried on a successful business there several years. 
About the same time he erected the dwelling-house 
on the opposite corner of Willow Street, now owned 
and occupied by his son. Dr. George B. Wood, and 
cultivated one of the best farms adjoining thereto in 
that neighborhood. He thus accumulated a large 
fortune, which, like that of most landed proprietors, 
became considerably reduced a few years after the 
close of the war with Great Britain in 1812-15, but 
remained ample to the close of his life, in 1822. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. THOMAS E. HUNT. 

The Hunt family are of Scotch-Irish ancestry, 
Robert Hunt, the earliest representative in the county, 
having come from the north of Ireland, and settled 
in Shiloh, Cumberland Co., where he was an indus- 
trious farmer. He married Kebecca Ayars, daughter 
of a reputable farmer in Shiloh, and had one son, 
Bartholomew. Mr. Hunt, on the death of his wife, 
removed to North Carolina, while his son grew to 
manhood, acquired the trade of carpenter, married a 
Mrs. Wood, of Irish birth, and had children, — James 
B., John, William, Reuben, Esther, and Elizabeth. 
John married and left two sons, Richard and John, 
who settled in Springfield, Ohio. William became 
a physician, and settled in Salem County. Elizabeth 
married James Johnson, and lived until her death in 
Roadstown. Esther married Seeley Fithian, and 
lived and died upon the homestead. 

James B. was born in Stow Creek township, and 
became in connection with his trade of cooper a 
farmer and merchant. He married Sarah, fifth 
daughter of Maskell Ewing, and grandfather of 
Thomas Ewing, of Ohio, late United States senator. 
Their children were Thomas E., Reuben, William 
F., and two who died in infancy. Mr. Hunt served 
during the war of the Revolution, was present at the 
battle of Trenton, and was during his later life a 
judge of the County Court, and a citizen of much 
influence. He died Aug. 5, 1824, in his seventy-first 
year. His son, Thomas Ewing, was born March 2, 
1783, in Greenwich, his lifetime residence. His early 
advantages, though limited, were improved, after 
which he engaged in teaching, and ultimately pur- 
chased a farm at Stathems Neck, which was for many 
years his home. Later he became owner of the farm 
now the residence of his .son, Thomas E. Hunt. He 
■was four times married, — first to Margaret Johnson, 
who died Dec. 23, 1816 ; second, to Eliza Parvin, who 



died June 6, 1822 ; third, to Mary H. Shipley, whose 
death occurred Nov. 9, 1828, and a fourth time to 
Miss Sarah, daughter of Arthur Clark. She was 
born Nov. 10, 1801, and died Dec. 16, 1873. Their 
children were Charles E. (deceased), Thomas E., and 
Mary C. Thomas E. was married Dec. 16, 1863, to 
Cornelia M., daughter of Samuel C. Fithian, who 
has had three children, Sarah E., and a son and 
daughter who died in infancy. Mrs. Hunt having 
died, he married again on the 23d of January, 1879, 
Miss Margaret E., daughter of Henry E. Thomas, of 
Philadelphia. Their children are James B. and 
Frederick T. Mr. Hunt removed to the farm ic 
Greenwich where the later years of his life were 
spent. He was an active politician and an earnest 
champion of the Old-Line Whig party until the 
formation of the Republican party, when he became 
equally enthusiastic in the advocacy of its principles. 
He was for a period of years a member of the board 
of freeholders, and held other township oflBces. He 
also represented his district in the Legislature of the 
State. His religious belief was in sympathy with 
the creed of the Presbyterian Church, of which he 
was an active member and an elder. Mr. Hunt pos- 
sessed great business capacity, combined with strict 
integrity, which gave him a commanding influence in 
the community. He was benevolent and kindly in 
his instincts, with a purity of character and a genial 
manner which made all men his friends, and caused 
his death to be generally regretted. His official 
career was marked not only by sound judgment on 
all public questions, but by the most scrupulous 
honor. His moral character no less than his signal 
abilities commanded the deference of his associates, 
irrespective of party. His death occurred Jan. 19, 
1859. 



HON. REUBEN HUNT. 
The subject of this sketch is the son of James B. 
Hunt, whose ancestry having been given in the 
sketcii of his son, Thomas E., need not be repeated 
here. Reuben Hunt was born Feb. 9, 1785, in Green- 
wich, in the house now occupied by his daughter, 
Mrs. Eliza E. Kellogg. His youth was spent here, 
first in attendance upon such advantages of education 
as were at command, and later upon the farm, where 
he gave a willing hand to the cultivation of the land 
his father owned. On the death of the latter, in 1824, 
he became the occupant of the homestead, which con- 
tinued to be his home during his lifetime. He was 
married to Mrs. Phoebe Watson, daughter of Thomas 
Noble, of Greenwich, who was of English birth. 
Their children are Mary M., James, who died at the 
age of twenty-two, and Eliza E. Mary M. (deceased) 
married Jonathan Y. Learning, of Greenwich, and left 
four children, — James, who died in 1866 ; Rebecca, 
who married Robert M. Rocap, ot Bridgeton ; Reuben, 
who married Esola Compton, and served with credit 




'^^'^^ f x.^/- 



4 




^^nxyi-^^^t-^^ '^'^fc/^?^ 



TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 



689 



during the late war ; and Frank H., who married Clara 
Capron, and is a farmer. Eliza E. Hunt married 
Reuben Kellogg, and has one child, Euth E., who 
married Charles E. Wallis, of Maryland, and has chil- 
dren, — Margaret D. and Reuben H. K. Mr. Hunt was 
a stanch Whig in his political principles, and easily 
espoused the platform of the Republican party on its 
organization. He filled the offices of justice of tlie 
peace and commissioner, and was in 1832 elected free- 
holder of his township. He also represented his con- 
stituents in the State Legislature. Mr. Hunt was a 
man of much activity and energy, and participated in 
all measures which redounded to the general welfare, 
though naturally modest and unobtrusive in his de- 
meanor. He was upright, honest, and earnest in 
defense of the right. His judgment and fidelity were 
frequently called into requisition in the execution of 
important trusts. The death of Mr. Hunt occurred 
July 27, 1865, and that of Mrs. Hunt Oct. 29, 1858. 



SAMUEL WATSON. 

The name of Samuel has been perpetuated in the 
AVatson family for generations, and was borne by the 
great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who 
probably resided upon the farm in the township of 
Greenwich now occupied by Jonathan Leaming. 
Among his children was Samuel, who married Miss 
Hannah Skellinger, of Cape May, N. J., and had two 
sons, Samuel and David. The death of Mr. Watson 
occurred in 1815. His son Samuel was born in 1790, 
and having inherited the taste for agricultural em- 
ployments peculiar to his ancestors, became a farmer 
on the paternal lands, which were equally divided 
between his brother David and himself. 

Samuel married Ruth, daughter of Job Sheppard, 
of Hopewell township, and had children, — David, 
Samuel (deceased), Samuel (2d), Job S., and Hannah 
S. (Mrs. Job English, of Greenwich). Mr. Watson 
died Oct. 27, 1831, in his forty-first year. His wife, 
who subsequently became Mrs. Bacon, died April 2, 
1883, in her eighty-seventh year, having been for forty 
years an active member of the Baptist Church of 
Greenwich. Their son Samuel was born May 6, 1824, 
in Greenwich township; and having been left father- 
less at an early age, he was required in a measure to de- 
pend upon his own resources for success in life. He 
acquired a knowledge of farming, and having already 
formed habits of self-reliance and industry, began 
bravely the battle of life. At the age of twenty- 
seven he rented a farm, and was, in December, 1852, 
married to Phoebe, daughter of William and Mary 
Bacon, to whom was born a daughter, Mary B. Mr. 
Watson then removed to the Bacon homestead, which 
was for fourteen years his residence. In 1865 lie 
purchased the farm where he at present resides, and 
where he is still actively engaged in farming pur- 
suits. He was in his political principles formerly a 
Whig, and at a later date a Republican, but has 
44 



never been a strict partisan, nor ambitious for official 
preferment. He is a Baptist in his religious faith, 
and a member of the church of that denomination at 
Roadstown, as are also his wife and daughter. 



HOWELL P. AVATSON. 
The great-grandfather of Mr. Watson was Isaac, 
whose son, Howell P., resided in Greenwich town- 
ship, where he followed agricultural employments. 
By his marriage to Sarah Ludden he had children, — 
Howell P., George, William, Lydia (Mrs. Fithian), 
Elizabeth (Mrs. Miller), and Ann (Mrs. Probasco). 
Mr. Watson passed his life in Greenwich township, 
where his death occurred at his home. His son, 
Howell P., was born Nov. 8, 1793, and continued the 
occupation of his father on the land now the prop- 
erty of his son, Howell P. He was married on the 
11th of March, 1828, to Tabitha B. Mulford, whose 
birth occurred Nov. 23, 1798. Their children were 
Sarah (Mrs. Alpheus Brooks), born in 1817 ; Eliza- 
beth (Mrs. William Nice, wife of a Baptist clergy- 
man), born in 1821 ; Howell P. ; and one who died 
in childhood. The death of Mr. Watson occurred 
Feb. 11, 1826, in his thirty-third year, while his wife 
still survives, and enjoys in her advanced age robust 
health. Their son, Howell P., whose life is here 
briefly sketched, was born Dec. 25, 1824, on the 
homestead farm, his youth having been spent at 
Roadstown, with his grandfather, Isaac Mulford. 
Both the neighboring school and the farm absorbed 
his time and energies until sixteen years of age, 
when the home of his step-father, Henry L. Smalley, 
of Bowentown, became his residence, and the employ- 
ments of the farm still engaged his attention, with 
intervals devoted to study. At the age of twenty- 
one, having inherited his portion of his father's farm, 
he purchased the remaining shares, and began vigor- 
ously an independent career of farming. He was 
married, April 9, 1851, to Lydia A., daughter of John 
Probasco, of Greenwich. Their children are Fran- 
cis H., born April 6, 1858 ; Louisa B., whose birth 
occurred Oct. 21, 1866 ; and two who died in youth. 
Mr. Watson has, since his accession to the paternal 
farm, been wholly occupied in its management, and 
had neither time nor inclination for a life of political 
excitement, though he casts his vote on successive 
elections, and is in sympathy with Republican meas- 
ures. He supports with his means and influence the 
Baptist Church of Roadstown, of which Mrs. Watson 
is a member. 

i 

I GABRIEL D. HALL. 

The Hall famil}' are of English extraction, though 

no record of the arrival and settlement of its progen- 

itorsfin America has been preserved. Ebenezer Hall 

was a resident of Greenwich township, and died at 

( Bacon's Neck in 1805. He married Mary, daughter 

I of Joseph Thompson, of Salem County, and had 



ego 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



children, — Ann (Mrs. John Bacon, deceased) and 
Gabriel D. ; though by a previous marriage he had 
one daughter. 

Gabriel D. was born March 27, 1802, at Bacon's 
Neck. After a period spent at the Friends' school, 
and later at popular places of instruction at Haddon- 
field, N. J., and in Philadeli)hia, he returned to his 
home, and engaged in the cultivation of the farm in 
connection with his step-father. On attaining his 
majority his patrimony embraced the farm which is 
his present home, where he has since resided. Having 
followed the routine line of farm labor until 1849, he 
removed to Greenwich village, and was for fourteen 
years one of its residents. In 1863 he returned again 
to the farm, which has since been his home. He was 
married on the 19th of March, 1823, to Miss Hannah, 
daughter of Isaac and Lucy Wheaton, and had chil- 
dren, — Ebenezer, born in 1825; Mary W., born in 
1826 ; Isaac W., whose birth occurred in 1828 ; Ann 
B., born in 1829 ; Gabriel D., in 1832 ; George, in 
1835; Gabriel D. (2d), in 1838, of whom Ann B. 
(Mrs. Charles L. Watson) is now living. Mrs. Hall 
died Aug. 31, 1849, in her forty-fifth year. Mr. Hall 
was again, in 1850, married to Mary Ann, daughter of 
Samuel Harris, of Roadstown, whose birth occurred 
Sept. 10, 1818. Their children are Edward F., born 
Nov. 9, 1850 ; John M., born March 23, 1852 ; and 
Charles B., whose birth occurred Nov. 24, 1857. Of 
this number John M. survives and cultivates the farm. 
He was married, in 1877, to Jenny 0., daughter of 
John C. Fenderson, of Cape May, N. J., born March 
29, 1857, and has three children,— Anna M., May F., 
and Charles F. Mr. Hall was a stanch Old-Line Whig 
in politics until the formation of the Republican 
party, when he indorsed the articles of its platform, 
and emphasized his belief in its principles with his 
vote. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the 
Baptist Church of Greenwich, of which he is a 
deacon. 



CAPT. CHARLES MILLER. 

John Miller, grandfather of Capt. Charles Miller, 
emigrated from Germany, and located in Cumberland 
County, N. J., probably in Greenwich township. He 
married, and had children, — Martin, George, John, 
Ann (who became Mrs. Riley), Samuel, Lott, Mary 
Ann, and Philip (who died in youth). The death of 
Mr. Miller occurred in Greenwich township, where 
his son John was born, and where his life was spent, 
either as a farmer or as the popular landlord of the 
village hotel of Greenwich. He also for a period fol- 
lowed the fortunes of the water, and was owner and 
master of a packet running from his home to Phila- 
delphia. He married Rebecca Van Winkle, of Green- 
wich, and had children, — Edwin F., Charles, John 
(who died in youth), Samuel (deceased), and Rebecca 
W. Mr. Miller was a man of much activity and energy, 
and led a busy life until his death, which occurred in 



1846. His son Charles was born Nov. 26, 1827, in 
Greenwich township, where, with the exception of a 
very brief interval, his life has been spent. The pub- 
lic school and later the Friends' school in Greenwich 
afiforded him a limited educatidn, and at nineteen the 
farm offered a field of labor, which soon engaged all 
his energies. At twenty he determined upon the life 
of a waterman, and embarked on a schooner engaged 
in the coasting trade. 

Capt. Miller was thus employed for several years, 
after which he returned to Greenwich and became in- 
terested in the grain trade. Three years later he re- 
sumed his craft as a boatman, and until his retirement 
was master of a vessel trading along the coast. He 
was, Jan. 10, 1854, married to Miss Harriet N., daugh- 
ter of Samuel C. Fithian, of Greenwich. Their chil- 
dren are Anna P., Rebecca, Addie M., Samuel F., 
and Edwin F., of whom Samuel F. is the only sur- 
vivor. 

Capt. Miller in politics inclines to the principles of 
the Democracy, though neither his tastes nor habits 
of life have encouraged an active political life. He 
has abandoned business pursuits other than those in- 
cidental to the management of his private interests, 
and leads a life of retirement. Both he and Mrs. 
Miller are members of the Presbyterian Church of 
Greenwich, the captain being one of its board of 
trustees. 



DANIEL M. SHEPPARD. 

Enoch Sheppard, who was born in 1710 and died 
July 24, 1769, in his fifty-ninth year, was probably 
the son of Enoch, who died in 1718, and the grand- 
son of John, one of the four brothers who settled in 
Cumberland County. Enoch had two wives ; the first, 
named Rachel, born in 1713, and who died in 1756 in 
her forty-third year, was the mother of all his chil- 
dren. His second wife was Mrs. Martha, widow of 
John Swinney. Enoch Sheppard lived and died at 
Bowentown, Hopewell township, on the farm now 
belonging to the heirs of ex-Sheriff Jonathan Fithian, 
which land he willed to his son Furman. He had five 
daughters — Lucy (Mrs. Smith), Elizabeth (Mrs. 
John Dare, and by a second union Mrs. James 
Robinson), Dorothy (Mrs. Brooks), Rachel (Mrs. 
Bacon), and Dorcas — and one son, Furman. The lat- 
ter, who is the grandfather of Daniel M., was born 
July 6, 1756. He was twice married, — first, on the 

15th of September, to Mary , and again on the 

20th of December, 1780, to Hannah Maskell, who 
was born Oct. 26, 1759, and died April, 1853. Fur- 
man died Dec. 21, 1832, in Bridgeton. He was chosen 
freeholder for Hopewell in 1805, and held other 
ofiices in the township. He was an ensign in the 
State troops, and served during the war of the Revo- 
lution. After its close he was for many years a 
captain in the Cumberland militia, and subsequently 
major in the Cumberland Battalion. His children by 




f 








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3j^ M^/z/- 



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I 



TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH. 



691 



the first marriage were Enoch and Mary, and by the 
second union Rachel, Sarah, Daniel M., Robert, 
Edmund, Thomas C, Samuel F., Eliza E., and Wil- 
liam. Edmund was a physician, who lived and 
practiced at Newport, Cumberland Co., for many 
years, was elected chosen freeholder, and a member 
of the Legislature in 1825. In 1837 he removed to 
Eufaula, Ala., where his death occurred in 1874. 
Thomas C, father of the subject of this sketch, was 
born Nov. 15, 1793, and married Sarah S., daughter 
of Isaac Mulford. Their four children were Edward, 
Isaac M., Daniel M., and Lewis Henry. Isaac M. 
and Lewis Henry died in infancy, and Sarah S., who 
was born April 3, 1797, died June 6, 1826. Edward 
Sheppard was born March 25, 1817, and resided for 
many years in Delaware, where he represented his 
district in the State Legislature. Hei removed in 
1859 to the West, and died Sept. 9, 1879. Thomas C. 
Sheppard married for his second wife Mrs. Mary M. 
Porter, to whom were born two children, — Thomas 
Henry and Mary Emma. Daniel M. was born Aug. 
7, 1821, and spent his youth at Bacon's Neck, in 
Greenwich township, where he enjoyed ordinary ad- 
vantages of education. He first became a farmer, 
and subsequently engaged in teaching, after which, 
in 1855, he engaged in a general grain and mercantile 
business, in which he was eminently successful. He 
was married Oct. 25, 1866, to Fanny A., daughter of 
David Cook. They have one child, Sallie Mulford. 
Mr. Sheppard now resides in Greenwich, where he 
leads a life of comparative retirement. 



I 



BENJAMIN F. MAUL. 

Tradition relates that two brothers of the Maul 
family came at an early date from England, one of 
whom settled in New Jersey. From him was de- 
scended Garrison Maul, who resided in Bridgeton, 
where he was extensively engaged in business opera- 
tions. Mr. Maul cultivated a farm, was a prosperous 
merchant, and also engaged in the cutting and ship- 
ping of wood to Philadelphia, one of the most active 
business industries of that period. He married Phcebe, 
daughter of Mason Mulford, of Eoadstown, and had 
children, — Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Garrison, now de- 
ceased), Mary (Mrs. Lewis M. Goodwin), Lucius (de- 
ceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Maria (Mrs. Charles 
Kain, deceased), Benjamin F., and William G. The 
survivors of this number are Mary, who resides in 
Village Green, Delaware Co., Pa., and has one 
daughter, Mrs. Huldah Jones ; William G., of 
Omaha, Neb., who married Miss Ella Dare, and has 
one daughter, Mary ; and Benjamin F., who is the 
subject of this sketch, and was born July 14, 1828, in 
Bridgeton. His early life was spent in Salem and 
Roadstown, where such advantages of education as 
the common schools afforded were enjoyed by him. 
In 1849 he engaged in farming occupations, having 



rented a farm for a period of three years. At the ex- 
piration of this time he removed to Greenwich and 
became interested in the grain business, which was 
continued with success for twenty-five years, after 
which he led a life of comparative retirement. Mr. 
Maul was married December, 1848, to Sarah, daugh- 
ter of William and Mary Bacon, of Bacon's Neck, 
Greenwich township. Their children are Lizzie and 
Annie H. (Mrs. Bolton Lott, of Bridgeton). Mr. 
Maul was in politics formerly a Republican, but has 
not recently confined himself within party lines, 
choosing rather to be independent in the exercise of 
his franchise, and giving his support to men of char- 
acter for ofiice, irrespective of party. Both he and 
his wife are supporters of the Baptist faith and mem- 
bers of the Coliansey Baptist Church of Roadstown. 



JAMES DAKE. 



The subject of this sketch is the great-grandson of 
Benoni Dare, the son of William Dare (1st), who was 
sheriff of Salem County from 1703 to 1705 (see bio- 
graphical sketch of William Dare). Benoni bought 
of the Gibbons, Sept. 10, 1730, a tract of land con- 
taining over three hundred acres, a part of their 
survey of five thousand five hundred acres. The 
land included in this purchase is in Stow Creek 
township, and lies on the northeasterly side of the 
road from Roadstown to Jericho, extending from 
Roadstown westward, taking in the farm now owned 
by Thomas Kernan. He was a farmer, and probably 
lived on this tract the most of his life. He also 
owned a large quantity of other lands, including a 
plantation in Greenwich township, to which he re- 
moved previous to 1760, and resided there until his 
death in 1770. He had two wives, the second of 
whom was Mrs. Clemmous Waithman, whom he mar- 
ried in May, 1760. His children were all by his first 
wife, and were as follows : Elkanah, who died in 1759, 
leaving a widow, two sons, Benoni and Elkanah, and 
six daughters; AVilliam, born May, 1735, married, 
and had two sons and eight daughters ; Abiel, who 
left five children, — Abiel, Gabriel, Joseph, Oilman, 
and David ; Reuben, to whom his father left his 
home-place in Greenwich, and who died in Septem- 
ber, 1777, leaving children, — Margaret, Milicent, 
Samuel, and perhaps others ; James, Eleanor, Eliza- 
beth, and Rachel. 

James, son of Benoni, was a farmer, and lived in 
Greenwich township. He died Nov. 30, 1791, leaving 
a widow, Mary Ann, and two children, Hugh Black- 
wood and Benoni, the latter of whom removed to 
Pittsgrove township, Salem Co., and left descendants 
there. 

Hugh Blackwood Dare was born in 1771. He was 
a farmer, and lived and died at Bacon's Neck, Green- 
wich township, Charles Bacon having afforded him a 
home on the death of his father, where he remained 



692 



HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



nine years. He was married, in 1802, to Martha An- 
gevine, and had one son, James, the subject of this 
sketch, who was left motherless when eighteen months 
old. 

Mr. Dare died in 1831, in his sixtieth year, while 
residing with his son James, who was born July 24, 
1803, in Greenwich township. His youth was alto- 
gether devoid of romance, and, when but a lad, circum- 
stances made him the architect of his own fortunes. 
He began active life as a quill-boy in the shop of a 
country weaver, and having acquired the trade fol- 
lowed it until thirty-two years of age. He was mar- 
ried on the 9th of May, 1822, to Prudence Eulon, wlio 



been identified with the excitements of political life. 
He cast his first Presidential ballot for John Quincy 
Adams, and has since the formation of the Repub- 
lican party been one of its firm adherents. He was 
educated in the faith of the Quakers, and, in 1840 
having connected himself with the Friends' Meeting, 
has since been identified with them. 




died in 1828, leaving children, — Franklin, residing in 
Bridgeton, and married to Caroline Fogg, of Stow 
Creek, and Mark E., who is a farmer, and married to 
Mary Stewart. James Dare was married a second 
time, Oct. 6, 1831, to Sarah E., daughter of Andrew 
and Mary Smith, of Salem County. Their children 
are Prudence Ann (Mrs. James Butler); Eichard S., 
married to Beulah Tyler, and a second time to Eachel 
Ann Marble; and Sarah T. (deceased), who was Mrs. 
Stephen Coleman. Mr. Dare, in 1835, gave his atten- 
tion to farming employments, and in 1838 purchased 
the farm which is his present residence. His wife 
having died in 1849, he was again married, in 1853, 
to Hannah B. Harmer, of Salem County. His later 
life has been devoted to farming occupations, in which 
he has been successful , though now debarred by the ad- 
vance of years from active labor. Mr. Dare has never 



PHILIP G. SHEPPARD. 
The subject of this sketch traces his ancestry to 
Thomas Sheppard, one of the four brothers who set- 
tled at Back Neck, Fairfield township, in 1683. He 
was a large land-owner, and included 
in his possessions two hundred and 
fifty acres of land in Shrewsbury 
, Neck (now Upper Back Neck), pur- 
chased in 1698. He was a member 
of the Fifth Assembly after the union 
of East and West Jei'sey, which met 
Nov. 21, 1709, and was dissolved Jan. 
31, 1710, an ofiice then requiring the 
holder to own one thousand acres of 
land. His death occurred in 1721, 
his wife, Ann, having survived him. 
He had children, — Moses, David, 
.Tames, and Ann. James died leav- 
ing a son James (2d). Moses, son of 
Thomas, was born about the year 
1700, and married Dec. 6, 1722, 
Mary Dennis. He resided upon two 
hundred and forty acres of land 
which was his patrimony. He was 
a member of the Old Cohansey Bap- 
tist Church, as was also his brother, 
though his wife was a member of the 
Society of Friends. He was a mem- 
ber of the Fourteenth Assembly, 
which sat from Aug. 18 until Dec. 
1744. Mr. Sheppard died in Jan- 
uary, 1753. His children were Ea- 
chel, born Sept. 29, 1723 ; Nathan, 
born Nov. 13, 1726 ; John, born Dec. 28, 1730; Sarah, 
whose birth occurred Feb. 18, 1732 ; Moses, born 
July 23, 1737 ; and Mary, born Dec. 1, 1741. The sons 
changed their religious faith and united with the So- 
ciety of Friends. John, son of Moses, married, in 
1756, Priscilla, daughter of Eichard Wood. He re- 
moved to Greenwich, and in 1760 purchased the 
brick house and property at the Landing, which has 
remained in the family until the present time, and a 
view of which is given on an adjacent page. He 
was a prosperous merchant, and in 1772 was elected 
a member of the last Assembly that met prior to the 
Eevolution. He was also a member of the Assem- 
blies of 1785, '86, '87, '88. His death occurred Jan. 
12, 1805. His children were Eachel, born July 2, 
1762 ; Mary, born Nov. 4, 1764 ; John (2d), born Jan. 
29, 1767; Priscilla, born Nov. 25, 1769; Eichard 



Ccp^ 



TOWNSHIP OP HOPEWELL. 



693 



W., whose birth occurred in 1771 ; Sarah, born Aug. 
22, 1775; and Moses, born Feb. 3, 1777. John (2d), 
grandfather of Philip G., married Mary, daughter of 
Mark Miller. He succeeded his father in the busi- 
ness at the Landing, which he greatly increased. He 
was also member of Assembly in 1798. Their chil- 
dren were Thomas R., born April 29, 1789; Mark M., 
born Jan. 12, 1791 ; Charles E., whose birth occurred 
Feb. 10, 1793; Benjamin, born March 14, 1795; 
Charles, born Feb. 24, 1798; Priscilla W., born 'May 
15, 1800 ; John E., born Nov. 28, 1802 ; Mary Ann, 
born about 1807 ; Clarkson, born April 14, 1813. 

Mr. Sheppard's death occurred June 1, 1855. Of 
these children, John E. inherited the homestead in 
Greenwich now occupied by his son, the subject of 
this sketch. His life was passed in mercantile and 
farming pursuits at the paternal home, where his 
death occurred Jan. 12, 1882. He was a member of 
the Orthodox branch of the Society of Friends, a 
gentleman of quiet tastes and of religious life, caring 
little for the excitements of a political or public ca- 
reer. He married for his first wife Ann Elizabeth, 
daughter of Richard Wood, of Greenwich, and had 
children, — George Wood and Elizabeth Wood, who 
died in infancy. By a second union with Margaret, 
daughter of Philip Garrett, of Philadelphia, on the 
2d of January, 1840, were born children, — Philip G., 
subject of this sketch ; Annie E., wife of James S. 
Lippincott, of Haddonfleld ; and Margaret. His son, 
Philip Garrett, was born April 12, 1842, in Greenwich. 
When sufficiently old he repaired to a school at AVest- 
town, Chester Co., Pa., under the auspices of the So- 
ciety of Friends, and on his return decided to pursue 
the healthful employments of a farmer. At a later 
period he embarked in the grain, coal, and fertilizing 
bu.siness on the wharf adjoining the homestead. This 
wharf is situated on the Cohansey River, fourteen miles 
below Bridgeton and six miles from the mouth of the 
river, which is at this point navigable for vessels of 
five hundred tons burden. Mr. Sheppard married in 
1867, Miss Elizabeth W. Garrett, of Wilmington, 
Del., who died in 1872. He was again married in 
April, 1882, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Thomas C. 
and Mary Sheppard, of Greenwich. Mr. Sheppard is 
still engaged in active business pursuits, as also in the 
cultivation of a farm, and is a successful peach-grower. 

Though inclining toward the principles of the Re- 
publican party, he is not an active participant in poli- 
tics. His brother, George W. Sheppard, was born in 
March, 1826, and educated at Westtown, Chester Co., 
Pa., and elsewhere. On the completion of his studies 
he engaged in farming occupations on the spot known 
as the Wood homestead, where for thirty years he 
was thus actively employed. In 1880 he removed to 
Greenwich, where he now resides. 

He married Miss Ruth B., daughter of Moses Shep- 
pard, of Greenwich, to whom were born five children. 
The only survivor of this number is John E., a prac- 
ticing physician in Atlantic City. 



CHAPTER xcvrir. 

TOWNSHIP OF HOPEWKLL. 

Boundaries and Description. — Hopewell town- 
ship is one of the original townships created by the 
act setting ofi" the county. It is bounded north by 
Upper Alloways Creek township, Salem County ; east 
by the Cohansey River, separating it from Deerfield 
and Fairfield, and by the Third Ward of Bridgeton ; 
south by the Cohansey, separating it from Fairfield 
on this side also ; and west by Greenwich and Stow 
Creek. Its original limits included the Third Ward 
of Bridgeton, which was set off from it in 1848 as the 
township of Cohansey, and has been since incorpo- 
rated into the city of Bridgeton. Its surface is slightly 
rolling, and is a fine agricultural soil, covered with 
well-tilled farms and neat and commodious resi- 
dences. Nearly its entire surface is under cultiva- 
tion. Lying adjacent to the city of Bridgeton, a good 
market is offered for the sale of produce and grain- 
Corn, wheat, hay, and oats are extensively grown in 
the township, while tomatoes, market produce, and 
fruits constitute no small items in the yearly returns. 
Along the southern end of the township, bordering 
on the Cohansey, the meadows have been reclaimed 
by banking out the tide, and large crops of hay and 
grain are produced on some of them, while others of 
them are used for grazing purposes only. The vil- 
lages of Shiloh and Roadstown lie partly in this 
township and partly in Stow Creek, and the neighbor- 
hood called Bowentown and the post-oflice of Co- 
hansey lie wholly within it. The population of the 
township in 1880 was seventeen hundred and sixty- 
four. 

VILLAGES. 

ShUoh. — The village of Shiloh lies in both Hope- 
well and Stow Creek townships, the road from Green- 
wich through Roadstown to Philadelphia passing di- 
rectly through it. It is about four miles northwest 
of Bridgeton, in the centre of a rich agricultural com- 
munity, and in 1880 had a population of two hundred 
and sixty-five, one hundred and forty-three of whom 
resided on the Hopewell side and one hundred and 
twenty-two in Stow Creek. It is situated on that 
part of Dr. James Wass' survey which he sold to 
Robert Ayers, Nov. 21, 1705, containing two thou- 
sand two hundred acres. A company of Baptists 
came from Swansea, Mass., to this region with Rev. 
Timothy Brooks in 1687, and settled in the neighbor- 
liood of Bowentown, as is related in the sketch of the 
Cohansey Baptist Church. They were followed by 
the above Robert Ayers, who first settled in Back 
Neck, on six hundred acres of land which he bought 
of Restore Lippincott, of Burlington County, but soon 
removed to the land he purchased of James Wass. 
He was probably a Seventh-Day Baptist when he 
came to this county in 1705, and sold off his tract to 
those of his own faith, who naturally settled in the 



694 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



same neighborhood, the better to carry out their be- 
lief and to keep the seventh day as the Sabbath. 
The establishment of a church of the Sabbatarian 
order at what was then called Cohansey Corners in 
1737, but which name was soon changed to the more 
melodious one of Shiloh, made a nucleus about which 
the settlers of this faith gathered, and ever since has 
caused a slow but steady growth of the village. The 
history of the village is the history of the church, 
very few except the adherents of this faith residing 
within its limits. The surrounding country for a dis- 
tance of from one to one and a half miles in all di- 
rections is filled with highly-cultivated farms, nearly 
all belonging to those of this faith. To one unaccus- 
tomed to the sight it seems out of place to find the 
people at work on their farms and in their shops and 
houses on the first day of the week, but if such a per- 
son will look in upon this community on the seventh 
day, and observe the scrupulous regard they show for 
the Sabbath as they view it, he must feel that only a 
conscientious conviction of the truth of their belief 
can inspire them in upholding the banner of Sabba- 
tarianism in the midst of surroundings which ever 
tend to change their adherents, especially the younger 
portion of them, to advocates of the keeping of the 
first day as the Sabbath. 

The first settlers of Shiloh were an intelligent peo- 
ple, and Shiloh became noted for its schools. In 
1848 an academy was opened under the charge of 
Professor E. P. Larkin, A.M., who gave it its first 
impetus. In 1849 it was chartered as Union Acad- 
emy. In 1850 the old church edifice was given to 
them, and was fitted up for their purposes. In 1866 
a new two-story handsome brick building, about fifty 
feet square, was erected at an expense of ten thousand 
dollars, the first floor for recitation-rooms and labora- 
tory, and the second being a large and excellent hall. 
For many years it was very successful, and hundreds 
of the youth of this section of the State enjoyed its 
facilities under the principalship of Professor Larkin, 
Professor George S. M. Cottrell, and others. But it 
was allowed to go down, and after standing idle for 
some time the building was bought by the public 
school district during the last year, and it is now used 
for public school purposes. 

This community is almost purely agricultural. A 
canning establishment, started a year ago, is prosper- 
ous. A post-ofiice was established here July 24, 1841, 
Isaac D. Titsworth being the first incumbent; the 
present oflicer is Theodore F. Davis, appointed June 
11, 1883. 

Roadstown is likewise situated partly in Hope- 
well and partly in Stow Creek, divided by the road 
above mentioned. It is surrounded by a fertile re- 
gion, and it was early settled by the descendants of 
the first settlers. Its former importance was much 
greater than at present. Up to the Revolution it 
ranked next to Greenwich, New England Town, and 
Cohansey Bridge in importance, and would have 



been the equal of the last but for the county buildings 
located there. It was once called Kingstown, but 
that name was never generally used. During the 
Revolution and for some time previous and after- 
wards it was generally known as Sayre's Cross-Roads, 
from Ananias Sayre, the leading citizen of the place, 
who had been sheriff of the county two difierent 
terms. Since the beginning of this century it has 
been known by its present name. The post-office 
was established Jan. 1, 1803, with Thomas Harris as 
postmaster, and it is now held by Isaac H. Swing, ap- 
pointed March '21, 1873. It contains a Baptist and a 
Methodist Church. The population is about two 
hundred. 

Bowentown is the cross-roads of the old road from 
Bridgeton to Roadstown and the road from Lower 
Hopewell northward towards Philadelphia. It has 
been called by that name ever since the settlement of 
the Bowens at this place about 1687. It is also a sta- 
tion on the New Jersey Southern Railroad. There 
are fifteen or twenty houses within a half-mile of the 
place, but only a half-dozen within one or two hun- 
dred yards. 

Cohansey, formerly called New Boston, is the 
name of a post-office in the extreme northern portion 
of the township, established March 3, 1870, with 
Jonathan B. Evans as postmaster. The present in- 
cumbent, James D. Evans, was appointed March 3, 
1877. 

CHOSEN FEEEHOLBBRS OF HOPEWELL. 



1748. Josiah Piirvin. 
Obadiah RobiuB. 

1749. 

1780-51. JoBiah Parvin. 

Obadiah Kobins. 

1752-53. .loBiah Parvin. 

iBaac Mills. 

1754. Obadiah Kobips. 
Samuel Fithian. 

1755. Abraham Reeves. 
Samuel Fithian. 

1756. 

1757. Abraham Reeves. 
Enoch Shepherd. 

1758-59. Benjamin Holmes. 
Sumnel Harris. 

1760. Samuel Harris. 

1761. Obadiah Robins. 
-1762-67. Benjamin Mulford. 

John Miller. 
176S. Samuel Harris. 
Joseph Sheppard. 

1769. Samuel Harris. 

1770. Samuel Harris. 

1771. 

1772-73. John Reeves. 

Ephraim Mills. 
1774-76. Job Butcher. 

Isasic Hnlford. 
1777-79. John Reeves. 

Thomas Brown. 
1780-82. Thomas Brown. 

John Burgin. 
1783. 

Thomas Brown. 
1784-87. John Burgin. 

Thomas Brown. 



1788. Nathan Sheppard. 
John Golder. 

1789. Nathan Sheppard. 

1790. Nathan Sheppard. 
John Burgin. 

1791-93. John Burgin. 

Eli Elmer. 
1794-95. Nathan Sheppard. 

Eli Elmer. 

1796. 

Eli Elmer. 

1797. Nathan Sheppard. 
Eli Elmer. 

1798. Eli Elmer. 
David Potter. 

1799. David Potter. 
Jonathan Bowen. 

1800. James Sheppard. 
Seth Bowen. 

1801-3. Jeremiah Brooks. 
Seth Bowen. 

1804. Jeremiah Brooks. 
Moses Platts. 

1805. Furman Sheppard. 
Moses Platte. 

1806. George Burgin. 
Jeremiah Brooks. 

1807. George Burgin. 
Daniel Bishop. 

1808. James Sheppard, Sr. 
Dr. Francis G. Brewster. 

1809-10. Timothy Elmer. 
George Burgin. 

1811. Timothy Elnier. 
Moses Pliitts. 

1812. .Tohn Sibley. 

Dr. Charles Clark. 



TOWNSHIP OF HOPEWELL. 



695 



1S13. Isanc W. Crane. 
Dr. Charles Clark. 

1814. Dr. Charles Clark. 
Timothy Elmer. 

1815. Dr. Charles Clark. 
Daniel Johnson. 

1816. Dr. Charles Clark. 
Hosea Sneatlien. 

1817. Dr. Charles Clark. 
David Lupton. 

1818-19. Dr. Charles Clark. 

Smith Bowen. 
1820-21. John Sibley. 

Dan Simkins. 

1822. Dan Simkins. 
Abijali Harris. 

1823. Jedediah Davis. 
Abijah Httrris. 

1824. David Lupton. 
John Sibley. 

1825. William Sheppard. 
Dan Simkins. 

1826. William Sheppard. 
Smith Bowen. 

1827. Levi B. Davis. 
Abijah Harris. 

1828. Levi B. Davis. 

Dr. Isaac H. Hampton. 

1829. Levi B. Davis. 
David Sheppard. 

1830-31. Daniel I'ierson. 

David Sheppard. 
1832-34. Levi B. Davis. 

Daniel M. Woodruff. 

1835. Archibald Minch. 
Lewis McBride. 

1836. Archibald Minch. 
Daniel M. Woodruff. 

1837. Daniel M. Woodruff. 



1837. Jeremiah Parvin. 

1838. Daniel M. Woodruff. 
Archibald Minch. 

1839^0. Daniel M. Woodruff, 
Levi B. Davis. 

1841. Daniel M. Woodruff. 
Jeremiah B. Davis. 

1842. Henry L. Smalley. 
Levi B. Davis. 

1843. Levi B. Davis. 
Daniel M. Woodruff. 

1844. Joseph W. Woodruff. 
Jeremiah Parvin. 

1845-46. Jeremiah Parvin. 

Henry L. Smalley. 
1847. Jeremiah Parvin. 

William Eiley. 
1848-56. Archibald Minch. 

Jeremiah B. Davis. 
1857-59. Archibald Minch. 

Richard Minch. 
1860. Joseph H. Ogdeu. 

William B. Glaspey. 
1861-67. Joseph H. Ogden. 

Richard Minch. 
ISGS. Joseph H. Ogden. 

Heni-y W. Glaspey. 
1869-72. Joseph H. Ogden. 

Robert Ware. 
1873. Lewis M. Hires. 

Joseph A. Minch. 
1874-76. Robert Ware. 

Francis B. Minch. 

1877. Francis B. Minch. 
Frank C. Probasco. 

1878. Francis B. Minch. 
Michael M. Johnson. 

1879-80. Frank B. Minch. 
1881-83. Joseph S Glaspey. 



CHURCHES. 

First Cohansey Baptist Churcli at Roadstown. 

— This is the oldest church in the county, antedating 
the Fairfield Presbyterian Church several years. 

Rev. Eobert Kelsay, pastor of this church from 1756 
to 1789, in a sketch of the church furnished Morgan 
Edwards, says that "about the year 1683 some Bap- 
tists from the county of Tipperary, in Ireland, settled 
in the neighborhood of Cohansey, particularly David 
Sheppard, Thomas Abbot, William Button, etc. ; in 
1685 arrived hither from Rhode Island government 
Obadiah Holmes and John Cornelius; in 1688 Kintier 
(Rinear) Vanhyst, John Child, and Thomas Lam- 
stone (Lambson) were baptized by Rev. Elias Keach, 
of Pennepek. About this time Rev. Thomas Killing- 
worth settled not far off, which increased the number 
of Baptists to nine souls, and probably to near as 
many more including the sisters; however, the above 
nine persons were formed into a churcli with the as- 
sistance of said Killingworth, whom they chose to be 
their minister. This was done in the spring of 1690." 
Researches show these nine were not all the Baptists 
here at that time. David Sheppard had brothers, John, 
Thomas, and James, settled near him in Back Neck, 
who were adherents of that faith, and probably mem- 
bers, as they are known to have been at a later time, 
and in the neighborhood were also John Gillman, 
John Lacroy, and Alexander Smyth, all of whom 



were adherents of the Baptist faith and probably 
members, and among those who formed this church. 
Mr. Kelsay, from the way he words his statement, 
evidently does not wish to be understood as naming 
all of them. Rev. Thomas Killingworth became tlieir 
first pastor. His field extended not only throughout 
the lower part of this State, but into Chester County, 
Pa., where were Baptists under his charge. He was one 
of the presiding judges of Salem Court, and was one 
of the leading men in the community. At a court 
held at Salem, Dec. 24, 1706, of which he was the 
presiding judge, he signed the articles of the Toler- 
ation Act, for exempting dissenters from the penalty 
of certain laws, and took the oath as the act directs. 
At a court held April 13, 1708, on the application of 
himself and Jeremiah Nickson, they " obtained orders 
that the house of Jeremiah Nickson, in Penn's Neck, 
should be the place of Thomas Killingworth's ordi- 
nary preaching or religious worship." He lived in 
Salem, at the head of Broadway, on the property so 
long owned by the Keasbey family, where he died 
pastor of the church, in the spring of 1709, leaving a 
wife. Prudence, who also died in a few months, but no 
children. During his pastorate the church built and 
occupied a log meeting-house in Back Neck, on the 
south side of the Cohansey. The Baptist Church 
in Ireland from which this one originated, called 
" Cleagh Keating," was in a flourishing condition in 
1767, and was still in existence in 1838, but it is now 
extinct. 

About 1687 a company of Welsh Baptists, part of 
Rev. John Miles' company, who came from Swansea, 
Wales, in 1663, and settled at Swansea, Mass., came 
from there to Cohansey and settled in the neighbor- 
hood of Bowentown, where they built a meeting- 
house and were a regularly-organized church, with 
Rev. Timothy Brooks as pastor. They differed re- 
garding predestination, singing of psalms, laying on 
of hands, and the like, and thus a separate organiza- 
tion was kept up by them for twenty-three years. 

After Mr. Killingworth's death, through the efforts 
of Rev. Valentine Wightman, the two churches united 
on the principle of " bearance and forbearance," and 
Mr. Brooks became pastor of the united church. 
Each of the meeting-houses being inconvenient to 
the other part of the united church, a new site was 
selected in Lower Hopewell, about half-way between 
the two former houses and near the Cohansey, so that 
those residing on the south of the river could cross iu 
boats, while those at Bowentown could go to meet 
them at the new location. Roger Maul gave them 
the land for their meeting-house and graveyard, by 
deed dated Dec. 28, 1713, where now is the old Bap- 
tist graveyard, about a quarter of a mile east of Sliep- 
pard's mill. This graveyard was afterwards enlarged 
by a gift of a piece of land from Nathan Sheppard, 
by deed of Feb. 6, 1779, and contains in all about an 
acre and a quarter of land. Here they erected a 
church, probably in 1714, where their services were 



696 



HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



afterwards held. The place of crossing the Cohansey 
by those residing on the south side was from what is 
called the "Red-House Farai," now owned by Thomas 
B. Husted, to a landing in the marsh, but near the 
upland on the north side, a little farther up the river, 
where the remains of an old landing are still to be 
seen. This landing was about a mile south of the 
church, and from its general use for this purpose it 
became known as " Baptist Landing," a name which 
has ever since remained, although now gradually 
fading away with the disuse and disappearance of the 
old lauding. 

Rev. Timothy Brooks continued to minister to the 
church until 1716, when he passed away, in the fifty- 
fifth year of his age. According to Mr. Kelsay's letter 
to Morgan Edwards, Mr. Brooks " was not eminent 
for either parts or learning, yet he was a very useful 
preacher, meek in his carriage, of a sweet and loving 
temper, and always open to conviction, which gained 
him universal esteem, and made the Welsh ministers 
labor to instruct him in the ways of the Lord more 
perfectly." 

His wife was Hannah Bowen, by whom he had 
three sons and four daughters. He was the ancestor 
of those of that name in this vicinity. 

During a vacancy of nearly five years the church 
was supplied once a month by Rev. Nathaniel Jen- 
kins, pastor of the Cape May Church. 

Rev. William Butcher, a young man from Chester 
County, Pa., seems to have been attracted to Cohan- 
sey by a young lady whom he subsequently married. 
He was invited to preach for them, and gave great 
satisfaction. Having secured his services he was 
ordained pastor of the church in 1721, but his life of 
usefulness was soon ended. He died Dec. 12, 1724, 
in the twenty-seventh year of his age. 

During a vacancy of nearly six years the church 
was again supplied once a month by Rev. Nathaniel 
Jenkins, of Cape May, and at the end of that time, 
in 1730, he became the pastor of the church. Mr. 
Jenkins was a man of talents, and while at Cape 
May was one of the members of the Assembly from 
that county for many years. While in the Assembly 
a bill was introduced " to punish such as denied the 
doctrine of Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the 
inspiration of the Scriptures." Mr. Jenkins stood 
boldlyforth as the champion of soul liberty, declaring 
that, although he believed those doctrines as firmly 
as the warmest advocate of the ill-designed bill, he 
would never consent to oppose those who rejected 
them with law or with any other weapon than argu- 
ment. As a result the bill was quashed, to the great 
disappointment of those who would have the scenes 
of persecution which raged in New England repeated 
in New Jersey. The chux'ch grew under his labors, 
and outposts at Pittsgrove, Alloways Creek, Dividing 
Creek, and Great Egg Harbor were established. Three 
young men, Abraham Garrison, Robert Kelsay, and 
Job Sheppard, were licensed to preach, and in 1741 



a new meeting-house, thirty-six by thirty-two feet, 
was built on the lot where the old church stood. Mr. 
Jenkins died June 2, 1754. 

Rev. Robert Kelsay, a licentiate of the church, who 
had been serving the branch at Pittsgrove, was im- 
mediately invited to become their pastor, but he de- 
clined. Having been at Pittsgrove about twelve years, 
he was attached to the people there, and moreover 
thought that Rev. Job Sheppard was the proper suc- 
cessor of Mr. Jenkins. But a fire having burned his 
dwelling-house at Pittsgrove in April, 1756, the call 
was renewed and accepted. May 18, 1756, he removed 
to Cohansey. The old records of the church having 
been burned in the loss of Mr. Kelsay's house, he 
commenced a new pastoral register. It is a large folio, 
begun in 1757, and contains a list of the members, 
one hundred and six, at that time. April 27, 1757, a 
farm of one hundred and seven acres was bought as 
a parsonage, situated at Bowentown, and was retained 
by the church until Sept. 6, 1785, when it was sold to 
David Bowen. It is the present excellent farm of 
John S. Holmes. During his pastorate a church was 
formed at Dividing Creek in 1761, Salem having been 
formed in 1755, just before he became pastor. His 
pastorate ended with his death. May 30, 1789, in the 
seventy-ninth year of his age. 

Rev. William Rogers, a professor in the University 
of Pennsylvania, from which he received the honor- 
ary degree of D.D., supplied the church most of the 
time for the next year, during which twenty-three 
persons were baptized. 

Rev. Henry Smalley took charge of the church 
July 8, 1790. He was born Oct. 23, 1765, and gradu- 
ated at Princeton in 1786 ; was licensed to preach soon 
after, and Nov. 8, 1790, was ordained pastor of 
this church. In 1798 a subscription was started 
toward building a new house of worship. In Decem- 
ber, 1799, a lot of three acres was purchased at Roads- 
town for one hundred and twenty dollars. Materials 
were gathered together, and the house erected and 
dedicated in 1802. It was forty-five by sixty-three 
feet, with side and end galleries. He received a 
yearly salary of $333.33. 

In 1812 steps were taken toward building a meeting- 
house at Bridgeton, which was finally accomplished 
by Jan. 1, 1817. In 1819 five were dismissed to form 
a church at Canton, Salem Co. In January, 1828, 
thirty-eight members were dismissed to form a church 
at Bridgeton, who had been occuj^ying the house 
built by this church in 1812-16. Jan. 2, 1830, a 
Sunday-school was organized. Feb. 10, 1838, an assist- 
ant pastor, Rev. Peter Simonson, was elected, and he 
entered on his duties in October. March 31, 1838, a 
letter was read from the mother-church in Ireland 
asking an account of the rise and progress of this 
church, and Mr. Smalley was requested to reply. 
Accompanying the letter was a hymn-book, as a sort 
of love-token from the mother to her far-distant 
daughter. After a service of only a little over two. 



TOWNSHIP OF HOPEWELL. 



697 



months the assistant pastor, Mr. Simonson, died, Jan. 
9, 1839, and was followed, Feb. 11, 1839, by Mr. 
Smalley, in the seventy-fourth year of his age, having 
been pastor nearly forty-nine years, but six of which 
were without some baptisms, while the total number 
baptized by him was over five hundred. 

Rev. Isaac Moore succeeded him in April, 1840, 
and closed his labors in March, 1843, having bap- 
tized eighty-one members. Rev. Edward D. Fendall 
became pastor April 9, 1843. In 1844 a brick edifice 
was erected in Greenwich for a preaching station, 
and it is now the house of worship of that church. 
He closed his labors in September, 1846. Rev. 
Jonathan G. Collum began his service Nov. 22, 1846, 
and ended July 28, 1850. Deo. 1, 1847, forty-nine 
members were dismissed to form a church at Green- 
wich. He was succeeded in October, 1850, by Rev. 
Joseph N. Folwell, who closed his pastorate in Feb- 
ruary, 1852, during which time the church edifice 
was remodeled. Rev. James M. Challis was the 
eleventh pastor, beginning in April, 1852, and re- 
maining until April 1, 1860, and he was succeeded 
May 1, 1860, by Rev. Thomas G. Wright. In August, 

1861, a lot for a parsonage adjoining the church was 
presented to them by Benjamin Mulford, and they at 
once erected the present neat and commodious par- 
sonage upon it, which was first occupied in March, 

1862. In 1864 the meeting-house was remodeled 
and enlarged and a baptistery put in. Mr. Wright 
ceased his pastorate in May, 1871 ; Rev. Thomas O. 
Lincoln, D.D., succeeded him Aug. 1, 1871, and re- 
mained until April, 1874. Rev. W. F. Basten, the 
present pastor, began his labors July 5, 1874. During 
the succeeding winter a great revival was had, re- 
sulting in the baptism of sixty persons. In 1876 
they erected a commodious chapel adjoining the 
church, at an expense of twelve hundred dollars, 
which was dedicated Sept. 26, 1876. The present 
membership is two hundred and ninety-two. 

The Seventh-Day Baptist Church of Shiloh.— 
In the year 1663 a large number of Welsh Baptist 
emigrants, known as the " Rev. John Miles' com- 
pany," settled in Massachusetts, and named their lo- 
cation Swansea, after their native place in Wales. 
Meeting with persecution, a large number of their 
children and grandchildren, with some Baptists from 
Scotland, moved to South Jersey in the year 1687, 
and settled at Barratt's Run, Bowentown, and Shiloh. 
This colony from New England was known as the 
" Rev. Timothy Brooks" or the Bowen company, 
and kept up a separate society until 1710, when they 
united with the Old Cohansey Baptist Church. From 
1695 to 1700, and subsequently, Jonathan Davis, a 
Seventh-Day Baptist, of Miles' company, son of the 
Rev. Jonathan Davis, having married Elizabeth 
Bowen, one of the "Miles company," visited his 
Welsh cousins at Bowentown and vicinity, and gained 
many converts to his persuasion. Their numbers 
were also increased by additions from Rhode Island, 



Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and from Tren- 
ton, Bonhamtown, and Piscataway, N. J. About the 
year 1700, Jonathan Davis moved from Long Island 
and settled at Trenton, with his brother, Elnathan 
Davis, a noted land surveyor, and from there made 
frequent visits to his brethren at Shiloh. 

Jonathan Davis, son of Elnathan Davis, the sur- 
veyor, married Esther, daughter of Isaac Ayars, Sr., 
of Shiloh, and located near by, and became a promi- 
nent preacher of the gospel. His uncle, Jonathan, 
of Trenton, however, was from the first recognized as 
the actual founder of the church. 

On the 27th day of March, 1737, the Seventh-Day 
Baptist Church of Shiloh was organized with articles 
of faith and agreement. 

The following were the constituent members : John 
Swinney, Dr. Elijah Bowen, John Jarman, Caleb Bar- 
ratt, Hugh Dunn, Jonathan Davis, Jr., Caleb Ayars, 
Jr., Joseph Swinney, Samuel Davis, Jaen Phillips, of 
Newton Square, Pa., Deborah Swinney, Deborah 
Bowen, Abigail Barratt, Amy Dunn, Esther Dunn, 
Deborah Swinney, Jr., Ann Davis, Anpa Swinney. 

Some of the constituent members had burial lots 
in other societies and were not interred at Shiloh. 
Among this class was Deborah Swinney, who was 
buried in the Old Cohansey Baptist ground, about 
six miles south of Shiloh. On a marble tombstone, 
still standing, are carved these words : " In memory 
of Deborah Swinney, who departed this life the 4th 
day of April, 1760, in the 77th year of her age. She 
was the first white female child born in Cohansey." 
The name Cohansey then included the greater part 
of Cumberland County. 

At the constitution of the church Jonathan Davis, 
Jr., was chosen pastor; ruling elders and deacons 
were also elected officers of the church. About the 
year 1830 the office of ruling elder was discontinued. 

On the 24th of March, 1738, Caleb Ayars, Sr., 
deeded to the church one acre of land near the vil- 
lage of Shiloh for a meeting-house lot and burying- 
ground, and a frame house for worship, thirty by 
forty feet, was erected the same year. The younger 
Jonathan Davis continued his labors till his death, 
Feb. 2, 1769, in the sixtieth year of his age. 

His successor was Rev. Jonathan Davis, son of 
David Davis, of Welsh Tract, near Newark, Del. 
He married Margaret Bond, of Delaware, a descend- 
ant of the Sharpless family. Before settling in 
Shiloh he founded the Newark Academy, which has 
.since grown into Delaware College. This Elder 
Davis was born July 7, 1734, ordained in Shiloh 
Church, Nov. 13, 1768, and continued his labors until 
his death, July 23, 1785. It was this man, so emi- 
nent for learning and piety, that gave to the village 
the name of Shiloh, in imitation "of the ark of God 
resting at Shiloh." Previous to that time the place 
was called Cohansey Corners. In 1771, during his 
pastorate, a brick meeting-house, thirty-six and a 
half by forty feet, was erected, and in 1824 a large 



698 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



gallery on three sides was added. Rev. Jonathan 
Jarman was his colleague for some years, and after 
Mr. Davis' death supplied the church until he moved 
to Cape May. 

For about two years, Rev. Thomas Jones, a First- 
Day Baptist minister, supplied the church, and Dea- 
con Philip Ayars, a prominent member of the church, 
administered the ordinance of baptism in the absence 
of a pastor. 

Nov. 13, 1786, Nathan Ayars was called by the 
church and ordained to the gospel ministry, and re- 
mained pastor till his death in 1810. John Davis, 
youngest son of Jonathan Davis, of Delaware, was 
ordained in 1807, and continued his labors with the 
church until 1842, when he resigned on account of 
old age. During his pastorate there were large revi- 
vals and many were added to the church. 

Rev. Azor Estee was the next pastor, who remained 
nearly three years. In 1844, Rev. Solomon Carpen- 
ter took the oversight of the church, but was soon 
transferred to the China mission. In 1845, Elder 
Samuel Davison took the pastoral charge, and was suc- 
ceeded in 1848 by Rev. Giles M. Langworthy, whose 
sickness and premature death again left them without 
a pastor. Rev. Enoch Barnes supplied the pulpit 
during the summer of 1850. Elder George R. 
Wheeler, of Salem, supplied the church occasion- 
ally. 

Rev. William M. Jones was called to take charge 
in the fall of 1850. During his ministry the. present 
brick meeting-house, forty by sixty feet in size, was 
completed and dedicated, the old building donated 
to Union Academy and fitted up especially for the 
wants of that institution, then so prosperous under 
the principalship of Professor E. P. Larkin. In 
1853, Mr. Jones resigned his charge, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Walter B. Gillette. After a very 
successful pastorate of nearly twenty years, during 
which the present academic building was erected, 
he resigned the pastorate. 

In April, 1873, Rev. A. H. Lewis was elected pas- 
tor. A parsonage in the village was purchased and 
remodeled at a cost of about three thousand dollars. 
Mr. Lewis resigned May 4, 1876. He was an at- 
tractive speaker, and was very affable in his manners. 

Rev. David H. Davis was settled in May, 1876, 
and left for the China mission Nov. 1, 1879. 

Rev. Theodore L. Gardner took the pastoral charge 
of the church Dec. 1, 1879, and is still the popular 
and successful minister. 

About the year 1827 a Sabbath-school was organ- 
ized, and has continued uninterruptedly. 

In 1811 the Marlboro Church, just over the line in 
Salem County, was organized from members of the 
Shiloh Church. Other small colonies have gone 
west and helped to organize churches of the denom- 
ination. 

Harmony Methodist Episcopal Church. — In the 
winter of 1857-58 the Methodist Church at Alloways- 



town, Salem Co., undercharge of Rev. John W. Mc- 
Dougall, were having extra meetings, and nine per- 
sons from this neighborhood went up to attend them, 
became interested, and were converted. A class was 
formed at Harmony, and Mr. McDougall, assisted by 
Mr. Nelson, a local preacher from Allowaystown, 
preached in the Harmony school-house once a week. 
Measures were at once taken to build a meeting- 
house, and on Sept. 14, 1858, a contract was made 
with Walter S. GofF to build a house, thirty-six by 
fifty feet, before December 25th next, for the sum of 
two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. It be- 
came an appointment of Salem Circuit, composed 
of Allowaystown and Nazareth (Watson's Corner) 
Churches in Salem County, and Roadstown and 
this church in Cumberland. In 1859 the ministers 
on this circuit were John I. Carson and Willis 
Reeves ; in 1860, Carson and William Barnhart. 
In 1861 it became a station. This church has 
always been connected with another church in the 
services of a pastor, the most of the time with 

[ Roadstown. 

The ministers who have served the church since it 
was made a station are : 1861-62, William Stockton ; 
1863, Charles Kirkbride ; 1864, David H. Schock; 
1865-66, Samuel C. Chattin ; 1867, L. O. Manchester ; 
1868, J. T. Woolston ; 1869, Charles W. Carson ; 
1870, William Pittinger; 1871-73, John S. Gaskill ; 
1874-75, Nomer J. Wright; 1876-77, James Meyers; 
1878-79, William A. Lilley ; 1880, Levi Herr; 1881, 
C. M. Brittain (expelled in May) ; remainder of 1881, 
W. S. Ludlow; 1882, William E. Blackiston ; 1888, 
John B. Whitton. This church is situated in the 
country, there being no village within several miles, 
and therefore has no chance to make a rapid growth, 
but it does well the work found for it to do, and gives 
the preaching of the word to those who otherwise 
would seldom hear it. 

Jonathan Bowen was born in the township of 
Hopewell in the year 1737, and was the son of Jona- 
than Bowen, who died in 1782, at the age of sixty- 
eight years. He belonged to a numerous family, 
several of whom emigrated from Swansea, in Gla- 
morganshire, Wales, to Massachusetts in 1662, with 
their pastor, the Rev. John Miles. Jonathan Bowen, 

I the elder, was the son of Dan Bowen, who died in 
1729, and he was the son of Samuel Bowen, who 
came to Cohansey from Swansea, Mass., and died 
about a month before his sOn Dan. Two others were 
named Richard and Hezekiah Bowen. They were 
Baptists, and as such obnoxious to the original Puri- 
tan settlers of New England. 

Jonathan Bowen, the elder, resided at Bowentown, 
and built the house now owned by Mrs. McBride, one 
of his descendants. He had several children. One^ 
of them, named David, was appointed sheriff of the 
county by the royal Governor in 1775, but was super- 
seded in 1776 by Joel Fithian, elected under the pro- 
visions of the new Constitution by the people. He 



TOWNSHIP OF HOPEWELL. 



699 



built the brick house occupied by John S. Holmes, 
and owned the farm. 

The families of Bowen in the county became very 
numerous. Seth Bowen, son of Dr. Elijah, Sr., and 
cousin of Jonathan, the elder, was a lieutenant of 
artillery in the Revolutionary army. 

Jonathan Bowen, Jr., appears to have been a man 
of great respectability and worth. He was elected a 
member of the convention that adopted the new 
Constitution of New Jersey in 1776, and also in the 
same year a member of Assembly. He was subse- 
quently elected to the Assembly seven times, his last 
service being in 1800. About the commencement of 
the Revolution he removed to Bridgeton, and became 
the owner of the property on the west side of the 
Cohansey, from the Mason line twenty rods south of 
the bridge to the Ireland Mill property, his west line 
to Muddy Run, since called Jeddy's Pond, running 
along the top of the hill and north of that run, ex- 
tending west of the Ireland Mill road. His dwelling- 
house, one of the first erected in the vicinity, long 
since taken down, stood a few rods northeast of the 
house lately occupied by E. Collin Woodruff. He 
built the stone house standing on the west side of 
Atlantic Street, about half-way between Commerce 
and Broad, and occupied it at his death in 1804. 

He had several children, — two sons, Smith and 
Daniel, and two daughters, who both married Bacons. 
He left most of his Bridgeton property to his son 
Smith, born in 1763, who, with Ebenezer Seeley and 
James Lee, the owners of the land on the east side 
of the creek, built the dam, now called Tumbling- 
dam, about 1810, and then sold the property on the 
west side to Benjamin and David Reeves, who estab- 
lished the iron-works. During the war of 1812-15 
he owned and occupied the hotel, now Davis'. 

The valuable farm at Bowentown, containing more 
than two hundred acres, was left to his son Daniel, 
and became the property of his granddaughter, Mrs. 
McBride, and her sister, Mrs. Souder, now owned by 
Robert J. Buck. 

John BrRGlN, born Nov. 30, 1735, was descended 
from a family of considerable importance in England, 
the castle of whose head the Earl of Dunbar called 
Burgin Castle, is situate in the county of Norfolk, a 
few miles from the town of Great Yarmouth. His 
coat of arms, a sword and key crossed, with the 
motto " Sub Spe," has been kept in the American 
branch of the family. The first emigrant to this 
country was named John Burgin, who in 1651 mar- 
ried Mary Winthrop Dudley, of Massachusetts, and 
came from that province to New Jersey. 

John Burgin (3d) had only the education afforded 
by the country schools of his day, and was by occu- 
pation a farmer. He married Elizabeth Abel, daugh- 
ter of Col. George Abel, and resided most of his mar- 
ried life on a large and productive farm, situate on 
the east side of the main road from Roadstown to 
Philadelphia, about a mile north of Shiloh, a part of 



which now belongs to B. F. Elmer, and is still known 
as the Burgin farm. In 1784 he was elected a mem- 
ber of the Legislature of New Jersey, and, with the 
exception of one year, was re-elected every subse- 
quent year during his life. He died in 1793, and 
judging from the inventory of his effects made by his 
executors, amounting to fourteen hundred and twenty- 
nine pounds, equal to three thousand seven hundred 
and eighty-six dollars, was prosperous in his business. 

He had eight children, and was accustomed to say 
to his friends who complained of the burden of a 
large family that he considered every child born to 
him of the value of one hundred pounds. 

Elnathan Davis was born at Shiloh in the year 
1735, and was the son of Rev. Jonathan Davis, one 
of the original constituents and first pastor of the 
Seventh-Day Baptist Church at that place, and was 
a grandson of Elnathan Davis, who settled at Trenton 
about the close of the seventeenth century. The 
family came from Wales to Massachusetts in 1662, in 
company with Bowen, Bacon, Barratt, and others, 
some of whose descendants settled in this county. 

The subject of this notice in May, 1757, married 
Susanna Bond, of a family originally Friends. He 
lived on a farm about half a mile southeast of Shiloh, 
lately owned by his grandson, Dickerson D. Shep- 
pard, and followed the business of a surveyor. He 
held the appointment of a deputy of the surveyor- 
general, was a man of remarkable sagacity, and, con- 
sidering the imperfections of the instruments in use 
at the time, his surveys were made with great accu- 
racy, and are easily followed by those who have suc- 
ceeded him. He had the largest business of any 
contemporary surveyor. 

About the year 1795 he was employed to survey 
two large tracts of land, comprising a considerable 
part of the best portion of Fairfield township, settled 
by New Englanders nearly a hundred years before, 
and now occupied and claimed by the descendants, 
for which suit had been brought by the English pro- 
prietors. 

He died in 1802 ; had ten children, many of whose 
descendants are living in the county. 

AzAEiAH MOEE, son of Jacob More, was born in 
Upper Hopewell township in 1739. He was a weaver 
', by trade, and by strict attention to business secured 
I a competency. During the Revolutionary war he 
was an ardent Whig, and early enlisted in the army. 
Azariah never married. He lived to a serene old age 
on the homestead he had worked to earn. The ac- 
counts that are recorded of him give him an excellent 
character. He was a justice of the peace, and was 
I well known in his day and generation as a man of 
sound judgment. He was remarked for his kindness 
and benevolence. He died Sept. 6, 1818, in his 
eighty-third year, and is buried in the Presbyterian 
churchyard at Greenwich. John, his brother, who 
died Feb. 22, 1800, was also in the army of the Revo- 
i lution. He had sons, — Lewis (father of Elmer), Aza 



roo 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



riah (father of Hon. Eobert More), and the late Elder 
John More, grandfather of John More Tyler, of 
Company F, Third New Jersey Volunteers, who was ' 
killed in the war for the Union. Besides the latter 
there were three other great-grandsons of John More 
(1st) who volunteered in the service of the United 
States during the Rebellion, viz. : one from Ohio, one 
from Iowa, and one from Pennsylvania, the latter 
dying in the service. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ARCHIBALD MINCH. 

Henry and Adam Minch, or Mensch, brothers, 
sailed from Amsterdam, Holland, between the years 
1750 and 1755, and lauded in Philadelphia. Henry 
settled near Lancaster, Pa., and Adam, together with 
Barbara Kerns, who sailed in the same vessel with 
him, had their services purchased by John Miller, of 
Pittsgrove, Salem Co. They were married about the 
year 1757, and in 1768 purchased a farm of one hun- 
dred acres in Cumberland County. Their children 
were Andrew, Susanna, Peter, and Benjamin. Ben- 
jamin Minch married Hannah Miller, granddaughter 
of John Miller, and had children, — Elizabeth, Mary 
(who died in youth), Margaret, Benjamin, Archi- 
bald, Phoebe, Michael, Benjamin (2d), Richard, and 
Adam. 

Benjamin Minch spent his life in farming employ- 
ments, and also conducted a saw-mill. His death 
occurred in 1832, on the homestead. His son Archi- 
bald was born Sept. 20, 1797, and when a lad at- 
tended the schools which were accessible from his 
home. Farming occupations presented many attrac- 
tions to the youth of that period, who had been sur- 
rounded with all the accompaniments of country life, 
and Mr. Minch aided in the cultivation of the home- 
stead farm until twenty-four years of age. He then 
became the owner of a tract of land in Hopewell 
township, of the same county, upon which he settled 
in 1821, and remained until his death, in 1882. He 
married, March 4, 1823, Ruth, daughter of Lewis 
Moore, of Hopewell, whose death occurred soon after. 
He married again, Nov. 17, 1825, Nancy, daughter of 
Peter Minch, brother of his father. Their children 
are Mary E., born Nov. 5, 1826 ; Robert, whose birth 
occurred Feb. 16, 1828, and his death Dec. 22, 1832; 
and Francis B., born Sept. 14, 1833. 

Mr. Minch was a practical farmer, though the 
latter years of his life were spent in retirement from 
active labor. He was one of the charter members and 
the last survivor among the early stockholders of the 
Cumberland National Bank, organized in 1816. He 
maintained for years extensive business connections, 
and established a reputation for sagacity and correct 
judgment. His early Whig sympathies found ex- 
pression in the indorsement of Republican prin- 



ciples, and local campaigns were occasions of great 
interest to him. He was for successive terms free- 
holder of his township, and for twenty years its col- 
lector, as also for years a member of the township 
committee, and for fifty-one years collector of the 
Holmes Banking Company. In his religious views 
Mr. Minch was a supporter of the worship of the 
Presbyterian Church. His death occurred on the 
homestead farm in Hopewell, May 7, 1882, in his 
eighty-fifth year. 



LEWIS BACON. 

The Bacon family was first represented in America 
by three brothers, who emigrated from England, one 
of whom was the ancestor of the grandfather of Mr. 
Bacon, who resided in Greenwich township, and mar- 
ried a Miss Smith, of Salem County. Their children 
were Abel,- Daniel, William, and three daughters. 
His son William was born in Greenwich township, 
where his life was devoted to labor on the land now 
owned by his son Lewis. He was united in marriage 
to Mary Hand Bowen, of Bridgeton, and had chil- 
dren, — William, Mary, Lewis, Jane, Phwbe, Margaret, 
Sarah, and three who died in youth. Mr. Bacon ad- 
hered to the platform of the Whig party until the 
formation of the Republican party, when he indorsed 
its principles, though not an active worker in its 
ranks. His death occurred at the homestead, on at- 
taining the age of sixty-four years. His son Lewis 
was born Feb. 8, 1811, at the paternal home in Green- 
wich townsljip, where he remained for a period of 
thirty years. He enjoyed during his boyhood the 
best advantages offered at the schools of the neigh- 
borhood, and early became associated with his father 
in the conduct of his farm. He was married in 1840 
to Miss Sarah Watson Miller, daughter of Ebenezer 
Miller, of Greenwich township. Their children are 
two daughters, — Louisa, who is deceased, and Cath- 
erine, wife of William R. Knight. On his marriage 
Mr. Bacon removed to a farm in the same township, 
one and a half miles distant from the homestead, and 
remained for several years, after which he became a 
resident of Bowentown, his present home. He has 
devoted his energies wholly to the improvement of 
his landed property, and never actively interested 
himself in the political issues of the day, though in 
politics formerly a Whig, and later a Republican. 

Mr. Bacon alBliates with the Baptist denomination, 
and is a member and trustee of the Baptist Church 
of Roadstown, Cumberland Co. 



I 



HON. ISAIAH W. RICHMAN. 
Henry Richman, the father of Isaiah, was an en- 
terprising farmer in Pittsgrove township, and married 
Sarah Mulford, to whom were born children, — Har- 
man, Elizabeth (Mrs. Garret Du Bois), Henry, Joseph, 




^^^^^:/^.^^6 -^^^^ 




^/juj^ ?C ^-^ri^s.^^-^ 





feU^ J/Jl/eX^^ 



a-. 



TOWNSHIP OF HOPEWELL. 



701 



and Isaiah. Mr. Richman died on the farm in Pitts- 
grove, in his fifty-ninth year. 

His son Isaiah was born May 24, 1823, at the pa- 
ternal home, where he remained but a brief time. His 
father having died when tlie son was but a year old, 
he removed with his mother to Philadelphia, and be- 
came an inmate of the home of his step-father, where 
he remained until ten years of age. He then returned 
to Pittsgrove, and until eighteen years of age resided 
with his brother Harmon. Having determined upon 
a more active and independent career he, in connec- 
tion with Albert Van Meter, established at Sharps- 
town, in the same township, a store for the sale of 
general merchandise, which business was conducted 
for one year. He then sold, and soon after opened a 
similar store, which was successfully continued for a 
period of eight years, during which time he was ap- 
pointed postmaster under the Presidency of Franklin 
Pierce. Ho married Sarah, daughter of Joseph and 
Martha Pealf:, of Sharpstown, and had children, — 
Morris P., deceased ; Charles, now cultivating the 
farm in Hopewell township formerly occupied by his 
father; and Lydia. Mrs. Richman having died, he 
married again Rebecca P., daughter of Ebenezer 
Wallen, a native of Cumberland County. After rent- 
ing for a term of two years, Mr. Richman purchased 
a farm in Hopewell township, and cultivated it until 
1882, when he removed to his present home near 
Bridgeton. He has as a Democrat held nearly all the 
township offices, and was, in 1855, elected to the State 
Legislature in a district which, though largely Repub- 
lican, gave him an exceptional majority. His brother 
Harmon also served in the same capacity during the 
session of 1851. Mr. Richman during his term of 
service was a member of the Committees on Industrial 
Schools, Soldiers' Home, and others. He is a mem- 
ber of the executive committee of the County Agri- 
cultural Society, and treasurer of the Montecute 
Canning-Factory, of Hopewell township. He is in 
religion a supporter of the West Presbyterian Church 
of Bridgeton. 

LORENZO SHARP. 
In Cape May County, N. J., lived and died Isaac 
Sharp, who emigrated from England prior to the 
year 1750 and became a farmer. A numerous de- 
scent from this progenitor of the family are scattered 
over various points in the United States. One son, 
John Sharp, located in Downe township, Cumber- 
land Co., where he purchased an extensive tract of 
land and engaged in farming and also in lumbering. 
His children were John, Enoch, Eli, Ephraim, Imly, 
Margaret, Sarah, and Mary, all of whom are deceased, 
with the single exception of Ephraim, a vigorous old 
gentleman, who at eighty-three years still superin- 
tends the cultivation of his farm. John, of this num- 
ber, was born May 2, 1782, in Downe township, where 
he was an enterprising farmer. He married Catherine 
Haley, of the same township, daughter of Jacob and 



Elizabeth Haley, who were of German parentage. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sharp had children,— Lorenzo, John 
Page, and William H. Mr. Sharp pursued with 
vigor his daily routine of labor until his death, in 
1849, on the farm formerly occupied by his maternal 
grandfather. His wife died Feb. 4, 1881, having sur- 
vived until her ninety-second year. Their son Lo- 
renzo was born March 22, 1822, in Downe township, 
on the homestead near Mauricetown. His boyhood 

: was fraught with the experiences peculiar to the 
sons of farmers, and the pleasures of youth, as he ap- 
proached manhood, were exchanged for the daily rou- 
tine of toil. This activity was, however, rewarded by 

, possession of the farm on the decease of his father. 

; He was married Feb. 7, 1844, to Miss Jane, daughter 

! of Isaac Peterson, of Mauricetown. Their children 

] are B. Franklin, a farmer, married to Miss Sallie 
Daniels, of Cumberland County; Elizabeth H. (Mrs. 
James N. Bateman, of Cedarville) ; John Howard, 

, also a farmer, married to Julia Townsend, of Cape 
May County, N. J. ; William W., a mechanic, mar- 
ried to Miss Anna Bates, of Erie, Pa. ; Mary C. (Mrs. 
Edward S. Holmes, of Bridgeton) ; Alfred S., a black- 

r smith ; Ella Louisa (Mrs. David Hitchner, of Hope- 

I well) ; and Jennie. 

I In 1870, Mr. Sharp purchased of David Tomlin a 
valuable farm near Bridgeton, for which he paid one 

' hundred and fifty dollars per acre, and which, by his 

j energy and knowledge of agriculture, has been ren- 

' dered very productive. This continued to be his res- 

i ideuce until the fall of 1883, when he removed with 
his family to Bridgeton. In his political views, Mr. 

I Sharp was formerly a Whig, and became, on the for- 
mation of the Republican party, one of its earnest 
supporters. He has served as a member of the town- 
ship committee of his township, and held other minor 
ofiices. The family have for generations espoused 
the creed of the Methodist Episcopal Church, John, 

i his father, having been a member of the church of 
that denomination at Haleyville, and held numerous 

I important offices during his connection with it. Lo- 
renzo, his son, became a member of this church in 

[ 1838, and soon after superintendent of its Sunday- 
school. He was later one of the stewards of the 
church at Mauricetown, and is now a member of the 
Central Methodist Episcopal Church of Bridgeton, 
and has been a steward since his identification with it. 



ISRAEL WOODRUFF. 
The ancestors of Mr. Woodruff are on the paternal 
side English, while French blood flows through the 
veins of the family on the maternal side. His father, 
David Woodruff', was born in 1748, in Cumberland 
County. Hopewell was his life-long residence, where 
he early followed his trade of tailor, and later became 
a farmer. He was four times married. By the first 
and second marriages there were no children. The 
third wife. Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Zebulon 



TUli 



HISTORY OF CUMBEELAND COUNTY. 



Woodruflf, had a daughter, Phoebe, who became Mrs. 
William McNichols, deceased, of Salem County, and 
a son, Israel, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Wood- 
ruff married a fourth time. Miss Eunice Davis, and 
had one son, Uriah D., deceased. Israel Woodruff 
was born Nov. 9, 1802, in Hopewell township. When 
three years of age his father removed to the farm at 
present occupied by his son, where his early years 
were spent. After limited advantages of education 
he devoted himself to farm labor, and his father being 
an invalid, the care and responsibility of its success- 
ful management devolved upon him. Before attain- 
ing the age of twenty the property became his by gift 
from his father. Mr. Woodruff was married, in 1822, 
to Rachel S., daughter of William Reeves, of Salem 
County. Their children are A. Smith, Isaac D., 
Elizabeth T. (Mrs. William English), and William 
R. Tbe Woodruff family have always been strongly 
Whig in their proclivities, and Blr. Woodruff is now 
an exponent of the principles of the Republican 
party, though with no taste for office, which honor 
he has always declined. Mr. and Mrs. AVoodruff, 
their daughter and sons are all members of the West 
Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton. 



JOHN T. DAVIS. 



The progenitor of the Davis family in New Jersey 
was John, who emigrated from Wales to America, 
and settled on Long Island. He later removed to 
Salem County, where he resided until his death. In 
the direct line of descent was Jonathan, great-grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, whose son El- 
nathan settled in Trenton, and subsequently removed 
to Shiloh. He was appointed surveyor-general of 
South Jersey, and was a member of the commission 
of six designated to survey and construct the road 
from Greenwich to Woodbury. He married Susanna 
Bond, and had ten children, — Jonathan, Jacob, Eb- 
enezer, Jedediah, Samuel B., Jeremiah, EInathan, 
and three daughters. He died and was buried in 
Shiloh, December, 1802, in his sixty-seventh year. 
Ebenezer was born May 7, 1763, and married Mar- 
garet, daughter of James Tomlinson, formerly of 
Pennsylvania. Their children were John T., James, 
Maria, Jane, and Ebenezer. Mr. Davis was by pro- 
fession a land surveyor, and resided upon a small 
farm in Hopewell township. His death occurred 
March 13, 1827. His son, John T., was born June 4, 
1791, in the latter township, and after a limited time 
in school, at the early age of ten years learned to 
follow the plow. Since that time, with hardly an 
interval of rest, he labored assiduously upon the 
farm until his seventy-fifth year. In 1865 he re- 
moved to the village of Shiloh, and having aban- 
doned active participation in the cares and employ- 
ments of the farm, retii-ed to the rest and comfort 
which his industry had won for him. 



Mr. Davis, at the age of nineteen, became a teacher, 
and followed this vocation successfully for four years. 
He was also an instructor in vocal music, and for 
thirty years chorister of the church. 

He was married, March 12, 1812, to Beulah, daugh- 
ter of Jonathan Davis, and had children, — Emeline, 
Ami, Louisa, Margaret, Elhannon W., Margaret T., 
and Amanda H. Mrs. Davis died April 20, 1865, 
and he married again Miss Melita Robinson, whose 
death occurred Feb. 17, 1875. On the death of his 
second wife he married Ann Maria West, his present 
wife. Mr. Davis is a Republican, having formerly 
been a Whig. He has held several minor offices, 
and also been an officer of militia. Both he and Mrs. 
Davis are members of the Seventh-Day Baptist 
Church at Shiloh, of which he was for fourteen 
years a trustee and treasurer for the same period. 



THEODORE F. DANZENBAKER. 

Lewis Danzenbaker, the great-grandfather of the 
subject of this biography, was born in Germany, and 
settled in Freasburg, now in Salem County, on his 
emigration to America, in 1772 or 1773, where he pur- 
sued farming occupations. He had three sons — 
Lewis, Henry, and George — and three daughters. 
Lewis, the grandfather of Theodore F., was born in 
1789, and died Feb. 13, 1855. He married Christi- 
ana, daughter of Michael and Susanna Minch John- 
son, and had six children, — Michael, Daniel, Peter, 
Susanna, George, and Christiana. By a second 
marriage, to Mrs. Sarah Pierson Dare, widow of 
Charles Dare, he had one daughter, Sarah, who be- 
came the wife of John L. Bitters. Peter Danzen- 
baker was born June 15, 1815, in Hopewell town- 
ship, and married May 21, 1837, Martha West. Their 
children are Charles, who died in youth, and Theo- 
dore Frelinghuysen, who was born in Hopewell town- 
ship, April 1, 1847, and in his youth attended the 
Union Academy at Shiloh until sixteen years of age, 
when he became a pupil of the Business College of 
Bryant & Stratton, of Philadelphia, from which he 
graduated and received his diploma March 17, 1865. 
He then engaged as book-keeper with the cloth house 
of Oliver T. Terry, of Philadelphia, and two years 
later became salesman for Thomas Sheehan & Brother 
in the same business. His health not having proved 
robust he returned to his home and began the culture 
of strawberries and onions in Hopewell township. 
On the 26th of November, 1873, he married Miss 
Edith B., daughter of Asa and Rebecca Colson, of 
Woodbury, Gloucester Co., and at this time assumed 
the name of Theodore F. D. Baker, which change 
was made as a matter of convenience in business. 
Their children are Charles, born March 1, 1875 ; Jo- 
seph Sidney, whose birth occurred Feb. 28, 1877 ; and 
Edith, born Aug. 7, 1879. 

Mr. Baker, on the 25th of March, 1874, purchased 
his present farm in Hopewell township, and began 



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TOWNSHIP OP LANDIS AND BOROUGH OF VINELAND. 



(03 



the business of market gardening, making the grow- 
ing of onion seeds and onion sets a specialty, a con- 
tnict having been effected with Peter Henderson & 
Co., of New York, and David Landretli & Sons, of 
Philadelphia. He has been signally successful in 
this undertaking, having grown upon twelve acres two 
thousand seven hundred bushels of onion sets per year, 
and received in a single year seven thousand five hun- 
dred dollars as the return of his labor in this specialty. 
Mr. Baker, though formerly a Democrat in politics, 
now supports the Republican ticket, and manifests a 
keen interest in the local issues of the day. He has 
served for eight years as the clerk of Hopewell town- 
ship. He is a member of the County Agricultural 
Society, and vice-president for Cumberland County 
of the State Horticultural Society. He is also a 
member of the Cohansey Lodge, No. 44, of Knights 
of Pythias, of Bridgeton. He supports the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Baker is a member. 



JACOB HEPNER. 
John Hepner, the grandfather of the subject of this 
biographical sketch, was born in Germany, and on his 
emigration to America settled in Shiloh, Cumberland 
Co., where he cultivated a farm. He married Mary 
Hitchner, and became the father of children, — Mat- 
thias, John, Jacob, Barbara, Margaret, Betsey, and 
Mary. He served during the war of 1812, in which 
lie was wounded, and subsequently removed to the 
West, where his death occurred. His sou Jacob was 
born Sept. 11, 1787, in Shiloh, though his life was 
principally spent in Deerfield, where he succeeded to 
the occupations of his father. He was on the 7th of 
June, 1794, married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of 
Frederick Fox, and had children, — John, born in 
1813 ; Mary, whose birth occurred in 1816 ; Frederick, 
born in 1819; Elizabeth, in 1821 ; Catharine, in 1825; 
Lydia Ann, in 1828 ; George, in 1831 ; Matthias, in 
1833 ; David, in 1836 ; and Jacob, who is the subject 
of this biography. Mr. Hepner's death occurred in 
Deerfield township in 1876. Jacob, his son, was born 
Oct. 9, 1823, on the homestead in the latter township, 
where his youth was principally devoted to labor, with 
such limited advantages of education as were afforded 
by the neighboring schools. At the age of twenty- 
one he left home, and was employed in various capaci- 
ties until twenty-seven years of age, when his present 
productive farm in Hopewell township was pur- 
chased, which has since been his home.. In 1873, Mr. 
Hepner, in connection with his brother Matthias, 
erected a saw-mill in Jericho, where they are now 
actively engaged in the lumber business. Jacob 
Hepner was married, March 14, 1850, to Lucinda M., 
daughter of John Randolph, of Shiloh. In his politi- 
cal views he is a Democrat, though the close attention 
paid to his own business leaves no time for participa- 
tion in political or public life. Mr. and Mrs. Hepner 
are members of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeton. 



CHAPTER XCIX. 

TOWNSHIP OF LANDIS AND BOROUGH OF VINE- 
LAND. 

Incorporation. — This township was created by an 
act of the Legislature, approved March 7, 1864, set- 
ting off the northeastern part of Millville township 
as a new township, which received its name in honor 
of Charles K. Landis, the founder of Vineland. 

Soil. — The soil of the township is light and sandy 
for the most part, but under the labors of the enter- 
prising people who have settled upon it it has been 
mads to produce good crops of nearly all kinds, and 
especially of grapes, pears, and the small fruits gen- 
erally. 

Previous to 1860 there were very few inhabitants 
within the limits of this township. The small settle- 
ment at Willow Grove, in the northwestern part of 
the township, containing probably a hundred inhab- 
itants or so, was the only village. Scattered farm- 
houses, mostly along the road from Millville to 
Philadelphia, now known as Malaga road, and on 
Main road, on the east of the railroad, probably 
added another hundred to the number within the 
present limits of the township. In addition to the 
farming which these inhabitants carried on, nearly 
all of them were also engaged a portion of their time 
in carting wood and lumber to Millville and other 
markets. 

Vineland Tract. — Charles K. Landis, who had 
previously been interested in building up the settle- 
ment at Hammonton, Atlantic Co., bought from 
Richard D. Wood the most of the lands owned by 
him in the limits of this township, and afterwards 
made large purchases from other parties. The Vine- 
land tract, as it is called, covers nearly all of this 
township, and also extends into the counties of At- 
lantic and Gloucester. It includes an area of over 
twenty-eight thousand acres, or nearly fifty square 
miles. 

The history of the township and of the town of 
Vineland are so interwoven that they will be treated 
for the most part as one. 

Town of Vineland. — Mr. Landis laid out the town 
on both sides of the railroad, six miles north of Mill- 
ville, and about thirty-five miles south of Philadel- 
phia. He laid out the town plat, about one mile 
square, in lots of six hundred by three hundred feet, 
the avenues and streets running east and west and 
north and south. The streets running east and west, 
commencing at the north side of the town plat, are 
Park Avenue, Peach, Pear, Plum, Wood, Landis 
Avenue, Elmer, Grape, Montrose, Almond, Quince, 
and Cherry Streets, and Chestnut Avenue. The 
streets running north and south were numbered up 
as high as Eighth, with East and West Avenues on 
the respective sides of the town plat. The Railroad 
Boulevard, two hundred feet wide, was laid out along 



704 



HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



the railroad with a broad drive on either side of the 
traclc, and it extends from Nortli Vineland to South 
Vineland. Landis Avenue is one hundred feet wide, 
and extends from the Maurice River on the west, 
through the centre of the tract, a distance of ten miles. 
Outside of the town plat the roads were laid out a 
half-mile apart. Aug. 8, 1861, Mr. Landis cut the 
first tree on the town plat, and drove the first stake, 
made from that tree, where Landis Avenue intersects 
the railroad. He fixed his office at the house of An- 
drew Sharp, at the corner of Park Avenue and Main 
road, which was then the only good house on the 
tract. A footpath was the onlj' direct route from the 
railroad to Mr. Sharp's house, and the old Maul's 
Bridge Road was the only one for teams. 

The land being almost entirely unoccupied, Mr. 
Landis was enabled to carry out his plans more com- 
pletely. Several distinctive features were introduced, 
which have had much to do with the present beauty 
of the place, and with attracting settlers to it. His 
own words concerning the plan of the place are : " I 
decided that all the roads should be broad and straight 
and at right angles, making up for tlie want of the 
picturesque in the straight line and right angle by re- 
quiring trees for shade, in single or double rows, to 
be planted along all the roads. It was required that 
the purchaser should erect a habitation not nearer 
than twenty feet from the side of the street in the 
city plat, or seventy-five feet from the roadside in the 
country. The stipulation about setting houses back 
removed them from dust, and induced great attention 
to the ornamenting of front gardens with flowers and 
shrubbery. The next stipulation was that the road- 
sides should be seeded to grass within two years and 
kept seeded. Another important question was with 
regard to the sale of liquor. I believed that if the 
public sale of liquor was stopped, both in taverns and 
beer-saloons, the knife would reach the root of the 
evil. The local-option law in Vineland has been 
practically in operation since the beginning of the 
settlement, although the act of the Legislature em- 
powering the people of Landis township to vote upon 
license or no license, was not passed until 1864." 
This latter act was the act setting off the township. 

Early Purchasers and Pioneer Buildings.— The 
first purchaser in the tract was J. G. Colson. He 
bought ten acres of land on the West Railroad Boule- 
vard, above Oak Road, Oct. 24, 1861. The next pur- 
chaser was George L. Post, who bought forty acres 
on the southeast corner of Maiu and Post roads, and 
in the following winter erected the first house on the 
tract, under the Landis title. A small shanty, known 
as "Packard's Hotel," was previously erected in the 
fall of 1861, on Oapt. Post's premises. Mr. O. Packard 
built the house for Capt. Post, and Mrs. Sharp and 
Mrs. Post, through the invitation of the builder, had 
the pleasure of helping to raise the first house of 
any account. The first house on Landis Avenue 
was built by James Stuart, east of Spring road. The 



first house on Landis Avenue, west of the station, 
was built by Mr. Washburn. The first building 
on the town plat was erected by E. W. Fletcher, 
in the rear of where C. P. Davis' hotel was after- 
wards built, in February, 1862, and has since been 
purchased by the Vineland Historical Society, and 
placed upon their lot on Peach Street, to be preserved 
as the first beginning of the place. The visitors who 
came to look at the land during 1861 and the spring 
of 1862 were accommodated at Mr. Sharp's house, 
and it was often overcrowded. 

By the act of March 7, 1864, setting off the town- 
ship, most of the peculiar features of Mr. Landis' 
plan were enacted into a law. It gave to the town- 
ship committee authority to divide the roads into 
suitable road districts and appoint overseers, and au- 
thorized the election of a town superintendent of 
public roads having charge of all the roads in the 
township, and required him to put out the work on 
them by contract, and to report at the annual town- 
meetings. The sides of the roads were required to be 
seeded, and shade-trees put out, as the committee or- 
dered, and they were authorized to fix the building 
limit at twenty feet in the town, and seventy-five feet 
in the country districts. Fences were not required to 
be built, beer saloons were prohibited, and no hotel 
was to be licensed unless the majority of the people 
should vote for it at their annual town-meeting. 
Under these powers great benefit has been derived 
to the settlement. The avenues, which are one hun- 
dred feet wide, generally have two rows of trees on 
each side, and the other roads, fifty to sixty-six feet 
wide, have on each side a single row. , The streets 
and roads of the entire tract have been graded and 
covered with gravel, and no finer or better roads can 
be found in any community, or more beautiful than 
are those of Vineland in the summer season, lined j 
with beautiful shade-trees, and ornamented with 
handsome and well-kept lawns and flower-beds on 
both sides. 

Early History. — Mr. Landis extensively adver- 
tised the new settlement, and settlers began to come 
in more rapidly. Not over a half-dozen settlers lo- 
cated on the tract in 1861, but quite a large number 
came in 1862. During this year Landis Avenue was 
cleared of stumps as far east as Spring road, and put 
in traveling condition ; Main Avenue, leading to 
Millville, was straightened and widened, and other 
streets were opened. The first hotel was opened by 
C. P. Davis, where the Vineland House now stands. 
A school-house was erected, and a private school 
opened by Miss Lucille Richardson, with eleven 
scholars. The first religious meeting was held in 
Mabbett's barn, by Rev. M. C. Connaugh, of the 
Millville Presbyterian Church. The first child born 
in Vineland was William C. Richardson, born Jan. 
16, 1863, and the first death was that of Hezekiah 
Davis, died March 31, 1863. 

Growth. — From this time the incoming tide of set- 



TOWNSHIP OF LANDIS AND BOROUGH OF VINELAND. 



705 



tiers became stronger. Every train brought new arri- 1 
vals, and improvements began in all directions. 
Lands were cleared and put under cultivation, and 
the demand for dwelling-houses was greater than 
could be supplied. In the one month of January, 
1865, over one thousand acres of wild land were sold, 
and as the plans of Mr. Landis divided the land into 
small farms, averaging not over fifteen or twenty 
acres each, the above represents quite an addition to 
the population in the one month. During eight 
months of that year over five hundred buildings were 
erected. Many of the new-comers were among the 
best citizens of the land, and quite a number were 
wealthy. ' These were attracted to Vineland by its 
fame as a temperance town and the mildness of the 
climate as compared with that of New England and 
the Northwest. In 1866 more than twelve hundred 
buildings were erected. 

About 1868 the tide of new settlers began to slacken 
as compared with the rush of the preceding years. 
Vineland began to settle down into a slower but 
steadier and more certain condition. Dependence no 
longer being put in new-comers, manufactures began 
to spring up, and though for a few years Vineland was 
in a condition of partial stagnation, she is now slowly 
but more surely advancing to the position and im- 
portance to which the enterprise and thrift of her in- 
habitants entitle her. 

In 1873 Italian settlers began to arrive in Vine- 
land, and mostly settled in the eastern part of the 
tract near the line of Atlantic County. Quite a large 
number of these industrious, law-abiding people have 
come to Vineland, some of the later ones locating 
northwest of the borough, between the Blackwater 
and Manaway Branches of Maurice River. 

The Landis-Carruth Tragedy attracted great at- 
tention throughout the whole country. An opposi- 
tion to the management of township affairs, as they 
were carried on by Mr. Landis and his friends, gradu- 
ally grew up, and was voiced by the Independent, 
edited by Uri Carruth. Mr. Carruth carried the 
opposition to extremes, and indulged in a series of 
personal attacks on Mr. Landis, criticisms of his pol- 
icy, and ridicule of his public and private acts. On 
March 19, 1875, Mr. Landis, after reading the issue of 
the. Independent, containing an article which ridiculed 
Mrs. Landis as well as himself, went to the office of 
Mr. Carruth. There were no witnesses to tlie meeting 
in the office. In a few moments Mr. Carruth rushed 
into the printing department, followed by Mr. Lan- 
dis, who fired at him, the bullet entering the back of 
Mr. Carruth's head. Mr. Landis gave himself up, 
and was committed to jail to await the result of the 
injury. Mr. Carruth recovering, Mr. Landis was ad- 
mitted to bail. It was thought Mr. Carruth would 
entirely recover, but he died, before the expiration of 
a year, from abscesses which formed around the bullet. 
Mr. Landis was recommitted to jail, and was tried at 
the adjourned January term, 1876, of the Court of 
45 



Oyer and Terminer of Cumberland County, Judge 
Alfred Reed presiding. After a long and tedious 
trial the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, on the 
plea of temporary insanity. It was the most noted 
criminal trial in the history of the county. 

Fruits. — The soil of Vineland seeming well adapted 
to the growth of grapes, pears, and other small fruits, 
large vineyards, orchards, and berry-patches were set 
out shortly after the first arrivals, and these consti- 
tute the leading crops of Vineland. The strawberry 
crop for the season of 1881 showed a total of two 
hundred and fifty thousand quarts shipped from 
Vineland, worth about twenty-five thousand dollars, 
besides large amounts from the Nortli and South Vine- 
land Stations. During the fifteen days ending July 
27th, four hundred and nine thousand six hundred 
quarts of blackberries were shipped to New York and 
other points. During the entire season the total 
shipments of blackberries amounted to about seventy 
thousand dollars. Large shipments of grapes and 
pears were also made. During the season of 1883 
one million one hundred and eighty-four thousand 
quarts of berries of all kinds were shipped from 
Vineland. 

Freeholders. — The chosen freeholders of this town- 
ship have been as follows : 



1864. Clharles K. Landis. 
Jobn Kandle. 

1865-66. John Kandle. 

James M. Fitch. 
1867. Edwin M. Turner. 

John Kandle. 

1865. Edwin M. Turner. 
Hiram N. Bostwick.^ 
John C. Wheeler.^ 

1869. George Roherts. 

John C. Wheeler (resigned). 
Caleb H.Bennett.2 

1870. George Roberts. 
Caleb H. Bennett. 

1871. Nelson Roberts. 



1871. Jonathan Wilde. 

1872. Nelson Roberts. 
Oliver D. Graves. 

1873. Nelson Roberts. 
Elias Doughty. 

1874-76. Nelson Roberts. 

Eli B. Hendce. 
1877-78. Horatio N. Greene. 

Arthur T. Parsons. 
1879-80. Horatio N. Greene. 

1881. Arthur T. Parsons. 

1882. Arthur T. Parsons (res'd). 
B. 0. Skinner.= 

1883. Albro S. Brown . 



BOROUGH OF VINELAND. 

Vineland having become one of the most enter- 
prising towns of South Jersey, the question of incor- 
poration for the purpose of having increased local 
powers was agitated. A meeting of the citizens was 
held March 23, 1880, and resolutions adopted in favor 
of incorporating the town plat under the general 
Borough Corporation Act of the State. An election 
was held May 25, 1880, at which three hundred and 
four persons voted, and one hundred and eighty-one 
voted in favor of incorporation, and one hundred and 
twenty-two against it. An election for borough officers 
was held on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1880, and immediately 
after that the Council passed ordinances, appointed 
minor officers, and the machinery of the borough was 
set in motion. The population of Vineland in 1880 
was two thousand five hundred and nineteen. 

1 Elected at the annual meeting, but died before the board organized. 

2 Appointed by township committee to fill vacancy. 



706 



rilSTORY OF CUIMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Borough Officers. — The following have been the 
ofBcers of the borough : 

Mayors.— 1880, Quartus Wright; 1882, Joseph 
Mason ; 1883, Albro S. Brown. 

Borough Clerk. — 1880, Levi D. Johnson, and con- 
tinued to present. 

Council— 1880, (for one year) E. Morley, H. B. 
Reese, (for two years) Solon S. Gould, John P. Ash- 
worth, (for three years) Albro S. Brown, Henry Hart- 
son ; 1882, (for three years) John Prince, Daniel A. 
Russell; 1883, (for three years) Dr. C. R. Wiley, 
Oliver D. Graves, Freeman S. Hale, to fill vacancy 
caused by resignation of Albro S. Brown. 

Post-Office. — A post-office was established here 
Aug. 31, 1861, upon the condition that Mr. Landis 
would pay twenty dollars a quarter towards the ex- 
pense of carrying the mail. This payment was con- 
tinued for almost two years. Mr. Landis was ap- 
pointed postmaster, and kept the office where he had 
his own office, at Andrew Sharp's, about one and 
three-quarter miles from the railroad station. He 
attended to the duties of the office in person until the 
spring of 1 862, when he had as assistant postmaster 
Mr. H. M. Holbrook, and the office was removed to 
the second story entry of C. P. Davis' hotel. Mr. 
Holbrook was followed by C. P. Morehouse as deputy. 
In 1863 the office was removed to the store of W. F. 
Bassett, in rear of the hotel, who acted as deputy, 
and upon the purchase of the store by William G. 
Smith he became the deputy. The receipts of the 
office for the quarter ending Sept. 30, 1862, were only 
eight dollars and fifty cents. Such was the growth of 
the settlement that the business of the office for the 
quarter ending June 30, 1881, was six thousand one 
hundred and forty-eight dollars and fifty cents. 
Charles Lyford acted for a long time as deputy, and 
in March, 1876, was appointed postmaster, and re- 
mained in office until his death, Jan. 1, 1879. He 
was succeeded by Seaman R. Fowler, who held the 
office four years, and was followed by the present 
officer, William H. Loppy, appointed Feb. 5, 1883. 

PRESS. 

Jlie Vineland Weekly, the first weekly newspaper 
published in that place, was issued Sept. 9, 1865, by 
M. C. & F. P. Crocker, and enjoyed a large patronage 
under their management. It was then especially de- 
voted to the interests of Charles K. Landis in estab- 
lishing the Vineland settlement. After the death of 
Moses C. Crocker, March 17, 1874, the paper was con- 
ducted by Frank P. Crocker, and was finally sold to 
E. G. Blaisdell and Charles D. Thomas in the spring 
of 1877. Mr. Thomas soon retired from the business, 
and Mr. E. G. Blaisdell continued to edit and publish 
the paper until Oct. 1, 1879, when Mr. H. K. Flint 
became part owner. It was published by Flint & 
Blaisdell until March 1, 1880, when it was purchased 
by H. K. Flint. On Aug. 1, 1880, the Weekly was 
consolidated with the Independent, with Mr. H. W. 



Wilbur, editor, and Wilbur & Flint, proprietors, 
and called the Weekly Independent. Aug. 1, 1881, 
Mr. Flint retired, leaving H. W. Wilbur as editor and 
proprietor, until the present time. 

The Vineland Independent was started in 1866, by 
E. Hale and William Taylor, and was run in the 
interest of those who opposed Mr. Landis politically 
and otherwise. Mr. Hale was connected with the 
paper but a short time, and disposed of his interest 
to Mr. Charles, W. Blew, whose relations with the 
paper were also brief. Mr. Taylor finally disposed of 
the business to Messrs. Gill and McKenzie, who sold 
to Messrs. Smith and Carruth. Mr. Smith did not 
continue long in the business, and sold his interest to 
Uri Carruth, who edited and published the paper. 
After the shooting of Carruth, March 19, 1875, the 
Independent was conducted by C. B. Bagster till it was 
bought by friends of Edwin A. Teall, who conducted 
it for a short time and was succeeded by E. G. Blais- 
dell. Henry W. Wilbur and Myron H. Dodge pur- 
chased the business May 8, 1876; Dodge retired in 
February, 1877, and the Independent was consolidated 
with the Weekly Aug. 1, 1880. 

Evening Journal. — The Daily Journal was estab- 
lished June 7, 1875, by W. E. Cansdell, being the 
first daily paper issued in Vineland. It was trans- 
ferred. May 1, 1876, to B. F. Ladd and Obert Spencer. 
Mr. Obert Spencer retired from the business the fol- 
lowing year, since which time the paper has been 
edited and published by Benjamin F. Ladd. The 
name of the Daily Journal was changed Dec. 14, 
1880, to the Evening Journal. In November and De- 
ember, 1882, Mr. Ladd erected one of the handsomest 
and best newspaper buildings in South Jersey. He 
moved into it Jan. 1, 1883. 

Tlie News-Times. — The Daily Times was established 
Nov. 17, 1877, by Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Dufiey, who 
conducted it for over four years. About September, 
1880, they commenced the issue of a weekly edition, 
called the South Jersey Times. 

The Morning News was established Oct. 29, 1881, 
by Theophilus French. Mr. French bought out the 
Times and consolidated the two papers into one, 
called The News- Times, the first number of which was 
issued Feb. 13, 1882. It is a sprightly paper. Repub- 
lican in politics. The weekly South Jersey Times was 
also bought by Mr. French, and is now a six-column, 
eight-page paper. 

Public Schools. — Vineland is noted for its excel- 
lent public schools and fine school buildings. The 
Vineland High School was opened Jan. 24, 1870, in 
Plum Street Hiill, with Charles H. Wright as prin- 
cipal. The High School District was formed by the 
consolidation of three smaller districts. Sept. 26, 
1873, the corner-stone of the Vineland High School 
building was laid in the presence of a large audience. 
The building was dedicated Aug. 22, 1874; President 
Grant, Governor Parker, and other high officials were 
present on the occasion, and short speeches were made 



TOWNSHIP OF LANDIS AND BOROUGH OF VINELAND. 



707 



by them. It is a handsome three-story brick building, 
with basement, and cost twenty-five thousand dolhirs. 
It stands at the southeast corner of Sixth and Plum 
Streets, and is the ornament and pride of the town. 

The fine and convenient two-story brick school- 
house, at the corner of Second and Park Streets, was 
built the same summer as the high school building, 
and was dedicated Nov. 3, 1874. It cost five thou- 
sand dollars. The Orchard road school-house is a 
two-story brick building, and cost about three thou- 
sand dollars. The one-story brick school-house at 
Chestnut and West Avenues cost two thousand five 
hundred dollars. The Wheat road school-house, 
also a one-story brick building, cost two thousand 
dollars. Besides these, there is a two-story frame 
school-house at Park and East Avenues, and a similar 
one at Chestnut and East Avenues, both of which 
were built about 1863, and are still good buildings. 
These schools are all included in District No. 44, and 
are under control of a board of three trustees, one of 
whom is elected each year. 

During the year ending Aug. 31, 1882, the township 
raised by tax, for school purposes, $9201.86, and the 
total amount received from all sources was §15,443.68; 
valueof school property, $51,150; number of children 
within school age, 1582 ; and six male and nineteen 
female teachers are employed. 

There are no private schools of high grade. The 
Methodists of this section of the State having deter- 
mined to erect a seminary of high order, Vineland 
was selected as the site, owing to large subscriptions 
made by its citizens towards the building. The erec- 
tion of the building was begun in 1868, and the corner- 
stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies Nov. 18, 
1868. It was situated on the West Boulevard, north 
of Park Avenue. The centre building and one wing 
were inclosed, but funds were not forthcoming to com- 
plete it. A mortgage was given upon the property, 
and the money expended, but the building was still 
unfinished. The New Jersey Conference finally aban- 
doned the attempt to found another institution of 
learning, and the property, after being sold for taxes, 
was finally sold on a foreclosure of the mortgage, and 
passed into the hands of the mortgage-holder. In 
1878, Rev. Thomas Conway and others attempted to 
establish an Inebriate Asylum in the building, but 
funds could not be secured, and the attempt was aban- 
doned. Mr. L. D. Farr, having become the owner of 
the building, fitted it up for an oil-cloth factory, but 
when nearly ready to commence operations Mr. Farr 
died, in the spring of 1883, and it now awaits the set- 
tlement of his estate. 

Vineland Library Association. — This association 
was organized at a meeting held at the ofiice of E. M. 
Turner, May 24, 1876. Through the instrumentality 
of a number of gentlemen a library was established 
and opened May 27, 1876. It occupies a rented room 
on Landis Avenue near Sixth Street, and has a library 
of about two thousand volumes. It has been materi- 



ally aided by liberal contributions of money and val- 
uable books. 
Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society. — 

This society was organized soon after the first settle- 
ment of the place. The first officers were : President, 
J. W. Morton ; Vice-President, Timothy Hoyt ; Sec- 
retary, Hosea Allen ; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Wil- 
liam Bridges; Treasurer, Mrs. 0. D. Graves. The 
society held regular meetings for a long time, which 
were attended with great interest, and it has done much 
towards preserving for future use many items of in- 
formation concerning the first settlers of Vineland, 
their ancestry and former residences, their coming to 
Vineland, and the experiences of the founding of 
new homes, the erection of churches, schools, and 
other public buildings, and the multitudinous array 
of events which accompany the founding and up- 
building of a new settlement. The work of an his- 
torical society is of that kind which is little appre- 
ciated by the great mass of the community at the 
time, and only in after-years, when the facts which 
they placed on record have ceased to be remem- 
bered by living persons, are the invaluable nature of 
their records appreciated, and the thanks of posterity 
are earnestly given to those who have labored in that 
field. This society is still in existence, but for some 
years past it has not been actively engaged in its chosen 
work. It is to be hoped that it may take on a new 
lease of life, and again arouse the attention of the 
Vineland people to the importance of preserving the 
early records of this part of the county. The expe- 
rience of the writer in preparing this history has im- 
pressed on him with additional force the great desira- 
bility of full and accurate data concerning the passing 
events of every-day life. The unsatisfactory and in- 
complete nature of many records, their direct con- 
tradictions in some cases, and the unreliability of the 
human mind as a medium of transmitting facts of 
history for even a short space of time, have been 
vividly impressed upon him. The officers of this 
society are : President, Dr. John Ingram ; Secretary, 
C. B. Campbell ; Corresponding Secretary, C. B. 
Bagster ; Treasurer, T. B. Welch. 

Vineland Agricultural and Horticultural So- 
ciety. — This society was organized in 1863, with 
T. T. Hoyt, president ; W. W. Cone, secretary ; and 
James McMahon, treasurer. The next year a valu- 
able library was established in connection with the 
society. The library and the discussions at the 
weekly meetings have been of great benefit to the 
farmers and fruit-growers of the place, many of whom 
had no agricultural experience before settling at 
Vineland. 

Vineland Gas-Light Company.— This company 
was chartered March 15, 1870, an organization was 
effected in August of that year, and the works were 
built at once. The president of the company is Wil- 
liam A. House, Esq. ; the secretary and superinten- 
dent, Benjamin H. Barnes. 



708 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



CHUECHBS. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Vine- 
land was orgauized April 12, 1863, by Rev. Landon 
Taylor, from the State of Iowa, who had settled in 
Vineland, he having been appointed by Rev. Charles 
H. Whitacar, presiding elder of Bridgeton District, 
to take charge of the members of the Methodist 
Church who lived in Vineland and vicinity. On 
that day was formed the first class here, consisting of 
the following: John H. Haswell, Anna S. Haswell, 
John Baradet, Hezekiah Davis, Eliza A. Davis, . 
David Landis, Augustus Davis, John Johnson, Jacob 
Cole, Richard F. Lombard, Betsey Emory, Justin H. 
Loomis (local preacher), Maria S. Loomis, Edmund 
S. Davis, James Chance, James H. Amsden, Pardon 
Giiford, Amanda M. Giflford, and George W. Hondt- 
lett. Of these, James Chance and Pardon Giffbrd 
are still living in Vineland. Justin H. Loomis was 
the first class-leader. 

The society first worshiped in a barn and in private 
houses. The first Quarterly Meeting was held Aug. 
30, 1863, in a grove near the Landis school-house. 

The first board of trustees consisted of John H. 
Haswell, Richard F. Lombard, Justin H. Loomis, 
George W. Hondtlett, and Pardon Giflford. 

Measures were inaugurated in the autumn of 1863 
for the erection of a church, and a deed was granted 
by Charles K. Landis for a lot of land one hundred 
and fifty feet square. On this lot a house of worship 
was erected during 1864. It was built of stone, and 
was temporarily roofed and used till 1866, when the 
present brick superstructure was erected, and the 
original auditorium became the basement of the 
present church. It includes a lecture-room and the 
necessary class-rooms. The auditorium has a seating 
capacity of four hundred, and the total cost was 
twenty-two thousand dollars. 

In 1875 commodious sheds were built in the rear 
of the church for the accommodation of members re- 
siding at a distance from Vineland. 

The debt incurred in the erection of these buildings 
has been recently discharged, leaving the valuable 
property without incumbrance. The present mem- 
bership of the church is three hundred and fifty. 

The pastors of the church have been Revs. George 
Hughes, 1863; George C. Stanger, 1864^65; R. J. 
Andrews, 1866-67; George H. Neal, 1868; A. K. 
Street, 1869; William Pittinger, 1870-72; William 
W. Moffett, 1873-74 ; J. E. Adams, 1875-76 ; William 
Pittinger, 1877-79 ; George K. Morris, 1880 ; George 
L. Dobbins, 1881-82 ; and the present pastor, Philip 
Kline, 1883. 

The present board of trustees consists of Professor 
S. P. York, Hon. P. P. Baker, Dr. C. R. Wiley, Par- 
don Giflford, R. C. Souder, John Anderson, and John 
Errickson. 

Pleasantville Methodist Episcopal Church.— 
This church is situated in a country community, 
about a mile east of Willow Grove and one and a 



half miles northwest of North Vineland. Members 
of the Willow Grove Church, which is situated in 
Salem County, a short distance west of the village of 
Willow Grove, residing in this vicinity, a class was 
formed here several years before the building of the 
meeting-house. The number of Methodists having 
increased in the vicinity, a meeting was held Sept. 
21, 1869, to arrange plans for building a house ot 
worship and organizing a church. A lot was given 
them by John Nichols, Zaccheus Joslin, and Hosea 
Nichols, and a meeting-house erected, which was 
dedicated May 8, 1870, with services by Rev. A. K. 
Street. The building cost about fourteen hundred 
dollars, and the furniture and other expenses made 
a total of about seventeen hundred dollars. It is a 
small but neat frame building, seating about two 
hundred persons. A debt of four hundred dollars 
remaining due the builders, and the financial dis- 
tress of the succeeding years seriously crippling the 
church, the building was sold from them about five 
years ago, and is now owned by Wilson Purves, ot 
Rosenhayn. The church rents it from him, and meet- 
ings are regularly held. This church has always ha:d 
the same pastor as the Willow Grove Church, and 
has been served by the following : 1869-70, Ezra B. 
Lake; 1871-73, John P. Connelly; 187^76, Mat- 
thew H. Shimp; 1877-79, Albert Matthews; 1880- 
81, William Lilley; 1882-83, Joseph G. Edwards. 
The number of members at this time is twenty-four. 
South Vineland Methodist Episcopal Church.— 
This church was organized through the eflTorts of Mrs. 
Annie Barrows, who started the Sunday-school in 
her own house. Through her influence a Mrs. Lowber, 
of Philadelphia, became interested in the enterprise, 
and she contributed a part of the means to erect, in 
1866, a small house for their use, seating about one 
hundred and fifty persons, which was called Lowber 
Chapel. This chapel was situated at the corner ot 
Grant Avenue and the Boulevard. They were sup- 
plied with preaching at first by Rev. Mr. Corson, then 
by Rev. F. S. Chubbuck, and after that by local 
preachers. In the fall of 1874, this building was de- 
stroyed by fire. Services the next Sunday were held 
in the open air, but after that they obtained the use 
of the school-house. A new church was commenced 
on a lot situated on Sherman Avenue, near tlie Boule- 
vard, and the first service was held therein Feb. 14, 
1875. It cost about two thousand dollars, and is a 
neat frame building, about forty by twenty-four feet 
in size, and seating about two hundred persons. The 
church has been served by the following persons, part 
of them local preachers, since the building of the new 
house: Josiah Estlen, one year; H. W. Clifford, two 
years; William Burley, one year; George Goe, one 
year: M. C. Brittain, one year; M. H. Shimp, about 
three months; F. J. Carrell, remainder of the year. 
After being out of a pa.stor nearly a year they were, 
in March last, attached to the Vineland Church, the 
pastor of which preaches here one Sunday in the 



TOWNSHIP OF LANDIS AND BOROUGH OF VINELAND. 



709 



month, and local preachers supply them the other 
Sundays. The membership is now about thirty. 

Wesleyan Methodist Chureli.— The Rev. John 
P. Prouty, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, came 
to Vineland in 1865. About eight years ago he com- 
menced preaching to a neglected class of the com- 
munity. Services were for about two years held in 
private houses, and then between one and two years 
in a shoe-shop. A Mr. Myers contributed one thou- 
sand dollars towards building a church, and since his 
death, in 1879, his family have given three hundred 
dollars more. The church was erected in the fall of 
1879, but was not completed for a year. Mr. Prouty 
preached to the congregation until it was opened and 
dedicated, Jan. 23, 1881. The Rev. William Schenck 
then came, and is the present pastor. 

The church is a pretty little brick building, thirty 
by fifty feet, and cost fifteen hundred dollars. It is 
situated on Seventh Street between Elmer and Grape 
Streets. 

First Free Methodist Church. — This church was 
organized in 1880 by six persons who met at a private 
house. The first pastor after its organization was the 
Rev. Elbert E. Adams, who remained one year, leav- 
ing Sept. 1, 1881, when Conference met and appointed 
Rev. William M. Parry, who remained until the next 
September. Rev. .Jacob E. Logan was then appointed 
and is the present pastor. 

A neat frame meeting-house, twenty-two by thirty- 
six feet, was completed and dedicated Feb. 26, 1883. 
The number of members is about twenty. This de- 
nomination of primitive Methodists is not numerous 
in this region as yet, but it is quite large in the West 
and rapidly growing in strength and influence. 

First Presbyterian Church. — Very soon after the 
founding of the new settlement of Vineland, a few 
persons connected with Presbyterian and Congrega- 
tional Churches began to look very anxiously for the 
institution of the ordinances of the gospel among 
them, and the privileges and blessings of the sanc- 
tuary. 

Accordingly, when the Presbyterian Committee on 
Home Missions sent hither a person to "break 
ground" on this new field, they were prepared to 
give him a hearty welcome, and most cordially to 
co-operate with him in his labors, and to forward all 
plans for the extension of the gospel. 

After the preliminary steps had been taken the 
church was organized, July 7, 1863, by the Fourth 
Presbytery of Philadelphia. 

At the same time the pastor elect, Rev. John O. 
Wells, was duly installed over the church, and per- 
sons who had been previously chosen were ordained 
and set apart as elders and deacons. 

At the outset of the enterprise the attention of the 
brethren was directed to the importance of at once 
erecting a house of worship, and efforts were com- 
menced, which, after many difficulties and discour- 
agements, were crowned with success. 



Religious services were for a time held in a small 
school-house, but when the church building was 
barely inclosed it became henceforward the home of 
the Sabbath gatherings. 

On the 6th of June, 1865, less than two years from 
the organization of the church, the present house, 
situated on Landis Avenue below Eighth Street, 
north side, though not entirely completed, was sol- 
emnly dedicated to the service of God, Rev. E. E. 
Adams, D.D., of Philadelphia, preaching the dedi- 
catory sermon. The church was promptly relieved 
of indebtedness by the contributions of the people 
and the generous aid of brethren in Philadelphia. 

At the present time, with a membership of one 
hundred and twenty-five, a large and intelligent con- 
gregation, active and efficient officers, a well-ordered 
Sunday-school of over three hundred members, and 
an able, faithful, and beloved pastor, the church en- 
joys an unusual degree of prosperity. 

Trinity Episcopal Church.— Trinity Church and 
parish was organized Aug. 8, 1863, by the election of 
W. J. Spencer and Oliver D. Graves as wardens, and 
Benjamin B. Brown, Justin H. Loorais, John W. 
Day, William Hilton, Arad Wakelee, William O. H. 
Gwynneth, and H. J. Barnes as vestrymen. The 
corner-stone of the church was laid on the lot se- 
lected for the church, on the south side of Elmer 
Street, west of the Boulevard, on the 4th day of No- 
vember, 1863, Dr. Franklin L. Knight, of Bridgeton, 
officiating. 

The church was inclosed in January, 1864, and was 
occupied by February following. It was the first 
church built in Vineland. Dr. Knight continued to 
labor with the congregation. Rev. F. E. R. Chub- 
buck was called as the first pastor of the parish July 
1, 1865. He was succeeded by the Rev. W^illiam J. 
Clark, March 29, 1869. The Rev. Mr. Clark left 
in the fall of 1872. During his pastorate, on Sunday 
afternoon, July 16, 1871, a most terrific storm struck 
Vineland and caused great destruction of property. 
The steeple of the Episcopal Church was blown over 
and fell on the roof of the building, which was frame, 
demolishing the entire structure. The Rev. Merritt 
H. Wellman became pastor Dec. 23, 1873, and ceased 
Aug. 5, 1877. Rev. W. A. W. Maylin came in Sep- 
tember, 1878, and left in the fall of 1880. 

The Rev. John L. Egbert became rector Oct. 11, 
1881. 

The present stone church was erected at the corner 
of Wood and Eighth Streets, at a cost of twelve thou- 
sand dollars. It was opened by Bishop John Scar- 
borough April IS, 1882, and will be consecrated free 
of debt next January. Since the destruction of the 
original church, meetings have been held in public 
halls. 

The number of communicants is one hundred and 
thirty. 

South Vineland Episcopal Church.— On Feb. 9, 
1868, a Sunday-school was organized at South Vine- 



710 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



land in an unoccupied building. February 14th, fol- 
lowing, a society was formed to raise funds to erect a 
church building. Chapel services were held in the 
railroad depot at South Vineland, iu the autumn of 
that year, by the Rev. Mr. Chubbuck. There were 
about thirty members when the society was organ- 
ized. Mr. Landis gave a lot on East Boulevard near 
the depot, where the church now is. Ground was 
broken for the building Jan. 11, 1870. The corner- 
stone was laid April 18, 1870, Rev. W. J. Clark, the 
pastor of Trinity Church, Vineland, officiating. 

The church as erected is frame, Gothic style, fifty 
by twenty-two feet, and cost two thousand dollars. 
The pastors of Trinity Church, Vineland, have been 
the pastors of this church since its organization. 

First Baptist Church.' — This church was organ- 
ized May 23, 1865, with thirty-three members. The 
Rev. J. M. Challis, having served as missionary and 
secured the organization of the church through his 
labors, was retained as supply until a pastor could 
be secured. The meetings were held in Union and 
Reed's Halls. 

Rev. Lyman Chase was the first pastor, commenc- 
ing July 1, 1866. During his pastorate lots were pur- 
chased on Wood and Seventh Streets, and were after- 
ward exchanged for the present location, on the south 
side of Landis Avenue, between Eighth and East 
Avenue. He resigned June 1, 1867. 

Rev. J. Henry Brittain commenced his pastorate 
Aug. 1, 1867, and was ordained to the ministry Sept. 
26, 1867. The corner-stone of the church edifice was 
laid June 18, 1868, the whole to cost thirty-two thou- 
sand dollars. He resigned Nov. 1, 1870. 

Rev. N. B. Randall commenced Dec. 15, 1870. The 
church was very deeply in debt, but, through the ex- 
ertions of the pastor, not only the floating debt but 
the remainder of the building debt (amounting in all 
to about $7000) was paid off. The membership of 
the church was also fully doubled. He resigned Oct. 
1, 1876. 

Rev. Thomas W. Conway commenced Feb. 1, 1877 ; 
resigned Jan. 30, 1878. 

Rev. Charles A. Mott commenced Aug. 1, 1878. 
During his pastorate troubles, that had arisen during 
Mr. Conway's pastorate, culminated in the with- 
drawal of certain members, who formed themselves 
into an organization and continued separate until 
1881. He resigned Dec. 11, 1879. 

Rev. James Walden commenced March 1, 1880, and 
terminated his services June 24, 1883. The difficul- 
ties existing between the church and the seceding 
members were adjusted, and the latter returned. 
Repairs and improvements (amounting to nearly two 
thousand dollars) were placed on the edifice, and all 
debts were wiped out. 

Rev. Edward S. Towne, of Plainville, Conn., com- 
menced as pastor Nov. 1, 1883. Present active mem- 

1 By Mr. S. F. HamiUon, clerk of the clmrcli. 



bership of the church, one hundred and thirty ; value 
of property, thirty-five thousand dollars. 

South Vineland Baptist Church. — This church 
was constituted June 20, 1871, with twenty-two mem- 
bers, and with Rev. P. R. Russell as their first pastor. 
They bought a small meeting-house, which had first 
been erected as a chapel for Union meetings. Mr. 
Russell remained their pastor nearly four years, and 
was succeeded by Rev. William W. Meach, Feb. 1, 
1875, who has remained their pastor until the present 
time. They are now repairing and painting their 
meeting-house. The present membership is forty- 
eight. 

A mission Sunday-school was established by Mrs. 
Meach, in October, 1874, at Magnolia school-house, 
two and a half miles northeast of the church, and 
has since been carried on by her with great success. 

Church of the Pilgrims (Congregational), — On 
March 25, 1871, at the residence of Moses C. Crocker, 
was held the first meeting to consider the organization 
of a Trinitarian Congregational Church in Vineland, 
N. J. 

April 16, 1871, the first public services of the Con- 
gregational Church of the Pilgrims in Vineland 
were held in Temperance Hall, the Rev. Edward 
Howes, of Philadelphia, conducting the worship. 

On April 80, 1871, the Sunday-school in connection 
with the church was organized. 

On May 21, 1871, under the leadership of the Rev. 
Burdett Hart, of Philadelphia, the Church of the 
Pilgrims was fully organized, consisting of twenty- 
four members. 

Rev. Burdett Hart continued his services as acting 
pastor about one year. 

Rev. J. L. Beaman began his work July 8, 1872, 
and was installed as pastor by a council of churches 
Sept. 18, 1872. During his pastorate the present 
house of worship at the corner of Elmer and Seventh 
Streets was erected. It is a neat, well-finished frame 
building. Mr. Beaman was dismissed by council 
June 17, 1874. 

Rev. J. B. Sharp was acting pastor from Aug. 2, 
1874, to October, 1876, after which, until April, 1876, 
Rev. M. H. Williams, of Philadelphia, supplied the 
pulpit. 

On April 16, 1876, Rev. F. B. Pullan, a licentiate 
of the New Haven East Association, commenced his 
service with the church, and was ordained and in- 
stalled as pastor by a council Sept. 6, 1876. At a 
meeting of the church, regularly convened, Jan. 16, 
1879, a " Manual," embracing the " Articles of Faith" 
and the " Constitution" of the church, was unani- 
mously adopted. Rev. Mr. Pullan was dismissed by 
council May 29, 1879. 

Rev. Charles S. Walker was the third pastor of 
the church, being installed by council Dec. 10, 1879, 
and dismissed by council May 24, 1881. There have 
been no pastors after Mr. Walker, the pulpit being 
filled by supplies. In the spring of 1883, Rev. An- 



TOWNSHIP OF LANDIS AND BOllOUGH OF VINELAND. 



711 



gustus Seward commenced his labors as supply, and 
still continues as such. 

First Christian Unitarian Church.'— On the 26th 
of November, 1865, the heads of half a dozen Unitarian 
families, who had moved from New England to Vine- 
land, met at the house of William H. Earle, and con- 
sidered the matter of establishing a Liberal Christian 
Church in the town of their adoption. On the 18th 
of December a constitution and basis of organization 
for such church was adopted. On the last day of 
December the Sunday-school was formed, and met 
in the old academy building. April 5, 1866, the in- 
fant church met for worship in Mechanics' Hall, 
when a Unitarian minister for the first time preached 
a sermon in South Jersey. Eev. Oscar Clute, the first 
pastor of the church, was called to his position Nov. 
10, 1877. Feb. 20, 1878, the stone church edifice, 
corner of Elmer and Sixth Streets, was dedicated, 
and at the same time Rev. Mr. Clute was ordained to 
the ministry. Mr. Clute continued in the pastorate 
till Dec. 18, 1872. The church was without a settled 
pastor from that time till September, 1874, when Rev. 
J. B. Harrison became pastor, and sustained that re- 
lation till December, 1877. His successor was Rev. 
N. A. Haskell, who was pastor of the church for a 
year from June 9, 1878. Rev. Charles H. Tindell 
commenced his pastorate Sept. 14, 1879, and severed 
his connection with the church in March, 1881. The 
present pastor is Rev. N. A. Haskell, who was called 
to his position the 6th of April, 1888. 

New Jerusalem Church, — Services were held by 
Dr. E. R. TuUer, in Merchants' Hall, in 1870. In 
the winter of 1872-73 the congregation erected the 
present church, and in February, 1873, it was dedi- 
cated. Rev. Mr. Tuller was ordained and installed 
pastor in December, 1872, and officiated until June, 
1876. From ill health he resigned, when the Rev. J. 
P. Stuart took his place and remained two years. For 
about two years they were without a pastor, but the 
Sunday-school was kept up all the time. The Rev. 
Mr. Tuller then commenced preaching to them occa- 
sionally, when in the spring of 1882 he began to preach 
regularly, which he continued to do ever since. This 
is the only Swedenborgian Church in South Jersey, 
and it is in a very flourishing condition. It numbers 
one hundred members. 

Church of the Sacred Heart. — Many years since 
mass was first celebrated at Vineland in a room over 
the railroad depot, and afterward from time to time in 
private houses. A mission was established here, and 
was under the ministrations of the priests at the 
Church of St. Mary Magdalene, at Millville. About 
1875 the present church edifice was erected. It is a 
stone structure, with a seating capacity of three hun- 
dred. This was a mission till 1883, when it became a 
separate parish, and was placed under the charge of 
the Fathers of the Sacred Heart. 

■ By Henry W. Wilbur, of Vinelaud. 



CEMETERIES. 

Siloam Cemetery Association was organized in 
1864, and the cemetery was located on fifteen acres 
of ground situated on Valley Avenue, between Park 
Avenue and Oak Road. It is beautifully laid out, 
and contains a large number of handsome monu- 
ments. 

Oak HUl Cemetery Association was incorporated 
in 1870. A lot of ten acres on Malaga Road, west of 
the town, covered with a natural growth of timber, 
was purchased, and has been handsomely laid out, 
leaving many of the trees standing. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Vineland Lodge, No. 69, A. F, and A. M., meets 
every other Monday evening at Masonic Hall, Brown's 
building. This lodge was instituted Feb. 11, 1865, 
with a membership of about twenty-five, which has 
increased to seventy-five. The following is a list of 
the Past Worthy Masters and present oflicers: 

C. Miles, J. b. Bentley, Walter H. Davis, F. A. 
Newcombe, James W. Mills, Thomas B.Steele, W. H. 
Loppy, J. Cunningham, A. K. Hobart, James Lough - 
ran, E. D. Schoofield, Isaac D. Eilenburg. 

Present officers : T. L. Whitney, W. M. ; W. T. 
Holmes, S. W. ; D. W. Allen, J. W. ; H. T. Manley, 
Treas. 

Eureka Chapter, No. 18, H. R. A. M., meets 
every other Wednesday at Masonic Hall, Brown's 
building. This chapter was instituted in the year 
1867, and has a present membership of fifty. It is 
fairly prosperous and continues to grow. The fol- 
lowing is a list of the P. M. E. H. P. and present 
ofiicers : 

W. A. Warriner, Harvey M. Hill, Charles H. Ly- 
ford, W. B. Prince, Oliver D. Graves, Thomas B. 
Steele, John H. Cunningham. 

Present officers : D. W. Allen, M. E. H. P. ; O. D. 
Graves, E. K. ; S. W. Odell, E. S. ; J. C. Parsons, 
Treas. 

Odd-Fellows.— The Odd-Fellows' fraternity have 
prosperous organizations in the borough of Vineland. 
Tlieir hall, corner Sixth and Landis Avenue, is large, 
and is fitted up handsomely. 

Hobah Lodge, No. 132, L 0. 0. F., was instituted 
in 1867. The charter members were N. Henry Ste- 
vens, Dr. C. R. Wiley, Henry Meese, R. B. Palmer, 
Eugene Wiley, H. C. Perry, D. W. Price. 

The first ofijcers were : N. G., Eugene Wiley ; V. G., 
N. Henry Stephens ; Treas., D. W. Price ; Sec, C. 
R. Wiley. Past Grands : Eugene Wiley, C. R. ^Viley, 
R. B. Palmer, H. C. Perry, H. E. Thayer, John Reed, 
J. W. Day, James Chance, John L. Ring, Charles 
Clark, H. B. Reese, T. E. Bailey, E. H. Piersoii, James 
Mukely, C. W. Taylor, E. Morley, W. G. White, E. 
C. Wells, A. F. Parsons, J. T. Duncan, I. D. Eilen- 
berg, W. H. Blake, T. B. Steele, S. C. Singleton, J. A. 
Temple, Robert McMahan, Charles Goodenough, John 
P. Ashworth, John H. Cunningham, Martin L. Hart, 
Charles P. Lord, Frank B. Potter. 



712 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



It lias at present ninety members, and is a very 
strong lodge. The following is a list of the present 
officers : 

N. G., A. J. Washburn; V. G., T. K. Eastburn; 
Eec. Sec, G. L. Eandall ; Per. Sec, J. A. Temple ; 
Treas., James Chance. 

Vineland Encampment, No. 54, 1. 0. 0. F., was 
instituted Aug. 22, 1876, and has now twenty-five 
members. The encampment, though small in num- 
ber, is in a flourishing condition. The fli'st officers 
were: C. P., James Chance; S. W., H. B. Reese; 
J. W., W. H. Blake ; Scribe, C. W. Vaughn ; Treas., 
E. H. Pierson ; H. P., W. C. Sharp. Past Chief Patri- 
archs ; H. B. Reese, W. H. Blake, W. G. White, S. C. 
Singleton, E. C. Wells, J. T. Duncan, Miles Myres, 
W. C. Pasco, Theodore Foote, I. D. Eilenberg, M. L. 
Hart, W. H. Nickerson, F. N. Parker. The following 
are the present officers : C. P., George L. Randall ; 
S. W., A. J. Washburn ; Scribe, W. H. Nickerson ; 
Treas., James Chance ; H. P., W. H. Blake. 

The Knights of Labor organized in the year 1879 
with thirteen members. They meet in the Grand 
Army Hall every Thursday evening, and have a 
present membership of fifty. The following is a list 
of the officers from the origin of the lodge: First, 
S. T. W. Barton, M. W. ; Jarvis Wanser, W. F. ; N. 
E. Nelson, Sec. Second, Jarvis Wanser, M. W. ; 
Joseph Hargraves, W. F. ; J. L. Welch, Sec. Third, 
J. L. Welch, M. W. ; Joseph Hargraves, W. F. ; 
Charles Bergenstean, Sec. Present officers : Frank 
Graham, M. W. ; Henry T. Ives, W. F. ; W. L. Van- 
meter, Sec. 

Vineland Council, No. 110, 0. 1J. A. M., was or- 
ganized in 1875, with thirty-six charter members, and 
it has a present membership of sixty. The following 
is a list of the Past Councilors: E. S. Harner, D. W. 
Allen, C. E. Greene, L. S. June, J. Stevens, C. W. 
Palmer. The present officers are H. M. Hill, Coun- 
cilor; William Montgomery, Vice-Councilor; V. T. 
Howell, Sec 

The Knights of Honor were instituted in 1879, 
and have a present membership of twenty. The fol- 
lowing is a list of the Past Dictators : George G. 
Souther, N. Henry Stevens, Lewis W. Gould, E. 
Morley, Theodore Foote, Charles E. Greene, T. W. 
Walker. The present officers are L. D. Johnson, 
Dictator; D. A. Russell, Vice-Dictator; Charles E. 
Greene, Reporter. 

Local Branch, No. 13, Iron Hall. — This society is 
similar to Chosen Friends, and was organized in 1881, 
with twenty-four members, and has at present one 
hundred and sixty. The following is a list of the 
Past Chief Justices : N. P. Wiswell, Theodore Foote, 
J. S. Bowman. The present officers are Charles E. 
Greene, C. Justice; Joseph Mason, Accountant. 

Acme CouneiL Chosen Friends, No. 3. — This 
council was organized in 1880, with sixty members, 
and has a present membership of one hundred and 
ten. They have a handsome hall, and are in a flour- 



ishing condition. The following is a list of Past 
Councilors : Theodore Facet, N. P. Wiswell, C. E. 
Greene, J. S. Bowman, C. D. Bailey. The present 
officers are Gilbert F. Washburn, Councilor ; E. L. 
Bolls, Vice Councilor; Frank Hurd, Sec. 

Lyon Post, No. 10, G. A. R. — This post was or- 
ganized in 1875, with a membership of forty, and has 
now one hundred and thirtj^. It is one of the most 
energetic posts in South Jersey, and is in an excellent 
condition. The following is a list of Past Com- 
manders : C. P. Lord, W. G. White, A. T. Parsons, 
A. F. Gutterson, S. C. Singleton, Charles E. Greene, 
Thomas B. Ross, David H. Burge. The present offi- 
cers are George W. Swing, Commander ; Jarvis 
Wanser, Sen. Vice Commander; E. H. Foote, Jun. 
Vice Commander ; W. G. White, Adjutant; A. F. 
Gutterson, Quartermaster. 

Vineland National Bank. — A national bank was 
organized in November, 1878, with B. D. Maxham, 
president ; Thomas H. Vitner, cashier ; and Willis 
T. Virgil, teller. Mr. Horatio N. Greene w.as after- 
wards elected president, and Willis T. Virgil, cashier. 
This national bank was succeeded on Jan. 1, 1881, by 
the Security Trust and Safe Deposit Company. B. D. 
Maxham became president; Henry Hartson, cashier; 
and Willis T. Virgil, teller. 

A national bank was again organized, and com- 
menced business May 19, 1883, with a paid-up cap- 
ital of fifty thousand dollars. The company bought 
the building of the Security Trust and Safe Deposit 
Company, which retired from business, and elected 
the following officers : President, D. B. Maxham ; 
Vice-President, Myron J. Kimball ; Cashier, Charles 
H. Anderson. On account of failing health Mr. 
Maxham resigned, Sept. 4, 1883, and Mr. Kimball 
was elected president, and Mr. Horatio N. Greene 
was elected vice-president in his place. The deposits 
of the bank are about one hundred and twenty-five 
thousand dollars ; discounts, ninety-eight thousand 
dollars. Their business has been better than antici- 
pated. The building is valued at six thousand dol- 
lars, furniture and fixtures one thousand dollars. 

MANUFACTURES. 

Kimball, Prince & Co.'s Sash, Door, and Blind 
Manufactory. — This enterprise dates its origin from 
1864, but it was not till 1872, when the present firm 
succeeded to the business, that it was made to assume 
more than ordinary proportions. It is now the largest 
concern of the kind south of Camden. 

The plant is excellently located on the corner of 
the Boulevard and Almond Street, the West Jersey 
Railroad running through the former. There are 
three large buildings, and out-sheds for the storage 
of lumber, etc., together with every facility that is af- 
forded by ample space to conduct the large business. 
A powerful engine with great boiler capacity is re- 
quired to operate the machinery in use, all of which 
is of the most improved modern design, for wood- 



TOWNSHIP OF LANDIS AND BOROUGH OF VINELAND. 



713 



working purposes. They are extensive manufactu- 
rers of fruit-boxes, tlie home demand alone for this 
specialty being very large, Vineland being a fruit- 
growing community. The co-partners are Messrs. 
Myron J. Kimball, William V. Prince, and John 
Prince. They possess an unusual aptitude for the 
business, over which they exercise the closest super- 
vision. 

A. K. Hobart's Brick-Yard.— This well-known 
brick-yard, on East Avenue above Oak Street, was 
established in 1868, and has been very successfully 
carried on ever since under several different firm- 
names, although the Hobarts have always had a con- 
trolling interest. When Hobart's yard was first 
established there were three other yards here in full 
operation, but they, not being able to compete with 
Mr. Hobart in price and quality, were soon aban- 
doned, leaving Mr. Hobart the only one on the Vine- 
land tract. The business has grown very extensive, 
and is constantly on the increase. He makes twenty 
different patterns of brick, including the regular 
Philadelphia press-brick. Large quantities of brick 
are shipped elsewhere, while nine-tenths of all the 
immense quantity of brick used in Vineland comes 
from this yard. 

Opposite Mr. Hobart's yard, George A. Irish has 
started a brick-yard in June of this year. 

Morris' Steam Grist-Mill. — This mill, situate on 
Boulevard below Montrose Street, was established 
Nov. 1, 1878, by Manlief Morris. Building and 
steam-power rented from Kimball, Prince & Co. 
Grinds corn, rye, oats, etc. Grinds for market .six 
hundred bushels per week. 

H. A. Cotton's Steam Saw, Grist, and Bone- 
Mill. — This was established August, 1881. The build- 
ing is frame, and is located on Sixth, corner Quince 
Street. He furnishes his own steam-power. The 
grinding capacity of the mill is six hundred bushels 
per week. 

Charles Keighley's Shoe-Factory.— Mr. Keigh- 
ley first started on a small capital in 1875 in a build- 
ing on Sixth Street, now occupied by Thomas H. 
Hawkins. He gave employment then to about ten 
hands. Business began to grow to such large propor- 
tions that he eventually moved to the present loca- 
tion on East Boulevard and Montrose Streets. He 
has now the largest shop in Vineland, employing one 
hundred hands in his extensive manufacturing trade. 
Mr. Keighley has all the latest improved machinery 
in his shop, making two thousand four hundred pairs 
of shoes per week, with large orders ahead. 

Thomas H. Hawkins' Shoe Factory,— Mr. Haw- 
kins began the manufacture of shoes in Vine- 
land in 1876, with ten hands and a limited amount 
of machinery in Merchants' Block. In 1879 he 
moved to the present location on Sixth Street below 
Montrose, and added steam-power and all the latest 
improved machinery. He employs over one hundred 
hands, and is turning out several hundred dollars' 



worth of shoes per day, which are sent to all parts of 

the country. 

J. H. Hunt's Shoe-Factory. — Mr. Hunt started 
the factory formerly run by C. H. Birkinshaw in 
1874. He came to Vineland and took charge of the 
shop on Landis Avenue, west of Boulevard, where he 
is now located, employing over fifty hands. His ma- 
chinery is run by foot-power. 

Thomas H. Proctor's Shoe-F actory.— Mr. Proctor 
established business in Vinehxnd in 1872. At present 
he employs about fifty first-class workmen, and pays 
out several hundred dollars a week. He has all the 
late improved machinery, which is run by foot-power. 

A. H. Blaisdell's Machine-Works.— This concern 
was first established by Mr. Blaisdell in 1872, and 
from its inception has been successful. The build- 
ings, three in number, are located at the junction of 
the West Jersey with the New Jersey Southern Rail- 
road. They are fitted with the most improved ma- 
chinery and mechanical applicances. Twelve skilled 
machinists and moulders are employed, and the work 
turned out by Mr. Blaisdell is noted for its excel- 
lence. 

George A. Cheever, Grape-Box Manufacturer 
and Book-Binder. — Started in 1866. Carried on the 
manufacture of paper boxes, making the celebrated 
Cheever paper box a specialty. The firm is now doing 
an extensive business, making thousands of boxes an- 
nually for the various glass firms throughout South 
Jersey. The factory turns out as many as four hun- 
dred thousand grape-boxes alone, besides other work 
of binding, etc. 

L. L. Belknap, Manufacturer of Wearing Ap- 
parel. — Commenced to manufacture wearing apparel 
of all kinds in 1874, and now gives employment to a 
large number of hands. The goods are made prin- 
cipally for large houses in Philadelphia. This busi- 
ness has become one of the principal industries of 
Vineland. 

R, S. Armstrong's Foundry.— This business was 
established in 1830 at Milton, on the Hudson, New 
York State. It was moved to Vineland in August, 
1880, by Mr. Armstrong, who brought his tools and 
machinery with him. The principal kind of work 
done is iron mortars for druggists, wagon-boxes, etc., 
which are used principally in the South. Plows and 
plow-castings are a specialty. This is the only 
foundry on the Vineland tract. Goods are shipped 
to New York, Boston, and other large cities. 

H. Durgin, Glove Manufacturer.— Started the 
business in 1872 on the corner of Landis Ave- 
nue and Fourth Street. He employs upwards of 
ten hands in the manufacture of gloves, which he 
sends to all parts of the country. He has been very 
successful. 

James' Button-Factory. — The pearl-button fac- 
tory of David James is located at the corner of 
Brewster Koad and Maple Avenue. He employs 
fifteen to twenty hands regularly, and manufactures 



714 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



from four to six hundred dollars' worth of goods per 
week. The factory is run by steam. 

Willow Grove is a village lying on the Maurice 
River, about five miles northwest of Vineland. It is 
the oldest place in the township, and was settled pre- 
vious to this century. Previous to the setting-off of 
Vineland probably nearly one-half of the inhabitants 
within the present limits of the township lived in this 
vicinity. The dam across Maurice River, at this place, 
furnishes water-power for a grist- and saw-mill which 
have been hei'e for many years, and are now owned 
by Richard Langley & Sons. Part of the village lies 
on the Salem side of the river, and was for years 
called Fork Bridge, but it is now all called Willow 
Grove, deriving its name from the large trees of that 
variety growing along the stream. In the early part 
of this century lumber was taken to Millville to a 
market, from there and from Malaga, by floating 
it down the river. Large gates were constructed in 
the dam, and when there was a suflicient head of 
water they were opened, and the logs and lumber 
were carried down on the current. The Union Pond, 
near Millville, also had similar gates. The only 
business carried on for many years, besides the mills, 
has been cutting wood and carting it to market. A 
mile east of Willow Grove is the cross-road called 
Pleasantville, with a small Methodist Church, now 
owned by a private individual. The post-ofiice at 
Willow Grove was established March 22, 1870, with 
Thomas Dare, Sr., as postmaster. The present in- 
cumbent, Michael Potter, Jr., was appointed April 7, 
1879. 

North Vineland is a railroad station and post- 
office on the West Jersey Railroad, about three miles 
north of Vineland, and about half a mile south of 
the Gloucester County line. A railroad station and 
post-oflice being established at this point for the con- 
venience of the neighboring regions, a few houses 
have been built near the station. The population 
near the station is about one hundred. It was made 
a post-office Sept. 29, 1864, with George W. Cottrell 
as postmaster. The present one, appointed June 15, 
1881, is William A. Warren. There was formerly a 
Congregational Church at this place, but it has be- 
come extinct, and the meeting-house has passed into 
the possession of the Catholics. 

South Vineland is a railroad statioij and post-office 
on the West Jersey Railroad, about two and a half 
miles south of Vineland. Both this and North Vine- 
land are only continuations of Vineland proper, but, 
for convenience of shipping, a station was established, 
around which a small village has grown up. South 
Vineland contains a Methodist, an Episcopal, and a 
Baptist Church, all three of which are weak organ- 
izations. The population of the village is about one 
hundred and fifty. The post-oflSce here was estab- 
lished Nov. 21, 1866, David H. Cramer being the first 
incumbent, and the present one is Andrew S. Whit- 
ten, appointed Dec. 14, 1874. 



Main Avenue is a station and post-office on tlie 
New Jersey Southern Railroad, two miles northeast 
of Vineland, for the convenience of the neighbor- 
hood. The post-office was established May 6, 1872. 
Robert B. Knowles was appointed postmaster, and 
still holds the office. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



THOMAS JONES. 
The Jones family are of Welsh descent, Thomas 
Jones, the grandfather of the subject of this biograph- 
ical sketch, having emigrated from his native land to 
England and settled in Birmingham, where he fol- 
lowed his trade of baker. He married and had chil- 
dren, — John, Thomas, Ann, Sarah, Mary, and Jane. 
His son Thomas was born about the year 1812 in 
Wales. He accompanied his father, when eleven years 
of age, to Birmingham, and there learned his trade of 
pearl-button making, having previously assisted in the 
baking business. He married Louisa Davis, of the 
latter city, and had three children, — Thomas, John, 
and James. Mr. Jones continued to be industri- 
ously employed in Birmingham for many years, and 
died in 1867, his wife's death having occurred two 
years previously. Their son Thomas was born March 
28, 1832, and having followed his father's trade, 
began working in pearl when ten years of age. He 
contiuued for many years in Birmingham, but in 
1858 emigrated to America, having discerned in the 
New World a wider field of activity for the artisan 
than his home at that time afforded. He settled in 
Philadelphia, and engaged in the trade of pearl-but- 
ton making with Edwin Marklow, for whom he soon 
became manager. In 1859 he himself began with 
but a limited capital the manufacture of pearl but- 
tons in the same city, and in 1860 entered into a co- 
partnership with James Largay. The following year 
he returned to England and remained two years, after 
which, in 1863, Philadelphia again became his home, 
and the former partnership was resumed. In Febru- 
ary, 1864, having disposed of his interest, he began 
the manufacture of pearl buttons alone, and in 1877 
sold again, and embarked in the importation of 
mother-of-pearl shells for the supply of manufac- 
turers, which were purchased chiefly, though not ex- 
clusively, in London and San Francisco. In 1872 
Mr. Jones became a resideut of Vineland, where he 
purchased land and engaged in improvements. In 
1876 he sold the farm, in the cultivation of which he 
had been greatly interested, and two years later re- 
turned to England with a view to retiring from active 
business pursuits. He, however, found little employ- 
ment for his active mind in a life of leisure, and the 
same year brought him again to American shores 
and made him a resident of Vineland, where he 
became extensively engaged in building. In 1879, 





^;%^ Jj^^-yz.^^ 



TOWNSHIP OF MAURICE RIVER. 



ri5 



E. 0. Miles & Co., of which he was the principal, 
established a pearl-button factory at this point, and 
in 1882 erected a building for the use of their opera- 
tives, Mr. Jones subsequently becoming proprietor of 
the business. In this peculiar branch of industry he 
has been exceptionally successful, and conducted it 
with great profit, having established a trade extending 
from Boston to California. He was married, in 1850, 
to Miss Mary Fisher, daughter of Enoch Fisher, of 
Birmingham, England. Mr. Jones, though a Repub- 
lican in his political principles, devotes but little at- 
tention to politics, his time and energies being 
wholly employed in the management of his business. 
He was educated in the Church of England faith, 
and still adheres to its tenets. 



CHAPTER C. 
TOWNSHIP OF MAURICE RIVER. 

Original Boundaries and Subsequent Changes. 

— This was one of the original six townships into 
which the county was divided by the act creating it, 
in 1748. It included all the land on the east side of 
Maurice Elver, which remained its bounds until Mill- 
ville township was created, in 1802. As has been 
already mentioned, in 1844 the eastern corner of the 
township was set off to Cape May County, but was set 
back in 1845, and in 1878 that portion of the town- 
ship which includes Marshallville was again set off 
to Cape May, where it has ever since remained. It 
is the largest township in the county, but a large 
portion of it has few if any inhabitants. 

Name. — This township received its name from the 
river which forms its western boundary. The Indian 
name of the river was Wahatquenack. The English 
name was probably derived from Maurice, Prince of 
Orange. An old tradition sa}'s that the name of the 
river was derived from the circumstance of a ship, 
the "Prince Maurice," being burnt by the Indians 
and sunk, about half a mile below Mauricetown, at a 
reach in the river known as the "No Man's Friend." 
A vessel by that name, owned by the Dutch West 
India Company, came from Holland to New Nether- 
land, as New York was called by the Dutch, in the 
neighborhood of two hundred and fifty years ago. It 
is possible that she might have come into the Dela- 
ware, and been burned in this river, according- to the 
tradition. On a map of "Nieuw Nederlandt," in- 
cluding " Zuyd Revier," or the South River, as the 
Delaware was called by the Dutch, which map was 
published at Amsterdam in 1676, this river is called 
" Mauritius Revier." This was the Dutch or Latin 
name for " Maurice," and was evidently derived from 
the Prince of Orange, either directly or through the 
vessel which was named from him. 

In the early records of the court at Salem, at the 



first mention of it, in 1717, it is called " Morrisse.s 
River," and it continued to be spelled in that way 
throughout the Salem records. Wlien the county was 
created, in 1748, it was called " Prince Maurice's 
River," and the township " Maurice River precinct." 

Settlements. — The early settlements, as already 
stated, were made along the bank of the river. The 
Swedes were among the earliest arrivals, and about 
1743 they erected a church on a lot of land which 
they obtained of John Hoffman, lying on the east 
bank of the river, above Spring Garden Ferry, and 
nearly opposite Buckshutum. Worship was main- 
tained here until after the Revolution by the mission- 
aries from Sweden, who served the Swedish congre- 
gations at Swedesboro and Penn's Neck. This church 
long ago went to decay and disappeared, and only a 
few tombstones in the graveyard are still to be seen. 
Among the descendants of the Swedes are the Peter- 
sons, Vannemans, Lords, Hoffmans, Erricksons, and 
others. In 1718 the number of inhabitants along the 
river was sufficient to require a constable to be ap- 
pointed by the court at Salem, and in 1728 an over- 
seer of roads was first appointed. In 1740 a tavern 
license was granted to John Bell, of Maurice River, 
who resided at Port Elizabeth, which indicates an 
increase in the number of inhabitanls, and the same 
year a constable was appointed for each side of the 
river. In 1742 an overseer of roads was appointed 
for the upper part of Maurice River, and one for the 
lower part. 

Maurice River increased rapidly in population in 
the latter part of the last and the beginning of this cen- 
tury, but afterwards lost its importance in the county, 
other portions increasing in population and business 
in a greater ratio. At this day a large portion of its 
population are engaged in the oystering and coasting 
trade, while ship-building is the most important in- 
dustry in the township. 

Villages and Hamlets. — It contains the villages 
of Port Elizabeth, Bricksboro, Dorchester, Leesburg, 
Heislerville, Ewing's Neck, Belle Plain, and the rail- 
road station of Mauamuskin, and the neighborhood 
(hardly a village) of Mauamuskin Manor. There are 
six Methodist Churches, but none at this ddy of any 
other denomination, in the township. The popula- 
tion of the township is two thousand three hundred 
and seventy-four. 

Port Elizabeth. — This town is situated on Mau- 
amuskin Creek, about half a mile east of Maurice 
River and six miles south of Millville. The site of 
this town was a part of Bartlett's ten thousand acre 
survey, whicli afterwards became John Scott's. He 
sold the portion of it, where Port Elizabeth stands, to 
John Purple about 1720, who sold it to John Bell, 
who kept a tavern there in 1740. Bell sold it, in 1771, 
to Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, afterwards Bodely, who laid 
out the town previous to 1785. It received its name 
in honor of her. A dam was erected across the Maua- 
muskin, near its' mouth, previous to 1782, in which 



716 



HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



/ 



year a law was passed authorizing it. In 1789 the act 
of Congress was passed establishing districts for the 
collection of duties on imports, and the eastern side 
of the Delaware from above Camden to Cape May- 
was made the district of Bridgeton, with Bridgeton 
as the port of entry, and Salem and Port Elizabeth 
as ports of delivery. Trade was carried on from 
the Maurice and Cohansey Rivers directly to the 
West Indies for some years, but the greater advan- 
tages of Pliiladelphia and New York ended all foreign 
trade from these places some fifty years ago. Port 
Elizabeth was relatively a place of much more im- 
portance in the latter part of the last and the early 
part of this century than of later years. 

In 1794 an act of the Legislature was passed ap- 
pointing commissioners to lay out and open roads 
from Bridgeton and also Roadstown to Cooper's 
Ferry, now Camden, and also from Port Elizabeth 
to Bridgeton. All of these roads were laid, but only 
the one from Roadstown to Camden was opened. 
The one from Port Elizabeth to Bridgeton crossed 
the river to Buckshutum, and then ran a straight 
northwesterly course to Bridgeton. Application was 
made by the commissioners to the board of freeholders 
for money to open the road, but they at first refused 
to grant any, and in 1797 granted only three hundred 
dollars, but the road was never opened. The present 
straight road from Bridgeton to Buckshutum, and 
from there across the river to Port Elizabeth, was 
laid, in the usual way, a few years later, a short dis- 
tance north of the location of the former one. At 
that time Port Elizabeth was the second place in the 
county in business enterprises, but it has since lost 
the most of its old-time importance. 

In 1821 the board of freeholders built a bridge 
over the Manamuskin Creek, at Port Elizabeth, eight 
rods long, eighteen inches high above all tides in the 
creek, and twenty feet wide in the clear. In 1830 a 
new one was built, sixty feet long and twenty feet 
wide, on the truss plan, and it is covered over. It was 
built by Amos Campbell, contractor, for the sum of 
two thousand three hundred and fifty dollars. 

About 1795, James Lee, of Irish descent, came to 
this place from Chester County, Pa., and about 1799 
his half brother, Thomas, also settled here. They 
were among the most enterprising citizens of the 
place. About 1801, James Lee, in connection with 
parties in Philadelphia, established works for the 
manufacture of window-glass, near where they still 
remain. After a few years Lee removed from the 
place, and was engaged in manufacturing glass at 
Millville, and afterwards in building the dam across 
the Cohansey, above Bridgeton, known as the Tum- 
bling dam. About 1814 he removed to the West, and 
died in New Orleans. The glass-works passed into 
the hands of Joshua Brick, and then to Samuel P. 
Wetherill, who at first rented them to a firm of which 
Joseph, John, and Christopher Getsinger, John Wel- 
ser, and Francis Langraff were members, and after- 



wards sold them to those parties about 1816. Welser 
and Langraff retired from the firm, and Christopher 
Getsinger died, and the works were carried on by 
Joseph and John Getsinger for about thirty years 
from the time they first became interested in them. 
After the failure of the Getsingers the works were ob- 
tained by Charles Townaend and George Cooper, who 
ran them several years. After Cooper retired Town- 
send had several difierent partners, among them John 
Andrews and Francis Allen, all of which firms failed. 
Dr. Edmund L. B. Wales became possessed of them, 
and sold to Samuel Townsend, the present owner, 
about thirty years ago. They lay idle for a number 
of years, but a few years ago were started up by Mr. 
Townsend with John Focer as manager, who carried 
them on about two years. In May, 1881, William 
Johnson became manager for the present proprietors, 
the Whitney Brothers, of Glassboro. Since the start- 
ing up of these works Port Elizabeth has been more 
prosperous than for many years past. 

The public school building, a two-story frame build- 
ing, was built in 1854, and a good school is main- 
tained. A Catholic Church, erected by the efforts 
and means of James Ward and the Getsingers, has 
been taken down and removed to Cape May County, 
there being no adherents of that faith left. A Quaker 
meeting-house was erected about fifty years ago on 
the west side of the creek, but the society has ceased 
to exist, and the meeting-house is now much dilapi- 
dated and decayed. 

The hotel at this place, built in 1803, was destroyed 
by fire May 14, 1883. 

Port Elizabeth was made a post-town Jan. 1, 1803. 
J. Hammet was the first postmaster. The present in- 
cumbent is Daniel Harris, who was appointed Aug. 
26, 1854. 

Dorchester. — This village is situated on the banks 
of Maurice River, about three and a half miles south 
of Port Elizabeth. Among the tracts of land sur- 
veyed by John Worledge and John Budd, in 1691, 
was a twenty-five hundred acre survey set off as the 
town plat of Dorchester, which also covered the site 
of Leesburg. No town, however, was built until 
long afterward. About 1799, Peter Reeve purchased 
the land where Dorchester now is, and laid out a 
town and commenced selling lots in 1800. At that 
time there were only three houses in the vicinity. 
The original settlers in this vicinity were mostly 
Swedes. 

The principal business here is ship building, which 
has been carried on for many years. One of the yards 
was managed by Blew & Carson, and then by Stiles 
& Davis, and afterwards by Hezekiah Godfrey and 
Francis L. Godfrey, and then by Smith Godfrey, 
and since the fall of 1881 by Ellis Reeves, who has 
a marine railway, and is largely engaged in the re- 
pairing of oyster vessels. The other yard was com- 
menced by Baner & Champion nearly thirty years 
ago, by whom it was carried on until Mr. Champion's 



TOWNSHIP OF MAUKICE RIVER. 



717 



death, in August, 1881, Mr. Baner having retired 
from the firm about a year previously. The yard was 
rented by Vanuenian Brothers, of Mauricetown, in 
1882, and they are now building a large three-masted 
schooner of eight hundred and fifty tons capacity. 

The town contains about seventy houses, and has a 
population of three hundred and twenty-nine. The 
post-office was established July 25, 1882, with Ellis 
Reeves as postmaster, who still holds the position. 

Leesburg' is one mile below Dorchester, and is sit- 
uated on a fine site on the bank of the river. It was 
established by two brothers named Lee, about 179.5. 
They were ship-carpenters, and came from Egg Har- 
bor. An old graveyard formerly existed along the 
bank of the river, which has been partly washed 
away, and was probably the burying-place of the 
early Swedish settlers of this vicinity. William Car- 
lisle, long one of the leading citizens of the place, 
went there in 1795, when there were only two or three 
houses there. It has been a place for building coast- 
ing vessels ever since the first settlement, and it is 
almost the only business at the present day. A ship- 
yard was established in 1795 by John Lee and his 
brother, shipwrights, after whom the town was named. 
The late James Ward, an influential and enterprising 
citizen, built a marine railway for the repair of ves- 
sels in 1850, which has been extensively' patronized 
ever since. Mr. Ward died in 1863, when it passed 
into the possession of Enos Harker, and then to 
John Russell, the present proprietor, who moved to 
Leesburg in 1869. Mr. Russell employs about thirty 
men in the ship-yard, and launches at least one large 
vessel every year. 

The population of the place is four hundred and 
seventy -three. The post-office was established, with 
James Ward as postmaster, Dec. 4, 1838. The pres- 
ent oflScer is D. G. Carlisle, appointed Oct. 19, 1870. 

Heislerville is a small village, about three and 
one-half miles south of Leesburg, which was named 
after the Heisler family, long resident in the vicinity, 
and of which George Heisler, who kept a store here 
for many years, and was a leading citizen in the 
community, was a member. Its residents are princi- 
pally engaged in the oyster industrj'. The popula- 
tion of the village is about one hundred, beside whom 
the road leading to Leesburg is thickly settled, and 
for over a mile might be considered a part of the vil- 
lage. The post-office, established Jan. 4, 1875, with 
Ephraim P. Sharp as postmaster, is now under 
charge of Joel Sayre, appointed April 19, 1882. 

Ewing's Neck is a post-village and country neigh- 
borhood, about two miles east of Heislerville, and 
near West Creek, the eastern boundary of the county. 
It contains a Methodist Church and a school-house. 
The population of the whole neighborhood is about 
three hundred. The post-office was established Jan. 
9, 1851, with Joel S. Robinson as postmaster, and is 
now in charge of Horace P. Bickley, appointed Feb. 
28, 1881. 



Bricksboro. — This village was laid out by Joshua 
Brick, who commenced selling lots in 1807, but the 
place did not grow very fast, there being no business 
carried on to support it. It is about three-quarters 
of a mile south of Port Elizabeth, and contains about 
one hundred and twenty-five inhabitants. Its post- 
office is Port Elizabeth. 

Belle Plain is a village on the West Jersey Rail- 
road, near the line of Cape May County. It has 
grown up within the last twenty years, since the open- 
ing of the railroad to Cape Island, and is a flourishing 
village. The population is over one hundred. The 
post-office was established Jan. 16, 1867, George W. 
Blinn being the first incumbent. The present occu- 
pant is Rettie M. Goff, appointed Oct. 8, 1878. 

Manamuskin is a station on the West Jersey Rail- 
road, about one and one-half miles nortlieast of Port 
Elizabeth. It is the railroad station for that and the 
other villages along Maurice River, in the upper part 
of the township. The post-office was established June 
30, 1864, Timothy Hoyt being the first postmaster. 
George W. Stevens, appointed Oct. 16, 1878, now fills 
the office. 

Manamuskin Manor is about two miles north of 
the station of that name, on Manamuskin Creek, and 
is now a country neighborhood, lying around the 
church and the saw-mill ; the water-power, formerly 
driving a thriving industry, being now only used to 
run the latter. The neighborhood contains a popu- 
lation of one hundred and sixty. 

The country bordering on the Manamuskin and 
Menantico was originally covered with large timber, 
and saw-mills were put up on the streams at an early 
date, the one at Leaming's Mill being built as early 
as 1720. Eli Budd, of Burlington County, became a 
Methodist, and removed to Maurice River, and bought 
the property on the upper part of the Manamuskin, 
and put up a forge for the manufacture of iron. His 
son Wesley, with one or two persons from Philadel- 
phia, built a blast-furnace at Cumberland Furnace, 
as Manamuskin Manor was then called, about 1810. 
They failed in 1818, and the property passed into the 
hands of Hollinshead & Piatt, merchants of Phila- 
delphia, and afterwards became the property of Ed- 
ward Smith, of Philadelphia, by whom the business 
was carried on profitably until 1840, when the supply 
of wood for the manufacture of charcoal, with which 
the ore was smelted, being exhausted, the iron-works 
were abandoned, and soon decayed. 

During the early part of this century the manufac- 
ture of iron in blast-furnaces was carried on to a con- 
siderable extent in this and adjoining counties. The 
ore used was bog ore, dug in the swamps of Downe 
and other townships, and in Gloucester and Burling- 
ton Counties. The quantity fouud in this county was 
not very large. It was also brought here from Dela- 
ware, and from Burlington County. The charcoal 
used to smelt the iron was the most bulky, and there- 
fore the furnaces were located near the fuel, and the 



718 



HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



ore brought to them. These blast-furnaces have loug 
since disappeared, and the manufacture of iron in 
that way has ceased. 

A saw- and grist-mill were also maintained at Cum- 
berland Furnace for many years, but the grist-mill 
went down about the same time as the furnace. The 
saw-mill is now run by Wilson, Cornelius, and Wes- 
ley Banks, and is owned, together with the tract of 
about twenty thousand acres adjacent to it, by the 
heirs of Richard D. Wood. Upon the death of Ed- 
ward Smith the property descended to his son, 
Thomas, and his daughter, the wife of Dr. J. T. 
Sharp, who bought out the share of Thomas Smith, 
and sold the property to the heirs of Eiohard D. 
Wood. 

Schooner Landing', on the Menantico, about a 
mile below where the railroad now crosses, was at 
one time a place of some importance. In 1793 the 
property here was purchased by Fithian Stratton, 
who laid out a town in 1800, which he named after 
himself, "Stratton Burrough," the last part so spelled 
for "Borough." The road from Millville to Port 
Elizabeth passed thi'ough here, and was straightened 
and relaid in 1803. About a dozen houses were 
erected, and he endeavored to secure a direct road to 
Bridgeton, and a bridge over Maurice River west of 
the place, hoping thus to get ahead of Millville, but 
was unsuccessful. After the establishment of the 
straight road from Port Elizabeth to Millville the 
road through Schooner Landing was vacated, and 
the bridge over the stream removed. The place went 
to decay, the houses have been removed, and nothing 
is left of the projected borough. 



FREEHOLDERS. 



1748. Gabriel Iszard. 
John Purple. 

1749. Abraham Jones. 
Thomas Peterson. 

1750-51. Gabriel Iszard. 
William Jones. 

1752. Thomas Peterson. 
Gabriel Iszard. 

1753. Abraham Jones. 
John Hoffman. 

1754. 

1755. Abraham Jones. 
John Hoffman. 

1756. John Hoffman. 

1757. 

175S. Abraham Jones. 

William Willis. 
1759-60. — 

1761. Abraham Jones. 
David Eldredge. 

1762. 

1763. Randolph Daniels. 
Abraham Jones. 

1764. Andrew Godfrey. 
Jonas Hoffman. 

1765. Thomas Daniels. 
Elemuel Edwards. 

1766. Elemuel Edwards. 
1767-69. 

1770. Abraham Jones. 
Richard Swain. 

1771. 



1772. Jonathan Smith. 

Thomas Daniels. 
1773-74. Jonathan Beesley. 

Jonathan Smith. 

1775. Derick Peterson. 
.Tonathan Beesley. 

1776. Derick Peterson. 
David Lore. 

1777. 

1778-79. George McGlcughlin. 

1780. George McGloughlin. 
William Furnace. 

1781. Elemuel Edwards. 
Henry Reeves. 

1782. . 

1783-84. Eleniuel Edwards. 
1785-89. Joshua Brick. 

Elemuel Edwards. 
1790. James Jess. 

Joshua Brick. 
1791-93. James Jess. 

William Peterson. 

1794. 

1795. Henry Reeves. 
John Erricksou. 

1796. Jonathan Dollas. 
John Chance. 

1797. Elemuel Edwards. 
Henry Reeves. 

1798. Maurice Beesley. 
Daniel Heisler. ■ 

1799. Daniel Heisler. 



1799. Archibald Stewart. 

lSOO-1. James Lee. ' 

Jonathan Dollas. 

1802. James Lee. 
James Johnson. 

1803. Jonathan Dollas. 
Eli Budd. 

1804. Joshua Brick. 
Jonathan Dollas. 

1805. Henry Reeves. 
Jonathan Dollas. 

1806-7. James Lee. 

Jonathan Dollas. 
1808. ■ 

1809. Jonathan Dollas. 
Levan Chance. 

1810. Jonathan Dollas. 
Dr. Benjamin Fisler. 

1811-12. Jonathan Dollas. 

William Peterson. 
1813-21. John Elkinton. 

Jonathan Dollas. 

1822. Jonathan Dollas. 
Daniel Carrell. 

1823. Jonathan Dollas. 
John Elkinton. 

1824-26. Daniel Carrell. 

Jonathan Lore. 
1827. Jonathan Lore. 

Owen Jones. 
1828-32. Jonathan Lore. 

Israel Stratton. 
1833. .Tonathan Lore. 

William Lore. 
1834-36. Jonathan Lore. 



1834-36. William Arey. 
1837. Jonathan Lore. 

Israel Stratton. 
1838-42. Jonathan Lore. 

Joshua Brick. 
1843-45. Jonathan Lore. 

John Spence. 
1846-47. Jonathan Lore. 

Owen Jones, 
1848-54. James Ward. 

Stephen Murphy. 
1865. Stephen Murphy. 

David Cullen. 
1856-62. Stephen Murphy. 

James Ward. 
1863. Stephen Murphy. 

James Ward (part of year). 

Joel S, Robinson (remainder 
of year), 
1864-06. Stephen Murphy. 

Joel S, Robinson, 
1S67. Stephen Murphy, 

Hezekiah W, Godfrey. 
1868-74. J. Howard Willets. 

Francis L. Godfrey. 
1875-76. Francis L. Godfrey. 

Benjamin F. Shaw. 

1877. Benjamin F. Shaw. 
Francis L. Godfrey (part of 

year). 
Thomas S. Shaw (remainder 
of year), 

1878. Benjamin F. Shaw. 
Thomas S. Shaw. 

1879-83. Thomas S, Shaw, 



CHURCHES, 

Port Elizabeth Methodist Episcopal Church. — 
During the year 1773, Benjamin Abbott, having been 
converted the year before and joined the Methodists, 
entered upon his work as an evangelist. Abbott at 
that time resided in Pittsgrove township, Salem Co. 
Mr. Abbott was, doubtless, the most remarkable man 
of early Methodism. Stevens, in speaking of him, 
says, "Religious biography hardly records his fellow, 
except it be in the 'glorious dreamer' of Bedford j^il. 
His early life had been riotously wicked, and not- 
withstanding the spirit of God had often alarmed his 
guilty soul of its danger, he continued in sin until the 
fortieth year of his age. When, after the most des- 
perate resistance and a struggle with despair itself, 
he sought relief in the labors of the field, his troubled 
heart beat so loud that he could hear the strokes. 
Finally yielding, he threw down his scythe, and stood 
weeping for his sins. Such is the reclaiming, the sub- 
lime strength of conscience in the rudest soul, when 
once awakened." In 1778, Abbott attended a quar- 
terly meeting at Maarice River, very probably at Port 
Elizabeth. Doubtless about this time, a society was 
organized at this place. A Mr. Donnelly, who was a 
local preacher there, died in 1783, and is buried in the 
Methodist graveyard. Oct. 1, 1785, for the nominal 
sum of five shillings, Mrs. Elizabeth Bodely, who 
owned nearly all of the land in the neighborhood of 
Port Elizabeth, and after whom the town is named, 
gave a lot, containing one acre and twenty-seven- 
hundredths, " for the purpose of building a preaching- 



TOWNSHIP OF MAURICE RIVEE. 



719 



house on and a burying-yard, and to build a school- 
house for the use of the neighborhood after the said 
meeting-house is built." The deed is given to " Philip 
Cressey, Esq., and Abraham Walton, of county of 
Cape May, Henry Firth, of county of Salem, James 
Sterling, Esq., of county of Burlington, John Cham- 
pion, Esq., of county of Gloucester, and William 
Furnis, Daniel Heisler, Eli Budd, and Martin Long, 
of Maurice River, in county of Cumberland, trustees 
chosen in behalf of the society of people called Meth- 
odists of the Episcopal Church." The church was 
probably erected the following year, 1786. 

Dr. Benjamin Fisler, who entered the traveling 
connection, and continued as circuit rider for a few 
years, his health no longer permitting that, located 
there, and was a very prominent citizen, member of 
the church, and acceptable local preacher for fifty 
j'ears. He was born in 1769, and was converted at 
Fislerville, now Clayton, Gloucester Co. He com- 
menced traveling as a preacher in 1791, in Nova 
Scotia, and in 1797 traveled on the Salem Circuit, 
and located, in 1799, at Port Elizabeth, where he 
practiced medicine. He died July 4, 1854. Fithian 
Stratton, of Schooner Landing, on the Menantico, 
an eccentric man, was for a number of years a famous 
local preacher. He died in 1810. 

About 1814, Bishop George, who was esteemed as 
a great and good man, remained at Port Elizabeth 
for a season, and preached there. 

In 1827 the present brick church was built. Dr. 
Benjamin Fisler furnished the plan and superintended 
its erection. 

The ministers who have served this church have 
always done so in connection with several other 
churches. 

In 1781 the whole of South Jersey was included in 
the West Jersey Circuit, and the ministers of this 
circuit were as follows : 

1781. — Caleb Pedicord, Joseph Cromwell. In No- 
vember of this year they seem to have been changed, 
and James O. Cromwell and Joseph Everett were sent 
to labor in their stead. 

1782. — Joshua Dudley, Richard Ivy. 

1783. — Samuel Rowe, Francis Spry. 

1784. — Samuel Rowe, William Partridge, John 
Fidler. 

1785. — Thomas Ware, Robert Sparks, William 
Phoebus. 

1786. — Jacob Brush, John Simmons, Jacob Lurton. 

1787.— Robert Cann, John McClaskey, John Mil- 
burn. 

1788.— Nathaniel B. Mills, John Cooper. 

1789.- Samuel Pyle, Jethro Johnson, Sylvester 
Hutchinson. 

1790. — Joseph Cromwell, William Dougherty. 

1791.— James Bell, John Clark. 

1792. — Benjamin Abbott, David Bartine. 

1793.— Willson Lee, Hugh Work. ^^ 

1794. — Richard Swain, Anthony Turck. 



1795. — Moses Crane, Jacob Eg^rt. 

1796.— Robert McCoy, Peter Vannest. 
1797. — William McLenahan, Benjamin Fisler. 
1798. — Jacob Egbert, Jesse Justice. 
1799.— Richard Swain, Wesley Budd ; Freeborn 
Garrettson, presiding elder. 

1800. — ^Richard Swain, Richard Lyon ; Solomon 
Sharp, presiding elder. 

1801. — Thomas Edwards, Asa Swain. 
In 1802 Salem Circuit was divided into Salem and 
Cape May Circuits, and Jesse Justice and David 
Dunham were appointed to Salem Circuit, in which 
Port Elizabeth remained. 

1.803.- John Walker, John Durbin. 

Quarterly Meeting was held on March 5th, at Port 
Elizabeth. 

1804.— John Walker, John Durbin. 

In 1805, Salem and Cape May were again made one 
circuit under the former name, and John Walker and 
Nathan Swain were appointed preachers. Quarterly 
Meeting was held this year at Port Elizabeth. 

1806.— William Mills, Caleb Kendall. 

In 1807 Cumberland Circuit was formed, including 
Port Elizabeth and all the southern and eastern por- 
tion of Cumberland County, and the preachers ap- 
pointed to this circuit were David Bartine and Joseph 
Stephens. 

1808. — William Smith, Charles Reed. 

1809.— Daniel Ireland, John Fox. 

1810. — Samuel Budd, Daniel Ireland. 

1811. — Michael Coates, presiding elder; Thomas 
Dunn, Joseph Bennett. 

1812. — William Smith, Joseph Bennett. 

1813.- William Swain, Daniel Fidler. 

1814. — Daniel Fidler, Daniel Ireland. 

1815. — Solomon Sharp, Nathan Swain ; James 
Smith, presiding elder. 

1816. — Solomon Sharp, Thomas Davis. 

1817. — Thomas Neal, Thomas Davis. 

1818. — Thomas Neal, John Creamer. 

1819. — Edward Stout, John Creamer; Lawrence 
McCombs, presiding elder. 

1820.— Edward Stout, Daniel Fidler. 

1821. — John Finley, John Collins. 

1822. — John Finley, James McLaurin. 

1823. — Edward Page, Eliphalet Reed ; Jacob 
Moore, presiding elder. 

1824.— Edward Page, Eliphalet Reed. 

1825. — William Williams, William Lummis. 

1826. — William Williams, William Lummis; 
Charles Pitman, presiding elder. 

1827. — John Woolson, Robert Gerry, and Sedge- 
wick Rusling. 

1828. — John Woolson, Sedgewick Rusling, and Jo- 
seph Ashbrook. 

1829-30. — Watters Burroughs, James Ayars. 

1831.— William Folk, William Stevens. 

1832.— William Folk, Nathaniel Chew. 

1833. — John Henry, Joseph Ashbrook. 



720 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



1884.— Edward Stout, George Kaybold. 

1835. — Nathaniel Chew, George Eaybold. 

18.36.— William Williams, J. W. McDougall. 

1837-38.— J. J. Sleeper, Thomas G. Stewart. 

1839-40.— J. F. Crouch, Thomas G. Stewart. 

1841-42. — J. Loudenslager, George Jennings. Dur- 
ing 1842 Mr. Jennings' health failed, and Dr. Perdew 
was supply. 

1843. — Abraham Gearhart, Levi Herr. 

1844. — D. Duffield, William Rogers. During this 
year Mr. Rogers failed, and Samuel Parker was sup- 
ply- 

1845.— D. Duffield, Joseph Gaskill. 

1846. — Thomas Christopher, Joseph Gaskill. 

1847.— N. Edwards, S. B. Beegle. Mr. Beegle left 
the circuit, and S. Parker was again supply. 

1848.— N. Edwards, James White. 

1849-50.— Joseph Atwood, J. T. Canfield. 

In 1851 Cumberland Circuit, by that name, ceased 
to exist, and Port Elizabeth Circuit was created ; Mill- 
ville. Woodruff's, and Willow Grove being made Mill- 
ville charge. 

1851.— A. K. Streets, W. A. Brooks. 

1852.— William A. Brooks, William Walton. 

1853.— E. Waiters, J. B. Heward. 

In 1854 another change was made, and the river 
made a dividing line ; Leesburg, Heislerville, and 
West Creek being taken from Cape May Circuit, and 
added to Port Elizabeth Circuit. 

1854.— E. Watters, B. O. Parvin. 

1855. — Furman Robbins, William McCormac. 

1856.— Furman Robbins, M. H. Shimp. 

1857.— William Walton, N. B. Todd. 

1858.— William Walton, Garner H. Tullis. 

1859. — John S. Beegle, Joseph -G. Crate. 

I860.— John S. Beegle. 

1861. — James Vanzant. 

1862. — James Vanzant, J. L. Roe. 

1863-64. — David McCurdy, Ananias Lawrence. 

1865.— Henry G. Williams, George White. 

1866-68.— Henry G. Williams, William Moffatt. 

1869.— J. B. Turpin, John W. Morris. 

1870.— J. B. Turpin, John W. Morris. 

1871.— J. B. Turpin, J. O. Downs. 

Up to 1872 Port Elizabeth, Dorchester, Leesburg, 
Heislerville, West Creek, and Cumberland Furnace 
formed the circuit. 

1872.— Calvin C. Eastlack. 

This year the circuit was divided into two parts, 
the lower one called West Creek Circuit. Port Eliza- 
beth, Dorchester, and Leesburg formed Port Elizabeth 
Circuit after 1872. 

1873-74.— C. C. Eastlack. 

1875-76. — James Vanzant. 

1877-78. — Furman Robbins. 

1879-81.— Godfrey E. Hancock. 

1882-83.— Charles W. Livezly. 

Heislerville Methodist Episcopal Churcli. — 
Methodism was introduced at Heislerville about 



1800. Services were first held at a private house in 
the vicinity. Permission was obtained to preach in 
a school-house, a little north of the present church, 
where services were continued until the house be- 
came too small and much impaired for school pur- 
poses, when a larger one was used until a church was 
erected. 

Feb. 15, 1828, members met at George Heisler's 
and elected trustees, who were directed to buy a lot 
on which to build a church. The lot was bought and 
the house erected, and was occupied until the pres- 
ent one was built. The old one being too small and 
somewhat dilapidated, they determined to build a new 
one. 

In the spring of 1852, Noah Edwards and J. W. 
Hickman, preachers of Cape May Circuit, met at 
George Heisler's, and made arrangements to raise 
funds. The trustees of the church bought a lot, and 
during the following summer the neat and comfort- 
able church was erected, and completed free of debt. 
Revs. J. W. Hickman and J. Heisler officiated, as- 
sisted by Charles S. Downs and Henry Trombower, 
who traveled Cape May Circuit that year. 

After West Creek Circuit was created, in 1872, em- 
bracing West Creek, in Cape May County, Heisler- 
ville, and Ewing's Neck, the following have been 
the preachers on this circuit: 1872-74, John Hugg, 
(during the pastorate of Mr. Hugg the church was 
repaired at a cost of four hundred dollars) ; 1875-77, 
Joseph G. Reed ; 1878, James F. Morell ; 1879, Levi 
Herr; 1880-82, Albert Matthews; 1883, William A. 
Lilley. 

Leesburg Methodist Episcopal Church,- Lees- 
burg society was formed, as near as can be ascertained, 
about 1806. The class met at George Heisler's, who 
lived two and a half miles northeast of Leesburg. 
There was preaching at his residence several years. 
The society then moved to Joab Swain's, who lived 
on the bank of Maurice River. A subscription-list 
to build a church was opened Aug. 6, 1810. The so- 
ciety was incorporated July 7, 1811, and on Septem- 
ber 4, following, a deed was given of one acre of land 
for the consideration of one hundred dollars, by Joab 
Swain and wife to Thomas Henderson, George Heis^ 
ler, Orrice Riggins, Thomas Shropshire, and Barnes 
Worth, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
or meeting-house, called and known by the name of 
" Cana of Leesburg." The house was completed and 
dedicated May 24, 1812. 

Dec. 28, 1831, a meeting was held, and a new 
board of trustees elected as successors of the first ones. 
viz., James L. Chambers, George Heisler, Pliilip 
Nicholson, William Rice, and Nathan Shaw, who 
were duly sworn in. Other boards of trustees have 
since been elected. 

A meeting was held May 21, 1863, when the build- 
ing of a new house was considered. It was re- 
solved to build, and Benjamin F. MoKeag, John 
Hess, and John Lee were appointed a building com- 



TOWNSHIP OF MAURICE RIVER. 



721 



mittee. The house was completed and dedicated 
Dec. 27, 1863, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. 
It was remodeled in 1882 ; a recess was added at 
each end, and a spire put up at a cost of two thousand 
seven hundred dollars. This church, called " Hick- 
man Church," belongs to the Port Elizabeth Circuit, 
and has the same ministers. 

Dorchester Methodist Episcopal Church is a 
branch from Leesburg. Classes were formed a year 
or so previous to 1856, when an organization was 
effected, and a house was built at a cost of about fif- 
teen hundred dollars. During the fall and winter of 
1873 it was rebuilt. Twelve feet were added to its 
length, a spire was put up and a recess made back 
of the pulpit, at a cost of two thousand three hun- 
dred dollars. It is a handsome church, and will seat 
about three hundred people. This church has the 
same pastors as Leesburg. 

Ewing's Neck Methodist Episcopal Church wor- 
shiped in an old school-house before the church was 
built, in 1872. There were then twenty members. 
The church was completed in 1873, at a cost of two 
thousand dollars. This church has the same pastors 
as Heislerville. At Belle Plain a class worships in a 
school-house, supplied with preaching by the pastor 
of this circuit, about every two weeks, on Wednesday 
evening. 

Cumberland Methodist Episcopal Church. — 
Early in this century a Methodist Episcopal Church 
was built by Wesley Budd, near the iron-works at 
Cumberland Furnace, now Manamuskin Manor. A 
society was formed, and for some years it was quite 
prosperous. Mr. Budd made shipwreck of his worldly 
prosperity and of his character, failing in business in 
1818. At one time he was quite a distinguished 
preacher, and in 1799 rode the Salem Circuit. After 
the manufacture of iron from bog ore ceased to be 
profitable the works were abandoned, and the society 
almost ceased to exist. In 1862 a new edifice was 
erected, and now the congregation is steadily in- 
creasing. The pastors of this church previous to 
1872 were the same as Port Elizabeth. From and 
including that date the following have served the 
church : 1872-73, S. F. Wheeler ; 187-J^76, John H. 
Hutchinson. 

Up to 1877 this church was attached to the Foun- 
dry Church at Millville, of which church the above 
were pastors ; in the latter year Cumberland Circuit 
was formed, including Cumberland Furnace, and the 
following have since been the preachers : 1877-78, 
Thomas C. Parker ; 1879, J. L. Clark ; 1880-81, H. 
B. Eaybold ; 1882, Charles S. Muller; 1883, Frank A. 
Howell. 

West Creek Baptist Church. — A Baptist Church 
was organized in the lower part of Maurice River 
township, in 1792, which was called the West Creek 
Baptist Church. It was a member of the Philadel- 
phia Association until 1811, then of West New Jersey 
until 1856, when it was disbanded. The old church 
46 



building is yet standing in a very dilapidated condi- 
tion, the winds howling through the chinks and the 
rains beating through the roof. It is in a wild, weird 
spot, surrounded by woods, and in almost a deserted 
neighborhood. Whether any of the original mem- 
bers reside in the locality we are not at present ad- 
vised. The following were pastors after its organiza- 
tion, all of whom are deceased : Peter Groom, 1795- 
1807 ; Thomas Brooks, 1809-15 ; Ebenezer Jayne, 1819 
-26; I. M. Church, 1840-41. Mr. Church, the last 
pastor, died in 1874, aged sixty-one years. During 
the intervals between the pastors, the church was 
served by occasional supplies. 

Joshua Brick was born at Bricksboro, in the 
township of Maurice River, in the year 1779. His 
father, Joshua Brick, Sr., was the son of John Brick 
(3d), who inherited from his father, John Brick (2d), 
a large real estate, including the mills and property 
at the place now called Jericho, situated on Stow 
Creek. 

Joshua Brick appears to have lived during his 
youth in Haddonfield, where he received a good 
English education, and was apprenticed to a tanner 
named James Hartly. He inherited or acquired 
property there, married a daughter of Jeremiah El- 
fi-eth, then sold his Haddonfield property, and took 
up his residence at the house built by his father at 
Bricksboro. His relation, John Clement the elder, 
who, like his son, the present Judge John Clement, 
was a surveyor, laid out for him the projected town 
of Bricksboro. He sold some of the lots, but the 
town refused to grow, and after a few years he re- 
moved to Port Elizabeth. 

Wliatever may have been the early training of 
Joshua Brick, it soon appeared that he was a man of 
superior intellect and well informed, especially in 
matters of politics and history. He made himself 
thoroughly acquainted with the titles and situation 
of the land in his vicinity, and was thus enabled to 
purchase advantageously. For many years he carried 
on a large business, and added considerably to his 
inherited property ; but he was not careful to retain 
what he acquired. One of his marked characteristics 
was that he confined himself almost exclusively to 
his own neighborhood, seldom traveled, and was never 
at New York or Washington. He was a judge and 
justice of tlie peace, but seldom acted in either ca- 
pacity, and could not be prevailed on to attend the 
courts at Bridgeton. He was elected a member of 
the Legislative Council of the State in 1836, and of 
the Convention that formed the new Constitution in 
1844; was a few years one of the judges of the Court 
of Errors and Appeals, a place which he soon re- 
signed, having no taste for judicial duties. He was 
also proposed by his friends as a representative in 
Congress, and a senator of the United States, but 
failed to obtain the public confidence so as to be con- 
sidered by his party a safe candidate for these places. 

Probably no other man in the county was more ac- 



722 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



tive and influential in the political management, al- 
though most of the time the party to which he he- 
longed was in the minority. Toward the close of his 
life he united with the Methodist Church. He died 
in 1860. 

^ Capt. Ajs^deew Heisler died at Bricksboro on the 
19th November, 1875, in the eighty-iirst year of his 
age. He was born March 21, 1795, about two miles 
from Bricksboro, at a place known as the Heisler 
farm, and lived there until 1812 or 1814, after which 
he moved to Heislerville, and on May 20, 1820, mar- 
ried Mary Tomlin. Shortly after his marriage he re- 
turned to the old homestead, aud began housekeeping 
in a single room. He only remained here a year, aud 
subsequently bought a small house in Bricksboro. 
He then began to follow the water, trading between 
Maurice River and Philadelphia. His principal busi- 
ness was carrying wood from the former to the latter. 
Capt. Heisler was an industrious man, and believed 
in economizing time, and therefore when he laid up 
his vessel in the fall, he usually bought large tracts of 
timber and employed men in reducing it to cord-wood. 
In the spring he would run his wood into the market. 
Thus he continued to operate during a period of forty 
years, after which he settled down as a farmer, and 
continued farming to the time of his death. 

Thomas Lee was born in Chester County, Pa., in 
the year 1780. His father, Francis Lee, came from 
Belfast, Ireland, about the year 1770. He had sev- 
eral children. Three sons came to Port Elizabeth. 
The oldest, James, born in 1771, came there about 
the j'ear 1795, and in 1801 he established works for 
the manufacture of window-glass. He disposed of 
his interest in the glass-works and joined others in 
the purchase of the Union Mill property and in 
erecting a bl.ist-furnace for iron at Millville, which 
was soon disposed of to Smith & Wood, of Philadel- 
phia, and which David C. Wood carried on many 
years. In 1814 he removed to Bridgeton, and in 
company with Ebenezer Seeley purchased the prop- 
erty adjoining the east side of the stream of the Co- 
hansey, from North Street to Cornwell's Branch, and 
they, with Smith Bowen, who owned the property on 
the west side, made the dam, and thus created the 
water-power with the object of establishing a paper- 
mill. Not having sufficient capital to do this, 
Seeley and Lee reconveyed their side to Abraham 
Sayre, of whom they originally purchased it, and 
Smith Bowen sold his side and half the water-power 
to Benjamin and David Reeves, who commenced the 
manufacture of nails. In 1817 Mr. Lee removed 
with his family to Cincinnati, and from thence in a 
short time to Maysville, Ky., and in 1824 he died in 
New Orleans. 

Thomas Lee came to Port Elizabeth about the year 
1799, and was employed for a time by his brother. 
He married Rhoda Murphy, of Salem County, and 
in 1805 went to Leesburg, where he was in business a 
few years ; then returning to Port Elizabeth, he en- 



tered into partnership with Joshua Brick, carrying 
on business under the firm of Brick & Lee until 
about the year 1815, and then continuing a store 
until about the year 1854, when his health declined, 
and he gave up business, dying in 1856. He was an 
industrious, careful man, and succeeded in accumu- 
lating very considerable property. 

In 1814, Mr. Lee was elected a member of the 
Legislature of the State, and from 1831 to 1835 he 
was a member of Congress, elected on a general ticket 
of the whole State, nominated by the Democrats. He 
was from the beginning an earnest supporter of the 
Democratic party. 

Francis Lee, the brother of James and Thomas, 
died of yellow fever in 1803. 

Thomas Lee had seven children, — Francis, Eliza- 
beth, Clement J., Benjamin F., Dr. Thomas (de- 
ceased), Lorenzo, and Ellen. 



CHAPTER CI. 
TOWNSHIP OF STOW CREEK. 

Boundaries. — This township is also one of the orig- 
inal six townships into which the county was divided 
when it was set off from Salem, and is the smallest 
township in the county. It is bounded on the north- 
west by Lower Alloways Creek and Quinton town- 
ships, Salem Co., from which it is separated by Stow 
Creek ; Hopewell township lies to the east of it, and 
Greenwich on the south, from which it is separated 
by Newport Creek. Its surface is more generally 
hilly than any other township in the county. 

Soil and Productions, — Its soil is a sandy loam, 
producing large crops of fruits and vegetables. The 
township is nearly all under cultivation, only a small 
portion of it being still covered with timber. Along 
Stow Creek and its branches are numerous marl-pits, 
from which has been dug the fertilizing material 
which has changed the entire agricultural condition 
of this and the adjoining townships during the last 
fifty years. The population of the township is almost 
entirely engaged in agricultural pursuits. 

General Features. — The villages of Shiloh and 
Roadstown lie partly in this township and partly in 
Hopewell, and have been referred to under that town- 
ship. Jericho, a small village, at the mills of that 
name on Stow Creek, the boundary line of the county, 
is the only village within its boundaries. There is 
only one church within its limits, but three others are 
in Hopewell, within a few hundred yards of the line 
of this township, and are attended by many of its in- 
habitants. There is no post-office in the township, 
but two lie on the east side of the road which forms 
the boundary line with Hopewell. There are three 
grist- and two saw-mills in the township, the streams 



TOWNSHIP OF STOW CREEK. 



723 



flowing through it giving good water-power. Its popu- 
lation, owing to the small size of the township, and 
the absence of towns and villages, is less than any 
other township in the county, being by the census of 
1880 only eleven hundred and seven. 

Jericho. — The village of Jericho is situated on the 
southeasterly side of Stow Creek, the dividing line 
between this and Salem Counties, on what was for 
many years the main stage-road from Bridgeton 
through Koadstown to Salem. It is situated on the 
tract of one thousand acres which was laid off for 
John Brick, and resurveyed in 1729 by Benjamin 
Acton. In former years, before the road through 
Shiloh and Marlboro to Salem was turnpiked, which 
turned the course of travel that way, Jericho was of 
much more importance than at the present day. A 
hotel was kept there for many years, but owing to the 
lack of public travel demanding such accommoda- 
tions, the court, a few years ago, refiised any further 
license. 

The principal business of the place is in connection 
with the grist- and saw-mill. It also contains a 
blacksmith shop and store for the accommodation of 
the neighborhood. During the earlier part of this 
century .lohn S. Wood, who owned the mills, and was 
an enterprising, active business man, endeavored to 
build up the place. Among other projects he con- 
verted the distillery belonging to him into a woolen- 
factory in the spring of 1818, associating with himself 
in the business John E. Jeffers, who had been in that 
business for a number of years in New York State. 
Machinery was put in for the manufacture of broad- 
cloths, cassimeres, satinets, etc., but Mr. Jeffers left 
in a few months, and the business not proving re- 
munerative it was afterwards abandoned, and the 
machinery disposed of about 1830. Since that date 
it has not advanced either in population or business. 
The population of the village and neighboring com- 
munity is not over one hundred. 

Jericho Mills. — The mills at Jericho were built 
probably as early as 1700 by John Brick, who located 
the land as above stated. This was probably the 
second mill erected in this county for grinding grain, 
the tide-mill at Greenwich being the first. The pond 
lies partly in Salem County, the stream being the 
boundary line of the two counties. At his death the 
mills became the property of his son, John Brick, Jr., 
who left them at his death, in 1758, to his son, Joseph 
Brick. Previous to 1780 they became the property of 
John Wood, who was appointed a justice of the peace 
in 1801, and a judge of the Court of Common Pleas 
in 1804, which offices he held until his death. He 
was a large land-owner in this neighborhood, and, in 
addition to the Jericho property, owned the mill 
property in Salem County, now known as Maskell's 
mill, which he devised by his will dated July 2, 1817, 
to his grandsons, John W. and Thomas A. Maskell. 
The Jericho mills and property he devised to his son, 
John S. Wood, who for many years was the leading 



citizen in that vicinity. After his death a division of 
his lands was made, in March, 1871, between his four 
children, when the Jericho mills were set off to his 
daughter, Lucy I. Clark, wife of Dr. Henry C. Clark, 
of Woodbury, Gloucester Co. 

Seveath-Day Mill. — The grist-mill now owned by 
Zenos Davis, situated on a branch of Stow Creek 
which drains the northern part of the township of 
that name and empties into the head of Jericho mill- 
pond, is of ancient date. The earliest record found 
concerning it is a conveyance of the land covered by 
the mill-pond Jan. 18, 1759, by Zebulon Hart to 
Samuel Elwell, of Pilesgrove. Tlie dam and mill 
had probably been erected previous to that date. In 
October, 1764, a two-rod road was laid out from near 
Roadstown to Samuel Elwell's mill. In June, 1786, 
it was owned by William Mulford, who sold the 
same, Feb. 17, 1796, to John and Abijah Ayars. Abi- 
jah Ayars conveyed the undivided one-third of the 
mill property to James Harris, of Fairfield, Sept. 5, 
1 796, who conveyed it to Mark Noble May 18, 1801. 
The other two-thirds were sold by Sheriff George 
Burgin April 16, 1800, and again bought by William 
Mulford, who then resided at Greenwich ; and he 
conveyed it two days later to Mark Noble. After the 
death of Noble, in 1809, his widow married Samuel 
Davis, who occupied and carried on the mill until 
after the two children of Noble were of age. March 
18, 1830, they all joined in conveying the property 
to John W. Davis, who, the same day, conveyed it 
to Samuel Davis, the husband of Mark Noble's widow. 
Samuel Davis deeded it to his two sons, John W. 
Davis and George B. Davis, in 1839, and they to 
Jacob A. Young and Maxcerman P. Young in 1857, 
who conveyed it to John D. Franklin in 1859, who 
.carried on the business until 1865, when he sold it to 
Thomas J. Ware. Mr. Ware made extensive repairs 
to the property and machinery, and conveyed it to 
Zenos Davis in 1870, by whom it is now owned. 

Its situation in that part of the county inhabited 
mostly by adherents of the Sabbatarian faith, as well 
as its ownership for so long by persons of that faith, 
gave it the name of the Seventh-Day Mill, by which 
it is well known in that part of the county. A saw- 
mill was connected with it for many years, which was 
carried away by the breaking of the dam, and never 
rebuilt. 

Seeley's Mill, as it was known for many years, is 
situated on the Stow Creek side of Newport Creek, 
the boundary between that township and Greenwich. 
It is situated on the Gibbon survey of four thousand 
five hundred acres, on which Leonard and Nicholas 
Gibbon settled about 1728, that tract having been de- 
vised to them on condition they settle on the same. 
The grist-mill built here, on the division of their 
tract, in 1730, passed into the possession of Nicho- 
las, whose granddaughter, Rebecca, married Josiah 
Seeley, and they conveyed it to their son, Richard 
Seeley, from whom it descended to his daughter 



724: 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



Mary, who married Rev. Benjamin Tyler, a Presby- 
terian minister. The mill remained in her possession 
until November, 1880, when Isaac M. Smalley bought 
^ it and now owns it. 

Smalley's Saw-Mill. — The pond from which the 
water-power is derived for this mill is situated on 
Bishop's Run, a branch of Stow Creels. It was for- 
merly owned by David Elwell, and afterwards by his 
brother, Isaac W. Elwell, from whom it was long 
known as Ehvell's saw-mill. After the death of the 
latter it was bought by Isaac M. Smalley, who re- 
mains the proprietor. A large business is done at 
this mill, mostly in custom work. 

LIST OF FBEBHOLDEES. 



1748. Bichard Butcher. 
Elijah Bowen. ^ 

1749. Elijali Bowen. _ 
Peter Long. 

1750. Elijah Bowen. 
Hugh Dunn. 

1761-62. Elijah Bowen. 

Richard Butcher. 
1753-64. Eichard Smith. 

Elijah Bowen. 
1765-68. Kichard Butcher. 

Elijah Bowen. 
1759-60. Ananias Sayre. 

Kichard Butcher. 

1761. Kichard Butcher. 

1762. Kichard Butcher. 
Ananias Sayre. 

1763-64, Ananias Sayre. 
1765-66. Ananias Sayre. 

Kichard Butcher. 
1767. Ephraim Lloyd. 

Ananias Sayre, Jr. 
1768-69. Ananias Sayre, Jr. 

Hugh Dunn. 

1770. Ananias Sayre, Jr. 

1771. 

1772-73. Jonathan Ayres. 

John "Wheaton. 

1774. John Wheaton. 
Michael Hoshel. 

1775. Aaron Butcher. 

Joseph Sayre (part of year). 
Jonathan Ayrea (remainder 

of year). 
Aaron Butcher. 
Abial Dare. 
Aaron Butcher. 
John Wheaton. 

1778. Ephraim Lloyd. 

1779. Jacob Brown. 
Michael Hoshel. 

1780. Aaron Butcher. 

1781. Michael Hoshel. 
Jacob Brown. 

1782. Benjamin Holmes. 
Michael Hoshel. 

1783. Aaron Butcher, 
17S4-85. Aaron Butcher. 

Michael Hoshel, 

1786. Michael Hoshel. 
John Wood. 

1787. Michael Hoshel. 

1788. Michael Hoshel. 
John Wood. 

1789-91. Isaac Davis. 

John Peck, Esq. 

1792-94. JobButclier. 



1776. 



1777. 



1792-94. John Peck, Esq. 
1795-99. Joel Fithian. 

John Peck, Esq. 
1800. John Wood. 

Eldad Cook. 
1801-8. Joel Fithian. 

Eldad Cook. 

1809. Joel Fithian. 
Seeley Fithian. 

1810. 

1811. Joel Fithian. 
Seeley Fithian. 

1812-16. Joel Fithian. 

George Howell. 
1816-17. George Howell. 

Maskell Ware. 
1818-19. George Howell. 

Enos F, Kandolph, 
1820-22, Enos F, Kandolph, 

Maskell Ware. 
1823-26, Dr, Charles Clark, 

Philip Fithian, 
1827-29, Philip Fithian. 

Maskell Ware. 

1830. Isaac Elwell, 
Samuel Davis. 

1831. Samuel Davis. 
Isaac Mulford. 

1832-33. Isaac Mulford. 

Enos F, Randolph, 
1834-37, Philip Fithian, 

Enos F, Kandolph, 
1838. Enos F, Randolph, 

John S, Wood, 
1839-40. John S. Wood. 

William P. Seeley. 
1841-43. Belford M. Bonham. 

Reuben Fithian. 
1844. Belford M. Bonham. 

William P. Seeley. 
1845-47. William P, Seeley, 

Iteuben Fithian, 
184R-60. Reuben Fithian, 

John Bowen, 
1851, IsaiicW, Elwell, 

James Woodnntt, 
1862-69. Isaac W, Elwell, 

Robert Fithian, 
1S60-72, Lewis Howell. 

Isaac W. Elwell, 
1873-76, Isaac W, Elwell. 

Isaac M. Smalley. 
1876-78. Isaac M. Smalley. 

William Tomlin. 

1879. Isaac M. Smalley. 

1880. Ephraim Mulford. 
1881-83. Bolford B. Elwell, 



ECCLESIASTICAL, 

Roadstown Methodist Episcopal Churcli.— The 
Rev. Thomas Stewart, on Salem Circuit, came to 
Roadstown about 1842 or '43 and explored the 
country. He preached at Jericho school-house, and 
came once in four weeks to hold services. Rev. John 
Lenhart, of Commerce Street Church, Bridgeton, 
(who, it will be remembered, lost his life aboard the 
ill-fated frigate ."Cumberland," of which he was chap- 
lain), formed a class in Roadstown school-house, not 
exceeding at first ten members, and the only class in 
the neighborhood. Abraham Mayhew and George 
Horner, with their families, were the principal ad- 
herents of this faith in the neighborhood. 

A meeting was held July 5, 1844, and a society was 
organized, and took the name of Emory Methodist 
Episcopal Church. A lot was bought of Andrew 
Horner, on the road to Jericho, a quarter of a mile 
west of Roadstown, for seventy-five dollars, and a 
church was built for one thousand and eighteen dollars. 
It was dedicated Sept. 24, 1846, Rev. J. W. Hickman 
officiating. The church held about four hundred 
people. The first preacher there, on a station, was 
Rev. Francis Wolf, about 1852. Rev. Socrates Town- 
send, who was on the Salem Circuit at the time, 
preached there when the church was built. Rev. 
Samuel Parker came next to Townsend. 

The following preachers are remembered to have 
preached there : Messrs. Abraham Gearhart, Charles 
Kirkbride, Mr. Relyea, William Barnhart, Joseph 
Tucker, Henry Belting, Caleb Fleming, John L. 
Senders. 

The following preachers have officiated there since 
1865: 1865-66, S. C. Chattin; 1867, L. O. Manches- 
ter ; 1868, J. T. Woolson ; 1869, C. W. Carson. Dur- 
ing this year a new and handsome church was built 
in the town on the road to Greenwich. The lot cost 
sixteen hundred dollars, and the church cost four 
thousand dollars. 1870, William Pittinger; 1871- 
73, John S. Gaskill; 1874-76, Nomer J. Wright; 
1877-79, A. H. Eberhart; 1880, Levi Herr ; 1881, 
C. W. Brittain, who was expelled in May, when 
William E. Blackiston took his place ; 1882, Wil- 
liam E. Blackiston ; 1888, John B. Whitton. 

JoHJsr Gibbon was born in what is now the town- 
ship of Stow Creek, in the year 1737, before the 
county of Cumberland was set off from Salem. He 
was the son of Leonard Gibbon (1st), who emigrated 
from Gravesend, Kent Co., England, about the year 
1728. 

John Gibbon, the subject of this notice, inherited 
from his father a very handsome estate in land, in- 
cluding the dwelling-house in which he resided. He 
was taught the trade of a hatter, and in his will calls 
himself a hatter. In 1761 he married Esther Seeley, 
one of the daughters of Col. Ephraim Seeley, of 
Bridgeton. When the war of the Revolution broke 
out he was in service, probably as a militiaman, and 
in 1777 was taken prisoner, and confined in a prison- 




-ivAJl.JUiti))!^- 




i>^ ^c4- 



^' ^^/ .1- 






1 



m 



m f 




■?f'/2/ 



^/-au- 



TOWNSHIP OF STOW CREEK. 



725 



ship at New York. With a large number of fellow- 
prisoners, by the neglect or contrivance of the sub- 
ordinates intrusted with the care of them, partly for 
profit and partly to induce the prisoners to enlist 
with the British, he suffered the most barbarous 
treatment, the food provided being, much of it, unfit 
for use, and even of this and of water to drink they 
were sometimes unsupplied for two or three days at a 
time, so that as many as fifteen hundred were believed 
to have died; as death released them from their 
suflferings they were dragged out and piled up until 
enough were collected to make a cart-load, when they 
were thrown into a ditch and slightly covered with 
earth. Mrs. Gibbon, aware of his capture, but un- 
able to hear from him, succeeded by great exertions 
and the aid of friends, after considerable delay, in 
obtaining permission to enter the enemy's lines, went 
alone to New York, and was there informed that 
three days before her arrival he had died, and had 
been thrown with others into the trench ; the body 
could not be obtained. A few years after tliis the 
widow married Ool. Benjamin Holme, of Elsinboro. 
John Gibbon left four sons and two daughters, 
among whom his real estate was divided by a will 
dated Dec. 10, 1776, giving to his sons two shares, 
and his daughters one each, otherwise it would all 
have gone to the oldest son, as the law was until 1780. 
Nicholas, the oldest child, had the homestead. He 
died about 1809. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOEL FITHIAN. 

The family are of English ancestry, though no facts 
regarding their emigration are accessible. Samuel, 
the grandfather of Joel, removed at an early day from 
Long Island to Salem, now Cumberland County. He 
married and had sons, Joel and Seeley, who lived to 
mature years, and several daughters. His son Seeley 
was born in Greenwich township, where he subse- 
quently became a farmer, and at a later date removed 
to Stow Creek township. He served as captain during 
the Whiskey Insurrection, and marched to Pennsyl- 
vania with his company. He was united in marriage 
to Mary Burgin, who died soon after, leaving one son, 
John B., now deceased, who was early a farmer in 
Greenwich township, and afterward removed to Phil- 
adelphia, where he engaged in the manufacture of 
glass, and also embarked in the drug business with 
Dr. Horace Burgin. He left children, — Charles S., 
secretary of the East Lake Woolen Mill, at Bridgeton, 
and a daughter, Eleanor M. By a second marriage 
to Esther Hunt, of Stow Creek, Seeley Fithian had 
children, — Ruth, who was unmarried, Reuben, Joel, 
and Robert. Mr. Fithian's death occurred on the 
23d of March, 1819, in Stow Creek. His son Joel 
was born Oct. 29, 1802, in the latter township. Sev- 



enteen years of his life were spent under the paternal 
roof, after which the home of an uncle in Greenwich 
township became his residence. The advantages of 
education at this time were limited, though such as 
were offered at Roadstown and Shiloh Mr. Fithian 
enjoyed. At the age of twenty-one he removed to 
Salem, and having acquired the trade of a cooper, 
followed it until his removal to Rochester two years 
later. Here he continued until thirty-five years of 
age, still pursuing the trade he had chosen, when 
Cincinnati became his home. For eighteen years 
Mr. Fithian was a resident of the latter city, and 
during none of this time did he rest in idleness. His 
craft of cooper was industriously plied, and he also 
became interested in the lumber business. His old 
home, however, offered the most attractive prospect 
for his advancing age, and the year 1853 found him 
again in Stow Creek, and associated with his brother 
in farming pursuits. Mr. Fithian was in politics 
formerly a Whig, and later adopted the articles of the 
Republican platform, though he never desired nor 
held an office. In religion he is a supporter of the 
Presbyterian Church of Greenwich. Reuben Fithian, 
brother of the subject of this biographical sketch, 
was born in January, 1800, and devoted nearly the 
whole of his life to farming pursuits, having settled 
upon the homestead. He received a rudimentary ed- 
ucation, and indicating a taste for ofiicial life, en- 
tered the political arena at an early age. He filled 
successively the offices of assessor, collector, and 
freeholder of Stow Creek township, and at the time 
of his death, at Trenton, in March, 1853, represented 
his district as State senator, having previously served 
as member of Assembly. Mr. Fithian was a man of 
prepossessing appearance and of agreeable address. 
His mature judgment and business tact enabled him 
to wield an extended influence in the township. His 
brother Robert was born in 1805, and died in 1871: 
He devoted his energies wholly to the improvement 
of the farm. He served as collector, and also for 
many years as freeholder of the township, and was 
identified with the Greenwich Presbyterian Church, 
of which his brother Reuben was an officer. 



JOSEPH A. BOWEN. 
A branch of the Bowen family, who are of Welsh 
ancestry, early settled in Swansea, Mass., and later 
removed to New Jersey, having purchased land in 
Salem County. It is probable that Joseph, the grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, who was a farmer 
by occupation, and resided in Stow Creek township, 
where his birth occurred, traced his descent from these 
early settlers. His son Joseph was born on the home- 
stead Sept. 23, 1765, and' also pursued the calling of 
an agriculturist. He married Phoebe Ayars, born 
Feb. 16, 1776, and had children, — Joseph A. ; Han- 
nah, born July 2, 1801 ; Phojbe A., whose birth oc- 
curred Feb. 13, 1805; and Joshua A., born March 3, 



726 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



1813. Mr..Bowen's death occurred Aug. 9, 1830, and 
that of his wife April 1, 1813. His son, who is the 
subject of this biography, was horn Sept. 3, 1798, on 
the paternal estate in Stow Creek. He enjoyed but 
limited advantages of education, and early acquired 
not only habits of industry and thrift, but a thorough 
knowledge of farming through circumstances which 
made him the helper of his father in his daily avoca- 
tions. In 1835 he purchased a farm in Stow Creek, 
now occupied by his son, Charles B., which became 
his home during the remainder of his life. He was 
married Sept. 9, 1824, to Mary, daughter of Abel 
Brooks, of Salem County. Their children are Elisha 
C, born in 1825 (deceased) ; Hannah W. (Mrs. H. W. 
Eandolph), born in 1827; Joseph C, born in 1829; 
Mary B. (Mrs. E. Woodruff), whose birth occurred 
in 1831 ; and Charles B.,born in 1834; of whom three 
survive. Joseph C. resides on a farm opposite the 
homestead in Upper Hopewell. He married Anna 
C. Nebhut, of Philadelphia, and has children, — 
Frank W., Charles E., Anna M., and Orlando M. He 
is a Republican iu politics, and has been for years 
collector of the township of Hopewell. He is actively 
identified with and vice-president of the County 
Agricultural Society. He is a deacon of the Seventh- 
Day Baptist Church of Marlboro, and greatly inter- 
ested in Sabbath-school work, being recording secre- 
tary of the County Sabbath-School Association, of 
which he was for years corresponding secretary. 

Charles B., who now resides upon the family prop- 
erty, married Tamson S. Walker, of Salem County, 
and has two sons, William W. and Joseph E. He is 
in politics a Republican, and also a member of the 
County Agricultural Society, and one of its executive 
committee. He is in religion a Seventh-Day Baptist, 
and a member of the church at Marlboro. Hannah 
W. is married to Howell W. Randolph, and has chil- 
dren, — Ada and Lester. They reside in Walworth, 
Wis. Joseph A. Bowen was strongly Whig in his 
political proclivities, and subsequently became a Re- 
publican. He was a member of the township com- 
mittee, and held the office of justice of the peace for 
ten years by appointment of the Governor. The agri- 
cultural society of the county was largely indebted 
to him for its organization and subsequent success. 
He was in full sympathy with all measures for the 
suppre.ssion of the Rebellion, and aided greatly in the 
recruiting service. He was a member of the Seventh- 
Day Baptist Church of Shiloh, and participated ac- 
tively in measures for its advancement. His wife was 
also connected with the same church. Mrs. Bowen 
died on the eve of the 4th of August, 1864, and Mr. 
Bowen on the eve of the 4th of August, 1866. 



C. HENRY SHEPPAED. 

The ancestry of the subject of this biographical 
sketch is traced to David Sheppard, who was born 



about the year 1700, and resided in Greenwich town- 
ship. He was probably the son of Thomas Shep- 
pard, one of four brothers who settled in Back Neck, 
Fairfield township, in 1688, and who was one of the 
earliest Baptist settlers. He was justice of the peace 
and judge of the Salem Court in 1710, and a member 
of the Fifth Assembly of New Jersey, which met in 
1709-10 at Burlington, N. J. David probably mar- 
ried Anna, daughter of Dickinson Sheppard, and had 
children, — David, Jr., Abel, Phosbe, Thomas, Pru- 
dence, and Lucy. Abel, who was born in 1730, mar- 
ried Abigail Barrett, daughter of Caleb Barrett, a 
Seventh-Day Baptist. He died April 13, 1773, and 
his wife March 8, 1806. They had children,— Phoebe, 
Caleb, Abel, Abigail, Dickinson, Anna, James, Re- 
becca, David, and Sarah, all of whom adhered to the 
seventh day as the Sabbath. David, of this number, 
was born Jan. 10, 1771, in Hopewell, and married 
Eleanor, daughter of Beriah Jarman, who was born 
in 1774. Their children were Sarah T. (Mrs. John 
Bowen), Martha (Mrs. Randolph), Caleb, Abigail, 
and David. Caleb was born Jan. 25, 1795, and spent 
his later life as a farmer in Hopewell township. He 
married Ami Davis, and had children, among whom 
was Caleb Henry, the subject of this sketch. Mr. 
Sheppard was in politics an ardent Whig, and subse- 
quently a Republican. He was actively interested in 
the cause of education, and one of the chief contrib- 
utors in the erection of the Union Academy of Shi- 
loh. He was also a man of benevolent instincts, and 
in full sympathy with all worthy mission enterprises. 
He died July 17, 1873, in his seventy-ninth year. 
His son, Caleb Henry, was born Feb. 16, 1833, in 
Greenwich township, where his father resided. He 
remained at home until sixteen years of age, when 
the advantages oflered at the Union Academy at- 
tracted him to Shiloh. On the completion of his 
studies his father removed to Hopewell township, 
having inherited the paternal lands, which after- 
ward became the property of his son. He was mar- 
ried March 21, 1855, to Rebecca, daughter of Dick- 
inson Sheppard, of Shiloh, and has three children, — 
Irving M., Warren W., and Cora J. The eldest son 
is engaged in farming pursuits on the homestead, 
while the younger is a pupil of the Law Department 
of the University of Pennsylvania, having graduated 
at the South Jersey Institute, Bridgeton, in both the 
Classical and Scientific Departments, with the high- 
est honors. Mr. Sheppard purchased in 1873 the 
farm adjoining that inherited from his father, which 
is his present residence. He is in politics a strong 
Republican, and has for years been active in the 
local issues of the day. He has held the office of 
collector of the township, and was in 1869 elected 
to the lower house of the State Legislature, where he 
served on the Committee on Ways and Means. In 
1874 he represented his district iu the State Senate 
for three successive years, and was chairman of the 
Committee on Claims and Pensions, chairman of 





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7 



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i 



TOWNSHIP OF STOW CREEK. 



727 



the Joint Committee on Passed Bills, and also 
member of the Unfinished Business Committee. 

Mr. Sheppard has identified himself largely with 
educational matters, and was a member of the board 
of trustees of the Union Academy at Shiloh. The 
family adhered to the creed of the Seventh-Day Bap- 
tist Church, of which Mrs. Sheppard is a member. 



EDWARD H. SHEPPARD. 

John Shepherd, one of the four brothers of that 
name who settled in Back Neck, Fairfield township, 
in 1683, died in 1710. He had sons, — Dickinson, 
Enoch, and Job, and possibly others. Dickinson, of 



Ann O., daughter of Ebenezer Fithian, of Fairfield 
township, whose birth occurred June 4, 1794. Their 
children were Isaac, born in 1819; Benjamin F., in 
1820 ; Harriet N., in 1823 ; George W., in 1825 ; Rob- 
ert F., in 1827; Margaret O., in 18.30; Jane 0., in 
1833 ; Mary F., in 1836 ; and Edward H. Mr. Shep- 
pard was a man of strong force of character, and of 
much influence in the community wliere he resided. 
He led an exemplary life, and established a reputa- 
tion for integrity and probity. He was temperate in 
all things, and an active member of the Sons of Tem- 
perance, whose cause was very dear to his heart. In 
politics he was a zealous Democrat, though not active 
in the party work. His church preferences led him 
to become a member of the Presbyterian Church at 




($a^u^a4^ -^ ^nYi^o^^<^ 



this number, lived at Autuxit (now Newport), in 
Downe township, Cumberland Co., where he was a 
large land-owner and a member of the Seventh Leg- 
islature, which met April 4, 1716, and was dissolved 
March 28, 1719. His death occurred in 1749. The 
children of Dickinson Shepherd were Patience, Ste- 
phen, Dickinson, Jr., John, Jonadab, Ann, and Eve. 
Jonadab lived on the ancestral estate, where his deatli 
occurred in 1765. He was twice married, and had 
children, — Temperance, Ruhanna, Jonadab, Jr., Na- 
than, Reede, Nathaniel, Silvanus, Marah, Eve, and 
Anna. Jonadab, Jr., married his cousin, Hannah 
Sheppard, daughter of Dickinson Sheppard, and had 
children, — Jonadab, Ansel, and probably others. 
The latter was born July 27, 1789, in Newport, where 
he followed the occupations of his father, and married 



Cedarville, of which he was a trustee. His death oc" 
curred Sept. 11, 1862, in his seventy-fourth year. 
His son, Edward H., was born Dec. 23, 1839, at 
Sayre's Neck, Fairfield township. The schools of 
that period in the township were well maintained, 
and he acquired when a lad the rudiments of an edu- 
cation, which served him in after-years in his daily 
avocations. He then chose the life of a boatman, 
and for fourteen years followed the water, a portion 
of this time being captain of a vessel sailing to neigh- 
boring ports. Mr. Sheppard entered the army in 
1862 and served for nine months, participating in the 
battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Suf- 
folk. He was married Jan. 22, 1868, to Miss Mildred 
M., daughter of Asa Horner, of Stow Creek, the lat- 
ter of whom was born in Salem County and removed 



728 



HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 



to Stow Creek, where he resided until his death in 
1882. He married Abigail Matlack, and had seven 
children. 

Mr. Horner was a successful farmer, and enjoyed 
an enviable reputation as a man of sound judgment 
and of extended influence. He was a public-spirited 
citizen, and actively identified with the best interests 
of the community, both in church and state. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard have children, — Abby H., 
born Jan. 15, 1869 ; Mattie A., whose birth occurred 
July 19,1872; Edward H., born Aug. 11, 1875; Asa 



H., bom March 17, 1878; Hattie N., born July 22, 
1880 (deceased) ; and Lizzie, whose birth occurred 
Dec. 29, 1882. Mr. Sheppard's political afiiliations 
are with the Democracy, though not specially inter- 
ested in the local issues of the day. He has been a 
member of the township committee of Stow Creek, 
and for five years its treasurer. He is a member of 
the Cumberland County Agricultural Society, of Ce- 
darville Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Odd-Fellows' 
Encampment. Both he and Mrs. Sheppard are mem- 
bers of the Greenwich Presbyterian Church. 



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